riverbanks January–February 2008
1 Inside scoop The Observation Deck 3 In The Know 20 Volume XXVII, Number 1 Riverbanks is published six times a year for members of Riverbanks Society by Riverbanks Essentials Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, Columbia, South Carolina. Plan Your Visit 10 Riverbanks Park Commission Riverbanks Adventures and Class Calendar 13 James E. Smith, Chairman Earl F. Brown. Jr. Junior Zookeepers 24 Lloyd Liles Shoots and Blooms 26 Jan Stamps Bud Tibshrany Tracey Waring Robert P. Wilkins Features
Riverbanks Society Board of Directors The Global Amphibian Crisis Is Upon Us 4 Jeremy G. Wilson, President Unearth the facts about one of the world’s most pressing environmental concerns Robert G. Davidson, Vice-President Mary Howard, Secretary Collaborations for Conservation 6 Barbara K. Ryan, Treasurer Learn how partnerships are helping to protect reptiles and amphibians from extinction H. Perry Shuping, Immediate Past President Ella Bouknight Responding to Amphibian Declines 8 Mike Brenan Find out what steps the zoological community is taking to address the amphibian crisis James A. Compton William H. Davidson II Standards–They’re Not Just for Humans Anymore 18 Steve Graves Discover what Riverbanks is doing to meet national standards in elephant care Greg Lapointe Dr. Louis Lynn Who’s Who of the Gentoos 22 Jonathan H. Nason Match personalities with names in this fun-filled penguin update Richard McIntyre C.C. Rone, Jr. What Is AZA Accreditation and Why Is It Important? 28 Christopher H. Scott Find out what it takes to become accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Dr. Anny Zalesne Don F. Barton, Director Emeritus
Riverbanks Senior Staff Satch Krantz Executive Director Kim M. Benson Director of Human Resources George R. Davis Director of Finance Ed Diebold Director of Animal Collections & Conservation Kevin Eubanks Director of Guest Services Eric Helms 22 4 Director of Risk Management & Facilities Heather A. Johnson Director of Conservation Education Tommy Stringfellow Riverbanks Magazine Staff Riverbanks Hours of Operation Director of Marketing Dixie Kaye Allan Open daily except Thanksgiving day & Christmas day Keith Benson, DVM Executive Editor/Art Director 9am – 5pm Daily Senior Veterinarian Monique Jacobs 9am – 6pm Weekends during Daylight Savings Andy Cabe Editor Curator of Horticulture Dargan Davis, Lindsay Burke Subscriptions to Riverbanks are $24 per year. John Davis Contributing Writers Members of Riverbanks Society are entitled to Curator of Mammals Larry Cameron one free subscription along with free admission Scott Pfaff Photographer and guest passes, discounts at Zoo & Garden gift Curator of Herpetology shops, invitations to special events and much more. Melodie Scott-Leach Front cover: Golden poison dart frog To subscribe to Riverbanks or to join the Society, Curator of Habitat Gardens Photograph by Larry Cameron visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717 x1111.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. The observation deck
When I was a young boy growing off a major initiative by highlighting 2008 as the Year of the up in Columbia, one of my favorite Frog. Riverbanks plans to fully participate in this worldwide pastimes was walking down to a effort to raise public awareness about this critical moment. nearby creek with my friends to You will find several articles throughout this issue of look for (and chase after) frogs. Riverbanks addressing the amphibian crisis, what we in the This undeniably innocent activity zoological profession are doing to help and ways that you (indeed a right of passage for all can get involved. This is simply the first of many steps we are young boys) resulted in endless taking at Riverbanks to begin to educate and inform on the hours of joy and entertainment subject of amphibian conservation. for me and my childhood friends, The herpetology staff at Riverbanks is dedicated to and perhaps provided the spark researching amphibious species in the Zoo and in their for my future zoo career. I never native habitats to gain a better understanding of how these imagined that I would one day have to break this disturbing species live, adapt and reproduce. The education department news to those same friends, family, colleagues and Riverbanks is hard at work providing facts in our classrooms on how our members: frogs are going extinct. youth can be a part of the solution. And the marketing team In fact, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) estimates is planning an exciting event for Saturday, March 1, to help that at least one-third of all known amphibian species inspire and inform the public on what the Year of the Frog including frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians is all about. (limbless burrowing amphibians that look like giant I hope you will join us then for a day filled with engaging earthworms) are threatened with extinction. Loss of habitat, activities as we kick off our Year of the Frog initiative. an increasingly polluted environment, climate change and a With the strong support of our members and donors, we can highly contagious disease called chytridiomycosis (or chytrid provide the community with the knowledge and resources fungus) are the major players in the decline of the amphibian necessary to make a difference so that our children and population. Zoos and aquariums may be their only hope for grandchildren can continue to chase after frogs for years survival. That’s why, in response to this global amphibian to come. crisis, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is kicking
Mission statement
It is our mission to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. We are dedicated to providing:
X the highest standards of care for our animal and plant collections. X a diverse educational and high-quality recreational experience for all Riverbanks visitors. X all the resources at our disposal for the conservation of the earth’s flora and fauna.
3 TThehe GlobalGlobal AmphibianAmphibian ccrisisrisis IsIs UponUpon UUss
By – Scott Pfaff, Curator of Herpetology
Scientists say amphibians—cold-blooded animals that include frogs, toads, salamanders, newts and caecilians—are Amphibians are facing a dire global extinction crisis under grave threat due to climate change, pollution, and the that crysallizes the impact that humans are having emergence of a deadly and infectious fungal disease, which on the entire natural world. If we are not successful in has been linked to global warming. According to the Global this battle (to save amphibians) we will end up losing Amphibian Assessment, a comprehensive status assessment of more than just amphibians. the world’s amphibian species, one-third of the world’s nearly Claude Gascon, Senior Vice President with 6,000 known amphibian species are classified as threatened Conservation International (CI), and co-chair with extinction. Further, more than 120 species have likely of the Amphibian Specialist Group gone extinct since 1980. Scientists say the worldwide decline of amphibians is one of the world’s most pressing environmental concerns; one that may portend greater threats to the ecological balance of the planet. Because amphibians have highly permeable skin and spend a portion of their life in water and on land, they are sensitive to environmental change and can act as the proverbial “canary in a coal mine,” indicating the relative health of an ecosystem. As they die, scientists are left wondering what plant or animal group is next.
