Archive for July 2010

Jul
30

Save Electricity Save Money and Go Green

Posted by in Featured,Going Green,What You Can Do

Have you ever thought about changing electricity providers? No, because it was much too confusing? You pay by the Kilowatt hour (Kwh) used which makes about as much sense to us as a British Thermal Unit (BTU).

What in the world is a Kilowatt hour anyway? I think I understand so here is an example: For every hour of electricity you run the lights, washer, computer, and air-conditioner in your home, divide the amount of time you spend worrying about your budget, subtract number of people in your household, add the square root of your pets, divide by pie (3.14 – cherry or apple pie works best here) and add the number of slugs you find on your patio when the Houston humidity is 88% or higher.

In Algebra it looks like this: A(Kwh x 4)-3+2b2d(3.14 cherry) + 8 slugs @88% = 0.112 cents per Kwh. Simples!

Two years ago and with much consternation, I made the leap to a green energy supplier and freaked out when my monthly bill went down. How is this possible in a free society? My bill went down, really? A few weeks ago I found a site which makes switching even easier than my leap of faith (which is also the title of an excellent video on amphibians) at http://www.powertochoose.org or http://www.saveonenergy.com

You just click on a button and it gives you not only all the companies and their rates in the area but shows how much 1,000Kwh would cost you so you can see actual dollars and decide if you want the company that cost you $109 per 1,000Kwh or $130 per Kwh. It does not matter if you know how many hours you use, the price is the price and you can find your current company to compare. Benefit here is you can look at green energy (wind, solar, water) suppliers and will see their costs are only a few dollars more which is a bonus to you and the environment.

Benefits – no speaking to humans on the other end of a phone – we all love this. Save money on your monthly bills. Find a green company and use less coal based electricity. Can be done from the comfort of your air conditioned home regardless of how many slugs are outside your door. Did I mention you could Save Money? 

Tune in next time to learn about BTU’s and why British wearing Thermals is related to how cold your air conditioner is. I can tell you a BTU is equal to about 1 kilojoule which means another Algebra equation is on it’s way, this time featuring dormice.

 

Tags: , , , , ,
Jul
29

Gorilla Country

Posted by in Africa,Animal Origins & Fun Facts,community-based conservation,Elephant,Endangered Species,Field Research,Gorilla

In the Republic of Congo, the Houston Zoo is partnering with the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program in the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. Mbeli Bai is the only long-term demographic study on western gorillas which uses direct observations to provide important baseline information on the social organization, demography and behavior of an intact population of gorillas. Detailed studies are also undertaken on the activity of other large mammal species using the bai, such as forest elephants, sitatungas, forest buffaloes as well as otters and many other species. 

Why should we care to protect wildlife in places so far away? Watch the video of wildlife living in and around Mbeli Bai in the Republic of Congo.

Did you watch the video? All 5 minutes? We would like to hear your thoughts on this 5 minute glimpse into a very special place.

If you would like to help support the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program and the Houston Zoo’s efforts to save threatened wildlife in Africa, please click on the button below.

Tags: , , ,
Jul
28

Rwanda Calling? Volunteers Wanted!

Posted by in Africa,community-based conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,Gorilla,Travel,What You Can Do

Looking for a new experience working with children at the base of a volcano where half the world’s Mountain Gorillas remain? If so, you can volunteer with Art of Conservation in Rwanda. 

Art of Conservation, Inc. educates Rwandans about conservation and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment for both people and animals while instilling in them an understanding and respect for themselves, their peers, and the natural world. The Houston Zoo is a proud supporter of the Art of Conservation program in Rwanda

Art of Conservation (AoC)  is seeking a dedicated, experienced administrative support intern to work directly with AoC Director Julie Ghrist. Interns must commit at least six weeks to the position. After six weeks, the intern position may be extended at the discretion of the Director. For a description of the position and application – link here

Rushubi Primary School 5th grade class

AoC also occasionally accepts volunteers (link here for application) for short- to medium-term volunteer placements. Their needs vary depending on the staffing situation and class schedule. In general, they seek honest, hard-working individuals who can offer support in one or more of the following areas:

  • Teaching the English-language portion of our conservation education curriculum. We are particularly interested in volunteer teachers who have a background in conservation, biology, agriculture, medicine, or public health.
  • Teaching the English-language portion of our art curriculum. We are particularly interested in volunteer teachers who have a background in drawing, painting, music, or drama.
  • Administrative work including memo writing and grant research.
  • English-language training for non-English speaking staff.
  • Computer skills training for staff.

