Latest news with #SanDiegoZoo
RNZ News
23-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Northern Mariana Islands: Endangered Mariana Crow population rebounds on Rota
Mariana Crow, known as 'Aga' in Chamorro. Photo: Marianas Press The endangered Mariana Crow, known as "Aga" in Chamorro, is showing strong signs of recovery, with 70 breeding pairs now thriving in the wild on Rota. That figure represents approximately 300 individual birds, a significant milestone toward the species' downlisting and eventual removal from the endangered species list. Rota Avian Behavioral Ecology Program's primary investigator Sarah Faegre told Marianas Press that the conservation effort is in a critical and optimistic phase. "This is a very exciting time to be here on Rota," Faegre said. "We are seeing high rates of reproduction among the captive-reared birds that have been released into the wild." Since 2017, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the University of Washington have collaborated to rear and release 90 captive-raised Mariana Crows. Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. Photo: Supplied These birds now make up 20 percent of the breeding population, and this year alone, they have already produced four fledglings. "It's significant because it means the birds we rear and release are not only surviving, but they're also displaying normal social behavior-they're pairing and reproducing in the wild, which is exactly what we need them to do," Faegre said. The Mariana Crow is a long-lived species, and Faegre noted that some of the birds released in 2017 are only now beginning to breed. "We saw a long delay. For a while, we were concerned about lower rates of reproduction, but even if it takes five or six years, they are breeding now," she said. "We're expecting to see the population increase faster going forward." Back in 2013, there were only 46 known breeding pairs. The recent rise to 70 brings the Rota population within reach of the US Fish and Wildlife Service's criteria for downlisting: 75 stable or increasing breeding pairs on Rota. "We could reach that 75-pair mark in just a few more years," Faegre said. However, full delisting requires not only maintaining 75 pairs on Rota, but also establishing a second viable population on another island. That means future conservation efforts may include translocating birds to other locations within the Marianas. While the progress is promising, challenges remain. "The biggest threat to the Aga is a poorly understood inflammatory syndrome that's killing young birds," Faegre said. Pathologists have been researching the syndrome since 2011 but have yet to determine its cause. One possibility is an autoimmune response triggered by mosquito-borne pathogens or high mosquito density. Other risks include potential future land-use conflicts with local populations, and the looming danger of the brown tree snake being introduced to Rota-an invasive species that has devastated native bird populations in Guam. Despite these concerns, Faegre said the focus remains on growth and recovery. "We are on the cusp of something really important," she said. "This species has a chance-not just to survive, but to thrive again." The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates a rear-and-release facility on Rota in partnership with the University of Washington. Their joint program continues to play a critical role in the recovery of one of the Marianas' most iconic and culturally significant birds.
RNZ News
16-05-2025
- General
- RNZ News
Northern Mariana Islands' annual bird count highlights conservation success
On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Photo: Mark Rabago The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) annual Christmas Bird Count once again showcased the vital role that community volunteers and conservation efforts play in protecting the islands' unique bird populations. Organised by the Division of Fish and Wildlife's (DFW) Wildlife Section, this year's count saw enthusiastic participation across Saipan, Rota, and Tinian, providing essential data to guide ongoing conservation strategies. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Volunteers included community members, students from Saipan International School and Saipan Southern High School, American Memorial Park rangers, and staff from Pacific Coastal Research & Planning and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance-Aga Team. "This hands-on involvement fosters a deeper connection to nature, encourages environmental stewardship, and strengthens community collaboration in protecting and understanding the CNMI's unique wildlife," DFW's wildlife biologist Amanda Santoswith said. A total of 48 volunteers joined the effort: 37 on Saipan, eight on Rota, and three on Tinian. Photo: Mark Rabago The count documented several endangered and endemic species, including the Marianas Common Moorhen, Saipan Reed Warbler, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Crow, and Rota White-eye. These sightings underline the critical need for continued conservation efforts to protect these rare birds, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This year's results showed 3441 individual birds across 37 species om Saipan, 231 individual birds across 18 species on Tinian, and 3,351 individual birds across 31 species on Rota. The most numerous species varied by island. On Saipan, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow dominated the count, while Rota saw the Red-footed Booby as the most observed species. Tinian's count was led by the White Tern. Conversely, the least numerous species were the Sooty Tern on Saipan, the Tufted Duck on Rota, and the Tinian Monarch on Tinian. Beyond monitoring efforts, DFW has introduced new conservation initiatives to bolster local bird populations. Recently, three experimental floating nest platforms were deployed on the ponds at Laolao Bay Golf Course. These artificial platforms aim to provide safer nesting sites for the vulnerable Mariana Common Moorhen, helping to increase nesting success and population stability. "This type of innovation is critical for ensuring the future of endangered species like the Pulattat," Santos said. The CNMI is home to a rich diversity of both migratory and endemic bird species. Migratory species, such as the Pacific Golden Plover and the Northern Pintail, pass through or seasonally inhabit the islands, while endemic birds like the Mariana Fruit Dove and Tinian Monarch live exclusively in the Marianas. The Christmas Bird Count helps track these populations over time, providing valuable insights into the health of the islands' ecosystems and the impacts of environmental change. Photo: Mark Rabago Part of a global initiative led by the National Audubon Society for over a century, the Christmas Bird Count empowers local residents to participate in scientific research. By contributing their observations, CNMI volunteers are part of a worldwide network working to safeguard bird species and their habitats. DFW expressed gratitude to all who participated and supported the count. "Your dedication to community science helps ensure the continued protection and understanding of our local bird species and ecosystems," Santos said.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bat found near elevator at San Diego Zoo Safari Park tests positive for rabies
