Original: Animal Biology and Behavior. Zoo reproduction.
What does it mean to be an expert?
This should be an easy question to answer. An expert is a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area. A surgeon who has performed 2,000 heart surgeries is unquestionably an expert. A long-haul truck driver who has logged 1000’s of hours driving is an expert. How about a teacher who has spent 10 years in the classroom or a zookeeper who has worked with animals for 20 years? Are they experts? Yes, but perhaps their true expertise can be found in a particular part of the job. For example, a zookeeper who has primarily worked with birds would not have the expertise in caring for tigers, but they would still be more of an animal expert than a lawyer. However, what if the lawyer loves animals and through research of animal law cases found themselves believing that animals deserve personhood. The lawyer has never actually spent time with an animal but takes on cases that advance animal rights. Now is that lawyer an expert in animals?
Source: https://www.iaapa.org/news/iaapa-responds-tripadvisor
Dear Mr. Kaufer:
On behalf of IAAPA, the global association for the attractions industry, and our more than 6,000 members around the world, we are deeply disappointed and concerned about TripAdvisor’s recent decision to no longer sell tickets to attractions with cetaceans in professional care. The decision does not consider the ongoing and unwavering commitment to the overall welfare, health and care of these animals.
Source: http://zoos.media/media-echo/tripadvisor-abandons-science-animal-welfare-conservation/?lang=en
Author: Philipp J. Kroiß
TripAdvisor abandons science, animal welfare & conservation
TripAdvisor caves in to the populism of the animal rights industry and ignores science, animal welfare, and conservation. For a long time, they made good profits from zoological institutions and now they betrayed them and publish a statement on their blog which is against every fact in the whole issue. Travelers should be very careful that they won’t betrayed by this questionable tour operator just like the conservation centers were now.
Source: https://www.americanhumane.org/press-release/new-tripadvisor-policy-is-ill-advised/
Author: American Humane
In Face of Sixth Mass Extinction, American Humane Asks TripAdvisor to Reverse Decision
Author: AZA
The travel and tourism website TripAdvisor today announced a new prohibitive booking policy, noting it will no longer sell tickets to any facility caring for cetaceans – dolphins and whales – unless the facility agrees to let their current residents be the last to live at those facilities. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) condemns TripAdvisor’s new policy and stands behind every AZA-accredited member who cares for dolphins and whales. Dan Ashe, AZA President and CEO, issued the following statement:
Source: https://vocal.media/petlife/the-questionable-ethics-of-ingrid-visser
Author: JENNA DEEDY
A controversial New Zealand-based whale researcher’s latest PR move raises eyebrows among members of the zoo community in terms of her questionable ethics.
Ingrid Visser is a New Zealand born whale researcher who is known for her work on wild killer whale populations, in both her native New Zealand, and in other parts of the southern hemisphere. She has an anti-zoo agenda as well—It is of one that involves her traveling to zoological facilities that house orcas, by taking photos of them in order to pass them off as “evidence” of “abuse.”
Yet, she is also known for some of her questionable methods of “research” practices that have put her under some scrutiny in recent years, and it all shows in her latest PR move that involves an ongoing lawsuit filed against SeaWorld.
Author: Kai Honua
On October 2, 2019, TripAdvisor and its subsidiary Viator announced that it would no longer sell tickets to or profit from any tourist destinations that house, breed, or import captive whales and dolphins. This move comes after other major travel companies such as Thomas Cook and Virgin Airlines cut ties with SeaWorld and other marine parks. The company now openly advocates for the transfer of all captive cetaceans to seaside sanctuaries, and will no longer support any institution that houses cetaceans in a zoological setting.
According to TripAdvisor, the decision comes from an “extensive consultation process with a range of experts, including marine biologists, zoologists and conservationists, and considered the scientific evidence and arguments presented from all sides.” However, the fact that the company’s press release contains statements from openly anti-captivity sources, including PETA affiliates, calls into question the extent to which TripAdvisor conducted a fair and impartial search for the truth.
Link: https://petlife.media/loro-parque-shares-an-update-on-ula-debunks-extremist-claims
Source: https://www.ryanair.com/try-somewhere-new/gb/en/travel-guides/ten-out-of-10-for-tenerife/
This article originally appeared Belfast Telegraph.
Tenerife has completely altered my perception of a Spanish holiday and I can’t wait to go back.
Situated off the north-west coast of Africa, the island is blessed with good weather all year round and as it’s just four-and-a-half hours away from Belfast with Ryanair, it’s no surprise it’s such a hit with families here.
