Oral Presentation - Zooreg.zoo.gov.tw › public › attachment › 4102521413118.pdf · A-02 The...
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Oral Presentation
Transcript of Oral Presentation - Zooreg.zoo.gov.tw › public › attachment › 4102521413118.pdf · A-02 The...
Oral
Presentation
Keynote Speech
A-01
Ex Situ Management as Part of a One Plan Approach to Species Conservation
Kathy Traylor-Holzer
IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group
Abstract: Habitat loss, human activities, climate change, emerging disease, and other threats are
reducing and fragmenting wild populations, making them more vulnerable to extinction and in need of
conservation action. Nowhere is the risk to biodiversity more alarming than in Southeast Asia. To
address this crisis, in situ and ex situ communities can maximize their conservation impacts by
working together to develop one overall plan with a common strategy and goals to conserve a species
– known as the One Plan approach to species conservation. Asian zoos can play a significant role in
the conservation of threatened species by managing their ex situ populations effectively and
purposefully, and by supporting their conservation in the wild. The IUCN Guidelines for the Use of Ex
Situ Management for Species Conservation can help identify conservation benefits of ex situ programs,
such as serving as a long-term genetic reservoir, a source population for reintroduction or
reinforcement, a research population to support conservation needs, and/or a tool for raising public
awareness and conservation support. The conservation role(s) can help define demographic and genetic
goals for the ex situ population, including the required population size, growth rate, intensity of genetic
management needed, and the potential role of inter-regional collaboration. Strong collaboration with
field conservation partners promotes appropriate and effective movement of animals between the wild
and captivity, both with respect to captures and to releases. By identifying and critically evaluating
ways in which ex situ strategies can improve population viability and by linking with wildlife
conservation partners, ex situ management can be used more effectively as a conservation tool in an
integrated approach to species conservation planning.
A-02
The Roles of Husbandry and Propagation in Sustaining Animal Populations: Requisites for
Establishing Successful Zoo and Aquarium Management Plans
Patrick Thomas, PhD
Vice President and General Curator, Wildlife Conservation Society
and Associate Director, Bronx Zoo
Abstract: Achieving sustainable zoo animal populations is a daunting task, but one that is essential for
regional management programs to be successful. Recent analytical studies of the AZA’s animal
populations have documented that for a wide range of species, numbers have declined over the past ten
to twenty years. While most of these declines are clearly linked to insufficient population sizes and
poor genetics and/or demographics, a number of additional factors can act in concert to collectively
reduce population sustainability. These include a need for additional spaces to maintain viable
populations, lack of husbandry expertise for given taxa and dwindling staff expertise related to animal
care, and increased challenges in acquiring permits to transport animals in a timely fashion. Zoos can
hopefully reverse these trends by creating exhibit and off-exhibit holding spaces that better encourage
propagation, maintaining species in appropriate social groups, investing in staff to increase expertise
that will lead to advancements in animal husbandry techniques, and working in collaboration with
other zoos (and where appropriate outside partners), to achieve sustainable populations. In order to
realize the One Plan approach to conservation, our zoos and aquariums must strive for sustainable
populations and serve as centers for conservation action.
Key words: sustainable populations, propagation, regional management, husbandry expertise
A-03
The One Plan Approach to Conservation:
The Unified Approach of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG)
R. Eric Miller
DVM, DACZM Chair, MFG Sr. VP, Saint Louis Zoo Director,
Saint Louis Zoo’s WildCare Institute
Abstract: The “One Plan Approach” is a concept that seeks to integrate conservation of wildlife
populations , whether they are inside or outside of their natural range, and across all types of wildlife
management systems. The One Plan Approach also ensures that all responsible parties working with
the species are engaged and all potential resources are considered. Using the One Plan Approach, the
goal is to create one “metapopulation” that offers a better chance for long term viability and survival
for each species.
The Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG) is an example of the One Plan Approach in action.
The MFG is a consortium of 23 zoos, 2 universities and a botanical garden that have come together
across 5 continents to support the protection, research, education and capacity building at the
Betampona Natural Reserve and Parc Ivoloina near Tamatave , Madagascar. Betampona is one of the
most biodiverse remnants of Madagascar’s eastern lowland rain forest, and is home to a research
station that actively studies its diverse fauna and flora. Parc Ivoloina supports a native fauna zoo, a
nursery for endangered trees, education facilities, a training center, and an ecoagriculture research
station. All programs are done through agreements with the Malagasy government, Malagasy
universities and communities, and partnerships with non-governmental organizations (NGO)s present
in Madagascar.
In a holistic approach, activities focus on the following core areas: 1) Conservation Action, 2)
Conservation Research, 3) Environmental Education, and 4) Capacity Building. Expertise from the
member zoos, universities, and botanical garden, as well as many other researchers, is instrumental in
helping the MFG better understand how to protect the biodiversity found there. A direct example of a
One Plan Approach includes the reintroduction to Betampona of zoo-bred black and white ruffed
lemurs (Varecia variegatus variegatus) in 1997 (with additional reintroductions in 1998 and 2001), and
the management of captive bamboo lemurs (Hapalemur simus) in cooperation with the European
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA).
In summary, the MFG has created an integrated approach for zoos to support the conservation that is
based on research, education, conservation action and training. All efforts are designed to understand
and protect critical Malagasy habitat. The conservation needs of Madagascar are huge, and we
believe that a quote from Helen Keller sums up our collaboration, “Alone we can do so little; together
we can do so much.” The support and expertise of additional zoos and institutions is always welcome,
and if they wish to join the MFG, they should contact the author at the email address above.
A-04
From contraception to breed and cull
Dr. Helmut Mägdefrau
Vice director, Nuremberg Zoo, Germany
Abstract: In the early 1990ies Nuremberg zoo decided to use contraception in bears (Ursus arctos
syriacus, Tremarctos ornatus) and cats (Panthera tigris altaica, Panthera leo persica) by hormon
implants (Melengesterol acetat implants), in wild horses (Equus przewalskii) by PZP (Porcine zona
pelucida) as well as gender separation in Somali wild asses (Equus asinus somalicus) to avoid surplus
animals .
Beside the negative behavioural impact by the complete loss of reproductive behaviour, especially the
rearing of young ones, other problems had to be recognized. Three lionesses had to be euthanized
because of cancer, caused by the hormone use. The female tiger which died by age had shown cancer
in early stage. Two Przewalski horses were not able to reproduce after treatment with PZP for some
years. After the separation period of five years in Somali wild asses an urgent request for breeding
came from the breeding program. It took additional four years with regular matings to get the first
offspring .
In late 1997, Nuremberg zoo decided to stop contraception, to breed regular as in the wild within all
hoofstock. Only in Snow leopards (Uncia uncia) we used contraception by hormones (Sedometril,
Medroxyprogesteron) for one breeding season because of the recommendation of the species
coordinator and now we will wait for the next breeding period and the results. In Somali wild asses,
we have fed surplus stallions to our cats and bears according to the breed and cull strategy of the
breeding program.
From our hoofstock, including males of rare species as takins (Budorcas taxicolor) Bongos
(Tragelaphus eurycerus isaaci) and Grevy zebras (Equus grevyi), we gain some 20 % of our needed
meat.
As biological correct as we act in hoofstock, so emotional we act in carnivorous mammals, where up
to now, we didn t́ have had surplus animals, but where we have blocked the space, urgently needed by
the breeding programs, by unreproductive old animals.
The question, which has to be discussed is the emotional and cultural differenciation of species in
which we accept breed and cull and in which not!
A-05
Challenges and Opportunities of Eurasian Otter Conservation in Kinmen
Ling-Ling Lee1, Sung-Lin Wu
2
1. Institute of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology/ Biodiversity Research Center, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
2. Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
Abstract: Although population of Euroasian otter (Lutra lutra) is recovering in western Europe, the
species is still facing tremendous pressure of habitat loss, pollution, hunting and poaching in Asia.
Specifically in Kinmen, a small island offshore of Xiamen city in Fujian Province of China, otters are
under the threat of habitat loss due to fast changes in land use and stream system, road injury and
mortality, pollution, etc. Increasing incidents of otter roadkills and otter pubs recovered near disturbed
wetland areas have drawn the attention and awareness of government agencies, private sectors and
general public on otter conservation. Although conservation strategies have been discussed, it takes
further effort and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to protect/restore key wetland habitats,
reduce impact of road mortality, and rescue and rehabilitate injured or captive otters before the
conservation status of Euarsian otters in Kinmen can be improved.
One Plan Approach Session
B-01
Conservation and biology study of Malayan Giant Frog (Limnonectes blythii) in Chiang Mai
Zoo’s natural habitat
Jarunee Chaichana1 Thitipat Kaichid
1 Runglawan Sangsuri
1 Nithidol Buranapim
1 Naris
Yamwatee1 Surasak Promnithet
1 and Siriwadee Chomdej
2
1
Chiangmai Zoo, 100 Huaykeaw Rd., Mueng, Chiang Mai 2 Department of Animal and Aquatic Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Chiang Mai University, 239
Huaykaew Rd., Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai
Abstract: Malayan Giant Frog (Limnonectes blythii) is the largest amphibian species in Thailand. The
distribution of this species was found along the creeks and streams of waters in the mountainous areas
from north-southern Thailand. Currently, natural populations of Malayan Giant Frog have been rapidly
decline due to overhunting and the lost of microhabitats. Local people consume the species as food
with high hunting pressure. It also cannot be bred in captivity. Survey of species diversity and
abundance of amphibians and reptiles in the Chiang Mai Zoo was conducted. The frogs were found in
the natural habitat area of the zoo. Biology is the study of genetic information to disseminate
knowledge in the field of conservation and preparation of Malayan Giant Frog conservation computer
model that can be used in the conservation of amphibians and other animals. The study is divided into
two parts; 1) biology and ecology of Malayan Giant Frog; and 2) genetic studies for conservation. The
frogs average weight ranged from 111.61 - 177.02 g, with average width ranged from 3.50 - 4.65 cm;
respectively. Average air temperature measured in their microhabitats raange between 25 - 29 °C,
while the pH of water and soil is equal to 7. More males were counted than females in the same
studied populations. Genetic diversity of Malayan Giant Frog population in Chiang Mai Zoo showed
similarities genetic line among Chiang Mai Zoo frog and northern of Thailand and Burma (moderately
diversity). The diversity found should allow the frogs to survive in natural environment of Chiang Mai
Zoo.
Key words: Malayan Giant Frog, Conservation, Chiang Mai Zoo
B-02
A Zoo’s commitment to protecting Asia’s biodiversity
Improving conservation efforts at Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Dr Sonja Luz
Director, Conservation, Research and Professional Training, Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Abstract: Over the years, Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) has continuously increased its financial
commitment to conservation and incorporated modern conservation tactics to help better link the
management of captive populations with conservation programs of their threatened and declining
conspecifics in the wild. This approach can be seen in our current animal collection plan, which gives
particular attention to species of conservation concern. Such integrated conservation management
planning (‘One Plan’ approach) has led to an increasing number of threatened species within our
collection, that can be directly linked to or benefit in-situ conservation efforts i.e. through captive
breeding programs or assurance colonies.
