Connect Features

CONNECT FEATURES

10 THE LATEST BUZZ April 2014 Updates from the Terrestrial Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group ERIN SULLIVAN

12 SAVING A DIFFERENT KIND OF TIGER A Collaborative Conservation Effort to Save One of the Most Endangered Beetles in America KAY KLATT

14 SAVING LIVING FOSSILS IN A HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY

JOE CHEUNG AND SUZANNE GENDRON

16 PARTULA SNAILS Are You a Glass Half Empty or a Glass Half Full Person? BOB MERZ

20 2013 ACCREDITATION: A BUG’S EYE VIEW

LAURA CHISHOLM

36 BEES AND BUTTERFLIES The Plight and Promise of Pollinators EDWARD SPEVAK

40 TRAILS OF AFRICA AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO

KELSEA RUSSO

IN EVERY ISSUE

3 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

6 CONSERVATION & RESEARCH

24 MEMBER NEWS

32 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD

33 BIRTHS & HATCHINGS

43 EXHIBITS

44 ANNOUNCEMENTS ON THE COVER The Salt Creek tiger beetle is a critically endangered species endemic to the saline wet- 49 MEMBER UPDATES lands of Lancaster County near the capitol city of Lincoln in Nebraska. Because of its 51 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS niche specificity, the Salt Creek tiger beetle has evolved a slower than usual lifecycle when compared to other members of the Cicindela genus. The adult beetles emerge in the sum- 52 CALENDAR mer and only live for a few weeks. In their short adult stage, they are capable of laying hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch into fossorial (living underground), predatory larvae in less than two weeks. See page 12 for the full story.

SALT CREEK TIGER BEETLE © JOEL SARTORE 2 CONNECT April 2014 A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO

t last month’s Mid-Year Meeting hosted by the Memphis Zoo, in Memphis, Tenn., AZA president & ABoard Chair Jackie Ogden announced a ground breaking initiative to combine the power of our 180 million visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZA members and partners to save critically endangered species from extinction.

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have achieved remarkable successes in the conservation of endangered wildlife both in our institutions and in the wild. According to the 2012 Annual Report on Conservation and Science published in January, AZA-accredited institutions contributed over $160 million to important field conservation projects around the world, a figure of which we should all be proud. Dozens of species, from the American bison to the California condor have been brought back from the edge of extinction by zoos and aquariums. But given the threats that face many species and habitats, more needs to be done.

This initiative, with the working title of “Species Survival Institute” (SSI) will allow the AZA community to address a wide range of in-situ and ex-situ wildlife and population sustainability challenges. Through the SSI, AZA will develop detailed One Plans to save targeted species both inside and outside their natural range and under all conditions of management, including by AZA’s Animal Programs. AZA will also grow support for species conservation and engage the public in important conservation action. ceo

Focusing on saving species in the wild, increasing the sustainability of animals in AZA-accredited institutions, and en- gaging the public, the SSI will build on the vast expertise found in AZA’s Species Survival Plan® (SSP) programs, Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGS) and Board-level Committees. The SSI will be providing support and resources to these groups to identify specific obstacles and then strategically develop the partnerships necessary to reach goals for saving species.

Creation of the SSI has been guided by a steering group that includes Doug Myers, president and CEO at San Diego Zoo Global; Dr. Jackie Ogden, vice president animals, science and environment at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; Dennis Pate, executive director and CEO at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium; Steve Burns, director at Zoo Boise; Jim Hekkers, managing director at Monterey Bay Aquarium; Ron Forman, president and CEO of the Audubon Nature Institute; and Kevin Bell, president and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoo. More information on the SSI and its public rollout will be presented at the AZA Annual Conference being hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas and SeaWorld Orlando this September.

Another important way that AZA supports its members’ conservation work and overall operation is to work with federal agencies and Congressional offices. While AZA works on these relationships year-round, once a year we invite you to Washington, D.C., to connect with your Congressional representatives and bring them personal stories about the facilities in their districts. This year’s advocacy events on Capitol Hill will take place on May 6th and 7th, with the AZA signature Capitol Hill reception being held on Wednesday, May 7th. This is an exciting event and much anticipated on Capitol Hill. I encourage you to attend.

Editorial policy: CONNECT is published by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization dedicated to the advancement of zoological parks and aquariums for conservation, education, scientific studies and recreation. Issued to members as a free service; not available as a subscription. Mailed during the first week of the month. Articles submitted for CONNECT do not necessarily reflect the opinions and policies of AZA.

Mission: CONNECT is a forum for promoting AZA’s mission by highlighting zoo and aquarium trends, industry initiatives, conservation efforts and member achievements.

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April 2014 CONNECT 3 AZA BOARD & STAFF

AZA STAFF AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONNECT STAFF 2013 - 2013 Tim Lewthwaite, Editor OFFICERS Lisa Cadigan, Designer, Cadigan Creative CONNECT EDITORIAL BOARD CHAIR Melinda Arnold, Dickerson Park Zoo Jackie Ogden, PhD Martha Fischer, Saint Louis Zoo Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Julie Larsen-Maher, Wildlife Conservation Society Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Tim Lewthwaite, AZA Publications Manager Ph: (407) 938-2831, E-mail: [email protected] Kristin L. Vehrs, AZA Executive Director CHAIR ELECT AZA STAFF Dennis E. Pate Jim Maddy, President & CEO Executive Director and CEO, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Kristin L. Vehrs, Executive Director Ph: (402) 738-2014, E-mail: [email protected] Paul Boyle, PhD, Senior Vice President of VICE CHAIR Conservation & Education Jill Nicoll, Chief Operating Officer Steve Burns Director, Zoo Boise Rob Vernon, Senior Vice President of External Affairs Ph: (208) 384-4125, x203, E-mail: [email protected] Debborah Luke, PhD, Vice President of board & staff Conservation & Science PAST CHAIR Denny Lewis, Vice President Accreditation Programs Tom Schmid Jennifer Keaton, Vice President, Congressional Affairs President and CEO, Texas State Aquarium Steve Olson, Vice President Federal Relations Ph: (361) 881-1242, E-mail: [email protected] Phil Wagner, Senior Vice President of Finance DIRECTORS Candice Dorsey, PhD, Director, Animal Programs Jim Breheny Jeff Dow, Director of Sales & Marketing Executive Vice President and General Director, Zoos and Aquarium Jennifer DiNenna, Manager, Accreditation Jonathan Little Cohen Director of the Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Society Jennifer Fields, Communications Coordinator Ph: (718) 220-5101, E-mail: [email protected] Allegra Formento, Marketing Assistant Lynn B. Clements Rachel Gauza, Citizen Science Program Specialist Director, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Rebecca Greenberg, Program Assistant, Conservation Ph: (757) 385-0241, E-mail: [email protected] & Science Jim Hekkers Shelly Grow, Director, Conservation Programs Managing Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium Melissa Howerton, Vice President, Conferences & Membership Ph: (831) 647-6825, E-mail: [email protected] Tim Lewthwaite, Publications & Brand Manager Gregg Hudson Nette Pletcher, Director of Conservation Education Executive Director and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer, Dallas Zoo Management, Inc. Barbara Pueschel, Board & Committees Liaison Ph: (469) 554-7510, E-mail: [email protected] Nancy Ramos, Receptionist Amy Rutherford, Professional Development Program Manager Dennis W. Kelly Ana Maria Sanchez, Controller Director, Smithsonian National Zoological Park Barbara Skewes, Manager, Member Information Services Ph: (202) 633-4442, E-mail: [email protected] Sarah Sullivan, Manager, Digital Media Kevin Mills Gina Velosky, Manager, Business Development & Marketing President and CEO, South Carolina Aquarium Cheryl Wallen, Meeting Planner Ph: (843) 579-8555, E-mail: [email protected] Amos Morris Association of Zoos & Aquariums Zoo Director, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 710 Ph: (812) 435-6143 x401, E-mail: [email protected] Silver Spring, MD 20910 Douglas G. Myers 301-562-0777 (phone); 301-562-0888 (fax); President and CEO, San Diego Zoo Global www.aza.org Ph: (619) 557-3999, E-mail: [email protected] John T. Walczak Director, Louisville Zoological Garden Ph: (502) 238-5335, E-mail: [email protected] 4 April 2014 CONNECT 5 CONSERVATION & RESEARCH

INVERTEBRATES achievement: students that perceived the brates, invertebrates are thought to have ARE DISGUSTING focus of an exercise to be disgusting were no personalities and are often feared, re- Emotional state has a strong effect on learn- more likely to be bored and less likely to garded as pests and considered unattract- ing and the paper contains a nice overview learn the material. This methodology ive. However, recent research dispels these of the literature on this topic as it relates to could be readily adapted to animal encoun- myths and highlights that invertebrates do, animals. This study examined situational, ters, educational activities using animal in fact, possess individual profiles similar perceived disgust among college students specimens or other experiences at zoos and to the personalities seen in higher organ- majoring for teaching careers in elemen- aquariums. isms. The economic impact of inverte- tary education. Student ages ranged from RANDLER, C, HUMMEL, E, WÜST- brates is also considerable (e.g., shrimp and 17-to-26 years and 85 percent were female. ACKERMANN, P. 2013. The influence of abalone farms). Attitude changes about The study involved measurement of emo- perceived disgust on students’ motiva- invertebrate welfare may benefit producers tional and motivational reactions to han- tion and achievement. International while ensuring welfare conditions for the dling living and non-living specimens Journal of Science Education 35:2839-2856. animals. The paper concludes that inverte- that ranged from protists to mammals in Correspondence to Christoph Randler: brate welfare should become an agenda for a classroom setting. The highest level of [email protected]. research and institutions. disgust was associated with dissection of a HORVATH, K, ANGELETTI, D, NASCETTI, G, INVERTEBRATE trout but interactions with live wood lice, CARERE, C. 2013. Invertebrate welfare: an WELFARE MATTERS earthworms, and snails were also perceived overlooked issue. Annali dell'Istituto supe- as very disgusting. Interactions with pre- Invertebrate welfare is often overlooked, riore di sanità, 49, 9-17. Correspondence to pared specimens of birds, mammals or because of assumptions that invertebrates Claudio Carere: [email protected]. honey bees, as well as microscopy of Hydra do not feel pain or are unable to think. The or Amoeba, were least disgusting. Disgust public also tends to hold negative views of was inversely related to motivation and invertebrates. Unlike perceptions of verte-

6 CONNECT April 2014 conservation & research 7

CONNECT

, S, April 2014 April 2014 ITTIG , H, W AASE , J R, H Journal of Biological Education Journal , K. 2013. Short-term environ- ILLE RISSNER 48:9-15. Correspondence to Jürgen Drissner: juergen.drissner@uni- Reinhold ulm.de. mental education: long-term effective- mental education: ness? tion in the program: TEST students tion in the program: than invertebrates drew twice as many more large ani- CONTROL, which drew three and four, mals. Also for grades insects and inver- TEST girls drew more diversity overall and a greater tebrates are surprising of animals. These results elapsed since and considering the time Classroom’ ‘Green the of duration short even suggests that program. The study struc- properly if programs, term short long-last- significant, a have can tured, and knowledge of ing effect on attitudes invertebrates D H of studies examines the impact of proof studies examines few a just for once, delivered grams in a classroom on hours, outside and Botanical Garden, the grounds of the the of Ulm, Ulm, Germany: University com- study This Classroom.’ ‘Green and knowledge for stu- pared attitudes and five four, dents in grades three, had not (CONTROL) who had (TEST) and in the Green Classroom participated wrote program. Students in grade five essays while those in grades three and it four drew pictures. For grade five, their since months six-to-48 been had in the program: CONTROL participation students wrote more incorrect state- better ments and TEST students showed emotions knowledge and more positive For toward insects and invertebrates. been one- it had grades three and four, participa- their since months to-nine maan. , HMED , DJ, A URDAK , J. 2012. Selecting flag- , M, G AMULY ARUA IMPROVED AWARENESS AWARENESS IMPROVED FOR AND APPRECIATION INVERTEBRATES This is the most recent in a series of the impact examining studies aimed at of short-term, out of classroom cur- ricula on the environment. The series This study uses attitude questionnaires This study uses attitude and of residents and knowledge surveys whether butterflies tourists to examine species in flagship could be effective included rural areas. The questionnaire invertebrates, questions on butterflies, sur- the conservation; and invertebrate used photographs of local inverte- vey lists of species liked to generate brates and disliked and reasons for those cat- Butterflies, dragonflies, egorizations. most honeybees and earthworms were liked by both residents and tourists but resi- disliked by highly were caterpillars so by tourists. dents and moderately the least liked followed Mosquitos were by leaches, spiders, and wasps. Tourists ecological to refer to likely more were but tourists were roles for invertebrates also more likely to express disgust as their reason for dislikes. The study re- affirmed much previous research that identifies fear of injury or disease trans- mission and/or economic losses are primary reasons for dislike. The study also appearance (size, shape, confirms that markings, body form) is also coloration, a major factor in whether a species is as- summarizes The authors disliked. ‘likeable’ characterize species pects that to be would need as those that as well species are to be- if ‘disliked’ overcome come either the focus of conservation efforts or flagship species. B INVERTEBRATES AS AS INVERTEBRATES SPECIES FLAGSHIP [email protected]. ships for invertebrate conservation. conservation. ships for invertebrate Biodiversity Conservation 21: 1457-1476. Correspondence to Mann Barua: RA, T 8 CONNECT April 2014 April 2014 CONNECT 9 THE LATEST BUZZ Updates from the Terrestrial Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group

he Terrestrial Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group (TITAG) has been a very busy TAG the Tlast few years. We have started a new sustainability program, are hosting a professional development conference and continue to work on our Species Survival Plans® (SSP).