After the presents are unwrapped and the eggnog is empty, it's time to think of getting out of the house and embarking on an amazing local adventure. With the kids still home from school and out-of-town relatives lingering, visiting your local zoo is a perfect post-Christmas family activity. All the more so given Dec. 27th is Visit the Zoo Day.
The Loro Parque Foundation recently held the annual meeting of its Advisory Committee, which has decided how to distribute the $1,000,000 that the Foundation dedicates each year to nature conservation projects carried out in the five continents. The meeting took place in Puerto de La Cruz, the city where both the non-profit organisation and its main sponsor, Loro Parque, are based.
A recent study, funded by the Loro Parque Foundation and initiated with the orcas of Loro Parque, has made it possible to determine the personality structure of cetaceans. Recently published in the Journal of Comparative Psychology, it’s a pioneering project, as it’s the first time in history that the personality of these animals has been studied.
Versele-Laga and Loro Parque Fundación have agreed to extend and enhance their cooperation. That was announced during the International Parrot Convention in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife. More than 16 years ago, they joined forces, with a shared vision of nature conservation as starting point. Meanwhile, the connection between the non-profit association and the manufacturer of premium bird food is stronger than ever.
Source: https://globalnews.ca/news/4442164/scientists-sick-orca-j50-treatment/
With the condition of sick orca J50 growing increasingly dire, scientists are now considering a last-ditch plan to capture the emaciated killer whale for treatment.
“Most of us think J50 is really sick,” Vancouver Aquarium head veterinarian Martin Haulena said.
“She is in such poor body condition that every other whale that has ever looked like her has already passed away.”
Source: http://www.waza.org/en/site/news-events/news/waza-statement-on-recent-thomas-cook-decision
WAZA statement regarding Thomas Cook's decision to ban trips to Loro Parque and SeaWorld
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) believes the Thomas Cook travel agency failed to consider the significant global conservation impact of SeaWorld and Loro Parque, as well as their continued dedication to high levels of welfare for animals in their care, when it announced this week that it would no longer include the marine parks in its travel packages.
Exclusively for zoos.media – 2nd of July in 2018. Author: Philipp J. Kroiß
Dolphinariums and other whale husbandries played a key role in bycatch reduction research. The article portrays the important research by Prof Boris Culik from Germany.
Thanks to the pioneering research of Professor Boris Culik, F³ (Heikendorf, Germany) there are now devices available that, attached to nets, can reduce porpoise bycatch by more than 70%. This would never have been possible without modern and animal-friendly whale husbandries.
Source: http://kuow.org/post/3-fascinating-orca-facts-we-didnt-know
In honor of Orca Awareness Month in Washington state, here are three facts about orcas we didn't know before, courtesy of a talk by Prof. Jason Colby of the University of Victoria.
Source: http://www.adana.co.jp/en/aquajournal/ada_spain_001/
Source: http://awesomeocean.com/guest-columns/loro-parque-foundation-is-saving-whole-species/
By Sarah Sharkey
The Loro Parque Foundation has been able to save nine parrot species from extinction. That’s right, nine! An impressive number that has earned them the reputation of the most effective non-profit organization in the area.
Moscow Zoo and Loro Parque to host 76th and 77th WAZA Annual Conferences.
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) will extend its reach across Europe with the selection of annual conference hosts for 2021 and 2022.
By: Robin de Vries
LEAD PARAGRAPH
The orca or killer whale Orcas or killer whales (Orcinus orca) are the largest species of the dolphin family. Unmistakable in size and appearance, the orca is a public favorite among many people. It is a large but agile species of marine mammal with a unique black and white pattern. Located above the eye is a characteristic white marking called “the eyepatch” that is often mistaken by people for the eye of the animal. Scientists believe that this is actually the purpose of the eyepatch in nature as well where any predator or rival will mistake it for the eye and therefore the actual eye is protected from harm. In males the dorsal and pectoral fins are of an incredibly large size with some males growing a dorsal fin which is over 2 meters in length! Orcas are ruthless hunters with the largest variety in diet of all marine mammals and a position in the top of the food chain which they achieve by coordinated hunting in groups.
Naruto, the macaque who lived on the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, became famous in 2011 when he picked up an unattended camera and started snapping selfies, peering into the camera with a wide, big-toothed grin.
