1.   For example, zoo security officials were told of one man who was boasting of his plans to steal exotic birds.

2.   And as the animal population ages, zoo officials find themselves grappling with long-term medical care, chronic illness and death.

3.   And while the birds can bite hard, zoo officials are not allowed to bite back.

4.   Armin Karbach, assistant curator of the aquarium and volunteer recycling coordinator, said zoo officials were unable to work out the logistics for the tanks at the time.

5.   As the year comes to a close, zoo officials are happily toting up the results of polar bear mania.

6.   Both the pregnancy and the birth went smoothly, zoo officials said.

7.   A rare black rhinoceros cuddled with her mother at the San Antonio Zoo, a week after zoo officials celebrated the birth of the female.

8.   A trip by truck could put too much stress on the animal, so zoo officials have made tentative arrangements to transport the animal by jet.

9.   All were healthy save for some toe problems which zoo officials are correcting.

10.   Both baby and mother appeared healthy, zoo officials said.