SWARM At this stage in the project, we would like to work toward Sustainability is something that we all have to take into consider- maintaining selected populations in the collections of at least five ation in our collections. Through analysis of the TITAG Regional AZA institutions, with one person serving as the point person for Collection Plan and the space survey, we realized that the inverte- each species. These institutions would house the animals with brate collections in most zoos relied on many of the same species. the intent to breed and maintain long-term populations. Selected Some of these species are not currently being bred in captivity while species were chosen based on their popularity in collections and other species were being maintained at only one or two zoos, mak- the need to develop husbandry expertise and knowledge. ing them vulnerable to extinction in our collections if their popula- The first five focal species chosen for the SWARM project and tions were to crash. With this in mind, the TITAG identified several their designated point persons include: species for which a concentrated effort in captive breeding seemed • Peruvian Fire Stick (Oreophoetes peruana), Erin Sullivan, appropriate. Successful breeding and maintenance of these selected Woodland Park Zoo species could help relieve pressure on importation and harvesting • Nephila sp., Alan Peters, Smithsonian National Zoological from the wild, while allowing us to develop detailed husbandry pro- Park tocols for these species. • Emperor Scorpion (Pandinus imperator), Winton E. Ray, After some debate, the TITAG designed the Safety Web for Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Arthropod Reproduction and Management (SWARM) project. The • Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas), Paige primary goal of the project is to promote the maintenance of sus- Howorth, San Diego Zoo Global tainable populations for invertebrate programs and exhibition in • Atlas Beetle (Chalcosoma atlas), Kay Klatt, Omaha’s Henry Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited institutions Doorly Zoo & Aquarium while reducing the risk of key populations disappearing from North To make SWARM a success, participating AZA zoos will be asked American collections without warning. to provide quarterly reports on the status of each focal species in

Emperor Scorpion

10 COCONNECTNNNECECT AApAprilril 202201414 By Erin Sullivan their collection to the designated point person. In addition, insti- a small colony of American burying beetles as a genetic reservoir tutions will be asked to participate in the development of TITAG for the only known extant population in the eastern portion of the husbandry guidelines for each species. beetle’s range and continues to monitor the success of the 20-year SWARM is a new concept for the TITAG, and we are still work- reintroduction initiative on Nantucket Island. The United States ing out, or in, the bugs, but we are hopeful this program will Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is ready to issue an updated increase the general knowledge base and diversity of animals in recovery plan that may include adding more holding and breeding collections while promoting the sustainability of key invertebrate institutions in the future. populations. This SSP is unique in that it does not make breeding and Invertebrates in Education and Conservation transfer recommendations, but instead supports the efforts of the Conference USFWS by supplying genetically diverse captive-bred beetles for reintroduction initiatives. Only institutions within the range of the For years, the TITAG has wanted to host a professional develop- beetle with an ongoing reintroduction initiative in that region are ment course, and although we had the interest, the pieces had approved to hold and breed this species at this time. never come together until now. Since 1993, the Invertebrates in The Mexican Red-Kneed Tarantula SSP is currently composed Education and Conservation Conference (IECC), formerly known of 121 individual spiders at 64 facilities. Most institutions have one as the Invertebrates in Captivity Conference, has attracted en- or two tarantulas used either in education programs or for display. tomologists from around the world to share knowledge, present Only four institutions currently have males close to breeding size current research and network. This conference has created a vital as well as females ready for pairing. Until the SSP was established professional community for those who work with living insects in in 2007, the majority of Mexican red-kneed tarantulas coming into educational settings and for those with a passion for invertebrate zoos were bred in the private sector. With the establishment of the conservation. Without a doubt, the programs, exhibits, and initia- SSP, more zoos became willing to include their tarantulas in the tives stemming from this unique gathering have helped thousands program, thus helping to ensure that this charismatic species will of enthusiasts learn about the importance of invertebrates in our be in AZA collections for years to come. daily lives. Through SSPs, the new SWARM program, and taking over For the last 25 years, the Sonoran Arthropod Studies Institute the organization and hosting of the Invertebrates in Education (SASI) developed and organized the IECC. With the closure of this and Conservation Conference, the TITAG is dedicated to not only wonderful organization, the TITAG realized that the future of the conserving invertebrates in our institutions but also expanding conference was in jeopardy. The community response to find a way the knowledge and public access to this varied and valuable but forward, however, was so overwhelming that the TITAG decided to underutilized group of animals. continue the tradition that SASI began and host the conference in July 2014. Working on the foundation that SASI created for this confer- ERIN SULLIVAN IS THE COLLECTION MANAGER ence, we will continue to focus on fostering communication about AT WOODLAND PARK ZOO invertebrate husbandry, display, conservation and education. We would like to keep the conversations and idea-sharing alive regarding the amazing contributions of invertebrates, and build on them to help inspire and create awareness. This year’s conference will be July 22-26 at the Esplendor resort in Rio Rico, Ariz. The conference will include papers on everything ranging from giant African millipede husbandry to butterfly training. In addition to the paper sessions, there will be workshops on building invertebrate exhibits and field trips out to the desert to observe animals in their natural surroundings. The TAG will also conduct its annual meeting at the conference on July 21st. If you would like additional information about TITAG, please visit our website at www.TITAG.org. Program Updates The Partula Snail SSP, the longest running SSP for the TITAG, is working toward releasing snails back into their native range. Thanks to the international collaborative efforts of zoos, plans are underway to reintroduce Partula nodosa back to Tahiti in the near future. The wildlife preserve, an approximately 20-meter square protected site, might just rank as the smallest wildlife preserve in the world. The American Burying Beetle SSP now has four holding institutions: Roger Williams Park Zoo, The Wilds, Saint Louis Zoo and Cincinnati Zoo. Saint Louis Zoo is breeding for a reintroduction Partula snail effort in Missouri, and The Wilds and Cincinnati are breeding for © Ryan Hawk reintroduction efforts in Ohio. Roger Williams Park Zoo maintains April 2014 CONNECT 11 he tiger beetles are ferocious predators that rely on their speed SAVING A Tand large toothed mandibles to capture and kill their prey. Tiger beetles feed on a variety of small invertebrates. Some species have been clocked at speeds of 2.5 meters per second while in pursuit of their quarry (Merrit, 1999). These fascinating insects have drawn the attention DIFFERENT of many researchers and hobbyists, and have been extensively surveyed (Pearson, 2011). With their rise in popularity one thing has become clear about these “tiny tigers”, and that is that many of them are experiencing KIND OF dramatic decreases in population (Pearson, 2011). According to experts about 15 percent of the 225 described tiger beetle species and subspecies in the United States and Canada have such low populations that protection should be considered to ensure their survival (Pearson, 2011). One TIGER such species in need of protection is the Salt Creek tiger beetle (Cicindela (Ellipsoptera) nevadica lincolniana) (Pearson, Knisley, & Kazilek, 2006). The Salt Creek tiger beetle is a critically endangered species endemic to the saline wetlands of Lancaster county, located just outside of the A Collaborative capitol city of Lincoln, Nebraska (Spomer, Brust, Blacklund, & Weins, 2007). Inland saline marshes are an incredibly rare terrestrial habitat, and Conservation Effort to are caused by salty aquifers that percolate up through porous geological formations, such as those located under the salt marshes of Lancaster county (Nebraska Natural Legacy Project). This area was originally a large Save One of the Most saline wetland that has now been largely drained and developed, over 90 percent of the original wetland has been altered. This unique habitat is Endangered Beetles in created when water from beneath the Dakota formation that has a high salinity percolates through the porous shale and sandstone and reaches America the Earth’s surface (Harvey, Ayers, & Gosselin, 2007). At some spots in the saline wetlands the water from the aquifer evaporates and leaves a thick layer of salt that encrusts the ground. This soil has a higher level of salinity than the ocean (Farrar & Gersib,1991). This unique habitat is hen one thinks of a tiger, one usually not only the home to the Salt Creek tiger beetle, but also to several other Wpictures a majestic animal, which threatened insects such as the regal fritillary (Speyeria idalia), Melissa bears stripes, is the top predator in its blue butterfly (Plebjus melissa), and Ottoe skipper (Hesperia ottoe). The habitat, and is threatened with extinction eastern Nebraska saline wetlands also plays host to over 230 species of birds and various plants that are found nowhere else in the state of by the actions of mankind. This description Nebraska, (Farrar & Gersib, 1991) including the interior least tern (Sterna is fitting for the subfamily (Cicindelinae) of antillarum athalassos), piping plover (Charadrius melodus) and the endan- the ground beetles (Carabidae), that are gered saltwort (Salicornia rubra). appropriately called “Tiger beetles.” These The Salt Creek tiger beetles have evolved in such a specific habitat that they will only oviposit (lay their eggs) in soil that has a similar incredible insects are found all over the chemical composition as the soil of the salt flats. This extreme habitat world, come in a full spectrum of colors, reduces interspecific competition and has allowed for the evolution of and range in size from 2mm, to around the tiger beetle. Habitat destruction, extreme niche specificity, and the 70mm (Pearson, Knisley, & Kazilek, 2006). low reproductive rate have all led to the near extinction of the Salt Creek tiger beetle. As of 2005 the Salt Creek tiger beetle was federally listed on the Endangered Species Act. The 2013 estimated wild population size was approximately 360 adults divided into six fragmented habitats. A collaborative conservation effort was initiated for the Salt Creek tiger beetle by the United States Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS) in 2010. This endeavor adopted a previously existing small captive husbandry program that belonged to the University of Nebraska and split the only captive population between Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha, Neb., and The Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln, Neb. This headstart initiative is overseen by USFWS, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, and the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Initially, the larvae were to be raised in captivity for one year and then released into the wild in an attempt to establish populations on the 1,933 acres of federally protected land that is currently set aside for these beetles (Xerces, 2011) Because of its niche specificity, the Salt Creek tiger beetle has evolved a slower than usual lifecycle when compared to other members of the By Kay Klatt Cicindela genus. The adult beetles emerge in the summer and only were produced and were released back into protected habitat the live for a few weeks. In their short adult stage, they are capable following spring. In 2012, only two lab reared Salt Creek tiger bee- of laying hundreds of eggs. The eggs hatch into fossorial (living tle larvae were produced which lead to the Omaha Zoo experiment- underground), predatory larvae in less than two weeks. The lar- ing husbandry techniques with a surrogate species, the togata tiger vae disperse and live a solitary life in a burrow akin to a trapdoor beetle (Cicindela togata). The two Salt Creek tiger beetle larvae did spider. In their burrow, which can be >45cm, the larvae sit verti- not survive the over wintering process and information gleaned cally with their head perpendicular to the soil surface. They seize from the togata beetle was utilized to fine tune the Salt Creek’s terrestrial prey that wander near the burrow with their powerful husbandry. This resulted in a massive success, 332 larvae were pro- mandibles. The larvae take nearly two years to molt three separate duced in the fall of 2013. 2014 will be the first year that 50 individu- times, pupate, and eclose as adults. als will be held back to maintain an assurance colony in the lab. In captivity the husbandry and captive propagation of these All the tiger beetle work conducted at the Omaha’s Henry beetles took nearly four years to fine tune. Success came only after Doorly Zoo & Aquarium was completed in the Grewcock Butterfly tweaking the moisture level and the osmolarity of the soil, limiting and Insect Pavilion, which is a 14,000 square foot fully immer- the males' time with the females, and removing larvae before can- sive insectarium that opened in 2008. The exhibit has two levels, nibalism. Since the adult beetles only emerge for a few weeks once the upper consisting of a free flight exotic butterfly exhibit, and a year everything has to be perfect while they’re in the Zoo’s care. several micro-habitats that are home to ants, spiders, scorpions, One unforeseen problem could mean having to wait an entire year walking sticks, mantids, beetles and a host of other amazing ex- before attempting the project again. The Omaha’s Henry Doorly otic creatures.The lower level is off display, yet still visable for Zoo Zoo and Aquarium’s USFWS permit and propagation protocol guests, focusing on the propagation and conservation of various allows the Zoo to collect 15 male and 15 female wild adult beetles insect species. in early summer. These are paired up and kept in a nine liter ter- This maroon and brown centimeter long beetle has garnered rariums. The males are separated from the females after three much controversy over the years. Some Nebraskans are dismayed days. Each container houses four petri dishes with two different by the federal tax dollars going to fund the research and conserva- soil types. We offer soil directly from the habitat and human-made tion of such a tiny insect. Fortunately this “little tiger” is holding sandy loess. The beetles require a habitat specific soil osmolarity on, and its existence is vital to preserve the Eastern Nebraska to stimulate ovipositioning of their eggs. Saline water is prepared saline wetlands and all of the organisms that depend on them for by the University of Nebraska’s chemistry department and mixed survival. into the two soil types. After two weeks in captivity all of the adult beetles are released back into the saline wetlands where they were KAY KLATT IS THE SUPERVISOR OF THE BUTTERFLY & INSECT PAVILION AT OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM originally collected, so they can live out the rest of their lives and will hopefully lay a few eggs before their season ends. Within ten days the earliest laid eggs develop into first instar larvae. As the larvae are observed by keepers, they are gently fished out of their FARRAR, J. & GERSIB, R. (1991). Nebraska salt marshes : Last of the burrows with a string and set up individually, this reduces canni- least. http://lincoln.ne.gov/city/parks/parksfacilities/wetlands/links/ balism. The act of fishing for the larvae is one of the newest innova- saltmarsh.pdf tions the Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has developed HARVEY, F. E., AYERS, J. F., GOSSELIN, D.C. (2007). Ground water to offset the high mortality rate of the larvae. Implementing this dependence of endangered ecosystems: Nebraska’s eastern saline technique drastically increased our success rate. wetlands. UNL digital commons. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/ Two weeks after the female is released, the petri dishes are care- viewcontent.cgi?article=1132&context=natrespapers fully removed from the terrarium and the soil is gingerly picked MERRIT, T. M. (1999). Chapter 39: Fastest runner. http://entnemdept. through for remaining larvae. The larvae are incredibly fragile and ufl.edu/walker/ufbir/chapters/chapter_39.shtml tiny, so great care goes to the collection process. Once all soil has P , D. L. (2011). been sorted, the larvae are set up in 30cm tall by 3cm wide, clear, EARSON Six-legged Tigers. Wings: Essayson inver- plexiglass tubes. The tubes are full of human-made sandy loess tebrate conservation. www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ soil, and are moistened. These tubes are cut length-wise down the Wings_sp11_tiger-beetles.pdf middle and taped back together to allow access to the larvae dur- PEARSON, D. L., KNISLEY, C. B., & KAZILEK, C. J. (2006). A field ing the reintroduction process. Once the larva digs its burrow it guide to the tiger beetles of the United States and Canada: is seldom ever seen, and the health of the larvae is assessed based Identification, natural history, and distribution of the Cicindelidae. on prey consumption and the increase in diameter of the burrow Oxford University Press. New York, NY. entrance. The larvae are fed a diet of pinhead crickets and fruit SPOMER, S. M., BRUST, M. L., BACKLUND, D. C., & WEINS, S. (2007). flies every other day while they are active. But in October the tem- Tiger beetles of South Dakota & Nebraska. University of Nebraska perature is reduced and the larvae continue to be fed every other Lincoln. Lincoln, NE. day until the burrow entrance is sealed up and the larvae enter diapause. The tubes are all kept inside of Percival incubators; the Xerces Society website (2011). Tiger beetles: Faster than the eye photoperiod, humidity, and temperature match data loggers that can see. http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs095/1102968923571/ar- were set up along the Salt Creek the year prior. After it begins to chive/1105911182658.html warm up the larvae are fed and then released back into the field. Nebraska Natural Legacy Project website http://outdoornebraska. The Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium started working ne.gov/wildlife/programs/legacy/pdfs/buls/Saline%20Wetlands.pdf with the beetle in the summer of 2011. That year, 27 captive larvae April 2014 CONNECT 13 SAVING LIVING FOSSILS

