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Fursquared 16
Posted 9 years agoHope to see all my friends at F2 this year. Last year was so busy, I didn't get a chance to attend a single fur con. This year, I'm starting off right by supporting one of our local ones.
Also, if anypony is still looking for a room, shoot me a message. My traveling partner had to back out due to military obligations. So I seem to have plenty if room available.
Also, if anypony is still looking for a room, shoot me a message. My traveling partner had to back out due to military obligations. So I seem to have plenty if room available.
Brookfield Zoo announces birth of okapi calf, Will
Posted 10 years agoPosted: 05/19/2015, 03:41pm by Jordan Owen from the Chicago Sun Times
Brookfield Zoo announced the birth of its latest addition Tuesday and it’s definitely not the most common of zoo animals. In fact the new okapi—or “forest giraffe”—calf looks more like a hodgepodge of horse, donkey and zebra.
The baby, named Will, was born April 21 to Augusta K., a 4-year-old first-time mom; and Hiari, according to a statement from Brookfield Zoo.
The calf is not yet on display at the zoo, but you can see him in a live video feed set up in the zoo’s “Habitat Africa! The Forest.”
“When they’re in this nesting period, they don’t have much of a personality,” said Amy Roberts, the zoo’s curator of mammals.
“As they become adults, they have distinct personalities and they will come out as you walk by. They like to have the keepers clean their ears,” Roberts said.
At birth, Will weighed 57 pounds, but just a month later has already reached 168 pounds, Roberts said. His mom weighs about 720 pounds.
“He is thus far 100 percent normal,” Roberts said. “He is meeting all the milestones we have set our for an okapi.”
Okapi are native to the Congo, have creamy white stripes on their hind end and front upper legs, and white “ankle stockings” on their lower legs, according to the statement. They are listed as endangered due to forest loss.
During the first few months of life, Will will spend the majority of his time in an indoor nesting area. Once he is more active, at about three months, he should begin exploring his habitat and go on display.
“Our hope is come this summer, everyone will be able to see him in the exhibit,” Roberts said.
Brookfield Zoo was the first U.S. zoo to breed okapi and has had 27 successful births since 1959. The zoo has a total of four males and two females, including Will and his mother. The species was not discovered until the early 1990s.
Brookfield Zoo announced the birth of its latest addition Tuesday and it’s definitely not the most common of zoo animals. In fact the new okapi—or “forest giraffe”—calf looks more like a hodgepodge of horse, donkey and zebra.
The baby, named Will, was born April 21 to Augusta K., a 4-year-old first-time mom; and Hiari, according to a statement from Brookfield Zoo.
The calf is not yet on display at the zoo, but you can see him in a live video feed set up in the zoo’s “Habitat Africa! The Forest.”
“When they’re in this nesting period, they don’t have much of a personality,” said Amy Roberts, the zoo’s curator of mammals.
“As they become adults, they have distinct personalities and they will come out as you walk by. They like to have the keepers clean their ears,” Roberts said.
At birth, Will weighed 57 pounds, but just a month later has already reached 168 pounds, Roberts said. His mom weighs about 720 pounds.
“He is thus far 100 percent normal,” Roberts said. “He is meeting all the milestones we have set our for an okapi.”
Okapi are native to the Congo, have creamy white stripes on their hind end and front upper legs, and white “ankle stockings” on their lower legs, according to the statement. They are listed as endangered due to forest loss.
During the first few months of life, Will will spend the majority of his time in an indoor nesting area. Once he is more active, at about three months, he should begin exploring his habitat and go on display.
“Our hope is come this summer, everyone will be able to see him in the exhibit,” Roberts said.
Brookfield Zoo was the first U.S. zoo to breed okapi and has had 27 successful births since 1959. The zoo has a total of four males and two females, including Will and his mother. The species was not discovered until the early 1990s.
Like a bridge over troubled waters
Posted 10 years agoMy friend is still feeling pretty poorly and going to her mom's for a bit. I can only hope things will turn better this time. Also, I know she's very sick and that tomorrow is a karaoke day, but I will understand if she cannot go. Especially since I too had to take off a day from singing when I felt bad a few weeks ago. So, no pressure on having to go if she needs time to heal.
Also, I want to say in my defense that a certain somepony didn't actually respond with a comment in a recent post, it was a sticker appropriate to the theme of the message. I didn't think a 'like' would have been appropriate. I did struggle with leaving it however. Just another action that caused more stress in a stressful situation. I'm sorry.
Also, I want to say in my defense that a certain somepony didn't actually respond with a comment in a recent post, it was a sticker appropriate to the theme of the message. I didn't think a 'like' would have been appropriate. I did struggle with leaving it however. Just another action that caused more stress in a stressful situation. I'm sorry.
I'll be there, if you need me
Posted 11 years agoYou know how to get in touch, please do so when or if you need me. Whether it's just conversation or a smoothie at our favorite place. If you do stay at your moms, I'm going to assume our non-communicado rule is off. But I'll wait until you contact me first, just to be sure.