While we recognize that there are still numerous animals kept in our Parks that are not directly
supporting the survival of the species in the wild, we do ensure that such animals function as
ambassadors and enablers for us to deliver impactful conservation messages effectively to the millions
of visitors that come through our gates every year.
By combining our experience in innovative education and marketing with the latest findings from
social science, we have been able to strengthen our conservation communication strategies and have
started to create more meaningful communication tools and campaigns.
At WRS we are supporting the WAZA conservation vision that all Zoos need to embrace, carefully
evaluate, as well as constantly thrive to advance their role in conservation and do as much as they can
within their capacities and financial restrains.
Zoos can improve their status as being trusted and recognized leaders in wildlife conservation not only
through direct financial support of in-situ projects, but by implementing high animal welfare standards,
good population management systems, collaborative efforts and the willingness of sharing knowledge
and experience across various institutions and countries.
In this talk we would like to share some of our recent experiences in improving our organizations
conservation efforts and strategies by (A) working closer with and learning from the in-situ
conservation community; by (B) exploring and adopting new and modern techniques in conservation
communication; and (C) by bridging the gap of the ex-situ and in-situ stakeholders through hosting
and organizing scientific meetings and creating platforms for conservation strategy and capacity
building.
Key words: zoos, conservation commitment, conservation strategies, conservation communication
B-03
Collection and preservation of a variety of samples in zoos and aquariums
Kazutoshi Takami
Senior Curator, Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoological Gardens, Osaka, Japan
Head of global conservation affairs division, Conservation Committee, Japanese Association of Zoos
and Aquariums, Tokyo, Japan
Abstract: Zoos and aquariums can contribute to the conservation of biodiversity through the
collection and preservation of samples that can be used for research and education activities in
multiple areas.
At the level of an individual zoo, Osaka Municipal Tennoji Zoological Gardens (Osaka zoo) is
continuing some efforts to collect and preserve the samples.
On the death of captive animals, following the necropsy examination most of the dead bodies are used
for preparing the bone specimens and stuffed specimens in collaboration with a museum of natural
history. More than 200 specimens have been prepared at the museum for research and education
purposes so far.
At the necropsy examination tissue samples from a variety of species have been collected mainly for
the molecular biological researches. 470 samples, such as liver tissue, muscle tissue and blood, from
310 individual animals in 156 species are kept in some ultracold freezers at 80 degrees below freezing
in order to meet future needs.
A certain number of tissue samples have been sent to a university laboratory to develop the cultured
cell lines. 45 cell lines from 29 mammalian species are successfully cultured and stored at the moment.
At the level of a regional association, the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) has
established the framework for preservation of germ cells. More than 5000 samples from more than 150
species have been collected at the member institutions and frozen in liquid nitrogen, of which 3581
samples from 252 individual animals in 82 species are organizationally maintained by JAZA. JAZA is
also planning to set up a genome resource bank. These efforts can lead to the establishment of
organized frozen zoo.
Since a variety of samples collected in zoos and aquariums can be useful for in-situ conservation, these
efforts can promote the “one plan approach”. Continuous and organizational approaches will be
required.
Key words: sample collection and preservation, museum specimen, tissue sample, cultured cell line,
germ cell, frozen zoo
B-04
Captive breeding of leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) in Taiwan
Yu-Hsiu Lin1, Kuan-Fu Lin
1, Chia-Wei Hsu
2, Kuei-Shien Lin
1, Fang-Tse Chan
1, and Jian-Nan Liu
2*
1
Endemic Species Research Institute, Nantou, Taiwan
2 National Chiayi University, Chiayi, Taiwan
Abstract: The leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis) in Taiwan is listed as “Endangered
Species” and is facing several threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation, road-killed, illegal
trapping and poisoned by raticide. In collaboration with Taipei Zoo, we conducted a leopard cat
captive-breeding program using animals that were rescued from the wild. Two young leopard cats, one
male and one female, were born at Endemic Species Research Institute on 1 March 2013. The two
young leopard cats were raised and taught by their mother till the age of approximately 5-month old,
and then were transferred to individual cages with larger space and enriched environment for further
training. We carried out several measures to help the two young leopard cats to develop hunting skills
and identified prey items. The male young leopard cat was fitted with a radio collar and was released
to the wild in Jiji area, Nantou County, on 20 November, 2013. It was successfully monitored for 23
days and then the signals lost. The female was released on 20 December 2013. Unfortunately, it was
recorded in videos of remote camera showing that its one forelimb was injured eight days after the
release. We recaptured the female 20 days after the release and removed a small part of its forelimb.
This female recovered well form the injury but it was evaluated unable to survive in the wild. She was
transported to Taipei Zoo and has been exhibited for educational purpose since July 2014.
Key words: ex-situ conservation, leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis
B-05
Bali Mynah Conservation Project
Eiji ONDA
Preservation and Research Center (PRC), City of YOKOHAMA, JAPAN
Abstract: Bali mynah (Leucopsar rothschildi) is the endemic bird in Bali islands and listed up as
critical endangered species by IUCN. In 2003, Republic of Indonesia and City of YOKOHAMA
concluded the contract “MEMORANDOM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF
FORESTRY OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CITY OF
YOKOHAMA, JAPAN ON THE PROJECT TO RETURN THE BALI MYNAH TO ITS NATURAL
HABITAT”. Based on this contract, 125 Bali Mynahs bred in PRC have been returned to Indonesia
from YOKOHAMA during 2004 - 2013.
In addition, PRC perform the technical cooperation project in regards to the breeding technique of
Bali Mynah, monitoring technique of the birds, DNA analysis technology, and other activities to
improve their habitat in collaboration with JICA since 2004.
Now, Bali Mynah is stably bred in the breeding facility in TNBB. Furthermore, Conservation action
by the villagers around TNBB was started. In 2013, the birds were released based on new conservation
plan “GRAND DESIGN”, breeding among the released birds were observed. Furthermore,
Conservation action by the villagers around TNBB was started.
Key words: Leucopsar rothschildi, TNBB, re-introduction, GRAND DESIGN
Captive Breeding and
Animal Husbandry Session I
C-01
Developing captive breeding technique of Eastern Sarus Crane for released to natural
wetland of Thailand
Wanchi Sawasu1, Wichit Kongkum
1, Kaset Sutasha
2, Nuchjaree Purchkoon
3 , Sitharit Chidchob
1 and
Samart Kumlungrit1
1 Nakhonratchasima Zoo,House No. 111, Village No.1,Chimongkol
Sub-distict,MueangNakhonratchasima, Nakhonratchasima Province, 30000, Thailand
2 Faculty of veterinary medicine Kasetsart University , House No. 50,
PhaholyothinRoad,Chatuchakdistrick, Bankkok 10900, Thailand.
3 Zoo Oganization, House No. 71, Param 5 Road, Dusit, Bankkok 10300, Thailand.
Abstract: Developing captive breeding techniques of Eastern Sarus Crane for released to natural
wetland of Thailand is continuing project during 2014 – 2016. The first study was the behavioral
observation of youngs, comparing between “Isolation rearing technique” and naturally nourishing by
crane parents. The result shows that 1-year after release, the survival of eastern sarus cane raised by
isolation rearing technique is higher than 50 percent. The main behavior of isolation-reared chicks
with the age of 3 – 6 months old are socialization, guarding , eating and relaxing. In parent-reared
birds, the main behaviors observed are movement, guarding ,eating and relaxing. Chicks from both
groups show the most frequent eating behavior. The second study was designed for the pre–
reintroduction phase. The main behaviors observed during this period are movement, guarding ,eating
and relaxing, with the maximum relaxing behavior observed while birds are adjusting to the new
environment. During the 3 months perios, pre-release birds are eating normally and consume their
daily diet provided by keepers. We also record rate of eating, rate of growth, average day gain and
percent weight gain. In 2014, a total of 13 eastern sarus cranes were reintroduced to Sanambin
Non-Hunting Area, Buriram Province where we have been monitoring post-reintroduction process of
behavior and survival of the cranes.
Key words: Captive breeding, Grus antigone sharpii, reintroduction, natural wetland
C-02
The Conservation Project of the Taipei Frog, Hylarana taipehensis at Taipei Zoo
Szu-Lung Chen, Hsuan-Yo Lin, and Ming-Hsung Chang
Conservation and Research Center,Taipei Zoo
Abstract: The Taipei frog, Hylarana taipehensis (Van Denburgh, 1909), once a common species found
throughout the wetlands of the lowlands of western Taiwan, has become a threatened species in
Taiwan because of wetland loss, habitat fragmentation, the excessive use of agrochemicals on
farmland and fallowed paddy fields. Nowadays, this small frog can only be found in four distinct areas,
New Taipei City, Taoyuan County, Tainan City and Pingtung County. The in situ Conservation
Program for the Taipei Frog, including population survey in the field, habitats reservation and
improvement, wetlands restoration, has been conducted by Taipei Zoo since 1999. Two sites, Sanzhi
and Yangmei, were chosen for the long-term monitoring of population, starting from 2000 and 2002.
Different conservation strategies were adopted due to the various use and ownership of each land. The
populations in both sites have once positively increased under our conservation efforts, but have
shown dramatically deceasing trend after 2005 with unclear reasons. Rare Taipei frogs were recorded
and deteriorated wetland was found during the census of wetland near these two sites conducted from
2008 to 2011. Considering the severely population decline and habitat loss, the experimental rearing
and captive breeding program has been started since 2010. By intergrating the in situ and ex situ , we
hope to find out the solution for the survival and sustainablility of this species.
C-03
Successful Artificial Breeding in Amur Leopard Cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus)
Madoka Yoshizawa1, Hideo Tajima
1 Shinichi Sasaki
1, Mikako Takamatsu
1, Fujio Yamamoto
1, Etsuo
Narushima1, Satoshi Kusuda
2, Toshihiko Tsutsui
3,4, Tatsuya Hori
3
(1Inokashira Park Zoo,
2Gifu University,
3Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University,
4AHB Inc.,)
Madoka Yoshizawa, Inokashira Park Zoo, Japan
Abstract: We have kept the Amur Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) since 2000 at
Inokashira Park Zoo. Although the founders bred naturally and left offspring, now the third generation
became older and harder to breed. Moreover, we have not succeeded in the natural breeding of the
Tsushima leopard cat since we started keeping them in 2006, which is an endangered species in Japan
and is the isolated population of the Amur leopard cat on Tsusima Island. Therefore, we have studied
the artificial breeding of Amur leopard cats to increase the number and to apply these techniques to
Tsushima leopard cats. Here we report a trial of intrauterine insemination (IUI) in Amur leopard cats
with induced follicular development and ovulation.