Hong Kong Horseshoe Crabs In addition, OPCFHK worked closely with OPC to develop a When introduced to these living fossils, young and old alike are secondary school program that promotes awareness of the plight fascinated, but awareness of their plight – and even of their ex- of horseshoe crabs and the concept of ex-situ conservation. After istence – is low in Hong Kong. Two species of horseshoe crabs the first year’s trial in 2010, the Foundation took over the Juvenile roam our mudflats and surrounding sea beds. Their numbers have Horseshoe Crab Program. Since then, 65 teams have reared Chinese declined sharply in recent decades according to the research con- horseshoe crabs (Tachypleus tidentaus) that resulted from artificial ducted by City University of Hong Kong. Extensive urban develop- breeding for six to eight months through the 1st through 5th ment and chemical pollution have caused the horseshoe crabs to instars. The surviving juveniles were then released to a nursery abandon their breeding sites. In addition, throughout the region, beach. Whilst the participating schools had various survival rates large numbers of horseshoe crabs are caught and sold to be eaten for the juveniles under their care, the experience provided the stu- as a delicacy in China and Hong Kong, as well as South East Asia. dents with more than just an opportunity to raise a pet animal; the To save these prehistoric creatures from extirpation here in students connected emotionally to the crabs and became invested Hong Kong, Ocean Park (OPC) and the Ocean Park Conservation in their survival. Foundation (OPCFHK) joined together to develop an exciting stu- Achievements dent program that helped the City University of Hong Kong raise Over the three years, the average survival rate of juveniles has juvenile horseshoe crabs and connect them with children. increased to 76 percent, as compared to the trial year which was Juvenile Horseshoe Crab Rearing Program 16 percent. The number of horseshoe crabs released has grown to Rarely is a species saved without strong collaboration. Apart from over 1,000 in total. Forty-nine horseshoe crabs were big enough to advocating for the protection of habitat, studies are being under- tag with a microchip for post-release monitoring. Everyone was taken by the City University to artificially breed juvenile horseshoe excited when some of the tagged horseshoe crabs were retrieved crabs with the aim to returning them to the wild to enhance the during surveys months after the release, thus showing that these natural population. hand-raised animals could adapt to their wild habitat. IN A HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY Horseshoe Crabs in Hong Kong By Joe Cheung and Suzanne Gendron

Students also initiated numerous promotional activities to help has entered Chinese University of Hong Kong to study biology, and spread the conservation message of this lesser-known local spe- was recently being employed by OPCFHK as a conservation assis- cies. They introduced horseshoe crabs to their fellow classmates tant to help manage the rearing program. through daily operations and assemblies, to their friends and We are particularly proud of this program because it not only parents through open days, to their communities through promo- helps to replenish the wild population, it also raises the awareness tions at shopping malls, and to the general public through inter- of horseshoe crabs in our community and nurtures young passion- school science week in Hong Kong. ate conservationists. One of the participating schools, PLK Laws Foundation College, shared their horseshoe crab success story with students in China, JOE CHEUNG IS THE COMMUNITY EDUCATION MANAGER FOR THE OCEAN PARK CONSERVATION FOUNDATION Indonesia and Singapore through youth conferences, and they published a book to further promote their stories. Mr. Ben Tsoi, SUZANNE GENDRON IS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ZOOLOGICAL OPERATIONS & EDUCATION FOR OCEAN PARK HONG KONG AND who joined the program four years ago, shared with us that he THE FOUNDATION DIRECTOR FOR OCEAN PARK CONSERVATION developed his strong interest in conservation during that time. He FOUNDATION HONG KONG

AprilAApprriil 201420201414 COCCONNECTONNNNECECT 1515 t first consideration, it may seem a trite ques- PARTULA tion. But with the broad topic of conservation Ain the front of your mind, the answer could have far-reaching implications. So, I asked around.

SNAILS Most people that I asked said, “Half full,” without hesitation. The sentiment of “Why would I even be in this field if I didn’t have hope that I could make a difference,” was commonly invoked. But, it was often noted that reigning in the optimism is crucial. Pie-in- Are You a Glass Half the-sky optimism can, at times overlook serious obstacles. That feeling that if we just work hard enough, things will be alright, Empty or a Glass Half doesn’t always pan out. Good intentions alone do not save species. Those that said, “Half-empty,” indicated that they like to think of themselves as realists – practical people that see the challenges Full Person? ahead. But many also sarcastically joked something to the effect that I was being generous by allowing the glass to only be half- empty. Some mentioned being overwhelmed with the truly daunt- ing obstacles that so much of our work faces, but they had the grim resolve of, “You can’t just give up. You gotta do something.” It’s an interesting mental exercise to think about various conservation challenges and consider how you might answer. But first, let’s go to Tahiti (at least in our mind’s eye), and consider an idyllic half-empty side of things. Imagine the gentle tropical breezes lightly wafting over the coral blue waters and lapping up against the soft, white sandy beach. As you feel the warm sun light upon you, glance away from the water. Behind you, starting gently, but increasing with severity, is a deep crevasse, formed from the volcanic origins of the island. Further in the distance are the two most impressive, lush green peaks that form the center sections of the island. They are French Polynesia’s highest and the larger of the two, Mont Orohena juts steeply to 2,241 meters high (7,352 ft). Now, in your mind’s eye, walk into one of the seemingly count- less valleys that fall dramatically away from one of the peaks. As the tangle of tropical vegetation gets thicker, almost too thick to pass, stop and consider this. Here, you could likely be in the mist of the former habitat of Partula nodosa. P. nodosa, like the 100 plus species that share the same genus, were once common on Tahiti. In fact you could find them there until 1980s. But now, I can (and often do) literally hold the de facto “native” habitat of this species in my hands. P. nodosa is currently considered Extinct in the Wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). And, as far as we know, this species is currently found only in aquaria and small plastic boxes in a few zoos around the world. Remarkably, the story of how we got from there to here is fairly well documented, as it played out while field researchers were watching. The Partula genus was studied extensively by Dr. Henry Crampton. For over 50 years, Crampton meticulously measured and documented species radiation of Partula in French Polynesia and then published monographs detailing a lifetime of baseline data collection. Upon his death some researchers realized the remarkable value of this treasure trove of consistently collected, lon- gitudinal data. So, shortly after Crampton’s death, Bryan Clarke, Jim Murray and Mike Johnson picked up the snail mantle (for all of you snail enthusiasts - no pun intended). It was during their watch when the giant African land snail (Lissachatina fulica) made its way to the islands via introduction as a food source – escargot.

By Bob Merz This very large and prolific land snail, infested the islands in a can self fertilize and is housed in colonies, it is impossible to track short amount of time and by the mid-1970s, it was threatening the individual lineage. However, population trends by life stages can islands’ food crops and infesting homes and gardens in spectacular be monitored and are tracked by a monthly census. fashion. In North America, the SSP has been busy. Whereas some spe- So, on 16 March 1977, against sage advice, but with official gov- cies are doing better than others, on the whole, Partula snails are ernmental approval, the rosy wolf snail (Euglandina rosea), a preda- doing alright in zoos. In fact, P. nodosa, the only species currently tory snail from tropical North America was introduced to combat held in North American zoos are doing extremely well. The six the introduced pest. This remarkable snail follows the slime trails zoos that care for them (Akron Zoological Park, Detroit Zoological of its prey, and, like a slow motion lion on the Serengeti, the fierce Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Saint predator chases them down and devours them, sometimes shell Louis Zoo, and Woodland Park Zoological Gardens) house over and all. E. rosea preferred Partula snails. 6,000 total. Plans for reintroduction of this species are underway. The decimation of the Partula snails, however, did not happen at So, in short time, they could be reintroduced to the very same val- a snail’s pace. In fact, it was a massacre. ley where their ancestors were collected from. The carnivorous By the mid 1990s about two thirds (56 of the 72) Partula species rosy wolf snail has not been found there in over a decade. Several in French Polynesia were extinct. Currently on Tahiti, you can find methods of reintroduction – from protection by snail-proof bar- only three of the original eight species. However, in the midst of riers to a monitored general release – are planned, allowing for the impending and certain extinctions, several species were taken comparison. A dry run of the reintroduction by PGSMP partners into captivity in the late 1980s. Now 15 species (and two additional in 2012, pointed out some of the challenges with health screenings, subspecies) are looked after in ex-situ populations in zoos. transport and governmental permissions. Lessons learned will Now, let’s move on to the half full side of things: We’ll leave be applied this year and, in the near future, a species that is now Tahiti and travel to any of the 16 zoos in the world that care for extinct in the wild may once again be found in their native habitat. this genus of snail. This consortium of zoos cooperates under the So, what are you? Glass half empty? Glass half full? Personally, umbrella of the Partulid Global Species Management Programme I’m neither. In the end, our answer to the question doesn’t change (PGSMP), based at the Zoological Society of London, U.K. In the the situation. The level of water in the glass is the same regardless field, PGSMP funds extensive surveys for Partula spp. by Dr. Trevor of the answer. I’ll say that the glass is at precisely 50 percent of its Coote. And in these zoos, Partula snails are housed in containers capacity and let my mind wander back to Tahiti for a bit. of various sizes, from large aquaria to sandwich style containers. While attention is paid to care and genetic management, tra- BOB MERZ IS THE ZOOLOGICAL MANAGER FOR INVERTEBRATES AT ditional recordkeeping methods do not work with this Species THE SAINT LOUIS ZOO Survival Plan® (SSP). Since this is a hermaphroditic species that

April 2014 CONNECT 17 BE CONNECTED THE AZA MARKETPLACE Building a network of AZA Commercial Members

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18 CONNECT April 2014 AQUATIC LIFE SUPPORT FOR AQUARIUMS AND ZOOS

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he Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield, Mo., is a unique facility as we are the Tonly Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited butterfly house and insectarium. We fit the definition of a zoo as we display a number of wild animals for the public to see. We house more than 12,000 individuals representing 110 species. In a single acre footprint, we have an 8,000 square-foot tropical conservatory housing 1,800 free flying butterflies. The facility also includes an additional 8,000 square feet for exhibits, a classroom, gift shop, theater and offices. Our signature arched glass structure is surrounded by native and display gardens that reflect our parent organization, the Missouri Botanical Garden.

20 CONNECT April 2014 By Laura Chisholm ike other zoos, we have a great enthusiasm for our animals EDUCATION & INTERPRETATION Land the stories they represent in the environment. We strive As part of the mission “to foster a greater understanding” we focus to educate on the direct effect they have on us and more on the families and children who come through our doors and importantly, the effect we have on them. Our mission is to foster how they can help. Children make up 40 percent of our overall a greater understanding of plant and animal relationships in the attendance. We focus on our target audience with a collection environment in order to promote the conservation and restoration of docent led field trips, community outreaches, special events of natural habitats. We embrace what we might lack in the “AWW” and young-child learning environments. Our docent led school factor by relishing in the “OH” and “EWW” factor. programs and outreach classes are set to meet the Common Core ANIMAL CARE, WELFARE & MANAGEMENT Standards in science. We are working to assess impact as we look The average visitor goes to a zoo and is excited to see the giraffes, toward collaboration with local universities. To encourage the ap- lions or bears. Most first time Butterfly House visitors might not preciation of our natural world we host annual events such as a Bug realize we have many other invertebrates on display and are often Hunt and Firefly Festival. We take visitors into the fields to capture delightfully surprised at the sheer number they encounter. They and release invertebrates with staff entomologists. We expand on quickly discover our 20 other invertebrate exhibits. One of our this monthly with our newly launched Bug Jar program which uses most shocking exhibits contains more than 3,000 orange headed literacy to teach children about the importance of insects. Young cockroaches. Visitors are able to get right up in the middle of the children and their families explore the interactive learning envi- action by viewing these insects from a dome, located in the center ronments: Caterpillar Corner and Exploration Station. of the exhibit. Much of our society views large and small mam- MISCELLANEOUS mals as cute and tend to gravitate towards their conservation. It While there may be differences in our day to day operations, we fol- is much more difficult to convince the public of the importance of low the same regulations outlined for larger facilities and face the spiders, scorpions or cockroaches. We hope that the beauty of our same issues in the accreditation process. Because we are a smaller butterflies brings visitors to the facility but that they leave with a facility, our application can fit into a single three-ring binder respect for all invertebrates. which would not happen for a larger institution. Our inspection A small facility like ours may face some similar differences in committee consisted of two inspectors who spent one day at the the accreditation process. We do not have a veterinarian on staff, Butterfly House, albeit a very full day. Those factors might make so we keep one on call. The majority of our collection lives only an it seem like we have an easier process, but there are downsides average of three-to-four weeks, and we import them from farms as well. The task of compiling the application usually falls to just around the world at a rate of 800 per week. We have more colonies one person because of our small staff though that person of course of species than we do individuals. Setting guidelines for animal receives assistance from other divisions. We also have to develop handling and touch tanks are always in the best interest of the our own methods for animal records as many of the ones we house animals. Though, we know that not every visitor will jump at the don’t fit an exact guideline or even the ARKS program. chance to two-finger touch a cockroach, millipede, or a tarantula. Accreditation can be a busy and sometimes stressful time. It is CONSERVATION & RESEARCH important to know your facility, no matter the size, inside and out Being a small facility, our conservation reach has a primarily local and to pay attention to detail. Staff members should make sure focus. With a limited number of staff, the Butterfly House looks their facilities are free of cracks, that exterior fencing is intact and for ways to best utilize our resources. We value collaboration with that the four annual safety drills are practiced and documented. other organizations, in order to expand impact. Having your paperwork organized prior to an accreditation hear- We are currently working toward the creation of a Butterfly ing is also important to avoid mindlessly flipping through materi- Monitoring Program. This program will be closely tied to a re- als in order to find an answer. search project on how butterflies and other pollinators return to While it can be an in- a designated prairie restoration area. One advantage of being a tense process, accredita- butterfly house and insectarium is that our visitors can see how tion is also a time to show they impact these animals in their own backyards. We encourage off all that a facility has our visitors to create their own pollinator gardens, leave log piles accomplished. The feed- in the yards and even to keep their lawns a bit longer to promote a back from assessors is also firefly habitat. When people make these small changes they can see important to ensure a facil- the increased numbers of insects in those areas. ity is always striving to get We also make an impact on an international scale through our better. The accreditation work with Costa Rican butterfly farm, El Bosque Nuevo. This process is a good reminder organization uses proceeds from our butterfly shipments to fund of all the great things we expansion of their reserve and research of the indigenous animals. have done and a challenge We have also been working with them on creating a breeding to do even more for our program for the elephant beetle (Megasoma elephans). This im- animals and visitors in the pressively large beetle is increasingly endangered due to habitat future. destruction and because they are widely sold to collectors. The immature of this beetle feed on decomposing wood and can take LAURA CHISHOLM IS THE over two years to develop. These beetles are facing similar battles COLLECTIONS MANAGER to other animal species. AT THE BUTTERFLY HOUSE

