Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Hunt CS’S Parks and Aquarium Play an Important Part Win Wildlife Conservation

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Members’ News The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Hunt CS’s parks and aquarium play an important part Win wildlife conservation. During your next visit A Home for Bears to the Bronx Zoo, take this scavenger hunt to discover WCS has a few of the ways the zoo has played a vital role in pro- partnered tecting animals and their habitat across the globe – be with the US sure to check the exhibit signs for help. Submit your Fish and correct answers via email to [email protected]. Wildlife Ser- One correct entry selected at random from those sub- vice in fi nd- mitted will win a hand-made wool tiger hat, perfect for ing homes winter adventures at the Bronx Zoo. for orphaned bear cubs that would not survive on their own in Historic Bison the wild. Some of the Bronx Zoo’s current bears The Bronx Zoo came to the zoo as a result of such rescue efforts. In is home to some 2009, the zoo’s young grizzly bear and three young pretty historic brown bears were rescued from which two states? bison. The zoo’s bison range can Tiny Toads be found on the The next stop on our tour is the World of Reptiles, north side of the where you’ll fi nd the Kihansi spray toads. These park, near the tiny toads are the fi rst amphibian species ever de- World of Birds. Some ancestors of our current herd clared extinct in the wild that were successfully were moved from the Bronx Zoo to help repopulate saved in cap- the western plains, where bison were close to disap- tivity, bred, pearing. Thousands of their relatives roam there today. and then In what year did Bronx Zoo bison leave the zoo for returned to Oklahoma? their restored wild habitat, Very Dear Deer thanks to Pere David’s the efforts of deer can be WCS’s Bronx found near Tiger Zoo and the Toledo Zoo. To what country did the Mountain. This Kihansi spray toads return? species was once Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS extinct in the Bonus Answer wild and existed Include one other example of how WCS is help- only in zoologi- ing animals in the wild that you discovered during cal parks. But your visit. And remember that, as a Member of thanks to WCS management and planning, they have WCS, you are supporting all of these wildlife con- been reintroduced into the wild. To what country were servation efforts and many more. To learn more, Pere David’s deer reintroduced by WCS? please visit wcs.org.

1 We Stand for Wildlife Our World Is Changing Rapidly… And So Are We

y the year 2020, earth’s wildlife will share the planet with 7.6 Bbillion people. In the face of growing pressures on our environment, including climate change, we all share a responsibility to Stand for Wildlife. As a WCS Member, you are part of an effort to save wildlife that began 120 years ago with the birth of the New York Zoologi- cal Society, an organization founded on science and hope which has since grown to become the Wildlife Conservation Society. With your support, our conservationists work in forests, deserts, mountains, plains, and oceans across the globe, and at our four New York City zoos and the New York Aquarium. Together, we have a chance to save wildlife; to preserve the intricate balance of species and systems that all lives depend on. We have unveiled a new strategy, a new look, and a new logo. Our goal is to save 50 percent of the world’s biodiversity while ensuring a positive impact on millions of people. To achieve this goal, we will partner with as many people, organizations, and governments as we can. Our field scientists will be working in some of the world’s most threatened land and marine regions, fo- cused on species facing the greatest dangers, including great apes, big cats, elephants, sharks and rays, marine mammals, turtles, and others. We hope to inspire visitors to WCS parks and people around the globe to protect our earth for future generations of humans and wildlife. We look forward to sharing these exciting developments with you, our Members. In the next few months, you will see our new logo in our New York City parks, in our field sites around the globe, on our new wcs.org website, and in the pages of Members’ News. What remains the same is our relentless commitment to sound science, measurable results, and pragmatic conservation in the field and in our zoological parks, where you will continue to enjoy exciting and educational wildlife experiences. That will never change. We stand for wildlife. Thank you for standing with us. 2 Bronx Zoo Storks Adopt Chick