Ready for an experience of a lifetime? Well, here is one where you can both learn and give at the same time.

I wonder if Art of Conservation will let me volunteer with them this week...maybe I will just eat some bamboo instead

Tags: , , , , ,
Jul
27

Kids Get to be Biologists and Track Toads

Posted by in amphibians,Endangered Species,Field Research,Texas,What You Can Do

   

When I was a kid I always knew that I wanted to work with animals. I used to tell everyone I’d be a marine biologist.  I didn’t really know what that meant at the time, but I knew they got to work closely with whales and dolphins.  I had every pet my parents would allow and asked to go to every aquarium and zoo that I could find, just to get close to animals.  As I got older I started to question what I could realistically do with this desire. Anyone that got to work with them in the field or in captivity were like celebrities.  I don’t think I ever thought of it as a job — it was more like a dream.  The only animal related career that I was really exposed to was a veterinarian.  And when I decided against that, it was difficult to visualize what I could do. I was very fortunate to meet the curator of a small zoo that took me under his wing and brought me into the wonderful world of zoo keeping.  But I have been very aware that not everyone gets this type of opportunity.
I am so excited for this generation of animal lovers in Houston.  The Houston Zoo offers so much to get kids involved and connected to the animal world.  It would have been a dream come true to be a part of the zoo camps and internships they offer here!
Recently, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to assist with a new, unique, interactive conservation education program called Toad Trackers.  It was developed by my very talented coworker, Rachel Rommel, and allows kids to connect with the world of research and animal science.   

Rachel with students

  

 The Toad Tracker students are introduced to the same equipment field biologists use in their research and are exposed to some of the methods used in the scientific study of animal populations.  I got to assist with the evening class where the students get to actively search for a common toad species on Zoo grounds: the Gulf Coast Toad.  When it came to listening for the toads, the kids were very serious and quiet.  I was so impressed with their level of concentration, and how well they were able to control their excitement and really focus on the task at hand.  When a toad was found, they remembered exactly what they were taught in the classroom about approaching and handling it.  The students were then carefully guided through weighing and measuring each individual, determining its’ gender, and recording its’ GPS coordinates, citing exactly where it was found.  The kids then got to observe as Paul Crump (the Houston Zoo’s Amphibian Conservation Programs Manager) pit tag each toad, which is similar to the microchip in your cat or dog.  They were very intrigued by this process.     

Students measuring toad

 Over time, the locating and tagging of these toads will provide valuable information on their growth rates, reproductive events, and movement patterns on zoo grounds.  As important as this data is, more importantly, this program is inspiring local kids and leaving them hungry for more.   I really felt the gratitude of the kids involved in this program; their intrigue was tangible!  Rachel  is creating a whole army of amphibian advocates and future biologists through Toad Trackers.
      

  

To learn more about this program check out the Houston zoo Toad Tracker website and join the Toad Trackers group on Facebook.

 

Tags: , , , , , ,
Jul
26

Stay out of the water

Posted by in Animal Origins & Fun Facts

Back in the 1970s, I did my best to stay out of the water. First, it was never easy to find a uncrowded beach in Brooklyn, and second, JAWS was in the water. I knew he was in Jersey and it would take him a few hours at least to get down to my beach, but why take a chance? I never understood why he was terrorizing so many people in New Jersey. All New Yorkers knew that nobody went to Jersey for any reason, so where did all those people on the beach he was eating come from?

This week,  I have two more reasons to stay out of the water and it has nothing to do with the issues related to oil.

1) 40-ton southern right whale lands on yacht and swims away. That’s leaving the scene of an accident buddy and CSI: South Africa will find you – you can’t hide among the plankton, we know that ages-old trick.

2) Four never before discovered species of octopus–as well as venom that remains effective at sub-zero temperatures–have been located by researchers. Do the Ice Road Truckers know this before they get out of their vehicles? Sweet potate pie! I cannot even go to the Antarctic to escape their venom? I do not like the sound of this at all. Last quote of the article sent a chill up my spine: “Nature has designed a perfect killing weapon …” Are they talking about Chuck Norris or the octopus?