On day 1st (December 2012) equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 200IU was administered
intramuscularly (i.m.) to two individuals (No. 33 and 34) to induce follicular development. Later on
day 5th
, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 200IU was administered (i.m.), and ovulation
successfully occurred on day 7th
.
Based on these results, we induced the ovulation again in November 2013 (No.33) and January 2014
(No.34) by using the same procedure as described above. On one day before ovulation, fresh semen
was collected from males by transrectal electroejaculation, and was injected surgically into the female
uterus at 20-22 hours after hCG administration. Nine point six million spermatozoa were administered
into left uterine horn of No.33, and ten million each into the left and right uterine horn of No.34.
Ultrasound examination revealed two fetal sacs without heartbeat in No. 33 thirty one days after IUI,
and fetuses were considered to be dead. On the other hand, two fetal sacs with heartbeats were
observed in No.34 twenty nine days after IUI. Sixty-eight days after IUI No. 34 gave a natural birth to
two kittens. One was stillborn but another is growing healthily so far.
This IUI procedure could be fully applied to the Tsushima leopard cat. We plan to undergo more trials
to establish this technique, and practice it on the Tsushima leopard cat.
C-04
Captive breeding of Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) in Night Safari, Singapore
Ade Kurniawan
Junior Animal Management Officer, Night Safari, Singapore
Abstract: The Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica) is one of the eight species of pangolins (Order
Pholidota) which is native to Singapore. Pangolins are rarely housed in zoological institutions due to
their strict myrmecophagous diet which is difficult to replicate in captivity. Due to the growing threat
to their survival, it is imperative to develop captive breeding expertise and knowledge for these unique
group of animals.
The Night Safari has been housing Sunda Pangolins since 2005. Since 2010, there have been 3
successful births, all via parent rearing, with its most recent birth on 13 July 2014.
This presentation will cover various aspects of captive breeding management such as diet, husbandry
and housing.
C-05
Hand-rearing of a rescued baby Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica)
Jane-Fang Yu1
, Shih -Chen Chin1
, Lih-Chiann Wang2
Taipei Zoo1, Veterinary collage of National Taiwan University
2
Abstract: A baby Malayan pangolin (Manis javanica), weighed 220 g, the total length of the baby
pangolin was 19.5cm long from nare to anus and the tail is 14.5 cm, at an estimated age of 2 weeks,
was rescued and sent to Matang Wildlife Center(MWC), Kuching, Malaysia on 29th
Nov., 2013. The
cub had open eyes, hard dark scales, and could climb but could not stand to walk when it came to
MWC on the first day. Hand-rearing was made. The cub was kept in a box with the dimensions of
60*40*40 cm in the vet clinic room at MWC. Cotton towels were provided for bedding. A heat pad
covering parts of the towels was supplied to keep warm during the cold night time. The pangolin was
found sleeping over it and hiding within the towels. Reconstituted baby dog milk, NEU ZEA puppy
milk (low lactose, protein26%, fat 20%), was nursed for the first 10 days. Then it was slowly moved to
high protein normal lactose Petalac puppy milk (protein36%, fat 40%) because of the low body weight
increasing rate. The animal refused to drink milk and regurgitated two days after changing milk. This
condition got better when it was changed back to the previous low lactose NEU ZEA milk powder. The
normal lactose Petalac puppy milk powder was tried to give the baby pangolin again two days after it
had recovered. However it regurgitated again. Low lactose milk was kept being used and raw egg yolk
was added into milk to increase protein content to around 33%. The animal was getting well with this
formula and body weight was increasing. Lactose intolerance was therefore suspected in this baby
pangolin. The young pangolin started taking live ants by tongue since the 57th day of hand- rearing (at
the age around 10 weeks old) when it was 420 g in weight and 22.5 cm in body length. The pangolin
showed less interest in milk when it started taking ants. However, the pangolin vomited milk with
undigested ants seven days after taking ants. Antibiotic and antiemetic drugs were given through IM or
oral route. The condition got worse. Unfortunately, this baby pangolin died on 26th
Feb, 2014 (the 89th
days after hand feeding, estimated age of 15 weeks). Necropsy found severe hemorrhage in gastric
gland region and duodenum.
Key words: pangolin, Manis javanica, cub, hand- rearing
C-06
Captive Breeding of the Black-faced Spoonbill in Tama Zoological Park
Junko Ishii
Keeper, Center for Wildlife Conservation, Tama Zoological Park, Tokyo Japan
Abstract: The black-faced spoonbills (Platalea minor) breed in northeastern China and the northwest
Korean Peninsula; they winter in the southwest Korean Peninsula, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong,
and Vietnam. The current population in the wild is around 2,700 (2014 Black-faced Spoonbill Results
of International Census), they are considered by the IUCN as a red list endangered species 1B (EN).
Tama Zoological Park received a donation of two black-faced spoonbill chicks (female) from Korea
University of Japan, in October of 1989 and began to rear them. In March of 1991, we borrowed 1
male and 1 more female and began our captive breeding program. In May of 1996, we succeeded in
breeding in captivity by parental brooding for the first time in the world.
One of the challenges faced during the captive breeding of black-faced spoonbills was the hatchlings
that were brooded by parents, and they would often die in one week after hatching. Therefore we
worked towards artificial brooding from 1998; we succeeded in artificial incubation and artificial
brooding in 2002. By returning the fledgling from artificial brooding a week after hatching it was able
to be reared stably.
After that we received protected individuals (Iwate, Tokyo, and Okinawa) in Japan and we created a
breeding group. In 2010 we received protected an individual from Taiwan (Taipei Zoo), and introduced
it to our breeding program. As a result, from 2011 fertile eggs were produced between the protected
Taiwan individual and the captive breeding population. In 2013 three chicks hatched and two chicks
were raised. By receiving the individual from Taiwan, the birds which could contribute to breeding
became seven individuals.
From 2004 the captive breeding individuals moved to 3 zoos, all part of Japanese Association of Zoos
and Aquariums in Japan, and each has been successful in breeding.
As of the end of December 2013 there are 70 birds kept in 4 zoos in Japan.
Captive Breeding and
Animal Husbandry Session II
C-07
Husbandry of Bird-of-paradise in Jurong Bird Park
Ivan Choo Wei Kiat
vicultural Management Officer, Jurong Bird Park
Abstract: Birds of Paradise (Paradisaeidae, Passeriformes) are known for their striking plumage and
elaborate courtship displays. The King Bird-of-Paradise (Cicinnurus regius), is the smallest species
and the only one that is known to nest in tree cavities. Other species such as the Lesser and
Twelve-wired Bird-of-Paradise prefer to build their nest at height and nest in the open.
Jurong Bird Park currently houses 5 species and has managed to breed 3 of them successfully, always
by parent rearing (Twelve-wired, Lesser and King Bird-of-Paradise). The King Bird-of-Paradise was
first bred at JBP in 2012 with 2 chicks fledging, with a second breeding happening in 2013, with one
chick. Both clutches were sired by the same male but the females were different. Both Twelve-wired
and Lesser Bird-of-Paradise chose unique location in the exhibit to nest and raise their young.
In this presentation, the author will present factors like diet, aviary settings and nest type which
contribute their breeding successes.
KEY WORDS: Paradisaeidae, King Bird-of-Paradise, Captive breeding
C-08
Hand-Rearing and Reintroduction of Nomascus gabriellae (Buff-Cheeked Gibbon) at Singapore Zoo.
Lua Boon Kong
Junior Animal Management Officer, Singapore Zoo
Abstract: Nomascus gabriellae (Buff-Cheeked Gibbon) has a relatively long inter-birth interval of 2
to 3 years and only produces 1 offspring per birth. This coupled with increasing habitat loss and
degradation, as well as poaching for the illegal wildlife pet trade has contributed to the Endangered
status of this species in the IUCN Red List and a declining population trend. In 2013, a female infant N.
gabriellae was born in the Singapore Zoo and subsequently rejected by its mother. Attempts were
made to reintroduce the infant, but the female refused to pick up the infant. Thus, the infant was
removed for hand-rearing. Because there was no available published information pertaining to the
hand-rearing of this species, we used input from several people from external institutions based on
their successful experiences of hand-rearing other gibbon species as reference. This paper documents
the process of the successful hand-rearing and reintroduction of this infant.
C-09
HAND REARED BALI STARLING (Leucopsar Rothschild)
Ni Made Yunik Novita Dewi
Head Vet Nurse, Bali Safari & Marine Park, Bali, Indonesia
Abstract: Bali Starling or Bali Mynah (Leucopsar Rothschild) is one of the most beautiful creatures
that live in this planet. This amazing bird can only be found in Bali Island. They are critically
endangered animal because their decreasing population in the natural habitat. Bali Safari & Marine
Park is very active in the effort for Bali Starling (Leucopsar Rothschild) breeding program. One of the
efforts in successful breeding is hand rearing the chick of Bali starling. The chick was taken from its
parent on day 8th
due to the aggressiveness of the parents. The chick was weight, documented its
activities and growth, ringed, and microchip installment for identification. In this bird, we found that 8
days old of chick have 37 gram of body weight, feather not growth completely and eye opened. On 14
days old, body weight already 78.9 gram, feathers around wings, tail and back start growing longer
black on the tip. On 19 days old, feathers on head, wings, back, chest and tail have grown more dense
and long. In this stage, chick’s head start to come out from nest to see its environment. It can also stand
up inside the nest however often fall off and the blue color around its eye is start easily seen. The first
until third week, temperature required for chick ranged from 30 - 31º C and 70% humidity. Food was
given every 2 hours, as much as 8 times in one day. It fed with pellets mix with bananas, papaya, crickets,
and ant eggs. On 21 days old, the bird was out of the nest and can perch, fed every 3 hours for 5 times.
Age 40 - 60 days, the bird was able to fly and can eat by itself. It ring and microchip is installed on 60
days old. On the 92 days, chicks were introduced with the group.
Key words: Bali Starling Hand Reared, Bali Starling
C-10
The hand - rearing of Indochines tigers (Panthera tigris corbetti) at SaiGon Zoo
Mai Khac Trung Truc
Saigon Zoo, Vitnam
Abstract: Two 3 day - old tiger cubs who were weak and less active were seperated from their 11 year
- old mother.They were fed with KMR powder, calcium phosphorus, digestive enzyme and corn oil.
KMR powder is a kind of skimmed milk containing 42% of crude protein and 25% of crude fat. After
4 weeks, their average body weight increased 1280g ± 212g per individual which was fewer than the
corresponding figure of three other tiger cubs fed by their mother (2566g ± 25g per individual). The
growth indexes were significantly different between the hand rearedcup group and the mother fed
group (P=0,01). Two tiger cubs were supplied meat accounting for 10 - 15% body weight into their
diet. The mean growth index of the two tiger cubs from one to two months old was higher than the
figure of three other cups, 3405g ± 21g per individual compared to 3100g ± 217g per individual. The
growth indexes were not significantly different between the hand reared cup group and the mother fed
group (P=0,158). This means that the growth index of two tiger cub groups was equal. The two hand
reared tiger cubs were totally weaned after 100 days of age. Up until now, all the tiger cubs have
developed normally and totally adapted with the exhibit conditions of SaiGon zoo.
