May / June 2016

MEMPHISZOO.ORG

EXZOOBERANCE™ is a bimonthly Memphis Zoological Society publication providing information for friends of the Memphis Zoo. Send comments to MZS, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, call (901) 276-WILD or log onto www.memphiszoo.org.

Vol. XXVI, No. 3 MAY / JUNE 2016 Our Mission Connecting people with wildlife

Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.

Memphis Zoological Society Board of Directors as of February 2015

Officers DIANE SMITH, Co-Chair GENE HOLCOMB, Co-Chair DOROTHY KIRSCH, Secretary RUSSELL T. WIGGINTON, JR., Treasurer THOMAS C. FARNSWORTH III, Vice Chair JOSEPH C. DEWANE, M.D., Past Chair

Directors SAMANTHA BOGGS DEAN DELISA F. EDDINGS DAVID HOPKINS HENRY A. HUTTON MARIA LEGGETT JASON MAYKOWSKI SCOTT MCCORMICK JOYCE A. MOLLERUP BRANDON GARROTT MORRISON CAROL W. PRENTISS KARL SCHLEDWITZ JERRY A. SHORE RICHARD W. SMITH KELLY H. TRUITT MARIO L. WALKER BYRNE WHITEHEAD

Honorary Lifetime Directors DONNA K. FISHER ROGER T. KNOX, President Emeritus SCOTT P. LEDBETTER SENATOR JAMES R. SASSER REBECCA WEBB WILSON

Ex Officio DR. CHUCK BRADY, Zoo President & CEO Zambezi BILL MORRISON, City Council Representative Grand Opening Credits LAURA DOTY 2 Editor / Writer COMBUSTION Your Zoo: Art Director

LAURA HORN A Snapshot Creative Advisor 4 Special Events JENNIFER COLEMAN and Calendar Copy Editor Creature 8 TOOF PRINTING, Printer Exzooberance paper generously donated Feature by INTERNATIONAL PAPER employees 7 Edzoocation

ZOO ADMISSION HOURS 11 March – October 20 • 9am – 5pm October 21 – February • 9am – 4pm • Grounds close one hour after last admission • Zoo Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Kids Page Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day Membership The Memphis Zoo is accredited by the Association Goes Green! 12 of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Don’t forget, membership cards are ©2016 Memphis Zoo now printed at the Zoo when you arrive. These will no longer be mailed. Wanna talk? Give us a buzz. [email protected]

MEMPHISZOO.ORG Zambezi construction began in April 2014

The Cape vulture, also known as the Cape Griffon vulture, is the largest grand openingRibbon Cutting: April11:30 a.m. 29, 2016 vulture species in Africa. ZAMBEZI On average, Cape vultures The patas monkey is the fastest primate in have an 8.5-foot wingspan, the world. We have four patas monkeys — are three feet long and can one male and three females. The male weigh up to 20 pounds. Our is named “Dayo,” and our females are four male cape vultures’ named “Zarima,” “Grace” and “Jasmine.” names might be somewhat familiar to you — “John,” “Paul,” “George” and “Ringo.”

Our okapi is named “Miraq.” Miraq is French for “miracle.”

Okapi are a new species to the Memphis Zoo. They are only found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Memphis Zoo is one of only 23 AZA institutions to display okapi.

2 The male nyala is named “Magnus.” The female is named “Paprika.” ZAMBEZIgrand openingRibbon Cutting: April11:30 a.m. 29, 2016 Our hippos are named “Splish,” “Binti,” and “Uzazi.” Binti means “daughter,” or “young lady,” in Swahili, and is often used as a term of endearment. Uzazi translates to “good parent” in Swahili. There are 200,000 gallons of water in the hippo underwater viewing exhibit. The tank is filtered by a system Our male Nile crocodile is named “Skebenga,” that can turn over the which translates to “the thief.” The three females whole tank in an hour. are named “Makhulu Mama,” which means “Big Mama” in the Xhosa language, “Ntombi” which means “Lady” in the Zulu language and The Nile crocodiles “Squaba-Squaba,” which means “the girlfriend.” were shipped from South Africa via FedEx

EXZOOBERANCE 3 Your Zoo is dedicated to CONSERVATION. Since its founding Through the leadership of a host of dedicated conservation professionals, in 1906 by a few the Memphis Zoo participates in dedicated citizens and 53 Species Survival Programs, including the orangutan and snow one Mississippi black leopard, and 41 Taxon Advisory Groups. As part of these efforts, bear named “Natch,” the the Memphis Zoo recently welcomed Memphis Zoo has come a baby Sumatran orangutan.

