Tapir Talk Archives

20 July 1997

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    ___  __                   Digest   20 July 1997 - Vol. 1, No. 42
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The Tapir Preservation Fund

The Tapir Gallery: http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/
Tapir Talk Archives and Info: http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/tt.htm
E-mail: tapir@tapirback.com
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TAPIR TALK   -  20 July 1997   -   Vol. 1, No. 42

Contents of this issue
    1. Response to jaguar letter
    2. Tapir paddock in Newquay Zoo, UK
    3. Response re: jaguar rehab




Return-Path: 
From: Michele Stansbury 
To: "'Tapir'" 
Subject: Tapir Talk RE: Help for Predators
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 1997 00:23:01 -0700

From: Mar-Ket Daze 
Subject: Re: Tapir Talk Digest - Plea for Help for Predators

Sheryl and Interested Readers,

As a long time ethologist, I better than anyone realize that ones favorite
species often develops a 'humanistic'  type quality.

>>> I find other species far more appealing without certain human qualities!

We don't want our favorites to really be a part of the normal cycle of life.

>>> I think we want very much for them to be a part of the normal cycle of
life in their natural habitat. Unfortunately, that cycle is much less
"normal" for most species, including tapirs, since the encroachment of
civilization.

However, the most integral part of life, is death.

>>>  Death of the individual is the inevitable consequence of life, but why
accelerate the extinction of a species already threatened by loss of habitat?

Having said this, I am looking for donations or at least perhaps some
suggestions as to how to fund the adoption of two young jaguars for our
rehabilitation program in Costa Rica.

Thus, we are eager to hear from anyone who may like to make a small
contribution to make this a reality. They have asked for a donation of sorts to 
turn these guys over to us. I'm certain that a couple of thousand dollars would 
more than cover all of the shipping expenses, etc.

>>>  I think jaguars are noble animals and deserve protection.  However,
given my limited funds, and the fact that I believe that the purpose of the
Tapir Preservation Fund is contraindicated by the rehabilitation of jaguars
at this time, I cannot donate to your cause.

>>> Michele Stansbury

Thanks for your concern.
Philip S. Ketover
Executive Director, ECO-TRUST FOUNDATION

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Return-Path: 
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 1997 05:23:06 -0400 (EDT)
From: JonBlount@aol.com
To: tapir@tapirback.com
Subject: Re: Tapir Talk Digest - 11 July 1997 - Vol. 1, No. 39

I've only recently been introduced to the Tapir Talk Digest (by a friend at
Jersey Zoo), who saw the mention of an enrichment study carried out at
Newquay Zoo, UK (where  I am the Curator).  I found the comments on
accommodation in Vol. 1, No. 39 very interesting and useful.  We have
recently improved our tapir paddock (currently housing one male T.terrestris)
to include a 'lake' of some 25m x 15m x 1.5m (deep).  In the centre of the
lake is an island with trees, inside accommodation, etc. for golden-headed
lion tamarins.   We also landscaped the tapir's large grassed paddock to
provide hillocks and troughs for screening.  The tapir's current inside
accommodation is to the rear of the paddock away from visitors.  This is
great for his seclusion, but obviously when he is indoors he is 'invisible'.
 I hope to get a slice of some grant-aid coming into the Zoo this winter to
build new inside accom. to the public-viewing side of the paddock, where
visitors will walk through a dark corridor so as not to disturb the tapir.

Incidentally, our male is still quite young, and we hope to introduce a
female next year.

Since the previous enrichment study (summer '96) that included hiding food
and the provision of scent stations, no research has yet been carried out in
this redeveloped enclosure.  However, anecdotally, I am convinved that he is
far more active since the inclusion of swimming opportunities.  He spends
much time in the water, and stays submerged and locomoting underwater for a
couple of minutes at a time.  His usual mode of entry involves approaching
the bank and cautiously leaning forward until he is committed to entering the
water, at which point he leaps in with a huge splash!  We have also noticed
that the in-flow pipe that fills the lake is a focus for attention.  He seems
to enjoy opening his mouth over the pipe and blasting his mouth / face, and
when he leaves the water he charges across the paddock at full speed.  At the
time of writing, a research project has just begun to test the value of
running water as enrichment.

I'll keep you posted!
Jon Blount

ps: Newquay Zoo is a relatively small (but we like to think up-and-coming!)
UK zoo, and I guess probably unknown to many readers of Tapir Talk Digest.
 Anyone who is interested in finding out more about us, please visit our web
site at... http://www.crescom.co.uk/newquayzoo/

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Return-Path: 
From: "Roberto Aguilar" 
To: "Tapir" 
Subject: Re: Tapir Talk Digest - 19 July 1997 - Vol. 1, No. 41
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 1997 09:40:30 -0500
X-MSMail-Priority: Normal

A few questions regarding the group and its activities. Are the jaguars
recovered being speciated down to sub-species? Are the animals of true
known origin being worked up genetically? Is the group associated to WSPA
or any other international humanitarian group. There is a possibility of
study of jaguars in Corcovado National Park through the National University
of Costa Rica. Is the group aware of this and would it benefit a rehab
group to work in collaboration of sucha a study? I know of possible
reintroduction programs and study programs with bad outcomes (i.e. the
Belize program). How could the repeating of these mistakes be avoided?

Please reply either in the Tapir Talk format or privately, if it suits you
better. 

Thanks
 
Roberto F. Aguilar
Senior Veterinarian
Audubon Park Zoo
6500 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA  70118    USA
Hospital - Tel. (504) 861-5109
Personal Ext. (504) 861-2537 ext. 246
FAX (504) 861-6164
email   RAguilar@auduboninstitute.org


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sheryl Todd  ~  The Tapir Gallery  ~  Tapir Preservation Fund    
http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/        tapir@tapirback.com 
Tapir Talk info & archives: http://www.tapirback.com/tapirgal/tt.htm
Co-Editor, IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group Newsletter
P.O. Box 1432, Palisade, CO 81526 USA    Fax (970) 464-0377
"Promoting the Welfare of Tapirs Everywhere"
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