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53C in the Zoo
Climate change is with us to stay for quite some time. Animals within the zoo need to have their needs considered. Primarily this is shade, water and minimum disturbance.
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World Chimpanzee Day
Each year we celebrate World Chimpanzee Day on July 14th. This particular day was chosen to celebrate and think about our closest relative as on this day in 1960 was when Dr. Jane Goodall arrived in Gombe National Park.
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Post Stroke Fatigue
Post Stroke Fatigue may last up to 6 months, whereas if chronic, it can stay with 40% of patients even after 2 years. Another study reported fatigue to be still be present in one-third of patients up to 6 years after stroke onset.
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How Zoo and Aquarium Comments Affect Your Career
Most people are probably aware that their comments on social media play a large and increasing part in whether they are selected for interview when they apply for a zoo job. Today your social media comments are almost a secondary CV and a very important one.
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A Zookeeper by Any Other Name Would Smell as Sweet
Zoo Keepers are the oil which ensure that the Zoo engine runs efficiently. Their dedication to duty cannot be surpassed.
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World Otter Day
World Otter Day was first established in 2014 by the International Otter Survival Fund and has taken place on the last Wednesday of May each year since. In 2022 this takes place on the 25th. Most of the thirteen species of otters are under some sort of threat.
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World Bee Day
World Bee Day has been observed and celebrated on the 20th May since 2018. Bees are important to all of us. Something in the region of 35% of the foods we eat are dependent on bees for their pollination. Without bees the variety you see on the supermarket shelves would be much
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World Binturong Day
World Binturong Day takes place each year on the second Saturday in May. In 2022 this is on the 14th May.
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World Saiga Day
World Saiga Day has been celebrated each year since 2011 but has been observed locally in schools in Uzbekistan since 2008. The early date in May corresponds with the birth of the springtime calves. In 2022 World Saiga Day is on the 6th May.
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International Tarsier Day
The fourth of May was chosen as International Tarsier Day. A day to celebrate one of the smallest primates and the only one which is purely carnivorous. This tiny South East Asian primate is under threat from habitat loss, the pet trade and killed as a 'snack food'.
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World Veterinary Day
World Veterinary Day takes place on the last Saturday in April each year. In 2022 this takes place on the 30th. It has been a recognized event since 2001 when the the World Veterinary Association gave the date official recognition.
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World Hyaena Day
27th April is World Hyaena Day. It is unfortunate that the Hyaena gets some bad press, often depicted as scavenging cowards whereas the opposite is true. They are accomplished hunters with strong social bonds. Take some time out today to learn more about these wonderful animals.
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Narwhal Appreciation Day
April 22nd is Narwhal Appreciation Day. A day chosen to draw our attention to another unique creature which is being threatened by climate change.
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Bat Appreciation Day
Bat Appreciation Day was started by Bat Conservation International and the designated day was chosen as April 17th. Bats are important for our world.
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International Beaver Day
The first International Beaver day took place on the 7th April 2009 and continues to this day. The choice of date was to honor Dorothy Richards who spent over fifty years studying the North American Beaver.
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World Rat Day
World Rat Day first appeared on the 4th April 2002. It is really a celebration of the 'Pet Rat' which are so very popular. Rats are very intelligent, can be trained and make good pets. It is however this very intelligence which have made them a problem too. They have spread widely through the world.
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Manatee Appreciation Day
The fourth Wednesday of March is Manatee Appreciation Day. In 2022 this takes places on the 30th March. The Manatee is in trouble and this wonderful, harmless marine mammal needs our consideration and care.
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National Aardvark Day
The 19th March is National Aardvark Day. This is the day we celebrate the Aardvark or 'Earth Pig' (Orycteropus afer). A nocturnal African species quite unlike any other
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Dolphin Awareness Month
Each March is Dolphin Awareness month. Here we can take time to celebrate the 43+ species of Dolphins and make people aware of the threats these animals face in the wild, from pollution, bycatch fishing, deliberate hunting and exploitation. Dolphins are a popular animal.