a long way. In the past Additionally, the Memphis Zoo participates in 31 conservation 110 years, your Memphis programs, including the giant Zoo has become home to panda and Louisiana pine snake, in partnership with 60 organizations in more than 3,500 animals eight countries throughout the world.

representing more than Your Zoo has a MAJOR These efforts make your Zoo one of 500 species, including the top conservation organizations ECONOMIC in the Mid-South, the country and some of the most rare IMPACT. the world. According to the Sparks Bureau and endangered species of Business and Economic in the world. But just how Research at The University of Memphis, in 2014, the economic far has your Zoo come? impact of the Memphis Zoo resulted in $83.9 million in the production of goods and services Your Zoo is one (output), $32 million in labor income and nearly $5 million in of the best in the state and local taxes.

country. But don’t The Memphis Zoological Society take our word for it. earns 91% of its general operating revenue primarily through gate admissions, membership, special events and contributions. 4 MEMPHISZOO.ORG Your Zoo is EDUCATIONAL. # ATTRACTION The Memphis Zoo hosted IN MEMPHIS1 (by the TN approximately 90,000 children as Department of Tourist Development) part of organized school outings in 2015. Additionally, your Zoo’s education department hosted: •204 Homeschool participants •233 Explorers Academy ZOO IN # participants THE4 UNITED STATES •844 Zoo campers (by USA Today and 10Best) •1,412 Zoo Snoozers •6,348 Zoo class attendees

Your Zoo is EVERYONE’S ATTRACTION#6 IN TENNESSEE ZOO. (by the Tennessee Department The Memphis Zoo is a big part of Tourist Development) and of the community. And that ZOO IN THE UNITED means everyone should have STATES (by TripAdvisor) access to everything it has to offer. That’s why your Zoo hosts Free Tuesdays for Tennessee residents 48 weeks out of the year. This provides an # educational, accessible and ZOO15 IN THE family-friendly Zoo experience to WORLD approximately 115,000 children (by TripAdvisor) and families from all areas of our community on an annual basis.

But how much does your Zoo BENEFIT MEMPHIS? The Memphis Zoo supports more than 260 full-time and part-time jobs. The Memphis Zoo attracted more than 300,000 out-of-area visitors.

It’s your Zoo! And it’s something to be proud of. Learn more at memphiszoo.org.

EXZOOBERANCE 5

CREATURE FEATURE

by LAURA DOTY, Marketing and Communications Manager hen Memphis Zoo visitors think of identify individual animals. Stripe hearing and eyesight, and a powerful uniquely African animals, zebras patterns also vary across the species. kick. However, when a predator Ware sure to come to mind. But did Grevy’s zebras have narrow stripes emerges, the zebra’s greatest asset is you know that there is more to zebras that extend to their hooves. Mountain their speed, which allows them to flee. than meets the eye? zebras can have faint stripes between Zebras can run up to 35 miles per hour. There are actually three species of the darker stripes. Plains zebras have Unlike their horse cousins, zebras zebra — the Hartmann’s mountain, the shadowing on the rump. Depending on don’t neigh or whinny. But that doesn’t Grevy’s and the Plains. The Memphis the location of Plains zebras, stripes mean they don’t communicate. They’ve Zoo currently exhibits three female on the hindquarters can be more or been known to make loud barking or Plains zebras, named “Filly,” “Daisy” less defined. braying noises. They also communicate and “Violet.” Plains zebras are the “Zebra stripes are actually a form through non-verbal actions, including most geographically spread, also of protection from predators,” said using their mouths, teeth, ears and eyes. making them the most common. They Matt Thompson, Director of Animal “Visitors might have noticed that are also known as Grant’s zebras or Programs. “When zebras are in a herd, our zebras seem to ‘bite’ each other common zebras, and they are the the stripes blend together, making on the backs,” Thompson said. “This smallest of the zebra subspecies. it hard for a predator to pick one is actually a form of grooming, which No two zebras have the same individual animal to go after.” is another means of communication. stripe pattern — much like human Other forms of protection against They’re nibbling on each other, giving fingerprints — making it easy to predators include their excellent each other a good back scratch.”