Animal Welfare
and Health Care Session
D-01
Why Do We Do What We Do?
Animal welfare and biodiversity conservation: two sides of a coin?
Bernard Harrison
Bernard Harrison and Friends
Abstract: For 200,000 years Homo sapiens were hunter/gatherers, living off the land, much in the
same as many omnivorous animals do. Modern hunter/gatherers still obtain 50% of their nutrition from
hunting. Carnivorous animals have an instinct to kill and eat other animals: it’s innate and we humans
are still hard wired to kill and eat prey species. The more affluent, modern man still enjoys hunting and
fishing, treating it as a sport rather than a means for survival.
However, modern man has now become far removed from the hunting and killing process. We have
domesticated animals, primarily for our meat consumption, specialists slaughter these animals and
process them. We have become detached from the whole, bloody process. And many are unaware of
the lack of respect we give them – even if they are to be killed, they should retain some dignity.
We are probably the only animals on earth with a conscience, an ability to be retrospective and
understand the consequences of our actions. Is there a biological basis to our apparent innate
callousness towards other species on the earth.
D-02
Zoos and Ethics in Contemporary World
Govindasamy Agoramoorthy
Executive Board, South East Asian Zoos Association & Distinguished Research Professor, Tajen
University, Yanpu, Pingtung, Taiwan
Abstract: What is ethics? The foundation of ethics starts with philosophy that involves systematizing,
defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct by addressing disputes of moral
diversity in humanity. This widely used English term comes from the Greek word ethos, meaning
‘custom or habit’. The philosophical ethics explores the best way for humanity to live by doing the
morally right actions in particular circumstances in society. But what’s ethics got to do with zoos?
Then the fundamental question pops up: Is it morally wrong to keep wild animals in captive
environment in confined zoos in the name of conservation and education? The animal right activists
would say that it is ethically wrong because animals do have their rights to have a free and fair life in
the wild. They can argue that zoos treat wild animal as a means to achieve some of human’s greedy
and unfinished desire. They may go on to state that zoos fail to treat animals with respect, and they
often violate the animal's right to live in natural freedom. If the above explanations are morally right,
then why do we need to have zoos? My speech will enlighten this thorny issue of ethics and zoos in
contemporary world.
Key words: Ethics, zoos, animal rights, society, world, philosophy
D-03
Seroprevalence survey of Hepatitis B virus in zoo keepers
Visit Arsaithamkul1, Sumate Kamolnorranath
1, Saowaphang Sanannu
2,
Pattaratida Sa-nguanmoo1 and Yong Poovorawan
3
1Bureau of Conservation Research and Education, The Zoological Park Organization, 71 Rama 5 Dusit,
Bangkok 10300
2Dusit Zoo, The Zoological Park Organization, 71 Rama 5 Dusit, Bangkok 10300
3Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University,
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10300
Abstract: A total of 399 zoo keepers of the Zoological Park Organization were tested by commercial
enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core
antibody (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). The prevalence of hepatitis B virus
infection was found in 5.8% of total zoo keepers including 2.3% Songkhla Zoo, 6.8% Chiang Mai Zoo,
8.7% KhaowKheow Open Zoo, 8% NakhonRatchasima Zoo, 4.3% Dusit Zoo and none of infected
people was found in KhonKaen Zoo. All of infected zoo keepers were infected with hepatitis B virus
genotype C. No cross species transmission from non-human primate HBV was observed in HBV
infected zoo keepers. Susceptible zoo keepers were found approximately in 29.1%. Hepatitis B
vaccination program was supported to all susceptible zoo keepers.
Key words: Hepatitis B, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Hepatitis B virus genotype C
D-04
Taking a 360⁰ Approach to Conservation
Simon Duffy
General Manager, Conservation, Research and Life Sciences
Taronga Conservation Society Australia (Taronga Zoo)
Abstract: Zoos around the world are challenging their approach and reviewing their operations with
the goal of having a greater impact on wildlife conservation. The World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums (WAZA) is directing us to, the world’s conservation organisations are calling on our
assistance and our own individual communities or governments are expecting us to be leaders in this
field. But even more importantly, we have a responsibility and obligation to act due to the status of the
world’s wildlife being increasingly under threat. In order to achieve this, continual assessment and
development how we align our experiences, programs, operation and communication to maximize our
conservation outcomes is required.
Taronga Conservation Society Australia is implementing a 360⁰ approach to wildlife conservation. In
this approach, Communities, Habitat and Wildlife are the key areas of focus with humans central to all
efforts and initiatives. Taronga believes that humans are central to any conservation strategy because
we are the ones that need to act, we are the ones that need to change, and we are the ones that have the
responsibility of securing a shared future for wildlife and people.
The presentation will detail the journey of implementing a new strategy and approach providing
examples and insights for other zoos to consider.
Key words: conservation, zoo leadership, zoo strategy.
D-05
An Isolated Case of Beak Injury in a Female African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) at The
Scientific Center, State of Kuwait
Salah Behbehani, Annabel Dimapilis-Resueno, Meynard Eguilos
The Scientific Center, Kuwait
Abstract: Penguin exhibits are becoming increasingly popular in zoos and bird parks, and the
Scientific Center Kuwait is amongst the zoos that keep penguins. Sustaining the bird’s survivability in
captivity was challenging, a challenge we had encountered when Lulu, one of the female penguins got
beak injury from unknown reason. There is a lack of documented information regarding beak injuries
on penguins especially in captivity though bill aberrations have been reported on wild Emperor
Penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri). Beak abnormalities are mainly caused by diet, disease, parasites and
exposure to pollutants. This poster presents an isolated case of beak injury in an African Penguin
(Speniscus demersus) as well as the medical and non medical response taken by the center’s staff.
Lulu was noticed to have lost interest in any activity, isolated herself from the group and lost weight.
Thus Lulu was subcutaneously injected with 0.25cc Ivermectin and performed oral treatment of
10mg/kg Itraconazole (Sporanox) twice a day, for one week. Thereafter, the dose was reduced to
10mg/kg once a day for another week. Hematological test to rule out aspergillosis was not performed
due to lack of diagnostic laboratory in Kuwait. However, fecal samples and bacterial culture were
performed which only resulted to a few ova and normal flora of common microorganisms. A month
after, changes in beak appearance started to manifest. Lulu’s maxillary damage was so severe that the
beak turned into a grotesquely disfigured beak lesion, which further caused substantial unnatural
overgrowth of tissue, forming a ball-like tissue mass. Tissue culture and biopsy were performed to
rule out tumor or another disease, which might have caused the beak’s condition. Result showed
negative. For a month, Lulu was orally administered with 3.75mg Meloxicam (Mobic) a nonsteroidal
anti-inflamatory drug with analgesic and fever reducer effects. At the same time, she was force-fed
once daily with 300 g of sardines with multivitamins (Mazuri Brand), and cleansed the exposed tissue
with 0.75% providine iodine and fucidin ointment. Lulu was isolated from the group and abstained
from swimming. She was returned back to the exhibit after some time when her beak gradually
improved and she managed to grab and hold the fish without help. Treatment, recovery and
rehabilitation took almost a year. The beak injury of Lulu is still a perplexing issue. Until now the
query on the cause of the beak injury remains unanswered. Proper documentation of the case will
provide baseline information to have a better understanding and knowledge on beak injury care and
management.
D-06
The Effectiveness of Enrichment as a Preventive Health Check
Purwaningtyas Kusumaningsih
Veterinarian, Bali Safari & Marine Park, Bali, Indonesia
Abstract: The objective of this study is to test the effects of feeding, social interactive and olfactory
enrichment treatments on behavior changes of the animals. The aim of this enrichment application is
reducing the lack activities animals in exhibit and to increase the movement and exploration behavior
of the animals. This study was carried out on Cheetah (Acynonyx jubatus), Sunbears (Helarctos
malayanus), Meerkats (Suricata suricatta), Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) and White Tiger (Panthera
tigris), at Bali Safari and Marine Park, Bali, Indonesia.
The result showed changes in behavior. Responds of Cheetah to enrichment object are sniffing, rolling,
and scratching, which can be correlated to reproductive physiological behavior. Sunbears were used
their claws more often scratching the log or deadfall to find hidden food, this behavior is very useful to
prevent abnormalities of claws growth. Meerkats were more active exploring their environment, using
their sense of smell when foraging the food or insect. These activities could increase the awareness of
the Meerkats. The Cockatoos are able to use their intelligent, like solve the puzzle to get the peanuts,
this behavior can avoid boredom or plugging feather behavior related to stress. Chewing activity on
White Tiger when given bones, will decrease dental carries and reduce licking or suckling it fur which
can cause digestive and skin problems. Flehmen reaction of different flavors or smells of spices
sprayed on white tiger exhibit can sharpen male tiger sense to determine whether a female may be
entering an oestrous cycle.
These health activities are useful to decrease cortisol concentration appears in animals urine related to
stress, regurgitation or re-ingestion behavior at feeding time, social aggression, self-aggressive
behavior on animals living in group and reducing stereotypic locomotion patterns. Minimize obesity
and providing dental support. It also stimulate brain respond in any age which related in producing
reproductive and metabolism hormone which can represented on the behavior of the animals.
Key words: Enrichment categories, animals’ behaviors, hormone metabolism.
Enclosure Design and Enrichment
E-01
Enrichment programs in a newly established Ubonratchathani Zoo, Thailand
Jaturong Srirada,Wanchai Tunwattana,Narongwit Chodchoi
and Somsak Kriauphai
Ubon ratchathani zoo 112 Moo 17 Kham-yai Muang Ubonratchathani , Thailand 34000, The Zoological
Park Organization under the Royal Patronage of H.M. The King
Abstract: Ubonratchathani zoo is the new zoo established under the management of ZPO, Thailand.
The zoo was built on a large area of 1,217 acres with fertile forest environment. Wildlife collection
was exhinited in 4 animals zones under the “Green Zoo Management” design approach with
combination of exhinit and the forest in the area. The important aspect of Animal Welfare and Ethics
were recognized with significant emphasis from top management. In order to ensure good animal
welfare, activities including the enrichment programs has been created for specific species. The habitat
design is an important consideration for providing enrichment program. This new zoo had all trained
staffs for animal care and enrichment duties. The operation by friendliness is key for successful
administration of an enrichment device. With the curiousity in developing enrichment plans and in
observation that will related to the real statistical data analysis of animal behavior changes in these
patterns. This will provide a smart model of zoo animal welfare monitoring. The tool can be an
effective indicator of zoo animal well-being and be ready for the great brand promotion of ZPO.
