Water Watch, Part II In March, our Zoological Society reached an unprecedented member­ ship level of 194,344 households. With an additional 84,826 children members in Koala Club, that represents a combined total of 427,000 people, or about one-quarter of the population of . Surveys have told us that the primary purpose for joining the Society is that membership offers a great recreational and educational value. Rated almost as high, however, is the desire to support our conservation­ oriented organization. One area of conservation that merits every member's attention this year is water conservation. It is not easy to give up what we often take for granted-plenty of water to meet our needs-but the and Park are ready to meet Mayor Maureen O'Connor's target of reducing water use to 50 percent below the 1989 level. At the Zoo, we reduced our use by 36 percent last year, so we have another 14 percent to go. It is not clear as of this writing if the Park will be mandated at a 30 or 50 percent level because it is in an agricultural zone; however, water conservation task forces at both facilities are looking at every way to conserve that does not negatively impact the health of our animals, plants, visitors, or employees. Some of the things we plan to do immediately at the Zoo include turning off the flamingo lagoon fountain, turning off the waterfall in "REGISTRAR Fem Canyon, and draining the Children's Zoo entry pool. In fact, ev­ ery water element is being considered either for elimination, for the duration of the drought, or treatment in a long-term, water-conserving way. For example, more pools will be planted with water hyacinths and stocked with debris-eating fish, so they need not be drained and re­ filled frequently (this has saved us millions of gatlons a year in already planted pools). We have also reduced the volume and frequency of hose-downs about the grounds, and those that continue for sanitary reasons are done with water-efficient, high-pressure hoses. Keepers, gardeners, and groundkeepers also sweep areas before hosing down. If these and other measures permit us to meet the 50 percent reduction, we will be able to continue using the recycled water systems in River and in our newest exhibit, Gorilla Tropics. The Park uses many of the same techniques to conserve water and also has a reclamation plant to treat its own sewage so that it can be reused to water the grounds. Irrigation of all turf requiring potable water has been stopped, all ornamental waterfalls have been turned off, overhead sprinklers are being converted to drip irrigation, and 8,600 donated Christmas trees were chipped and are being used to mulch the grounds. Our water conservation task forces are also work­ ing with the Gty Planning Department and the County Water Author­ ity on a long-range plan to use reclaimed city and county sewage for irrigation by 1997. What more can we do? Perhaps the most important thing is to edu­ cate employees, members, and the general public about the need to conserve water in our arid environment and suggest ways that are easy to implement and that cause the least hardship. The Zoo and Park will have water conservation graphics and handout information available to the public and visitors; some graphics will ask members and other visitors to report on any water waste seen at the facilities. Classes on water-efficient gardening will be offered at the Park this summer, and our Zoo horticulturist, Chuck Coburn, will be writing a weekly column for Tlze Tribune on this topic. The Mayor has issued the 50 percent reduction challenge. The Zoo and Park intend to meet it. With dose to one-half-million conservation­ minded Zoological Society members joining in the effort, San Diego can survive today's drought and help with plans to avoid similar crises in the future. Ri ~t,., 6: A1~.s Executive Director

