zMember Newslettero of theo ands Botanical cGardens apeMAY-JUNE 2015 Tony Britt Lewis Tony Photo by

WONDERSfrom DOWN UNDER

The Australasia section is home to some of the Zoo’s most popular residents. , kangaroos, and wallabies are icons of the land down under, and these species have long been an important part of the Zoo’s collection. But is full of fascinating, distinctive, highly endangered wildlife, and recent renovations in Australasia have made it possible to introduce new creatures, and exhibit others that the Zoo has worked with for some time behind the scenes. The once ranged over much of the Australian mainland, but is now found only on the island of Tasmania. See pg. 2

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Jamie Pham Beastly Ball 2015 Happy Bird-Day! This year’s Beastly Ball will honor International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) spotlights one of Photo by Los Angeles City Councilman Tom the most spectacular events in the Americas. Since it began LaBonge and 99 Cents Only Stores. in 1993, more than 600 sites from Canada to Argentina now The 2015 Tom Mankiewicz Leadership observe IMBD. You can celebrate with a bird walk at the Zoo, Award will be presented to Lance home to a dazzling array of local birds and migratory guests. City Councilman Tom LaBonge Bass, whose accomplishments This tour is free to GLAZA members, but space is limited. For and wife Brigid. epitomize the spirit of this reservations, phone 323/644-4773 or e-mail docents@lazoo. award, which recognizes entertainment industry professionals for org. Specify “Bird Walk” in the subject line and include the outstanding leadership in local or global wildlife and environmental following in your e-mail: your name, membership number, conservation, or for efforts to promote civic pride and harmony in our number of members in your party, ages of attending children, multicultural community. An ardent philanthropist, Bass is passionate and your phone number. Please gather at the group entrance about pet adoption and is a huge lover, while the Lance Bass to the Zoo. Learn more about IMBD at www.birdday.org. May 9 (Saturday) Foundation meets the health needs of low-income children. Enjoy Western tanager fine refreshments, engaging entertainment, and guest appearances 8–10 a.m. by some of our charismatic resident creatures. Individual tickets cost $1,000 each, and table reservations start at $7,500. For details, contact Special Events Manager Maricela Vazquez at 323/644-4753. June 20 (Saturday) Roaring Nights 6 p.m. Three wild summer evenings feature live music from local up-and- coming bands, a DJ-fueled dance party, live animal encounters, pop-up keeper talks, and full bar service, plus food trucks and Special Notice Animal Artistry Paint Party. Ticket price for GLAZA members is $17. In order to prepare for this year’s Beastly Ball, the Price for nonmembers is $20. You must be at least 18 years of age and Botanical Gardens will close early on Saturday, June 20. Ticket to attend this event. For details, visit www.lazoo.org/roaringnights. sales will end at 3 p.m. Gates will close at 4 p.m. We apologize for any June 26 (Friday), July 24 (Friday), August 21 (Friday) inconvenience and hope to see you at the Ball! 7–11 p.m. Although nearly 9,000 miles Of course Australia’s wildlife is We are also pleased to be able and the vast Pacific Ocean particularly unique, as Curator to soon introduce you to our separates Southern of Mammals Jeff Holland Tasmanian devils, a species that and southwest Australia, points out in the cover story the Zoo has been working to zoo update we have much in common. of this issue. include in the collection for by Connie Morgan, Both regions are biodiversity So we are very excited to some time. The new arrivals will GLAZA President hotspots with some of open Australia House and join the kangaroos, wallabies, the most distinctive and share a small pocket of the koalas, cassowary, echidna, and endangered species on Earth. land down under with you. Komodos that reside in the

Sugar gliders are fond of flower nectars and, like North America’s flying squirrels, can glide through the air thanks to flaps of skin on the sides of their bodies. WONDERS from Since it began in 1990, Bowling for Rhinos DOWN UNDER has generated more than $5.4 million to control poaching and protect rhinos and Continued the species that share their —and the Los Angeles Zoo has led the way for After much anticipation, this year Tasmanian devils will be taking the past six years, consistently raising up residence in the Zoo’s Australasia section. The yard that was more funds than any other participating most recently occupied by Visayan warty pigs (who have returned zoo. This year, the Los Angeles chapter to their hillside exhibit) will be modified to meet the needs of of the American Association of Zoo these charismatic carnivores. Solitary and nocturnal, Tasmanian