Comfort for a friend
Posted 11 years agoMy closest and dearest friend is currently having a difficult time with her marriage and other stressful things in her life. I can't talk to her directly as her husband does not like the closeness and history that her and I share. But i just want her to know that I'm thinking about her constantly and trying to give as much good karma as possible. If I could hold her in my arms and tell her everything would be okay, I would.
Ponyville Ciderfest lodging
Posted 11 years agoIf anypony is going to the Ponyville Ciderfest and is looking for a room, let me know. I made all my reservations and will be attending the full con from November 7-9. I have room available for 1 to 3 more bronies. If you're interested drop me a note and we'll start talking prices and everything.
Elephant and Okapi Poacher Morgan Killed by the Congo's Army
Posted 11 years agoThe notorious poacher Morgan, who was responsible for the attack on ICCN & OCP headquarters nearly two years ago, killing six people and slaughtering 14 Okapi at the Epulu Station in the Ituri forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has been killed by Congolese Army Soldiers when a disagreement over the terms of his surrender under an amnesty agreement erupted into a gunfight between the two sides in Molokay.
On behalf of the Okapi Conservation Project, we are grateful for the Congolese government’s effort to end this dark chapter in their country’s history which we feel will give way to a brighter future in which the okapi, as well as the people residing in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, can live peacefully and flourish in this unique rainforest environment.
OCP has already expanded its education team to better serve the communities living in and around the Reserve and staff are in the process of delivering new mattresses and sanitation supplies to 12 health clinics to respond to one of the most pressing needs of the people most affected by the insecurity brought on by Morgan. We appreciate everyone’s support as we have rebuilt Epulu and forged ahead in our efforts to help ICCN rangers protect Okapi and other endangered species living in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Reference:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014.....A3D1MX20140414
On behalf of the Okapi Conservation Project, we are grateful for the Congolese government’s effort to end this dark chapter in their country’s history which we feel will give way to a brighter future in which the okapi, as well as the people residing in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, can live peacefully and flourish in this unique rainforest environment.
OCP has already expanded its education team to better serve the communities living in and around the Reserve and staff are in the process of delivering new mattresses and sanitation supplies to 12 health clinics to respond to one of the most pressing needs of the people most affected by the insecurity brought on by Morgan. We appreciate everyone’s support as we have rebuilt Epulu and forged ahead in our efforts to help ICCN rangers protect Okapi and other endangered species living in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Reference:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014.....A3D1MX20140414
FurSquared Convention
Posted 11 years agoAnypony going to the FurSquared Con in Wisconsin in a couple weeks? I haven't been hearing too much chatter about it and those friends I did ask, said no. I'm going and hosting three different panels there, but wondering just who I know will also be there.
Derpy Returns!
Posted 12 years agoThis is probably all over the Brony forums already, but I just saw it myself so I had to post. MLP Season season 4 just started last weekend, during MFF. Episodes 1 and 2 were released on the same say 11-23-13 and for some reason I didn't know it was a two-shot. So when I woke to an episode 3 today, I had to go hunt for number two. Wasn't hard to find as the Hub website was already airing it too. So I just watched it before I start on #3. I am very happy to say that my favorite muffin, Derpy returns to the series. She was absent for all of season 3 but returned in all her blond hair and golden eye glory this season. You can find her at the top of the screen very plainly around the 20:43 mark. Her eyes are not "derped" as usual, but I guess that was one of the concessions the Hub had to make with Hasbro to return her to us. I'm just glad that her punishment is over.
Derpy spotting has returned to MLP again! Today is a great day.
Derpy spotting has returned to MLP again! Today is a great day.
Okapi Classification Downgraded
Posted 12 years agoThe IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has officially downgraded the classification of the Okapia Johnstoni (Okapi) from Threatened Vulnerable to Endangered. This is just two steps from extinction level calssifications. Over the past 25 years, indigenous populations of the Okapi in its native land in the Congo of African has been reduced from approximately 40,000 to less then 10,000 adults.
Deforestation and poaching are the two largest reason for their demise.
This is by far my favorite species in the entire Animal kingdom, I would truely hate to see them become extinct. I donate annually to the OCP (Okapi Conservation Project) and would welcome any of my furry friends to do the same. You can find the official donation page here: http://www.okapiconservation.org/donations/
Deforestation and poaching are the two largest reason for their demise.
This is by far my favorite species in the entire Animal kingdom, I would truely hate to see them become extinct. I donate annually to the OCP (Okapi Conservation Project) and would welcome any of my furry friends to do the same. You can find the official donation page here: http://www.okapiconservation.org/donations/
Day-tripping to MFF Saturday
Posted 12 years agoI was not actually planning on attending this year's MFF, but had a rather last minute act of spontaneity and decided to day-trip it out on Saturday. I will miss the Season 4 premiere of MLP live, but I can catch it on the streams/you tube later.
Plan on catching the ol' stripey butt Okapi in the parade and around other places throughout the day.
