Lifted from Herald de Paris. We have been working, these past few days, to bring you information on the fate of the numerous zoos and aquariums in Japan, affected by the recent earthquake and the resulting tsunami. With the great assistance of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), below please find a cursory survey by Kazutoshi Takami, D.V.M., Ph.D., Dipl.J.C.Z.W.M., Zoo Veterinarian / Curator, as reported to Shigeyuki Yamamoto, Chair of the Japan Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA): So far we could collect the following information about the earthquake and tsunami damage on the JAZA member institutions. Most of zoos and aquariums in Japan are holding up well. Miraculously there are no reports of human damage. Fukushima aquarium flooded to the second floor. All the staff were evacuated at third floor. Life support system was broken down, and fishes died off. But marine mammals are still alive. Sendai Marinpia Matsushima aquarium was completely-flooded but miraculously no human damage. We do not have any updated information about them. Sendai Yagiyama Zoo estimates a shortage of feeding stuff. The power is out in Sendai city. JAZA office is trying to coordinate suitable arrangements. But many roads are cut off and transportation network was destroyed. Express ways are actually only transportation route for relief materiel, but traffic is restricted. Only search and rescue unit, emergency food transporter and Self-Defense Forces can take express way. The power is also out at Akita Omoriyama zoo, Morioka Zoo, Asamushi aquarium and Hitachi Kamine Zoo. We are shifting from first step “collecting information” to the next step “assistance to the disaster-affected institution”. We here at the Herald de Paris are actively working with zoo and aquarium associations around the world towards establishing a resource to collect donations to assist JAZA in the task of fulfilling the needs of the affected zoos and aquariums; to relocate animals temporarily from damaged facilities; and to help rebuild the damaged and destroyed zoos and aquariums of northern Japan. More information about this effort is forthcoming, tomorrow. In the meanwhile, if you have the means to assist in the development of this animal relief effort, please contact us at this specially-created address: japanzooanimalrelief [at] gmail.com Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this terrible disaster.
I'm glad you posted this. I had been doing some Google searches the other day and all I could really find was that a pair of pandas was safe.
the mammals and birds from Fukushima Aquarium will be moved to Kamogawa Sea World, according to a small bit I found elsewhere.
I heard Tokyo is getting some small hits of radiation. I would like to know if Ueno Zoo or Nagoya Hagayashima (sp?) Zoo are ok?
Got this from the BBC news online latest on the disaster this morning; 'Tokyo's Ueno Zoo will postpone the public display of a pair of giant pandas leased from China, initially scheduled on 22 March, Kyodo new reports. Tama Zoological Park, Tokyo Sea Life Park and Inokashira Park Zoo, will also be closed due to the risk from aftershocks and in order to save electricity.'
Naturally the fate of humans caught up in this terrible event takes precedence and I'm sure everyone on ZooChat is deeply saddened, but as this is after all a zoo forum, I think it's natural too that some thought by some folk will go to the animals affected as well. I myself spent most of Friday hoping for word that friends in Japan were safe and well. As all of them checked in one by one I felt relieved. As I saw the unfolding devastation I also felt sorrow for all those who did not make it through, their families and loved ones, and wanted to help. There are many ways people can help the people and animals, I chose the first one below but here are a couple more as well; Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund - GlobalGiving Japan Tsunami Appeal | British Red Cross Donate for Japan : WAZA : World Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Hello, I've spent most of my life working at the Bronx Zoo but have visited many zoos/aquariums in Japan, met many staff, and am very concerned for their safety and also for their institutions. I'm working at contacting people and helping for the past several days. I've highlighted the donation request for Japan on Twitter (findiviglio) and will do so again. I'm also writing an article to be posted on my blogs thatreptileblog and thatbirdblog. I'll monitor news here also and will post anything I learn as well. If it's true we are judged by how we behave in crisis, then the Japanese people are truly spectacular; I have no doubts that zoo/aquarium folks are doing their best for their loved ones and their animals. My best thoughts, Frank
I've also been in touch with a keeper at Chiba Zoo--both he and the zoo seem to be ok for nor and he thanks all of those sending good wishes their way.
Tsunami impact on Japanese Zoos and Aquariums [Zoo] 89 zoos in Japan ・Yagiyama Zoo, Sendai : staffs safety, no damage for animals and facilities but no food, no electric power, no gasoline and kerosene lifeline stopped ・Iwate Safari Park : no damage for animals and facilities, no gasoline ・Tohoku Safari Park : no damage for animals and facilities ・Nasu Safari Park , Tochigi: no damage for animals and facilities ・Omoriyama Zoo, Akita : no damage for animals and facilities ・Hitachi Zoo, Ibaraki : no damage for staffs, animals and facilities, power failure and water cutoff, no food, zoo closed ・Gunma Safari Park , Gunma: no damage for animals and facilities ・Yokohama Zoos, Chiba Zoo and so on others : no damage [Aquarium] 67 aquariums Marinepia Matsushima, Miyagi: damaged from Tsunami (until 1floor Tsunami visited), machine and electorical rooms flooded, power failure, staffs safety, no life line, abeaver died from Tsunami Fukushima Marine, near nuclear power station, Fukushima : until 1floor Tsunami visited, huge damaged, underground electoric system stopped, staffs safely otters, sea birds→Ueno Zoo, walrus, Steller's sea lions→Kamogawa Sea World but no damage for animals and facilities, no life line ・Oarai Aquarium, Ibaraki : long power failure, no damage, parking flood, staffs safety ・Kamo aquarium, Yamagata : power failure, no damage, staffs safety ・Oga Aquarium, Akita & Asamushi Aquarium, Aomori : power failure, no damage, staffs safety others: safety for staffs and facilities (from JAZGA, ZAVG mailng list, and so on)
