Launching online contest for guests and public to choose plate design
Georgia Aquarium announces a special interest license plate featuring dolphins approved by the Georgia Department of Revenue for immediate sale. The plate is offered in anticipation of opening the new dolphin expansion at the Aquarium in November 2010. Proceeds from the new plate will support the Aquarium’s efforts in conservation and animal research.
Beginning June 4, Georgia Aquarium will host a contest for guests and Web site visitors to choose from one of four possible designs in consideration for the new plate. Voters can visit www.georgiaaquarium.org to vote for their favorite. Voters are automatically entered to win one of three prizes. Three winners will be drawn, at random, from all contest entries collected.
The grand prize winner will receive a two night stay at Hammock Beach Resort, airfare for two provided by AirTran Airways and a trip to Marineland located in St. Augustine, Florida. The Marineland visit will include a day of dolphin programs and encounters. In addition, winners will participate in a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the facility by a dolphin trainer.
The second place winner will receive four tickets to swim or dive at the Georgia Aquarium through the Journey with Gentle Giants program. A third prize winner will receive four Annual Passes to the Georgia Aquarium along with four tickets for a Behind the Scenes Tour.
The contest will wrap June 22 and the final plate design will be announced shortly afterward during the Aquarium’s 10 millionth guest celebration.
Contest begins Thursday, June 4, 2009
Plates are available for purchase at www.georgiaaquarium.org or by phone at 404-581-4000 beginning June 4 for a $25 manufacturing fee.
Participants may place their votes by filling out an official contest ballot located throughout the Aquarium or by visiting online at www.georgiaaquarium.org/supportus/aquariumtag.aspx.
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Showing posts with label gwinnett. Show all posts
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Thursday, June 4, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Georgia Aquarium Displays Creature from the Deep: Giant Squid to Debut at World's Largest Aquarium
Guests of the Georgia Aquarium will now have the opportunity to see a mysterious creature from the deep. The Aquarium will feature a well-preserved giant squid (Architeuthis dux) in the Cold Water Quest Gallery, presented by Georgia-Pacific. The giant squid is on loan from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C.
The giant squid was discovered dead on a beach at the Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge in Mass., north of Boston, in 1980. Its long feeding tentacles were missing, and most of the tips of its arms were broken off. But otherwise, the specimen was in good condition. After being examined, it was determined that while alive, the animal was maroon in color, nearly 30 feet long and weighed approximately 450 pounds. It is now cased in a specially constructed nine-foot-long wood and fiber glass container, covered with a plastic window.
This giant squid has not been on display for more than four years at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. It was originally displayed at the New England Aquarium and was given to the Smithsonian as a gift in 1982. It could be on display at the Georgia Aquarium for up to two years.
Giant squid are deep-ocean dwelling animals and can grow to tremendous size. The most recent estimates for length are an estimated 43 feet for females and 33 feet for males. Prior to 2004, no one had captured a giant squid on camera in its natural habitat. In 2004, a team of scientists took the first still images of a giant squid, and the same team successfully filmed a giant squid in its natural habitat in 2006. By displaying the animal in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium hopes to introduce guests to this rarely-seen creature.
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The giant squid was discovered dead on a beach at the Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge in Mass., north of Boston, in 1980. Its long feeding tentacles were missing, and most of the tips of its arms were broken off. But otherwise, the specimen was in good condition. After being examined, it was determined that while alive, the animal was maroon in color, nearly 30 feet long and weighed approximately 450 pounds. It is now cased in a specially constructed nine-foot-long wood and fiber glass container, covered with a plastic window.
This giant squid has not been on display for more than four years at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. It was originally displayed at the New England Aquarium and was given to the Smithsonian as a gift in 1982. It could be on display at the Georgia Aquarium for up to two years.
Giant squid are deep-ocean dwelling animals and can grow to tremendous size. The most recent estimates for length are an estimated 43 feet for females and 33 feet for males. Prior to 2004, no one had captured a giant squid on camera in its natural habitat. In 2004, a team of scientists took the first still images of a giant squid, and the same team successfully filmed a giant squid in its natural habitat in 2006. By displaying the animal in Atlanta, the Georgia Aquarium hopes to introduce guests to this rarely-seen creature.
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
Dive in for a Day of Sea-Themed Activities Celebrating the New IMAX® Adventure, Under the Sea.
It will be Oceans of Fun for All Ages!
Splash into summer and help Fernbank Museum celebrate its newest IMAX® film, Under the Sea. Join Fernbank Museum for an Under the Sea Family Fun Day on Saturday April 4, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn all about sea creatures many people may never see anywhere else.
The Under the Sea Family Fun Day will offer:
Free Souvenir Photos
10 a.m. to noon
Take home your very own free souvenir photo courtesy of our friends at Specialty Imaging International.
Weekend Wonders Ocean Craft
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Create your own coral reef using paper, paint and sponges.
Feelin’ Fishy Temporary Tattoos
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flaunt your fins with free temporary fish tattoos. (Don’t worry they’re washable!)
Habitat Toss Game
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Surf or turf? Test your habitat skills in this playful game.
Fish Prints
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Create your own fish print to take home using Gyotaku—the Japanese art of fish printing.
Ocean Mural Coloring Station
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Watch an ocean oasis come to life in a coloring craft perfect for little hands.
Shell Search Scavenger Hunt
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Go fishing for answers to shell-related questions and enter to win an Under the Sea Prize Pack.
Georgia Aquarium
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet our friends and a special surprise guest from the world’s largest aquarium.
Under the Sea IMAX® Film
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre
Explore some of the ocean’s most exotic and isolated undersea locations and experience face-to-face encounters with the mysterious and unusual creatures found under the sea.
Under the Sea Family Fun Day activities are included with Value Pass tickets at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum and IMAX admission, are $23 for adults, $21 for students and seniors, $19 for children ages 3-12, $8 for members, and free for children 2 and younger.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Tickets are available at fernbankmuseum.org or by calling 404.929.6400.
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Splash into summer and help Fernbank Museum celebrate its newest IMAX® film, Under the Sea. Join Fernbank Museum for an Under the Sea Family Fun Day on Saturday April 4, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn all about sea creatures many people may never see anywhere else.
The Under the Sea Family Fun Day will offer:
Free Souvenir Photos
10 a.m. to noon
Take home your very own free souvenir photo courtesy of our friends at Specialty Imaging International.
Weekend Wonders Ocean Craft
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Create your own coral reef using paper, paint and sponges.
Feelin’ Fishy Temporary Tattoos
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Flaunt your fins with free temporary fish tattoos. (Don’t worry they’re washable!)
Habitat Toss Game
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Surf or turf? Test your habitat skills in this playful game.
Fish Prints
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Create your own fish print to take home using Gyotaku—the Japanese art of fish printing.
Ocean Mural Coloring Station
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Watch an ocean oasis come to life in a coloring craft perfect for little hands.
Shell Search Scavenger Hunt
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Go fishing for answers to shell-related questions and enter to win an Under the Sea Prize Pack.
Georgia Aquarium
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Meet our friends and a special surprise guest from the world’s largest aquarium.
Under the Sea IMAX® Film
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Fernbank’s IMAX® Theatre
Explore some of the ocean’s most exotic and isolated undersea locations and experience face-to-face encounters with the mysterious and unusual creatures found under the sea.
Under the Sea Family Fun Day activities are included with Value Pass tickets at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum and IMAX admission, are $23 for adults, $21 for students and seniors, $19 for children ages 3-12, $8 for members, and free for children 2 and younger.
Fernbank Museum of Natural History is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Tickets are available at fernbankmuseum.org or by calling 404.929.6400.
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Atlanta History Center's Sheep to Shawl Offers Fun for All Ages
Springtime has arrived at the Atlanta History Center! Activities are heating up all over the thirty-three acre campus as the gardens and trails come alive with the full bloom of the season.
As the weather continues to heat up, the sheep at the History Center’s 1860s Tullie Smith Farm become eager to shed their woolly winter coats. These furry coats served them well during the chilling winter months, but have now grown too warm for comfort. It is time for their annual celebratory shearing.
