From Richard "RJR" Reynolds

The zoo now has a fossa, binturong, and two bush dogs. See - -

http://www.accessatlanta.com/atlanta-events/zoo-atlanta-sinks-teeth-891203.html

The exhibit opens this weekend.

Though I like binturongs (bear cats), I'm not sure the animal will garner much attention since it is nocturnal. The bear cat is the mascot of the Univ. of Cincinnati, and for a time a binturong was sent from the zoo to the football games.

If you'd asked me in 1965 if Atlanta would have a fossa, I'd have laughed. Back then I think the only one in USA was at NZP - - in the extraordinary collection to be seen the small mammal house.

Also this weekend the Georgia Aquarium will open its much anticipated "Dolphin Tales.". It will feature a spectacular show with the animals, divers, dancers, and music - -like something from Disney. Here(above) is the main stage - - -

Protesters are already gathering.

Speaking of man and sea creatures, take a look at this most attractive film clip - -the music is also fine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=WK2LpUoqX6A&vq=medium

You sharkphiles will have to identify the sharks. They look like lemon or maybe nurse sharks. I have some photos of a circus in Europe with a nurse shark exhibit. They rode in a semi-trailer outfitted as an aquarium with viewing via large glass windows.

Richard

Does anyone know what kind of a contract Zoo Atlanta had to sign with the Madagascan government to be able to exhibit the fossa? How long is the contract, for how much, what are the exhibit requirements, how many keepers, curators, experts are required to look after them, how much electronic equipment is required is required for their well being, etc. It probably was an easy deal for Atlanta, after becoming versed and knowledgeable about protocols and procedures after negotiation with the Chinese government for pandas.

The Atlanta Aquarium show looks like it will be a winner. At first I was a bit concerned when I saw the picture above as it looked an awful lot like a circus. Then I remembered "education, not exploitation" the feel good cliche term 0 the day of any respecting institution, and I looked again and realized it actually looked exactly like a cirque, which is good because they don't exploit animals either by making them do unnatural things. Not like the evil circus does, and that's why it doesn't look like a circus, instead looking like a cirque.

The "fine music" with the shark clip is one of my favorite recordings, given my fondness for mariachi music, of the last ten years. Brilliant and it is called Malaguena Salerosa and this version was recorded with a stylized rock beat by Robert Rodrigues and the great band Chingon as the theme song for "Kill Bill II" The movie has been criticized by many as condoning violence and brutality, especially toward women. I suggest it is another wonderful effort at justifying by "educating" the public, given sharks and blood, and craziness seem to go hand in hand with the Animal Planet nonsense all the craze at the moment.



Movie version above, and because it is such a brilliant song the stage version below for your enjoyment. I used to put on head phones and listen to Chingons version of this timeless song, 15 minutes before the start of the tiger act, to get myself in the proper "mood" for performing. Love it!!!!



Just a note on "school mascots", a couple of weeks ago I was given a look at the Baylor bear set up, and here is some circus trivia for you, their exhibit is enclosed by Farfan locking diamond mesh, and the bear is taken the the games in a two horse stock trailer. Assuming they have regular USDA inspections, and have been cleared, I mention this because it may be a cheap way to make a fair unit, legally, and book it for the summer season. I'm just saying........