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Fishing Cat February
February was chosen as the month to draw attention to the Vulnerable Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus. Why February? Well in the same month we have World Wetland Day and the wetlands of South and South East Asia are the natural habitat of these attractive little Felids.
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International Hoof Care Week
International Hoof Care Week takes place every year in the third week of January. The week is designated to raise awareness of the extreme importance of the proper care of hooved animals. The maintenance of a healthy hoof goes a long way towards keeping an animal healthy.
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International Red Panda Day
International Red Panda Day takes place each year on September the 17th (third Saturday in September). This day of celebration first took place in 2010 and was launched by the Red Panda Network to draw attention to the importance to the conservation issues surrounding the Red Panda Ailurus fulgens.
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International Giant Panda Day
International Giant Panda Day takes place each year on the 16th March. This is to draw attention to the most iconic and colorful of bears. Everyone is familiar with the Giant Panda but few give it the attention it deserves.
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Platypus Day
The first Saturday in March is Platypus Day. A day to celebrate what is probably the strangest mammal on earth. The day was first proposed in 2012 by Disney with reference to one of their cartoon characters but interest waned.
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World Pangolin Day
World Pangolin Day takes place each year during the third week of February. The main aim of the day is to draw the World's attention to the extreme threat that this interesting and harmless little creature is facing today. The most trafficked animal on the planet.
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World Hippopotamus Day
World Hippopotamus Day takes place every year on February 15th. The day celebrates the third largest land mammal on earth. There are just two species of Hippopotamus, and both populations declining. They need us to think about them on their special day.
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Arabian Leopard Day
Arabian Leopard Day was first proposed to take place on the 10th February every year from 2022. The Arabian Leopard is classed as Critically Endangered. There may be as few as 100 Arabian Leopards remaining in the wild.
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World Sparrow Day
World Sparrow Day was first celebrated in 2008 from an initiative by French and Indian nature organizations. the day is to raise awareness of the Sparrow and threats it may face. World Sparrow day takes place every year on March 20th.
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World Pig Day
World Pig Day has been celebrated on the 1st March since 1972. It draws attention to an extremely intelligent animal to which man owes so much.
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World Ostrich Day
World Ostrich Day was first celebrated in 2020 to raise awareness of the two remaining species of Ostrich. The second day of the second month was chosen because the Ostrich has just two toes on each foot.
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International Zebra Day
International Zebra Day is celebrated on the 31st January each year. We need to celebrate our Equines and make the world aware of the threats that these beautiful animals are facing in the wild.
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International Squirrel Appreciation Day
International Squirrel Appreciation was created to make us more aware of Squirrels. It takes place on the 21st January each year, Sometimes a nuisance but always a joy to watch. They are one of natures gardeners planting our forests and so under threat from deforestation.
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International Hedgehog Day
Hedgehog Day takes place every year on the 2nd February, It shares this day with Groundhog Day in the US and Canada. As there are no Hedgehogs in the Americas immigrants took that tradition with them from Europe. It is all about predicting the weather.
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The Year Of The Tigers
The first of February 2022 is officially the first day of the Year of the Tiger. This is in accordance with the Chinese Zodiac and welcomes in the Spring Festival. It is a time of great celebration that will last around two weeks.
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The Forgotten Arabian Gulf Turtle
The Arabian Gulfs only freshwater turtle, the Caspian Turtle, occurs only in small populations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. It is under threat by development and is in need of protection.
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The Penguin Programme in Ski Dubai
The Penguin Programme in Ski Dubai is a unique and highly successful and enjoyable experience teaching people about pollution and climate change.
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The Other Giant Pandas
Many people, and a lot of the media, believe that all Giant Pandas belong to China. As today all Pandas are rented out to zoos for short duration it is an easy assumption to make. But it is not true.
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Animals Painting in Zoos
Animal painting in zoos is a popular enrichment activity. Productions vary in appeal but there are people who collect this work. Definitely something different and occasionally unique to hang on your wall.