April 2014 CONNECT 21 22 CONNECT April 2014 April 2014 CONNECT 23 MEMBER NEWS

DENVER ZOOLOGICAL “Shannon was our selection commit- tal and was responsible for identifying and FOUNDATION SELECTS tee’s unanimous choice for chief execu- assessing strategic partnerships, strategic SHANNON BLOCK AS tive officer. Her global experience and pro- positioning, business opportunities and NEW ZOO CEO gressive business roles combined with her operational efficiencies. After a nation- passion, energy and innovative attitude At Deloitte and Touche, Block served wide search, the made her the ideal candidate,” says Denver as senior manager of global innovation, Denver Zoological Zoological Foundation Board President a position that managed the growth and Foundation Board Denny O’Malley. operations related to multiple service lines of Trustees has se- “Denver Zoo is a treasure that inspires across 30 different countries. There she lected SHANNON wonder and awe in our community every managed more than $550 million in new cli- BLOCK to become day. I look forward to becoming a member ent revenue. The national search for Denver the next presi- of the Denver Zoo team and being able to Zoo president and chief executive officer dent and chief ex- work closely with the animals. I see this as began in summer of 2013. A committee of ecutive officer of a unique opportunity to help shape a chap- ten Denver Zoological Foundation Board the Denver Zoo in ter in the future of this exciting cultural of Trustees and the Zoo’s vice president of Shannon Block Denver, Colo. As the organization,” says Block. human resources and employee develop- former chief execu- As chief executive officer of Rocky ment unanimously selected Block as its tive officer of Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Block was di- top candidate after a national search con- Mountain Cancer Centers, the largest and rectly responsible for more than 600 em- ducted by DHR International. The choice most comprehensive provider of cancer ployees across Colorado. Block’s previous was confirmed by unanimous vote of the care in Colorado, Block brings wide knowl- experience includes senior management Board. edge of strategic planning, business opera- at Denver Health Hospital Authority as Block will ensure the Zoo achieves its tions and revenue generation to the Denver chief business development officer. There, mission to secure a better world for ani- Zoo. Block managed growth of a 500-bed hospi- mals through human understanding. In

24 CONNECT April 2014 member news 25

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26 PAGE , April 2014 April 2014 CONTINUED Schmitt is no stranger to AZA, hav- to fortunate been extremely “I’ve Zoo in Colorado Spring, Colo., San Diego Zoo in Colorado Spring, Colo., City and Kansas Calif., Zoo in San Diego, venturing Before Mo. City, Zoo in Kansas of mam- as curator he served out west, years in Miami. mals for the past five on various committees for the ing served on the last 15 years, and currently serves Affairs Committee. AZA Government He is also on the Giraffe and Antelope steering Advisory Group (TAG) Taxon committee, is the vice chair of the Bison and has been the TAG, Buffalo Cattle a wide for institutional representative variety of mammal species. a long and fulfilling career with have fantastic mentors and friends in the helped me along the business who’ve I hope to part of what And that’s way. Schmitt said. Hogle Zoo,” Utah’s do at “Theto measures large taken has Zoo to plan I is today. it facility the become use my past experiences to influence the next ten-year master plan, mentor those who want to learn more about the zoo business and pass on knowledge gained Conrad Shmitt, Utah's Hogle Zoo Conrad steps in as the new as-

CHMITT S Zoos are a bit of a family business as keeper supervi- Schmitt served ONRAD and senior vice president of theme park and senior vice president of theme park on the Bill has also served development. board of VISIT Florida (the official tour- of Florida) corporation marketing ism B.S. a holds He Zoo. Brevard the and Georgia from administration urban in University. State CONRAD SCHMITT CONRAD ASSOCIATE APPOINTED AS HOGLE UTAH’S AT DIRECTOR ZOO 30 years in the Zoo business, With over C sociate director – programs position at at position programs – director sociate Utah. Lake City, Salt in Zoo Hogle Utah’s Ed Schmitt, for Schmitt, whose father, numer- of director and curator as served and Aquariums of Zoos ous Association on (AZA)-accredited zoos, and served has Conrad committees. AZA many in the Zoo world since he been involved was four-years old, and began his career of age in Miami. 19 years as a keeper at institutions, several at sor and curator Lowry Park Zoo in including Tampa’s Fla., Cheyenne Mountain Bay, Tampa ARLAN H Florida: Mission as its president and

OORE exhibit. W. M , MD. “Bill is no stranger to the “We’re excited by Bill’s arrival to “We’re Moore served most recently as chief Moore served ILLIAM HIRON C The Zoological Society of Florida The Zoological Society of Florida it has appointed (ZSF) announced that W WILLIAM W. MOORE WILLIAM W. APPOINTED PRESIDENT & CEO OF THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF FLORIDA this role, she will oversee more than 300 more this role, she will oversee nearly 4,000 employees, 659 volunteers, as the acres, as well wild animals and 85 conservation robust international Zoo’s Denver the serve programs. Block will Trustees which con- Zoological Board of members including sists of 46 voting four mayoral ap- 39 regular members, parks and manager of pointees, Denver’s volunteer chair. and the Zoo’s recreation Miami and his outstanding leadership his outstanding and Miami 30 years in the field,” experience of over commented ZSF Board Chair Everglades chief executive officer following an ex- chief executive Zoo joins search. Moore national tensive Miami in Miami, Fla., and the ZSF at a critical time as it embarks on major capital projects including construction the and entrance new a of operating officer of the Kennedy Space Kennedy officer of the operating Center Visitor Complex, where he di- rected the largest capital project in the worked closely with history, operation’s a ten-year master plan to create NASA funding process, implemented special a one-of-a-kindtours and created space a museum included shuttle display that exhibits. with more than 60 interactive accomplish- Before these impressive ments, he was president and chief exec- Visitor Independence the officer of utive Philadelphia and of Center Corporation Six positions at held senior executive in- Flags Entertainment Corporation, cluding president of Six Flags Houston ever-changing and fast-paced tour- He brings a passion for ism industry. conservation and appreciation wildlife which will help propel our institutional growth.” MEMBER NEWS

to keep the current momentum going at “ABC is a difference-maker in the world birds each year, and probably significantly Hogle Zoo. I can’t believe how lucky I am to of bird conservation. They focus their ener- more, depending on the final scale of wind be part of this progressive organization.” gies on initiatives that deliver results and build-out. Wind energy facilities are also DR. MICHAEL HUTCHINS TO they have a clarity of mission and orga- expected to impact almost 20,000 square OVERSEE WIND ENERGY nizational determination to succeed that miles of terrestrial habitat and more than CAMPAIGN FOR AMERICAN BIRD greatly appeals to me,” Dr. Hutchins said. 4,000 square miles of marine habitat by CONSERVANCY As wind campaign coordinator, he will 2030, some of this critical to threatened lead ABC’s national efforts to make wind species. DR. MICHAEL HUTCHINS , an international developments Bird-Smart and minimize Some of the most iconic and vulner- authority on wildlife conservation, man- the impact of this rapidly expanding enable American birds are at risk from wind agement, and policy who has authored ergy source on bird populations. ABC’s industry expansion unless this expansion over 220 scholarly and popular articles and work on Bird-Smart wind is supported by is carefully planned and implemented. books on wildlife issues, has joined the the Leon Levy Foundation. Onshore, these include golden eagles, staff of American Bird Conservancy (ABC) A recent study found that as of 2012, whooping cranes, sage-grouse, prairie- and will oversee the organization’s Bird- about 573,000 bird fatalities were occurring chickens, and many migratory songbirds. Smart Wind Energy Campaign. from wind turbines in the United States. At Offshore, brown pelicans, Northern gan- “We are thrilled that Michael is joining the time, 22,000 turbines were in operation nets, sea ducks, loons, and terns are at risk, our team and excited to have his consider- representing 25GW of installed capacity, among other birds. able talents focused on the challenges as- a fraction of the 300GW of production ca- Hutchins most recently served as the ex- sociated with making wind a Bird-Smart pacity needed to achieve the federal gov- ecutive director and chief executive officer DR. GEORGE FENWICK energy source,” said , ernment’s goal of meeting 20 percent of of the Wildlife Society (one of the world’s president of ABC, which is one of the na- our electrical needs through wind power premier organization’s representing wild- tion’s leading bird conservation organiza- by 2030. By then, wind turbines are ex- life professionals) beginning in 2005 and tions. pected to be killing at least one million served in that capacity until 2012, when

26 CONNECT April 2014 member news 27

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April 2014 April 2014 SMART is a ground-breaking and In addition to her other duties, innovative management tool designed management tool designed innovative poachers stop rangers park assist to and curb the illegal trade of wildlife. Introduced in 2013, SMART was devel- by the N.C. Zoo, oped in joint effort Trade the Congress on International in Endangered Species, the Frankfurt New (Germany) Zoological Society, the Society, Wildlife Conservation York’s and the Zoological Wildlife Fund World Society of London. Zoo- will also be overseeing Kendall based research and continuing her work teaching for education, in conservation the Global Field Program through Miami University. Dr. Michael Hutchins on left with safari guide on left with safari Michael Hutchins Dr. Kendall completed a Master’s in completed a Master’s in Kendall North Carolina the In her new post at to the recent up-listing of three vultures to the recent up-listing of three vultures and species - white-backed, Ruppell’s, hooded vultures – from Least Concern List due to Endangered on the IUCN Red declines documented in to the dramatic East Africa and elsewhere. Columbia biology at conservation where she studied human- University, in collabo- hippo conflict in Tanzania Conservation Wildlife the with ration Society (WCS). In addition to research, conservation about she is passionate a number at and has taught education of institutions including the Bronx Zoo, History American Museum of Natural and Columbia University. will be assisting in the Kendall Zoo, interna- management of the Zoo’s includ- programs, tional conservation gorillas in ing work with Cross River in education Cameroon, conservation and improving anti-poaching Uganda efforts through the use of the Spatial Tool Monitoring and Reporting (SMART) software. has joined the

ENDALL K ORINNE AZA is the premier organization rep- AZA is the premier organization Dr. Hutchins spent 15 years as the Dr. He began his career with the Wildlife He began his career At Princeton University, Kendall Kendall At Princeton University, . C R D KENDALL JOINS N.C. ZOO ZOO JOINS N.C. KENDALL AND IN CONSERVATION POST RESEARCH resenting more than 220 accredited zoos resenting more than 220 accredited zoos and aquariums and 6,000 professionals. Hutchins is also a founding partner Dr. and science and director of conservation World for AZA Commercial Member, Safaris in Winston-Salem, N.C. – a company specializing in wildlife travel. Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Association (AZA) director/Willliam Conway en- and sci- chair for conservation dowed ence and was responsible for oversee- (SSP) Plan® Survival Species AZA’s ing scientifically program, a cooperative, managed breeding program for endangered species. Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo where Conservation intern in first as a curatorial he served Mammalogy. of Department Zoo’s the promoted to conservation He was later of research biologist and coordinator with his PhD in 1984 after graduating in of Washington from the University following studies of an intro- Seattle, Mountain of Rocky duced population (Oreamnos americanus) in Olympic goats Park, Washington. National he temporarily retired due to illness. he temporarily retired membership grew During his tenure, he was As the CEO, almost 40 percent. setting, strategic responsible for goal management, fun- planning, personnel draising, and finance. focused her PhD on African vultures, some why investigating specifically species are declining faster than oth- The Peregrine with ers. In collaboration Fund and others, her work helped lead North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, N.C., North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, of conservation as assistant curator brings with her and research. Kendall a range of experience in conservation, and research. education CGF UPDATE Whooping Cranes Phone Home: AZA Conservation Grants Fund Supports Development of New Cellular-based Transmitters

n 2012, the International Crane Foundation (ICF) was awarded an AZA Conservation Grants Fund award to help develop a novel telemetry system for cranes, specifically the endangered Iwhooping crane. ICF is a lead partner in the historic reintroduction of this species along the eastern flyway of North America. To maximize success of this reintroduction, we need to develop new techniques that allow us to gather information throughout the cranes’ annual cycle. Technologies available now (Vhf radios and satellite transmitters) are effective, but have substantial cost and logistical limitations.

