Could elephant death happen here?
Earlier this month, an African elephant at the San Diego Zoo died of injuries her keepers suspect came from an aggressive attack by another elephant. Such a startling tragedy raises the question, “Could this happen here?” The Oklahoma City Zoo is home to two adult Asian elephants and one offspring, shown here at right. I asked the OKC Zoo spokeswoman, Tara Henson, if it was possible. She checked with Assistant Zoo Director Alan Varsik. Here’s what she said:
In domestic or wild animals…this could happen. It’s a day to day, ongoing process to maximize our chances for success in any social situation. In any accredited zoo, we are concerned about the physical and social well-being of all of the animals in our care. Interpreting their behaviors and looking for any indications of a behavioral issue is a constant. Any species in a social situation presents this challenge. This is on a case by case basis according to the species as well as the individual animals. Individual and species specific behaviors must be taken into consideration. There is a level of unpredictability in anything we do and we try to minimize that.
Baby elephant debutes in Houston
Pets in the paper – rabies found in Texas
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Puppy may have rabies. (Texas)
- Online only: Mood: Dogs strut their stuff in last bark at Bryant Park. (New York)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
How to help animals in Haiti
As aid pours into Haiti from around the world, animal advocates have joined together to help pets in the country devastated by a major earthquake and its aftershocks. Several organizations are partnering to create the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti, according to a press release issued this afternoon. You can donate to the three largest groups here:
- The American Humane Association
- The World Society for the Protection of Animals
- The International Fund for Animal Welfare
These are all reputable groups, but I would be sure to include a note in any online donations that the money is specifically for relief in Haiti.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
It’s raining lizards
In addition to record cold temperatures, Florida residents are dealing with another strange phenomenon — iguanas falling from the trees.
An iguana lies frozen, or possibly just in suspended animation, on the ground at a Florida Keys park following a cold snap - Tim Chapman, Miami Herald
The iguanas, which are not native to Florida, don’t do well in the cold. With record low temperatures in the state, the reptiles are falling frozen out of the trees in Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park on Key Biscayne.
The iguanas aren’t actually frozen. They are in suspended animation, coming back to life once they warm up. However, extended cold temperatures could kill them.
- Staff Writer Bryan Dean
Pets in the paper – bears aren’t coats
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman since Saturday:
- At zoo exhibit, it’s a bear’s life. (Oklahoma City – Be sure to click on this one and check out the neat panorama photo!)
- Opinion: Zoo’s growth continues. (Oklahoma City)
- Take care of pets during holidays. (Norman)
- Packing up one fragile tusk to go. (Norman)
- Two-legged pooch offers hope to wounded veterans. (Ardmore)
- Fishing days set for children. (Tulsa)
- Build-a-Bear videos raise conservative ire. (Missouri)
- Rainbow of underwater color shines in Caribbean. (Belize)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – pack your (antler) bags
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Vet gives fawn a new chance at seeing. (Oklahoma City)
- Zoo has name contest for 12 Nigerian goats. (Oklahoma City)
- GPS helping keep track: Wildlife researchers using technology to follow birds, animals. (statewide)
- Radio equipment helps track state wildlife. (statewide)
- United Airlines rescinds recent no antlers baggage rule. (Outdoors blog)
- Pony Express riders deliver Christmas mail in style. (Missouri)
- Two dogs find home after police say they fed on owner. (Nebraska)
- Fishers want locks closed. (Michigan)
- Government to jail tiger’s killer. (China)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – bugs and rugs and such
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Cruelty charges filed. (Stillwater)
- Teens find plenty to enjoy at the fair. (Oklahoma City)
- Club plans fishing derby. (Oklahoma City)
- Ugly bugs come out of their rug. (Edmond)
- Halloween can be a treat for dogs, too. (Norman)
- Pet Tales: Rescued dog finds family home. (Midwest City)
- Blog: More from the state wildlife director. (statewide)
- Cesar Millan dog-based empire adds slick magazine. (California)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Books, beer and man’s best friend
When I was in college, I kept one pet. That poor fish. He didn’t make it to graduation. But there are plenty of college students out there who are more responsible than I was. For them, Petside.com has ranked the Top 10 college for pet owners. Here’s the list:
1. Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Fla., has four pet-friendly dorm “clusters” that allow cats and dogs that weigh less than 40 pounds. Snakes and fish are welcome, too.
2. Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., has a “pet dorm” where dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs are allowed.
3. Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Penn., has a “Pet House” dorm, which allows cats, dogs, small birds, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, turtles and fish. Have something more exotic? The college evaluates them on individually.
4. Principa College in Elsah, Ill., has seven dorms and university apartments that allow pets. Students may bring dogs, cats, rabbits, caged animals and aquatic life.
5. California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif., lets students have cats in all dorms. Small cage animals and aquatic life can come to school, too.
6. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign allows students in the Ashton Woods housing to keep dogs, cats, fish and rabbits.
7. The University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho, makes room for cats and birds in the school’s apartment-style housing buildings. Fish are allowed in all dorms.
8. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., requires written consent from roommates before a cat is introduced. And the dorms even have a “Pet Chairman.”
9. The State University of New York at Canton is known for Mohawk Hall, which accomodates up to 48 pets. Those animals are allowed to wander freely if their owner is around. Sadly, dogs and snakes aren’t allowed.
10. Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Penn., allows one dog or cat in each fraternity and sorority house on campus.
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
Pets in the paper – baby zebra makes his entrance
Check out these animal stories in The Oklahoman today -
- Baby zebra shows of his stripes. (Oklahoma City)
- Pretty boy strikes glamour pose. (Edmond)
- Horse rescue must find new home. (Ada, video below)
- Officials hit roadblock in poultry suit. (Tulsa)
- Airline just for pets takes flight. (New York)
- Chihuahua of ads for Taco Bell dies. (California, read our tribute blog here)
- Eclipse ushers in rare birth. (China, page 7a)
Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll