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International Monkey Day
International Monkey Day takes place on the 14th December of each year. it has been celebrated each year since 2000 when it was created and made popular by two artist students from Michigan State University. The day is for all non human primates to draw attention to habitat loss and poaching.
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Walrus Awareness Week
Walrus Awareness Week was first established back in 2016 to draw attention to a species which is under threat because of Climate Change. The ice is melting and the Walrus is losing its home.
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Single Sex Penguin Pairs
Same sex pairings in Penguins are extremely common. Given a fertile egg and an opportunity they will incubate and if it hatches will usually rear successfully.
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National Llama Day
National Llama Day takes place on the 9th December each year. It was first domesticated around 4,500 BC and continues to be an important animal in rural life as a beast of burden, source of both wool and meat.
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World Coati Day
The third of December has been designated as World Coati Day. The Coati is a medium sized carnivore which ranges widely over South and Central America.
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A Vulture Hunt in the Lincolnshire Marshes
Around 48 years ago we had a Griffon Vulture escape from the zoo. It was a balmy Spring day and the bird quickly caught a thermal before soaring to great heights and drifting off over the Lincolnshire marshes. Working on the supposition that the bird would...
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What Has Happened to the Tigers?
Sri Racha Tiger Zoo at Chonburi in Thailand has closed down. There is a question as to what has happened to the Tigers.
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World Japanese Macaque Day
The Japanese Macaque is the Northernmost non human primate. Found solely on some Japanese Islands it ranges from subtropical forests to cold freezing environments.
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International Cheetah Day
Cheetahs are under threat from poaching from the wild. Many cubs die or end up in the hands of irresponsible people as status symbols. The Cheetahs need better protection to ensure they do not become extinct in the wild.
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Are Cheetahs Dangerous
Cheetah are frequently used as ambassador animals in zoos and by some as exotic pets because they are not considered dangerous. Where man and animal come in contact there is always a risk and it is no less so with Cheetah. They are dangerous.
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How To Make Tiger Bone Wine
Posing with Tiger Cubs is the first step leading to animals being slaughtered or starved to death for the production of Tiger Bone Wine.
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The Last Arctic King Penguin
There was an experimental movement of Penguins which were brought from Antarctic regions and released within the Arctic Circle.
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How Zookeepers Support the Illegal Animal Trade
Zookeepers around the world are inadvertently promoting the illegal trade in exotic endangered species. But with a little thought, they could reduce this cruel practice.
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What Makes a Good Zoo - A Personal Journey
The difference between a good and a bad zoo is not black and white. The article describes a personal zoo journey and raises issues for people to think about.
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Is ZooNews Digest Pro Zoo or Anti Zoo
Is ZooNews Digest Pro Zoo or Anti Zoo? The answer is that it is both. ZooNews Digest is against any zoo which does not commit itself 100% to the provision of the Five Freedoms and Good Zoo works.
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Zoos of the United Arab Emirates
Zoo visits are popular in the United Arab Emirates. Here there is a list of all public zoos and a few of the private animal collections.
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World Camel Day
Since 2008 the 22nd of June has been designated as World Camel Day. Is is a relatively new event within the World's animal events but one that is likely to increase in popularity as more people become aware of the importance.
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World Elephant Day
World Elephant Day sets one day apart from the others so people can think about Elephants and what can be done to help them. Elephants are in trouble. Under threat from poaching and habitat loss.
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World Lion Day
World Lion Day is a new event in the worlds calendar. It takes place on the 10th August and has been implemented to draw the worlds attention to the threats that Lions are facing in the wild.
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International Tiger Day
The International Tiger Day, sometimes known as Global Tiger Day takes place on the 29th July each year. This special day is to draw the worlds attention to threat tigers are facing around the world.
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International Penguin Awareness Day
We have Penguin Appreciation Day because Penguins are under constant threat from over-fishing, pollution and climate change. People need to be aware that threats to penguins affect mankind too.