Well, there you have it. Wildlife of the sea are bent on our ultimate destruction. It was bound to happen at some point. Another fond memory of my childhood beach days was when there would be a jellyfish “invasion” and hundreds of people would get stung. Between the jellyfish and Jaws, I had pretty much given up all hope of aquatics. 30 years later, just as I was becoming comfortable with the idea of watching shows on cable tv with water related themes, whales and octopus are plotting their revenge once again.

One day next week we will see one of these headlines: “Family Musselled to Death in Gulf Waters”, “Crabtastrophy on the Coast”, “Spongebob was really a spy for Coral Reefs”.

Here we are trying to support Coral Reef Conservation and the deep blue turns agianst us.

I am going to go hide under my desk now. That was what we did in elementary school when there was a threat of nuclear war, it saved me then and it should save me now. That and I am 40 miles from any deep body of water.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Jul
25

Pangolin: Endangered by the Wildlife Trade

Posted by in Endangered Species

The Pangolin, also called “Scaly Anteaters” are covered in tough, ovelapping scales – consider them the armadillo of the rainforest. They are a burrowing mammal which have a long, sticky tongue for eating ants and termites (much like South America’s Giant Anteater). Their body shape allows them to roll into a tight defensive  ball when threatened.

photo of mom and baby courtesy Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Center, Vietnam

There are eight known species of Pangolins across Asia and Africa (south of the Sahara region). Hunting for the illegal wildlife trade has quickly turned the Pangolin into one of the most endangered groups of mammals in the world.

Our friend from the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre has provided a nice video of a Malayan Pangolin the wild which can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgr8hguxO_A&feature=autofb

Southeast Asia’s Pangolin populations have been decimated by the  illegal wildlife trade for their meat, skin and scales which are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Earlier this year, nearly 30,000 pounds of pangolin meat and parts were seized. At only 30-40lbs per individual, this was equal to nearly 1,000 individual animals in one confiscation alone.

Then on June 6th, Chinese customs agents seized TEN TONS (over 2,000 individuals plus 90 cases of scales) of pangolins being smuggled across on a fishing vessel. Follow the story here as reported on Time.com.

To learn more about Pangolins, go to SavePangolin.org

photo courtesy Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Center, Vietnam

Tags: , , , , , ,
Jul
22

Spay and Neuter Your Pets

Posted by in Africa,community-based conservation,Endangered Species,Featured,What You Can Do

First a story from Botswana: Cheetah Conservation Botswana works with local communities to keep their livestock guard dogs healthy. The livestock guard dogs are used to keep predators away from the community herds thus removing the need to shoot animals such as cheetahs and leopards which would normally prey on goats and cows. A little health prevention for domestic animals will go a long way in protecting wildlife in the region.

This week Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) commenced a sterilization and vaccination mobile clinic for livestock guarding dogs. CCB offers free veterinary care for working guard dogs protecting livestock against predators. The mobile clinic is assisted by two overseas vets and will be visiting towns across Botswana travelling 600 miles over 4 days.

Earlier in the month of June, CCB launched its 4th annual ‘ Best livestock guarding dog in Botswana’ competition. Livestock guarding dogs are used with sheep, goats and cattle to alert them and protect them against predators. Every year CCB holds a competition to find the best dog in the country. The 2010 competition has just begun and is being …advertised on local radio. Winners win veterinary,hardware and dog supplies, and a trip for the family into the Okavango Delta.

What does that have to do with you? It’s all about you isn’t it? I will tell you anyway. Keeping your domestic pets healthy here at home can also help protect wildlife. We have all seen the stray cat and dog on the street – and they eventually are forced to eat native wildlife such as birds and small mammals when they can.

There is no need for the massive surplus in pet dogs and cats and they do not need to end up in shelters – spay and neuter your pets (unless you are breeding registered pets for competitions), there are plenty of kittens and puppies out there for every household and shelters would love for you to adopt today. Another great option here is H.O.P.E. (Homeless and Orphaned Pets Endeavor) which is a is an all-foster, no kill adoption group based in the Houston area. You may see them out at the local PetSmart on weekends.