Keepers (AAZK) hopes to raise even more Jamie Pham devils have a reputation for being ornery, especially when funds with a night of bowling at Jewel threatened, which is how they earned their common name. As City Bowl in Glendale. Festivities will Photos by tough as they might seem, wild populations are slowly recovering include a silent auction, raffles, food, from devil facial tumor disease (DFTD)—a fatal, cancerous costumes—and, of course, bowling! Learn condition that results in tumors around the mouth that interfere how to help by contacting Kris Willis with the ’ ability to feed. Though the disease has been ([email protected]), or leave a message with your name and phone dwindling in some regions, it has reduced devil numbers by roughly number at 323/644-6004. Registration half over the past decade and still poses a threat. Captive breeding information is available at www. programs established in are maintaining healthy populations AAZKlosangeles.org/BFR. as a hedge against a severe crash in the wild. May 16 (Saturday) Australia House is now open, and the two indoor enclosures Jewel City Bowl, Glendale house some less familiar creatures. Three species of are 6–12 a.m. found in Australia: the bare-nosed (or common) wombat, the southern hairy-nosed wombat, and the northern hairy-nosed wombat. Like so much endemic Australian wildlife, all three face increasing challenges

Volume XXXVIII from habitat loss, Number 6 human development, Zoo Association Annual Memberships: and introduced species. Individual $55, Individual Plus $75, Family $126, Family Deluxe $165, Contributing Associate $250, Wildlife Also known as woylies, brush-tailed bettongs are burrowers Associate $500, Conservation Associate $1,000. Each are critically endangered. membership category includes unlimited admission to with stout bodies and the Los Angeles Zoo for one year, one-year subscriptions sturdy, short legs. They reach about three feet in length and can weigh up to Zoo View and Zooscape, 10-percent discount at Zoo restaurants and shops, and invitations to special events. to 70 pounds. Australia is discerning about allowing its wildlife to leave the Students and seniors receive $10 off an annual membership. country, and few zoos in North America have wombats—notably Toronto The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in at the junction of the Ventura (134) and the Zoo in Canada and Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, which was the previous home Golden State (I-5) freeways. We are open from 10 a.m. to of Murray, the southern hairy-nosed wombat who arrived at the Zoo in 2013. 5 p.m. daily, except December 25. For information, phone 323/644-4200, or visit us He can be found in the first exhibit space in Australia House. The second on the Internet at www.lazoo.org. enclosure is a mixed species exhibit that features some even rarer, equally Sandy Masuo, Editor Pickle Group, Graphic Design beguiling creatures. Tad Motoyama, Zoo Photographer Jamie Pham, GLAZA Photo Editor The echidna is one of only two surviving monotremes—the other is Copyright © 2015 GLAZA. All rights reserved. the platypus. These egg-laying mammals are holdovers from some 65 Printed on 30-percent recycled stock million years ago. Monotreme babies, known as puggles, are tiny and Nurturing wildlife and enriching the human experience underdeveloped when they hatch. Two types of echidna (short-nosed and long-nosed) and Southern hairy-nosed wombats are the They must be tended closely by smallest of the three wombat species. the platypus are the world’s only egg-laying mammals. their mothers until they are mature enough to leave the safety of a burrow. The L.A. Zoo is one of only three zoos in North America to have successfully hatched a puggle, back in 1992. That female is still at the Zoo and shares an outdoor exhibit with koalas. In addition to the male and female echidnas, Murray’s next-door neighbors As a covered entity under Title II of the

Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of include a female yellow-footed rock wallaby (a senior who is more comfortable

Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Zoo do not away from the boisterous group outdoors), woylies (also known as brush-tailed discriminate on the basis of disability and, bettongs), and sugar gliders. upon reasonable advance notice, will provide Woylies once ranged over 60 percent of the Australian mainland, and are reasonable accommodation to ensure equal now found in less than one percent. Though they look rodent-like, they access to its programs, services, and activities.