The catastrophic decline and extinction of amphibians is on a scale quite unlike anything we have ever witnessed before. More amphibian species are declining more rapidly, over a wider geographic scale than is the case for any other group of species. With amphibians, the extinction crisis is no longer theoretical. It’s in our face. Simon Stuart, Senior Director of the IUCN/CI Biodiversity Assessment Unit 4 We now have an unprecedented consensus among global experts that amphibian declines are real, Reasons for the Global Amphibian Decline underestimated, and largely unstoppable via conventional conservation programs. Numerous THE AMPHIBIAN FUNGAL DISEASE CHYTRIDIOMYCOSIS amphibian extinctions have been documented in The worst infectious disease ever recorded among verte- fully protected natural areas. This tells us that brates in terms of number of species impacted and threat of there is a need for a paradigm shift in conservation extinction. Scientists can now predict that within 4–6 action to manage the threats of disease and months of the arrival of the disease into a new area, up to 80% of individual amphibians may die, and up to climate change to amphibians across the globe. 50% percent of amphibian species in the area may be Dr. Joseph Mendelson, permanently eliminated. Curator of Herpetology, Zoo Atlanta CLIMATE CHANGE Amphibians are extremely sensitive to small changes in temperature and moisture. Changes in global weather patterns (e.g., El Nino events or global warming) can alter Zoos and aquariums in the Americas, Europe, Australia breeding behavior, affect reproductive success, decrease and elsewhere are scrambling to find methods and immune functions and increase their sensitivity to resources to help fight the global amphibian crisis. chemical contaminants. Because many of the declines are documented in still HABITAT DESTRUCTION, ALTERATION, FRAGMENTATION pristine areas of the planet, simply saving habitat will not Roads, introduced species, or other factors separate be the answer; and many species, if they are to survive, will remaining populations of amphibians from each other. have to be established in zoos and aquariums as refuge CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS colonies. Each institution accredited by the Association of Chemical stressors, such as pesticides, heavy metals, acidification and nitrogen based fertilizers, can have lethal, Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is being asked to champion at sublethal, direct and indirect impact on amphibians. least one species of vanishing amphibian. Some of these include death, decreased growth rates, The long arm of the amphibian crisis extends even to our developmental and behavioral abnormalities, decreased own backyards. Riverbanks has been working to establish reproductive success, weakened immune systems captive colonies of rare South Carolina amphibians for and hermaphroditism. more than a decade. We have been very successful with UV-B RADIATION some species such as the Pine Barrens treefrog and dwarf Levels of UV-B radiation in the atmosphere have risen siren (a totally aquatic, legless salamander). Undoubtedly, significantly over the past few decades. Researchers we will have to take additional species under our care in have found that UV-B radiation can kill amphibians the very near future. directly, cause sublethal effects such as slowed growth The AZA has named 2008 the Year of the Frog to help rates and immune dysfunction and work synergistically bring attention to the critical work of zoos and aquariums with contaminants, pathogens and climate change. DEFORMITIES in combating the amphibian extinction crisis. The crisis There has been a recent increase and widespread occur- is global in its scope and, therefore, will require a global rence of deformities (or malformations) in natural populat- response. We must act quickly, and in unison, if we are ions of amphibians, which has recently been perceived as a to mount any kind of meaningful response to the crisis. major environmental problem. Unfortunately the number of species we can ultimately SYNERGISMS save may only represent a small percentage of the 6,000 Multiple factors can act together to cause mortality or known species of amphibians. sublethal effects. AND MORE There are other suspected causes, too, such as introduction of exotic species and overexploitation for food markets.
Left: golden poison dart frog Right: Pine Barrens treefrog 5 ccollaborationsollaborations fforor cconservationonservation
By – Scott Pfaff, Curator of Herpetology
Several years ago, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden established a Through a grant application submitted by DNR biolo- conservation support fund, the purpose of which was (and gist Steve Bennett, Riverbanks awarded $13,000 to help still is) to support significant conservation projects around support implementation of the South Carolina CWCS. Of the globe and further the efforts of wildlife conservation in course, those funds were effectively doubled by the federal its multifaceted forms. Wildlife conservation and research match. The funded amphibian and reptile projects focus not only occurs in exotic far off places but also happens on four conservation candidate species: gopher tortoise, right in our own backyards. After all, South Carolina is eastern diamondback rattlesnake, timber rattlesnake rich in wildlife diversity; and like many other places, the and southern dusky salamander. Each of these species is effects of human activities here in our own state have a representative of a larger habitat type or community that great impact—both good and bad—on our native plant and is of conservation concern in South Carolina. As such, they animal populations. can serve as flagship species for their particular ecosystem, This year, Riverbanks awarded the South Carolina Depart- and conservation efforts to support gopher tortoises or ment of Natural Resources (SCDNR) a grant to help imple- diamondback rattlesnakes, for instance, can have positive ment the Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy conservation benefits for many other species as well. (CWCS). This strategy identified those species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals in South Carolina that were in greatest need of conservation and detailed the actions required to conserve them. Fifty species of amphibians and reptiles were identified as conservation candidates by the strategy. Conservation projects on several of these species, some also supported by Riverbanks, were already under- way at the time the plan of action was submitted. These projects were approved for continued funding under the State Wildlife Grant Program (SWG), which is the federal funding mechanism tied to the CWCS. Projects funded through SWG carry a 50/50 match requirement, meaning that 50% of any project’s cost must be provided through non-federal match. One of the key components of the strategy is the development of partnerships with academic and conservation organizations within our state. I am proud to say that Riverbanks and the SCDNR have developed such a partnership.
6 The global amphibian extinction crisis has recently been receiving worldwide press, and deservedly so. Never before has an entire class of vertebrate animals been so imminently threat- ened by mass extinctions. The causes of the amphibian crisis are many and all, created by the activities of people. And the impact of the precipitous decline in amphibian populations could also have significant and unforeseen impacts on humans. South Carolina, of course as a warm and usually wet area of the world, has an amphibian population rich in diversity. But there may be undescribed species of amphibians in the state, particularly salamanders, which have yet to be discovered. A major component of the CWCS will be investigations into salamanders in the family Plethodontidae (the lungless sala- manders). These salamanders are among the most abundant Left: gopher tortoise and ecologically important vertebrates in forest ecosystems, Above: eastern diamondback rattlesnake yet they could be vulnerable to climate change and introduced Below: timber rattlesnake pathogens such as the chytrid fungus that has ravaged amphib- ian populations in Australia, Central America, and even the United States. Knowledge of amphibian populations and natural history gained through research will be a key component to helping fight the amphibian decline. Interestingly, one of the study sites for the amphibian component to the CWCS is right here on the grounds of Riverbanks Zoo. Effective wildlife conservation is too big and too complex an issue to be addressed by just one organization or political entity. It truly takes collaborative partnerships between universities, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, land owners and many others. Riverbanks, in part through our con- servation support fund, is helping to build these partnerships.
7 RRespondingesponding ttoo AAmphibianmphibian DeclinesDeclines
By – Shelly Grow, Conservation Biologist, Association of Zoo and Aquariums
l ologica obal zo 08 TThehe globalgl zoologicallight 20 ill high k unity w to mar ccommunityomm will hhighlighte Frog 2008 ear of t ffort s the Y ation e aas the Yearc ofon theserv Frog to markn major phibia a major conservations the am effort addres is. ttoo address theion amphibian cris eextinctionxtinct crisis.
FrogsFrogs areare goinggoing eextinctxtinct. So are toads, salamanders, currently listed as Extinct in the Wild. In 1994, the last of the newts, and the intriguingly unusual caecilians. The World Wyoming toads were collected and intensive captive breeding Conservation Union’s (IUCN) Global Amphibian Assessment and reintroduction programs were initiated. (GAA), a comprehensive assessment on the conservation status Because of the GAA, we are now fully aware of the plight facing amphibians. Worldwide, the largest numbers of threat- and distribution of 5,918 amphibian species, has shown that ened amphibians are found in Colombia, Mexico, and Ecuador aalmostlmost one-thirdone-third ooff aamphibiansmphibians wworldwideorldwide where 209, 198, and 163 species are threatened with extinc- aarere threatenedthreatened withwith eextinctionxtinction and that 165 tion, respectively. The intensity of threat is greatest in the Carib- amphibian species may have already been lost to extinction bean where more than 80% of amphibians in the Dominican (IUCN, 2006). North America is not immune to this decline; in Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica are threatened, along with 92% fact, in addition to its threatened species, North America has of all amphibians in Haiti (IUCN, 2006). Documenting these the dubious claim of being the only region with a species terrible statistics was the first step; now is time to take action. 8
WWee needneed amphibiansamphibians. Since the days of Aristo- Survival Plan program. Additional species threatened with tle, humans have studied the lives of amphibians and have extinction will be brought into facilities with expertise in place utilized them for human purposes. Antibiotic and anti-tumor to care for them. Facilities with less experience will contribute properties, analgesics, anti-inflammatory compounds, natural to the effort by expanding their skill-set and developing hus- adhesives, and volatiles have all been isolated from amphib- bandry manuals for common species. These manuals may yield ians (Tyler et al. 2007). Approximately 10% of Nobel prizes in important clues about caring for less common species at other physiology and medicine AZA facilities. When working have with endangered resulted species, there is from little room investiga- for error. tions that
used frogs. Partnerships are Amphibians have been a staple in basic anatomy courses, a fundamental component of effective amphibian conserva- pregnancy tests of the 1950s and 1960s, the pet trade, and in tion. AZA’s Amphibian Taxon Advisory Group (ATAG) worked the human food supply. Amphibians have also been used, with with international experts to identify amphibian species in mixed results, as a biological control of insect pets in agricul- Canada, the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean that are threat- ture. And of course, amphibians have been important cultural ened with extinction and that could benefit from the expertise symbols throughout time. of zoos and aquariums. Programs to protect species outside of While the major culprit of amphibian population declines the US will be developed in collaboration with local experts, has historically been habitat loss and degradation, many of the international zoological colleagues, and the Amphibian Ark, declines and extinctions previously referred to as “enigmatic” while programs within the US will complement state and are now attributed to the rapidly dispersing infectious fungus federal priorities. AZA is already reaching out to the US Fish called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (“Bd”). The combined and Wildlife Service and the Partners in Amphibian and Rep- effect of habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive tile Conservation (PARC) network, while AZA-accredited zoos species, and Bd cannot be addressed solely in the wild. and aquariums continue approaching their local and regional ZZoooo andand aquariumaquarium hhabitatsabitats aandnd bbreedingreeding partners as well. pprogramsrograms havehave bbecomeecome tthehe oonlynly hhopeope fforor Year of the Frog will take the entire AZA community’s amphibian conservation efforts to new levels, not only by mmanyany speciesspecies facedfaced wwithith iimminentmminent eextinctionxtinction. increasing our conservation efforts, but also by engaging the The global zoological community will highlight 2008 as the public to learn about and support the critical work needed to Year of the Frog to mark a major conservation effort to address prevent amphibian extinction. the amphibian extinction crisis. Coordinated internationally To learn how you can help, please visit Riverbanks on Leap by Amphibian Ark, an initiative of the IUCN’s Conservation Day (March 1, 2008) or any day of the week. Breeding and Amphibian Specialist Groups and the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria, and implemented by regional AmphibiansAmphibians nneedeed oourur hhelp.elp. zoological associations such as the Association for Zoos and References: Aquariums (AZA), the Year of the Frog will engage the public Association of Zoos & Aquariums Amphibian Action Plan, in amphibian conservation and raise funds for amphibian http://www.aza.org/ConScience/Documents/ Amphibian_Action_Plan.pdf. conservation efforts into the future. In 2008, AZA facilities will IUCN. 2006. IUCN, Conservation International, and NatureServe. lay the groundwork for expanding existing and initiating new 2006. Global Amphibian Assessment. amphibian conservation efforts.
