In early May, 2009 a story was released by the Russell Banner’s Terrie Welwood about a highly venomous spider — the Brazilian Wandering Spider — from tropical America, which arrived in a box of bananas at an IGA grocery store in Russell, Manitoba.  Through the efforts of a number of people, the 2.5-cm-long spider with long legs and red hairy fangs made its way to the Assiniboine Park Zoo.  Considering that the fear of spiders (arachnophobia) is almost universal, it is remarkable that a chain of individuals cared enough about this little wandering stowaway to ensure that no harm came to it after surviving its over-4000-km trip from the tropics.

The spider appears to have started its journey by hiding in a load of bananas in Guatemala, and then being transported to Manitoba.  The box of bananas was ultimately shipped to the IGA in Russell, where one night it left its refuge to search for prey.  A cleaning-staff member discovered the spider and succeeded in trapping it in a container.  He handed it over to the Produce Manager, who then in turn gave it to the Major Pratt High School 12^th-grade biology class for study.  Using the resources of the internet, the students took up the challenge of identifying it, and they came to the startling conclusion (based on its size and striking red fangs) that it was a venomous Brazilian wandering spider (a species of Phoneutria; Greek name for “Murderess”), the bites of several species of which have resulted in the deaths of small children and seniors in Amazonia.  Although the bites of these spiders are highly sensationalized as the most-venomous and painful in the world, venom is often not released, or is delivered in such small doses that it is insufficient to kill most human victims.

Photo by Darlene Stack

Amid stories in the media, the spider was passed on by one of the students to two Manitoba Conservation staff, and with the recommendation from a Canadian Wildlife Service officer, they delivered the spider on May 8th to the Assiniboine Park Zoo for safe-keeping.  It was set up securely in a terrarium for public viewing in the Tropical House by zookeepers experienced in maintaining spiders. Until its identification could be confirmed, it was treated as a potentially dangerous specimen.  When offered a cricket as food, the spider instantly captured and then devoured the insect, so the spider appeared to be in good health after its long journey.

Zoo Curator Dr. Robert Wrigley contacted Dr. Terry Galloway at the Entomology Department at the University of Manitoba, who recommended he speak to Canadian spider specialist Dr. Robb Bennett with the British Columbia provincial government.  Dr. Bennett acknowledged that spiders are easily misidentified, and while this specimen might be a Phoneutria, it was far-more likely to be a harmless species of wandering spider called Cupiennius, a species of which also has the red hairs on the large fangs.  These spiders have been known to be transported in fruit to other North American cities (e.g., Tulsa in March, 2008), where they are usually misidentified by local spider experts as the venomous Phoneutria.  Other large stowaway spiders (e.g., wandering and black-widows) have been turned over to the Zoo and the J.B. Wallis Museum of Entomology (University of Manitoba) over the years, mainly deriving from shipments of produce.  This Manitoba specimen will be submitted to a professor at the University of California at Berkeley, who is preparing a paper on accidental shipments of exotic creatures.  The huge volume of cargo being transported around the world generates frequent opportunities for invasive pests to reach new continents, where they often cause enormous damage to native ecosystems and national economies (e.g., agriculture, forestry).

Manitoba is host to about 700 species of spiders, which occupy almost all terrestrial habitats and some aquatic ones as well.  They play major roles as predators of insects and other small organisms, and serve as food for songbirds and many other kinds of animals.  All Manitoba spiders carry venom to immobilize and digest prey, but none is dangerous to humans, although the bite of a few species can be painful and cause a local irritation or mild allergic reaction.  The public is encouraged to leave spiders alone to carry out their natural lives, and to not destroy them out of needless fear.

In the autumn, many people are alarmed to discover an impressively large spider (with two bumps on the abdomen) in a web around the home, resulting in a call to the zoo, a university, Manitoba Museum, or Insect Control (City Of Winnipeg).  This is usually the Jewel Spider (Aranaeus gemmoides), the females of which have a respectable head-body length of up to 15 mm.  One of western Canada’s largest orb-weaver spiders, it is docile and only bites if repeatedly provoked.  D.Wade from Insect Control noted that by September, the female has mated with the smaller male, and is looking for a secluded site to deposit her egg case, which may contain 800 fertilized eggs. It appears that houses are a preferred site for stashing the egg case.  The female dies and the cold-hardy eggs over-winter, then hatch with the warming days of spring.  On a sunny day, each tiny spiderlings releases a strand of silk and parachutes away on the wind, to renew the species’ cycle of life.