Discover “shear fun” at the Atlanta History Center on Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm during Sheep to Shawl. Visitors of all ages enjoy a day full of exploration as they take a journey back in time to experience antebellum homesteading at the farm and learn the traditional practices for shearing sheep’s wool.
The journey from Sheep to Shawl begins with sheep shearing demonstrations at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Children delight in the receipt of a handful of wool for keepsake before traveling on to other entertaining hands-on activities and demonstrations as the wool is washed, sorted, carded, spun, dyed, and woven into a beautiful shawl.
Sheep to Shawl offerings also include guided tours of the Tullie Smith Farm house. Explore the farm and experience the customary lifestyle and activities of a nineteenth-century Georgia farm. Interact with costumed living history interpreters as they present authentic demonstrations of wool cleaning and carding, wool dying, weaving, spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing, basket weaving, candle dipping, and open-hearth cooking.
Take in the sounds of old-time fiddle and banjo music provided by the Georgia Potlickers while you tour the farm. Listen to Southern folktales spun for the young and old at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm while traditional games including graces, hoops, and egg races are sure to keep the little ones busy. And, don’t forget to make a special visit to the barnyard to meet, Belle, our newest addition to the Gulf Coast sheep family.
Four years ago, the Atlanta History Center’s Tullie Smith Farm became home to three adult Gulf Coast sheep; two ewes (Poppy and Peaches), and one ram (Napoleon). Gulf Coast sheep are one of the oldest types of sheep in the United States and have existed for several centuries. They were brought to the United States by the Spanish, who began to settle Florida in the 1500s. Later importations of other breeds of sheep mixed with the original population, all evolving under the strong natural selection of the native range conditions of Florida and the other Gulf Coast states. Today a small remnant of this sheep population survives. Gulf Coast breed is today on the critical list, according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. There are fewer than 200 annual
registrations of Gulf Coasts in the United States and estimated global population less than 2,000. The Atlanta History Center is helping to bring the breed back. Gulf Coast sheep are characterized by their refined bone structure a non-wooly face, small body, clean legs and their underlines and are white to dark brown in color. This breed was a favorite of Southern farmers because they have a natural resistance to internal parasites and are adapted to the hot and humid conditions of the Southeast.
After a visit to the farm, guests also enjoy excursions to the tranquil Quarry Garden to discover beautiful spring blooms. Guided garden tours are offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Inside the museum, delve into one or several of the Atlanta History Center’s signature exhibitions. And, in the Garden Overlook at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, take in the distinctive sounds of the dulcimer as played in traditional music style by In Town Down Home and Sweet and Lows.
Sheep to Shawl is sponsored by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council and supported by the Poppy Garden Club.
This special program is included with the price of general Atlanta History Center admission. For more information, please call 404.814.4000 or visit www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/S2S. Girl Scouts can purchase a special Sheep to Shawl patch for participating in the day’s activities. A special group rate for Girl Scouts is available; call 404.814.4062.
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As the weather continues to heat up, the sheep at the History Center’s 1860s Tullie Smith Farm become eager to shed their woolly winter coats. These furry coats served them well during the chilling winter months, but have now grown too warm for comfort. It is time for their annual celebratory shearing.
Discover “shear fun” at the Atlanta History Center on Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm during Sheep to Shawl. Visitors of all ages enjoy a day full of exploration as they take a journey back in time to experience antebellum homesteading at the farm and learn the traditional practices for shearing sheep’s wool.
The journey from Sheep to Shawl begins with sheep shearing demonstrations at 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Children delight in the receipt of a handful of wool for keepsake before traveling on to other entertaining hands-on activities and demonstrations as the wool is washed, sorted, carded, spun, dyed, and woven into a beautiful shawl.
Sheep to Shawl offerings also include guided tours of the Tullie Smith Farm house. Explore the farm and experience the customary lifestyle and activities of a nineteenth-century Georgia farm. Interact with costumed living history interpreters as they present authentic demonstrations of wool cleaning and carding, wool dying, weaving, spinning, woodworking, blacksmithing, basket weaving, candle dipping, and open-hearth cooking.
Take in the sounds of old-time fiddle and banjo music provided by the Georgia Potlickers while you tour the farm. Listen to Southern folktales spun for the young and old at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm while traditional games including graces, hoops, and egg races are sure to keep the little ones busy. And, don’t forget to make a special visit to the barnyard to meet, Belle, our newest addition to the Gulf Coast sheep family.
Four years ago, the Atlanta History Center’s Tullie Smith Farm became home to three adult Gulf Coast sheep; two ewes (Poppy and Peaches), and one ram (Napoleon). Gulf Coast sheep are one of the oldest types of sheep in the United States and have existed for several centuries. They were brought to the United States by the Spanish, who began to settle Florida in the 1500s. Later importations of other breeds of sheep mixed with the original population, all evolving under the strong natural selection of the native range conditions of Florida and the other Gulf Coast states. Today a small remnant of this sheep population survives. Gulf Coast breed is today on the critical list, according to the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. There are fewer than 200 annual
registrations of Gulf Coasts in the United States and estimated global population less than 2,000. The Atlanta History Center is helping to bring the breed back. Gulf Coast sheep are characterized by their refined bone structure a non-wooly face, small body, clean legs and their underlines and are white to dark brown in color. This breed was a favorite of Southern farmers because they have a natural resistance to internal parasites and are adapted to the hot and humid conditions of the Southeast.
After a visit to the farm, guests also enjoy excursions to the tranquil Quarry Garden to discover beautiful spring blooms. Guided garden tours are offered at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. Inside the museum, delve into one or several of the Atlanta History Center’s signature exhibitions. And, in the Garden Overlook at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, take in the distinctive sounds of the dulcimer as played in traditional music style by In Town Down Home and Sweet and Lows.
Sheep to Shawl is sponsored by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council and supported by the Poppy Garden Club.
This special program is included with the price of general Atlanta History Center admission. For more information, please call 404.814.4000 or visit www.AtlantaHistoryCenter.com/S2S. Girl Scouts can purchase a special Sheep to Shawl patch for participating in the day’s activities. A special group rate for Girl Scouts is available; call 404.814.4062.
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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
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Tuesday, March 17, 2009
World's Largest Aquarium Gets Greener with New Geico Geckos
Georgia Aquarium Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Opening of New Live Gecko Exhibit
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) today welcomed the traveling GEICO Gecko exhibit to the world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium.
“Our Gecko may be small, but he sends a very big message: wildlife conservation is important to GEICO,” said GEICO President, Chairman and CEO Tony Nicely. “We’re proud to share this cause with AZA and proud of the work our spokesgecko.”
The traveling GEICO Gecko exhibit is at Georgia Aquarium from March 17 through May 31 and features giant day geckos. Day geckos are a unique group of lizards native to Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands. The GEICO Gecko costume character will appear at the Aquarium on select weekends. For more information about day geckos, visit www.tinyurl.com/geckosatGeorgiaAquarium.
“We’re excited to host the geckos at our Aquarium,” said Anthony Godfrey, President of the Georgia Aquarium. “Not only is the GEICO Gecko exhibit a great way to view these interesting animals up close, it provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the important role the Aquarium plays in conservation.”
AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy added, “Aquariums are essential to education and conservation. We’re proud to partner with GEICO and the Georgia Aquarium to spread the conservation message.”
The Georgia Aquarium is open Sunday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is $26 for adults, $19.50 for children 3 – 12 and free for children under 2.
The three-year partnership between GEICO and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) will take the traveling GEICO Gecko exhibit to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the United States. At each stop, GEICO will make a contribution to wildlife conservation. The GEICO Gecko is already using his star power on behalf of zoos and aquariums, making television and radio appearances to highlight his wild cousins.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for nearly 8.5 million policyholders and insures more than 14.4 million vehicles. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
About Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.
About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.
The GEICO Gecko exhibit was created by Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, an AZA-accredited zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians. Visit www.reptiland.com for more information.