Source: http://fortune.com/2018/04/22/earth-day-2018-ocean-plastic-pollution-zoo-aquarium/
The death last month of the world’s last remaining male northern white rhinoceros was a red flag for the conservation movement and animal lovers everywhere. It was just the latest reminder of the precarious state of major fauna around the world: There are roughly 1,700 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, or fish that are critically endangered.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2018-04-menageries-zoo-aquarium-high-output.html
Most of us think of zoos and aquariums as family destinations: educational but fun diversions for our animal-loving kids. But modern zoos and aquariums are much more than menageries. According to a new study, the institutions are increasingly contributing to our knowledge base on biodiversity conservation and other scientific topics.
The recent death of the last male Northern white rhinoceros — and the imminent extinction of the vaquita porpoise — is a stark reminder we are not going to win every battle to save endangered species in the wild. We can rescue some from total extinction — and have already — but only with the help of zoos and aquariums.
Wildlife populations are increasingly under stress from human activities and their impact on the environment. Population growth, habitat destruction and wildlife poaching — whether for sustenance or profit — are among the largest threats contributing to their extinction.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/news/2018/mar/12/what-is-biodiversity-and-why-does-it-matter-to-us
The air you breathe, the water you drink and the food you eat all rely on biodiversity, but right now it is in crisis – because of us. What does this mean for our future and can we stop it?
by Damian Carrington Environment editor
BY ROBIN GANZERT, OPINION CONTRIBUTOR — 03/03/18 08:00 AM EST
How many years do we have left to share the earth with tigers, leopards, and jaguars? At the current rate of extinction, not many. Amur leopards, Iberian lynxes, Asiatic cheetahs, and South China tigers each have global populations of a couple hundred or fewer. Several other big cat species only have total populations in the three digits. Tiger populations have fallen by 95 percent over the last 100 years, and African lion populations have dropped by nearly half over the last 20.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.de/philipp-j-kroia/wissenschaft-delfine-meeressauger_b_15154720.html
Last year, 86 scientists from around the world signed a declaration in the defense of conservation of the dolphins. Unlike what some might think, these are not primarily employees of zoos or their associated foundations: which together would represent approx. 20 signatures of the total.
The largest groups are scientists and independent experts. The vast majority of signatories are employees of similar independent universities and institutions, from Harvard to St. Andrews and Berlin. The list is called “Who Is Who” of the marine mammal researchers nowadays.
marine mammal researchers nowadays.
Thousands of visitors are reached each day by Loro Park with its educational Orcashows.
Source: http://www.theirishworld.com/big-increase-stranded-whales-dolphins/
The number of dolphins and whales washing up on Irish coasts reached record levels last year, according to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG)
Some 263 cetacean strandings were reported around all of Ireland, 44 more than the last highest level in 2013.
Source: https://aeon.co/ideas/stop-boycotting-seaworld-if-you-care-about-marine-conservation
In 2010, the death of Dawn Brancheau, a trainer at SeaWorld Orlando, focused attention on the entertainment groups’ orca (or killer whale) shows. The subsequent release of the documentary Blackfish (2013) detailing captive breeding and training at SeaWorld shifted public perception of dolphin and whale shows from entertainment to something akin to enslavement. SeaWorld was particularly slow to respond to concerns and critiques regarding their orca programming, going from a defensive and defiant group unwilling to do more than expand orca enclosures in 2015 to a more conciliatory announcement that they would stop their orca breeding programme and drastically change the format of their shows in 2016. Despite these changes, the company has continued to lose revenue. SeaWorld posted declining attendance in 2017, down 15 per cent compared with the same quarter in 2016. This drop in attendance resulted in a revenue difference of $33.9 million.
Source: https://ijr.com/opinion/2017/12/267189-live-animal-attractions-humane/
Not that long ago, picking a hotel was a fairly uncomplicated — even downright boring — affair. Travelers made choices based on price and location, checked in, hoped for a clean, quiet room and a soft bed, and paid their tab in the morning — hopefully satisfied and likely to return on the next trip.
Source: http://www.inparkmagazine.com/poema-del-mar-opening/
The long-awaited opening of Poema del Mar, an innovative aquarium developed by the company Loro Parque, took place on Sunday, 17th December in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Located next to the Cruise Ship Pier in the Sanapu Dock, only 200 meters away from the famous Las Canteras Beach, the aquarium has illuminated the center of the capital of the island with multi-colored shark silhouettes on the façade of the building.
Source: https://www.10news.com/news/seaworld-san-diego-saved-nearly-1000-animals-in-2017
SAN DIEGO (CNS) - SeaWorld San Diego announced Wednesday that its rescue team provided assistance to nearly 1,000 birds and marine mammals this year, while urging the public to continue to report animals in distress.