Sign language interpreters, assistive listening actually belong to the kangaroo family, and, like most Australian mammals, devices, or other auxiliary aids and/or services are marsupials. In the branches above the woylies and echidnas, a pair of sugar may be provided upon request. To ensure gliders can be glimpsed. These small, omnivorous, arboreal, and nocturnal availability, you are advised to make your marsupials are one of about 70 species of possum (as compared with the request with reasonable advance notice prior North American opossum) endemic to Australia and surrounding islands. The to the event or activity you wish to attend. For further information, please contact: common name refers to their penchant for nectarous foods and ability to glide 323/644-4200 (voice/TTY). through the air, much like a flying squirrel. “The wildlife of Australia is in a serious crisis with one in four mammal species and one in seven bird species threatened with extinction,” comments Curator of Mammals Make Some Jeff Holland. “The L.A. Zoo has partnered with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to help stem Memories that extinction rate. By working with a variety of From now through June 30, Shutterfly Australian species, we hope to show our visitors promotional cards good for a free how unique these critters from down under are personalized, hardcover photo book will Britt Lewis Tony and inspire people to ensure their protection for be distributed (one per household/family) future generations.” at the ticket window and membership Photo by entrance. This offer, available for both new and existing Shutterfly customers, is good through July 27, 2015, and can be used for a free 8-by-8-inch hardcover photo book (worth $29.99) or credited toward a larger photo book offered by Shutterfly. It’s a The Tasmanian devil is the largest carnivorous marsupial great way to capture your Zoo adventures! in the world, and can weigh about 25 pounds. Australasia section. Australian plants. I hope you will March, but when you read this, Leadership Award will be In addition to sharing the status take a little time as you stroll summer will be setting in, which presented to Lance Bass. If we of biodiversity hotspot, we also through the section to appreciate means time for the annual Beastly don’t see you at the Ball, I hope share a Mediterranean climate the familiar , but also Ball. This year we will be honoring you will enjoy one of the Roaring with parts of Australia, which silk oak, Queensland lacebark, our long-time Zoo booster, Los Nights or our Family Jam with us means that not only are many grass , and grevillea. Angeles City Councilman Tom during the summer months. of the Aussie animals perfectly As I write this, our LaBonge, as well as perennial at home outdoors, but we are unseasonably warm spring is sponsor 99 Cents Only Stores. also able to grow many native making it seem like summer in This year’s Tom Mankiewicz

Sandy Masuo ADOPT AN ANIMAL Photo by Celebrate spring by ADOPT-ing an animal! Help the Los Angeles Zoo’s wildlife preservation efforts by making a gift to the ADOPT (Animals Depend 1. On People, Too) program. Starting at $35, recipients get a personalized ADOPT-ion certificate and fact sheet; additional benefits are available at various levels ($35-$1,000). Funds help the Zoo participate in more than 30 international conservation efforts working to protect endangered species and their dwindling . For more information, please visit www.lazoo.org/support/adopt or contact the Development Division at 323/644-6035.

Making Dreams Come True The L.A. Zoo is proud to announce our first-ever Dreamnight, a concept launched in 1996 at the Rotterdam Zoo and now celebrated around and the globe. On June 5, more than MONARCHS MILKWEED 1,000 patients and families from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles will Plants provide food and shelter, directly or indirectly, for every animal on Earth, but have an opportunity to explore the some plants and animals are so intimately connected that without one, the other can’t 2. Zoo privately at Dreamnight. These exist. This is the case with the monarch butterfly and milkweed. individuals will enjoy an evening of About 140 species of milkweed grow wild in North America—15 native to California. respite from their healthcare worries

The plants produce attractive flowers that develop into large, showy seedpods that Sandy Masuo during a special evening created just open and disperse masses of seeds covered in fluff. The fluff catches the wind and for them. They will meet animals,