Plan on catching the ol' stripey butt Okapi in the parade and around other places throughout the day.
M23 Rebels in the Congo End their Insurgency
Posted 12 years agoOkapi Conservation Project Field Report
Epulu Station, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DRC
7-NOV-2013
Dem Rep Congo Rebels End Insurgency
The M23 rebel group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ended their insurgency after a crushing military defeat. M23 leaders ordered commanders to prepare troops to disarm, demobilize and prepare for reintegration on terms agreed with the government of the Congo. The M23 was forced to end its rebellion by a combination of factors; concerted international pressure; an unusually competent performance by the DRC’s armed forces; the robust action of a new UN “intervention brigade” and Rwanda’s apparent decision to stop its (alleged) military support of the rebels.
“This is a critical and exciting step in the right direction” said Mr. Feingold, the US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the DRC. “If we can deal with the larger groups then others will see the writing on the wall” he said. “It will be easier for the Congolese government to assert authority and for the people to see the benefit of peace. That could have a domino effect.”
Impact on Okapi Conservation Project
The demise of M23 sends an intimidating message to other armed groups. The Congolese army is aware of the various armed militias operating in Eastern DRC, including Morgan and his followers and has made it clear if they don’t surrender they will be disarmed by force. The OCP staff is encouraged that the elite UN forces and well-disciplined and well paid DRC soldiers will now make securing all of Eastern DRC a priority. We have made great deal of progress in rebuilding ICCN facilities and providing much needed assistance to the communities in the last year under very uncertain conditions. Just imagine what we could do if the threat of bodily harm and loss of equipment was not constantly hanging over our heads.
The elimination of illegal armed groups is necessary for ICCN rangers to carry out effective conservation actions inside the Okapi Wildlife Reserve that eliminate human destruction of forests and stop the illegal trade in wildlife products. We are encouraging national government officials to support continued military intervention to eradicate all self-serving militias and poachers from the area in and around the Reserve. Hopefully with determined efforts from the ICCN rangers and the DRC military supported by UN troops 2014 will see the return of peace and security to all of Eastern DRC which will provide an immense benefit for the wildlife and people of the region.
Epulu Station, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, DRC
7-NOV-2013
Dem Rep Congo Rebels End Insurgency
The M23 rebel group in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo ended their insurgency after a crushing military defeat. M23 leaders ordered commanders to prepare troops to disarm, demobilize and prepare for reintegration on terms agreed with the government of the Congo. The M23 was forced to end its rebellion by a combination of factors; concerted international pressure; an unusually competent performance by the DRC’s armed forces; the robust action of a new UN “intervention brigade” and Rwanda’s apparent decision to stop its (alleged) military support of the rebels.
“This is a critical and exciting step in the right direction” said Mr. Feingold, the US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and the DRC. “If we can deal with the larger groups then others will see the writing on the wall” he said. “It will be easier for the Congolese government to assert authority and for the people to see the benefit of peace. That could have a domino effect.”
Impact on Okapi Conservation Project
The demise of M23 sends an intimidating message to other armed groups. The Congolese army is aware of the various armed militias operating in Eastern DRC, including Morgan and his followers and has made it clear if they don’t surrender they will be disarmed by force. The OCP staff is encouraged that the elite UN forces and well-disciplined and well paid DRC soldiers will now make securing all of Eastern DRC a priority. We have made great deal of progress in rebuilding ICCN facilities and providing much needed assistance to the communities in the last year under very uncertain conditions. Just imagine what we could do if the threat of bodily harm and loss of equipment was not constantly hanging over our heads.
The elimination of illegal armed groups is necessary for ICCN rangers to carry out effective conservation actions inside the Okapi Wildlife Reserve that eliminate human destruction of forests and stop the illegal trade in wildlife products. We are encouraging national government officials to support continued military intervention to eradicate all self-serving militias and poachers from the area in and around the Reserve. Hopefully with determined efforts from the ICCN rangers and the DRC military supported by UN troops 2014 will see the return of peace and security to all of Eastern DRC which will provide an immense benefit for the wildlife and people of the region.
Leaving for IFC
Posted 12 years agoBy this time tomorrow, I will be on the ground at Indy Fur Fest. IFC is a local Midwest Furry Convention held in Indianapolis, IN. While there, I'll be working with Convention Operations and managing the Sponsors' Suite all weekend. I'll also be hosting three panels: The Military Furs panel on Saturday at 10:00am, the Brony Panel on Saturday at 3:00pm and the annual favorite Ungulates United on Saturday at 4:00pm.
Its going to be a wild ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I have always said that if you are ever bored, its your own darn fault because there is so much to do out there in the world; you just need to get out there and do it.
Hope to see some of my Ungulate and Brony friends this weekend. And perhaps one or two of the paw and claw types too. But I fully believe that if you don't have a hoof, you're doing it wrong.
Ungulates Unite!
Its going to be a wild ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I have always said that if you are ever bored, its your own darn fault because there is so much to do out there in the world; you just need to get out there and do it.