Particularly, in the modern zoo enclosures house animals in their natural social units and provide them
with the means to lead as natural a life as possible. And last, zoo endeavour to meet their conservation
role through captive breeding, education, research, animal welfare, environmental enrichment,
reintroduction, and support for in situ conservation of species and habitats. Zoo tourism can be a tool
in promoting biodiversity conservation including grelevant research and academic institutions.
Moreover, Ubon ratchathani zoo providing opportunities for the public to learn more about and enjoy
nature. As well as to stimulate initiatives designed to build customer loyalty through the increase
repeat visitation.
Key words: Ubonratchathani zoo, enrichment programs
E-02
Behavior Management of South America Fur Seal ( Arctocepalus australis)in Captivity
Gin Lui,Tan
Animal Keeper, Animal Care Department, Underwater World Langkawi, UWL
Abstract: The Underwater World Langkawi (UWL) houses two female South America Fur Seals
(Arctocephalusaustralis) which both age 9 years old. These highly intelligence otarid is trained not
only to perform for the public but more importantly in their own husbandry and veterinary procedures.
The positive reinforcement training techniques were applied to voluntarily engage the fur seals in
routine health checkup. For example, to date, radiography screenings were performed for both fur
seals without using anesthetic agents. In addition, living in an artificial environment can induce
stress and eventually cause stereotype behavior. Therefore, combination of various enrichment
materials and positive reinforcement training techniques were implemented to reduce their boredom
and also to stimulate their natural behaviors. In conclusion, behavior management is an integrated
approach to animal care and the combination of training and enrichment are the key towards it.
Key words: otarid, South America Fur Seal, Arctocephalusaustralis, behavior management, positive
reinforcement training, enrichment
E-03
Challenges for the Conservation Breeding Programs for red-headed and Indian white-rumped
vultures at Nakhonratchasima Zoo, Thailand
Wichit Kongkum, Wanchi Sawasu and Prasert Klinhomsud
Nakhonratchasima Zoo, 111 Moo 1, Chaimongkol Sub-distict, Mueang, Nakhonratchasima,30000
Abstract: To study the behaviors of the red-headed vultures (Sarcogyps calvus) and Indian
white-rumped vultures (Gyps bengalensis) from October 2013 to July 2014, with increased amount of
diet intake and environmental enrichment in the enclosures. A pair of red-headed vulture and Indian
white-rumped vulture were used in this study by moving the birds into a breeding cage. Foraging
behavior was observed and they adjusted to the new environment. Expected behaviors include
relaxation behavior, dynamic behavior and mating behavior. Snakes were given to the pairs as food
enrichment. Red-headed vulture and Indian white-rumped vultures received increased the amount of
food per day. including beef, pork, rats and carcasses. Mating was not observed during the period of
the study. More factors affecting successful breeding needs to be assessed and implemented for a
successful conservation breeding of Thai vultures.
Key words: red-headed vulture, Indian white-rumped vulture, behavior, breeding
E-04
Light and Lighting in the Wildlife Entertainment and Management Industry
James Karl Fischer PhD, Kanako Tomisawa PhD
The Zoological Lighting Institute
Abstract: Zoos are a vital part of contemporary life, creating happiness and joy whilst broaching a
very serious topic: humanity’s relationship to animals and our shared environment. The Zoological
Lighting Institute cares for an often unseen aspect crucial for both entertainment and public welfare:
light and lighting. Light quality and the luminous environment are crucial for animal welfare and
wildlife conservation (nocturnal habitat preservation) alike, and necessary to attend to create the best
exhibits possible. In this brief introduction, The Zoological Lighting Institute will discuss the role that
zoos can play in supporting wildlife conservation and animal welfare through attention to light and
creative lighting strategies.
In our facilities, we often strive to create as natural a setting as possible for the animals in our care,
highlighting the environmental factors that make an animal what it is. ‘Natural’ lighting conditions
offer one of the most consistent factors in the evolution of species, and are crucial to the ongoing
health and appearance of animals in managed care. Such lighting includes ambient conditions, events
that tie into the seasons and local happenings around a habitat, as well as human and animal
perceptions. The Zoological Lighting Institute offers consultations, edutainment programming and
scholarship/sponsorship opportunities to aid aquariums and zoos in presenting their work in the best
light possible. With the wide array of lighting technologies available today, zoos can benefit greatly by
focusing with us on this subject.
Key words: light, lighting, welfare, luminous environment, wildlife conservation
Education and Marketing Session I
F-01
The WAZA Decade on Biodiversity Project – how institutions can maximize visitor impact
Tiago Pinto-Pereira
WAZA Decade Project Manager, World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
Abstract: Most of our 700 million visitors to zoos and aquariums worldwide come from cities,
reaching out to as many of them as possible and getting them to act is our primary goal as a community.
The presentation will focus on the tools WAZA has developed in order to fascinate and get people to
act and change their behavior in favour of biodiversity.
WAZA wants to showcase their project in support of the Decade on Biodiversity (esp. Aichi Target 1),
focusing on modern technology. In addition to posters and films these include modern technologies
aimed at global youths such as a social media campaign and a smart phone/tablet application in five
languages. It includes species profiles and IUCN Red List status and distribution maps as well as
having a strong component on simple actions everyone can do to help preserve biodiversity. A recent
survey undertaken by WAZA clearly highlights the positive impact of zoo visits on visitors’ knowledge
of biodiversity and actions to conserve it. The free Decade on Biodiversity tools enable zoos and
aquariums around the world to further their impact and work as a community to help biodiversity.
Key words: education, education and marketing, tools, biodiversity, global
F-02
The Conservation Ambassador－Giant Panda Yuan-Zai
Yu-Wen Li
Zoo Educator, Education Section, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan
Abstract：Zoo news in Taiwan including new born, wildlife conservation, and zoo activities, did not
always be noticed by many people. But after giant panda Yuan- Zai was born, the situation had been
changed. People started to concern with not only giant panda family but also zoo news, caused the
frequency of releasing zoo’s news increased. The giant panda Yuan-Zai was born on Jul. 6, 2013.
Unfortunately, Yuan-Zai got injured by her mother Yuan-Yuan, so the zookeepers pretend to be the
surrogate mother of Yuan-Zai until she’s recovered and able to return to her mother. In order to share
this amazing experience with people and let them learn more about this endangered species, we
established a “news marketing group”, recording and reporting the giant panda family’s daily life. For
this reason, there was also a fan group of Yuan-Zai called ”Yuan fans” formed. Since that time, Taipei
Zoo tried to make Yuan-Zai represent as the “conservation ambassador” and connected information of
different conservation issues. Zoo news and videos were released via popular social network, such as
zoo website, YouTube, Facebook, and Google Plus. We hope the news voiced by Yuan-Zai will spread
out the conservation messages more efficiently and make more people to concern with wildlife
conservation.
Key words: giant panda, Yuan-Zai, wildlife conservation, ambassador, social network
F-03
The First Step of the Japanese Macaque Conservation by the Cooperation between the Ueno
Zoological Gardens and the Local Government
Kohei Aoki
Ueno Zoological Gardens
Abstract: The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) is endemic to Japan and well-known as the
non-human primate having the northern-most habitat. Shimokita peninsula – located approximately at
N 41° W 141° - is the north limit of its distribution range.
The local population of these monkeys in Shimokita peninsula is estimated to be 187 in 1970 and they
are at a risk of local extinction. Therefore; these monkeys and their habitats have been legally
protected since then.
Under the legal protection, the local population has increased to around 1861 by 2009. As the result,
the home range of the monkeys has also increased and damages to the agricultural products in the
nearby farm lands by the monkeys have become a serious problem. Currently, the local population is
regulated by trapping.
It is theoretically considered that the genetic diversity of a small population is likely to decrease by
genetic drift. Extracting some animals from such population as founders to establish a captive
population is one of the effective ways to prevent a loss of genetic diversity.
The Ueno Zoo has acquired 23 monkeys captured at Shimokita and has kept them for the conservation
of the local population. They are individually identified by microchips. When a new individual is born
in the group, its paternity is determined by applying polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Their
demographic and genetic data are recorded and managed using the computer software Single
Population Animal Records System (SPARKS). We keep 37 Shimokita Japanese macaques at the zoo
as of July the 31st 2014.
Furthermore, the staff members of the zoo has joined the census research of the wild monkeys carried
out at Shimokita. Together with the scientists, volunteer workers, local governments and citizens, we
cooperate to study the population dynamics in the wild. We also provide the zoo as the site for an
exhibition of Shimokita’s original products organized by the local citizens. This exhibition is held once
a year.
We wish to continue to work cooperatively with the local government and citizens of the Shimokita
peninsula to facilitate the conservation of the Japanese macaque – one of the native species – and to
convey the situation that this species is facing in the wild.
F-04
Zoos, News, Kids, Books
Joann C. W. Chang
Coordinator, Taipei Zoological Foundation
Abstract: Through internet and many other electronic media, people get and share information more
convenient than ever. “You see, but you do not observe”, was what Sherlock Holmes said to Dr.
Watson. Most of the people get the information, but do not make many efforts to really process its
meaning and significance.
Zoo education should include events happening in the real life, such as what, happens in other zoos or
also in other countries, not only about animal facts. Though zoos should be a happy land for young
kids, zoos still can be interphases between animal and human, bridging fantasy gardens and real world.
In Gaza, there was a zoo where the animals were dying out due to the war. As a result, the zoo director
decided to dye two donkeys so they would look like zebras. This was not done for fun, but a desperate
effort in response to the reality of war. This was international news in 2009, a great example of why
zoo education is important and is connected to world event.
F-05
Tiger Campaign through Educational Activities of Dusit Zoo
Mongkhol Songsermcharoenchote
Dusit Zoo 71 Rama 5 Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300
Abstract: The important role of zoo education is to educate knowledge about nature and wildlife to
the public in the most enjoyable way. And to make that effective, we should know about people’s
interest and their attitude toward the zoo. So that Dusit zoo educators made the questionnaire to
gathering information from the visitors to help us create the tiger activities. On the Global Tiger Day,
the tiger conservation messages were sent through 3 educational games which are the 9 tiger species of
Thailand, Throwing preys to tiger’s mouth and Finding tiger’s stripes. The visitors had learned about
the biological of tigers and the tiger researcher in Thailand. The following activities is “Zoo Outreach
Program”. Our educators will educate in schools and local communities for awareness of wildlife.
Education and Marketing Session II
F-06
Rescued Animals as Conservation and Education Ambassadors –
Animal Encounters Programme and Key Challenges
Phoenix M.W.WONG
Education Officer, Fauna Conservation Department,
Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Hong Kong SAR
Abstract: Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden (KFBG) operate the only private rescue centre
sanctioned by HKSAR government in Hong Kong. The Wild Animal Rescue Center (WARC) is
dedicated to saving sick and injured native or confiscated wildlife. Some animals with permanent
disabilities or that one imprinted to humans are maintained in landscaped exhibits to provide a unique
educational experience for visitors. These include many native species that the public may not be able
to encounter easily in the wild.