The goal of this project was to evaluate the Crane Tracker, developed by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and ICF, that includes a GPS for location and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) to gather movement data. Because it includes a cellular chip, the tracker can transfer collected information any time it establishes a cell tower connection. ICF used its study population of Sandhill Cranes in south-central Wisconsin as sur- rogates to test the Crane Trackers, attach- ing units to nine cranes. Monitoring showed that the harness systems used to attach the units did not impede the birds’ flight or other behaviors, or cause health problems. Behavioral observations were compared with the IMU movement. To assess the value of Crane Trackers to study whooping cranes’ use of various habitats after release, we compared the collected GPS data to the observed locations of the cranes. In this study, the locational accuracy was as good as or better than conventional GPS satellite transmitters. Based on these positive results, ICF now plans to use transmitters to study captive-reared conservation grants fund conservation whooping cranes released in Wisconsin. In the long term, Crane Tracker and other cellular-based transmitters have the potential to provide cost-effective, accurate monitoring that can be used for study and management of a wide range of species of conservation concern. ICF is grateful for the AZA Conservation Grants Fund’s and Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund’s generous support of this research to support whooping crane conservation efforts.

28 CONNECT April 2014 THE IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES Guiding Conservation for 50 years IUCN n 2014, International Union for Conservation wildlife conservation and science, conservation education, the of Nature (IUCN) takes the time to celebrate guest experience, and community engagement. The IUCN Red Ithe significant contribution of The IUCN Red List is the frame of reference for species conservation. List of Threatened Species™ in guiding conser- Through the choice of certain species representing varied vation action and policy decisions over the past taxonomic groups, the goal is to increase the number of spe- 50 years. The IUCN Red List has been one of cies on The IUCN Red List to at least 160,000 by 2020. The the most common starting points for global taxonomic coverage provided by this increase will enable conservation efforts in zoos and aquariums and better conservation and policy decisions for a broader range continues to be the most comprehensive and of species and ecosystems. However, the rigorous process of reliable indicator of the conservation status of assessment and evaluation will often preclude wide-scale as- wild species. What started as a simple system sessments, especially for little-known or obscure taxa. Thus of index cards and red binders to document new far, IUCN and its partners have completely assessed all de- data on vanishing mammals and birds in the scribed species of bird (1988), conifer (1998), amphibian (2004), 1950s has blossomed into the most trusted and mammal (2008), cycad (2008), reef building coral (2008), tuna comprehensive source of global conservation (2011), and all sharks, skates, and rays (2012). The complete information of animal, fungi, and plant species, assessment of reptile species is currently underway and over and their links to human livelihoods. At no point half-way complete. in human history have we known more about the The IUCN Red List is powered by world-renowned, passion- condition of life on Earth than we do now, and at ate species experts (many of them working voluntarily) and no point has this knowledge been so critical. It conservation organizations working in partnership to compile is no secret that species are disappearing at an and manage this critical conservation resource. The IUCN unprecedented rate, but while over-hunting and Red List is produced by the IUCN Global Species Programme over-harvesting were the main drivers of spe- working in close partnership with the IUCN Species Survival cies extinction fifty years ago, species must now Commission (SSC). It is based on contributions from a net- contend with the expanding footprint of human work of tens of thousands of scientific experts around the activity that augments historical harvesting while world, including members of the IUCN SSC Specialist Groups, simultaneously degrading or destroying native IUCN Red List Partners (currently BirdLife International, habitats and landscapes. Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Conservation International, Microsoft, NatureServe, Royal Botanic Gardens To combat species extinction and to inform local, regional, Kew, Texas A&M University, Sapienza University of Rome, national, and international policy and decision-making The WildScreen and the Zoological Society of London), and many IUCN Red List allows anyone to find information on a species’ others including experts from universities, museums, re- population size and trends; geographic range; pressure from search institutes and non-governmental organizations. over-harvesting or hunting; religious or sacred affiliations; As the membrane between conservation science, conserva- or whether it is protected by international law. The IUCN tion policy, and the public, zoos and aquariums are poised as Red List is also a resource to determine whether biological the most important resource for the knowledge and advocacy traits such as a slow reproductive rate make it susceptible to of species conservation. Join us this year in celebrating the over-harvesting or whether its restricted range makes it vul- most significant contribution to global species diversity and nerable to climate change. It also shows whether a species is conservation – The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. of particular value to people as a source of food, medicine or livelihoods. Many zoos and aquariums are already engaged in using The IUCN Red List scale on their enclosure signage or RUSSELL A. MITTERMEIER, INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE websites, enabling millions of visitors to be introduced to and learn about IUCN and The IUCN Red List. The iconic IUCN Red List scale is now available in nine languages – English, French, Spanish, German, Greek, Danish, Dutch, Arabic and Japanese and scales in additional languages can also be developed based on recommendations and need. These institutions understand and proudly display their confidence that a threat listing by IUCN is backed by a peer- reviewed and scientifically derived process. This confidence in the science behind species is at the heart of the mission of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) – animal care, April 2014 CONNECT 29

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April 2014 CONNECT 31 chair of the board 32

CONNECT MESSAGE FROMTHECHAIROFBOARD

Walt DisneyParks andResorts Vice President,Animals,ScienceandEnvironment J Have Imentionedthat youareamazing? Thankyousomuchforallaredoing,every day, tosave speciesandengagepeople. have events planned. Endangered SpeciesDay(May16),with102facilitiesplanning events, andWorld 8),forwhich83facilities OceansDay(June celebration inNorthAmerica,and,thisyear, 137AZA-accreditedzoosandaquariumsarehostingevents. Thisisfollowed by accredited zoosandaquariumshostingPartyForthePlanet™events. PartyForthePlanet™islargestcombinedEarthDay And, ofcourse,workcontinuesonengagingpeopletocareaboutwildlifeandnature. Agreat exampleisthenumberofAZA- Survival Plan®(SSP)species. qualitativeassisting withcollectingin-depth data about factorsthat may beaffecting the long-termsustainability of Species Don Moore,Smithsonian’s National Zooseniorscientist,isonspecialassignment toAZAand,insupportofthisgrant,willbe being ledbyAZAstaffersDrs.CandiceDorsey, DebborahLuke,andPaul Boyle,andPMCstafferDr. LisaFaust. Inaddition,Dr. has beenawardedtoAZAandthePopulation ManagementCenter(PMC)tofocusonspeciessustainability. Thiseffortis Also onsavingspecies,Iampleasedtoreportthat a$500,000grantfromtheInstituteofMuseumandLibraryServices(IMLS) without theCGF. Infact,youcanreadaboutaprojectthat benefitswhoopingcranesonpage28ofthisissue. the annual appeal tosupport the CGF, whichwill come yourwaythissummer. Manyinspiringprojects would notbepossible formerly knownastheConservation EndowmentFund,andtherecipientswillbeannouncedinSeptember. Pleaselookfor On thetopicofsavingspecies,we received morethan65applications thisyeartotheAZAConservation GrantsFund(CGF), local areaandmore. from AZA.Theinformation gathered willbeusedtocreate valuableresources foruseonCapitolHill,themedia,inyour will bepublishedinthe2013AnnualReportonConservationScience(ARCS).Iencourageyoutocompletesurveys youreceive cation programming,greenpractices,andresearch.Forthefirsttime,data representingallfourareasisbeingcollectedand AZA alsoishelpingbycollectinginformation that willbetterenableustotellstoriesaboutourfieldconservation efforts, edu- Capitol Hill,andAZAishelpingustodothat. Aquarium Caucus. AsCongressdiscussesimportantissuesthat affectallofus,itiscriticalthat we makeourvoicesheardon and conservation programsat AZA-accreditedfacilities,andtoencouragerepresentatives tojointheCongressionalZooand aquarium directorsandotherkeystaffmemberswillhave theopportunitytotalkwithlegislators andstaffabouttheeducation April 2014 ACKIE O GDEN , P H D G Another importantserviceisadvocacyevents liketheMay7AZAevent onCapitolHill.Zooand Kingdom, TheSeaswithNemo&Friendsat Epcot,andSeaWorld Orlando. Ihopetoseeallofyou! in Orlando, Fla.,forthe2014AnnualConferenceSeptember12-18,tobehostedbyDisney’sAnimal meetings andconferencesareoneofmanygreat AZAmemberservices, andplansarewell under way fantastic host,anditwaswonderfultobeapartofall the networkingandlearningtakingplace.These Mid-Year Meeting,hostedbytheMemphisZooinMemphis,Tenn. TheMemphisZoowasa It wasgreat toseesomanyofyouat the2014Association ofZoosandAquariums(AZA) reetings AZAmembersandstakeholders, births & hatchings 33

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W T © ILDS HE 34 April 2014 April 2014 PAGE , CONTINUED The calf born in November is a fe- is The calf born in November is born 3 January, The second calf, TWO SOUTHERN WHITE SOUTHERN TWO BORN RHINO CALVES THE WILDS AT were rhino calves Two healthy white the Wilds in at recently welcomed was The first calf Cumberland, Ohio. en- and the second born in November tered the world in January. offspring male and a fourth generation born in human care. The calf’s mother the Wilds is Sally who was also born at is Fireball, born in in 2006. Her father the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center 2002 at This is the second Texas. in Glen Rose, calf for Sally. also a female and a fourth generation was born Eve, offspring. Her mother, Amur leopards live further north further Amur leopards live Adult male Amur leopards can than any other subspecies of leopard than any other subspecies for sur- adaptations several and have snowy climates. viving in their cold, is longer fur that beautiful They have leopards. In win- and paler than other three inches ter it can grow to nearly legs long have long. In addition they snow through deep to help them move Amur leopards are in search of prey. also agile climbers and can leap ten They can drag a kill up feet in the air. into a to three times their own weight tree to avoid competition from other predators. about 120 pounds and grow to weigh measure up to two-and-a half-feet tall or nine-feet- the shoulder and eight at long from head to tail.

Amur leopards take their name Amur leopards take their name Sochi is the second cub for Dazma from the Amur region in eastern from the Amur region in eastern Once found from South Korea Russia. border, to north of the China-Russia they are now nearly extinct in the wild habi- of loss fur, for poaching to due Amur fact, In hunting. trophy and tat leopards are considered the most en- planet. Though on the dangered cats there are differing reports about just how many of them remain in the wild, is less than 50 the largest estimation individuals, compared to 96 in North American zoos. In 1989, when Denver ar- Galax, leopard, Amur first Zoo’s still less than 50 in the there were rived; wild and only ten in North American zoos. and her mate, Hari-Kari. Hari-Kari was Hari-Kari Hari-Kari. and her mate, Texas, Paso, El in Zoo Paso El at born Zoo in Denver at in 2003 and arrived Cheyenne 2005. Dazma was born at Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, in 2001 before coming to Denver Colo., paired under Zoo in 2004. The two were of of the Association recommendation Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan® (SSP) which ensures and genetic diver- healthy populations sity among zoo animals. Fortunately, to be an excel- the couple has proved lent match. Denver Zoo in Denver, Colo., cele- Colo., Zoo in Denver, Denver the birth of a critically endan- brated cub named Sochi, gered Amur leopard young The 2013. December 3 born city host- Russian male, named for the ing this year’s winter Olympics, is the Zoo Denver tenth birth of his species at 1989. in arrived leopards Amur since After spending time bonding with now be Dazma, Sochi can his mother, spotted by Zoo guests inside the Zoo’s Feline Building. DENVER ZOO WELCOMES WELCOMES DENVER ZOO BIRTH OF EXTREMELY AMUR ENDANGERED CUB LEOPARD BIRTHS & HATCHINGS BIRTHS BIRTHS & HATCHINGS

at the Wilds in 2006 and Fireball is the fa- FOUR EGYPTIAN GOSLINGS degrees Fahrenheit for 36 days. Once an ther of this calf as well. This is Eve’s second HATCHED AT BREC’S BATON egg began to hatch, keepers put the egg in calf and Fireball’s eighth. Both mothers ROUGE ZOO a hatcher until the chick was fully hatched and calves are doing fine and will be slowly Four Egyptian goslings were hatched on 19 and dry. The chicks were then transferred introduced to the rest of the herd after the January at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo in Baker, to a brooder with a temperature of about 90 weather warms up in the spring. La. Found naturally south of the Sahara in degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature of the The birth of these calves are the 19th and Africa, these water lovers were considered brooder will slowly decrease as the chicks 20th rhinos (and 14th and 15th white rhinos) sacred by the ancient Egyptians and later grow, eventually reaching the exhibit tem- born at the Wilds since 2004. The Wilds is kept in domestic flocks by Romans and perature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. also the only place, outside of Africa, with Greeks. The goslings are actively on display Keepers follow strict hand rearing guide- fourth generation offspring and has one near Cool Critters Café. lines that allow the chicks to only consume of the largest herds of white rhinos in the ten percent of their body weight at each OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). feeding. Rockhopper chicks are fed five AND AQUARIUM WELCOMES There are five species of rhinoceros; times a day and eat a fish and krill formula FIVE ROCKHOPPER PENGUIN black and white rhinos are found in Africa that is made fresh daily and packed with CHICKS and the greater one-horned, Javan and all the vitamins and minerals the growing Sumatran rhinos are found in Asia. Despite Five rockhopper penguin chicks recently chicks need. They also eat small fish filets some conservation success stories all rhino hatched at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo until they progress to whole fish. Since the species are in peril from poaching and loss and Aquarium in Omaha, Neb. Typically chicks consume ten percent of their body of habitat. adult birds will raise their own chicks, weight at each feeding, it is very important but these eggs were hand raised due to for the keepers to tell them apart. Each increased activity levels in the exhibit. The chick has one foot marked with a non-toxic eggs were kept in an incubator set at 97 paint to allow keepers to identify them.