Hope to see some of my Ungulate and Brony friends this weekend. And perhaps one or two of the paw and claw types too. But I fully believe that if you don't have a hoof, you're doing it wrong.
Ungulates Unite!
Thou Princess Twilight cometh
Posted 12 years agoBehold! Behold!
I went to Build-a-Bear this morning and picked up my Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike the dragon. They will go just well with my previously purchased Rainbowdash and Pinkie Pie B-a-Bs. Next week, Fluttershy is being released with all three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders (Mini-size like Spike). That's going to be a little more difficult to acquire as I will already be at IFC working Staff. Hopefully the local mall has a B-a-B store so I can just run in, grab my Flootershai, Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle and Applebloom and get back quickly.
Sometimes being a Brony is not great on the wallet.
I went to Build-a-Bear this morning and picked up my Princess Twilight Sparkle and Spike the dragon. They will go just well with my previously purchased Rainbowdash and Pinkie Pie B-a-Bs. Next week, Fluttershy is being released with all three of the Cutie Mark Crusaders (Mini-size like Spike). That's going to be a little more difficult to acquire as I will already be at IFC working Staff. Hopefully the local mall has a B-a-B store so I can just run in, grab my Flootershai, Scootaloo, Sweetiebelle and Applebloom and get back quickly.
Sometimes being a Brony is not great on the wallet.
Are you a Brony going to IFC?
Posted 12 years agoIn a few weeks, IFC will be holding their annual convention. I am wondering if anypony I know will be attending and would you also be going to the Brony Panel?
Drop me a line and let me know.
Indy Furry Con
August 9th to 11th
At the Sheraton at Keystone Crossing
In Indianapolis, IN
Drop me a line and let me know.
Indy Furry Con
August 9th to 11th
At the Sheraton at Keystone Crossing
In Indianapolis, IN
Okapi born in the Bristol Zoo
Posted 12 years agoWith the stripes of a zebra and the tongue of a giraffe, okapis are constantly compared to their more recognisable cousins. But today at Bristol Zoo, the reclusive okapis commanded the public's attention.
The notoriously shy creatures made a public appearance at the zoo, where the newborn okapi took her first steps outdoors. The baby Okapi, named K'tusha, took tentative steps outside the stable doors in her enclosure. The apprehensive foal was encouraged by her mother, Lodja, who nuzzled her young in an affectionate display. Bristol Zoo was the first in the UK to care for an okapi in 1961 and the first UK zoo to breed one in 1963.
Since then, 37 foals have been born at the zoo. Okapis are also bred in London and Chester. The okapi's striking markings are on the back of its legs so its offspring can follow it through dense jungle.
Known as the 'African unicorn' the herbivore has a long blue tongue that strips leaves from branches. The female okapi has one foal every two years. Their pregnancy lasts 15 months and foals typically stay with their mother for two or three years. Bristol Zoo helps to fund the 8,000 square mile Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The okapi was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1901. After increasingly rarer sightings, it vanished from the wildlife radar for decades from 1959, prompting fears that it had died out. But eight years ago researchers working for the WWF found okapi tracks in the wild.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art.....#ixzz2WRB2ZXLk
The notoriously shy creatures made a public appearance at the zoo, where the newborn okapi took her first steps outdoors. The baby Okapi, named K'tusha, took tentative steps outside the stable doors in her enclosure. The apprehensive foal was encouraged by her mother, Lodja, who nuzzled her young in an affectionate display. Bristol Zoo was the first in the UK to care for an okapi in 1961 and the first UK zoo to breed one in 1963.
Since then, 37 foals have been born at the zoo. Okapis are also bred in London and Chester. The okapi's striking markings are on the back of its legs so its offspring can follow it through dense jungle.
Known as the 'African unicorn' the herbivore has a long blue tongue that strips leaves from branches. The female okapi has one foal every two years. Their pregnancy lasts 15 months and foals typically stay with their mother for two or three years. Bristol Zoo helps to fund the 8,000 square mile Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The okapi was first discovered in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1901. After increasingly rarer sightings, it vanished from the wildlife radar for decades from 1959, prompting fears that it had died out. But eight years ago researchers working for the WWF found okapi tracks in the wild.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art.....#ixzz2WRB2ZXLk
Okapi calf born in Berlin 2-26-13
Posted 12 years ago<Self Translated from German>
The winter is long, but it cannot stop nature. A new female Okapi was born on the 26th if February at the Berlin Zoo in Germany. This represents the zoo’s fourth successful birthing of the rare Forrest Giraffe in Berlin. The calf weighed 43 pounds and will reside in a warm barn until Germany’s warms up in a few weeks. The Okapi are indigenous to the Congo forest of Africa near the equator.
Her mother Batouri has resided in Berlin for 5 years and she is the largest Okapi in any European zoo weighing in at 680 pounds. The smaller sire was Steve a six year old that had difficulties mating in the past. The calf named Bashira was healthy and made her first appearance in the open for fans on the 11th of April.