By Dr. Robert E. Wrigley

Curator, Assiniboine Park Zoo

Who says a Blog is supposed to be boring!? I’ve gathered a number of great one-liners, funny knock-knocks and gut-busting jokes from various sources so let’s enjoy Canadian Thanksgiving with a few laughs. Enjoy…!

• A kangaroo kept getting out of his enclosure at the zoo. Knowing that he could hop high, the zoo officials put up a ten-foot fence. He was out the next morning, just roaming around the zoo. A twenty-foot fence was put up. Again he go out. When the fence was forty feet high, a camel in the next enclosure asked the kangaroo, “How high do you think they ll go?” The kangaroo said, “At least a hundred feet, unless somebody locks the gate at night!”

• One day the zookeeper noticed that the orang-utan was reading two books — the Bible and Darwin’s Origin of Species. In surprise he asked the ape, “Why are you reading both those books?” “Well,” said the orang-utang, “I just wanted to know if I was my brother’s keeper or my keeper’s brother.”

• The manager of a large city zoo was drafting a letter to order a pair of animals. He sat at his computer and typed the following sentence: “I would like to place an order for two mongooses, to be delivered at your earliest convenience.” He stared at the screen, focusing on that odd word mongooses. Then he deleted the word and added another, so that the sentence now read: “I would like to place an order for two mongeese, to be delivered at your earliest convenience.” Again he stared at the screen, this time focusing on the new word, which seemed just as odd as the original one. Finally, he deleted the whole sentence and started all over. “Everyone knows no full-stocked zoo should be without a mongoose,” he typed. “Please send us two of them.”

• What did the zoo keeper say when he saw four elephants walking over the hill towards him wearing sunglasses? Nothing, he didn’t recognize them!

• I was in the zoo last week. Really? Which cage were you in?

• I took my son to the zoo yesterday. Really, did they accept him?

• Jim: “Come on, Fred, I’ll take you to the zoo.” Fred: “If the zoo wants me, let them come and get me!”

• Caller: “Finally! I got through! I’ve been trying to call the zoo for hours!” Zookeeper: “Yes, all our lions were busy!”.

• Zoo Keeper: “I’ve lost one of my elephants”. Other Zoo Keeper: “Why don’t you put an advert in the paper?”. Zoo Keeper: “Don’t be silly, he can’t read!”

A new memorial statue was recently unveiled at the Assiniboine Park Zoo to honour Debby the polar bear. Debby passed away in November of 2008 at the age of 42 and was the icon of the zoo. She was in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest living polar bear at the time of her passing.

A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes since Debby’s death in order to pave the way for not only new polar bears at the Assiniboine Park Zoo but for a new, state -of-the art polar bear enclosure. The Zoo, Zoological Society of Manitoba, Manitoba Conservation, Polar Bears International, Assiniboine Park Conservancy and many other partner organizations have rallied around this call for action and plan to make Winnipeg the premier place to view, learn about and help conserve polar bears in the world.

The Zoological Society of Manitoba got things rolling by establishing the Polar Bear Conservation Fund in Tribute to Debby. This fund has received many donations from individual citizens and companies from Manitoba as well as being the main recipient for fund generated by the Zoo Society throughout 2009. The Society has contributed money from two fun runs, from its June social event and proceeds from the Safeway Boo at the Zoo event are earmarked for the fund. The Society has also partnered with companies like Pizza Hotline, Hot 103 FM and Carpathia Credit Union to raise additional funds for the new conservation centre.

Bear Debby leaves a hole

Despite memorial, zoo visitors lament polar bears’ absence

By: Staff Writer, 25/09/2009

Debby the polar bear may have departed this perilous planet, but her likeness lives on at the Assiniboine Park Zoo.

The province of Manitoba has donated a statue of the Guinness record-setting carnivore to the zoo to help celebrate the life of its famous resident.

Click here to read more: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/life/bear-debby-leaves-a-hole-61437642.html

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy has recently announced plans to assist in the construction of a world class arctic exhibit. For information on their plans, please visit: http://www.assiniboinepark.ca/mnufuture-vision#zoo

The Assiniboine Park Zoo is a proud accredited member of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is at non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.

www.caza.ca

Here is a list of all of the CAZA Institutional Members across the country.