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World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day takes place on the 22nd September each year to draw peoples attention to the plight the endangered rhinoceros is facing.
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What Do Tigers Eat in Zoos?
The average zoo visitor may wonder what it is that tigers eat in zoos. It is the same as in the wild...meat. In the zoo however the fare varies as does the preparation and presentation.
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Interesting Facts About Polar Bears
Polar bears are a very popular animal, but people know so little about them despite this. Here then are some interesting facts about these wonderful bears.
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International Vulture Awareness Day
The International Vulture Awareness Day takes place each and every year on the first Saturday in September. The day is all about promoting an awareness of the importance of vultures and the vital niche role they play in the web of life.
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World Tapir Day
World Tapir Day takes place each year on the 27th April. The aim of having a special day just for Tapirs is to draw peoples attention to the Tapir, a beautiful and unusual looking animal with whom we share our planet. Like so many animals the Tapir is threatened by the damage man is doing to the...
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World Penguin Day
World Penguin Day takes place every year on the 25th April. The choice of the date is to coincide with the march of the many thousands of Antarctic Adelie Penguins as they head north to follow the sun and leave the darker south polar winter days behind.
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Eating Horseshoe Crab
The Horseshoe Crab does not really look like crab at all. In fact it isn't, the only things it shares with the crab is its English name and the fact that it lives in the sea. It is though a popular food in some parts of its range.
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Continuing Professional Development in Zoos
Those serious about working in zoos as a career need to be continuing there professional development. It is easy to stagnate. This article serves to advise on what you should be doing.
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Cat Hero
The domestic cat is special. The Ancient Egyptians recognised this and made them into Gods. Cats are heroes.
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Using Lion Dung to Deter Cats, Deer and Other Garden Pests
Lion dung can be used to keep cats and other pests out of gardens and yards. This pungent poo is obtained from zoos for use as a repellent.
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Koh Kong Safari World
Koh Kong Safari World is in Cambodia but located very close to the border with Thailand. It is an attractive, well maintained zoo collection but more geared up to circus type shows than most places.
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Pattaya Songkran 2019
Pattaya Songkran Water Festival is the worlds biggest party. Fun for all.
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National Thai Elephant Day
The National Thai Elephant Day takes place every year on the 13th March and has done since it was first given government approval back in 1998. The aim of the day is to draw attention to the elephant which is the national animal of Thailand and...
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International Elephant Appreciation Day
The International Elephant Appreciation Day is an annual event which takes place on September 22nd. This is a special day, a day to appreciate that we share our planet with a vast range of different creatures. The largest land mammal is the...
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I Wouldn't Eat It
I have eaten some very strange things, sometimes knowingly and sometimes unknowingly. I must have consumed at least a hundred fruits and vegetables I do not know the name of. Testicles, tongues and tripes are all tasty when properly prepared. Balut...
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The Biggest Penis in the World
Some people get really hung up about penis size. There are big ones and small ones and some with really unusual shape. The largest penis in the animal kingdom in relation to body size belongs to the barnacle. The barnacle’s penis reaches out as...
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How to Sex a Crocodile
Determining the sex of a crocodile or alligator is difficult to impossible by sight. The animal has to be caught so that the it can be seen whether it is a male or female. This article tells you how.
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Red Pandas Kidnapped My Alien Grandson
Red Pandas Kidnapped My Alien Grandson is an extremely good example of an attention grabbing headline. It is one of those which makes you wonder what it is all about. You are likely to click on the link to learn more even if you read no further...
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Your Girlfriend Is My Girlfriend
"Excuse me but your girlfriend is my girlfriend." It may sound a bit like a farce but in the bar worlds of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya then never was a truer word spoken in jest...well most of the time. There is an oft repeated saying "You never...
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Thai Butterfly
The Butterfly is one of the most attractive of creatures, symbolic not only of beauty but of youth and rebirth in many cultures. Thailand is lucky to have a wide variety of these beautiful insects and upwards of 520 species have been recorded in the...