7 SPECIAL EVENTS Baby Day Macy’s Zoo Brew MAY The Memphis Zoo is hosting Everyone’s favorite Now in its third annual Baby Day! Memphis-area beer Zambezi Join us Saturday, May 7 for special tasting is back. Join us baby keeper chats throughout the day. for the first Macy’s Zoo Brew of the Learn more about the babies we have season. We will sample beers from welcomed to the Zoo this year from around the world, while listening the ones who help care for them. to our first-class entertainment For more information, visit memphiszoo.org. partners, including G3 and Sensations Band. V.I.P. ticket holders can enjoy SATURDAY, MAY 7 specialty brews and wine tastings, hor 10 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. d’oeuvres and entertainment by Dingo Included with General Admission Entertainment in the V.I.P. Lounge. Presented by Fertility Associates of Memphis, PLLC Doctors Ke, Kutteh, Brezina and Bailey FRIDAY, MAY 27 7 – 10 P.M. Ages 21+ only Zoom Through the Zoo $40/members; $45/nonmembers Join us for our annual four- mile race and one-mile fun run. V.I.P. Early Entry, open 6-8 p.m. V.I.P. Lounge $60/members; Participants follow the course through Animals in Action the Zoo and Overton Park. What a great $70/nonmembers Sarah, one of our keepers, explains way to get active and support the Zoo! that Animals in Action means several This is part of the M-Town Race Series, BirdFest Memphis things at the Memphis Zoo! We focus which features the Harbor Town 5K, Join us for fun, bird-themed activities on animal encounters and shows for the Gibson 5K and the Stars and Stripes 5K. to celebrate the centennial anniversary public, animal training demonstrations To register for Zoom Through the Zoo, of the Migratory Bird Treaty. This between the animals and their keepers, visit zoomthroughthezoo.racesonline.com. agreement, signed in 1916, represents and enrichment items for the animals. a landmark victory in the effort to These experiences encourage physical THURSDAY, MAY 26 conserve birds that migrate across activity and mental stimulation for the Race begins at 6:30 P.M. international borders. animals, which is very important to their Pre-registration SATURDAY, MAY 28 well-being. Hope to see everyone enjoy $25/4-miler; $20/1-mile fun run 10 A.M. – 2 P.M. the day as much as the animals will. Race Day $30/4-miler; $25/1-mile fun run MONDAY, MAY 30 Members Night Included with General Admission Come out for a fun-filled evening, Beastly Bargain Sale including a Sea Lion Show at 7 p.m., These bargains are beastly the Budgie House until 7 p.m. and with discounts from 25-50% off! entertainment in the Courtyard Items include merchandise for children throughout the evening! Last admission and adults – T-shirts, plush animals, to Stingray Bay is 8 p.m. Camel rides jewelry, souvenirs and more! Members are available until dusk, and there’s always receive their 15% discount. a special giraffe feeding at 6 p.m. Stingray Bay, camel rides, and giraffe FRIDAY, MAY 27 – feeding deck are additional fees. MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016 SUNDAY, MAY 29 6 – 9 P.M.

8 MEMPHISZOO.ORG SMTWTFS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Baby Day MAY 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

World Migratory Bird Day 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Endangered Species Day 22 2321 2224 25 26 27 28 Zoom Through Macy’s BirdFest the Zoo Zoo Brew Memphis

World Turtle Day Whooping Crane Day 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 Members Night Animals in Action zoo camp Memorial Day ZOO IS OPEN! 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 zoo camp 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 zoo camp World Sea Turtle Day 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 zoo camp 26 27 28 29 30 zoo camp

EXZOOBERANCE 9 WACKY WEDNESDAY PARTYFOR JUNE + JULY // 10 AM – 12 PM THECENTURY SATURDAY, MAY 7 12 - 7 PM FREE FOR EVERYONE The Brooks Museum is turning 100 and you’re invited to help us celebrate! FREE ADMISSION Don’t miss this dynamic day-long celebration of the Brooks history and the diversity of the collection. Come to the Brooks for a fun, free, family friendly summer of Festivities will include performances inside and art and film! Join us each Wednesday in June and July for art- outside, art-making, birthday cake, and more. making in our drop-in studio and a variety of short films for There’s something for everyone, including a few children. Come in, cool off and explore our new hands-on family surprises! art gallery, Inside Art! Sponsored by

brooksmuseum.org

low Prices! Proud to support Zambezi River Hippo Camp at our Memphis Zoo

Visit fredsinc.com for a fred’s Pharmacy or fred’s location near you.

10 MEMPHISZOO.ORG EXZOOBERANCE 11 COLOR THE HIPPO

DID YOU KNOW...

A crocodile can’t move its tongue due to a membrane that holds it in place.

Hippos can run faster than humans on land, at an estimated 18-30 miles per hour.

12 MEMPHISZOO.ORG

® Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Memphis, TN Permit No. 1124 Requested in-home dates AprilAprAugustDec 26-May 29-Jan21-May 23-29 4 31 2000 Prentiss Place Memphis, TN 3811238112 (901) 276-WILD