What is Happening at the Japanese Zoo?
Elsa Blaine — September 7, 2008 — Eco
References: msnbc.msn
The fur of the polar bears at Japan’s Higaghiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens has turned green. Visitors to the zoo are shocked this weekend to see the emerald coats on the normally white arctic bears, and have voiced concerns as to the health of the animals.
In fact the green hue is due to higher than average summer temperatures resulting in unusually aggressive algae growth. It is this algae in the water that has become lodged in hollow spaces of the polar bears’ fur. In addition to help conserve water, the zoo has been doing less frequent water changes.
Zoo official, Masami Kurobe is assured that “the bears are expected to return to their natural color when the algae growth subsides in November.” There have been a couple of other reports of green polar bears in captivity in San Diego in 1979 and more recently in Singapore in 2004.
In fact the green hue is due to higher than average summer temperatures resulting in unusually aggressive algae growth. It is this algae in the water that has become lodged in hollow spaces of the polar bears’ fur. In addition to help conserve water, the zoo has been doing less frequent water changes.
Zoo official, Masami Kurobe is assured that “the bears are expected to return to their natural color when the algae growth subsides in November.” There have been a couple of other reports of green polar bears in captivity in San Diego in 1979 and more recently in Singapore in 2004.
Trend Themes
1. Green Polar Bears - Opportunity for eco-friendly solutions to combat algae growth and preserve the natural color of polar bears.
2. Algae Growth - Potential for innovative methods to control and reduce algae growth in aquatic environments.
3. Conservation Practices - Disruption could arise from developing new techniques to conserve water without compromising animal health and well-being.
Industry Implications
1. Zoos - Zoos can explore eco-friendly solutions to prevent algae growth and maintain the health of animals in captivity.
2. Environmental Science - Environmental scientists can focus on finding innovative ways to control algae growth and preserve aquatic ecosystems.
3. Water Conservation - Opportunities exist for businesses in the water conservation industry to develop new techniques for conserving water in various settings, including zoos.
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