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200 Sentences English for Massage Therapists
200 Sentences English for Massage Therapists (Nice & Naughty) is a comparatively new arrival on the Thai, learn a language book market. Few were surprised to learn of the 'Get Rich Quick English for Bar Girls' but something for the massage side of...
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The Anatomy of a GoGo Bar
The GoGo Bar may be a mystery to many. Explore the pitfalls and the pleasures of a temporary escape from the world outside.
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Get Rich Quick English For Bar Girls
My Thai girlfriend has reminded me dozens of times over the years of a simple fact. "You think Thai girl come to Pattaya for LOVE? No, come for munneee!" The same applies of course to wherever there is a bar scene in Thailand. Munneee! Money!...
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Declawing Tigers and Lions
The declawing of Tigers and Lions is and never has been an operation that has ever needed to be done. It cruel and unnecessary. It always has been and it always will be. The only time a claw should have to be removed is if it was damaged in some way...
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Edward VII Love Chair
The Edward VII Love Chair is of unique construction. Built on the precise instructions of the overweight playboy Prince of Wales for lovemaking.
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The Sex Hubs
Actually The Sex Hubs is a little bit of a misnomer. True enough the subject rears its head ever so slightly in these hubs, though often the word does not. There are no hubs here with pornographic content, there is nothing that would make a maiden...
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How to Kill a Chicken
To be able to humanely kill a chicken quickly and without causing pain or distress is an important skill for anyone thinking of small scale farming.
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The Pointlessness of Alligator Wrestling
Alligator and Crocodile Wrestling is both cruel and pointless. Training the animals is a kinder and more practical method of husbandry.
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The Pata Zoo Gorilla Keeper
The Pata Zoo in Bangkok is getting some renewed criticism in February 2010 and so has appeared on Thailand National Television, the local and some International press. The zoo is, quite naturally defending itself. This will in turn lead to more...
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The Thailand Sex Diet
Som Tam or Papaya Green salad is probably one of the healthiest of all meals. All of the ingredients have health giving properties. What perhaps is lesser know is that most of these are believed to be aphrodisiacs, Som Tam is the Thailand Sex Diet, an aphrodisiac cocktail!
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What Is the Job of a Zookeeper?
During my long and happy career working in zoos, I learned that zookeeping is a fascinating and satisfying profession. But what exactly does the job entail—and what qualifications does a person need to become a zookeeper? Read on to find out!
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The Zoo Hubs
The Zoo Hubs is a collection of links to Asian and some other zoos plus articles related to zoos.
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The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare
The Five Freedoms are logical, common-sense guidelines that allow you to gauge the quality of care and professionalism in a zoo, farm, pet shop, or wherever animals are kept.
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Royal Elephant National Museum in Bangkok Thailand
The Royal Elephant National Museum (Chang* Ton Museum) is one of Bangkok, Thailand's lesser known secrets. It is located just across the road from the former Dusit Zoo within the lush and well maintained grounds of Dusit Palace. The actual museum is located...
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Hand Rearing Lion Cubs and Other Carnivores
There they are, the cute fluffy little lion, tiger or whatever cubs in the newspaper photo. That should bring some visitors in to the zoo, sanctuary, rescue centre or whatever you like to call it. We have all seen them. Such photographs appear...
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Mr Moke the Talking Chimpanzee
Mr Moke was the stage name of a chimpanzee called 'Moko'. Mr Moke was claimed to be the worlds only talking chimpanzee and he may well have been at the height of his fame. He was definitely not the 'one and only' ever though. There was Johnny and...
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Craig Busch and Zion Wildlife Gardens
Craig Busch of the 'Lion Man' TV programme sprang to fame on the back of a number of falsehoods. He lost control of the Zion Wildlife Gardens through a disagreement with his mother. We examine why and where things went wrong.