6 ZOONOOZ giving us good plants. For example, there was a nice wine palm over on Seventh Avenue that 1 went over and talked to the owner about. She was an old-time resident of San Diego, and she donated it. I'd take the crew over and dig and ball the trees up and bring them to the Zoo, if they were worth it, and if they were really specimen plants.... INTERVIEWER: What were some of your earliest acquisitions as far as plants? ALLER: Well, the rare cycads. We received some Timothy Aller e1lm1ys Jound "so111ethi11g interesting" ill very rare cycads and there are still some in the Zoo. liis job at tire Zoo. ... And ficus, about 25 species of ficus; I kept adding to that as l would find them .... Some of the other introduced plants that are a lit­ INTERVIEWER: What were the circumstances that tle unusual are the dieffenbachia, the marantas, the led to your joining the Zoo? orchids, and the fasmin11111 prim11linum, a yellow-flow­ ALLER: Mr. Ralph Virden, who was superintendent ering vine from China that is a very beautiful plant of grounds, called me up after I had retired [from the when it's in bloom. 1 might mention here the red San Diego County Department of Agriculture] - I and green tea plants that we got in a trade from Walt took an early retirement-and wanted to know if I Disney up at Disneyland. would be interested in taking the job as horticulturist I met Walt Disney when he was visiting the Zoo for the Zoo. This was in 1955. So I talked to Virden with his grandchildren and his wife. This was proba­ and told him I didn't really think I would be inter­ bly about a month before he passed away. He was a ested because I was afraid it would take a lot of my wonderful man, and he invited me to come up and time .... A couple of days went by and he called me talk to his landscape people up at Disneyland, which back again and just begged me to come in and recon­ I did, a few weeks after talking to him at our Zoo. sider. So I said, "Well, I'll take a chance and see if [Disneyland's landscaper and I] had a personal inter­ you like me, and I'll see if I like you for about six view in October of 1965, which resulted in the ex­ months or a year." So that was the way I started. change of rare and valuable trees and plants .... Other plants that we received from here and there, INTERVIEWER: What were your duties? not necessarily from Disneyland, were black pines ALLER: Right away, I partitioned the Zoo off into and many different evergreen shrubs that we already four sections and put each of the new men in charge had from Japan, African fern pine Podocarpus grn­ of a section; it was a good chance for them to make cilior, and nand.ina. The Hawaiian tree ferns Cibotirm1 good and to see that it was watered, taken care glar1rnm were a direct importation from Hawaii .... oL ... l found that I had to put in from eight to ten We planted all of those in Fem Canyon. Then we hours a day. I'd go to work at 6:00 in the morning had bunya-bunya Araucaria bidwillii. and be there until 5:00 or 6:00, or sometimes until INTERVIEWER: How much a part of the animal's dark. This went on for the first five years that I was diet were you able to grow on the Zoo grounds or at the Zoo. I had some very difficult problems to acquire from cuttings along the highways? Was it a ivork out, but, finally, with this sectioning the Zoo large percentage? off and getting donations of quite a few plants [things began to take shapej. The City nursery was ALLER: Oh, yes. Well, the first ten years that I was very good about giving us excess shrubs and plants with the Zoo, we cut practically all of the okapi and and large trees. During this time, we planted 89 the browse - acacia. We'd bring it in and give large Cocos piumosa along the entrance way to the it to the keepers; the keepers did the actual feeding, Zoo, coming in from Roosevelt Junior High School. but my men would go out and cut the browse. Then They're still there, incidentally. In fact, practically we cut eucalyptus for the koalas, just certain euca­ everything I planted there is still there and lyptus, because if you give them certain kinds of eu­ growing.... calyptus it will make them very sick. So I had to I conceived the idea of showing both the common make up a browse list and train the men just which and the botanical name of all of the trees and plants eucalyptus to cut. We had to go clear up to Miramar in the Zoo, which went over pretty big with the pub­ for a while to get it. All along the highways. It lic, and they're still doing it, you know .... would take about an hour, hour and a half, every morning to get a truck full of browse and bring it in INTERVIEWER: How did the Zoo acquire the for the animals. plants? Were they mainly donations from the City? Of course we had our supply at the Zoo, which I ALLER: We had many donated, and we acquired tried to keep on hand for emergencies and not cut very fine specimen plants. I don't think they do it on it unless we had to. We didn't have enough area now, but I found that people were very receptive to to grow much of it at that time.

ZOONOOZ s _____ ._,_....,...... ,....,_~- _.,.._...,.....,.,....___,.,...... ,,..... ___-.~------

he is a rhinos iri ~11 of the Asian and endocrine investigations significant example continent/. ~ , of rhinoce!'os species 'and of a dramatic, large It has lien said in United .subspecies at:t:he ceiftei' fo'.t Torganism that is at . ,States <;.ql}g_ressional testi­ Repr?du~Uon .of En~ng~~ serious risk of . .J1]ony, t'Jl.we cannot save . Species (C.R'i~) have · ~~ntp1e.­ ~ ., ".t~ it3 There are currently five liv­ the rhin~os, what can we meRted the S6cietJ(s"notable ing species of rhinoceros. save?'; 1Jl~?oological Soci­ successes in the repr~d.udio'n Three species Jive in Asia: ety of s~~Piego is a recog­ of southern white arid indian the Indian, or greater one­ nized 4e;a,,d~r in the captive rhinos. Ambitious new steps homed, rhinoceros, the propag · and conserva- are being taken in rhino-t:on- Sumatran rhinoceros, and wtion bio tesearch of rhi- . servatipn efforts, · din~ : the Javan rhirioceros. 1\vo tween them, · the efforts'>in e