ESCONDIDO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A wild bat that was found at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park Wednesday tested positive for rabies. The animal, which did not live at the Safari Park, was located around 10:45 a.m. at the base of the public elevator (the only public one in the park) in the African Loop near the hot air balloon ride, according to the County of San Diego. Park visitors who had direct contact with the bat, know of someone who may have touched the bat or were in the area of the elevator and stairs should contact County Public Health Services as soon as possible at 619-692-8499. Those who had no physical contact with the bat are not at risk for rabies, per local health officials. Why does CHP sometimes zigzag on freeways? A trained staff member safely secured the bat, which later tested positive for rabies. 'Human rabies is usually fatal without prompt post-exposure vaccine and treatment,' said Dr. Ankita Kadakia, County interim public health officer. 'Rabies transmission can happen from a bat bite or if a bat's saliva comes in contact with a cut or abrasion, or with mucous membranes, such as the eyes, nose or mouth. Although bats can carry rabies, they are an important part of nature in San Diego County. It is important to respect the space of wildlife and do not touch them.' Rabies is viral disease that is most often transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. If you do come in direct contact with a bat, the County of San Diego advises to wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and get medical advice immediately. If symptoms develop, which can take weeks to months, is almost always fatal, so being on top of it as soon as possible is essential. In 2025, three rabid bats have been detected in San Diego County. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
San Diego Zoo responds to outrage over clip of 'America's saddest polar bear'
San Diego Zoo has insisted that its sick-looking polar bear is fine and just dealing with the mating season after concerns were raised about the animal's health. A TikTok video with nearly 5million views showed Kalluk, a 22-year-old polar bear, looking sad and disheveled. The large animal was seen salivating and appeared to have trouble keeping his head up as he shut his eyes while lounging inside the enclosure. The caption of the video read: 'Came to the zoo and ended up leaving sad because of this guy.' Many comments questioned if the bear was 'dying' and encouraged others to call the zoo to complain about Kalluk's treatment. In response to the mounting concerns the zoo released a video saying the animal was showing normal behavior for mating season as he is more preoccupied with 'impressing the ladies' than eating or being super energized. The narrator said: 'You may see him paying more attention to Chinook than to his snacks, and that's completely normal. 'Food takes takes a backseat for now, but his care team is always there to ensure he stays healthy and strong.' They also responded to concerns that the bear was salivating too much, but zookeepers said 'that's just part of the effort he's putting in.' The video explained: 'Male polar bears naturally burn more energy and eat less during this time, so he might look a bit slimmer, but that's all part of the process.' In response to those who said polar bears should not be in warm climates as it is not their natural habitat, the zoo said the animals are living in chilled aquatic environments to keep them happy. Polar Bears International, a nonprofit group, said male bears will 'emaciate themselves' as part of a hormonal change. Geoff York, senior director of research and policy for Polar Bears International, said: 'It's definitely a kind of hormonal takeover in terms of prioritizing how they spend their time. "Should I eat, or should I find a mate?" It seems like in certain times of the spring, it's mate, mate, mate.' Males are guided by scents left behind from female bears' paw prints that indicate they are in estrus, a recurring period of sexual receptivity.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Outrage over clip of 'America's saddest polar bear' at San Diego Zoo... but bosses offer bizarre excuse
San Diego Zoo has insisted that its sick-looking polar bear is fine and just in the throes of mating season after concerns were raised about the animal's health. A TikTok video with nearly 5million views showed Kalluk, a 22-year-old polar bear, looking sad and disheveled. The large animal was seen salivating and appeared to have trouble keeping his head up as he shut his eyes while lounging inside the enclosure. 'Came to the zoo and ended up leaving sad because of this guy,' the video read. Many took to the comments to wonder if the bear was 'dying' and encouraged others to call the zoo to complain about Kalluk's treatment. However, the zoo released a response video, aiming to allay such fears. They argued that it was normal behavior for a polar bear during mating season as he is more preoccupied with 'impressing the ladies' than eating or being super energized. 'You may see him paying more attention to Chinook than to his snacks, and that's completely normal,' the narrator said. 'Food takes takes a backseat for now, but his care team is always there to ensure he stays healthy and strong.' They also responded to the concern the bear was salivating too much, but zookeepers said 'that's just part of the effort he's putting in.' 'Male polar bears naturally burn more energy and eat less during this time, so he might look a bit slimmer, but that's all part of the process,' the video explained. In response to those who said polar bears should not be in the warm climate because it is not their natural habitat, the zoo reassured fans that Kalluk and his two friends have chilled aquatic environments to keep them happy. Polar Bears International, a nonprofit group, said male bears will 'emaciate themselves' as part of a hormonal change. 'It's definitely a kind of hormonal takeover in terms of prioritizing how they spend their time. "Should I eat, or should I find a mate?" It seems like in certain times of the spring, it's mate, mate, mate,' Geoff York, senior director of research and policy for Polar Bears International, said. Males are guided by scents left behind from female bears' paw prints that indicate they are in estrus, a recurring period of sexual receptivity.
