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News Archive 2003

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December 2003

November 2003

October 2003

September 2003

August 2003

  • Giant Panda Training
    The Summer 2003 edition of Inside Smithsonian Research features an article detailing the training of giant pandas Tian Tian and Mei Xiang. Keepers train the pandas, as they do many other Zoo animals, to aid in the performance of routine medical procedures and exams. Inside Smithsonian Research
  • National Zoo Receives Two Lions
    The Zoo received two female African lions on August 12 from the Wildlife Waystation in Los Angeles. It is planned that the new arrivals, Lusaka and Kisangali, both estimated to be 12 years old, will be exhibited with the National Zoo’s resident male lion, Tsavo, at some time after they clear medical quarantine and have adjusted to their new surroundings. Tsavo, a full-maned adult familiar to many Zoo visitors, was born here at the Zoo in November 1988. A donation from Lyondell Chemical Company of Houston, Texas, paid the expenses of bringing the new arrivals to Washington. Information will be posted when the new lions go on exhibit.
  • Zoo's New Black Howler Monkeys Make Their Debut
    Two of the Zoo's newest residents, black howler monkeys Reubin and Jolla (pronounced "HOY-ah"), have debuted in an outdoor exhibit at the Small Mammal House. Black howler monkeys are native to the rainforests of Latin America, where the species is considered threatened. At a height of two to four feet and a weight of eight to 22 pounds, they are the largest of the New World monkeys. Reubin is a five-year-old male from the Tulsa Zoo, and Jolla is a six-year-old female from the Lowry Park Zoological Garden in Florida. They have come to the Zoo as part of a Population Management Plan organized by the AZA. Meet the howler monkeys
  • The Stork Won’t Visit National Zoo Giant Pandas This Year
    The National Zoo’s female giant panda is not pregnant this year, but Zoo scientists have collected significant hormonal, behavioral, and other data that will help them—and other researchers studying giant pandas—better understand the reproductive nature of these endangered animals.

July 2003

  • Death of One of the Zoo's Bald Eagles
    One of the Zoo’s three bald eagles died after suffering from extensive wounds inflicted by a predator, which experts have determined was most likely a fox.
  • Opening of New Bald Eagle Refuge Exhibit
    This new outdoor exhibit was developed in partnership with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the AZA. Located on the Zoo’s Valley Trail, it houses two bald eagles in a setting that includes naturalistic rock formations, a pond, a heated shelter, and a perch. Visitors can learn about the National Wildlife Refuge System and the role zoos play in animal conservation efforts through the exhibit’s interactive displays.
  • Bill Xanten Hired as General Curator
    Bill Xanten, who brings with him a wealth of animal care and management experience, has been selected as the Zoo’s general curator. In this position, Xanten will oversee all animal care at the Zoo as well as the Office of the Registrar. Most recently a consultant with other AZA-accredited and international zoos, Xanten had been a part of the Zoo’s team for many years, where he served as curator of mammals, hoofstock, and carnivores, as well as a keeper.
  • Ed Bronikowski and Jack Grisham Hired as Associate Curators Reporting to general curator Bill Xanten, Ed Bronikowski and Jack Grisham will oversee the Zoo’s curators and animal keepers. A former National Zoo employee, Bronikowski has extensive experience in exhibit design and in collections management both here at the National Zoo and at The Tampa Aquarium. Grisham served as general curator at Oklahoma City Zoo since 1986, and has been a leader in AZA Species Survival Plans.
  • Celebration of the Five-Millionth Visitor to the Fujifilm Giant Panda Conservation Habitat
    Susan Goi of Singapore was celebrated as the five-millionth visitor to this popular exhibit that houses giant pandas Mei Xiang and Tian Tian. Fewer than 1,000 pandas exist in their native forested habitat in central China. Another 120 live in breeding facilities in China, and 20 others live in zoos outside of China.
  • National Academy of Sciences Committee Announced
    A provisional committee of experts was announced by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct an assessment of animal management, husbandry, and care at the National Zoo’s Rock Creek and Front Royal facilities.
  • Annual USDA Inspection of the Zoo
    United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors visited the Zoo's Rock Creek facilities as part of their regular inspections of U.S. zoos. USDA has oversight of U.S. zoos and makes annual inspections of these zoos. We are proud that USDA’s “findings”—areas which the USDA recommends we work on—numbered only eight this year, a significant improvement over last year’s 21 findings, and a clear sign that the hard work and commitment of Zoo staff to improve the Zoo for its animals and visitors is paying off!
  • National Zoo Named Best Sunny Day Outing
    The July edition of Washington Families has named the National Zoo as the best place for a sunny day outing in Washington, D.C. Giant pandas are named as the “best animal” to visit at the Zoo!
  • Eco-Explorers Sea Turtle Research Trip
    This month, FONZ's teen travel program, Eco-Explorers, will lead five area teens on a trip to Wassaw Island off the coast of Georgia to assist scientists studying a threatened sea turtle species. Participants will help scientists monitor the beach for nesting turtles, measure and tag the animals, and relocate nests. The trip takes place July 18-27.