I·

'' When the first southern white rl1inos Ceratotherium simum simum arrived at the Wild Animal Park in 1971, they were critically endnngered in the wild and survived 011/y in a few game reserves in South Africa. Twenty years later, the Park had increased their numbers with 75 births. The so!ithern wlrite rhino is now the emblem spedes for tlte Park and is represented on its logo.

exhibits both the more com­ mon southern subspecies, Ceratotlierittm simunr sinrwn, and its much rarer northern subspecies, Ceratotherium simwn cottoni. First described by Burchell in 1817, the southern sub­ species was not brought into captivity until July 29, 1946, when a week-old female called Zuluana arrived at the worldwide, although only bull is called Fodder, a loan Zoo, in April 1972, and National Zoological Gardens the large groups bred. from the Chaffee Zoological Dinka and Joyce from the St. of South Africa at Pretoria. Over the years, a growing Gardens of Fresno, Califor­ Louis Zoo, in August 1972- She was successfully reared friendship between then Zoo nia, since May 1990. While but these animals also never and lived at Pretoria until her Director Dr. Charles R. the Wild Animal Park has bred while here. (Dinka died death on March 21, 1987. Two Schroeder, Society President been very successful in its at the Park on January 28, males and four females came Anderson Borthwick, and breeding program, it cannot 1991.) Of this early group to Pretoria from the Umfolozi Ian Player, chief conservator take credit for the first south­ brought from the , the Game Preserve in Natal, for the Natal Parks Game ern white rhino birth in London male Ben was on where the species had been and Fish Preservation Board, North America, which took loan to the Dvur Kralove col­ saved from extinction. The resulted in that board send­ place at the San Antonio Zoo lection and died on June 25, first captive-born southern ing white rhinos to the fledg­ on August 28, 1972. 1990. However, there is still white rhino was born at Pre­ ling San Diego Wild Animal hope for breeding this sub­ toria on June 8, 1967, and Park: 6 males and 14 females The Northern White species at the Park, because a second calf was born on arrived safely on February 17, Rhinoceros in October 1989 the DvUr October 23, 1969. 1971. They were soon joined The northern subspecies of Kralove park loaned the male Experience gained at Um­ by the pair that had been at the , Cerato­ Saut and the females Nola folozi and Pretoria revealed the since therium simum cottoni, was and Nadi to San Diego; and that the species could be 1962, and by another female one of the last large land they were joined in August transported easily, and, un­ that came from South Africa mammals to be described by 1990 by the male , like its more pugnacious later in the year. Mandhla, scientists; Lydekker classified on loan from the Khartoum cousin, the black rhinoceros, the now fully adult bull, had the subspecies in 1908. To­ Zoo. it could be kept easily in not bred at the Zoo, but day, it is very dose to extinc­ pairs or small groups. With when faced with a large new tion in the wild, and very The Black, or Hook-lipped, its future assured and the harem, he bred almost im­ few have ever been brought Rhinoceros Umfolozi population rapidly mediately at the Park. The into captivity; it has bred The black, or hook-lipped, increasing, the Natal Parks first calf born there, a male only at the Vychodoceska rhinoceros Diceros bicornis, Board decided to send speci­ named Zibulo, arrived on Zoo at Dvfu- Kralove in the other African species, mens to selected out­ October 11, 1972; he was Czechoslovakia. The first has had a long history in side South Africa. In 1962, 13 reared there and now lives at captive animals were re­ captivity. The first black were sent: pairs went to the the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, ceived at the Antwerp Zoo, rhino was born at the Brook­ Chester and London Zoos Arizona. Belgium, in 1950. However, field Zoo in Chicago on Oc­ in England, the Bronx Zoo, Through 1988, 75 southern while they grew to maturity, tober 7, 1941, to the female the Brookfield Zoo, and the white rhinos have been born these animals never bred. Mary, who lived in captivity San Diego Zoo, and the Mil­ at the Park. The majority of Other pairs came to the for 45 years - the record for waukee County Zoo received these offspring have sur­ London Zoo, the National this species. The black rhino three animals. They arrived vived and have been sent to Zoo in Washington, D.C., has suffered a tremendous safely, and from 1963 to 1980, other animal parks world­ the Khartoum Zoo in the decline in its wild habitat over 300 additional speci­ wide. Mandhla was suc­ Sudan, and the St. Louis and is currently the focus of mens - the majority in pairs ceeded by the wild-born Zoo. Four of these came to efforts to increase its num­ or trios - were sent to over male Rahisi, from 1983 to the Wild Animal Park - Bill bers in the wild and in cap­ 80 zoological collections 1988, and the current herd and Lucy from the National tivity. The majority of the