Mark Your Calendars January 2008 March 2008 3 SCE&G ZooView webcam features koalas 1 March for Meals 5K Run/Walk 5 Junior Master Gardeners program begins 1 Year of the Frog Kick-Off Event 6 SCE&G ZooView webcam features tigers February 2008 7 SCE&G ZooView webcam features grizzly bears For more information about these and other 8-10 Orchids on the Riverbanks Festival upcoming events, visit www.riverbanks.org. 9 Valentine’s Day Enrichment Encounter 16 “Columbia’s Longest Days: February 1865”
Save the Date – March 1
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has designated 2008 as the Year of the Frog to raise awareness of the amphibian extinction crisis and engage the public in related conservation efforts. In association with this international campaign, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden will leap into action with a Year of the Frog event here at home on Saturday, March 1. Visitors can look forward to fun frog facts, toad-ally cool keeper talks, amphibian arts and crafts, and information on how to play a part in this critical conservation effort. Visit www.riverbanks.org for more information and learn how you can help save frogs.
Go Green in 2008. Hop to it!
History Buffs Visit Riverbanks During “Columbia’s Longest Days: February 1865”
Take a walk through history on Saturday, February Army to slow advancing Union troops. Other activities 16, when the Greater Columbia Civil War Alliance on February 15 and 16 will include a grand ball, Civil traces the path of General Sherman’s 1865 march on War relic show, a symposium at the SC Confederate Columbia with a full day of activities in and around the Relic Room and Military Museum and a re-enactment city. The Riverbanks Botanical Garden is one stop on the of Union cannons firing on the State House. Tickets for narrated bus tour that follows Sherman’s march through the bus tour are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Lexington and into Columbia. On Riverbanks’ grounds, To buy tickets, contact Liz Jenkins at 803.217.0071 or at bus tour participants will visit the Saluda Mill ruins [email protected]. For more information about and view the granite abutments of the burned Saluda “Columbia’s Longest Days: February 1865,” please visit River Bridge, which was destroyed by the Confederate www.columbiaslongestdays.com. 10 Fun Lovin’ Animal Enrichment Encounter
◆ February 10 ◆ ◆ April 1 ◆
Meet a Keeper Learn Cool Animal Facts Cupid will make a special delivery to the animals on Explore What’s Behind-the-Scenes Saturday, February 9. Valentine’s Day themed treats will be delivered to the animals throughout the day Live Call-in Question & Answer at timed enrichment encounters. Show your love for Opportunities from 6–7pm the animals and discover the thrill of enrichment. 11:00am Grizzly Bears 800.763.ETV1 or 803.252.1134 11:30am Gorillas 12:00pm Desert Lizards 12:30pm Aquarium Dive 1:00pm Baboons 1:30pm Bird Flight Demonstration 2:00pm Elephants
library wish list
iverbanks staff members have included the following books on their wish lists for the Library Wish Fund. R (All the books needed by the Zoo & Garden are not shown here. For a complete listing, call the number below.)
Autumn Bulbs $25 Atlas of Orthopedic Surgical Procedures of the Dog & Cat $95 Dryland Gardening $25 Nutrient Requirements of Small Ruminants $105 Jade Garden; New & Notable Plants from Asia $33 Poisonous Plants $115 Armitage’s Native Plants for North American Gardens $40 Encyclopedia of Aviculture $120 Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Garden Plants, 3rd ed. $43 Veterinary Endoscopy for the Small Animal Practitioner $130 Coral Reef Fishes $55 Design & Operational Guide for Aquaculture Seawater Systems $140 Guide to the Snakes of Pakistan $55 Amphibians and Reptiles of Nepal $155 Hotspots Revisited: Earth’s Biologically Endangered Areas $55 Lumb & Jones Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia $155 Snakes of Costa Rica $65 Parasitic Diseases of Wild Mammals $165 Essentials of Conservation Biology, 4th ed. $85 Centrarchid Fishes: Diversity, Biology & Conservation $180 Flora of North America, Volume 19 $85 Handbook of Small Animal Practice $185
To donate, or for a complete list of books available for sponsorship, please contact the Riverbanks Society Office at 803.779.8717 x1111, email us at society [email protected] or visit www.riverbanks.org. Help make a wish come true. 11 a big Thanks to our media sponsors for supporting lights before christmas
www.wcosfm.com – www.wnok.com
Travel to the Zoo – Without Leaving Home! Plan Your Gifts
Many of you will make a gift to charity this How would you like to experience year, and we ask that you consider making Riverbanks Zoo from home? It’s easy! that investment in Riverbanks Zoo and All you need is ZooView! Garden. Through a planned gift, you help to guarantee that future generations will Simply visit scegzooview.com from the enjoy the magnificent animals and plants comfort of your home or anywhere else at Riverbanks, while helping accomplish with online access. You’ll be delighted to your own goals of future financial security see what’s swingin’ with some of your or disbursement of your estate. Planned favorite animals – no traveling required! gifts may include gifts of cash, stock or securities, life insurance or IRAs, trusts or Check it out today at scegzooview.com. bequests. Should you have any questions regarding the advantages of planned giving, please feel free to call 803.779.8717 x1101.
