Ben Trumble was absolutely correct with this statement, "I really believe in the potential for reintroduction. But it seems to me that it can only work in a stabilized ecosystem free of continued habitat encroachment from development and slash/burn agriculture, and free of hunting/poaching pressure." In Dec. of 2007, 13 Addax and 9 Scimitar-horned oryx from AZA and EAZA institutions were delivered to Tunisia and set them up in a fenced reserve. The Sahara is often overlooked and underfunded by conservation groups and aid agencies, and the situation in the Sahara and the surrounding Saheilan grasslands is desperate. If nothing else, a reintroduction such as this will raise awareness globally to the situation. An alternative is to do what the Toronto Zoo did, with their young reindeer, in an effort at population control, and that is euthanasia. Not a bad alternative by any means, unless you want to deal with the public outcry of "killing Bambi". 
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The return of Addax and Scimitar-Horned Oryx to Tunisia
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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11 comments:
wade -- i love animals so i really enjoy the zoo items. i don't learn much from zoo websites and i really enjoy reading about things that will help the different species. both of these breeds are so beautiful. one thing european shows do that i wish americans would try is using more exotic hoofed animals in the ring, even if they don't do much. we never see giraffes or rhinos on shows here any more but there seems to be several acts in europe that use them, which i think is impressive. it would be a great way to bring back the menagerie.
Henry,
We can't forget the great advantage European shows have by performing in a tent, with one ring and the human round pen. Also, the reasonably long season helps. The majority of shows in Europe are small which allows for the expenditure of funds to flash it up in a sense. Each time somebody here in the states, like RINGLING BROS. attempts to downsize they get crucified. Yet the small ones get smaller and nobody seems to notice.
Lest we forget. Who is going to train it. Most everybody has left for more profitable pursuits.
Wade
good points. the prevailing thought in circus management in the united states seems to be how much more can we cut while we raise prices or add another light pitch or photo op for $10.00. i know shows have to make money, but they might consider upgrading the quality occasionally. history is on the side of the "give 'em everything we can to make it better" shows. good shows in the past have seemed to bring in better crowds. a rhino or a hippo or a giraffe or even a cape buffalo walking around the ring doing nothing would make people say"hey, wow!" look at what the buffalo did with ringling. not much besides scare the zebras and horses - but you could hear the crowd react because so many had never seen a real live american buffalo in a circus ring. europoean shows seem to have better crowds, possibly because they seem more interested in offering something more than hula hoops, silks, house cats and a motorcyclke in a globe. nobody loves 3-ring american circuses more than i do, i'm not trying to get into a debate -- all i'm doing is pointing out the way things seem to be going. we've had trainers in the past who could have handled animals like this -- look at the herriott family. or the people who trained the hippos who used to walk around the track. the bogers had buffalo who did more than the one on ringling. you would certainly be a good candidate. i personally was very, very, very dispppointed in flavio togni's rhino turn on ringling but there are obviously trainers in europe who could handle it.
still, i guess the bottom line is finding a show that will pay somebody to train something bigger than a housecat today. and invest in teh animals and equipment-- and learn to take care of the animals.
still, those of us who care can still dream the impossible dream.
Henry,
Briefly, in defense of Flavio Togni. His act was brought over here with the understanding it was half trained. Originally they had hired a cowboy from Oklahoma, who had know experience in the circus, but had trained a buffalo in the rodeo, after the endorsement of a Vet, who had 4 years experience in the circus, and none in animal training, said he was good. This was after Daniel Suskov, one of the best liberty exotic trainers I have ever seen was allowed to leave. Because he had trained a buffalo surely he could train a rhino. After the rhino whacked him, it was quick call the Togni's who were contracted for next year to quick get started with a rhino. Sound familiar, Henry.
My perfect world, Henry. Each morning Roy Rogers and I walk out and check a pasture full of palomino broodmares, each with a little Trigger at their side. Then we saddle up Trigger, and Trigger Jr. and ride over the hill to see if Dale has breakfast ready, so we can eat, and save the world before sundown. I too can dream, Henry.
Be safe and stay well friend,
Wade
wade -- it's amazing how much a little background knowledge can do! i was not aware of that. i thought the rhino act was one of the acts flavio contracted for along with the horses and elephants and was supposed to be ready for star billing. i had no idea it was something flavio inherited! i knew the togni family has a great reputation for animal training and i always wondered what happened, why their horses and elephants were so much better than the rhino. it is inconceivable that they would bill an act like they did when they knew it was not ready to be seen by audiences. my belated apologies to flavio. my whole opinion of the troupe has changed for the better in a matter of seconds now that i know they weren't booked with the idea that they had a rhino act worthy of the greatest show on earth! shame, shame, shame on whoever is responsible. these are the kind of decisions that make you understand why so many people stay with ringling for only a short time.
Henry,
Just to clarify. I didn't say it was to be ready for star billing. It was being put together, and was rushed into service. The rhino was much more comfortable working in the smaller tent, and was not given the proper time to adjust/and adapt to the larger coliseums. The Tognis had a number of gorgeous acts that they brought with them. And Feld, I believe wanted desperately to buy the stuff rather then loose it, by it returning home. There is a reason some acts do better in the small dirt tent scenario, and choose to stay there their whole career. Don't even suppose that that was or is an isolated case Henry. It happens all to frequently. The quote, "there are two side to a story", is very appropriate for circus history.
Wade
Wade
greetings again spinners . is there any one out there that would like to comment on the descion that was made on the polar bear . cleanraul
Clean Raul,
Welcome back. What decision made on what Polar Bear?
Regards,
Wade
I think he means all polar bears,and the decision to list them as a "threatened species" because of the loss of sea ice that's melting away their habitat....
thank you Margreat thats what i meant . also just return from a 2 day Clint Anderson horse clinic . kind of intresting and informative . Out of the dog houseRaul
Clean Raul,
I think it was a great decision, and should bring a new awareness to global warming.
Clinton Anderson is one of the better of the "TV Horse Trainers."
Welcome back,
Wade
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