8 ZOONOOZ The black rhinoceros Diceros birornis has tire hooked lip. an adaptation used for browsing on branches and lenves. The white rhinos Ceratotherium simum have square lips, used for grazing. Son Diego Zoo: R. C.rrison

Zoological Society of San Di- black rhinoceros born in San youngsters born in 1990, Na­ ego's black rhinos are the Diego, Nanyuki, born on Oc- kili and Jimma, are still at the East African subspecies tober 15, 1976. Mulenda was Park with their mothers Diceros bicomis michneli, sent on loan to the Colum- Nanyuki and Judy. named for the late Michael bus Zoo in 1989, and Dil- The breeding success with Grzimek, who was killed in a Ion now resides at the San the black rhinos has been plane crash in East Africa. Diego Zoo, where he is the due, in large part, to breed­ He was the son of well-known mate of Edith-Anne, who ing loans. Breeding loans are Zoologist Dr. Bernhard Grzi- was born at the Oklahoma a modem tool of the zoologi­ mek, late director of the City Zoo in 1972 and is on cal community and are used Frankfurt Zoo and a tireless loan from the Wichita Zoo to increase reproduction of fighter for the conservation since 1988; she has not yet endangered species. This is of African wildlife. given birth. usually dictated by a pro­ The first black rhino re- Nanyuki was Mulenda's gram of the American Asso­ ceived in the Society's collec- only offspring, and she still cia tion of Zoological Parks tion was the female Sally. resides at the Park. She was and Aquariums (AAZPA), Born in Kenya in 1950, on mated with Mwaniki, a male known as the Species Sur­ the estate of Hugh and Jane born to captive-born parents vival Program (SSP). The So­ Stanton, she came to San Di- in 1980 that is on loan from ciety participates in many of ego in August 1952. Sally the Cincinnati Zoo. He has these SSPs, including the spent her entire life at the been in San Diego since 1981. ones for the various rhinoc­ Zoo; and while two different They produced Mashaki in eros species. Tire most common black, or Jrook­ males joined her, she never 1987, the second black rhi- The majority of black rhi­ lipped, rhinoceros in captivity is the bred, and she died in 1985. noceros born at the Park. noceroses in captivity have East African subspecies, Diceros bicomis michaeli. Nanyuki, one of Her mates were Bamey, who Nanyuki was also bred to been of the East African sub­ the Park's adult females, was the arrived in 1953 and died in Cornelius, a male born at the species, but recently efforts first black r/rino born to the Society, 1968, and Lenny, who came Granby Zoo in in have been made to establish in 1976. Her offepring Masha/d, in 1969 and died in 1980. Like December 1979, and they the southern subspecies, sem with her here, was the serond birth al the Park, born in 1987. Sally, they, too, were from produced Nakili, born at the East Africa. Park in 1990. Among specimens re- Cornelius came to the Zoo ceived in recent years that in 1981, and since then he did not breed and are no has moved between the Park longer in the collection were and the Zoo several times. three females: Olive Oyl, He has sired two more born at the St. Louis Zoo in youngsters at the Park, with 1970; Stella-Teca, born at the a wild-born female named Zoo in 1968; and Judy. She is on loan from the Kifaru, born at the Los An- Brookfield Zoo and was 17 geles Zoo in 1971. years old when she came to The Park received the male San Diego in 1986. The two c Dillon in 1970, who had been calves she and Cornelius pro- born at the National Zoo in duced are Jioni, born in 1988, ! Washington, D.C., on Au- and Jimma, born in 1990. c.: gust 31, 1967. He was joined Mashaki is now at the Potter ~ in September 1972 by the Park Zoo in Lansing, Michl- wild-born female Mulenda, gan, and Jioni is now at the and they produced the first Columbus Zoo. The two

ZOONOOZ 9 San Diego Zoo: R. Garrison

'/l.

The Indian, or greater Olle­ Iiomed, rhino Rhinoceros unicomis can reach a11 impressive 6 feet al the shoulder, measure 13 feet in length, and weigh between 4,500 and 6,000 pounds. At the Park, only one male at a lime is placed in an enclosure with the females, because adult males are tenaciously territorial and intolerant of other males.