Brought to you by:
www.riverbanks.org www.sceg.com 12 ZOOm! Into Spring Spring Break Camp 2008 March 24 – 26 ● 9am-3pm
ZOOm! Into Spring Discover how plants and animals celebrate Spring Break Camp 2008 (ages 6–10) ENROLLMENT FORM the spring season during three fun-filled Please submit one form per child. days packed with hands-on activities, animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, Child’s Name______Age______arts and crafts, tons of games, and an egg Parent’s Name______hunt in the Botanical Garden! Children will Society Membership #______email______receive one T-shirt that will be part of their Street Address______arts and crafts project on Monday City______State______Zip______
Ages: 6 –10 Telephone (h)______(w)______(cell)______Dates: Monday–Wednesday, March 24–26 PLEASE NOTE: Time: 9:00am–3:00pm – Early drop-off begins at Each child will receive a T-shirt that will be handed out on the first 8:20am; dismissal begins promptly at 3:00pm. day of camp as part of their arts and crafts project. Cost: $100 members, $130 general public T-shirt size (circle one): Child M (10-12) Child L (14-16) Adult M Adult L Extended Stay & Play: For an additional $30, campers can remain with us from STEP 1 – CALCULATE YOUR ENROLLMENT FEE 3:00pm–5:15pm each day. $100 3-day session (members) $______Daily Pack List: Lunch, snack and filled water bottle. $130 3-day session (general public) $______Please note that lunches cannot be refrigerated. $ 30 Extended Stay & Play Option (5:15pm pickup) $______TOTAL FEE ENCLOSED $______
Spend your spring break this year at Riverbanks! Space is STEP 2 – PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING limited, so get your registration in today! ❉ Full payment MUST accompany registration. Visit www.riverbanks.org. ❉ If you are requesting the same group as other families (carpooling, etc.), please send all registrations back together Other Important Information in the SAME envelope.
❉ T-Shirts – Each child will receive one T-shirt as STEP 3 - SEND FORM AND FULL PAYMENT TO: part of their arts and crafts project. ZOOm! Into Spring Camp – Riverbanks Education Department Each child will be expected to wear it each day PO Box 1060 - Columbia, SC 29202-1060 of camp. Please make checks payable to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. ❉ Sign In/Sign Out – Parents or guardians will Registration: Applicants will be enrolled in the order received. If all have to sign in/out when students arrive and leave sessions are full, your enrollment form will be returned to you and (absolutely no exceptions). your child will be placed on our waiting list. ❉ Security – Students will not be released to anyone other than the parents or guardian unless special You can also register online at www.riverbanks.org prior arrangements have been made (absolutely no exceptions). ❉ Cancellations – Cancellations must be made no later than Friday, March 14, to receive a refund minus a $30 processing fee. No refunds will be made for cancellations after March 14. ❉ Drop Off – 8:20–8:45am ❉ Pick Up – 3:00–3:15pm ❉ Extended Stay and Play – pick up anytime between 3:15–5:15pm. ❉ Late Pick Up Fee – There will be a late pick up charge of $10 after 5:15pm for every five minutes you are late picking up your child.
13 riverbanks adventures
Our award-winning education programs are a great way to learn more about the fascinating life at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden!
These memorable, impactful programs start at $7.00! If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will be required in addition to the program fee, as admission is not included in the price of ZOOventure or Garden Programs.
Programs for children ages 2 –4 include arts and crafts, story time, games, live animal encounters and Zoo walks. These programs require one adult to attend with each child at no extra charge.
As always, we are interested in your comments and suggestions and invite you to call the Education Department for all ZOOventure programs at 803.779.8717 x1400, 9am to 4:30pm, Tuesday through Friday.
For Garden programs, call 803.779.8717 x1799. A registration form is below or you can register online at www.riverbanks.org.
We look forward to seeing you at Riverbanks!
ZOOVENTURE PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM
Participant’s Name:______Age:______Parent/Registrant’s Name:______
Street Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______
Member #:______Email:______Phone # (h):______Work/Cell #:______
Please make checks payable to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Mail completed form and payment to: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Attn: Education Department PO Box 1060 Columbia, SC 29202-1060 or register online at www.riverbanks.org Program(s) Date Time Fee Program(s) Date Time Fee ______
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14 ZOOventure Programs Garden Education Programs Doodlebugs Pony Pals Using Structures in the Garden Ages: 2-4 Ages: 3-4 Arbors, obelisks, trellises and more, these structures add Length: 45 minutes Length: 60 minutes height and definition to a garden as well as expand your Location: Wildlife Classroom Location: Riverbanks Farm growing space. We will look at several types of structures (across from Riverbanks Farm) Cost: $12 members, $18 general public and provide basic building instructions. $10 Cost: $7 (includes one parent per child) (includes one parent per child) Note: If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general Growing Garden Series admission ticket will be required in addition to the Pony Whisperer The Growing Garden Series is a set of seven classes program fee. Ages: 5-7 designed to help you create a well-rounded and versatile Length: 90 minutes garden space. Register for the entire series for just $75, Doodlebug classes are an excellent opportunity Location: Riverbanks Farm or choose individual classes for $15 each. For more for young explorers and parents to learn exciting (Meet pony care guide at Gate 8/Reception) information or to register for the series, please call things about nature. Each week is a new adventure Cost: $14 members, $21 general public 803.779.8717 x1799. designed to teach your youngster new concepts that (includes one parent per child) are appropriate for young minds. These classes are a # 1 - Tips for Gardening in Difficult Soil combination of story time, songs, games, hands-on Covering clay, sand and everything in between, these activities, animal encounters (when available), crafts, tips will help you work your way to a healthy soil that is and behind-the-scenes field trips (when available). perfect for gardening. Keep track of all the classes you attend with your very # 2 - Gardening for Wildlife own Doodlebug Passport! Learn the basic components of creating a wildlife habitat, including plants for food and sources of cover. Workshop Toadally Frogs includes a look at a variety of shelters that you can put Frogs are going extinct! So are toads, salamanders together for a wide range of animals. and newts. The year 2008 has been named as the # 3 - Shrubs for Foundations and Screens Year of the Frog. Join us to learn what you can do Discover the best shrubs on the market for an attractive to help. foundation design or for screening purposes. Knowing how these plants grow and which perform better will help you to create the look you want. # 4 - Rain Gardens Rain gardens resolve the issues created by low spots in your yard by using plants that like their feet wet and flourishing in hard to manage areas. #5 -Shade Gardening There are many plants that do great in shade. This walking tour will introduce several unusual plants perfect Meet our Shetland ponies up close and personal! for that shady spot. Young pony lovers will have a chance to feed, brush #6 - Turf Grass Teddy Bear Clinic and ride the ponies. Parent participation is required for Learn tips on how to get a great looking lawn, including Find out what it’s like to be a veterinarian at the this class. ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY PLEASE. regular maintenance and the different types of turf zoo! Bring your favorite stuffed animals to class available. and use hands-on activities to learn about caring Night Hike # 7 - What To Do Now? for sick animals. Ages: 7-12 This workshop covers general maintenance for healthy Length: 45 minutes gardens including mulching, deadheading, pruning, ‘Tis the Season Location: Meet guide at Gate 8/Reception watering and pest control. ‘Tis the season to be festive! Experience a winter Cost: $7 (includes one parent per child) celebration full of special surprises and learn about the residents of the North Pole. Enjoy nature at night! Take a journey with us on a nocturnal adventure to learn about animal survival Springtime at the Garden adaptations such as camouflage, hearing, sight, odors and much more. March 22 - 9 am- 3 pm Join us in the Botanical Garden as we kick off spring with Pony Care 101 gardening demonstrations, vendors, and a variety of Ages: 8-12 experts and local businesses. This is the best way to get Length: 90 minutes motivated for successful spring gardening! Location: Riverbanks Farm Free with Riverbanks admission. (Meet pony care guide at Gate 8/Reception) Cost: $14 members; $21 general public
Join us at Riverbanks Farm to meet our Shetland ponies. If you want to know more about basic pony care, including grooming and feeding, then this is the class for you. ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY PLEASE.