Okapi are shy and highly endangered Ungulates in the central Africa rain forest. Their total population is estimated around 10,000 in the wild. The proliferation of the Okapi is controlled in Zoos under the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) to assist with their relatively weak reproduction rate.
Original News Release:
Das Jahr ist zwar noch lang, doch vermutlich handelt es sich bei dem nun zu meldenden Jungtier um den wertvollsten Nachwuchs 2013. Bereits am 26. Februar wurde auf strohigem Lager das nunmehr vierte Berliner Okapi geboren.
Die kleine Waldgiraffe, die nach ihrer Geburt gerade 21,5 kg wog, konnte in den darauf folgenden Wochen allerdings den warmen Stall kaum verlassen, da in ihrer ursprünglichen Heimat, den Urwäldern des äquatornahen Kongobeckens, niemals Schnee liegt. Dem Jungtier hat der Stallaufenthalt jedoch nicht geschadet, denn im Gegensatz zu den Laufjungen der Steppengiraffen gelten kleine Okapis als Ablieger, die ihren Müttern nicht auf Schritt und Tritt folgen, sondern den Körperkontakt meist nur zum Trinken nutzen. Durch die sehr nahrhafte Muttermilch hat das Okapikalb sein Gewicht bereits auf 62 kg gesteigert.
Seine Mutter „Batouri“, die 2005 ebenfalls in Berlin zur Welt kam, gehört mit ihren 340 kg zu den schwersten Okapis der nur etwa 55 Tiere umfassenden europäischen Zoopopulation. Ihre große Körpergestalt hatte es „Steve“, dem 6jährigen Vater des Jungtieres, auch schwer gemacht, einen gelungenen Deckakt zu vollziehen. Okapibullen sind nämlich schon im Durchschnitt kleiner und leichter als die Weibchen. Letztendlich hat es dann aber nun doch geklappt – obwohl von keinem Menschen beobachtet.
Auch wenn es am morgigen Tag nicht trocken bleiben wird, das kleine weibliche Okapijungtier – mit dem Namen „Bashira“ – muss nun endlich einmal ins Freie.
Okapis sind scheue und stark bedrohte Bewohner des zentralafrikanischen Regenwaldes, deren Gesamtpopulation auf kaum mehr als 10.000 Tiere geschätzt wird. Im Rahmen des Europäischen Zooverbands wurde bereits 1985 ein Europäisches Erhaltungszuchtprogramm (EEP) für diese relativ reproduktionsschwache, seltene Tierart eingerichtet, das sich intensiv um deren Vermehrung bemüht.
Source: http://www.zoo-berlin.de/zoo/tiere-.....06b814369bbdd4
The winter is long, but it cannot stop nature. A new female Okapi was born on the 26th if February at the Berlin Zoo in Germany. This represents the zoo’s fourth successful birthing of the rare Forrest Giraffe in Berlin. The calf weighed 43 pounds and will reside in a warm barn until Germany’s warms up in a few weeks. The Okapi are indigenous to the Congo forest of Africa near the equator.
Her mother Batouri has resided in Berlin for 5 years and she is the largest Okapi in any European zoo weighing in at 680 pounds. The smaller sire was Steve a six year old that had difficulties mating in the past. The calf named Bashira was healthy and made her first appearance in the open for fans on the 11th of April.
Okapi are shy and highly endangered Ungulates in the central Africa rain forest. Their total population is estimated around 10,000 in the wild. The proliferation of the Okapi is controlled in Zoos under the European Endangered Species Program (EEP) to assist with their relatively weak reproduction rate.
Original News Release:
Das Jahr ist zwar noch lang, doch vermutlich handelt es sich bei dem nun zu meldenden Jungtier um den wertvollsten Nachwuchs 2013. Bereits am 26. Februar wurde auf strohigem Lager das nunmehr vierte Berliner Okapi geboren.
Die kleine Waldgiraffe, die nach ihrer Geburt gerade 21,5 kg wog, konnte in den darauf folgenden Wochen allerdings den warmen Stall kaum verlassen, da in ihrer ursprünglichen Heimat, den Urwäldern des äquatornahen Kongobeckens, niemals Schnee liegt. Dem Jungtier hat der Stallaufenthalt jedoch nicht geschadet, denn im Gegensatz zu den Laufjungen der Steppengiraffen gelten kleine Okapis als Ablieger, die ihren Müttern nicht auf Schritt und Tritt folgen, sondern den Körperkontakt meist nur zum Trinken nutzen. Durch die sehr nahrhafte Muttermilch hat das Okapikalb sein Gewicht bereits auf 62 kg gesteigert.
Seine Mutter „Batouri“, die 2005 ebenfalls in Berlin zur Welt kam, gehört mit ihren 340 kg zu den schwersten Okapis der nur etwa 55 Tiere umfassenden europäischen Zoopopulation. Ihre große Körpergestalt hatte es „Steve“, dem 6jährigen Vater des Jungtieres, auch schwer gemacht, einen gelungenen Deckakt zu vollziehen. Okapibullen sind nämlich schon im Durchschnitt kleiner und leichter als die Weibchen. Letztendlich hat es dann aber nun doch geklappt – obwohl von keinem Menschen beobachtet.