34 CONNECT April 2014 births & hatchings 35

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© BREC' © Z B © Z R B OO ROOKFIELD OO OUGE ATON S April 2014 April 2014 Additionally, the Chicago the Chicago Additionally, at arrived Sarani and Sabu 110,000 individuals, but new surveys but new surveys 110,000 individuals, whether or are needed to determine is exaggerated. not this figure the announced Society Zoological leopard cub born birth of a male snow cub first the is cub 2013. The June 13 on Sabu. mate born to Sarani and her October 2011 from Brookfield Zoo in Park Zoo in Idaho Falls, Tautphaus and Cape May County Park Zoo Idaho, Their pair- respectively. in New Jersey, ing was based on a recommendation from the AZA Snow Leopard SSP. Western lowland gorillas are criti- Western family members they will be inspired family members they endangered to care for this critically species.” de- to habitat cally endangered due from logging, dis- struction, primarily virus, the illegal ease such as the Ebola for bushmeat. pet trade, and poaching western many how known not is It native in their lowland gorillas survive Africa (the forests of Cameroon, West Nigeria, Gabon, Guinea, Equatorial and Angola). Some recent es- Congo, 90,000 and been between have timates “We are extremely pleased that JoJo are extremely pleased that “We JoJo arrived at Brookfield Zoo from Brookfield Zoo from at JoJo arrived Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and and Henry Doorly Zoo Omaha’s has successfully assumed the role as role the assumed successfully has or leader of Brookfield the silverback gorilla group and has made a Zoo’s impact since his arrival,” said positive president and CEO Stuart Strahl, PhD, Zoological Society. of the Chicago “This infant represents an important contribution to the gorilla population hope that in North American zoos. We when Zoo guests see the infant and her Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., in Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, May 2012 based on a recommenda- of Zoos tion from the Association and Aquariums’ (AZA) Gorilla Species Survival Plan® (SSP). JoJo is one of the most genetically valuable males in the there are Currently, zoo population. lowland gorillas in 53 ac- 342 western credited North American zoos. The Chicago Zoological Society, which The Chicago Zoological Society, Brookfield, in Zoo Brookfield manages Ill., announced the birth of a female infant, The gorilla. lowland western was born born to 18-year-old Koola, in the early morning hours on 4 The two can be seen on ex- November. with Africa along hibit in Tropic World: (9), Koola’s Kamba daughter Koola’s mother Binti (25), and JoJo (33) the sire of the infant. TWO SIGNIFICANT BIRTHS SIGNIFICANT BIRTHS TWO ZOO BROOKFIELD AT Aquarium’s rockhoppers are Southern Aquarium’s 317 Currently, rockhopper penguins. 17 reside at rockhopper penguins of Zoos and Aquariums Association in North America. (AZA) institutions species reside in In the wild, these the South Atlantic, Indian and Pacific oceans. They are currently listed as vulnerable, with a declining popula- Union for tion, on the International (IUCN) Red of Nature’s Conservation and List due to fisheries, loss of habitat spills. oil Once old enough, the chicks will have chicks will have Once old enough, the the other adult wing bands just like display. on penguins BEES AND BUTTERFLIES The Plight and Promise of Pollinators

36 CONNECT April 2014 By Edward Spevak t was not long ago when summer meant Monarch perimeter fences and help to reestablish some of these lost natural butterflies nectar feeding in your garden and lay- corridors for pollinators and other species. Iing their eggs on the milkweeds which seemed to The potential for zoos to become involved in pollinator con- grow along every highway. It was a time when you servation are limited only by their commitment and imagination. had to watch your step when walking in the grass so In Missouri, Saint Louis Zoo’s WildCare Institute established the as not to step on a bee as they collect nectar from Center for Native Pollinator Conservation (CNPC) to implement the Dutch white clover growing in the lawn. Today, diverse pollinator initiatives ranging from local to regional to according to Monarch Watch, the Monarch popula- national and international. On the Zoo campus the CNPC and the tion is at its lowest recorded number at its overwin- Invertebrate Department developed the Missouri Meadow and tering sites and there is a serious possibility of losing Pollinator Gardens next to the Insectarium to attract bees and one of the great spectacles of nature, the Monarch other pollinators. Graphics were incorporated to inform guests migration, in the next few years. In addition, we have about the 20,000 bee species worldwide and the 4,000 plus species been losing one third of our managed European of bees in North America. To date over 31 genera and approximately honey bees every year for the past seven years due to 60 species of native bees have been identified in this one area. With issues like Colony Collapse Disorder. Neither monarch the understanding that over $29 billion dollars of the U.S. economy butterflies nor honey bees are in danger of extinction is dependent upon bees and other pollinators and that one out of but many other pollinators, like bumble bees may every three bites of food depends upon pollinators, the CNPC and Bombus franklini be. Franklin’s bumble bee ( ) from the Saint Louis Zoo host an annual Pollinator Dinner. At the dinner northern California has not been seen since 2006 guests learn about pollinators from various exhibitors, including and species like the rusty-patched bumble bee (B. other conservation organizations, state agencies and beekeepers, affinis) has declined across their range to the point while sipping pollinator drinks, tasting honey and snacking on where they have been proposed for protection under bee dependent almonds. Lastly, they enjoy a meal brought to them the Endangered Species Act. These and other spe- through the actions of pollinators. cies are disappearing due to habitat loss, misuse of Outside the perimeter fence the CNPC worked with the pesticides and a lack of appreciation of the value of University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign to develop and pro- these species in maintaining ecosystem, our crops duce the first guide to the bumble bees of Illinois and Missouri and in turn, us. and with the Missouri Department of Conservation developed a Missouri bee identification guide. With the Missouri Department Zoos and aquariums are very good at telling our guests about the of Transportation (MoDOT) the CNPC installed a pollinator garden plight of wildlife all over the world but we should not neglect the at the Missouri State Fair to educate those who may never visit the species in our own backyards: the bees, butterflies and other native Zoo about the importance of pollinators. The CNPC is now begin- pollinators. Fortunately, some zoos are working to help these often ning work with the Missouri Dept. of Agriculture, MoDot and the overlooked taxa. Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to establish Pollinator In 1999, the University of Nebraska Department of Entomology Roadside habitat throughout the state partnered with Lincoln Children’s Zoo in Lincoln, Neb., and the With the decline of bumble bee species it was viewed as essen- Lincoln Public Schools Public Schools Science Focus Program to tial to try to develop conservation strategies to help these species. develop Bumble Boosters. The goal of the project was to create a So in 2010, working with the Xerces Society, University of Illinois, community of learners to conduct authentic research on bumble USDA-ARS, and the IUCN SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist bee distribution and abundance in Nebraska and contribute to our Group, the first Species Conservation Planning Workshop for knowledge of the attractiveness of artificial bumble bee nest boxes, North American Bumble Bees was held at the Saint Louis Zoo. It the effect of pollinator loss from native and cultivated habitats, was attended by delegates representing government agencies, con- and plant species visited by bumble bees. servation organizations, universities and the private sector from In Rochester, N.Y., the Seneca Park Zoo’s Butterfly Beltway the U.S., Canada, and Mexico as well as Japan, the U.K. and Europe. Project began in 2002 to plant habitat to engage and inspire One development from this meeting was the establishment of the members of the community in butterfly conservation. The Zoo IUCN SSC Bumblebee Specialist Group (BBSG) to determine the works with schools, daycare facilities, special needs services fa- conservation status of all bumble bee species worldwide and even- cilities, community centers, senior residences and corporations tually support conservation and research initiatives. in nine counties across western New York. The project is focused In 2012, the Saint Louis Zoo and CNPC along with the National on Monarch butterflies but the increase of additional habitat will Museums of Kenya (Nairobi) and Tohono Chul Park (Tucson, Ariz.) benefit a variety of pollinators. developed the PAUSE (Pollinators/Art/Urban Agriculture/Society/ In Seattle, Wash., the Woodland Park Zoo works with Pollinator Environment) project. PAUSE was designed to create student Pathway to support and census pollinators inhabiting a network teams in each area to learn about the value of pollinators, promote of pollinator landscapes being designed and built in the city. The cross cultural exchange between regions and working with the Pollinator Pathway program ties together urban and ecological local communities develop or enhance a community garden. They landscapes by connecting patches of isolated land with corridors would also design and build a sculptural piece that would become of much needed habitat. As many of our zoos have become green both a focus for the garden as well as a habitat for solitary twig islands in a sea of concrete and asphalt they have sometimes be- and tunnel nesting bees. Though the initial PAUSE program was come the last viable habitat for some pollinator species. Zoos are well placed to work in their own communities to go outside their CONTINUED, PAGE 38 April 2014 CONNECT 37 for one year, the project continues in our respective communities and with the development of future collaborations on pollinators between institutions. Humans as a species, whether we acknowledge it or not, depend upon the actions of bees, butterflies and other pollinators. We can instill an understanding and appreciation of pollinators in our guests and those outside our gates through a variety of actions and programs. We also need to instill a conservation ethic within our guests and one of the easiest ways to do this is through pollinators. For we must remem- ber, when our guests want to help tigers or elephants they come to our institutions, support our work and the work of other organizations and then go home. For pollinators they can do exactly the same thing but then go home and plant a pollinator garden. They then become conservationists.

EDWARD SPEVAK IS THE CURATOR OF INVERTEBRATES AT THE SAINT LOUIS ZOO’S WILDCARE INSTITUTE AND DIRECTOR OF THE CENTER FOR NATIVE POLLINATOR CONSERVATION

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• • • Imagining the Alter NET ives • • • April 2014 CONNECT 39 he Birmingham Zoo in Birmingham, TRAILS OF Ala., recently achieved a milestone Tthat has led the Zoo to emerge as a national leader in the care and conservation of threatened elephants. Following AFRICA the development of its $17 million project and signature exhibit, Trails of Africa, the Birmingham Zoo accomplished the first- AT THE ever successful cohabitation of an all-male, African bull elephant herd. BIRMINGHAM ZOO The general concept behind Trails of Africa began to circulate in 2006. In 2009, following three years of careful planning and consideration, the Zoo started to clear land and construct an exhibit area with the goal of turning this abstract idea into a reality. Birmingham’s mild temperatures and subtropical climate made it the perfect geographic location for elephants. “We wanted Birmingham to plant the flag as a zoological destination for all of the United States and even globally, and we believe Trails of Africa does just that,” said Dr. William R. Foster, president and CEO of the Birmingham Zoo. Trails of Africa construction concluded with a grand opening of the exhibit in April 2011, effectively becoming the Birmingham Zoo’s first major project since completion of the Junior League of Birmingham Hugh Kaul Children’s Zoo in 2002 and the Alabama Wilds in 2005. The Trails of Africa Boma Yard offers guests up-close elephant encounters from behind natural fences, along with educational activities, including the chance to play authentic djembe drums and don African masks. In the fall of 2010, the 14-acre exhibit saw its first animal with the introduction of Bulwagi, an African bull elephant hailing from Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, Fla. Bulwagi remains easily identified by his one remaining tusk due to an injury at a young age that resulted in its removal. Months later, in February 2011, the Birmingham Zoo’s second African bull elephant, Callee, arrived on site from the Pittsburgh Zoo in Pittsburgh, Pa. After receiving confirmation of Callee’s health and well-being, Birmingham zookeepers decided to mimic an experience similar to the wild by implementing a “howdy” method of introduction between 32-year-old Bulwagi and 13-year-old Callee. This innovative method encourages younger bulls to follow the lead of a domi- nant bull or patriarch with the hope and expectation that the elephants will eventually assimilate and social- ize comfortably. Following several months of cautious preparation, the Birmingham zookeepers incorporated two adjacent barriers that allowed Bulwagi and Callee to see, smell and touch each other. Once the elephants’ reactions and interactions with one another were positive for a number of sessions, the Zookeepers permitted the elephants to interact in a controlled setting, allowing for separation if needed. Eventually, the barricades

By Kelsea Russo were lifted altogether, and Bulwagi and Callee interacted freely on the six spacious acres of the Trails of Africa. Ajani, 13 years old, was the third African bull elephant to join the herd. He was born on 4 August 2000 and came to the Birmingham Zoo on 12 May 2011 from the Indianapolis Zoo in Indianapolis, Ind. The final addition was Tamani, an eight- year-old African bull elephant who arrived at the Birmingham Zoo on 24 April 2012 from Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa Bay, Fla. Proven success with the integration of Bulwagi and Callee encouraged the Birmingham Zoo to implement the “howdy” method once again with Ajani and Tamani. On 14 May 2013, the four elephants successfully cohabitated for the first time, making the Birmingham Zoo the first Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facility to ever rep- licate an all-male African herd dynamic. This history-making assimilation offers unique avenues for researching reproductive issues and herd evolution. Recognizing the tremendous need for national elephant breeding centers, the Birmingham Zoo utilizes state-of-the- art management and medical techniques to draw weekly blood samples from the Trails of Africa elephants. These samples are then used to study correlations between staff- observed behaviors and reproductive hormones like testos- terone and corticosterone. Both AZA colleagues and the Elephant Manager’s Association have followed this research with great interest, recognizing the Birmingham Zoo as a groundbreaking institution for providing new models for elephant socialization and breeding at other wildlife facilities. “There are so many facets of human experience that the Birmingham Zoo now touches – education, conservation, cultural awareness and recreation, and (maybe best of all) it’s the most fun a family can have. We hope all Alabamians and many others from around the world get the chance to come see what we have for them at the Birmingham Zoo,” says Birmingham Zoo CEO and President, Dr. William R. Foster. Eventually, the Birmingham Zoo will embrace Trails of Africa as a new multi-species rotational concept, where animals will move across various venues, as if they were on the fairway of a golf course. In this grand vision, Trails of Africa will host a mixed-species exhibit, featuring the Zoo’s existing bachelor elephant herd, red river hogs, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, antelopes such as wildebeest, impala and kudu, along with zebras and ostriches. With its botanical and cultural im- mersion-themed motif, Trails of Africa has already produced an immediate impact as a prestigious, world-class community asset. It has become an economic engine for growth and tourism and a science and ecology hub for primary schools in Birmingham. “Trails of Africa is a game-changer for our city and metro area in many ways,” says Birmingham Mayor William Bell. “The possibilities are endless in terms of economic impact as more and more people come here to enjoy this remarkable experience.” The total ongoing, annual economic benefit of attracting 550,000 visitors to the Birmingham Zoo and the Zoo’s operational impact of its employees and good and services within the local economy is $37.2 million and growing.