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The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) today welcomed the traveling GEICO Gecko exhibit to the world’s largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium.
“Our Gecko may be small, but he sends a very big message: wildlife conservation is important to GEICO,” said GEICO President, Chairman and CEO Tony Nicely. “We’re proud to share this cause with AZA and proud of the work our spokesgecko.”
The traveling GEICO Gecko exhibit is at Georgia Aquarium from March 17 through May 31 and features giant day geckos. Day geckos are a unique group of lizards native to Madagascar and the Indian Ocean islands. The GEICO Gecko costume character will appear at the Aquarium on select weekends. For more information about day geckos, visit www.tinyurl.com/geckosatGeorgiaAquarium.
“We’re excited to host the geckos at our Aquarium,” said Anthony Godfrey, President of the Georgia Aquarium. “Not only is the GEICO Gecko exhibit a great way to view these interesting animals up close, it provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the important role the Aquarium plays in conservation.”
AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy added, “Aquariums are essential to education and conservation. We’re proud to partner with GEICO and the Georgia Aquarium to spread the conservation message.”
The Georgia Aquarium is open Sunday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is $26 for adults, $19.50 for children 3 – 12 and free for children under 2.
The three-year partnership between GEICO and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) will take the traveling GEICO Gecko exhibit to AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across the United States. At each stop, GEICO will make a contribution to wildlife conservation. The GEICO Gecko is already using his star power on behalf of zoos and aquariums, making television and radio appearances to highlight his wild cousins.
About GEICO
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is the third-largest private passenger auto insurer in the United States based on the latest 12 months written premium. It provides auto insurance coverage for nearly 8.5 million policyholders and insures more than 14.4 million vehicles. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO offers customers insurance products for their motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), boats, homes, apartments and mobile homes. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection and life insurance are also available. As a member of the Berkshire Hathaway group of companies, GEICO is rated A++ for financial stability by A.M. Best Company and ranks at the top of several national customer satisfaction surveys. For more information, go to http://www.geico.com.
About Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia, is the world’s largest with more than eight million gallons of water and the largest collection of aquatic animals. The mission of the Georgia Aquarium is to be an entertaining, educational and scientific institution featuring exhibits and programs of the highest standards; offering engaging and exciting guest experiences promoting the conservation of aquatic biodiversity throughout the world. The Georgia Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. For additional information, visit www.georgiaaquarium.org.
About AZA
Founded in 1924, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting an institution dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, the AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, please visit www.aza.org.
The GEICO Gecko exhibit was created by Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, an AZA-accredited zoo specializing in reptiles and amphibians. Visit www.reptiland.com for more information.
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Monday, March 16, 2009
Woof-A-Palooza at Little Mulberry Park March 28
Calling all dogs! Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation is proud to bring Woof-A-Palooza to Little Mulberry Park in Auburn on Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. With demonstrators, vendors, contests, face painting, dog games, and the famous “pooch parade”, Woof-A-Palooza is sure to have some tails wagging.
Atlanta Dog Agility is providing entertainment and guidance with their intricate obstacle course for dogs, showing the fundamentals of their training and obedience to multiple dogs. In addition, Frisbee demonstrations will be provided by K-9 Einstein.
The pooch parade is a 1-mile walk around the lake at Little Mulberry Park. Feel free to dress your pet up in your favorite costume. Following the parade, there will be demonstrations, contests and dog games! Throughout the morning, patrons can sign up their dogs for several contests such as “Loudest Bark, “Pet/Owner Look Alike”, and “Longest Tongue”. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each contest.
Sponsors and demonstrators include Publix, Gwinnett Humane Society, CitruSolution, Delia’s Doghouse, Apalachee River Animal Hospital, Cindy’s K-9 and many others!
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Atlanta Dog Agility is providing entertainment and guidance with their intricate obstacle course for dogs, showing the fundamentals of their training and obedience to multiple dogs. In addition, Frisbee demonstrations will be provided by K-9 Einstein.
The pooch parade is a 1-mile walk around the lake at Little Mulberry Park. Feel free to dress your pet up in your favorite costume. Following the parade, there will be demonstrations, contests and dog games! Throughout the morning, patrons can sign up their dogs for several contests such as “Loudest Bark, “Pet/Owner Look Alike”, and “Longest Tongue”. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each contest.
Sponsors and demonstrators include Publix, Gwinnett Humane Society, CitruSolution, Delia’s Doghouse, Apalachee River Animal Hospital, Cindy’s K-9 and many others!
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Sunday, March 15, 2009
Bark Busters Offers “Dogs and Poisons Safety Tips” for National Animal Poison Prevention Week
Put safety first by knowing what poisons lurk in your home and yard
In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week March 16, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, wants to help dog owners take special precautions to protect their canine companions from surprisingly common toxins. Not only is it important to take preventative measures with toxic materials found both inside and outside the home, but it is also vital to be able to recognize the signs indicating a dog has ingested something poisonous and know what actions to take.
“Since dogs, especially young dogs, are naturally curious creatures, it is important that we know and remain vigilant about potential poisons that our snooping pooches may find and ingest,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “Just because something is safe for people to ingest, doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe for our canine companions to also eat. By following these tips, you can take the steps to protect your dog from these dangers.”
Dogs and Poisons Safety Tips:
Toxic foods include chocolate, avocado, onions and garlic, raisins and grapes, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated beverages, macadamia nuts, and chewing gum with xylitol.
Many plants (even dead or dried) are toxic to pets. In some cases, only certain parts of the plant are dangerous (leaves, fruit, seeds). Be aware of the toxic plants that grow in your home and surroundings (both cultivated and wild), and keep your pets away from them or remove them entirely.
Other toxins found outside include mushrooms and garden mulch.
Keep your pets off lawns or gardens that have been treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. If your dog has come in contact with treated lawns or has walked on snow or ice treated with ice-melt, wipe his feet clean as soon as you get home to avoid the possibility of him licking his paws and ingesting the poison. Store all chemicals in cabinets and other places your pet can’t reach.
Real danger to pets continues from antifreeze/coolant, even though animal-friendly products are now available (usually made with propylene glycol, not ethylene glycol). Always wipe up antifreeze leaks or spills of any size. Attracted to the sweet taste, pets can die from kidney failure if they ingest even a small amount of this very toxic material.
Store poisonous baits to rid your home of pests (rodents, snails, insects, etc.) in places that your pooch cannot access. Like antifreeze, some baits smell sweet but are very toxic to pets, causing severe internal bleeding.
Other household items poisonous to pets include household cleaners (the fumes can be noxious) and heavy metals such as lead, found in paint chips and linoleum.
Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any vitamin, herbal supplement or medication made for humans. Even small doses of medications of any kind—whether for humans or pets—can be lethal to pets. Keep all medicines well out of your dog’s reach.
Symptoms of poisoning (toxicity) in your pet can include:
Vomiting/upset stomach
Labored OR shallow breathing
Drooling
Increased OR decreased heart rate
Fever
Hyperactivity OR sluggishness/lethargy
Increased thirst OR lack of thirst or hunger
Dilated pupils
Stumbling or staggering
Seizures or tremors
Loss of consciousness
If you think your dog has ingested a dangerous substance, contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately. If you are advised to bring the dog into the clinic, be sure to take along the packaging of the item or a sample of the plant you think your dog may have eaten. This will help the veterinarian to know how best to treat your pet.
Also consult with your veterinarian for a detailed list of all potentially poisonous items and substances found around your home.
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In honor of National Animal Poison Prevention Week March 16, Bark Busters, the world’s largest dog training company, wants to help dog owners take special precautions to protect their canine companions from surprisingly common toxins. Not only is it important to take preventative measures with toxic materials found both inside and outside the home, but it is also vital to be able to recognize the signs indicating a dog has ingested something poisonous and know what actions to take.
“Since dogs, especially young dogs, are naturally curious creatures, it is important that we know and remain vigilant about potential poisons that our snooping pooches may find and ingest,” said Liam Crowe, CEO and master dog behavioral therapist of Bark Busters USA. “Just because something is safe for people to ingest, doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe for our canine companions to also eat. By following these tips, you can take the steps to protect your dog from these dangers.”