Seen here with his mother Gainda, G11jrat WllS tl1e fourteenth Indian rhino bom at the Wild Animal Park. He was born on December 28, 1990-the third Indian rlrino calf IJOm there last year. Diceros bicomis minor, in cap­ 1963 at the Gauhati Zoo in tivity. San Diego has a pair: Assam. Both moved from the the male, Gundwane, was Zoo to the Wild Animal Park received in 1987 from South in April 1972, and they pro­ Africa, and the female, Chi­ duced their first young in rundu, was received from March 1975. As with any cap­ Zimbabwe in 1989. Both are tive-breeding program, not still adolescents, but they are all young survive, and this a compatible pair and may be first of their offspring only seen on Elephant Mesa at the lived one day. However, on Zoo. Studbooks for both of March 19, 1978, success was the African rhino species are achieved with the birth of a maintained by the Berlin female, Gainda. Zoo, and Professor Dr. Heinz Until the new male, Georg Kloes serves as stud­ Rabha, became sexually ma­ book keeper. ture, Lasai bred both with Jaypuri and Gainda, and The Indian Rhinoceros eight young were success­ Of the two Asian species fully reared, Three of these Washington, O.C. There, laysia and on Sumatra to represented in the collection, are still at the Park: female male Pandu, born in San Di­ capture a number of animals. the greatest success has been Jumia, born January 18, 1986 ego in 1980, is the mate of These rhinos have been with the imposing Indian to Jaypuri; female Goalpara, two young females born in moved to collections in rhinoceros Rhinoceros uni­ born May 28, 1987 to Gainda; Nepal. The studbook for this Malaysia and Indonesia, cornis. This species has been and male Jaunpur, born Jan­ species is kept by the Basel as well as one pair to En­ kept in captivity for many uary 27, 1990 to Jaypuri. Zoo, and :rvliss Kathleen Tob­ gland and one female each years, in most of the major Jumia herself bred with the ler is the studbook keeper. to the San Diego Zoo, the zoos of the world, and a new male, Rabha, who was Bronx Zoo, and the Cin­ number have been born. As born at 's Hyderabad The Sumatran Rhinoceros cinnati Zoo. of December 1989, there were Zoo in 1981, and they had a A number of Old World The export of the latter ani­ 54 males and 43 females in 42 female youngster named zoos and two American zoos mals is a result of what is collections worldwide. Of Jhansi on July 20, 1990. In all, exhibited a few dozen indi­ called the Sumatran Rhino those, 29 were in North three young were born in viduals of the rare Sumatran Trust, a joint United States America, where the 4 males 1990, including a male, Gu­ rhinoceros species, Dicero­ and Indonesian program and 5 females at the San Di­ jrat, born on December 28 to rhinus sumatrensis, prior to that, eventually, wiU see sev­ ego Wild Animal Park were Gainda and also sired by 1920. In the fall of 1959, ten eral pairs established in both the largest captive group. Rabha. animals were captured in the countries. As this article is Lasai, our main breeding The sight of all these Siah River area of Sumatra, being written, a male has male, came to San Diego in mothers and young is a two of which reached been captured and is await­ October 1963. He was born in visual treat for visitors to alive. One went to the Basel ing transport to the United August 1962 at the Basel Zoo the Park. Young born at the Zoo, and one went to the States. He will remain in San in Switzerland. Lasai was Park have been sent to the Copenhagen Zoo. The latter Diego for about a year, and joined in February 1965 by Singapore Zoo, Seoul Zoo, animal, called Subur, died in he will then go to the Cincin­ the female Jaypuri; she was Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, 1972. In recent years, efforts nati Zoo. This program has also captive born, in June and the National Zoo in have been underway in Ma- been reported previously in

10 ZOONOOZ The smaller sii.e, red co/ori11g, and appealing, rounded noses of the Sumatran rhinos Dicerorhinus sumatrensis diffcm1tinte tlrem from other rhi11os. The Zoo's female, Barakas, is 15 years of age and weighs a dainty