KELSEA RUSSO IS THE MARKETING COORDINATOR AT THE BIRMINGHAM ZOO April 2014 CONNECT 41

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A S G. © J © QUARIUM HEDD OHN April 2014 April 2014 At Home on the Great Lakes ex- One of the conservation topics topics conservation the of One “Shedd plays a critically important The hibit is a milestone in the aquarium’s aquarium’s the in a milestone is hibit ini- Lakes conservation Great renewed ex- In addition to an expanded tiative. Shedd is working in partnershiphibit, insti- with a network of organizations, tutions, and agencies throughout the to a shared mission have basin that Lakes. the Great preserve experiences – hopefully encouraging experiences – hopefully can keep the that them to take actions to come.” for years Lakes great Great is ecologi- in the exhibit highlighted or prohibiting aquatic cal separation, being transferred life from moving or issue This Lakes. Great the between informa- comes to life with additional tion available through touch screens Lakes intrud- describe how Great that sea lam- ers, including the non-native through enter carp, Asian and prey More than 180 inva- pathways. water fishes, plants, viruses and other sive settled in the Great organisms have Lakes basin. audience broad a informing by role about the wonders of the world’s fresh- Lakes,” said treasure, the Great water director of the David Ullrich, executive Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Great “The Lakes Great Initiative. renovated gallery is a strong example of how the aquarium can reach millions of people with inspiring messages to celebrate biodiversity.” and protect our region’s

Digital technology enhances visi- technology enhances Digital “More than 36 million people de- of the air,” said Shedd Senior Research said Shedd Senior Research of the air,” “By con- PhD. Biologist Phil Willink, at here animals these with necting Lakes the Great Shedd, guests from the tre- and beyond can appreciate region of life in our mendous diversity protect it.” – and be inspired to animals, allowing tor experiences with into learning guests to take a deep dive about the species swimming, hopping and moving before their eyes. A breaking news monitor provides real-time Lakes conservation on Great updates interactive Other events. and news video story include a features digital booth for guests to record their favor- ite memories of the lakes and thoughts them. Those vi- on how to conserve by fellow story gnettes will be viewed shared on booth users and eventually Lakes so- and Great the Shedd website to reach millions cial media platforms more. pend on the lakes for drinking water, many yet this is the first time that aquarium guests will meet eye-to- eye with an ancient lake sturgeon said Roger or a toothy sea lamprey,” vice president Germann, executive ini- Lakes Shedd’s Great who oversees “At Home on the Great Lakes tiatives. gives guests an inside look at the re- guests an inside look at gives while living ecosystem, rich gion’s for the lakes our shared love weaving learning meaningful with together

At Home on the Great Lakes

At Home on the Great Lakes fea- At Home on the Great

Located in the aquarium’s Original Original in the aquarium’s Located “Our Great Lakes are our homes,” “Our Great “Shedd is known as The World’s “Shedd is known as The World’s “People don’t always realize that we we always realize that don’t “People Galleries, said Cameron Davis, senior advisor Protection U.S. Environmental the at of the mnemonic for Huron, Agency, Erie and Superior. Michigan, Ontario, Shedd help edu- “Exhibits like this at protect- that the next generation cate the ing the lakes is important, so that lakes can continue to provide for us.” Aquarium, and that includes our wa- Aquarium, and that here in North America,” ters right president and A. Beattie, said Ted “While CEO. U.S. serving on the I heard Commission on Ocean Policy, from experts around the basin about Lakes, pressing issues facing the Great became committed which is why we natural unparalleled this protecting to resource. This exhibit is an extension positive of our ongoing work to create change for the lakes through research, and conservation.” education, Continuing its commitment to Great to Great Continuing its commitment and education, Lakes conservation Ill., un- Chicago, Shedd Aquarium in of its historic the renovation veiled an im- Gallery, creating Local Waters exhibit dedicated interactive mersive, Lakes wildlife and conserva- to Great tion. Lakes spe- Great tures more than 60 connect visitors to the living cies that world through hands-on learning and and up-close encounters with native new a including – animals invasive sturgeon touch experience. SHEDD AQUARIUM FURTHERS ITS COMMITMENT TO GREAT LAKES CONSERVATION LAKES CONSERVATION GREAT TO COMMITMENT ITS FURTHERS AQUARIUM SHEDD EXHIBIT THROUGH NEW EXHIBITS here in our amazing animals right have own backyard, from lake sturgeons to more than 100 years can live that out oxygen can breathe bowfins that features animals from around the around the animals from features basin and engages guests up-close iconic ani- Lakes’ with one of the Great mals through a new touch pool where they can feel the armor-like scales of lake sturgeons, a prehistoric native species. ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD This award, first presented in 2003, originated as a means of recognizing Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Accreditation Inspectors who, throughout their years of service, have donated their time to a large number of inspections, and/or whose work has consistently been of exceptional quality. The award is presented annually to three individuals whose selection is based on those criteria. Serving as an accreditation inspector is a difficult task and is critically important to the integrity of the accreditation process. The enormous amount of time and effort required in preparing for and performing these inspections is astronomical. The Accreditation Commission and AZA are sincerely thankful for the contribution of time and expertise that all of our inspectors make to the success of our accreditation process. Here are AZA’s Inspectors of the Year:

Operations he was transferred to SeaWorld Orlando, where he continues to

BRUCE BOHMKE, CHIEF OPERATIONS oversee the aquarium displays at the SeaWorld and Aquatica parks OFFICER, WOODLAND PARK ZOO as well as consult on husbandry at the Discovery Cove park. Gary participates in numerous SSPs and serves on several AZA TAGs, Bruce joined AZA in 1978 while work- including Marine Fishes and Freshwater Fishes. His knowledge ing as a keeper at the Oakland Zoo, his and passion for the zoo and aquarium industry make him a valued first position in the zoo community. part of the AZA community. Since that time Bruce has also worked as curator of birds for the Kansas City Veterinary Zoo and St. Louis Zoo as well as general BRENT WHITAKER, DVM, VP OF curator of the Phoenix Zoo. He has BIOLOGICAL PROGRAMS served as the chief operations officer of the Woodland Park Zoo for NATIONAL AQUARIUM the last fourteen years. Bruce has been involved in the accreditation Dr. Whitaker has been involved in program since 1986 and has participated in seventeen inspections AZA’s accreditation program since in that time, serving as Team Chair for twelve of them. He also 1993. As a veterinarian with expertise served as a member of the Accreditation Commission from 2004- in aquatic animals he has participated 2013 and was appointed as Chair 2008-2009. Aside from accredita- in many inspections in that time. He tion Bruce has volunteered as a studbook keeper, SSP Coordinator, received a Master of Science degree TAG Chair and Professional Development Course Instructor. In the in Aquatic Toxicology in 1986 and a Doctorate in Veterinary past he has also served on the Animal Data Information Systems Medicine in 1988 from the University of Florida. In 1989, he joined Committee (ADISC) and Professional Development Committee, the National Aquarium as a staff veterinarian and initiated the and was elected to the AZA Ethics Committee and Board of aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program, which continues to be Directors. He currently serves as the Elephant TAG liaison to the operational today. Currently Dr. Whitaker serves as the vice presi- Accreditation Commission as well as Vice-Chair of the Wildlife dent of biological programs, where he oversees the aquarium’s Conservation and Management Committee (WCMC). As evi- husbandry, veterinary medical, laboratory, marine animal rescue denced by his long history of dedication and volunteerism over the and biological research programs. His academic appointments years, Bruce has been a major positive component of AZA. include research associate professor/veterinarian at the Institute Animal Management/ of Marine and Environmental Technology, University of Maryland, Husbandry and assistant professor in the Department of Art as Applied to

GARY VIOLETTA, CURATOR OF FISHES Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He has also served SEAWORLD ORLANDO on multiple Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees over the last twenty years and currently provides aquatic animal exper- Gary has been a member of AZA for tise to the University of Maryland’s School of Medicine. Aside from over thirty years and has been involved AZA, he is also an active member of the International Association in the accreditation program since for Aquatic Animal Medicine (IAAAM), American Association of 1995. In that time he has participated Fish Veterinarians (AAFV), American Association of Zoological on ten inspection teams. Gary has Medicine (AAZV), Association of Reptile and Amphibian Medicine spent his entire thirty-seven year career (ARAV) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). in the zoo and aquarium industry at SeaWorld. His career began Dr. Whitaker remains committed to the education of our future in Ohio, where he worked his way up from an entry level aquarist colleagues and the advancement of animal care and welfare, a com- to the curator of fishes. He was transferred to SeaWorld of Texas mitment that is shared fully by the AZA. in that same capacity, where he helped design, build and operate the various aquarium components of the new park. From there

44 CONNECT April 2014 announcements 45

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April 2014 April 2014 with “Photo Contest” in the subject line. with “Photo Contest” in the subject line. ONTEST : C ORM : F : : HOTO By entering the contest you also represent, acknowledge By entering the contest you also represent, EADLINE ELEASE ORMAT ICENSE To be considered for publication in CONNECT, all contest pho- be considered for publication To Model must be accompanied by AZA’s include people tos that Download the by each person depicted. Form signed Release Form (in PDF) here: Photo Release www.aza.org/AZAPublications/PhotoContest/ the equipment used. Only one photo entry will be accepted photo entry will used. Only one the equipment Pictures can so send in your best image. per photographer, you if – scenes aquarium or zoo and people, animals, include send it in. good cover, think it will make a D Manager Tim Lewthwaite; AZA Publications 20910-3314 Spring, MD Suite 710; Silver 8403 Colesville Road, L By entering the contest, you grant to AZA, and its successors By entering the contest, you grant to AZA, the non-exclusive, right worldwide, perpetual and assigns, reproduce, publish, transmit, and and license to use, display, in our maga- website, distribute your photograph on AZA’s grant Your materials. zine, and/or in any other promotional revised editions, and license shall also apply to any reprints, whether now or works in any media or format, or derivative of kinds other without limitation including known, hereafter print media and electronic media. (i) the submitted photograph is an original and warrant that solely by you, and you are the sole owner of all work created including to your photograph, title, and interest in and right, of your photograph as publication (ii) AZA’s the copyright; title, or any right, or infringe herein will not violate authorized of your publication interest of any person or entity; (iii) AZA’s of privacy or publicity any right photograph will not violate obtained you have in tort and that any other liability nor create a valid model release from any identifiable, individual person who is the subject of the photograph; (iv) you are not a party to and your photograph is not subject to any contract or ar- conflict with your permission herein; would rangement that and (v) you agree to indemnify and hold harmless AZA against any damages, losses, or expenses occurring as a result of any claimed breach of warranty. R JPG, TIFF or EPS; 300+ dpi and 9”x12” in size (jpgs TIFF or EPS; 300+ JPG, preferred). and hard copy images will be accepted Send to: Both electronic images are preferred. All submissions – though electronic of AZA and will not be acknowledged become the property to Tim Lewthwaite at or returned. Send electronic images [email protected] Hard copies may be mailed to: 2014 P The deadline for entries is 15 September 2014. The deadline for entries F Photos must be taken Photos must be taken three last the or 2014 in months of 2013 by staff an AZA- or volunteers at accredited institution. CONNECT staff will judge the photos, and the winner will appear on the December 2014 cover. Other exceptional photos will be highlighted inside the magazine. The photos may also appear and/or website on AZA’s other promotional materials. UBMISSION ROCESS S P FOR

For further details regarding qualifying criteria and the For further details regarding qualifying Nominations must be made by a member of AZA and sup- Nominations UALIFICATIONS OMINATION ORMAT F Submissions should include the name of the photographer, Submissions should include the name of the photographer, of the picture, and the AZA institution, the species, the date 2014 AZA PHOTO CONTEST 2014 AZA PHOTO nomination process, please visit www.aza.org. Nomination Nomination process, please visit www.aza.org. nomination (www.aza.org) or website forms can be obtained from AZA’s [email protected] or (301) 562-0777 from Barbara Pueschel at ext. 226. ported by at least one member of the AZA Board and submit- ported by at form. ted on the AZA nomination Nominations shall be submitted to the AZA Board President shall be submitted to the AZA Board President Nominations than 1 June of each year. by no later To qualify for consideration, a candidate must unquestion- a candidate qualify for consideration, To company must be ably meet the following criteria. Their the time the standing” at “good in member commercial a impeccable is filed; he or she must demonstrate nomination honorable service to character and a distinguished record of be strongly committed AZA throughout his or her career; and and the welfare science, recreation conservation, to education, animals. of N Wendy Fisher Award for Professional Excellence Professional for Award Fisher Wendy (AZA) estab- of Zoos & Aquariums In 2004, the Association honor those AZA commercial members lished this award to leadership, outstanding character, demonstrated who have and distinguished service to AZA and professional excellence The award is named for the first fellow commercial members. Only one recipient can be honored Fisher. recipient, Wendy it is since the award criteria are lofty, and year, in any given year. will not be awarded every the award that anticipated Q CALL FOR NOMINATIONS CALL FOR

April 2014 CONNECT 47 48 CONNECT April 2014 member updates 49

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$ April 2014 April 2014 CONTINUED

$# $# # Birmingham Zoo Zoological Park Smithsonian National The Maryland Zoo in Coordinator, Baltimore Square Celebration Society Birmingham Zoo Greensboro Science Center Phoenix Zoo Wiles, Animal Keeper, Tallie Caras Rupert, Public Programs Hannah Caras Rupert, Zoo at Elizabeth Schwabel, Children’s San Antonio Zoological Clair Sharp, Zookeeper, Jessica Marie Shaw, Erin Sherrill, Membership Coordinator, Technician, Caitlin Starks, Conservation Coordinator, Angie Trantham, Volunteer "

" " &%'% !('*)+ ! #" " ! ! Education Specialist, Education The Maryland Zoo in Instructor, Baltimore Island Zoo Staten Rouge BREC’s Baton Kids Zoo/Reptile, Mote Marine Aquarium Fellow, & Coordinator Zoo Baltimore Programs Specialist, Interpretation Indianapolis Zoological Society Memphis Zoo Associate, Ecologist, Lincoln Park Zoo Rae Pownall, Urban Advantage Jessica Rae Pownall, Aquatics/ Area Curator Richard Reams, Peters, Education Programs Education Peters, Laura Musun-Miller, Conservation Anna Musun-Miller, Barbara Gocinski Myers, Research Research Postdoctoral Justin Perrault, Marucci, The Maryland Zoo in Kristin Marucci, The Maryland Beth Manjerovic, Wildlife Disease Mary Beth Manjerovic, Wildlife