Bonus question: To win a free small plush animal from the Houston Zoo – tell us what tv personality always ended his show “Don’t forget to spay and neuter your pets”. Three winners will be notified next week.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Jul
19

Galapagos Travel with the Houston Zoo

Posted by in Animal Origins & Fun Facts,Endangered Species,Featured,Travel,What You Can Do

Travel to the Galapagos: Land of Darwin with the Houston Zoo
April 24th to May 4th, 2011

Celebrate Darwin’s legacy by walking in his footsteps on a trip to the Galapagos Islands with the Houston Zoo and Terra Incognita Ecotours. These islands are home to some of the most interesting and accessible wildlife anywhere. Swim and snorkel with sea lions, come within mere inches of the blue-footed booby, galapagos tortoises or a marine iguana.

Your trip will include a visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station, world famous for its research and tortoise breeding programs, where you learn about the vital work being done to study and preserve Galapagos wildlife. Visit nests of the magnificent frigatebirds, search for giant tortoises in the wild, experience the diversity of the legendary finches.

For a detailed itinerary – link here - tour will accomodate only 12 travelers.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Jul
16

The zoo is re-introducing and recovering the population of Attwater Prairie Chickens

Posted by in Endangered Species,Field Research,Texas

Attwater Prairie Chicken

 This week I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to spend the day working with the zoo’s most exciting captive breeding and re-introduction project.     

We wheeled out of the zoo gates early in the morning with a carefully selected group of Attwater Prairie Chickens that were hatched here at the zoo and headed to the release site.  The chickens stayed very quiet in the back of the van for the hour and 45 minute ride.  We arrived at the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge’s visitor center and brought all the birds in to get fitted with radio collars and to receive their final physical before they were released into the wild.    

Attwater Prairie Chicken radio collar

Attwater Prairie Chicken getting fitted with a radio collar

The Houston Zoo, and all of Texas for that matter, has every right to be immensely proud of this captive breeding and re-introduction project.  I worked with a few re-introduction recovery projects back home in Canada, and they have been the most rewarding and exhausting experiences of my life!  These programs frequently commence when a species population has dropped to a ridiculously low number, and are dangerously close to extinction. There are harsh ups and downs in the recovery of a critically endangered species, but knowing you are bringing a species back from the brink of extinction is a powerful and unparalleled experience.  Our bird department (Hannah Bailey, Mollie Coym and the rest of the dedicated staff) work tirelessly to ensure the success of this project.  They really seem to live and breathe chickens!    

Attwater Prairie Chickens being carried out to the pre-release site in Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge

After the processing we took the birds out to the pre-release sites in the Refuge with a man named Dr. Mike Morrow.  It is an honor to meet the heroes that have been with the projects from the start.  He has been with this project from the beginning and has done everything in his power to give this project life.  This year Mike, our bird department staff and everyone who have been involved in this project over the last 20 years are experiencing a major “up”.   For the first time, Mike has had the privilege of observing captive bred re-introduced birds successfully raising chicks in the wild.  Before this year they could only speculate that this was indeed happening.  This is a pivotal point for any re-introduction project, when captive animals prove they can raise young in the wild!     

Dr. Mike Marrow and the bird department staff preparing for release

Everyone that has been involved in this project should take a bow!  The Attwater Prairie Chicken recovery effort is far from being over, but this observation is evidence that it is well on its way.   It takes a team of passionate individuals and solid partnerships to keep these projects growing and thriving.   How about a round of applause for the team of zoo staff, Mike and everyone else involved who are tirelessly working to save this Texas species!   

Dr. Mike Marrow ready to release an Attwater Prairie Chicken

Tags: , ,
Jul
16

Speaker Series: Frans Lanting

Posted by in What You Can Do

Houston Zoo Call of the Wild Speaker Series resumes October 2010 with an exciting lineup of guest speakers.

October 13th, 2010

The Houston Zoo welcomes internationally acclaimed photographer Frans Lanting

FRANS LANTING has been hailed as one of the great nature photographers of our time. His influential work appears in books, magazines, and exhibitions around the world. For more than two decades he has documented wildlife and our relationship with nature in environments from the Amazon to Antarctica. He portrays wild creatures as ambassadors for the preservation of complete ecosystems, and his many publications have increased worldwide awareness of endangered ecological treasures in far corners of the earth.
Go to http://www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries/ for ticket information

Tags: , , , ,

Older Posts »