Source: humanewatch.org
Have you seen the ads on TV with the slow piano music and the tear-jerking images of cats and dogs? Ever gotten a letter in the mail asking for a donation to help needy pets? You may be shocked to learn that the group behind these solicitations, the Humane Society of the United States, is actually not affiliated with your local humane society pet shelter, and runs zero pet shelters.
Orca whales are on a path to extinction within a century unless they get a big increase of chinook salmon to eat, and significantly quieter seas in which to find their food, a new study has found.
When examining claims in the scientific press one always tend to look to whether or not the evidence that this is based on has been subject to peer review. Science journalism can be something of a mixed bag and with the ever increasing need to produce headlines that will generate attention (clickbait) and advertising revenue.
A recent scientific paper has highlighted the relationship between food scarcity and low reproduction of one of the North Pacific killer whale populations. These are the southern resident killer whales, a subpopulation of three pods that feed primarily on salmon and live permanently on the shores of Washington State and British Columbia.
Animal activists have turned the plea of sick and injured animals into big business.
In 2015, PETA raised over $48 million dollars, HSUS raised over $178 million and the ASPCA raised over $138 million. This big business relies on exploiting the plight of animals to get people to open their wallets.
American Humane, America’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare and well-being, announcedthat Loro Parqueachieved certification from the global American Humane Conservation program. Loro Parque, the 33-acre zoo in Puerto de la Cruz,passed a rigorous third-party audit to become the first institution in Europe to earn the program’s prestigious Humane Certified™ seal of approval.
The shooting of a gorilla earlier this year reignited the debate about whether animals should be kept in captivity, but we must remember the essential work that good zoos do
The discovery of a new roosting site for Blue-throated Macaw Ara glaucogularis coupled with an innovative and successful programme geared towards promoting the use of artificial feathers in ceremonial headdresses, gives renewed hope for the survival of this charismatic parrot.
The Southern Resident Killer Whales are dying. It is happening now, it is happening quickly, and it is happening before our eyes.
Last week, we discussed advancements in animal training with Dr. Grey Stafford. In this interview, I asked Dr. Stafford about SeaWorld’s decision to end the Orca breeding program.
Zoos are often the best hope or even last hope for the survival of a species, especially if they are threatened or endangered. Recently, a study conducted by University of Lyon and University of Zurich researchers found that 80% of the mammals studied lived longer in a zoological setting than their wild counterparts. The study analyzed zoological databases and included over 50 different mammal species. Here are six reasons why these animals live longer in zoos.
No one is certain of the total number of orcas (otherwise known as "killer whales") that exist in the wild. However, estimates are now around 100,000, and populations are dwindling. In Washington State's Puget Sound and San Juan Islands, the once-large population of orcas has declined to around 80 whales, and the Puget Sound orcas are on the US government's endangered species list.
No one is certain of the total number of orcas (otherwise known as "killer whales") that exist in the wild. However, estimates are now around 100,000, and populations are dwindling. In Washington State's Puget Sound and San Juan Islands, the once-large population of orcas has declined to around 80 whales, and the Puget Sound orcas are on the US government's endangered species list.
Conservationists say the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion project poses the greatest risk yet to a killer whale population on the edge of extinction On one shore there are snow-capped mountains. On the other side loom towering skyscrapers.
My name is Tim Morrow, and I’m the CEO of the San Antonio Zoo. You may be asking yourself why the San Antonio Zoo is submitting an article to The University Star. Well, the reasons are important and species survival is at stake. To allow misinformation to go unchecked is not only dangerous, but would be irresponsible to our planet and to the mission of the San Antonio Zoo and all other accredited zoos and aquariums.
A few days ago, PETA’s Vegan blog published an article about dolphin Annessa, with the aim of convincing people that they should support Morgan’s release. They used the example of dolphin Annessa trying to demonstrate that those dolphins that are born under human care can be reintroduced into their natural habitat. They say that Annessa was seen all the time and that she is supposed to be 36 years old. We are moved by how facts are distorted, since that information reported by a girl named Tanja (supposedly Dr. Tanja Breining) does not correspond to the truth.
Original article: http://zoonation.org/zoophobia-an-alternate-reality/
Unfortunately, today we live in an age of ignorance and the misrepresentation of science by animal rights groups. Additionally, this has been propelled by the media, social media, and now by business owners. The latest announcement regarding unlikely partnerships is not the first time a company has been guided by public opinion. Unfortunately we are living in an alternate reality where public opinion matters more than science, so much that an era of zoophobia has begun.