carries them aloft for great distances until they can settle in a suitable spot and start Photo by hear firsthand how animal keepers the growing process all over. provide care, and enjoy dinner and Here in the Zoo, I have taken to the task of scattering milkweed seeds. I love refreshments—all in an enchanting watching the seeds catch the breeze and blow away. Near the of the environment designed to invigorate Americas, a small group started from one seed. Many more plants appeared, and with their minds and spirits. Munchkin®, them came the butterflies, flitting from plant to plant and depositing their eggs. You an innovator in baby and toddler see, although the adults feed on nectar from many types of flowers, milkweed is the products, has made a generous only plant that the emerging young will eat. contribution as the presenting Milkweeds have an interesting adaptation. Many contain compounds that are toxic 3. sponsor of Dreamnight and anyone to most bugs looking to make them into a meal. This defense mechanism helps protect can support the work of both the the plant from being over-consumed. But monarch larvae are immune to the toxins. Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association In fact, the toxins build up in the caterpillars and remain in their bodies so that and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles the adult butterfly tastes bad and is also toxic. Their bright colors are a warning to by making a donation at www.lazoo. predators not to eat them. org/dreamnight. The monarch butterfly is currently being considered for inclusion on the Federal Endangered Species list. This is significant because it is one of the first insects to be listed. Growing some milkweed in your yard will help increase monarch populations PRESENTS and look good in the garden—a win/win. Learn more about milkweed at www.xerces.org/milkweed. —Andrew Lyell, Senior Gardener

1. Populations of the iconic monarch butterfly 2. Monarch caterpillars feed 3. Showy milkweed is one of about 15 species have dropped from an estimated one billion in exclusively on milkweed plants. of milkweed native to California. Hosted by the the mid-1990s to just 35 million in early 2014. Los Angeles Zoo

howler , a Panay cloud rat, and a a desert blond . animal yellow-footed rock wallaby. Two knob- Four California condors were activities tailed geckos hatched, as did four groups returned to the wild, and the four at your Zoo of sunburst diving beetles. visiting for winter festivities Five California condors arrived from returned to their ranch in Oregon. The January 1 – the wild in need of medical treatment, last of the youngsters February 28 plus two additional birds transferred hatched at the Zoo was transferred to from Zoo’s Safari Park. These . Three adults remain in are juveniles who will remain in L.A. for the Dragons of Komodo exhibit. Other Births for January and February about six months before being released departures included a tufted deer, a included four Peninsular in Arizona. Other arrivals include , a sarus crane, a yellow-blotched (two sets of twins), three Chacoan two male guinea pigs, four Prevost’s palm pit viper, and two Dunn’s hog- Ian Recchio peccaries, a red-flanked duiker, a squirrels, a male sarus crane, four nosed pit vipers. Calamian deer, two colobus monkeys, a yellow-and-blue poison dart , and Photo by knob-tail gecko hatchling calendar of events MEMBERS ONLY SPECIAL TOURS SAFARI SOCIETY ONLY Members Appreciation May 2 (Saturday) These docent-led tours are free Summer Glory Morning at the Zoo Morning May 3 (Sunday) to GLAZA members but space The Zoo is at its floral peak Enjoy a special early morning Early morning is the ideal May 16 (Saturday) is limited. For reservations, in late spring with colorful experience at this annual event time to see many of the May 17 (Sunday) phone 323/644-4773 or e-mail flowers, foliage, and even some exclusively for Safari Society and Zoo’s residents at their best, June 6 (Saturday) [email protected]. Specify ripening fruits. Enjoy a garden Business Partners donors. Current and GLAZA offers three June 7 (Sunday) “Summer Glory” or “Bat Walk” tour to celebrate the onset of donors, please watch the mail for opportunities a year for our June 14 (Sunday) in the subject line and include summer. your invitation with details and members at all levels to explore July 12 (Sunday) the following in your e-mail: May 30 (Saturday) RSVP information. Join us for a the Zoo before it opens to the July 18 (Saturday) your name, membership 8–10 a.m. unique morning of keeper talks, public. RSVP for this event by July 25 (Saturday) number, number of members special feedings, and animals at phoning 323/644-4770. July 26 (Sunday) in your party, ages of attending Bat Walk their most active! For Safari May 3 (Sunday) (Meet at the waterfall near the children, and your phone Griffith Park is an important Society information, contact 8:30–10 a.m. entrance to the International number. Please gather at the oasis for local and migratory Nancy Simerly at 323/644-4417 Marketplace at 10:30 a.m.) group entrance to the Zoo. wildlife, including bats. Strolling or [email protected]. To learn Member Tours Zoo grounds at dusk is a perfect about Business Partners, contact Docent-led tours are available opportunity to see resident Jan Frazier at 323/644-4722 or to GLAZA members only, and bats take to the air. [email protected]. are free for everyone eligible June 13 (Saturday) May 16 (Saturday) FAMILY JAM on your membership. No July 18 (Saturday) confirmations will be mailed. Join us for a family-friendly evening of live entertainment, August 15 (Saturday) Please make reservations at food trucks, and fun under the stars! For ticketing information, 6–8 p.m. least two weeks in advance by go to www.lazoo.org. phoning 323/644-4244. July 11 (Saturday) 6–9 p.m.