British Columbia:

• British Columbia Wildlife Park
• Greater Vancouver Zoo
• Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge
• Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre Soc.
• Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre

Alberta:

• Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden & Prehistoric Park
• Marine Life Department, West Edmonton Mall
• Valley Zoo & John Janzen Nature Centre

Saskatchewan:

• Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo

Manitoba:

• Assiniboine Park Zoo

Ontario:

• African Lion Safari
• Bowmanville Zoological Park
• Indian River Reptile Zoo
• Jungle Cat World Inc.
• Marine Land of Canada Inc.
• Riverview Park and Zoo
• Safari Niagara
• Toronto Zoo

Québec:

• Aquarium du Québec
• Biodôme de Montréal
• Ecomuseum
• Parc Safari (2002) Inc.
• Société Zoologique de Granby Inc.
• Zoo Sauvage de St. Felicien

New Brunswick:

• Cherry Brook Zoo Inc.
  Magnetic Hill Zoo

BLACK FOOTED FERRETS REINTRODUCED TO CANADA

CAZA-ACCREDITED ZOOS PARTNERS IN THE REINTRODUCTION

Ottawa – On Friday, October 2, 2009 history was made in a small corner of Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan when a small and quite adorable carnivore – once believed to be extinct – came home to Canada after more than 75 years. The ferret is still rare in the U.S. The first group of captive-born black footed ferrets was reintroduced to the Canadian prairie on an autumn afternoon in this unique habitat painstakingly prepared for their return.

The international effort to repatriate a species once considered extinct included the participation of two zoos accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) – the Toronto Zoo and the Calgary Zoo. Parks Canada, Agriculture Canada, Saskatchewan Environment and Agriculture departments, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the World Wildlife Fund complete the team of conservation partners collaborating on the reintroduction of black footed ferrets to Canadian soil.

This is not the first time that Canadian zoos have played a major role in the return of endangered species to their original habitat. In the past two years alone, CAZA-accredited zoos across the country were involved in similar conservation programs with endangered species such as the Vancouver Island Marmot, the Loggerhead Shrike, the Red-Sided Dace, the Spotted Owl, and others.

“Decades ago, animals in zoos mostly came from the wild, but now accredited zoological institutions are involved in and support conservation programs and species reintroduction efforts giving back both at home and throughout the world”, said Rachel Leger, current President of CAZA.

Leger continues “Advocating for the protection of habitat, the re-establishment of ecosystems, raising awareness of the importance of these species and spaces to the Canadian landscape have become hallmarks of CAZA-accredited zoos and aquariums”.

The combined efforts of accredited zoos and aquariums and their partners, requiring years of preparation, dedication of resources, committed experts and continuing research is making a difference in the conservation of endangered species. Visiting and supporting your local CAZA-accredited zoo or aquarium means you too can make a difference in preserving and protecting these precious Canadian animals.

The Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a not for profit national organization that represents Canada’s 26 accredited zoos and aquariums. It sets and enforces rigorous standards through its accreditation program, coordinates work in the fields of research, conservation and education, and represents its members’ interests with governments at all levels.

For further information, contact:

Bill Peters, National Director, Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums

www.caza.ca

The Zoological Society of Manitoba has been busy getting ready for this year’s Safeway Boo at the Zoo, our 14th Annual! We’re just a week away from opening night on October 15. Here are some highlights for 2009…

• Back again and buggier than ever will the Education Department’s “Ed-B00-cation Trailer”. This mecca of mischievous musings will provide much merriment as you make your way around the event. Step inside the trailer and find out just how big your feet are. We won’t give away all of our hallowed secrets but needless to say, you’ll come out feeling warmed and a little creeped out.

• Buying tickets to the most popular zoo Halloween event in North America has never been so easy, with tickets available at all Winnipeg Safeway locations, at the Zoo gates the night of and on-line at www.zoosociety.com. We also have a fourth option and the tastiest way yet. You can now order your Boo tickets from Pizza Hotline at 222-2222!

• Back by popular request are Toddler Tuesdays. We specifically have designed Toddler Tuesdays to give those children and parents who don’t want quite the same level of spook as others an opportunity to visit the event in a more fairytale setting. We encourage parents with young children to visit Boo before it gets dark on all other days as this will help make small children feel more secure. But as always, Safeway Boo at the Zoo is aimed at families and we strive to provide a fun, safe environment to enjoy Halloween. We’re a Boo, not a fright!

