it's in your nature
Elephants live longer in wild than zoos
To read the article posted on CNN's site - please follow link below:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28180729/
I thought this was a really interesting article....many folks believe that the majority of zoos are not properly set-up to support an elephant with space problems, enrichments issues, company for the elephant (some zoo's only have 1).
I myself am really torn....while I'd love to say Yes they live longer in the wild because that's where they belong - release all the elephants.....I can't because of the un-ending poaching (even in "protected" reserves), poisoning by farmers, war torn areas, etc. I really wish there were an easy answer to this heartbreaking problem. Even if I couldn't "see" them when at the zoo - I'd be happy knowing that they were wild and free and SAFE.
What do you think????
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28180729/
I thought this was a really interesting article....many folks believe that the majority of zoos are not properly set-up to support an elephant with space problems, enrichments issues, company for the elephant (some zoo's only have 1).
I myself am really torn....while I'd love to say Yes they live longer in the wild because that's where they belong - release all the elephants.....I can't because of the un-ending poaching (even in "protected" reserves), poisoning by farmers, war torn areas, etc. I really wish there were an easy answer to this heartbreaking problem. Even if I couldn't "see" them when at the zoo - I'd be happy knowing that they were wild and free and SAFE.
What do you think????
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Permalink Reply by Lisa on -
read this in our paper today. also in the article is that zookeepers are angered by the report claiming that the data used to compile it was outdated. Dont know how to respond but I think more actual research would have to be done. maybe the conditions of captivity play a large role ie. a small poorly run zoo vs larger ones or sanctuaries?
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Permalink Reply by Marie on -
Since I did volunteer at a zoo, I saw so many changes with the way elephants are being kept and enriched then they were before. Good zoos are trying to enrich their elephants and keep them active more to have a more happy and naturalistic life as captivity could possibly give them. More naturalistic exhibits and more enriching activities that helps them to mimic more naturalistic behaviors is the best option in zoos for their ellies. A happy and enriched elephant would have a happy and long life. I believe more research should be done in the field of captive elephant enrichment. And this is happening everyday. It is possible that the data used in this study might be pretty old as well but I can't be the judge of that because I have not seen the data used. And believe me when I say that zoos are trying hard to turn a complete 360 from what they were just 100 years ago; from entertainment to a key in conservation.
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UK tour raises some great questions
Some great questions have been raised by University students during my recent lecture tour in the UK, which have focused our thoughts on the direction of the ILP for the next years. Sure, we’re growing rapidly but it’s important to ensure that we focus on our core aims first and foremost. The object of our research is to gather data on the density and behaviour of leopards (and other carnivores) outside of formally protected areas. And why? Well it is in these areas (the largest land mass of South Africa) that leopards are in conflict with humans and in these areas where they are the last of the big five remaining truly wild.
So how can we conserve the dwindling leopard population. As said, first we need data, but also we need to develop wildlife management methods and techniques. Within this we need to become more than a pure research project and tackle some of the other issues. Education is undoubtedly a major factor. We need to get the message across in the right way. But we also need to develop and employ pragmatic management solutions. We will need a holding facility to temporarily detain problem animals, sufficient to give us time to ensure that any relocation does not compromise the genetic dynamics of an area and importantly that we do not create a problem in that area. Whether that be with local livestock, people, or other leopards.
All of this will mean we need more staff. Dedicated people who have a passion for wildlife conservation. We’ll also need more funding. But here is where we can offer something a little different. We want to create an ILP membership scheme (say$8 annual fee). However rather then just ask for a membership fee, in return we want to offer something more than a badge or membership card. Membership will then entitle folks to a 10% discount off an African Conservation Safari. As with everything we do, we look to our friends to give us their input and feedback, so if you have any thoughts on this concept then I'd love to hear from you.
Written by Will Fox
Honey Badgers - You have to love them
Finally we have some news on our Honey Badger project. As you may know we have been holding two troublesome honey badgers, that were killing Geese on a farm and removed before they could get into even deeper trouble. Of-course we have been waiting for permits but (in this case), that is no bad thing. It has provided time for the badgers to loose their homing instinct to that farm (otherwise they would just head home and into more trouble). It's also given us time to arrange for tracking equipment. In this regard, we took lots of advice from badger specialists before deciding on a two pronged approach to tracking these animals that roam in very large areas.
Firstly, one of the badgers had a radio transceiver implant yesterday (unobtrusive low range device placed under the skin by a vet), and second they will each be given VHF collars before release. Of-course with such tenacious animals the collars won't last long before the badgers have destroyed and discarded them, but by that time we hope to have logged their new home range and have an idea of where to find them. Thereafter the implant (which has only a small range) will help us to monitor the badgers for the next year or so and gather much needed data on Honey Badgers living outside of formally protected area's. You've heard it before, but these are the area's where all carnivores at the biggest and imminent risk from human conflict. So we very much hope that these two will be only the first of many, so that our study results can hep formulate pragmatic conservation policies.
For now, the badgers will be monitored at Moholoholo wildlife rehabilitation centre for another twelve days and then we'll release them into a wild area. Where we hope they'll stay out of trouble. Yea I know, fat chance of that. Badgers just seem to look for trouble. I have to be honest, it's why I love them.
Written by Will Fox
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