Friday, March 30, 2012
Reid Park Zoo's New Elephant Facility
It’s been more than seven years and $8.5 million in the making, but finally, Reid Park Zoo’s seven-acre exhibit, “Expedition Tanzania,” has been completed, and now houses five new elephants.
In January 2005, Parks and Recreation Director Fred Gray had already committed to raising $4 million to complete the zoo’s Conservation Learning Center when he was informed the zoo had to come up with an additional $8.5 million to develop a new elephant facility as part of a species survival plan, or potentially sacrifice housing elephants in Tucson altogether.
At the time, Reid Park only accommodated two elephants, while the new plan called for the zoo to house at least six.
“We had to make a decision ASAP as to whether we were going to continue to house elephants in Tucson,” said Gray.
Believing the money could be raised, Gray went before the City of Tucson Mayor and Council and the city manager. After some deliberate review and analysis, a 50/50 funding plan was formed between the City and the Tucson Zoological Society for both the Conservation Learning Center and Expedition Tanzania.
Despite difficult economic circumstances, the City and Zoological Society managed to raise the money, and over the weekend, starting on March 25, Reid Park hosted a members-only preview of Expedition Tanzania to introduce the five new elephants: Mabu, Samba, Punga, Sundzu, and Lungile.
Reid Park’s two former elephants, Connie and Shaba, are set to be moved to the San Diego Zoo together after controversial talks to separate them were publically criticized.
Jeff Baymor, president of Reid Park Zoological Society, recognized a number of individuals whose donations made the project a reality. Jim Click and family, some of those to help sponsor the project, were awarded with a plaque to be hung inside the exhibition.
“There is no way the Click family can ever repay Tucson Arizona for what it has done for us,” said Click. “It’s an honor for us to be able to give back. This is a great cause. This is a great project.”
Tucson Mayor Jonathon Rothschild said the need for public-private partnerships is crucial in working together to develop projects such as Tanzania.
“It’s a culmination of years of work that began with the prior City Council who really decided to upgrade the Reid Park Zoo’s elephant habitat to exceed the standards that we want to maintain for having elephants.”
Rothschild said the project is particularly important because elephants continue to be endangered due to habitat destruction, poaching, war, and the ivory trade.
“It’s important that we address the root causes of that problem,” he said. “What we can do as a city is consider the role of zoos in the place of species preservation and educating people how to care about elephants, and to care enough about them to want to save them.”
Rothschild said an expected 530,000 people, including 35,000 schoolchildren, will come through the zoo this year. Now, they will have the opportunity to see and learn about the new elephants, he added.
Susan Basford, administrator of the Reid Park Zoo, was one of a few to see Expedition Tanzania from beginning to end.
“Today is a day to celebrate. We’re celebrating partnerships, we’re celebrating commitments, we’re celebrating dedication, and that’s really what it’s taken to get to this point,” she said.
Project Tanzania will be open to the public on March 28.
'If Bob Barker "really" loved elephants as much as he claims, and was not just out on a personal vendetta/agenda, he would be concerned about their propagation as well as their preservation and learn a lesson from Jim Click's example. Yes, it is Barker's money but he could prove how valid his "I love them" mouth is by using it more wisely.'
Vintage White Elephants
White Elephant Sails Starts For America After Being Exhibited At ...
Humbug: the art of P.T. Barnum - Google Books Result
Burmese White Elephant Priests at the Zoological Gardens London 1884
White Elephants in Art
Unknown
Alexander the Great presented with white elephants. Image taken from La Vraye Histoire du Bon Roy Alixandre early 15th century published in France.
Capture of a White Elephant, 1910 Details of the print below.
Courtesy of klsdad
A caretaker squirts two rare pink elephants with the hose as they enjoy a bath in Burma's capital city Naypyidaw
Despite their unusual appearance, the rare jumbos, which are officially known as white elephants, are not a distinct species to grey elephants nor are they albinos
Kings and leaders in the predominantly Buddhist nation have traditionally treasured white elephants, whose rare appearances are believed to herald good fortune, including power and political change
Normally the elephants' skin is a reddish brown colour but they turn a light pinkish colour when wet. They also have fair eyelashes and toenailsPink elephants were on parade in a Burmese zoo today and they were causing quite a splash.
The mother and baby clearly loved having a good wallow and tooted with delight when their caretaker dowsed them with the hose. Usually their skin is a reddish brown colour but they turn a light pink when wet. They also have fair eyelashes and toenails.
Despite their unusual appearance, the rare jumbos, which are officially known as white elephants, are not a distinct species to grey elephants nor are they albinos.
The animals are treasured in Buddhist countries where their appearance is said to bring good fortune and can herald political change.
And in Burma, after decades of military rule, political change does gradually appear to be taking place with the release of iconic opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi last year and elections due to take place in the capital this weekend.
No more elephant rides at the Orange County fair
After a long and crowded meeting, the Fair Board voted 7 to 1 to end its contract with Have Trunk Will Travel, Inc., the fair's 25-year provider of the elephant ride attraction.
