[primate-net] Fwd: Problems at Taipei Zoo

[Guest guest]

Perhaps Rotterdam could help advise Taipei and get them on board with more

advanced husbandry issues as they've done with Shanghai, enabling that zoo to

get gorillas from the EEP population? Maybe this could be a great opportunity

to unite Chinese zoos to upgrade their zoos in general?

 

Just a thought. Jane

-

Hannah Barlow

Primate Net

Sunday, February 12, 2006 1:46 PM

[primate-net] Fwd: Problems at Taipei Zoo

 

 

If anyone can help by sending letters of support to John, it would be much

appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Hannah

 

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problems at taipeizoo

" john john " <jvs2353

Sun, February 12, 2006 9:13 am

hannah

--------

sorry to hear about what went down in jakarta,it must be disappointing to

say the least.

i'll get in touch with made about nigrescens.

 

today i'm writing about a different problem,it's about the provision of

bedding material and also browse at the taipeizoo...actually the lack of it. the

weather is cold here and on an IPPL visit we were dismayed to see that the zoo

still hasn't got it together on this score and the apes have only cold concrete

or wooden boards to sleep on. we met with the director and curators and they are

adamant that bedding and browse aren't necessary. before we go public with a

campaign we'd like to give them the opportunity to comply.and that's between the

dates 20th to 24th feb. so we're putting together some depositions from zoos

around the world to pressure taipeizoo into making the improvements.

hannah,would you and colin send me your opinion on three issues: 1) why bedding

is necessary.the benefits it brings such as behavioural enrichment and giving

them a comfortable night's sleep.also important is to specify the type of

material and how much of it. i say this because taipeizoo will give only the

minimum of something if they have to. 2)why browse provision has become standard

practice in the world's zoos,its benefits,how much, etc and why giving a variety

of species makes it more interesting. you know, the pity is that taipeizoo is

surrounded by lush vegetation and this is a resource that any modern zoo would

give their eye teeth to have. 3)feeding frequency.right now the apes just get a

handful of monkeychow in the morning and fruit & veg & bread atnight with nothing in

the afternoon.the excuse being that the apes won't come in if they aren't

hungry.of course good managenent and treats will bring them in and especially if

theyknow they're gonna have a nice warm nest to kip in,i should think.

 

we've teamed up with a local animal rights group who share our concerns

but hopefully action won't be required.if we can convinve them. well,apart from

that HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR! it's the last day of the festival and if you have

any friends in uk or elsewhere who'd like to contribute then please ask them to

send an email to me and if they have any pictures all the better.

 

thanks

john spowart

 

 

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