• Many people ask if they should wear a costume. Absolutely! We encourage all of our guests, regardless of their age to get into the spirit of the event. Please remember that security does not condone any “monkey” business and if your character is disruptive or gory you may be asked to leave the event.  Please note all our performers wear performer badges so that we know who is part of the show. So parents, as you’re bundling up your children in the latest Halloween fashions, remember to put on a funky hat, snazzy cape or totally rocking wig so you don’t feel too out of place among the superheroes, princesses, aliens, witches, pirates and goblins that make Boo so fun.

Inside Edition paid a visit to the Assiniboine Park Zoo in September, bringing along a young boy named Michael who can imitate dozens of animal sounds. Here is the result of their visit, highlighting Micheal’s ability to communicate with the zoo’s residents.

So what did you do on October 4? Did you celebrate World Animal Day? I hope so. In fact I hope you celebrate animals everyday, but in case you missed this year’s celebrations, here’s a re-cap.

World Animal Day, October 4

We celebrate World Animal Day to express our compassion and concern for all creatures. World Animal Day’s mission is to: celebrate animal life in all its forms; celebrate humankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom; acknowledge the diverse roles animals play in our lives; and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives. To find out more, please visit: World Animal Day

As a reminder, there are a couple more upcoming dates to celebrate.

Waste Reduction Week runs October 19-25

Waste Reduction Week aims to inform and engage Canadians about the environmental and social impact of our wasteful practices. It strives to educate, engage and empower Canadians to reduce, reuse and recycle waste. Everyone, including schools, businesses, and individuals can all get involved! Visit Waste Reduction Week Canada at http://www.wrwcanada.com/ for more information and resources.

International Day of Climate Action is on October 24

Scientists now know that an environment with carbon in the atmosphere that tops 350 parts per million will not support life as we know it. Sadly, we’re already past that number, at 390 parts per million, which is why the Arctic is melting and drought is spreading across the planet. 350 gives us a target to aim for. Join the international movement on October 24 to take a stand for a safe climate future and raise awareness about this important number (350). Make a statement to get the attention of the world’s leaders, before they meet in Copenhagen in December to reach an agreement on a new climate treaty. Visit www.350.org to make a difference before it becomes too hard to reach our goal.

I’m finding it hard to believe but we’re nearly a week into September. A new month means new ecologically important dates, so let’s see what 2009 has to offer. Remember that we can all celebrate these days by doing something to help reduce our negative impact on the earth. Not sure how? You can leave your car at home on September 22. You could buy eco-friendly, local, organic and/or fair-trade foods and merchandise on September 28. Pick up litter around your neighbourhood, school, church or even your work on September 19 and 20.

September 15 – International Day of Peace (UN)

September 16 – International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

Sept. 19 & 20 – Clean Up the World Weekend

September 20 – International Coastal Cleanup Day

September 22 – Fall Equinox / International Car Free Day

September 28 – Green Consumer Day

]]> http://zoosociety.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/eco-dates-in-september/feed/ 0 Zoo Society of Manitoba http://zoosociety.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/grandparents-day-at-assiniboine-park/ http://zoosociety.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/grandparents-day-at-assiniboine-park/#comments Sun, 06 Sep 2009 14:01:36 +0000 Scott Gray http://zoosociety.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/grandparents-day-at-assiniboine-park/ ]]>

Join us on Sunday, September 13 for a park-wide celebration of grandparents. Here’s our Grandparent’s Day Activity Schedule:

Assiniboine Park Zoo – Open 10a to 4p
Free Zoo Admission to grandparents accompanied by grandchild
10:30a – Dedication of Polar Bear statue in front of the bear exhibits
11a to 1p – Free coffee or tea at the Animal Tracks Café for Grandparents
11a to 12p – Join us for cake at the Animal Tracks Café
11a to 2p – Free Trolley Tours for Grandparents when accompanied by paying grandchild
11a to 4p – Free interpretative talks
11a to 3p – Grandparents membership special
10a to 4p – Receive a Debby magnet or paperweight with any purchase of $20 or more at the Zoo Gift Shop

Leo Mol Sculpture Garden – Open 11a to 5p
1p; 2p; & 3p – Tours of Gallery, Schoolhouse Studio and the grounds of the Garden
Grandparents with a grandchild receive a package of Leo Mol Art Cards (value $7) while quantities last.

Pavilion Gallery Museum – Open 10a to 5p
Grandparents with a grandchild will receive a Pavilion Gallery Museum catalogue (value $15) while quantities last.

Conservatory – Open 9a to 4p
Conservatory Palm House self guided scavenger hunt maps
10a to noon – Conservatory bouquet making
Noon to 2p – Abilities Garden demonstration and samples from the “Pizza Garden”