Burnet Park

Warner Park Warner PPG Aquarium Building Operations, Foundation

Memphis Zoo Phoenix Zoo Director’s Office, San Diego Zoo Park Hutchinson Zoo Pittsburgh Zoo & Zoological Collections, Knoxville Gardens Bay Busch Gardens Tampa Supervisor, WaveManager, Maintenance & Calgary Zoo Gifford Zoo at Rosamond The Living Desert Manager, Marketing and Communications, II, Phoenix Zoo Technician Birmingham Zoo Manager, National Zoological Park Smithsonian National Zoo at Chattanooga Zoological Gardens Toledo Coordinator, Aquarium of Internship Coordinator, Phoenix Zoo Bay Specialist, Busch Gardens Tampa the Pacific Cox, Assistant Curator of Animal Assistant Curator Cox, Kelly Program Conservation Alle Foster, Jeremy Chamberlain, Zookeeper, Senior Manager Marc Gautreau, Elaine Chafe, Senior Office Manager/ Chambers, Animal Keeper, Robin Jose Dominguez, Zoo Education Kimberly Duvall, Lead Instructor, Seth Groesbeck, Zoo Attendant, Carla Cook, Director of Education, Grubb, Animal Keeper, Chelsea Grubb, Cassady, San Diego Zoo Safari Cassady, Patricia Disney’s Animal Kingdom Aaron Joyner, Special Projects Manasco, Terra Hannah Hammon, Director of Emily Hastings, Conservation Bowman, Tennessee Aquarium Chris Bowman, Tennessee Brown, Marketing and PR Rebecca Bauer, Senior One Animal Care Senior One Animal Bauer, Keri & Volunteer Youth Raelene Bautista, Curator, Associate Monica Blackwell, Related Facilities and Commercial Members. Certified Related MEMBERS AFFILIATE Technician, Casey Allen, Conservation NEW PROFESSIONAL NEW MEMBERS WELCOME Partners, Accredited Institutions, Conservation Professional Fellow, Professional Affiliate, new welcome AZA is pleased to warmly MEMBER UPDATES MEMBER MEMBER UPDATES

NEW PROFESSIONAL NEW/REINSTATED COMMERCIAL company’s products span off-the-shelf, com- FELLOW MEMBERS MEMBERS mercial and custom flat panel, projector and tablet mounts; cables, AV carts and stands, Shannon Block, President/CEO, Denver Zoo Atrion Networking SMB, LLC medical carts and stands, and a wide range of Iric Burden, Director of Conservation 30 Service Avenue other accessories; and wireless, kiosk, touch, Sustainability, White Oak Conservation Warwick, RI 02886 digital audio and connectivity technologies Center Email: [email protected] that simplify today’s complex digital equip- Kim Carlson, Manager, Engagement ASE, Phone: (401)825-4402 ment installations. Peerless-AV manufac- Disney’s Animal Kingdom www.atrionsmb.net tures over 3,600 products that serve original Dan Conklin, Assistant Curator of Fishes, Primary Contact: Tom Comella SeaWorld Orlando equipment manufacturers, commercial inte- Candice Davis, Interpretive Programs Delaware Building Systems grators and consumer retailers in 22 vertical Manager, Dallas Zoo PO Box 349 markets. Delaware, OH 43015 Nancy Enterline, Director of Individual Sietecolores Ideas Interactivas Email: [email protected] Giving, Monterey Bay Aquarium Avenida de las Palmas 425, Torre Optima 3, Phone: (740)363-7290 Sarah Harris, Commissary Manager, piso 9 www.delawarebuildingsystems.com Woodland Park Zoo Colonia Lomas de Chapultepec Primary Contact: Dean Fraker Chris Harvey, Chief Development Officer, Mexico, 11000 General Contracting -- Design/Build Services Denver Zoo Email: [email protected] Dan Hemmann, Animal Management International Expeditions, Inc Phone: 525591789770 (102) Supervisor, John Ball Zoo 1 Environs Parkway www.sietecolores.mx Rick Holzworth, Manager Safety and Helena, AL 35080 Primary Contact: Loza Guillermo Security, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens Email: [email protected] Vekoma Rides Manufacturing BV Chris Jabin, Senior Vice President of Phone: (205)565-2160 21626 92B Avenue Development, Chicago Zoological Society- www.ietravel.com Langley, BC V1M 0A3 Brookfield Zoo Primary Contact: Emily Harley Canada Dawn Mackety, CEO, Lake Superior Zoo Developers and operators of international Email: [email protected] David Niebuhr, Audubon Zoo natural history travel programs. Phone: (604)513-4419 Teryl Nolan Hesse, Assistant Curator of L5E, LLC www.vekoma.com Fishes, SeaWorld Orlando 130 E John Carpenter Freeway Primary Contact: Nathan Jones Casey Plummer, Veterinary Services Irving, TX 75062 Manager, Caldwell Zoo Worldwide Ticketcraft Email: [email protected] Juan Romero, Associate Curator -Trained 3606 Quantum Blvd Phone: (855)275-3483 Animal Programs, Toledo Zoological Boynton Beach, Fl 33426 www.energyby5.com Gardens Email: [email protected] Primary Contact: Jeff Grejda Jessica Sheftel, San Diego Zoo Phone: (954)426-5754 L5E is a leading independent energy broker Rosemary Waters, General Manager, SEA www.worldwideticketcraft.com and advisory firm that represents commer- LIFE Aquarium-Kansas City Primary Contact: Mark Turner cial and industrial clients in all deregulated Worldwide Ticketcraft is a privately held NEW CONSERVATION energy markets. PARTNER MEMBERS company founded in 1999 and headquartered Peerless-AV in Boynton Beach, Florida. The Company pro- Lost Bird Project 2300 White Oak Circle vides box office tickets to zoos and aquariums 220 E 23rd Street Suite 505 Aurora, IL 60502 throughout the world. We manufacture ther- New York, NY 10010 Email: [email protected] mal tickets, membership cards, wristbands, Email: [email protected] Phone: (630)375-5100 roll tickets, charity auction supplies, parking Phone: (585)746-1238 www.peerless-av.com hang-tags, credentials and more. We offer a www.lostbirdproject.org Primary Contact: Megan A. Frohlich variety of the most technologically advanced Primary Contact: Andy Stern Peerless-AV is a leading designer, manufac- ticket and anti-counterfeiting features. Our turer and distributor of Made-in-the-USA online store offers a wide selection of "Do audiovisual mounting, accessory and digi- It Yourself" products to design and print. tal content delivery solutions as well as the Worldwide Ticketcraft's staff is dedicated industry’s first fully sealed outdoor TV for to providing our clients a quality product commercial and residential applications. The within a budget acceptable to them.

50 CONNECT April 2014 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS index of advertisers Company Website Phone Page # A Thru Z Consulting and Distributing, Inc. www.athruzcages.com 520-434-8281 5 American Sealants, Inc. www.amsealinc.com 970-523-6001 48 Animal Specialties www.animalspecialties.com 800-782-3766 2 Aqua Logic Inc. www.aqualogicinc.com 858-292-4773 8 Cemrock Landscapes, Inc. www.cemrock.com 520-571-1999 9 CLR Design www.clrdesign.com 215-564-0250 17 Corners Limited www.cornerslimited.com 800-456-6780 46 Dan Inject Dart Guns www.daninjectdartguns.com 979-203-6735 24 GLMV Architecture, Inc. www.glmv.com 316-265-9367 31 Go Ape www.goape.com 800-971-8271 38 Hayward Flow Control www.haywardflowcontrol.com 888-429-4635 31 Madewell Products Corporation www.madewell.net 800-741-8199 48 Mariculture Technologies International www.LiveBrineShrimp.com 386-345-3333 49 The Mason Company www.masonco.com 800-543-5567 6 Milliken Meat Products Ltd. www.millikenmeat.com 905-415-0060 23 Nebraska Brand www.nebraskabrand.com 800-445-2881 Back Cover Nets Unlimited, Inc. www.netsunlimited.com 480-515-1300 39 Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems www.PentairAES.com 407-472-0525 19 The Portico Group www.porticogroup.com 206-621-2196 18 PR Aqua Supplies Ltd. www.praqua.com 250-714-0141 41 RodentPro.com www.rodentpro.com 812-867-7598 Inside Back Cover Skulls Unlimited International, Inc. www.skullsunlimited.com 800-659-7585 Inside Front Cover Timberline Live Foods www.timberlinefisheries.com 618-997-9311 42 Tokens Direct www.tokensdirect.com 877-480-0458 47 Tom Tischler Bronze www.tomtischler.com 618-936-42702 41 Torre Design Consortium, Ltd. www.t-dcl.com 504-899-2932 47 Triple A Brand Meat Company www.tripleabrandmeatcompany.com 800-437-5581 7 WA Davidson of Jax, Inc. www.wadavidson.com 904-737-8287 30 WDM Architects P.A. www.wdmarchitects.com 316-262-4700 34 Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc. www.zoomed.com 805-542-9988 22

April 2014 CONNECT 51 CALENDAR

APRIL 2014 enhance and improve the care and conservation of African painted dogs. This conference will focus on gathering the knowledge of 6-11: Animal Training Applications in Zoo & Aquarium Settings. field biologists and professional animal caregivers to further our Hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL. Animal Training understanding of this amazing species and promote professional Applications provides zoo and aquarium staff with a background in training theory and an understanding of the skills necessary to train development. The SSP Planning Meeting will be held on May 2. For SAVE THE DATE animals. It includes a historical perspective of animal training as well more information: www.CZS.org/APDconference. as terminology and an overview of training techniques. Selected training concepts and skills will be taught via animal demonstrations, MAY 2014 group activities and individual skill development opportunities. For APRIL 2014 more information about this course and other opportunities to enrich 12-15: Principles of Elephant Management II. Hosted by your career, visit www.aza.org/professional-training Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL. Principles of Elephant 6-12: Animal Training Applications in Zoo & Aquarium Management II focuses on the skills necessary to safely accomplish all Settings Hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL. 9-10: The National Inclusion Project presents the 2014 Power of the AZA-required elephant behavioral components. Live training of Play Conference at the Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh, N.C. Come demonstrations and hands-on experiences will be utilized to combine 26-MAY 1: Best Practices in Animal Keeping Hosted by Toledo Zoo in Toledo, OH. gain knowledge and resources on the latest inclusive practices and the teaching of advanced elephant principles with best occupational network with others in the field! This conference will provide you safety practices. To provide students with the most valuable hands-on MAY 2014 with the tools needed to support children of all abilities, even when and personalized experience, enrollment in this course is limited to 12 you don’t know who is going to walk through your doors each day. participants. For more information about this course and other oppor- 12-15: Principles of Elephant Management II Our successful partnerships with Marbles Kids Museum and the tunities to enrich your career, visit www.aza.org/professional-training Hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom in Orlando, FL. Seneca Park Zoo have shown the ability for your facilities to better serve patrons with disabilities. The conference will include training SEPTEMBER 2014 SEPTEMBER 2014 on serving families effectively, adaptive technology, and using 8-12: The 41st Annual American Association of Zoo Keepers 12-18: The 2014 AZA Annual Conference is being hosted by specific tools to maximize the inclusive experience, among other Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas With Nemo and Friends, and topics. The cost of attending the Power of Play conference is $200 or (AAZK) National Conference is being hosted by Disney’s Animal SeaWorld Orlando. $75 for students. This inspiring event is for all people who desire to Kingdom and the Greater Orlando AAZK Chapter in Orlando, Fla. ensure no child sits on the sidelines! Go to www.inclusionproject.org/ “Keepers Making a World of Difference” will highlight how zoo and powerofplay to see more information and to register today. You may aquarium professionals work to advance animal care and conserva- also call or email Aron Hall, Director of Programs at 919-314-5540 or tion. Core and specialized workshops, as well as paper and poster [email protected]. sessions will engage delegates and focus on continuing education and professional development. There will be opportunities to 13-18: The Animal Behavior Management Alliance network, share best practices, knowledge and techniques and be (ABMA) will be holding our 2014 conference in challenged with husbandry, training, enrichment and animal welfare Dallas, TX on April 13-18, 2014. For anyone interested in topics. Explore the possibilities together during social events, Zoo more information they can go to the website: www. Day and at the Exhibitor Hall. For more information about these theabma.org. Arrive early for our Pre-Conference trip to Busch Gardens, hosted by courses and other opportunities to 26-MAY 1: Best Practices in Animal Keeping. the Tampa Bay AAZK Chapter or stay late and join the Association Hosted by Toledo Zoo in Toledo, OH. Advances in enrich your career, visit of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the International Marine Animal Animal Keeping covers the essentials of animal keep- Trainers’ Association (IMATA) for the 2014 Annual Conference, www.aza.org/professional-training ing across all taxa. The course focuses on the very highest standards in animal husbandry, in combination September 12-18, hosted by Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Seas, and with problem solving, team building and interpersonal Sea World Orlando. For more information, visit skills. You will engage with professional colleagues www.greaterorlandoaazk.org or www.aza.org/annualconference. and apply what you learn back at your home institu- Calendar Submission 12-18: The 2014 AZA Annual Conference is being hosted by Disney’s Guidelines: tion. The goal of this course is to motivate and retain Animal Kingdom, The Seas With Nemo and Friends, and SeaWorld animal care professionals within our industry and to Orlando. This is the premier event for zoo and aquarium professionals, To submit your listing for the elevate the standards of animal care in AZA zoos and bringing together leaders in our community to network with peers, aquariums. For more information about this course and CONNECT calendar, please e-mail explore ideas and best practices, share successful programs, and learn other opportunities to enrich your career, visit www. new technologies and services. Attendees are guaranteed to be chal- or fax the event name, date, loca- aza.org/professional-training lenged with vibrant speakers from inside and outside the community, tion and contact information to expert-led programming, face-to-face meetings with colleagues, more Tim Lewthwaite, AZA Publications APRIL/MAY than 150 service providers in the exhibit hall, exciting networking and social events, and the famous Zoo Day. For more information, visit Manager, at [email protected] April 29 – May 2: The African Painted www.aza.org/annualconference. or fax to (301) 562-0888. Dog Conference is being hosted by the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, Ill. The Conference brings together international conservationists and zoo professionals from North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia to

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