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Mid-life changes

Article Abstract:

The administration of Bronx Zoo underwent many changes with the different presidents who took over the Zoological Society since 1940. Fairfield Osborn, who became the president in 1940, changed the administration of the Society to overcome the effects of Depression. In 1941 Rockefeller, as the executive chairman, converted the Bison Range into African Plains, where the animals would be allowed to move freely in herds. When Osborn retired in 1968, Rockefeller and William Conway, who was an associate curator of birds, continued their work in protecting wildlife. Howard Phipps, Jr., successor to Rockefeller, established an international program on ecosystems. The Society currently has 270 field projects worldwide and 100 wildlife parks and reserves.

Management

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Big little zoo

Article Abstract:

Roger Williams Park Zoo, on 40-acres of land and with a staff of only 30, looks like a big zoo instead of a little one, with all its flora and fauna. Woodwork provides a rustic backdrop for elephants, cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes. A tropical American rain forest for free flying birds, anacondas, and Brazilian giant cockroaches has come up in place of a vintage 1930 elephant house. There are porcupines, dik-diks, and bat-eared foxes. The zoo has an open space called Marco Polo Trail, which will house animals from remote areas around the globe.

Rhode Island, Parks

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Rhinos at risk

Article Abstract:

Conservationist in Zimbabwe are cutting the horns off of rhinoceroses in hopes that this will make them less attractive to poachers. Though commercial trade in rhino products is internationally banned, the horns fetch over $7,000 in Asia, so collecting them is still a lucrative occupation for poachers. The US has threatened Asian nations with sanctions if they continue to buy rhino products, and with a shrinking budget affecting Zimbabwe's wildlife department only a change in how Asians perceive rhinos is likely to stop the killing.

Reports, Demographic aspects, Natural history, Zimbabwe, Poaching, Black rhinoceros

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