No More Elephant Rides at the Orange County Fair
Courtesy of Josip Marcan
'Make sure you read the comments at the end of the story. It amazes me that people will make such ignorant statements publicly, without checking their facts. Just because it is America and you have a right to an opinion doesn't mean you have to be a moron just to feel like a useful part of the human race.'
Khloe Kardashian quits PETA, 'disgusted' by flour bombing of Kim
Khloe Kardashian is cutting off her support for PETA in the wake of her sister Kim Kardashian's flour bombing at a perfume launch and charity event last week.
"I just received word that the woman responsible has very close ties to PETA, despite PETA publicly stating otherwise," Khloe wrote Monday on her blog. "Not only has PETA lied to the public, but they have proved that they support this kind of behavior."
The woman suspected in the attack, Christina Cho, has a history of conducting fur protests under the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals banner, TMZ said Monday. Michelle Cho, Christina's younger sister and PETA's senior communications manager , went on record in 2009 saying that big sis was an activist for the group "years before" little sis joined.
Christina Cho was detained by security but released at the scene, and Kim Kardashian told sheriff's officials at the time that she was not interested in filing a complaint. A PETA spokesperson told Celebuzz days later that they were prepared to pay legal fees on the alleged flour-bomber's behalf, and Kimmie told E! News that she was "just going to think" about pursuing a complaint.
"Now that I think about it and had some time to digest it, I think, 'What if that was some other substance? What if that person had a dangerous weapon?' It's scary," she said Monday.
But back to the activism: Khloe Kardashian had indulged in a little of her own back in December 2008, posing nude for a PETA ad that communicated the message, "Fur? I'd rather go naked." Irony? She was recruited by Michelle Cho. Her message via Twitter on Thursday, after the incident at the London Hotel was a bit more family first: "I wish I was with my sister tonight," she wrote. "I bet you that woman wouldn't have dared tried a thing...."
"I’ve been a vocal supporter of PETA for a long time," Khloe said Monday on her blog, "but I have also been very vocal about anti-bullying, so this was a huge disappointment for me. As you all know, I don’t condone violence and bullying and what happened last Thursday was just that. I am absolutely disgusted by their behavior.
Fur still won't be a part of her wardrobe, she said, but she will no longer support the controversial group.
"I personally don’t wear fur but that doesn’t mean I am going to force my views on anyone else, ESPECIALLY by violating them. ... Bullying and harassment is NEVER a solution, and I won't be a part of any organization that thinks otherwise."
[Updated, 8:20 p.m. March 26: "We appreciate that Khloe will remain on the animals' side by not wearing fur — that's what counts," PETA said Monday evening in a statement. "If one of our volunteers is responsible, it doesn't alter the fact that no animal deserves to be electrocuted, shot, or poisoned for a bit of fur clothing. Khloe is just defending her sister, and we know she has a good heart, so we wish her well. We just wish she also had more influence on her sister."]
Courtesy of Casey Gibbs
Courtesy of Hal Guyon
Good Morning Everyone.
It was a beautiful 80 degree & sunny day on a good solid grassy lot yesterday at The Municipal Airport in Florence, SC as I along with my son and two grandkids attended the 4:30 performance of Cole Bros Circus ! The tent was only about 1/3 full but everyone in attendance really enjoyed a great show. and I understand that advance sells were better for the night show. After Ringmaster Cris Connors introduced himself and the Presentation of Colors and The National Anthem the show got started. Judit & Juergen Nerger had The Hawthorn Tiger act with 10 cats 1 white and 9 standard yellow. The act seemed to move a little slow but was still very good. Bermudez Wheel of Destiny was thrilling followed by Tim Frisco & daughter with Baby Val from the Carson & Barnes heard. The other outstanding acts where, Hair Hang with Wendy & Petya, Abuhadba Family Poodles, Cretu Troupe teeterboard, Thunderdrome with the globe splitting apart, Aerial Ballet featuring Lena & Lana with one on silks and the other working with a net. Tim Frisco had the elephant act with the Carson & Barnes bulls which was very good and fast paced. Show closed with Jos`e Bermudez Cannon and Parade of Stars. Clown spots were the Escaped Gorrilla & Breakaway Taxi. All in all the show was really good but I was somewhat disappointed that there was no Flying act. Concession prices were not bad considering today`s pricing with Cokes, Popcorn, & Floss at $5.00, Sno Cones $4.00 for regular & $8.00 in a lighted cup, Most novelties ran anywhere form $10 - $15. Anyway I talked with Tim Frisco for a good while but only got a second with Johnny Pugh, he really stays on the go and looks to be doing well. Show leaves Florence and heads to Ladson (North Charleston) SC for the weekend then on to Myrtle Beach starting on Monday April 1st. Attached are several of the 70 or so pictures I took, enjoy !!
Hal Guyon
On a side note, The Amusements of America Carnival which winters in Florence was also setting up at the Florence Civic Center parking lot with about 25 or so rides for The Florence Spring Festival. Looks like a big show week for Florence !!!
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