Dogs and Poisons Safety Tips:
Toxic foods include chocolate, avocado, onions and garlic, raisins and grapes, alcoholic drinks, caffeinated beverages, macadamia nuts, and chewing gum with xylitol.
Many plants (even dead or dried) are toxic to pets. In some cases, only certain parts of the plant are dangerous (leaves, fruit, seeds). Be aware of the toxic plants that grow in your home and surroundings (both cultivated and wild), and keep your pets away from them or remove them entirely.
Other toxins found outside include mushrooms and garden mulch.
Keep your pets off lawns or gardens that have been treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides. If your dog has come in contact with treated lawns or has walked on snow or ice treated with ice-melt, wipe his feet clean as soon as you get home to avoid the possibility of him licking his paws and ingesting the poison. Store all chemicals in cabinets and other places your pet can’t reach.
Real danger to pets continues from antifreeze/coolant, even though animal-friendly products are now available (usually made with propylene glycol, not ethylene glycol). Always wipe up antifreeze leaks or spills of any size. Attracted to the sweet taste, pets can die from kidney failure if they ingest even a small amount of this very toxic material.
Store poisonous baits to rid your home of pests (rodents, snails, insects, etc.) in places that your pooch cannot access. Like antifreeze, some baits smell sweet but are very toxic to pets, causing severe internal bleeding.
Other household items poisonous to pets include household cleaners (the fumes can be noxious) and heavy metals such as lead, found in paint chips and linoleum.
Consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any vitamin, herbal supplement or medication made for humans. Even small doses of medications of any kind—whether for humans or pets—can be lethal to pets. Keep all medicines well out of your dog’s reach.
Symptoms of poisoning (toxicity) in your pet can include:
Vomiting/upset stomach
Labored OR shallow breathing
Drooling
Increased OR decreased heart rate
Fever
Hyperactivity OR sluggishness/lethargy
Increased thirst OR lack of thirst or hunger
Dilated pupils
Stumbling or staggering
Seizures or tremors
Loss of consciousness
If you think your dog has ingested a dangerous substance, contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately. If you are advised to bring the dog into the clinic, be sure to take along the packaging of the item or a sample of the plant you think your dog may have eaten. This will help the veterinarian to know how best to treat your pet.
Also consult with your veterinarian for a detailed list of all potentially poisonous items and substances found around your home.
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Where's Waddle?
Keeping up with the adventures of Charleston's newest penguin
Checking out historic downtown Charleston, walking the Ravenel Bridge, or picking up fish at Earthfare. Sounds like every day activities for Charleston residents and the same goes for the city's newest addition, Waddle. Waddle, the lead penguin of the South Carolina Aquarium's Penguin Planet exhibit has been busy exploring Charleston since his arrival from San Diego in late February. Where is Waddle now?
Quite the computer-savvy penguin, Waddle has posted photos of his adventures on his website, WheresWaddle.com. He is even soliciting suggestions from the community on where he should head next. Keep up with Waddle online at WheresWaddle.com, suggest his next adventure, become friends with him on facebook or follow him on twitter. Join in penguin mania by placing a WheresWaddle.com car decal your car! (Available at upcoming South Carolina Aquarium events).
Opening Saturday, March 21, 2009, Penguin Planet will feature a Magellanic penguin habitat and 550 square feet of gallery space. Located on the Aquarium's first floor, guests will have the opportunity to see these aquatic flightless birds firsthand through the exhibit's 10 foot wide window allowing for underwater viewing. Included in general admission, Penguin Planet will delight and educate visitors through its awe-inspiring Magellanic penguins, children's interactive learning games, educational exhibits on climate change effects in South Carolina and of course - daily programs starring the penguins!
Penguin Planet grand opening festivities include special member only previews and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The experience will be a temporary exhibit, visiting through March 2010. Only at the Aquarium for one year, you will not want to miss Penguin Planet!
An accredited institution by the Association of Zoo's and Aquarium's (AZA), the South Carolina Aquarium's Penguin Planet exhibit has approval from the AZA Penguin Taxon advisory group. AZA is the leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved meticulous standards for animal health, education, wildlife conservation and science. With approximately 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, only 10% of the institutions are accredited.
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Checking out historic downtown Charleston, walking the Ravenel Bridge, or picking up fish at Earthfare. Sounds like every day activities for Charleston residents and the same goes for the city's newest addition, Waddle. Waddle, the lead penguin of the South Carolina Aquarium's Penguin Planet exhibit has been busy exploring Charleston since his arrival from San Diego in late February. Where is Waddle now?
Quite the computer-savvy penguin, Waddle has posted photos of his adventures on his website, WheresWaddle.com. He is even soliciting suggestions from the community on where he should head next. Keep up with Waddle online at WheresWaddle.com, suggest his next adventure, become friends with him on facebook or follow him on twitter. Join in penguin mania by placing a WheresWaddle.com car decal your car! (Available at upcoming South Carolina Aquarium events).
Opening Saturday, March 21, 2009, Penguin Planet will feature a Magellanic penguin habitat and 550 square feet of gallery space. Located on the Aquarium's first floor, guests will have the opportunity to see these aquatic flightless birds firsthand through the exhibit's 10 foot wide window allowing for underwater viewing. Included in general admission, Penguin Planet will delight and educate visitors through its awe-inspiring Magellanic penguins, children's interactive learning games, educational exhibits on climate change effects in South Carolina and of course - daily programs starring the penguins!
Penguin Planet grand opening festivities include special member only previews and a grand opening celebration on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The experience will be a temporary exhibit, visiting through March 2010. Only at the Aquarium for one year, you will not want to miss Penguin Planet!
An accredited institution by the Association of Zoo's and Aquarium's (AZA), the South Carolina Aquarium's Penguin Planet exhibit has approval from the AZA Penguin Taxon advisory group. AZA is the leading accrediting organization for zoos and aquariums and accredits only those institutions that have achieved meticulous standards for animal health, education, wildlife conservation and science. With approximately 2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, only 10% of the institutions are accredited.
---
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Wednesday, February 18, 2009
U.S. Veterinarians at Risk for Q Fever
U.S. veterinarians face a high risk of exposure to the bacteria that cause Q fever, according to a study published online by the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases. The study currently is online and will appear in the March issue of the journal.
Q fever is a disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii bacteria, which are commonly carried by sheep, goats and cattle. People who have contact with farm animals, such as farmers and veterinarians, are most at risk for Q fever.
To better understand the risk of infection in veterinarians, Emory University public health researcher Ellen Whitney, MPH, and colleagues from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Agriculture surveyed 508 U.S. veterinarians who attended an annual veterinarian conference in Hawaii in 2006. Blood samples from participating veterinarians were tested to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. The researchers also collected information about the veterinarians' working habits, work-related injuries, and history of protective clothing and equipment use.
Of the veterinarians surveyed, 22.2 percent had antibodies against Q fever bacteria in their blood, Whitney and colleagues found. Veterinarians more likely to have been exposed to the bacteria were generally older (46 years of age or older), worked near ponds, and treated cattle, pigs and wildlife.
"Physicians should consider the risk of infection with C. burnetii when treating ill veterinarians and others with potential occupational exposures," says Whitney, director of research projects at Emory's Rollins School of Public Health.
The disease and the bacteria that cause it were first identified in the late 1930s, when Australian scientists investigated an outbreak of unknown disease among abattoir workers. Since then, outbreaks have occurred among U.S. soldiers in Iraq and the disease has been reported worldwide with the exception of New Zealand. Last year saw the world’s largest ever recorded Q fever epidemic in The Netherlands, with more than 670 people affected by the disease.
Many people who are infected with the bacteria do not fall ill, but some experience flu-like symptoms, including headache, fever and a sore throat. In some cases chronic Q fever can develop months or years after initial exposure to the bacteria. For people with an existing heart condition, this can cause inflammation of the heart valves, known as endocarditis.