How Sweet It Is Please check the calendar for dates and times of all Join us for a Valentine’s Day celebration! ZOOventure programs including: ● A Black Tie Event Hippety Hoppety ● Are You Afraid of the Dark? Come meet our very own bunny in this Easter ● Down On the Farm Eggstravaganza! ● The Watering Hole ● What’s for Lunch? ● Watery Wonders
Class Registration Cancellations and Refunds E Preregistration is required for all activities. E Written cancellation must be received at least two weeks before the E Please complete the registration form. scheduled program date in order to receive a refund or reschedule E No registrations will be accepted by phone. your reservation. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less E Register early. Space is limited. than two weeks before the program date. E Upon receipt of registration and payment, a confirmation will be mailed. E Riverbanks reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any activity. E If an activity is filled, your check will be returned. E A full refund will be issued if Riverbanks cancels any activity. 15 January 2008 Jr Master Gardeners 10am
Toadally Frogs Toadally Frogs Toadally Frogs 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 Jr Master Gardeners 12 pm – ages 5 & 6 10am
Night Hike Teddy Bear Clinic Teddy Bear Clinic Teddy Bear Clinic 7pm – ages 7–12 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 Pony Whisperer 8:30am – ages 5–7
Are You Afraid of Are You Afraid of Are You Afraid of the Dark? the Dark? the Dark? 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4
A Black Tie Event 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4
February 2008 A Black Tie Event Scout Saturday 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4
The Watering Hole How Sweet It Is How Sweet It Is 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4
Night Hike How Sweet It Is The Watering Hole The Watering Hole 7pm – ages 7–12 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4
What’s for Lunch? What’s for Lunch? What’s for Lunch? 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 Tips for Gardening in Difficult Soil 10am
Watery Wonders Watery Wonders 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4
16 March 2008 Scout Saturday Gardening for Wildlife 10am
Down on the Farm Down on the Farm Down on the Farm 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 Shrubs for Founda- tions & Screens 10am
Hippety Hoppety Hippety Hoppety Hippety Hoppety 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 10am – age 2 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 11am – ages 3 & 4 Pony Pals Rain Gardens 9am – ages 3 & 4 10am
Springtime at the Garden 9am - 3pm
Using Structures in the Garden 10am ZOOm! Into ZOOm! Into ZOOm! Into Spring Camp Spring Camp Spring Camp
Nurturing Nature By – Heather Johnson, Director of Conservation Education I remember a time when I caught bullfrogs with my sisters in my great grandmother’s cattle pasture with muddy hands and a toothy grin. I remember a time when I spent hours fishing alongside my dad in the Sierra Nevada mountains, discovering that caddisfly larvae make pretty good bait. I remember a time when I couldn’t wait to dig my toes deep in the sand and find sand crabs at the beach. Spending time in nature with a caring, supportive adult made a difference in my life. My hope as the new director of conservation education for Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is to create memories with wildlife for you and your family. Spending time with nature is not a luxury, it is important to the healthy development of our children. The famed author Richard Louv explains it well in his bestselling book Last Child in the Woods, “For a new generation, ‘nature’ is more abstraction than reality.” He continues, “More and more, nature has become something to watch, to consume, to wear – to ignore.” Many children today benefit psychologically and physically by feeling at home with local plants and animals. Whether it’s building a fort, finding garden snails or playing in the woods, playtime in nature will allow children to love animals and later learn to care for them. For children (and adults), nature at the Zoo comes in many shapes and sizes. It could be feeding the lorikeets in Koala Knockabout or riding a pony for the first time. Perhaps meeting a 500-pound gorilla face to face will light a spark in you. As much as we need nature, nature needs us too. The best part of my job is to nurture a love for wildlife in our guests. I invite you to become inspired by talking with a zookeeper about the animals they care for or by joining the wildest summer camp in town. Reconnect with plants and animals by volunteering your time to teach children at the Zoo as an education volunteer or visit the Zoo with your family. Together we can nurture children to love nature. I hope you’ll join us.
17 standards—They’re Not Just For Humans Anymore
By – John Davis, Curator of Mammals
Caring for and protecting the world’s largest land mammal and social needs of elephants pose many challenges for captive is an enormous responsibility that is taken very seriously in managers, and AZA’s standards thoroughly address all aspects the zoological profession. On March 21, 2001, the Board of elephant management and care. The standards are exhaus- of Directors of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) tive and have been in development since the 1980s. In fact, the approved the AZA Standards for Elephant Management and AZA elephant standards are more rigorous than those of the Care. This comprehensive document incorporates the knowl- United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant edge and expertise of the captive management and scientific Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and/or state regulatory communities, as well as that of animal welfare advocates, agencies and are enforced by the AZA accreditation process. to ensure that all AZA institutions participating in elephant It is important to note that many AZA institutions substantially management programs adequately address both the physical exceed the existing AZA standards. and psychological requirements of elephants in human care. AZA institutions are committed to establishing research The intensive standards were updated in May 2003. priorities for both species of elephants designed to add to the In order to qualify for and maintain accreditation in the AZA, universe of knowledge about elephants in human care as well all elephant holding institutions must provide written verifica- as in wild populations. The AZA Elephant Taxon Advisory tion to the AZA Accreditation Commission that the institution Group/Species Survival Plan has developed an action plan meets and maintains the high standards for elephant care that designed to improve captive management and husbandry and are defined in this document. AZA accreditation standards expand the contributions of AZA zoos for elephant conserva- are constantly evolving, as are elephant exhibits across the tion projects in Africa and Asia. Through a partnership with country, on account of zoo professionals and researchers the International Elephant Foundation (IEF), AZA-accredited learning more about elephants and gaining a better under- zoos provide substantial support for more than 85 elephant standing of methods to enhance the welfare and conservation conservation and research projects including field-based of the species. training, habitat restoration, and projects reducing the The AZA advocates on behalf of elephants with a unified and human-elephant conflict in range countries. consistent voice and collaborates with others committed to As an elephant holding member of the AZA, Riverbanks is their long-term survival. Currently, some 292 elephants live in committed to maintaining an elephant exhibit and elephant 79 AZA-accredited zoos. About one half are Asian elephants management program that exceeds the standards defined by and half are African elephants. They are cared for daily by the AZA. Riverbanks’ elephant facility, constructed in 2002 professional zookeepers and veterinarians, who dedicate their along the river bottoms of the lower Saluda River, was the final lives to these magnificent animals. The intelligence, strength exhibit constructed as a part of Zoo 2002, a 19-million-dollar 18 RRiverbanksiverbanks iiss ccommittedommitted ttoo mmaintainingaintaining aann eelephantlephant eexhibitxhibit aandnd elephantelephant mmanagementanagement programprogram thatthat eexceedsxceeds thethe sstandardstandards defineddefined byby thethe AssociationAssociation ooff ZZoosoos & AAquariums.quariums.