The Animal Encounters Programme is a public education activity that uses imprinted rescued animals
in public talks to highlight wildlife conservation and the illegal wildlife trade. The programme also
brings the public close to the animals. The close contact session provides a unique personal experience
and presents several key messages with the aim of empowering visitors to take steps which will benefit
nature and the animals they are meeting. These steps include life style changes which will help to
connect people with the wider environmental issues. Hopefully the public will leave with a better
appreciation of wildlife and the need to conserve biodiversity. This presentation will discuss
programme development, key messages, promotional channels, logistics, and programme evaluation.
Key words: public education, animal talks, programme development
F-07
The Strategy of Promoting the Conservation of Pangolin: Transforming the Exhibition Gallery
into a Storytelling Place
Sung-Lin Wu 1
, Hsuan-Yi Lo2, Wen-Chi Lin
3
3. Curator, Animal Department, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
4. Research Assistant, Animal Department, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
dwx44@ zoo.gov.tw
5. Associate Researcher, Education Department, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
Abstract: Pangolins are nocturnal animals and spend daylight hours in self-dug burrows, therefore, it
is challenging to exhibit pangolins in the zoo. In the past, visitors couldn’t see pangolins in daytime in
our zoo except the feeding time as the pangolins hide in the dark and sleep after they finished eating.
However, it is critical to tell pangolin’s stories to raise visitor’s awareness about endangered pangolins
and call for action to conserve pangolins. Telling stories about pangolin in the zoo is an effective way
to educate visitors and then urge them to involve the conservation plan. In order to tell pangolin’s
stories, we use exhibition area to connect the pangolin and the visitor. First, we created a new burrow
inside exhibition enclosure to supply a suitable place for pangolin, and visitors can view the sleeping
pangolin through the window in front of the burrow. We also designed feeding equipment mimicking
the ant’s nest. There is a transparent tube in the feeding equipment, and we put the food in it. When we
feed pangolin, the visitors can see the long tongue and realize the eating behavior and we can convey
the pangolin are anteaters at the same time. After we made sure pangolin is viewable to the visitors,
this would create a state for Zookeeper to tell stories about pangolin, and had interaction with visitors
and got feedback from them. In addition, we diversified interpretation facilities of pangolin to include
picture plates, touchable specimen, models and video, to tell the stories about shape, behavior, diet,
reproduction, ecological role and threats of pangolins and to emphasize the importance of pangolin
conservation. Telling pangolin’s stories in the zoo is not only a good way to impress the visitors and a
call to action for conservation, but also a good opportunity to emphasize the role and value of a zoo in
pangolin conservation.
Key words: pangolin, exhibition, interpretation, conservation, education promotion
F-08
Informal Education Programme (IEP) in Indonesia: Towards a Smarter Generation
Josephine Vanda Tirtayani
Gembira Loka Zoo, Indonesia
Abstract: Modern zoos are absolutely important in reinforcing conservation and education
message for the society. A programme implemented by Gembira Loka Zoo (GLZoo), Yogyakarta aims
to educate children at their earliest stage. This programme was firstly initiated by the Indonesian
Ministry of Education and called ‘Informal Education Programme’ (IEP). We invite all children from
various schools to come to the zoo and get involve directly to their nature. We provide a minimum
50% discounts (or free entry for deprived schools), learning facilities and tutors from university that
we are working cooperatively with to guide the students. We ask mature students majoring at
Environment or Zoology studies to teach the young children. We found this programme to be effective
because there is less pressure than studying in formal classroom and there are more active interactions
such as animal feedings and knowing natural facts. For instance, students that were scared to interact
with animals can learn from their peer and thus, we hope that they can appreciate and love animals
more. We conducted a simple survey and revealed that responds from students, parents, and teachers
are positive. In addition, we believe that this is a good indirect marketing strategy as many students
revisit the zoo with their parents or other family members after their first visit.
F-09
Influence of zoo visitor numbers on the behaviour of captive Indochinese tiger (Panthera tigris
corbetti) at Saigon zoo
Nguyen Dinh The
Saigon zoo, Vietnam
Abstract: Study of influence of zoo visitor numbers on the behaviours of zoo animals is important in
improving animal welfare, interpreting animal behaviours and increasing visitor awareness.
This study observing the behaviors a female Indochinese tiger at Saigon zoo, Vietnam (The tiger
gave birth to five cubs on February 20th
, 2014), looks at whether effects of visitor density on
behaviors of tiger and effects of tiger activities on habits of visitors. Visitor density is categorised
into no visitors, low (1-4 visitors), medium (5-10 visitors) and high levels (>10 visitors). The study
conducted from August 2013 to June 2014, collecting data using scan sampling with instantaneous
recording of behaviors every minute.
The results indicate that visitor numbers did not influence tiger activity, and that visitor interest was
generally greater when tiger were active.
F-10
Zoos Without Borders – Video Conferencing Education & Collaboration
Galen Sjostrom
Naturalist & Distance Learning Coordinator
Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley Minnesota, United States
Abstract: How can a Zoo share its animals and educational message with audiences who can’t come
for a visit? Drawing on the experiences learned from the past three years of designing, launching,
and then overseeing the Minnesota Zoo’s award-winning video conferencing program, this
presentation will demonstrate the rich interactive potential of the video conferencing medium and will
detail the type of technology and software that works best, ideas for outreach activities and curriculum,
cross-zoo collaborative opportunities, and will even include a live demonstration with a distinguished
international video conferencing institution. No prior experience is required for participants- simply
bring your enthusiasm and your curiosity!
F-11
Problems and Obstacles in Public Aquariums in Thailand
Saowapa Sawatpeera
Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University, Thailand
Abstract: Public Aquariums are counterpart with zoo. They are the same strategy and standard
practices. The important role of public zoo and aquarium, therefore, WAZA has publication of strategy
and standard of zoo and aquarium as guideline for zoo and aquarium. The different between zoo and
aquarium is physiological characters and environment for living. Aquatic animals spend all their life in
water, so the life support system is the most important system for public aquarium.
In 2009 WAZA report that “There are well in excess of 300 substantial public aquariums in the world
and more than 100 have been opened since 1990. Collectively, including those operated within zoos,
they may attract as many as 450 million visitors each year; and so have a very large educational and
economic impact”. It means that public aquarium are attract to the visitors, therefore, this decade we
found that new public aquariums were increase rapidly even in Thailand. But From the Seminar of
public aquariums in Thailand since 2006 through the fifth seminar in this year, we found that the most
problem and obstacles in public aquarium is the life support system and the knowledge and experience
of the aquarist who have to take care the living in aquarium now we begin to develop the standard
practice for public aquarium as the guideline for public aquarium in our country.
Population Management Session I
G-01
Managing Captive Populations
Jennifer Mickelberg
Curator of Primates , Zoo Atlanta
Abstract: Captive populations can be used for research, education, and as reservoir for reintroduction.
Reaching these goals requires proper management in order to maintain a viable population. Captive
populations are small populations with individuals spread out over multiple institutions and as such,
they are vulnerable to the same threats as other small populations: environmental variation,
demographic stochasticity, and loss of genetic diversity. In order to mitigate these threats, species
specific cooperative breeding programs are established whereby zoos work together to manage species
in order to maximize long term viability. These programs are carefully managed to reach demographic
and genetic goals. When properly managed, captive populations can be an excellent tool for
conservation.
G-02
The Orang-utan Conservation Genetics Project: a leap from Mean Kinship to DNA for
managing orang-utan populations in zoos
Dr Graham L Banes
- Fellow of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Young International Scientists' Scheme)
- Postdoctoral Scientist, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology
- Adjunct Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Research Associate, Henry Vilas Zoo
Abstract: A cornerstone of breeding animals in zoos is pairing individuals that are unrelated.
Inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity greatly lower the viability of populations over time. At
present, we manage many breeding programmes using Mean Kinship values to determine the
relatedness of different pairs. However, these values rely on the assumption that all founder individuals
were unrelated – in the case of the orang-utan, and indeed for many studbooks, this assumption is
highly unlikely. Studbook records show that most orang-utans were captured from the wild in the
1920s: it is highly probable that many were captured at the same time and in the same place, and that
they were closely related. In The Orang-utan Conservation Genetics Project, we aim to generate
genetic data for every individual in managed orang-utan breeding programmes, including those in
SEAZA member zoos. Using these data, we aim to determine who is really related to who – and thus
develop the most informed captive management programme for any species worldwide. This project is
a complex international effort between multiple scientific and zoological institutions, including the
Taipei Zoo, with the aim of heightening and maintaining the long-term genetic diversity of orang-utans
in zoos across the world. The Project has been approved by the World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums as Conservation Project 14002: we invite SEAZA participants to learn more about these
efforts, and hope that many will choose to participate.
G-03
Where are they from? The next step for ex-situ orang-utan conservation: genetic assignment of
captive orang-utans in Taiwan
Nian-Hong Jang-Liaw1, Eric Hsien‐Shao Tsao
2*, Hao-Ming Huang
3,
Graham L. Banes4-7
1Assistant Research Fellow, Taipei Zoo, Taiwan
2*Associate Research Fellow, Taipei Zoo, Taiwan; [email protected]
3Research Assistant, Taipei Zoo, Taiwan
4Postdoctoral Fellow, CAS-MPG Partner Institute for Computational Biology, Chinese Academy of
Sciences
5Postdoctoral Scientist, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Germany
6Adjunct Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA
7Research Associate, Henry Vilas Zoo, USA
Abstract: In the 1980s and 1990s, the illegal trade in infant orang-utans for the pet industry was a
serious issue in Taiwan. Not only were animals taken from the wild, almost all of those kept by private
owners were abandoned after the age of five, due to their unpredictable and wild nature that makes
them unsuitable as pets. According to our survey, a total of 38 orang-utans, including the offspring of
introduced wild-caught individuals, are now held in zoos and universities in Taiwan as part of joint
conservation efforts with government authorities. In conjunction with The Orang-utan Conservation
Genetics Project, an international, WAZA-branded effort to study the genetics of orang-utans in zoos
worldwide, we aim to generate genetic data for every orang-utan in Taiwan, including those kept in
Taipei Zoo, Leofoo Safari Park, Hsinchu Zoo, Shoushan Zoo, and Pingtung University of Science and
Technology. To date, we have sequenced the complete control region segment of mtDNA from 30
individuals, and concluded that (1) there are no Sumatran (Pongo abelii) orang-utans, only Bornean
ones (P. pygmaeus) kept in Taiwan; (2) all three subspecies of Bornean orang-utan, which probably
derive ancestrally from populations of Northern West Kalimantan or Sarawak, Southwest or Central
Kalimantan, and East Kalimantan, are detected among these individuals; (3) an unknown lineage has
been identified in an orang-utan family in the Taipei Zoo, which warrants further investigation. For our
next steps, we will complete microsatellite analyses in accordance with the standardized protocol in
use by The Orang-utan Conservation Genetics Project, to determine the relationships among all
captive individuals in Taiwan, and to develop a captive management programme for orang-utans in
Taiwan that is informed on the basis of genetics.