June 2003

  • Formation of National Zoo’s Science Advisory Group
    The Science Advisory Group has been developed to provide Zoo scientists with a forum to discuss ideas regarding the Zoo’s science and conservation programs and to discuss ways of continuing to improve the important work that National Zoo scientists do every day. The Science Advisory Group includes science leaders from zoos, conservation organizations, and academic institutions.
  • New Wayfinding System
    After evaluating our visitors’ needs, we’ve redesigned our Zoo map and signs throughout the park to make it easier for visitors to find their way around the park.
  • Great Meadow Renewal
    We’ve added a terrace to the Great Meadow to enhance one of our most important special event places. When its not being used for an event. It’s a great place for our visitors to picnic. Add graphic link of people enjoying the Great Meadow.

May 2003

  • Zoo Animal Comings and Goings
    New Zoo arrivals soon to be on exhibit include Grevy's zebra, howler monkeys, and golden-headed lion tamarins; Two rhinos depart as preparations for Asia Trail renovations begin.

April 2003

  • Groundbreaking for Kids’ Farm
    Watch the new Kids’ Farm as it grows at the bottom of the Zoo, behind the Mane Restaurant. It will open in spring, 2004.
  • New Outdoor Yard for Komodo Dragons
    Behind the Reptile House, a new exhibit has opened for two of the Zoo’s three Komodo Dragons. This glass-enclosed outdoor yard offers the dragons grass to lounge on, a berm to dig in and direct sunlight to relax in.
  • Smithsonian's Migratory Bird Center Celebrates Bird Fest 2003
    Held in conjunction with International Migratory Bird Day, this festival is hosted by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center as a celebration of migratory-bird conservation. Guests learn about efforts to protect the nearly 350 species of migratory birds that live in North America, as well as what they can do to help.

March 2003

  • AZA Accreditation
    All accredited zoos undergo a re-accreditaton process every five years. At the Zoo’s re-accreditation meeting in April, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) Accreditation Commission was very supportive of the changes made at the Zoo, but decided to "table" the National Zoo’s accreditation for one year while we continue to make progress.
  • Visit to Capitol Hill
    Director Spelman testified before the Committee on House Administration, the Smithsonian Institution’s House authorizing committee, along with Secretary Small and Undersecretary David Evans. During the hearing, Spelman welcomed the decision to have an independent panel, led by the National Academy of Sciences, review the Zoo's animal care and management practices.

February 2003

  • Increased Budget
    The Zoo’s FY2003 budget was announced, reflecting strong support for the Zoo’s operations and facilities renewal. A supplemental amount of $2.1 million was also provided in addition to the $16.7 million the Zoo requested. This additional funding will be used to upgrade utilities (electric services), repair pool and rockwork at the Seal/Sea Lion pools, and design a new roof for the Elephant and Reptile Houses. The Zoo’s capital improvements budget has grown significantly over the past three years: from $4 million in FY 2000 to $6 million in FY 2001 to $10 million in FY 2002 to $18 million FY 2003, enabling us to make significant progress on the repairs to the 114-year-old facility.
  • Cause of New Amphibian Disease Discovered
    National Zoo pathologists have discovered the cause of a new, fatal skin disease (cutaneous chytridiomycosis) in frogs, toads, and salamanders that is devastating populations of captive and wild amphibians and contributing to a global decline in amphibian populations. By understanding the cause of this disease, Zoo researchers have been able to develop methods to successfully treat infected frogs and tadpoles in captivity.
  • New Octopus Home
    This new large tank at Invertebrates is designed with removable arches and offers plenty of room for additional enrichment elements for the Zoo’s female giant Pacific octopus.

January 2003

  • Asia Trail Demolition Work Underway
    Demolition work, including the razing of the aged Australia House, has begun in preparation for the construction of Asia Trail, a key component of the Zoo’s ten-year revitalization project. Focusing on species to which the Zoo has long-standing science and conservation commitments, Asia Trail will provide new habitats for several of the Zoo’s best-known Asian animals, including giant pandas, Asian elephants, and sloth bears, as well as species new to the Zoo, including clouded leopards and giant salamanders. These exhibits will provide visitors an opportunity to see these species up close in naturalistic environments and will also link them with the science and conservation work underway by Zoo researchers to help conserve these species. Nearly one-quarter of the Zoo will be renewed through Asia Trail, the first portion of which is expected to open in 2005.
  • Review of Pest Control Procedures
    The National Zoo is a 163-acre park in the heart of a major city, which makes it a haven for urban wildlife. The Zoo has initiated a comprehensive review of its pest-control procedures. This review commenced after two of our red pandas were accidentally poisoned during pest control procedures. In addition to a review of these pest control procedures, Zoo personnel are reviewing all daily operations and are beginning a Zoo-wide update of "Best Practices," the Zoo’s operation practices.

 

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