For further information, go to www.koestritzer.de/echolot or contact Christina Becker (+49 40 – 318 04 119 or christina_becker@mmk-pr.de)

The main objective is to enable the survival of a species in its area of origin. However, for a variety of reasons, be it an environmental catastrophe or human intervention, some species are endangered and their continued existence is reliant on breeding in captivity.

The main focus of the meeting of the EAZA Bird TAG (Taxon Advisory Group) was “conservation breeding” – the breeding of rare and endangered species in zoos. It is only through the cooperation and exchange of ideas between research and zoological institutions that the conservation of species can be sustained over the long term. “Bridging the gap between science and research, as well as zoological institutions, is vital in enabling the success of research, breeding and reintroduction of animals into the wild. An exchange of ideas and information on an international level and close cooperation are the ingredients for success in species protection today”, explained the director of Weltvogelpark, Geer Scheres, as he highlighted the background to this unique gathering of experts. “For the first time, experts from zoos and from species conservation in the respective areas of origin have gathered to exchange ideas in a forum of this size. Populations can only be effectively sustained over the long term through such a collaboration”.

Over 100 bird conservation experts from 22 different countries gathered at Weltvogelpark Walsrode for an international conference on species conservation (Copyright: Weltvogelpark Walsrode).

The protection of the Siberian crane is one example of this cooperation. A section of the migratory bird population had thus far spent the winter in the Indian Keoladeo National Park. However, last year, the Siberian cranes failed to return to the UNESCO world heritage site and thus, fearing the species had become extinct, the Indian government turned to Weltvogelpark. Weltvogelpark is home to the largest colony of Siberian cranes in captivity and was able to help secure the conservation of this species in India.

“Weltvogelpark is an ideal location for this meeting”, said Nigel Collar from BirdLife International. “Here they have succeeded on numerous occasions to be the first in the world to breed a particular endangered species and, in so doing, contribute towards the species’ conservation”. What’s more, except for individual cases, they have been able to successfully regenerate reduced populations in the countries of origin – this shows we are on the right path and strengthens us in our common goal to protect biodiversity for future generations”.

Topics of discussion at the EAZA annual conference
• Initiate collaboration with BirdLife and other relevant NGOs to produce a list of species that would benefit from captive breeding as part of their conservation strategies.
• Define a strategy to improve the communication and collaboration between the TAGs and the relevant conservation NGOs including the IUCN-SSC Taxon Specialist Groups.
• Draw on examples of different experiences of some organizations in how they select, execute and evaluate projects involving captive breeding in order to develop the correct strategies and also draw up a list of the institutions involved in breeding projects.

Saturday night just before 11pm the die had been cast. Frau Ton & das Bounce Büro from Hamburg came out on top at the Köstritzer Echolot final round in Berlin. With their mixture of melodic jazz, groovy Hip-Hop and an energetic performance in the Frannz Club the musicians convinced the jury.

On March 22^nd Frau Ton and her “bouncing office” will literally face the final stage of this contest: A performance at the ECHO after-show party in front of the who is who of the of the music industry. Temmy Ton, front singer of the winning band is nothing but happy: “Now we’re actually going to the ECHO! This is hard to grasp for us but we’re insanely happy”, she said.

A summarizing video of the final round in the Frannz Club from March 17^th can be seen on the Köstritzer Echolot Blog.

You want to see live how Frau Ton and her office will bounce around the music experts in Berlin this Thursday? Check out the live stream of the performance at the ECHO after-show party on www.koestritzer.de/echolot.

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Weltvogelpark will unveil a very special attraction during the anniversary season: the new hummingbird breeding centre, where one of the most fascinating bird species will be bred and presented to the spectators. Because of their extraordinary beauty and amazing flying abilities, hummingbirds are considered the “jewels of the bird world”. Only a few zoos in Europe keep hummingbirds and hardly ever show them, which makes the captivity breeding and research programme at Weltvogelpark a unique undertaking worldwide.

The 50th anniversary will also witness the first-ever performance of 50 birds in the popular flight show, considered by many to be the best in the world. The anniversary flight show will be bigger and more colourful than ever before. The educational indoor show was even completely revised for this season. During the winter season, the animal trainers taught their “pupils” a whole series of new tricks, by which the birds and other animals such as gliders or flying foxes clearly demonstrate the evolution of flight.

The feathered birthday children can be experienced very closely during the anniversary year. One of the public’s favourites are the loris in “Toowoomba”. The denizens of the Australian theme park love being attracted by the visitors. All it takes is a little bit of nectar and the outstretched arm of the visitors becomes a “landing strip” on which the tame birds really love to perch. The baby bird station also celebrates a birthday every day: With a little luck, visitors can watch a chick peeling itself out of the eggshell piece by piece – an unforgettable experience.

Over the last 50 years, Weltvogelpark has developed into a paradise for animal lovers and garden enthusiasts. The special strength of the park lies in the fact that the experience can be shared and enjoyed by all generations – children, parents, grandparents – with individual impressions, experiences and inspirations gained at the same time. A visit to Weltvogelpark leaves room for relaxation and inspiration, passive enjoyment of the beauty of nature and active immersion into the fascinating world of birds and many new discoveries.

www.weltvogelpark.de

After having spent months with planning, organizing and reviewing hundreds of band applications we’re finally approaching the final round of the Köstritzer Echolot 2012. More than 400 applications of talented newcomer bands, creative Homestories and terrific Top-11 concerts have paved the way for the crucial decision that the jury and the online community had to take. Who will make it into the final round?

The 5 bands who amazed the jury and blog-users the most will perform at the Köstritzer Echolot and have now been determinated: David & die Kernigen from the city of Oldenburg, Frau Ton & das Bounce Büro from Hamburg, Goldene Jugend from Berlin, Picknick On The Hill from Wuppertal as well as the Wildcard winners Colbinger from Leipzig are going to fire up the dancefloor in the Frannz Club. At the end of the evening we’ll see live on the stage who has what it takes to perform at the ECHO Aftershow party and will be the winner of the Köstritzer Echolot 2012!

The final round will take place on March 17th in the Frannz Club in Berlin at 6.30pm. Sign up for our guestlist to enjoy the evening for free: koestritzer.de/echolot

Paul Jones, CEO of LUX* Island Resorts, is presenting the new concept of LUX* Island Resorts for the first time in Germany. The presentation will be shown in VIP room 2 in the area “Großer Stern” at the ITB, Berlin on the 8th of March 2012 at 10.00 am and 10.30 am with a champagne breakfast. Individual appointments can be scheduled at the stand of LUX* Island Resorts in hall 20, stand 124. Don’t miss the chance to win a stay in one of the unique LUX* Island Resorts.

Media contact: Doris Papenbroock, Bell Pottinger MMK, Email: doris_papenbroock@mmk-pr.de, telephone +49 (0) 40 31 804 153.

May, 2nd – 4th, re:publica, Berlin

March, 24th – 25th, BarCamp Ruhr, Essen

February, 13th – 17th, Social Media Week, Hamburg