G-05
Genome Resource Banks – Investments for the future
Pei-Chih Lee
Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington DC, USA
Abstract: The creation and maintenance of a Genome Resource Bank (GRB) involve the systematic
collection, storage and use of biological materials, including raw DNA, somatic cells, tissues, blood
products, germplasm (sperm and eggs) and embryos as well as other animal, plant and even soil
products. The science of cryobiology plays a critical role by offering the possibility to preserve the
integrity of valuable living or not living samples for extended periods of time. Similar to the highly
diverse biological traits observed across species, there is a huge species-specificity in cryobiology,
especially for living biomaterials. Therefore it is crucial to study and develop preservation
technologies for each target species. Such knowledge is essential to the success of assisted
reproduction using frozen-thawed germplasms (artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization/embryo
transfer) as well as biotechnologies (including the most recent like next-generation sequencing and
proteomics) that provide enormous amount of physiological and molecular information. Thus, these
large cryo-collections are invaluable resources for understanding, cataloging, and preserving genetic
diversity for populations both in captivity and in the wild. In addition, there are some good examples
of GRB fully integrated into conservation strategies (such as giant panda). Moreover, efforts to
implement and develop GRBs close to biodiversity hotspots, including in Southeast Asia, are
fundamental to better preserve the world's diverse biota for future generations.
Population Management Session II
G-06
From individual to integrative efforts: the ex situ conservation of Formosan black bears (Ursus
thibetanus formosanus) in Taiwan
Chih-Chin Shih
General Curator, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan
Abstract: The Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is an endemic subspecies of
Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) inhabiting Taiwan. Habitat degradation and poaching have
caused a decline in its population, and right now only a few hundred of bears live in the wild. A pilot
study of its genetic analysis has revealed the genetic differentiation between Formosan black bears and
other Asiatic black bears. Given the fact that the size of wild population is critical small and that the
native origin captive bears are located in different zoos and rescue centers in Taiwan, all these
institutes have decided to give high priority to a cooperating ex situ breeding plan of this subspecies.
With the support of TAZA (Taiwan Aquarium and Zoological Park Association), an integrative ex situ
conservation program of Formosan black bears including breeding plan under studbook information,
integration of space resources, technical cooperation, and educational support have been started. The
aim of this program is to keep all these integrative efforts being beneficial to both ex situ and in situ
conservation of this unique Asiatic black bear subspecies in Taiwan.
Key words: Formosan black bear, conservation genetics, population management, ex situ breeding
plan
G-07
Captive Apes in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand
Claire Beastall
TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and Jamie Bouhuys, Hogeschool Van Hall Larenstein
Abstract: Great apes and gibbons are some of the most popular of animals amongst zoo visitors. In
an effort to establish the numbers of these in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand’s zoos and other
wildlife attractions, researchers visited more than 90 such facilities between September 2013 and
March 2014, recording more than 300 apes from six species and two species groups. For both
countries three taxa dominated; orangutans Pongo spp., Chimpanzee Pan trogolodytes and Lar Gibbon
Hylobates lar.
All species of non-human ape are CITES- listed, but for some species of non-native taxa recorded,
there are either none or very few records on the CITES Trade Database indicating when and from
where these animals came; suggesting, that at least some of the apes currently displayed have found
their way into captivity through the illegal trade.
Good zoos have immense potential to contribute positively to species conservation. The presence of
so many apes and the lack of engagement with the wider zoo community by many of the facilities in
which they are found, indicates that at least some of Southeast Asia’s wildlife attractions are falling
well short of realizing the goals of much of the rest of the zoo community. The presence of animals
with unclear origin is at the very least, a valuable opportunity lost in the proper management of ex-situ
populations. Far from being a solution to the conservation of the species that they care for; it could
be said that some institutions are contributing to the problem.
Key words: apes, zoos, Southeast Asia, CITES, illegal trade
G-08
Regional collection plan of JAZA.
Rei Matsumoto
Japanese association of zoos and aquariums (JAZA),
Conservation committee, Global conservation affairs division, JAPAN
(Curator, Nogeyama zoological gardens of Yokohama, JAPAN)
Abstract: JAZA (established in 1939) conduct ex situ conservation under the cooperation by the
member facility, 87 zoos and 64 aquariums. Captive population management of JAZA is programed by
Conservation commitee consist of following three divisions, Conservation strategy, Species
management planning and Global conservation affairs. JAZA started to establish a regional collection
plan (JAZA collection plan; JCP) from 2012 to allocate limited capacity, budget and human energy
more effectively. All the species were categorized into 12 taxa, and more than 140 priority species are
selected and classified into following two categories, ‘JAZA species management plan (JSMP) species’
and ‘JAZA studbook (JSB) species’ based on their conservation necessity, educational and scientific
value, display effect and other factors. Additional categories such as ‘Maintain species’ and ‘Survey
species’ are considered. JCP contains some strategic species like Thushima wild cats that the
reintroduction project will be implemented soon, and many Asian species such as Orangutan and
Malayan tapir. Because it is necessary to cooperate globally to conserve endangered species distributed
in Asia, it will become more important to strengthen the network in Asia.
Key words: JAZA, Regional collection plan, Population management, Asia.
G-09
MANAGEMENT OF SUSTAINABLE CAPTIVE BIRD POPULATIONS: THE ROLE OF THE
MODERN ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTIONS
DR Luis Carlos Neves
DVM – Assistant Director, Avian [Jurong Bird Park] / Deputy Zoology Director, WRS
Abstract: Traditionally bird collections have been managed in the form of representative assemblies
of species, where breeding was not always priority, given the ease of acquisitions of wild-caught stock,
but recently this scenario has changed. This has derived from the widespread ban on exporting wild
birds from many countries and also from other countries to import wild-caught birds, from disease
outbreaks that deem some areas unsuitable for export of birds (HPAI) and also from the fact that some
of the species that were exported in vast numbers in the past have declined to the point that they are
now facing danger of extinction and are protected under law.
It is now clear that if Zoos are to continue to have birds (or any other taxa for that matter) in their
collections, a sustainable captive population needs to be achieved. This may mean that some species
may already be doomed to phase out, as obtaining the necessary flock size is next to impossible. For
others, it needs to derive from a cooperative effort between zoological institutions that manage the
species.
Jurong Bird Park has one of the largest bird collections in the world, currently representing close to
440 species and 4500 specimen. In this presentation the author will highlight how this vast collection
is managed aiming sustainability and what are the roles of modern zoos regarding using their captive
populations in species conservation.
G-10
Current Status of Wildlife Assisted Reproductive Technologies Research Program at the
Zoological Park Organization, Thailand
Boripat Siriaroonrat, Ampika Thongphakdee, Wanlaya Tipkantha, Nudthakamol Kajornklin and
Sumate Kamolnorranath
Bureau of Conservation, Research and Education, Zoological Park Organization
Abstract: Natural habitat destruction and fragmentation directly affected wildlife populations. More
species are actively managed for their long-term survival both in the wild and captivity. Conservation
breeding of endangered species is one of the crucial missions at the Zoological Park Organization
(ZPO). Suitable captive management (such as enclosure design, husbandry and nutrition) of wildlife
population would facilitate natural breeding in captive parent stocks. However, some animals could not
reproduce naturally due to infertility or mating problems (physical abnormality, behavioral problems or
aggression). Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) have been used as valuable tools in
circumventing certain infertility issues. Moreover, ARTs could reduce risk of inbreeding and maintain
genetic diversity in small population. ARTs includes bio-techniques such as non-invasive reproductive
hormone monitoring, gamete cryopreservation, artificial insemination (AI), in vitro fertilization (IVF),
nuclear transfer (cloning) and embryo transfer (ET). Cryopreservation of gametes and embryos can
preserve living cells to assure founder genetic representation that can be used to produce offspring.
Furthermore, ARTs can reduce risk from transportation of live animals between zoos and countries and
enable scientists/population managers to exchange genetic materials between captive (ex situ) and wild
(in situ) populations. At present, frozen sperm of endangered species such as Malayan tapir (Tapirus
indicus), guar (Bos gaurus), banteng (Bos javanicus), goral (Naemorhedus griseus), and wild cats has
been preserved in the ZPO’s Central Tissue Repository for future offspring production by AI and
IVF/ET. AI is a technique where the spermatozoa (fresh, chilled or frozen) are placed into uterus or
uterine horn during ovulation. Transcervical AI was applied successfully in Giant panda (Ailuropoda
melanoleuca) at Chiang Mai Zoo where male had poor libido. Eastern sarus crane (Grus antigone
sharpii) chicks were produced routinely at Nakhonratchasima Zoo by AI. For the endangered Thamin
Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldiii thamin), new valuable genetics has been introduced to herd by
frozen-thawed spermatozoa through intrauterine AI. Furthermore, we demonstrated the first successful
in vitro embryo production and subsequent birth of a live healthy current Thamin Eld’s deer fawn at
Khao Kheaw Open Zoo by IVF/ET in 2011. At present, ther has been attempts to develop AI and
IVF/ET in fishing cats, leopard cats and clouded leopards. Other advanced ongoing cloning and stem
cell research have been conducted in collaboration with academic partners for therapeutic and
reproductive purposes, which are also applicable for wildlife conservation. Remaining challenges for
ARTs in wildlife include lack of knowledge about reproductive biology of species, risk of anesthesia
and how to minimize stress in breeding animals. In conclusions, recent progress of ARTs shows
promising application in Thai wildlife conservation. Combining basic to advanced technologies with
comprehensive breeding program would strengthen population management for endangered species.
Key words: Assisted reproductive technology, Conservation, Wildlife
G-11
Introduction of the Central Zoo, DPR of Korea
Yun Nyo Jun
The Central Zoo, DPRK
Abstract: The Central Zoo was established on April 30, 1959 under the direct initiative and wise
leadership of the President Kim Il Sung therefore it has more than 50 years of history. It is 100
hectares in area and known as a wildlife conservation centre in DPR of Korea. The Central Zoo is a
historical place where the President Kim Il Sung has visited for 20 times, and the General Kim Jong
Il has visited for 27 times during their lifetime since the establishment of the Zoo and the Marshal Kim
Jong Un has visited 4 times. And still the Central Zoo is under a great concern of our government and
party.
The Central Zoo has the animals presented and donated to the great generalissimos Kim Il Sung and
Kim Jong Il and the respected Marshal Kim Jong Un by many heads of the States and Parties of the
world, the foreign figures of all strata and overseas Koreans. And the offspring of the presented and
donated animals are continuing their reproduction.