Whitney and colleagues conclude that veterinarians should use appropriate personal protective equipment when treating ill animals. Additionally, veterinarians and their physicians should be aware of the risk of infection. For those who have underlying heart disease or a suppressed immune system, and for pregnant women, quicker diagnosis of C. burnetii-related endocarditis will help to prevent complications, the researchers note.
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Q fever is a disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii bacteria, which are commonly carried by sheep, goats and cattle. People who have contact with farm animals, such as farmers and veterinarians, are most at risk for Q fever.
To better understand the risk of infection in veterinarians, Emory University public health researcher Ellen Whitney, MPH, and colleagues from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Georgia Department of Agriculture surveyed 508 U.S. veterinarians who attended an annual veterinarian conference in Hawaii in 2006. Blood samples from participating veterinarians were tested to detect antibodies against C. burnetii. The researchers also collected information about the veterinarians' working habits, work-related injuries, and history of protective clothing and equipment use.
Of the veterinarians surveyed, 22.2 percent had antibodies against Q fever bacteria in their blood, Whitney and colleagues found. Veterinarians more likely to have been exposed to the bacteria were generally older (46 years of age or older), worked near ponds, and treated cattle, pigs and wildlife.
"Physicians should consider the risk of infection with C. burnetii when treating ill veterinarians and others with potential occupational exposures," says Whitney, director of research projects at Emory's Rollins School of Public Health.
The disease and the bacteria that cause it were first identified in the late 1930s, when Australian scientists investigated an outbreak of unknown disease among abattoir workers. Since then, outbreaks have occurred among U.S. soldiers in Iraq and the disease has been reported worldwide with the exception of New Zealand. Last year saw the world’s largest ever recorded Q fever epidemic in The Netherlands, with more than 670 people affected by the disease.
Many people who are infected with the bacteria do not fall ill, but some experience flu-like symptoms, including headache, fever and a sore throat. In some cases chronic Q fever can develop months or years after initial exposure to the bacteria. For people with an existing heart condition, this can cause inflammation of the heart valves, known as endocarditis.
Whitney and colleagues conclude that veterinarians should use appropriate personal protective equipment when treating ill animals. Additionally, veterinarians and their physicians should be aware of the risk of infection. For those who have underlying heart disease or a suppressed immune system, and for pregnant women, quicker diagnosis of C. burnetii-related endocarditis will help to prevent complications, the researchers note.
---
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Saturday, January 17, 2009
Soldier Takes Love of Animals to Job in Iraq
Army Spc. Jessica Opper has been taking care of animals since she was a child growing up in Cleveland and is continuing that tradition while deployed to Iraq.
As a child, Opper gladly took care of her family's horses and cats. At a young age, she even volunteered at a local stray animal clinic alongside her mother and brother.
While helping at the clinic, Opper took on jobs such as feeding, bathing and making sure the animals exercised. These tasks ultimately led her to decide to be an animal caretaker. Little did she realize that her dream would come true, and she would be taking care of specialized search dogs on the other side of the world while lending her support in the fight against terrorism.
Opper first joined the Army Reserve to work with the 4211th U.S. Army Hospital in San Diego, where she served as an animal care specialist, or veterinarian technician. After serving in the Reserve, Opper decided to re-enlist for active duty in 2007.
Opper's first assignment was at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where she took part in caring for specialized search dogs as part of the 94th Engineer Detachment (Canine). The detachment is attached to Multinational Division Baghdad's 890th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade.
Soon after, Opper found herself in Iraq doing her part to maintain the health of the animals whose jobs are vital to the success of the mission. The specialized search dogs are trained to locate hazards such as roadside bombs and weapons caches.
When the dog team goes out on missions, it is her job to take care of the animals at a moment's notice. Generally, dog handlers have a first-aid bag with the necessary tools to maintain the health of their partner dog. If for some reason handlers can't provide aid, they alert Opper for anything that requires immediate medical attention beyond their control.
"My job is to maintain the health of the dogs and to assist if there is a medical emergency," Opper said. "I've got a job where I play with dogs all day. I'm proud to say that I love my job.
"At a veterinarian clinic, you can do this all of the time," she said. "To have had the experience that I have managed to gain through this deployment is really good to have under my belt when I decide to do this type of work as a civilian veterinarian."
An ordinary day for Opper starts by making sure the dogs have the proper equipment before heading out. Checkups are a regular procedure, and if a dog needs a shot, Opper is the person to do the job. She said she enjoys her routine of playing with the dogs to help them relax before doing the exams.
Once the dogs have left for a mission, Opper helps with supplies and dispatching vehicles for her fellow soldiers. Her time also is occupied when she assumes full responsibility for a dog when its handler is on leave.
"You tend to get attached to the dogs, even if you're just keeping them until their handler comes back -- that can be a bummer. I love my job and being an animal lover just makes it that much better," Opper said.
On her downtime, Opper said she likes to relax by taking online classes to further her education in hopes of becoming a veterinarian. She also has taken an interest in learning to speak German because her grandfather is native to Germany, which Opper hopes to visit.
"Spc. Opper has done a great job in taking care of our beloved dogs," Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Harmon, the division's kennel master, said. "They are soldiers, too. Her knowledge and the fact that she truly enjoys her job really shows and truly contributes to our mission success."
(Author Army Sgt. Carmen Guerrero serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad's 890th Engineering Battalion, 926th Engineering Brigade public affairs office.)
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As a child, Opper gladly took care of her family's horses and cats. At a young age, she even volunteered at a local stray animal clinic alongside her mother and brother.
While helping at the clinic, Opper took on jobs such as feeding, bathing and making sure the animals exercised. These tasks ultimately led her to decide to be an animal caretaker. Little did she realize that her dream would come true, and she would be taking care of specialized search dogs on the other side of the world while lending her support in the fight against terrorism.
Opper first joined the Army Reserve to work with the 4211th U.S. Army Hospital in San Diego, where she served as an animal care specialist, or veterinarian technician. After serving in the Reserve, Opper decided to re-enlist for active duty in 2007.
Opper's first assignment was at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., where she took part in caring for specialized search dogs as part of the 94th Engineer Detachment (Canine). The detachment is attached to Multinational Division Baghdad's 890th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade.
Soon after, Opper found herself in Iraq doing her part to maintain the health of the animals whose jobs are vital to the success of the mission. The specialized search dogs are trained to locate hazards such as roadside bombs and weapons caches.
When the dog team goes out on missions, it is her job to take care of the animals at a moment's notice. Generally, dog handlers have a first-aid bag with the necessary tools to maintain the health of their partner dog. If for some reason handlers can't provide aid, they alert Opper for anything that requires immediate medical attention beyond their control.
"My job is to maintain the health of the dogs and to assist if there is a medical emergency," Opper said. "I've got a job where I play with dogs all day. I'm proud to say that I love my job.
"At a veterinarian clinic, you can do this all of the time," she said. "To have had the experience that I have managed to gain through this deployment is really good to have under my belt when I decide to do this type of work as a civilian veterinarian."
An ordinary day for Opper starts by making sure the dogs have the proper equipment before heading out. Checkups are a regular procedure, and if a dog needs a shot, Opper is the person to do the job. She said she enjoys her routine of playing with the dogs to help them relax before doing the exams.
Once the dogs have left for a mission, Opper helps with supplies and dispatching vehicles for her fellow soldiers. Her time also is occupied when she assumes full responsibility for a dog when its handler is on leave.
"You tend to get attached to the dogs, even if you're just keeping them until their handler comes back -- that can be a bummer. I love my job and being an animal lover just makes it that much better," Opper said.
On her downtime, Opper said she likes to relax by taking online classes to further her education in hopes of becoming a veterinarian. She also has taken an interest in learning to speak German because her grandfather is native to Germany, which Opper hopes to visit.
"Spc. Opper has done a great job in taking care of our beloved dogs," Army Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Harmon, the division's kennel master, said. "They are soldiers, too. Her knowledge and the fact that she truly enjoys her job really shows and truly contributes to our mission success."