Auch wenn es am morgigen Tag nicht trocken bleiben wird, das kleine weibliche Okapijungtier – mit dem Namen „Bashira“ – muss nun endlich einmal ins Freie.
Okapis sind scheue und stark bedrohte Bewohner des zentralafrikanischen Regenwaldes, deren Gesamtpopulation auf kaum mehr als 10.000 Tiere geschätzt wird. Im Rahmen des Europäischen Zooverbands wurde bereits 1985 ein Europäisches Erhaltungszuchtprogramm (EEP) für diese relativ reproduktionsschwache, seltene Tierart eingerichtet, das sich intensiv um deren Vermehrung bemüht.
Source: http://www.zoo-berlin.de/zoo/tiere-.....06b814369bbdd4
Happy Winter Wrap Up Day
Posted 12 years agoIts time to wrap up Winter and get ready for Spring.
Celebrate today, the Pony Way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJJ94uw05KQ
Celebrate today, the Pony Way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJJ94uw05KQ
Okapi Conservation Project Update - March 13, 2013
Posted 12 years agoMorgan and his men continue to destabilize the region with recent attacks on two gold mining camps outside the western boundary of the Reserve. FARDC arrested six Mai Mai rebels and confiscated twenty AK-47's and one machine gun before they were able to attack the town of Nia Nia.
According to local sources, Morgan has lost support from allied groups of Mai Mai and is now believed to be staying outside of the southern boundary of the Reserve with a diminished force. Eighty FARDC soldiers and 40 ICCN rangers are now stationed in Epulu, allowing OCP and WCS staff to return and resume operational activities from Reserve Headquarters.
School supplies have been distributed to nearly all of the 106 schools around the Reserve, which serve over 27,000 students, with the remaining schools scheduled to receive their supplies over the next couple of weeks.
While travel around the Reserve is difficult, OCP staff members continue to implement community assistance projects where feasible and ICCN rangers are carrying out patrols away from areas where there has been recent conflict. With the care and involvement of individuals and institutions from around the world during this difficult time, we have been able to not only maintain our scope of influence, but also provide support to many communities caught up in the violence associated with illegal resource exploitation occurring within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
According to local sources, Morgan has lost support from allied groups of Mai Mai and is now believed to be staying outside of the southern boundary of the Reserve with a diminished force. Eighty FARDC soldiers and 40 ICCN rangers are now stationed in Epulu, allowing OCP and WCS staff to return and resume operational activities from Reserve Headquarters.
School supplies have been distributed to nearly all of the 106 schools around the Reserve, which serve over 27,000 students, with the remaining schools scheduled to receive their supplies over the next couple of weeks.
While travel around the Reserve is difficult, OCP staff members continue to implement community assistance projects where feasible and ICCN rangers are carrying out patrols away from areas where there has been recent conflict. With the care and involvement of individuals and institutions from around the world during this difficult time, we have been able to not only maintain our scope of influence, but also provide support to many communities caught up in the violence associated with illegal resource exploitation occurring within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Favored Artist: YCH auction running now
Posted 12 years agoOne of my very favorite artists on FA, 
FlyingFire is holding a "Your Character Here" auction. This is her first attempt and I hope some of y'all out there can lend a hand to help her out. Slot 1 of her auction is unbid so far; You can get in on the ground floor as they say.
Check out: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10100447
For the adventurous types, you can get in on the bidding war for the Slot 2 as well.
FlyingFire is holding a "Your Character Here" auction. This is her first attempt and I hope some of y'all out there can lend a hand to help her out. Slot 1 of her auction is unbid so far; You can get in on the ground floor as they say. Check out: http://www.furaffinity.net/view/10100447
For the adventurous types, you can get in on the bidding war for the Slot 2 as well.
The Epulu Story video
Posted 12 years agoEpulu is the small village in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa which is home to the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the African headquarters of the Okapi Conservation Program.
As I've often spoken about for the passed few months, Epulu was attacked by the Mai Mai rebels led by Morgan back in June of 2012. Six people from Epulu and the OCP were killed in the attack and all 14 of the resident Okapi ambassadors were slaughtered. This has caused a lot of anger from me and I have given all that I could to help rebuild Epulu and the OCP station.
My friend John Lucas the President of the OCP along with GLP films has just finished a documentary about the Story of Epulu. I highly recommend everyone to take a look. Its just over 7 minutes long so wont even take up too much time. I thought it seemed very well made personally, but I am strongly biased.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the Story of Epulu:
http://vimeo.com/56997856
As I've often spoken about for the passed few months, Epulu was attacked by the Mai Mai rebels led by Morgan back in June of 2012. Six people from Epulu and the OCP were killed in the attack and all 14 of the resident Okapi ambassadors were slaughtered. This has caused a lot of anger from me and I have given all that I could to help rebuild Epulu and the OCP station.