handles of traditional Arabic daggers, while skin from the rhinoceros is used by peo­ The International ples in African, Arab, and Symposium on the Asian cultures. Biology and Conser­ Public education to reduce the demand for rhino prod­ vation of the Rhinoc­ ucts - as has occurred for eros will be held in elephant ivory-is essential. San Diego from May Habitat for Asian rhinos 9 through 11, 1991. must also be conserved. Afri­ For more information can rhino habitat is still plen­ tiful, but anti-poaching about this conference, efforts must be focused on contact Dr. Oliver smaller, defensible sanctu­ Ryder at (619) 557.3qs1. aries. Additionally, deliber­ ate management strategies must not only be developed ZOONOOZ (see April 1989), activities if additional wild­ but also coordinated. Efforts and while it has taken con­ bom individuals were to conserve rhino popula­ siderable time, it has included. Furthermore, tions are currently being de­ achieved limited success. The technology in captive man­ veloped as separate national San Diego female has settled agement of small popula­ strategies; however, conser­ Rare in captivity, the southern down well since her arrival tions has applicability to vation of rhinos through subspecies of the black rhinoceros, in November 1988, and it is sanctuary populations in such programs is insufficient Diceros bicomis minor, can be hoped that once the male has Africa and Asia. to assure viable populations found at the Zoo on Elephant Mesa. The male, Gundwane arrived and completed the However, captive propa­ and conservation of rhinoc­ (riglrt), arrived in 1987 from necessary quarantine pro­ gation stands as only a part eros genetic diversity. South Africa, and the female, cedures, breeding will take of necessary conservation In order to clarify and take Orirrmdu (/.eft), came in 1989 place and produce the first efforts for . action on these issues, the from Zimbabwe. This photo UKls Sumatran rhinoceros to be Without development and taken on the day of their International Symposium on introduction, which involved some born in North America. coordination of wild and the Biology and Conserva­ scuffling until the two settled captive rhino populations­ tion of the Rhinoceros wiU be down into the compatible pair tltey A Future for Rhinos including proper breeding are today. Efforts to save these rhino strategies and application of species require simultaneous genetic management, health action on several fronts. The maintenance, safe methods captive-breeding programs for animal translocations, that currently exist for four and effective protection of of the five rhino species remnant populations - the are largely based in North outlook for rhinos surviving America and Europe. Such into the twenty-first century programs are directed at is dim. supporting wild populations In the wild, illegal poach­ and represent an important ing and loss of habitat are strategy for conservation of the major causes of decline rhino species' gene pools. in rhino numbers. In several The captive populations are countries, rhinoceros horn based on relatively few wild­ is prized for medicinal pur­ bom founders, however, and poses, including fever reduc­ they could serve better in tion and the treabnent of ar­ their role of supporting spe­ thritis and impotence. The cies' gene pool conservation horn is also prized for the

ZOONOOZ n held in San Diego from May with surviving rhino popula­ 9 through ll, 1991. Orga­ tions. The aim is well-de­ nized by the Zoological So­ fined: to assemble the ciety of San Diego, it will information necessary for the WHONOOZ facilitate communication and conservation of all five rhi­ coordinated action on behalf noceros species and establish Taking Steps for of all five rhino species. new initiatives for creating This conference represents self-sustaining rhino popula­ a significant opportunity to tions. If we can preserve rhi­ Rhinos: The Odyssey unite leading experts in con­ nos into the 2lst century, servation planning, manage­ perhaps we will have the ment, research, health, and confidence to use our knowl­ of Michael Werikhe disease, as well as govern­ edge to save the next endan­ ment officials from countries gered species. ~ People in Michael Werikhe's native Kenya, and thousands of others world­ wide, know him simply as the Rhino A Southern White Rhino Family Tree Man. In 1982, taking along little else than a strong desire to save his country's rap­ The following chart is an example of how the offspring of endangered idly declining populations of black rhi­ species are transferred between institutions to insure genetic diversity noceros, Michael Werikhe (pronounced and viability. where-ree-key) walked three hundred miles from his hometown of Mombasa • Male MANDHLA - Male RAHISI to Nairobi, telling everyone he met along wild born Natal, 1960 wild born Natal, 1968 the way about the animals' plight. For arrived San Diego, February 17, 1971 arrived San Diego, October 27, 1983 each mile he walked, he also asked peo­ sent overseas October 27, 1983 sent to private holder July 7, 1988 ple to donate money toward efforts to conserve the rhino. Thus, the Rhino I Walk and the travels of Michael Werikhe began. Female.MFOLOZI This month, at both the Zoo and Wild wild born Natal, 1963 Animal Park, you too can help Werikhe's arrived San Diego, February 17, 1971 efforts by joining him and Zoological So­ She is still living at SDWAP. ciety Goodwill Ambassador Joan Em­ bery as they lead two concurrent Rhino Walks on Saturday morning, May 11 (call · Female born SDWAP, December 14, 1972 268-5882 for information). The walks died SDWAP, January 27, 1973 will help kick off a new trek for Werikhe - one throughout the entire United ·Female born SDWAP, June 29, 1974 States - that is expected to earn $3 mil­ to Wildlife Safari, Oregon, June 26, 1975 for rhinoceros conservation proj­ · Male born SDWAP, January 12, 1976 ects, both in this country and in Africa. died SDWAP, January 20, 1976 While in San Diego, Werikhe is also scheduled to open the international · Male born SDWAP, September 2, 1977 rhino conference to be held at the Zoo to San Jose Zoo, CA, September 9, 1977 from May 9 through 11. He will later bring his Save The Rhino Walk back to • Male born SDWAP, May 5, 1979 San Diego in September, during the an­ to Auckland Zoo, New Zealand, September 6, 1980 nual meeting of the American Associa­ · Female born SDWAP, March 3, 1981 tion of Zoological Parks and Aquariums to Taiwan Zoo, China, April 17, 1982 (AAZPA), hosted this year by the Zoo­ logical Society of San Diego. • Female born SDWAP, October 24, 1982 What makes Michael Werikhe walk? to Gelsenkirchen Zoo, , June l, 1983 That question might best be answered · Female born SDWAP, July 8, 1984 by some alarming statistics. In 1975, in to Orana Park Zoo, New Zealand, April 25, 1986 his homeland of Kenya, the black rhinoc­ eros population stood at approximately ·· Male born SDWAP, September 23, 1986 10,000. In 1980, that figure dropped to to Gelsenkirchen Zoo, Germany, April 8, 1990 roughly 1,500, and today it has fallen to - Female born SDWAP, August 4, 1988 around 400. to Gelsenkirchen Zoo, Germany, April 8, 1990 Why is this happening? Habitat de­ struction caused by humans as they clear MFOLOZl has been the most prolific female of the SDWAP more and more land for agricultural pur­ group, giving birth to ten youngsters from 1972 to 1988. poses is part of the problem. But, sadly, most black rhinos-and, for that matter, the four other remaining rhino species-