(Author Army Sgt. Carmen Guerrero serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad's 890th Engineering Battalion, 926th Engineering Brigade public affairs office.)
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Thursday, January 8, 2009
The HSUS Offers Reward In German Shepherd’s Death, Dismemberment in Gwinnett Co, GA
he Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death and dismemberment of a German shepherd found behind Party City in Duluth, Ga.
The Case:
The Gwinnett County Police Department gives the following account: On Dec. 17, a Gwinnett County Animal Control officer found a dismembered, dead dog behind Party City, at 1630 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. The animal's body was taken to the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center where a necropsy was performed. Dr. Melinda Merck, Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics for the ASPCA, determined the dog died from a stab wound, but could not tell whether the dog was dismembered pre- or post-mortem. The dog was a male German shepherd, about 1 year old.
Animal Cruelty:
Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Cheryl McAuliffe, The HSUS' Georgia state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."
The Investigators:
The Gwinnett County Animal Cruelty Unit is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 770-339-3200.
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The Case:
The Gwinnett County Police Department gives the following account: On Dec. 17, a Gwinnett County Animal Control officer found a dismembered, dead dog behind Party City, at 1630 Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth. The animal's body was taken to the Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center where a necropsy was performed. Dr. Melinda Merck, Senior Director of Veterinary Forensics for the ASPCA, determined the dog died from a stab wound, but could not tell whether the dog was dismembered pre- or post-mortem. The dog was a male German shepherd, about 1 year old.
Animal Cruelty:
Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.
"Those who abuse animals can be dangerous to people," said Cheryl McAuliffe, The HSUS' Georgia state director. "Americans have no tolerance for violence against the creatures who share our world."
The Investigators:
The Gwinnett County Animal Cruelty Unit is investigating. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call 770-339-3200.
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Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Georgia Aquarium Welcomes New Shark Pups
Fleshy-bearded spotted wobbegong shark pups born
The Georgia Aquarium is excited to announce the arrival of 12 new spotted wobbegong shark pups. The pups were born last week in the Ocean Voyager exhibit built by The Home Depot. Their average weight at birth was 2.6 oz (74 grams) and 8.3 in (21 cm).
Native to coastal Australia, the spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) is ovoviviparous, meaning a developing pup feeds from a yolk sac of its egg retained internally within the female and is later born fully formed. Biologists diving in the exhibit found the pups last week. The new pups are in good health and are currently in the Education Loop Aqua Lab aquaculture laboratory, where biologists can easily monitor and track their progression. The pups can be seen in person by going on any of the Behind the Scenes Tours that the Aquarium offers.
“We are proud to welcome the new shark pups to the Georgia Aquarium family.” said Mike Leven, CEO of Georgia Aquarium. “We believe that it is important for guests to see all stages of development in our animals, especially birth.”
This unusual shark is a master of camouflage with a mottled pattern on its body that makes it virtually disappear against the sand and algae-covered ocean floor. It can even change color, over several days’ time, to adjust to environmental changes. The beard of fleshy tassels further obscures the outline of the shark’s head, making it very hard to tell where the animal stops and the bottom begins.
The spotted wobbegongs are among the third species of shark pups born at the Aquarium. Previous births include zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) and bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo).
The Georgia Aquarium is excited to announce the arrival of 12 new spotted wobbegong shark pups. The pups were born last week in the Ocean Voyager exhibit built by The Home Depot. Their average weight at birth was 2.6 oz (74 grams) and 8.3 in (21 cm).
Native to coastal Australia, the spotted wobbegong (Orectolobus maculatus) is ovoviviparous, meaning a developing pup feeds from a yolk sac of its egg retained internally within the female and is later born fully formed. Biologists diving in the exhibit found the pups last week. The new pups are in good health and are currently in the Education Loop Aqua Lab aquaculture laboratory, where biologists can easily monitor and track their progression. The pups can be seen in person by going on any of the Behind the Scenes Tours that the Aquarium offers.
“We are proud to welcome the new shark pups to the Georgia Aquarium family.” said Mike Leven, CEO of Georgia Aquarium. “We believe that it is important for guests to see all stages of development in our animals, especially birth.”
This unusual shark is a master of camouflage with a mottled pattern on its body that makes it virtually disappear against the sand and algae-covered ocean floor. It can even change color, over several days’ time, to adjust to environmental changes. The beard of fleshy tassels further obscures the outline of the shark’s head, making it very hard to tell where the animal stops and the bottom begins.
The spotted wobbegongs are among the third species of shark pups born at the Aquarium. Previous births include zebra sharks (Stegostoma fasciatum) and bonnethead sharks (Sphyrna tiburo).
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Sunday, December 21, 2008
Working Dog Teams Help to Make Baghdad's Streets Safer
A Multinational Division Baghdad soldier and his four-legged partner work with other military dog teams here in helping to make Baghdad's streets safer for Iraqi citizens and soldiers to live and operate.
Army Sgt. James Harrington, a military policeman and dog handler attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, along with Ryky, his canine partner, patrol the streets and communities of southern Baghdad's Rashid district to search for weapons and make soldiers a more effective force.
Harrington, assigned to the 947th Military Police Detachment, part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard," stationed out of Fort Myer, Va., and his 3-year-old Belgian Malanois partner, completed more than 50 missions and uncovered more than 25 finds since arriving to Rashid in October.
Harrington said Ryky has made several significant finds since beginning her mission in Baghdad, including an AK-47 assault rifle hidden in a false ceiling and four mortar rounds that led to the discovery of a large mound of hollowed-out munitions. Ryky detects odors from many types of munitions, such as ammunition, weapons, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, homemade explosives and trigger devices with residue on them.
Harrington, a native of New Orleans, said the hollow ceiling discovery was significant because most dogs do not acknowledge the space above their own height.
"Ryky is a very friendly dog," Harrington, a former Marine Corps infantryman, said. "She is not a trained attack dog, so I allow her to be sociable with soldiers. I let others pet her, because it is a big morale booster."
Harrington met Ryky at the Specialized Service Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
"At the school, the dogs are exposed to helicopter rides, simulated gunfire and simulated mortars to see how they react," said Harrington, a 14-year military service veteran with six deployments since 1995. "The dogs must be confident around the noises; they can't just take off running."
Capable of detecting 19 separate odors on the battlefield and able to run off of a leash, the specialized service dogs have a distinct advantage, Harrington said.
"Having Sergeant Harrington and the [specialized-service] dog gives me the extra capability to unleash the dog into an open area," said Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Ogle, who hails from Dayton, Ohio, and is the kennel master for the Falcon 40th Military Police Detachment from Fort Sill, Okla., attached to the 1st STB. "It is that off-leash capability that puts the handler out of danger."
Harrington said he believes the ability to multitask while operating in sector and conducting weapon searches is an important quality dog handlers should possess.
"I have to be able to watch for my security, watch for the dog's security, watch what she is searching, and finally lead the dog in the direction I want her to search in next," he explained. "I always have to be two steps ahead."
Recently, Harrington and Ryky cleared a 600-meter portion of a main thoroughfare in Baghdad for a distinguished visitor; it took them about an hour.
"It would take another dog three hours to complete that stretch of road, because they would be on a six-foot leash and the handler has to present everything to the dog," Harrington said. Usually, the team uses a leash while out in sector due to stray dogs and small confined areas, he added, but, if needed, Ryky could be up to 200 yards away and still effectively search an area.
"It takes me out of the equation in case something was to go wrong; we lose a dog, but we don't lose a handler," Harrington said.
Harrington has worked with dogs for about two years. He noted the specialized-service dog program quickly is becoming more widespread across all facets of the military. The dog graduates ready to deploy right after completing the school, he explained, while other working dogs leave their school able to detect nine odors and receive additional training by their handlers in the combat theater.
"I think Ryky and I make soldiers' jobs easier because we can search faster, the dog can smell better and she leads from the front," Harrington said.
The K-9 Team here keeps seven dogs in its kennels to support military operations in southern Baghdad.