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The Perfect Zoo Enclosure
The Perfect Zoo Enclosure would surely have to be an exact replica of the territory the animal lived in in the wild. Visitors to the zoo could wait for the animal to appear...and wait...and wait...and wait. The animal may arrive, today,...
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Komodo Dragon Problems
The Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is the worlds largest lizard. They are capable of growing up to ten feet in length and weighing 150 lbs. With a surprising turn of speed on land and in the water they are a creature that deserves respect. Their...
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Pangolins in Peril
The Pangolin is on the edge of extinction. Huge numbers of Pangolins are caught each year in Asia and Africa and smuggled into China where they command high prices both as a food and a medicine.
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Conservation Zoos
There are many zoos today which claim to be playing a part in conservation of species. The word 'conservation' is seemingly most often used by those zoos which insist on breeding the likes of White Tigers or White Lions which have absolutely no...
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Bangkok Hilton Prison
Bang Kwang Central Prison in Bangkok, Thailand is infamously known as the the 'Bangkok Hilton'and reputed by some to be amongst the worst prisons in the world. It is located at the edge of the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi to the north of the...
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Malabon Zoo in Manila in the Philippines
Malabon Zoo is a popular private zoo located within Metro Manila. Easily reachable by the Manila metro it makes an interesting alternative to Manila Zoo.
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The Thai Oil Massage
The Thai Oil Massage is amongst the most popular of massages by visitors to Thailand. Relaxing but at the same time rejuvenating it is an experience not to be missed.
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Should I Be Here or Somewhere Else
Personal brushes with death which have helped turn me into the person I am.
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Never Fall In Love With A Bar Girl
It is easy to say "Don't fall in love" but much more difficult not too. Thai girls are beautiful, friendly, attentive and loyal but above all devoted to their families.
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Manila Zoo in the Philippines
Manila is a huge city with a population numbering somewhere in the region of 20 Million people. Nearly all of these are familiar with Manila Zoo which, as reputedly the oldest* zoo in Asia, opened its doors in 1959 on a 5 hectare site. Most Manilans...
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Bird Nest Soup
Bird Nest Soup is a soup which is produced using the nests of the Cave Swiftlet (Aerodramus/Collocalia species) as a base. The Cave swiftlet does not construct its nest like many birds from twigs and moss but out of its own very sticky but...
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Why You Really Need to Smile
A smile costs not a penny and yet gives so much. A smile is easy and something everyone can give today and make someone else' s day.
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Phuket Zoo in Thailand
Phuket Zoo in Thailand is the major aniumal collection on Phuket Island. It is a bad dysfunctional zoo which needs to close.
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The Best Zoo In The World
Everyone has their own opinion as to what is the best zoo in the world, their first choice or favourite zoo. It will depend on what you want out of a visit. A fancy restaurant, to be entertained, your favourite animals, to actually learn something,...
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Zoo Misconceptions
Many people are anti-zoo due to misconceived ideas. There are good zoos and their are bad zoos. Here you will find many zoo misconceptions explained truthfully.
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The Wonderful Asian Sniff Kiss
Almost undoubtedly the kiss originated from grooming/bonding behaviour and can be seen in its most primitive form by watching other primates. Other animals lick and preen. The kiss today is commonly carried out as a gesture of love, respect,...
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Animal Enrichment Versus Routine
Most zoos fail to understand the difference between animal enrichment and routine. The difference is important from an animal perspective.
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The World of the Kathoey and Ladyboy
In at least one story of creation there were three children born. There was a boy, a girl and another. The Kathoey should be considered that Third Sex. The Kathoey or Ladyboy occur in all societies under a variety of names. In Mexico they are called...
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White Tiger Breeding is Not Conservation
White Tigers are NOT rare! White Tigers are NOT endangered! White Tigers are NOT a species! They are not even a sub-species! White Tigers have no conservation value. The White Tiger is a mutant, a freak of nature, an aberration of the Bengal Tiger Panthera tigris tigris . The Tigers are not albinos.