U ZOONOOZ Michael Werikhe, otherwise known as the Rhino Man. A concern far the dwindling populations of rhinoceroses in his native Kenya started Michael Werikhe on his now famous worldwide Rhino Walks. are being slaughtered for their horns, ni£i.cent walk is just the sort of gesture until they could be returned to the which are considered by some of the that provides the spark of inspiration wild. His enthusiasm for these wildlife world's population to be more valuable which makes people respond to a crisis." "friends" caught the attention of his than gold. Rhino horns are ground into a Werikhe wholeheartedly agrees that schoolmates and teachers, who encour­ powder that is said to cure diseases of all people must be involved: "Conservation aged him toward a career in animal and kinds. Modem science has disproved cannot be imposed; it must have the un­ game management. Ironically, he later this, but, due to traditional beliefs in derstanding and support of the public, accepted a job in the Kenyan govern­ some countries, the animals continue to and especially the people on whose land ment's Ivory Room (before the country's be exterminated. the animals live. So much of the conser­ current ban on hunting), sorting piles of "It is crucial for our species-hu­ vation message has begun to sound sen­ elephant tusks and rhino horns to be mans-to decide today whether the rhi­ timental, and must seem horribly out of sold at public auction. Needless to say, noceros will continue to exist in the fu­ place to a man whose maize (his sole he soon left the position. ture;' says San Diego Zoo Geneticist Dr. means of staying alive) has just been Today, when he is not out walking for Oliver Ryder. "It's clearly up to us. They trampled by a herd of buffalo. We need rhinos, Werikhe works for the Associ­ may well be extinct by the time our chil­ to come up with practical systems and ated Vehicle Assemblers (AVA) in Mom­ dren are grown." Michael Werikhe is solutions in line with these realities basa. His employers have recognized his working hard to make sure this is not and the present times-positive aims work by granting him time off with pay what happens. and positive actions." for his many conservation activities. Following his initial walk in 1982, Some might say Werikhe has a child­ Others, too, have chosen to acknowl­ Werikhe walked an additional 1,250 like confidence when he remarks: "The edge Werikhe's valuable work. The miles across Uganda, Kenya, and Tan­ man in the street is very willing to con­ United Nations Environmental Pro­ zania in 1985, raising $54,000 for rhino serve wildlife, as long as he has informa­ gramme (UNEP) honored him as one of conservation studies and rhino sanctu­ tion and does not feel left out:' But, this UNEP's Global SOO in 1989. And, in 1990, aries. In 1988, he completed an ambi­ is part of his basic belief system, one that he was given the Goldman Environmen­ tious five-month and 1,800-mile walk has served him well. Lacking any kind of tal Prize for outstanding environmental across Europe, starting in Italy and end­ formal degree, Werikhe operates at the achievement. ing in Great Britain. He raised $1 million grass roots level, trusting average people Now, at age 34, after nearly a decade for rhino projects and captured the at­ to become as concerned as he is, and it of carrying his message of conservation tention of Prince Philip, Duke of Edin­ usually works. and cooperation across two continents, burgh, an avid wildlife conservationist: Werikhe's own interests and experi­ Werikhe will begin his most ambitious "It is easy enough to analyze the threats ences started him down the road to con­ walk yet and rally American support for to the future of the black rhino, and it is servation at an early age. While his cur­ the endangered rhino. He notes: "In not very difficult to suggest what needs rent focus is on the rhino, he has always this nuclear age, there are no national to be done to prevent it becoming ex­ been concerned for all threatened wild­ boundaries to the environment. The tinct. The real problem is to generate the life. As a boy, he would sometimes bring rhino will live or die because of us:' human will and commitment. Your mag- small injured animals home to care for