My friend John Lucas the President of the OCP along with GLP films has just finished a documentary about the Story of Epulu. I highly recommend everyone to take a look. Its just over 7 minutes long so wont even take up too much time. I thought it seemed very well made personally, but I am strongly biased.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the Story of Epulu:
http://vimeo.com/56997856
Skecher's Offcial Sponsor
Posted 12 years agoOf the Ungulate Revolution.
I had to laugh at the man vs cheetah commercial by skechers during the Super Bowl tonight. The little hoof/fist bump was awesome. Serves the cheetah right to be tied up by its own tail too. I will have to do that maneuver at the next furry con.
I had to laugh at the man vs cheetah commercial by skechers during the Super Bowl tonight. The little hoof/fist bump was awesome. Serves the cheetah right to be tied up by its own tail too. I will have to do that maneuver at the next furry con.
Okapi born January 6th, 2013
Posted 13 years agoA rare Okapi calf was born Jan. 6th 2013, representing the first birth of the new year at the Lowry Park Zoo in Tamba Bay, FL according to a news release sent by the zoo. It's also the first Okapi birth of the year in the North American population. The breed is a forest giraffe found only in Central Africa.
The calf, now three weeks old and 96 pounds (up from 64 at birth), spends his days nursing, sleeping and following its mother around the barn, said the news release. For the time being, he will "nest" in a suitable hiding spot identified by the mother, likely inside the barn.
http://www.tampabay.com/features/tr.....rk-zoo/1271652
The calf, now three weeks old and 96 pounds (up from 64 at birth), spends his days nursing, sleeping and following its mother around the barn, said the news release. For the time being, he will "nest" in a suitable hiding spot identified by the mother, likely inside the barn.
http://www.tampabay.com/features/tr.....rk-zoo/1271652
The Ungulates of Christmas
Posted 13 years agoLast year, I posted a couple things hoofer related about certain Ungulates well known about and sometimes sung about during the Christmas holiday. Well, I thought I'd post some more neato information about my favorite Order of mammals in the animal kingdom.
With Christmas just around the corner and Santa’s reindeer on the minds of many children, did you ever wonder what the difference between an antler and a horn is? Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between these two pieces of ‘head gear’.
Antlers, as seen on the white-tailed deer, as well as on elk, reindeer, caribou and moose, are primarily made of bone and are shed annually. The antlers are covered with a thin skin called ‘velvet’ which is shed from the antlers before rutting season. Antlers are also forked, or pronged.
Horns, seen on the kudu, antelope and mouflorn, are made of a living bone core, surrounded by a layer of keratin that give the horns their shape. Horns are usually spiral or curve, with ridges or fluting. They are permanent and do not shed every year (except in the case of the pronghorn antelope). Horns begin growing soon after birth and grow throughout the life of the animal. Antelope, cattle, bison, sheep and goats have horns.
To see more horned antelope at White Oak, visit their website at http://www.whiteoakwildlife.org/animal-programs/ or plan to visit us in person! And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also catch a glimpse of their resident ‘antlered’ species, the white-tailed deer, on your drive in.
On a completely side note, unrelated to the above post. I am pleased to announce the birth of a new Okapi calf born on the 16th of December at the Antwerp Zoo in the Netherlands. This was their 47th Okapi born at their facilities and they have become a staple in the Okapi SSP on how to successfully run a husbandry program. Congratulations to baby Ngwani, her parents Yenthe and Henry and the entire staff at Antwerp to bringing a little Christmas joy to us Okapi watchers.
You can try to read the article about her birth at the following website, but its in Dutch.
http://www.zooantwerpen.be/?page=ne.....campaign=okapi
With Christmas just around the corner and Santa’s reindeer on the minds of many children, did you ever wonder what the difference between an antler and a horn is? Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there is a significant difference between these two pieces of ‘head gear’.
Antlers, as seen on the white-tailed deer, as well as on elk, reindeer, caribou and moose, are primarily made of bone and are shed annually. The antlers are covered with a thin skin called ‘velvet’ which is shed from the antlers before rutting season. Antlers are also forked, or pronged.
Horns, seen on the kudu, antelope and mouflorn, are made of a living bone core, surrounded by a layer of keratin that give the horns their shape. Horns are usually spiral or curve, with ridges or fluting. They are permanent and do not shed every year (except in the case of the pronghorn antelope). Horns begin growing soon after birth and grow throughout the life of the animal. Antelope, cattle, bison, sheep and goats have horns.
To see more horned antelope at White Oak, visit their website at http://www.whiteoakwildlife.org/animal-programs/ or plan to visit us in person! And maybe, just maybe, you’ll also catch a glimpse of their resident ‘antlered’ species, the white-tailed deer, on your drive in.