Scotland isn’t exactly the first place a person thinks of when worrying about getting a sunburn. However, a dolphin affectionately known as “Spirtle” has proved that sunburns can happen anywhere and on any animal. And we’re talking about a really bad sunburn.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In 2010, the juvenile female killer whale (Orcinus orca) named “Morgan” was rescued by marine animal health professionals at Dolfinarium, Harderwijk from shallow waters on the Dutch coast at the request of the Dutch Government. Over the course of a year with constant expert care, Morgan was rehabilitated and her health restored, and after thorough and repeated review and due diligence by the Dutch Courts, The Dutch Government determined that Morgan was non-releasable and issued a CITES permit authorizing her transfer in 2011to Loro Parque, a professionally accredited zoological park on the island of Tenerife, Spain to join five other killer whales. Upon arrival at Loro Parque, and under a comprehensive behavioural and veterinary care program, Morgan integrated rapidly and smoothly into the existing social group.
On certain Wednesday mornings, we must contend with questions. Which is better: the new or the old? Risk or acceptance? A life of comfortable confinement—or true freedom, and its attendant dangers?
Our love for the animals and the concern for their future and well-being require that we are very cautious about giving out opinions. Even so, with respect to the press release issued by SeaWorld on 17th March 2016, Loro Parque declares the following:
Today, 10th March 2016, very early in the morning, the Aquarium of the best Zoo in Europe welcomed seven baby Sandbar sharks. After a gestation period of 12 months, the female of the Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) “Gara” gave birth to seven perfectly healthy pups.
Our love for the animals and the concern for their future and well-being require that we are very cautious about giving out opinions. Even so, with respect to the press release issued by SeaWorld on 17th March 2016, Loro Parque declares the following:
Loro Parque continues to strengthen its commitment to constant innovation in the conservation labours of biodiversity and awareness rising of the importance of environmental protection. To this end, on Friday afternoon, 29th April, the zoo celebrated the inauguration of the new and fascinating Aviaries of South America and the arrival of the Red Pandas, Annapurna and Posee.
This week, Loro Parque welcomed the German paratriathlete Markus Häusling, a renowned sportsman in his country who has a professional sporting career full of successes. Some recognitions stand out among his award, as the Silver Medal in Middle Distance during the European Championship 2014 and the ninth position in the World Championship 2013.
Loro Parque strengthens its commitment to research by hosting the first non-invasive tagging test on cetaceans by placing an innovative belt at the end Keto’s tail.
Loro Parque Fundación has recently achieved a new international success in its conservation and protection labour in nature. This week nine specimens of Lear’s macaw, born and raised in Tenerife, were shipped to its native Brazil to reunite with their companions. It is the most significant repatriation ever made to Brazil of these critically endangered macaws thanks to Loro Parque Fundación’s breeding centre after ten years participating in an international programme for their preservation. On February 24th, specimens will be welcomed by “Foz de Iguaçu” birds’ park’s technical manager, Dr. Yara Barros, accompanied by Juan Villalba-Macías, coordinator of Bioparque M’Boricuá and also a member of Loro Parque Fundación.
The family of Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) of Loro Parque return to their former area after a number of improvements in a renewed space that recreates the natural habitat of these carnivores mammals to the last detail.
With regard to the publication of Dolphin Project on the video platform Vimeo.com, Loro Parque declares the following:
The video represents just a few minutes of images of Morgan,right after the end of a regular presentation in OrcaOcean. It is absolutely illogical and absurd to assume that the length and the quality of such video would be sufficient to make a conclusion and declaration of such nature.
Loro Parque is happy to celebrate the perfect health and size of the sandbar sharks, which were born in March this year in the aquarium of the Best Zoo in Europe and second in the world, according to TripAdvisor.
In recent weeks we have witnessed different requests made to Loro Parque about the orcas, from various organizations that claim to defend the rights of animals. These requests are not based on evidence but are based on assumptions about the lack of animal welfare that have never been verified. The case of the Great Ape Project Spain organization is even more embarrassing, because their accusations have been proven false on several occasions.
Today, 10th March 2016, very early in the morning, the Aquarium of the best Zoo in Europe welcomed seven baby Sandbar sharks. After a gestation period of 12 months, the female of the Sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) “Gara” gave birth to seven perfectly healthy pups.
English 
Español 
Deutsch