capital improvements project that included the new Ndoki Forest complex. It is home to four African elephants that reside in an approximately 3/4-acre outdoor yard complete with a 300,000-gallon, 10-foot deep pool. The elephants have access The AZA Standards for Elephant Management and to the outdoor yard virtually every day of the year. In addition, Care address these important considerations: they have a spacious 5,000-square-foot indoor holding facility, ● environmental variables designed with four indoor stalls, one of which is capable of ● temperature housing a bull elephant, to provide shelter at night and during ● light inclement weather. More recently, a substantial new shade ● space structure was added. The 20-foot-high structure, supported by ● food and water four large concrete pillars, is located over the outdoor paddock. ● herd size and composition The elephants have adjusted well to the new addition and ● human-animal interactions have been observed retreating under the shelter from heavy ● health and nutrition rains as well as the intense heat of summer. Riverbanks’ ● diet experienced and well educated elephant management staff ● medical management strives every day to provide the elephants with an appropriate ● reproduction physical environment, along with varied enrichment elements ● behavior management and keeper/elephant interactions, in a protected contact ● training management system that allows the elephants to experience a ● management systems/protocols full range of life experiences. ● safety and restraint One can only imagine what AZA elephant exhibits of the ● staff organization and training future will look like, but one thing is for sure: the highly ● conservation knowledgeable and extremely passionate AZA elephant ● education management community will continue to be proactive in its ● research diligent efforts to improve the quality of life for all elephants, ● cooperative management both those in human care and those in the wild. 19 in the know
By – Ed Diebold, Director of Animal Collections and Conservation
It is always a great pleasure to share with you information mole rats tend to look exactly alike. You will be interested to about new animals that have arrived at Riverbanks. The know that this is the first mammal species that Riverbanks more fascinating and diverse the animal, the more enjoyable has ever maintained and managed as a colony. If you’d like it is to write about it. So after reading this article you will to observe the day-to-day care of the mole rat environment, understand why I am so excited about Riverbanks’ newest every day between 11:00am and noon a keeper will be in additions to the animal collection. They range from very the area to service the exhibit. If you cannot make it at this small to very large, and each is, in its own way, a marvel time, the best time to view the mole rats is right after the 3-D of adaptation. movie starts. As the movie goers clear the atrium, you will have the mole rats all to yourself! Baring It All Question: What is 4 to 5 inches long, weighs about one- Now You See It … Now You Don’t tenth of a pound, has large jutting teeth, a face only a As a former bird curator, I always look forward to adding mother could love and spends its entire life underground in new bird species to the collection. I freely admit to having a its “birthday suit”? Seriously, the answer is a naked mole rat. lot of “favorite” birds, but the tawny frogmouth is very near to the top of that list. Tawny frogmouths blend superbly well with their surroundings. They like to sit perfectly still, with their necks outstretched and their bright yellow eyes partial- ly closed. While in this posture, they resemble the surround- ing tree branches, helping them to both evade predators and ambush prey including insects and small vertebrates. I remember on more than one occasion observing guests at other zoos walk up to a tawny exhibit, look around and walk away, never having seen the bird that was sitting in plain view the entire time! Please keep this in mind when you look for them in their new aviary at Riverbanks. Here’s a fun tip about frogmouths: They sit perfectly still because they want to mimic the surrounding branches. Once you have located the hidden “branch,” watch it very closely as you walk past the exhibit. Sometimes, the “branch” will turn its head ever- so-slowly as it watches you go past! Another interesting fact Riverbanks received a colony of 12 naked mole rats (three about frogmouths is that they are related to two frequently males, eight females and one unknown sex) from the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 6, 2007. This breeding colony of mole rats recently went on exhibit, along with Riverbanks’ non-breeding colony of Damaraland mole rats, in the atrium of the Discovery Center just across from the 3-D Adventure Theater. The new exhibit provides a unique opportunity for Riverbanks’ guests to see the species side-by-side in an intertwined maze of clear tubes and boxes that simulate the underground tunnels and dens in which both species live in the wild. Although the tunnels are intertwined, the species’ habitats are separate; mole rats are highly territorial and will viciously attack intruders that enter their tunnels. Naked mole rats are found exclusively in the horn of Africa, including parts of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. Like the Damaraland mole rats, naked mole rats are eusocial (i.e., heard but seldom seen birds of South Carolina, the whip- truly social) animals that live in colonies and subscribe to a poor-will and the chuck-will’s-widow. society similar to that of some bees and wasps. Unlike the Riverbanks Curator of Birds Martin Vince has worked dili- Damaraland mole rats that can be individually identified by gently for several years to import six tawny frogmouths from the uniquely shaped white patches on their heads, naked the Chester Zoo in England. These birds will provide a much 20 needed genetic boost to the North American population, old to safely do so. Since Disney has a proven breeder bull which is managed by an Association of Zoos & Aquariums elephant, this was the best available opportunity for Tumpe to (AZA) Population Management Plan (PMP). The six birds quickly become pregnant and hopefully give birth to a calf. are siblings, one of which hatched in 1998, two in 2003, On the following day, two new African elephants named one in 2004 and two in 2006. Of these birds, Riverbanks Robin and Petunia arrived at Riverbanks from Disney. Both will keep two females that will be paired with unrelated were born in the wild, Robin in around 1970 and Petunia males acquired from other AZA accredited zoos. Sometime in around 1973; and both were imported into the US and this month, one of the females will go on exhibit in the Bali purchased by the Knoxville Zoo in the early 1970s and then mynah exhibit in the Birdhouse; she will later be joined by a moved to Disney in February 1998. male. A second pair will be maintained in the Bird Conserva- Robin and Petunia are both post-reproductive and will tion Center for off-exhibit breeding. The four other birds will join Riverbanks’ remaining two elephants, Penny and Belle, be loaned to AZA institutions in collaboration with the PMP. in the Ndoki Forest, increasing the Riverbanks herd to four. The exact date on which Robin and Petunia will be out Packing Pachyderms on exhibit is not yet known as the Riverbanks staff must While African elephants go through a very careful introduction process in order to have been in Riverbanks’ ensure the safety of all four elephants. But keep your eyes on collection from the begin- the elephant exhibit for the increase in herd size. You will ning, it is always note- be able to identify the elephants by their tusks. Robin and worthy when an elephant Petunia both have two tusks, Penny has one, and Belle leaves and a new one, or in has none! this case two, arrives. In mid-October, Riverbanks Until the next time … said farewell to Tumpe, a 23-year-old African elephant that had been in the collection since September 28, 2002. Tumpe was sent to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in an effort to have her success- fully breed before she is too
In Memoriam Lawrence Wilbur Johnson 1920 –2007
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden lost a wonderful friend and supporter this past August when long-time commissioner Lawrence “Larry” W. Johnson died after a brief illness. Larry was one of the seven original members of the Riverbanks Park Commission, having been appointed by the city of Columbia in 1969. He was elected chair in 1976, a position that he held until his retirement in July 1995. A veteran of World War II and banker for 40 years, Larry was deeply involved in his community, serving not only on the Riverbanks Park Commission but also on numerous national, regional and local boards and committees. In honor of his many years of exemplary service, Larry was named Chairman Emeritus by the Commission, twice given the Key to the City, and awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell. The I-126/Greystone Boulevard interchange (the Zoo exit) also bears his name. Larry will be remembered for guiding Riverbanks through a time of unprecedented growth. During his term as Commission chair, a number of major new facilities and exhibits were added to the Riverbanks campus, including the Education Center (now Discovery Center), Riverbanks Farm, Kenya Café and Botanical Garden. We will miss Larry’s gentle nature. Although he was originally from Wisconsin, he was in every sense of the word a true Southern gentleman. His wife Ruth recently shared what inspired her husband of 61 years to be such a strong supporter of the Zoo, “Larry loved, respected and cared about his world and wanted to make it a better place.” We believe he did. 21 Who’s Who of the Gentoos
By – Kristen Antley, Primary Penguin Keeper
Two years ago Riverbanks Zoo became home to nine lived up to this name because he is so strong and brave. amazing gentoo penguins. They traveled to Riverbanks in a Once a week, a certified SCUBA diver has to dive in the refrigerated truck from SeaWorld, Orlando, and have brought penguin tank to scrub the underwater rocks and clean the smiles to many faces ever since. Each individual bird has its tank. The diver has to wear a big, bulky dry suit in order to own personality and brings something special and different stay warm while diving. It is possible that the penguins could to the Penguin Coast exhibit. We love watching them swim at mistake this for a potential predator, but Boscoe will actually their super high speeds and then jump out of the water like jump in the water with the diver to make sure everything is little rockets. safe. All of the other penguins hang back and stay clear from When the gentoos first arrived at Riverbanks, the public had any possible danger. Boscoe is 14 years old and wears a dark the opportunity to participate in a penguin naming contest. blue band. He has a very best friend on deck named Oreo. The response was overwhelming. We received nearly 750 The name Oreo was by far the most popular contest entry. entries, and the bird keepers then narrowed them down to the Many people are responsible for this bird’s name. Oreo is 15 winning names. While some of the names were cute, such as years old and wears a white band. He is frequently seen hang- Oreo, Zoey and Maddie; other names, like Boscoe, Jack and ing out with Boscoe. They both march around Penguin Coast Harmony, held deeper meanings (more on this later). Thanks as if they own the place. to the interest and creativity of the contestants, all of the River- Jack is the handsome prince of our gentoo penguins. He was banks gentoos now have very special and unique names, and, named in memory of a five-year-old pre-kindergarten student for the most part, they have lived up to them. who lost his battle against leukemia. Jack is very sweet and If it wasn’t for their personalities, it would be almost popular with the female gentoo penguins. One of our sweetest impossible to tell the penguins apart. In fact, only the keeper female penguins, Zoey, stole Jack’s heart last year. Ever since who works with them the closest might be able to identify then, Jack has worked very hard to build her the perfect nest. particular birds based on their different personalities. There- Penguin nests are made into a circular pile of stones, which fore, to help us distinguish one bird from another, all of the can be quite large. They can be as large as 4 feet in diameter penguins at Riverbanks have unique wing bands. The wing and filled to the top with small pebbles. The more stones a bands resemble nice, stylish bracelets. Each bird has a male gentoo penguin can collect, the more easily he can at- different color of bead around the top of their wing. The tract the prized female gentoo penguin. male penguins wear their wing bands on their left wings, Jack followed this nest-making process very well in pursuit and the female penguins wear their wing bands on their of his princess Zoey. Jack is 8 years old and wears a lime green right wings. A tip keepers use to remember the difference band; Zoey is 12 years old and wears a dark pink band. Jack between males and females is to remember that females are and Zoey are frequently seen together, displaying to one always right, and you will never forget. another and nesting together. You will often see them turn The toughest of our gentoo penguins is Boscoe. He is the towards one another and bow their heads gracefully. leader of the pack. Boscoe was named after a police dog in Harmony is Riverbanks’ friendliest gentoo penguin. She was Bristol, Connecticut, who died in December 2005 while named by Mrs. Donovan’s Lugoff Elementary kindergarten responding to a burglary. Boscoe the penguin has definitely class, inspired while studying the life of Martin Luther King.