On a completely side note, unrelated to the above post. I am pleased to announce the birth of a new Okapi calf born on the 16th of December at the Antwerp Zoo in the Netherlands. This was their 47th Okapi born at their facilities and they have become a staple in the Okapi SSP on how to successfully run a husbandry program. Congratulations to baby Ngwani, her parents Yenthe and Henry and the entire staff at Antwerp to bringing a little Christmas joy to us Okapi watchers.
You can try to read the article about her birth at the following website, but its in Dutch.
http://www.zooantwerpen.be/?page=ne.....campaign=okapi
Okapi Conservation Project Update – December 13, 2012
Posted 13 years agoOkapi Conservation Project
Update: December 13, 2012
OCP facilities in Epulu, D R Congo are nearly all repaired and rebuilding of ICCN headquarters is planned to begin in January with support from USFWS. It has been a very difficult and challenging year but the OCP staff and ICCN rangers have responded with great courage and determination. A stronger commitment to conservation is emerging in the communities around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve as they have taken on a greater role in safeguarding the forest home of the okapi. The resilience of the Congolese people to keep going day in and day out, to smile, to work hard to make a living in such a difficult and threatening environment is well beyond amazing!
As you may be aware if you have been following the news from DRC, the M23 rebel group, a disenfranchised unit of the Congolese army, briefly occupied the city of Goma, in south Kivu province, a few weeks ago. International pressure on Rwanda and Uganda helped to diffuse the threat of this group, which withdrew from Goma and is presently discussing their grievances with government officials. The rebel advance did not affect the region around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, which lies 260 miles northwest of Goma.
FARDC soldiers and ICCN rangers have spent the past four months pursuing the Mai Mai poachers, and their leader Paul “Morgan” Sadala, that brutally attacked the Epulu Station on June 24th. These forces have been hampered by the rainy season, but were able to drive the rebels out of the Reserve more than a 30 day walk from Epulu inflicting casualties and confiscating many weapons along the way. It is now the start of the dry season and a third joint operation is underway, made up of FARDC soldiers and ICCN rangers which are very determined to find and arrest the remaining poachers and their leader. Security for the residents of the areas within and around the Reserve has been greatly improved, the bridge over the Epulu River has been repaired and rebuilding of damaged structures in Epulu is now underway.
Our focus for 2013 will be to increase support for ICCN as they work to protect the integrity of the entire Okapi Wildlife Reserve and to broaden our social programs of empowerment. As people have increased income to educate and feed their families they become better stewards of their forest surroundings and supporters of our conservation efforts. In this way all benefit, especially okapi, forest elephants, chimpanzees and all wildlife living in the OWR.
On behalf of all of our staff, ICCN rangers and the communities around the Reserve I sincerely thank our friends, supporters and partners for the outpouring of support we have received these past months during this challenging time. We could not have been able to carry on without you!
Wishing you the best for this holiday season and into the New Year,
John Lukas
Update: December 13, 2012
OCP facilities in Epulu, D R Congo are nearly all repaired and rebuilding of ICCN headquarters is planned to begin in January with support from USFWS. It has been a very difficult and challenging year but the OCP staff and ICCN rangers have responded with great courage and determination. A stronger commitment to conservation is emerging in the communities around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve as they have taken on a greater role in safeguarding the forest home of the okapi. The resilience of the Congolese people to keep going day in and day out, to smile, to work hard to make a living in such a difficult and threatening environment is well beyond amazing!
As you may be aware if you have been following the news from DRC, the M23 rebel group, a disenfranchised unit of the Congolese army, briefly occupied the city of Goma, in south Kivu province, a few weeks ago. International pressure on Rwanda and Uganda helped to diffuse the threat of this group, which withdrew from Goma and is presently discussing their grievances with government officials. The rebel advance did not affect the region around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, which lies 260 miles northwest of Goma.
FARDC soldiers and ICCN rangers have spent the past four months pursuing the Mai Mai poachers, and their leader Paul “Morgan” Sadala, that brutally attacked the Epulu Station on June 24th. These forces have been hampered by the rainy season, but were able to drive the rebels out of the Reserve more than a 30 day walk from Epulu inflicting casualties and confiscating many weapons along the way. It is now the start of the dry season and a third joint operation is underway, made up of FARDC soldiers and ICCN rangers which are very determined to find and arrest the remaining poachers and their leader. Security for the residents of the areas within and around the Reserve has been greatly improved, the bridge over the Epulu River has been repaired and rebuilding of damaged structures in Epulu is now underway.
Our focus for 2013 will be to increase support for ICCN as they work to protect the integrity of the entire Okapi Wildlife Reserve and to broaden our social programs of empowerment. As people have increased income to educate and feed their families they become better stewards of their forest surroundings and supporters of our conservation efforts. In this way all benefit, especially okapi, forest elephants, chimpanzees and all wildlife living in the OWR.
On behalf of all of our staff, ICCN rangers and the communities around the Reserve I sincerely thank our friends, supporters and partners for the outpouring of support we have received these past months during this challenging time. We could not have been able to carry on without you!
Wishing you the best for this holiday season and into the New Year,
John Lukas