Thanks to the wise leadership of the great generalissimos and under the deep care of the respected
Marshal, the Central Zoo is carrying out its mission as the cultural and recreational place for the people,
the educational centre for the schoolchildren and the scientific research centre for the conservation of
the animal species.
The Central Zoo opens at 9 o’clock in the morning and closes at 6 o’clock in the afternoon and it
provides everything necessary for the visitors’ recreation and convenience including the wagonett
service and animal feats show. The Central Zoo provides stuffed specimens to the schools and
universities for educational purpose and also organizes animal preservation and observation
programme for the schoolchildren. It regularly introduces and advertises the animals by media and
organizes practical training programme for the veterinarians and zoologists, and the students majoring
in the animal.
There is a Research Institute for the Animal Breeding and a veterinary hospital which has many
competent researchers and veterinarians including the Doctors and Masters. There we carry out
research for the animal conservation and breeding and gives medical treatment to the injured or
infected animals.
Furthermore, the Central Zoo maintains the record system for all the animals in the country and
regularly organizes the Release-to-the-wild programme in which releases the animals, reproducted and
bred in the zoo to the wild.
The Central Zoo put its emphasis on the conservation and exhibition of the animals to meet the
mission of the zoo and bred more than 8,000 animals of over 700 species in 40 animal houses.
There are 180 species of mammals, 290 species of birds, 52 species of reptiles and amphibians and 178
species of fishes in the Central Zoo.
The Central Zoo makes final decision on all affairs in the management and operation related with the
animals and zoos in DPR of Korea. It is the governing body for all of the zoos in our country and it
plays a role as a headquarters of the national zoo association in DPR of Korea.
Therefore its name has the term, “Central”. It provides animals, zoologists and veterinarians to other
zoos in the country, and organizes a training and re-educational program for the veterinarians and
zoologists.
It also widely carries out the technological exchange for the animal breeding with the zoos in other
countries like Kuwait, Sweden and China,
The respected Marshal Kim Jong Un gave instructions on reconstruction and modernization of the zoo
and showed the direction and way in details for the reconstruction during his visit to the zoo on May
26, 2012.
He visited reconstruction site of the Central Zoo again on March 11, 2014 and took all the measures to
solve the problems arisen from the reconstruction. The respected Marshal Kim Jong Un said the
Central Zoo should join WAZA in order to further facilitate the conservation of the wildlife and to
promote the joint research on the animals.
Under the great concern and care of the great generalissimos and the respected Marshal, the Central
Zoo turned into an animal conservation centre for the wildlife, a cultural life centre for the people and
an animal educational centre for the schoolchildren.
Conservation
and Research Session
H-01
Wetland assessment for carrying capacity of Eastern sarus crane by habitat suitability index
(HSI) in Burirum province, Thailand
Nuchjaree Purchkoon1, Piyakarn Teartisup
2 and Boripat Siriaroonrat
1
1Bureau of Conservation and Research, Zoological Park Organization
2Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University
Abstract: This study aimed to identify the suitable habitats for the Eastern Sarus Crane (ESC)
population that have been reintroduced to natural wetland (2008-present). The national wetlands
reserve in Burirum province were selected as the study area and analyzed regarding two factors and ten
indicators that affect habitat selection for the cranes. All data were analyzed using correlation and
suitable value index (SI) to produce a habitat suitability map and assessing the wetland suitability for
carrying capacity to ESC in the future. The results show that the frequency of ESC appearances in
study area is highly correlated with the distances to the middle-large water bodies (p<0.01) at
correlation efficient of 0.965. The majority of study area of 2484.29 km2 (54.41%) are highly suitable
habitat for ESC, moderately suitable are covered 1828.05 km2 (40.12%) and the less suitability is
244.73 km2 (5.37%) with the 90% confidence. Results from this study provide benefit on the
ecological factors of Eastern Sarus Crane. Although the assessment is not yet complete, data can be
used for the prediction and management of the wetland areas suitable for supporting the reintroduce
population of Eastern Sarus Crane in the future
Key words: Spatial model, Habitat suitability, Eastern Sarus Crane
H-02
AVILON ZOO and Philippine Biodiversity Conservation
The AVILON Wild.C.A.R.E. Program
EMMANUEL F. RAFAEL
Curator and Conservation Program Director
AVILON Wild.C.A.R.E. Program
AVILON Wildlife Conservation Foundation
AVILON ZOO, Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines
Abstract: The Philippines is one of the “megadiverse” countries of the world, with a remarkable level
of species endemicity. However, the country is also listed as a “biodiversity hotspot” with a
significant number of its wildlife and habitat under threat. The AVILON Wildlife Conservation
Foundation is a non-profit organization that is committed to significantly contribute to biodiversity and
wildlife conservation efforts in the Philippines. AVILON WCF runs both AVILON ZOO in
Rodriguez, Rizal and ARK AVILON ZOO in Pasig City. AVILON WCF launched the AVILON
Wild.C.A.R.E. (Wildlife.Conservation.Action.Research.Education) Program, a conservation
science protocol aimed at developing and implementing wildlife conservation research and education
projects. The program’s mission is to conduct biodiversity surveys and ecological studies in selected
critical habitats in the Philippines, to implement in situ - ex situ research and conservation breeding
projects involving selected Philippine indigenous wildlife and to actively and effectively promote
Philippine biodiversity and wildlife conservation action through education.
H-03
MENTAWAI: A MULTIMEDIA MICROCOSM OF PRIMATE EXTINCTION
RICHARD TENAZA1, LINDA BURMAN-HALL
2
1University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, USA
2University of California, Santa Cruz, California, USA
Abstract: The Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra are home to six species of endemic
primates, giving this small archipelago the highest density of endemic primate species per unit land
area in the world. This presentation is a 7-minute excerpt of a 55-minute production illustrating how
logging, hunting, and habitat conversion are driving Mentawai’s primates toward extinction. Songs
of the gibbons, leaf monkeys, and macaques are background music for the tragic tale. This
unnarrated exposition relies on photos and audio recordings to tell the story and awaken emotions.
When I began studying Mentawai primates in 1970 their loud calls dominated the rain forest’s sonic
milieu, but year by year their calling has diminished as primate numbers plummeted with the vanishing
rain forest. Multimedia expositions like this one can capture the concern of some zoo visitors and
perhaps rouse them emotionally to our need for their support to conserve wildlife both in situ and ex
situ. Linda Burman-Hall created this multimedia presentation from Richard Tenaza’s story, photos,
and sound recordings made over a period of more than forty years and augmented by some of her own
video footage made in the field in 2011.
H-04
Foraging behavior of Gorals (Naemorhedus griseus) reintroduced to Maelao-Maesae Wildlife
Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Krannipha Chairat1, Keeta Korkusol
1, Nithidol Buranapim
2, Adisorn Kongphoemphun
3and Romyen
Thongsibsong4
1Bureau Conversation Research and Education, Zoological Park Organization Thailand
2Chiang Mai Zoo, Zoolpgical park Organization Thailand
3Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary (Department of Nationnal Park, Wildlife and plant conservation)
4Maelao-Maesae Wildlife Sanctuary (Department of Nationnal Park , Wildlife and plant conservation)
Abstract: The study of goral (Naemorhedus griseus) foraging behavior in Maelao-Maesae Wildlife
Sanctuary, Chiang Mai was completed using simple observation method and radio telemetry in soft
release area and a reintroduction area of 200 rai (32 hectare) of natural forest. According to simple
observation and survey method, there are three types of forest suitable for goral; 1) mixed deciduous
forest; 2) dry dipterocarp forest; and 3) coniferous forest. From habitat and foraging selection, the
foraging bevaviors were concentrated in mixed deciduous forest and dry dipterocarp forest,
respectively. Moreover, the examination of foraging selection of goral from June 2013 to May 2014,
both in soft release and in nature revealed that goral spend about 5% of its time foraging. In rainy
season (May-October), it was noticed that the foraging frequency has reached its peak of 61.7%, while
in dry season (November - April) the foraging has dropped to 38.6%. The study also found that found
that foraging happened in the afternoon (30.2%), morning (26.4%), late morning (22.2%) and evening
(21.2%) respectively. Furthermore, simple observation and survey indicated that forage plant of goral
consisted of at least 17 species of plants in 13 families. Out of the observed species of plant, blady
grass (Imperata cylindrical) is the most frequently selected (19.3%), followed by Panicum notatum
(17.5%), sprout of plants in families Fagaceae (10.5%), Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea 7.9%),
Sterculia thorelii (7.0%), unknown in families Gramineae (6.1%), Aristolochia sp. (4.4%), and Indian
Gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica 2.6%) respectively. Therefore, this is an essential primary data,
which will serve as basic information for future estimated habitat utilization focusing on gorals’ choice
of forage in post-reintroduction period. Our study contributes to goral conservation and other
important wildlife species in the other protected areas.
H-05
“One Conservation” in Zoos Worldwide: In Situ/ Ex Situ Conservation at ZOORASIA
Yokohama Zoological Gardens, Japan
Koichi MURATA
DVM, PhD., ZOORASIA Yokohama Zoological Gardens/College of Bioresource Sciences, Nihon
University
Abstract: In ZOORASIA Yokohama Zoological Gardens, 728 animals that belong to 105 species are
kept. Of these animals, 35 species are listed in several categories in the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species; 4 species, 4th Red Data Book of the Ministry of the Environment Government Japan; and 3
species, designated as Special Natural Monument of Japan. The zoo is engaged in the in situ/ex situ
conservation of these endangered species. International cooperation projects linked with in situ
conservation such as a wildlife conservation project with the Uganda Wildlife Education Center in East
Africa has been carried out cooperatively with the Kanazawa Zoo and Nogeyama Zoo in Yokohama
since 2008. The zoo is involved in a captive breeding and reintroduction project for the Bali Mynah
(Leucopsar rothschildi), an endangered species in Indonesia; this project is being conducted in
collaboration with the Bali National Park at the Preservation and Research Center located next to
ZOORASIA. This center also supports other in situ/ex situ conservation projects by conducting not
only captive breeding but also molecular biological and endocrinological studies, for example, projects
for Kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) and Notou (Ducula goliath) in collaboration with the New Caledonia
Government.
Although ZOORASIA and other zoos in Yokohama are involved in regional and international
conservation of various species, it is not possible to maintain captive populations of all species
regarding to genetic variation for the long period. This is because of the problems of obtaining young
individuals belonging to different genetic lines of the existing captive population and of expanding the
facilities for breeding. This problem was already pointed out more than 40 years ago, but there has
been no resolution to date. A strong and creative collaboration network between zoos worldwide,
especially in Asia, is required for the conservation of endangered species.
I believe a new framework is needed for the goals of biodiversity in the international zoo network, and
I call it “One Conservation” in one world. This framework simply means that we should always think
about the conservation of not just one endangered species but the global ecosystem, in which Homo
sapiens is a constructional element.