Gentoo Fast Facts:
● Gentoo penguins are the fastest of the flightless seabirds. ● They are the third largest species of penguins (there are 17 species in all). ● They can swim at speeds of up to 20 mph. Most penguins are lucky to reach speeds of 10 mph, and Olympic swimmers have been calculated to reach a little over 5 mph.
22 The students chose the name Harmony to remind people that The next time you visit the Penguin Coast exhibit in the “everyone should be friends, no matter what color they are.” Birdhouse at Riverbanks, make sure to bring this article Harmony is five years old and wears a light purple band. She along with you so you can identify all of our gentoo loves to socialize with all of the penguins. You will mostly see penguins by matching up their wing band colors. It is Harmony walking around with her two best friends Hallie incredibly fun to witness all of their unique personalities. and Maddie. Hallie has a dark purple band, and Maddie wears Gentoos are very comical, active and lots of fun to watch. light pink. These three girls love to strut their stuff and are I have thoroughly enjoyed caring for these awesome birds popular with everyone. for the past two years. Their personalities are irresistible! This leaves us with two extra special gentoo penguins that live in Penguin Coast, Alex and Caroline. These two are PENGUIN WING BAND particularly notable because they are the only pair currently Harmony Light Purple approved to breed based on the Population Management Plan Zoey Dark Pink (PMP) for gentoo penguins. A PMP is designed to maintain a Oreo White healthy gene pool within zoological facilities. Boscoe Dark Blue Alex and Caroline really started spending a lot of time with Jack Green each other towards the end of 2006. We were very excited Alex Light Blue when we noticed them building a nest together and courting Caroline Yellow one another. Alex is 5 years old and sports a light blue band, Maddie Light Pink and Caroline is 10 years old and bears a yellow band. We will Hallie Dark Purple definitely be keeping our fingers crossed in hopes that Alex and Caroline will lay eggs together in 2008. It would be so exciting to have a gentoo penguin chick at Riverbanks Zoo. It may take them several years, however, before they are successful.
● If you see a wide white band extending across the top of a penguin’s head (kind of resembling ear muffs), you’ve spotted a gentoo penguin. ● Gentoos can weigh between 11 and 18 pounds and reach heights of up to 32 inches tall. ● In the wild, these swift swimmers eat mostly crustaceans, such as krill, as well as some small fish. ● The gentoos at Riverbanks eat capelin, herring, sardines, smelt and silversides; but their favorite is herring. 23 junior zookeepers
African Elephant Fun Facts: In each issue of Riverbanks, Loxodonta africana ✵ Elephants can reach top speeds of 25 mph. you will find a new ✵ They have very good senses of smell, sight wildlife card for and hearing and can hear low frequency tones (infrasound) up to 2.5 miles away. Junior Zookeepers to ✵ They can eat 300 to 500 pounds of food and collect. Simply cut out drink 30-50 gallons of water each day. the card, fold in half ✵ Weighing up to 200 pounds, a baby (calf) and glue together and can walk in about 15 minutes. you will have a new card ✵ Cows (females) may weigh 5,200-8,800 pounds and bulls (male) 8,800-14,000 pounds. to add to your collection Extinct in the wild of Riverbanks Wildlife Cards. Endangered
Range: Threatened Diet: grasses, leaves, bark and shrubs Rare Africa, south of the Sahara region Uncommon Life span: 45 years Common
Did You Know?
Interesting animal facts from Curator of Mammals John Davis. Zebras are white with black stripes. No two zebras have exactly the same stripe pattern; they are as unique as a human finger print.
24 3rd Annual Orchids on the Riverbanks Festival
February 8 - 10 Botanical Garden Visitors Center Magnolia Room
Hundreds of blooming orchids will greet visitors to Riverbanks Botanical Garden February 8–10. The dull gray of winter will be the only color missing from this special show, as Riverbanks, the South Carolina Orchid Society, and Ikebana International Chapter 182 once again team up to produce an incredible exhibition of living orchid plants and arrangements perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day weekend. While most of our native plants struggle through the winter, many orchids have the delightful habit of blooming just at the time we need them most—for Valentine’s Day. The public is invited to attend this rare opportunity to see orchid blooms from around the world. The exhibition opens at 1pm on Friday, February 8, and runs through the weekend. Participants can attend introductory seminars on growing orchids and ikebana design, and orchid vendors from throughout the Carolinas will be on hand with live plants for purchase. Admission is free with Riverbanks membership.
25 shoots and blooms How To Plant a Shrub In South Carolina, the winters are mild enough to plant year round. This is a good time to plant trees and shrubs, since it gives them a chance to get established before the hot summer 1 - Dig a hole twice as wide as, and slightly shallower than, 3 - Place the root ball in the hole. Leave the top of the root the root ball. Roughen the sides and bottom of the hole with ball (where the roots end and the trunk begins) level with a pick or shovel so that roots can penetrate the soil. the ground. As you add soil to fill in around the shrub, lightly tamp the soil to collapse air pockets, or add water to help settle the soil.
2 - Gently remove the shrub from the container. Using your fingers or a hand trowel, loosen up the root ball and separate the roots. Break up the soil from around the roots as much as 4 - When finished, the plant should be completely level with possible, so the plant will begin to grow in the native soil. the ground. Water the shrub thoroughly and mulch. Remem- ber: even though temperatures are cool, plants still need water in the winter.
Plant Spotlight Poncirus trifoliata ‘Flying Dragon’ Trifoliate Orange This dwarf specimen is a very spiny tree that is often used in bonsai. The deciduous shrub has green twigs and spines, so it appears green even when it is leafless. Poncirus pro- duces attractive, fragrant, white flowers in spring, which develop into yellow fruits resembling small oranges by fall. Although it is a relative of citrus, the fruit is very sour and considered inedible. The ‘Flying Dragon’ cultivar is unique because the spines curve backward, resembling claws. The contorted nature of the plant makes it a true textural gem in the garden and is especially evident in the winter when it is leafless. It grows to a maximum height of 6 feet, but can be kept smaller in a container. Considered cold hardy to about -15°F, its range of cultivation can be extended into zone 5 if it is planted in a sheltered location and perhaps given some extra protection. 26 Winter Gardening Tips from Gardener’s Profile the Clemson Extension by Amanda Segura, Garden Education Specialist Urban Horticulture Center
◆ Dormant, or not actively growing, lawns require thorough Chris Spearen has spent five years gardening in the Botanical watering every 10 to 14 days during the winter. Garden, but he has been at Riverbanks much longer. He first joined the Zoo in 1997 through an internship in the Aquarium ◆ Place holiday poinsettias in locations that get 6 hours of Reptile Complex, and he stayed there six years. At the begin- bright indirect sunlight. Keep potting soil moist (not wet), ning of 2003, he followed his lifelong love of gardening and and do not fertilize while the plant is in bloom. the outdoors to the Botanical Garden where he now cares for ◆ Winter (i.e., January/February) is the time to plant bare the shrub borders, the Midnight Garden, the Winter Garden root roses in beds well worked with organic matter and to and the Tropical Bed. relocate roses in the landscape.