MAY-JUNE 2015 Member Newsletter of the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens Zooscape (ISSN 1060-3859) is published bimonthly by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 323/644-4200 www.lazoo.org Periodical Postage paid at Los Angeles, CA. zoo scape POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Zooscape, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1498 Inside this issue

1 Wonders From Down Under

3 3 Animal Green Activities Scene Registration Now Open

ED-ZOO-CATIONAL FOR MORE DETAILS, GO TO WWW.LAZOO.ORG/EDUCATION/CHILDRENSCLASSES/. TO REGISTER, GO TO WWW.LAZOO.ORG AND CLICK ON “BUY TICKETS.” Registration Policy: Registration for Ed-zoo-cational Adventures begins two months prior to the program date. Adventures Please check www.lazoo.org for class availability. For more information, phone 323/644-4211.

TODDLER TOTES CRITTERS ’N’ KIDS PATCH PROGRAM SLEEPOVERS ZOOCAMP Age 2, with an adult (limit one) Ages 3 to 4, with an adult This program offers Junior Girl Creature Camp-Out Summer ZooCamp Members: $18 per child/ (limit one) Scouts and Cub Scouts the Your adventure begins with a Children will make new adult pair Members: $24 per child/ opportunity to earn a special guided Zoo tour that leads to discoveries and have the time Nonmembers: adult pair zoo patch while learning about your tent at base camp, and an of their lives going ape over the $20 per child/adult pair Nonmembers: zoos, zoo careers, animals, and evening filled with family fun, Zoo’s amazing animals. Through Class times: 9:15 a.m. and $27 per child/adult pair conservation. The cost is $15 per including a sweet treat and fun, safe, engaging activities, your 10:30 a.m. Class time: 9:30 a.m. Scout and patches are included beastly bedtime stories. Wake campers will trail blaze through E-ticket required for class E-ticket required for class in the program fee. One adult to roaring and chimps the week. Each camp is led by admission. admission. leader may attend free with hooting, enjoy a continental specially trained, experienced, These 45-minute classes include These hour-long programs include every ten scouts. Each additional breakfast, greet some of the adult staff. Registration for circle time, story time, hands-on fun, age-appropriate, hands-on adult leader costs $20. For Zoo’s early risers, and have a summer ZooCamp is now open. learning, and a special guided activities such as stories, games, availability and registration, visit special animal encounter. Then, Visit www.lazoo.org for details walking tour of the Zoo. (Strollers and crafts, plus adventures on www.lazoo.org, phone 323/644- take your memories home along and get ready for a wild summer are not provided by the Zoo, but Zoo grounds. (Strollers are not 4702, or e-mail docents@lazoo. with a souvenir T-shirt. This event of creature camp adventure! are strongly recommended.) provided by the Zoo.) org. Attendance is limited to 45 begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends at June 15 (Monday) through people. 10 a.m. the next day. Please note August 14 (Friday) The Nose Knows Exciting that dinner is not included in 9 a.m.–3 p.m. May 4 (Monday), May 11 (Monday), 12 (Tuesday), this program. Registration is now Morning and afternoon extended 5 (Tuesday), 13 (Wednesday), and open. Visit www.lazoo.org for care will be available for an 6 (Wednesday), 16 (Saturday) details, or phone 323/644-4211 additional fee. and 9 (Saturday) Seal Celebration for more information. Fascinating Feet June 1 (Monday), May 26 (Tuesday), June 2 (Tuesday), 27 (Wednesday), and June 3 (Wednesday), 30 (Saturday) and June 6 (Saturday)

Cancellation Policy: The Zoo must receive at least two weeks (14 days) advance notice by phone (323/644-4211) or fax (323/644-4299) in order to issue a full refund. No refunds will be issued after this period. No refunds or transfers will be honored for no-shows. Prices and program dates are subject to change without notice. For more details about cancellation, transfer, refund, and booking policies, visit www.lazoo.org.