ost of us know the well-worn myth about the Mstork who delivers human babies to their par- Helping Storks in the Wild ents. Recently at WCS’s Bronx Zoo, this fairy tale A Southeast Asian species, lesser adjutants are classifi ed as was turned on its head, as human keepers delivered “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conser- an egg to a pair of lesser adjutant storks! The adult vation of Nature. They can be found in mangroves, mud- storks in question have successfully hatched two ﬂ ats, coastal swamps, marshes, ﬂ ooded grassland, lakes, chicks – but one chick was from an egg produced and paddy fi elds. Their numbers have declined greatly by another adult pair. The surrogate parents are throughout their range, mainly due to habitat destruction. caring for both chicks as if they were their own. WCS has worked to protect lesser adjutant storks in Nepal In late May, Ornithology Department staff ob- and has an active conservation program in Cambodia. served an abandoned egg left by a pair of adult WCS has a long history breeding lesser adjutant storks, storks. A keeper moved the egg to an incubator and the Bronx Zoo is one of only where it was carefully monitored and determined three zoos in North America to to be fertile. When hatching was imminent, the work with the species. Informa- egg was marked for identifi cation purposes and tion learned about the growth moved to a nest belonging to an experienced pair and development of these birds of storks already nesting. The female accepted the has been shared with WCS re- Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS egg and incubated it alongside her own. The fos- searchers in Cambodia and helps tered egg hatched on June 27th, and the pair’s own inform their work with birds in egg hatched on July 5th. Both chicks have been ac- the wild. Data on physical char- cepted by the adults, and both are now thriving. acteristics, growth rate, and Weather permitting, you can visit the storks and other important developmental their hatchlings in the Bronx Zoo’s stork propaga- traits help conservationists deter- tion area, located between the Aquatic Bird House mine the ages of wild birds dur- and the Aitken Sea Bird Aviary. ing census and monitoring. 3 What’s New at Prospect Park Zoo Welcome, Tiny Pigs! hree Juliana pigs are making their public Tdebut at the Prospect Park Zoo. The young trio, two males and one female, are siblings. They are the first pigs ever exhibited at Pros- pect Park Zoo. Juliana pigs are the smallest breed of miniature pig, weighing less than 65 pounds as adults (a fraction of what a stan- dard-sized breed would weigh). Due to their black spots, Juliana pigs are also known as miniature painted pigs. They are renowned for their wonderful temperaments, curiosity, and intelligence. At Prospect Park Zoo, the new pigs are on exhibit alongside other domestic Miniature Zebu Calf Born animals in the barn area. n July 21st, a miniature zebu calf was born at WCS’s OProspect Park Zoo. As a grazing animal, the calf initially nursed from its mother but has now transitioned to a diet of mostly hay. The zebu is one of the oldest breeds of cattle, be- lieved to have originated in southern India around 6,000 years ago. Although a diminutive breed, adult mini zebus can weigh up to 500 pounds and measure three to four feet in length. Unlike larger breeds of cattle, mini zebus are slow to mature, reaching adulthood in two to three years. Both male and female zebus have small horns on top of their heads. While zebus can be various colors such as black, red- dish, gray, or white, the three at the Prospect Park Zoo all sport a light gray coat with white underbellies. The Prospect Park Zoo’s zebu family lives in the barn area alongside other domestic animals including sheep, goats, and miniature horses,

Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie Photos: all of whom you can meet, feed, and pet on your next visit. There Are Many Ways to Save Wildlife In addition to making a one-time donation, there are many ways that you can be a part of WCS’s mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide. Give Monthly Become a Wildlife Protector and Become a Conservation Patron provide ongoing monthly support to save the world’s most Support 500 conservation projects in 60 magnificent wildlife and wild places. You can make a countries, and enjoy exclusive access difference for as little as $5 per month. Please visit wcs. to panel discussions, special events, org/wildlifeprotectors for more info. and tours. For more information, visit Leave a Legacy Designate the Wildlife Conservation wcs.org/patrons or call 718-220-5085. Society as a beneficiary in your will or of your individual Give a Matching Gift Employees retirement account or life insurance policy. Your legacy can double or triple the value of their Twogift willindividual enable animals WCS to from protect an as-of-yet wildlife unnamed and the spaces donations to WCS through their company’s speciesthey inhabit of humpback for many dolphin years into the come. waters To offlearn northern more, matching gift program. Please see your Australia.please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at company’s personnel office for details. [email protected] or 718-741-1628. 4 Roosevelt Elk Calf Born at Queens Zoo Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie Photo:

Roosevelt elk calf born at WCS’s Queens Zoo has joined the rest of the Aherd in the zoo’s woodland habitat. Born on June 25, the calf brings the total number of elk in the zoo’s herd to six. Roosevelt elk weigh approximately 25 pounds at birth. Adult bulls can weigh up to 1,100 pounds and females up to 700 pounds, making them the largest of all elk subspecies. In stark contrast, the Queens Zoo is also home to the world’s smallest deer species, the pudu. A pudu fawn was born at the zoo earlier this year. Adult pudu weigh only about 25 pounds and are native to Chile and Argentina. Safe Passage for Elk and Moose Get to Know a Species: WCS’s North America Program protects the landscapes where elk roam. Roosevelt Elk Researchers are working to locate the routes used by elk and moose dur- Ranging from Northern California ing their seasonal migration in Idaho. Animals have been fi tted with GPS to southern British Columbia, collars and are being tracked by WCS fi eld staff so that preferred highway Roosevelt elk are one of the largest crossing points can be identifi ed and dangerous animal/vehicle collisions terrestrial animals in North America. can be minimized, protecting both humans and wildlife. To learn more They have distinct coats with a dark about WCS’s work to maintain the seasonal migrations of elk and other North American species, please visit wcs.org. brown head and pale brown torso.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of WCS Membership Celebrate the holidays and welcome 2016 with a gift that will last throughout the year. • FREE admission to all ﬁ ve amazing WCS parks: Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park Zoos CALL-OUT BOX: Get to Know a Species: Roosevelt Elk • FREE access to Bronx Zoo attractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Children’s Zoo, JungleWorld, Butterﬂ y Garden, ZooRanging Shuttle, Bug from Carousel, Northern and the 4-D California Theater* to southern British • FREE parking at the Bronx Zoo andColumbia, New York Aquarium* Roosevelt elk are one of the largest terrestrial • FREE updates on zoo activities in Members’animals News in Northand Members’ America. E-News They have distinct coats with a • Plus much more dark brown head and pale brown torso. To purchase gift Membership(s) for the wildlife lovers in your life or to renew your own Membership, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-220-5112 by December 31st! *with Membership at the Premium level and above. Parking is free for the duration of your visit, subject to availability, and limited to one car per Membership per day. FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMS Please note that ALL WCS Education Programs Now all at ONE number! require pre-registration and payment. 1-800-433-4149 Contact us to reserve your spot as soon as possible. Bronx Zoo (BZ): [email protected] Family and Youth Programs: wcs.org/programs Central Park Zoo (CPZ): [email protected] Tours and School Programs: wcs.org/schools Prospect Park Zoo (PPZ): [email protected] Birthday Parties: wcs.org/birthday Queens Zoo (QZ): [email protected] Volunteer Opportunities: wcs.org/volunteer New York Aquarium (NYAQ): 718-265-3457 Educators: wcs.org/teacherpd Members [email protected] receive Professional Development: 718-220-5136 discounts [email protected] on most programs! FAMILY PROGRAMS YOUTH & TEEN Please keep an eye out for new dates and PROGRAMS information by visiting www.wcs.org/programs, where you can easily register for all WCS Family Winter Camp 2015 programs. Share the gift of Winter Zoo Camp with your little animal lover this holi- Caregiver and Me Class Series Programs day break! Prices and times vary. Reg- Designed to en- istration is now open - reserve your gage our budding child’s spot at www.wcs.org/camp animal lovers in a today! variety of activities, all programs Winter Teen Internship 2015 include live ani- Bronx Zoo, Prospect Zoo, Central mal encounters, Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo movement activi- High School Students looking for ties, crafts, exhibit an insider perspective on potential visits, and storytelling. Space is extremely limited, STEM careers should look no further. so inquire today! Little Hatchlings for 12 month-23 Internships focus on fi eld investiga- month olds at CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Toddlers/ tions, conservation practices, and even Toddler Time for 2-3 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ, & insight into some zoo professionals’ QZ. Zoo Play Kinders/Kinder Kritters for 4-5 year experiences. Prices, dates, and times olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ & QZ. vary by facility. Penguin Exploration - Central Park Zoo Learn about polar life and the special adaptations penguins need to survive in their environment. Our actor- instructor team will lead the class in hands-on activities, games, drama, and puppetry to fi nd out all there is to know about penguins. Includes bagels and pastries, and a visit to the penguin exhibit to meet a penguin keeper. Ages 4-8 with adult. Sat, Dec 5, 2015 10am-11:30am. Photos: (caregiver and me) Veronica Barnes; others: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS

6 FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMS

YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS Education Department Summer Camp 2016 - All Parks Believe it or not, registration for summer camp Volunteers Needed! 2016 will open on January 2, 2016. Camp spots Are you passionate about conservation, ani- can sell out quickly, so mark this date on your mals, and education? Our volunteers teach calendar to assure that you can join us in your visitors about conservation, interpret exhib- preferred week of camp! its, help with events, and much more. Visit wcs.org/volunteer for more information and to apply. Deadlines and age requirements vary per institution.

Community Conservation Connections– New York Aquarium Perfect for library, science or family fairs, and other community events, these programs bring the aquarium to you! See nyaquarium.com/ﬁ eld-trips/outreach for more information.

Third Annual Sip for the Sea Supports New York Aquarium ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie others: PatrickMcMullan.com, Hoffman/ © Owen Sea): the for (Sip Photos: n September 16th at Central OPark Zoo, eighteen of New York City’s best chefs paired their food with wine from Jekel Vineyards at Sip for the Sea 2015 to benefi t WCS’s New York Aquarium. Hundreds attended the event, which raised awareness about the importance of sustainable seafood. All proceeds will support the New York Aquarium and WCS’s commitment to marine conservation locally and around the world. The event was sponsored by Paul Gauguin Cruises. Sustainable seafood was served, making Sip for the Sea a win for conservation. With many fi sh species facing serious threats such as over-fi shing, sustainable seafood options help ensure the longevity of diverse and healthy ocean ecosystems around the world. 77 NON-PROFIT ORG. Help Save U.S. POSTAGE Members’ News Wildlife and PAID Wildlife Conservation Society LONG PRAIRIE, MN 2300 Southern Boulevard Wild Places PERMIT NO. 939 Bronx, NY 10460 www.wcs.org

WCS Memberships make great gifts! Call 718-220-5112 or visit bronxzoo.com/membership. Members’ News

Nov/Dec 2015 what’s inside 1 Conservation Scavenger Hunt 2 WCS: We Stand for Wildlife 3 Bronx Zoo Stork Adopts Chick 4 What’s New at Prospect Park Zoo 5 Roosevelt Elk Calf Born at ©WCS Maher Larsen Julie Photo: Queens Zoo Give the Gift of WCS Membership Yes Sir, That’s My Porcupine 6 Family, Youth, and Adult A porcupine mother with her baby, born in late summer 2015 Programs in the Children’s Zoo at WCS’s Bronx Zoo.

7. Third Annual Sip for the Sea MEMBERS’ NEWS STAFF: Supports New York Aquarium Editor/Writer: Tal Aviezer Photographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise noted Designer: Dot Payne Thanks to Liz Benham, Mary Deyns-Brandão, Kevin Hils, Denise McClean, Max Pulsinelli, and Barbara 8Russo.