◆ Prune out dying, dead or pest-ridden twigs and branches from landscape trees. Growth can be removed by thinning without dramatically changing the tree’s natural appearance or growth habit and giving it that “just pruned” look.
◆ Water newly planted trees to encourage root establishment, but do not over water.
◆ Locate above-ground water containers, which may freeze during extended cold periods, to a southern exposure for most of the winter. Cover them during cold nights to offer protec- tion from freezing.
Although his father is an avid gardener, Chris still has a lot to learn about different plants and maintaining a garden year round. So far his favorite area has been the Winter Garden, since he has virtually redesigned it. Chris feels this space represents him as a gardener more than any other area. He especially likes the coral bark Japanese maple, which exhibits strikingly bright red stems in the middle of winter. What Chris enjoys most about working in the Garden is “having the opportunity to create something—taking an idea, getting the resources to do it and making it come to fruition.” Going to nurseries and seeing new plants on the market has also been a perk of Chris’ job. He likes discovering new plant groups and researching how they grow. In fact, his best advice for fellow gardeners is to know your plants. “It is essential to do your research before purchasing plants, to know what you are getting, what it needs and how to care for it,” he empha- sizes. “If you do that, then there is no reason for you not to have a successful garden.” Riverbanks Botanical Garden Chris is always trying something new in the Garden, and he is adamant about it. His philosophy is to not be afraid to Visitors Center experiment and try new things. There is always room to explore different plants when it comes to gardening. 27 WWhathat IsIs AZAAZA AccreditationAccreditation andand WWhyhy IsIs ItIt Important?Important?
By – Ed Diebold, Director of Animal Collections & Conservation
Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of discipline (e.g., administration, animal care, veterinary care, Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and proudly displays the AZA logo conservation education, research, zoo and aquarium opera- at appropriate sites on the Zoo grounds, on the Riverbanks tions). Commissioners are also chosen to represent a cross- Web Site and on appropriate promotional materials. There section of small, medium and large zoos and aquariums. are currently around 2,500 animal exhibitors licensed by the Every zoo and aquarium that is a candidate for AZA United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, accreditation must first complete an exhaustive accreditation less than 10 percent of these facilities, 216 to be exact, cur- application that is submitted to the accreditation commis- rently meet the high standards necessary to achieve sion. This is followed by a multiple day, on-site inspection AZA accreditation. by a team of zoo and aquarium professionals selected from The AZA defines accreditation as “official recognition around the country. Inspection teams always include a and approval of a zoo or aquarium by a group of experts.” veterinarian along with experts in animal care and opera- In the AZA, this group of experts is the AZA Accreditation tions. For aquariums, or zoos with a significant aquarium Commission. Members of the commission are recognized component, the team also includes an aquarium expert. leaders in their areas of expertise that have appropriate These on-site inspection teams meticulously review every education, combined with many years of experience in the aspect of the institution’s operation, including interviews of zoo and aquarium profession. The 12 members of the ac- staff, volunteers and members of the support organization creditation commission are appointed by the incoming chair and governing authority, in order to determine whether or of the AZA Board of Directors, and commissioners serve over- not the institution meets AZA accreditation standards. The lapping terms in order to ensure continuity. Commission following are the areas of operation that must be thoroughly appointments are carefully considered in order to ensure assessed by the inspection team and just a few of the repre- that the membership represents a broad range of expertise sentative questions that must be answered by the inspection including taxonomic (i.e., mammals, birds, herps, fishes) and team about these areas of operation. 28 Animal Collection Veterinary Care ● Are the animal enclosures ● Does the veterinary care provided for the animal collection clean and well maintained? seem sufficient? ● Is the animal collection protected from weather that is detrimental to their health? ● Does the institution have a written animal enrichment program that incorporates the elements outlined in the Accreditation Standards? ● Do formal animal training programs provide for the overall health and psy- chological well-being of the animals participating? ● Does the institution keep appropriate records that are ● Is the institution’s preventative medicine program up-to-date and appropriately adequate and implemented? protected? ● Does the animal collection appear to be in good health? ● Are the animal diets of adequate quality and quantity and suitable for the collection? 29 Conservation Governing Authority ● Is conservation the overall foundation of the institution’s ● Are lines of communication between the Director and the message to the public? governing authority clearly defined? ● Does the institution actively participate in local/regional, ● Does the governing authority recognize the right of the national and international conservation endeavors? Director to originate staff appointments, promotions and ● Is the institution involved in energy and natural resource terminations? conservation in an appropriate manner? Staff Education & Interpretation ● Do the Director and staff members have appropriate ● Does the institution have a written education plan and training and/or experience? does the plan address the department’s goals and ● Is there a good working relationship between management objectives? and staff?
● Is there sufficient staff to properly care for the collection and to conduct the institution’s programs? Support Organization ● Do the stated purposes of the support organization meet the institution’s needs and are the purposes being furthered?
● Are the education program evaluated regularly and effectively? ● Do the education programs meet the visitor needs? ● Does the institution participate in educationally focused ● Does the support organization raise funds for the partnerships? institution?
Research Finance ● Is there a means of screening, evaluating and monitoring ● Is the total financial support necessary to meet the needs of research projects? the institution? ● Are research philosophies and activities consistent with the ● In the event of financial difficulties, has a plan been institution’s goals and objectives? prepared? 30 Physical Facilities observed, including the list of concerns and achievements, ● Is there a regular program of building and mechanical to the accreditation commission. As part of its report to the maintenance? commission, the inspection team makes a recommenda- tion on whether or not an institution should be accredited; however, it is important to note that it is the commission that makes the final decision. This final decision is based on the sum of all of the information gathered throughout the accreditation process including the application materials, the report of the inspection team, the progress made by the institution on the list of concerns identified by the inspection team, and the answers to questions posed by the accredita- tion commission to the institution’s senior officials at a formal hearing. Decisions are made by a 2/3 majority vote of commission members. The AZA accreditation process defines who we are. It is rigorous, and it is objective. It establishes and maintains professional standards for the zoo and aquarium industry and ensures the highest level of animal care and husbandry. Because AZA accreditation standards are constantly evolv- ● Is heating, lighting and plumbing adequate? ing, the accreditation process promotes an ever-improving ● Do the animal enclosures provide for the physical, social standard of excellence among its members, through self- and psychological well-being of the animals throughout evaluation and regular independent review. Importantly, the year? each institution must go through the accreditation process every five years. Riverbanks was last accredited in 2005 and Safety and Security will be up for accreditation review again in 2010. So keep in mind the next time you visit Riverbanks and see the AZA logo ● Is first aid readily available to staff and public? displayed at the entrance that this logo identifies Riverbanks ● Are staff members trained for emergency situations? and the other 215 accredited members of the AZA as trusted ● Is protection for the collection and grounds provided 24 hours a day? authorities in animal management, conservation, and educa- tion. As a zoo and aquarium visitor, the presence of the AZA logo is the quickest way for you to determine that any zoo or Guest Services aquarium you plan to visit meets the rigorous standards of ● Are directional signs and maps adequate to guide guests the AZA. through the institution? Note: The author is a current member of the AZA Accreditation Commission.
● Is the number of food services facilities, the selection and the quality of food adequate? ● Are restrooms maintained in a sanitary condition and are they wheelchair accessible?
Upon completion of the on-site accreditation inspection, the team generates a list of concerns and achievements that it presents to the institution’s director. The team members then submit a detailed report about everything that they 31 Riverbanks society Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 1060 U.S. Postage Columbia, SC 29202-1060 PAID Columbia, S.C. Permit No. 90 ZOOm! Into Spring Spring Break Camp Page 13