(Author Army Sgt. David Hodge serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
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Army Sgt. James Harrington, a military policeman and dog handler attached to the 1st Special Troops Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team, along with Ryky, his canine partner, patrol the streets and communities of southern Baghdad's Rashid district to search for weapons and make soldiers a more effective force.
Harrington, assigned to the 947th Military Police Detachment, part of the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard," stationed out of Fort Myer, Va., and his 3-year-old Belgian Malanois partner, completed more than 50 missions and uncovered more than 25 finds since arriving to Rashid in October.
Harrington said Ryky has made several significant finds since beginning her mission in Baghdad, including an AK-47 assault rifle hidden in a false ceiling and four mortar rounds that led to the discovery of a large mound of hollowed-out munitions. Ryky detects odors from many types of munitions, such as ammunition, weapons, mortar rounds, artillery rounds, homemade explosives and trigger devices with residue on them.
Harrington, a native of New Orleans, said the hollow ceiling discovery was significant because most dogs do not acknowledge the space above their own height.
"Ryky is a very friendly dog," Harrington, a former Marine Corps infantryman, said. "She is not a trained attack dog, so I allow her to be sociable with soldiers. I let others pet her, because it is a big morale booster."
Harrington met Ryky at the Specialized Service Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
"At the school, the dogs are exposed to helicopter rides, simulated gunfire and simulated mortars to see how they react," said Harrington, a 14-year military service veteran with six deployments since 1995. "The dogs must be confident around the noises; they can't just take off running."
Capable of detecting 19 separate odors on the battlefield and able to run off of a leash, the specialized service dogs have a distinct advantage, Harrington said.
"Having Sergeant Harrington and the [specialized-service] dog gives me the extra capability to unleash the dog into an open area," said Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Ogle, who hails from Dayton, Ohio, and is the kennel master for the Falcon 40th Military Police Detachment from Fort Sill, Okla., attached to the 1st STB. "It is that off-leash capability that puts the handler out of danger."
Harrington said he believes the ability to multitask while operating in sector and conducting weapon searches is an important quality dog handlers should possess.
"I have to be able to watch for my security, watch for the dog's security, watch what she is searching, and finally lead the dog in the direction I want her to search in next," he explained. "I always have to be two steps ahead."
Recently, Harrington and Ryky cleared a 600-meter portion of a main thoroughfare in Baghdad for a distinguished visitor; it took them about an hour.
"It would take another dog three hours to complete that stretch of road, because they would be on a six-foot leash and the handler has to present everything to the dog," Harrington said. Usually, the team uses a leash while out in sector due to stray dogs and small confined areas, he added, but, if needed, Ryky could be up to 200 yards away and still effectively search an area.
"It takes me out of the equation in case something was to go wrong; we lose a dog, but we don't lose a handler," Harrington said.
Harrington has worked with dogs for about two years. He noted the specialized-service dog program quickly is becoming more widespread across all facets of the military. The dog graduates ready to deploy right after completing the school, he explained, while other working dogs leave their school able to detect nine odors and receive additional training by their handlers in the combat theater.
"I think Ryky and I make soldiers' jobs easier because we can search faster, the dog can smell better and she leads from the front," Harrington said.
The K-9 Team here keeps seven dogs in its kennels to support military operations in southern Baghdad.
(Author Army Sgt. David Hodge serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 4th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team public affairs office.)
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Sunday, November 23, 2008
Kids and Pets: CDC Advice for Staying Healthy and Happy
CDC experts caution parents, pediatricians, and veterinarians to be aware of the risks that exotic animals and pets can pose to children. A study released in Pediatrics' October issue outlined the diseases that can be transmitted to children when they come in contact with reptiles, rodents, mammals, birds, amphibians, non-human primates and fish. Many families own non-traditional pets, and children may encounter animals at petting zoos, farms and pet stores. Parents are urged to talk to the family veterinarian or pediatrician to learn how to ensure that their child's experience with animals is both safe and enjoyable.
Diseases and injuries associated with non-traditional pets and wildlife:
Reptiles (e.g., turtles, lizards, snakes, etc.) Salmonella infection
Rodents (e.g., hamsters, rates, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, etc.) Salmonella infection, plague, rabies
Fish Mycobacterium, Aeromonas, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Streptococcus infections
Cattle E. coli infection
Goats Cryptosporidium and E. coli infections, rabies
Baby poultry (e.g., chicks, ducklings, etc.) Salmonella infection
Ferrets Bite injuries
Pediatricians, veterinarians and parents play an important role in preventing animal-related illness.
* Children should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals.
* Parents should supervise handwashing for children younger than five years of age.
* Never touch wild animals or bring them home as pets.
* Always supervise children, especially those younger than five, during interaction with animals.
* Children should not be allowed to kiss animals or put their hands or other objects in their mouth after handling animals.
* Pediatricians and veterinarians should advise parents about appropriate pet selection and how to avoid animal-transmitted illnesses.
* Family pets should be kept in good health and vaccinated appropriately.
To read the full text of the article, including expanded lists of animals, diseases, and prevention advice, click here (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/122/4/876).
More information on this subject can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/.
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Diseases and injuries associated with non-traditional pets and wildlife:
Reptiles (e.g., turtles, lizards, snakes, etc.) Salmonella infection
Rodents (e.g., hamsters, rates, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, squirrels, etc.) Salmonella infection, plague, rabies
Fish Mycobacterium, Aeromonas, Vibrio, Salmonella, and Streptococcus infections
Cattle E. coli infection
Goats Cryptosporidium and E. coli infections, rabies
Baby poultry (e.g., chicks, ducklings, etc.) Salmonella infection
Ferrets Bite injuries
Pediatricians, veterinarians and parents play an important role in preventing animal-related illness.
* Children should wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching animals.
* Parents should supervise handwashing for children younger than five years of age.
* Never touch wild animals or bring them home as pets.
* Always supervise children, especially those younger than five, during interaction with animals.
* Children should not be allowed to kiss animals or put their hands or other objects in their mouth after handling animals.
* Pediatricians and veterinarians should advise parents about appropriate pet selection and how to avoid animal-transmitted illnesses.
* Family pets should be kept in good health and vaccinated appropriately.
To read the full text of the article, including expanded lists of animals, diseases, and prevention advice, click here (http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/122/4/876).
More information on this subject can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/.
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Thursday, October 2, 2008
UGA Works to Reverse Food Animal Vet Shortage
Dogs, cats and pocket pets like hamsters, gerbils and lizards aren’t the only animals that get sick and need a trip to the veterinarian. Cows, pigs and other livestock do, too. But the number of food animal veterinarians in the U.S. is rapidly declining.
A University of Georgia incentive program is helping draw the next generation into this declining field.
The UGA food animal veterinary incentive program, which started in 2007, is an early admission program designed for Georgia high school students interested in this practice. So far, all of the allotted 10 slots in the program have been filled.
“Many schools, UGA included, decided that this issue was important, especially since we have a large number of food animal clients,” said Paige Carmichael, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Through the food animal program, Carmichael hopes to gain “a cohort of students who have experience working with food animals. Because of this they are much more likely to stick with food animal veterinary medicine after they graduate.”
Food animal veterinarians work primarily with beef and dairy cows, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. The older generation of this type of veterinarian is retiring at a rate of 4 percent to 6 percent annually.
UGA freshman Ali Terrell has worked at small animal clinics since she was 12. She was introduced to large animal medicine by a veterinarian in Greensboro, Ga. “I fell in love with it,” she said.
She’s now working her way through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the first step in the incentive program. “There’s a lot of support for students in the ag college,” she said. “They care about the success and about building relationships with their students.”
Students in the program major in animal science, avian biology, dairy science or poultry science. After their CAES graduation, they enter the CVM, provided they fulfill admission requirements.
Any incoming UGA freshman who is a Georgia resident is eligible to apply for the incentive program. Special summer studies, research opportunities and internships are available. One, the National Veterinary Medical Services Act, provides loan forgiveness for students in exchange for their work in rural communities, said Sheila Allen, CVM dean.
Job options for food animal veterinary graduates include private practice, corporate agribusiness, university research and teaching, government veterinary medical officer and diagnostic pathology.
Without food animal veterinarians to detect, manage and prevent diseases, “our first line of defense against outbreaks of diseases like foot-and-mouth is compromised,” said Dean Pringle, a CAES animal science professor.
Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious and sometimes fatal, affecting mostly cattle, sheep and pigs. In 2001, an outbreak in Great Britain decimated the livestock industry and postponed general elections and sporting events.
But food animal medicine is not just about detecting diseases. These veterinarians also teach producers how to manage their animals, give them better ways to care for their flocks or herds and do background research to help ensure safe and affordable animal products continue to stock grocery store shelves.
“Not only are you impacting the health of an animal, you’re impacting the economic health of the people you’re working for,” Pringle said. “It’s exciting.”
For more information about the incentive program, visit www.caes.uga.edu/academics/FoodAnimalVIP.html.
(Author Stephanie Schupska is a news editor for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
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A University of Georgia incentive program is helping draw the next generation into this declining field.
The UGA food animal veterinary incentive program, which started in 2007, is an early admission program designed for Georgia high school students interested in this practice. So far, all of the allotted 10 slots in the program have been filled.
“Many schools, UGA included, decided that this issue was important, especially since we have a large number of food animal clients,” said Paige Carmichael, associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Through the food animal program, Carmichael hopes to gain “a cohort of students who have experience working with food animals. Because of this they are much more likely to stick with food animal veterinary medicine after they graduate.”
Food animal veterinarians work primarily with beef and dairy cows, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. The older generation of this type of veterinarian is retiring at a rate of 4 percent to 6 percent annually.
UGA freshman Ali Terrell has worked at small animal clinics since she was 12. She was introduced to large animal medicine by a veterinarian in Greensboro, Ga. “I fell in love with it,” she said.
She’s now working her way through the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, the first step in the incentive program. “There’s a lot of support for students in the ag college,” she said. “They care about the success and about building relationships with their students.”
Students in the program major in animal science, avian biology, dairy science or poultry science. After their CAES graduation, they enter the CVM, provided they fulfill admission requirements.
Any incoming UGA freshman who is a Georgia resident is eligible to apply for the incentive program. Special summer studies, research opportunities and internships are available. One, the National Veterinary Medical Services Act, provides loan forgiveness for students in exchange for their work in rural communities, said Sheila Allen, CVM dean.
Job options for food animal veterinary graduates include private practice, corporate agribusiness, university research and teaching, government veterinary medical officer and diagnostic pathology.
Without food animal veterinarians to detect, manage and prevent diseases, “our first line of defense against outbreaks of diseases like foot-and-mouth is compromised,” said Dean Pringle, a CAES animal science professor.
Foot-and-mouth disease is highly contagious and sometimes fatal, affecting mostly cattle, sheep and pigs. In 2001, an outbreak in Great Britain decimated the livestock industry and postponed general elections and sporting events.
But food animal medicine is not just about detecting diseases. These veterinarians also teach producers how to manage their animals, give them better ways to care for their flocks or herds and do background research to help ensure safe and affordable animal products continue to stock grocery store shelves.
“Not only are you impacting the health of an animal, you’re impacting the economic health of the people you’re working for,” Pringle said. “It’s exciting.”
For more information about the incentive program, visit www.caes.uga.edu/academics/FoodAnimalVIP.html.
(Author Stephanie Schupska is a news editor for the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Georgia Aquarium Welcomes Manta Ray
The Georgia Aquarium announced late last month the addition of a manta ray to the 6.3 million gallon Ocean Voyager gallery, built by The Home Depot. The addition of the female manta ray, Nandi, makes Georgia Aquarium the only aquarium in the United States to ever house a manta ray and one of only four aquariums in the world to display this species. Nandi will join four whale sharks and thousands of other animals in the world’s largest aquarium exhibit.
“As the Georgia Aquarium grows as a tourist destination, our opportunity to promote conservation and education grows,” said Mike Leven, chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium. “The addition of Nandi, who inspired hundreds of thousands of people in South Africa, gives us the opportunity to elevate her as an ambassador for her species. Millions of people who may have never had the chance to see a manta ray will now have that chance at the Georgia Aquarium.”
Nandi, who measures more than nine feet across and weighs approximately 456 lbs, flew 9,000 miles on a chartered 747-200 aircraft from Durban, South Africa through Cape Verde, Africa, to Atlanta. The manta ray was under the care and supervision of Georgia Aquarium and uShaka Marine World professional staff and maintained by a highly advanced marine life support system.
“The Georgia Aquarium’s success in moving whale sharks across the world gave us confidence that this was the right thing to do,” said Dr. Mark Penning, executive director of uShaka Marine World. “We see this as a perfect opportunity to create an international partnership and continue Nandi’s incredible story, raising worldwide awareness about manta rays.”
Nandi was rescued from shark nets off the coast of Durban, South Africa, in April 2007 and rehabilitated by uShaka Marine World, the largest marine park in Africa. She has lived in uShaka for the past year, educating and inspiring conservation in more than 500,000 people.
Manta rays are the largest rays in the sea, but Nandi was young when she was rescued, measuring just more than eight feet across and weighing around 245 lbs. She had since outgrown her 580,000 gallon exhibit. In order to raise worldwide awareness about manta rays, Georgia Aquarium and uShaka created an international partnership to bring Nandi from South Africa to Georgia Aquarium.
“No one has ever done this before,” said Leven. “Flying the world’s largest ray, a manta ray, from one side of the world to the other and housing it in a U.S. aquarium for the first time is incredible. Having the opportunity to work with this animal and grow our understanding of this strange yet gentle giant will be an opportunity of a lifetime.”
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“As the Georgia Aquarium grows as a tourist destination, our opportunity to promote conservation and education grows,” said Mike Leven, chief executive officer of the Georgia Aquarium. “The addition of Nandi, who inspired hundreds of thousands of people in South Africa, gives us the opportunity to elevate her as an ambassador for her species. Millions of people who may have never had the chance to see a manta ray will now have that chance at the Georgia Aquarium.”
Nandi, who measures more than nine feet across and weighs approximately 456 lbs, flew 9,000 miles on a chartered 747-200 aircraft from Durban, South Africa through Cape Verde, Africa, to Atlanta. The manta ray was under the care and supervision of Georgia Aquarium and uShaka Marine World professional staff and maintained by a highly advanced marine life support system.
“The Georgia Aquarium’s success in moving whale sharks across the world gave us confidence that this was the right thing to do,” said Dr. Mark Penning, executive director of uShaka Marine World. “We see this as a perfect opportunity to create an international partnership and continue Nandi’s incredible story, raising worldwide awareness about manta rays.”
Nandi was rescued from shark nets off the coast of Durban, South Africa, in April 2007 and rehabilitated by uShaka Marine World, the largest marine park in Africa. She has lived in uShaka for the past year, educating and inspiring conservation in more than 500,000 people.
Manta rays are the largest rays in the sea, but Nandi was young when she was rescued, measuring just more than eight feet across and weighing around 245 lbs. She had since outgrown her 580,000 gallon exhibit. In order to raise worldwide awareness about manta rays, Georgia Aquarium and uShaka created an international partnership to bring Nandi from South Africa to Georgia Aquarium.
“No one has ever done this before,” said Leven. “Flying the world’s largest ray, a manta ray, from one side of the world to the other and housing it in a U.S. aquarium for the first time is incredible. Having the opportunity to work with this animal and grow our understanding of this strange yet gentle giant will be an opportunity of a lifetime.”
---
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Thursday, September 18, 2008
Christ Our Shepherd to Bless Animals October 5
Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church (Hiway 54 at Peachtree Parkway, Peachtree City) will offer a Blessing of the Animals Service on October 5, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. All are invited to bring pet(s) to the annual service, which is held each year on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Francis. Pets of any size, shape, or type are welcome … even a pet’s photo can be blessed if it is not possible to attend in person. All pets should be properly leashed or in carriers for their safety. All are encouraged to invite fellow pet owners to the celebration!
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