ZOONOOZ 13

Charles Robbins Schroeder: A Life Celebrated

July 29. 1901-March 21, 1991

native New York and gradu­ but pleasant symptoms:' at the end of 1899, aged at Marjorie Betts Shaw ate school at Washington Over the course of the next the same rate as the century, State University and had 40 years, he would work and the century was young. hen the San worked odd jobs across the twice for Lederle Laborato­ Dr. Schroede{scolleagues Diego Zoo was country to support his edu­ ries, once for the Bronx Zoo, and contemporaries at home not quite 16 cation, so in accepting the and three times for the San and abroad constituted a W years young, Zoo's veterinary post, he Diego Zoo, where he would who's who of that golden age it was in search of someone wrote, in true veterinary crown his achievements by of zoos, when there was the to head its research and vet­ style, "l have spent some establishing the Wild Animal fresh, boundless enthusiasm erinary programs, and Dr. time in the West and fear the Park. of a new enterprise. His en­ Charles R. Schroeder came good old California germ is Dr. Schroeder began his ergy and optimism were per­ highly recommended. He still with me, in fact I am a career at the San Diego Zoo fectly matched to the age. was two-and-a-half years out carrier and have already at a time when all zoos in the Dr. Leonard Goss, a col­ of veterinary school and en­ transmitted the infection to United States were relatively league who followed Dr. sconced at Lederle Laborato­ several people including young. The oldest, at Phila­ Schroeder into his job as vet­ ries in Pearl River, New York. Mrs. Schroeder. Being bene­ delphia, was only 42. The erinarian at the Bronx Zoo He had traveled between his ficial, it develops remarkable venerable Bronx Zoo, opened and who later became direc-

Dr. Schroeder had a busy retirement, in his home office and aro1111d the world, as consultant to zoos ranging from the United States and Mexico to Singapore. Wl1en he retired, this dynamic man wns praised for his dedication, drive, stamina, and contagious enthusiasm, and for Iris service to the lnternatiorial Union of Directors of Zoological Gardens and lo the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums. He had served as president of both organizatio115.

WONOOZ 17 .,,... "~ -e!! "' -5" ~ 0

c UI 0 0 t:

Dr. Schroeder gained wluab/e experience during his years as veterim1rin1111t Ne-VJ York's Bronx Zoo, but he and his family longed to !Je back in 51111 Diego.

tor of the Cleveland Zoo, Dr. Wegeforth advised, ing developed. they didn't have time to read characterized Charlie Schroe- Put as much time in with That period of his life and scientific papers, they were der at his retirement as "an [an] up-ta-date instit11tion those biomedical researchers expected to enhance their eternal optimist-we can add and wlren you do come back were to have a continuing in- awareness by perusing tables him to the list of vanishing bring a wealth of knaw/edge. fluence on his subsequent of contents to become famil- species:' Yo11r friend, Zoo career. He wrote nu- iar with titles and subjects of During his first term as "Dr. Harry" merous scientific papers dur- works. Stacks of journals, Zoo veterinarian (1932 to Two years later, Zoo Man- ing the years at Lederle, and magazines, and correspon- 1937), the Zorfs hospital also ager wooed he became chairman of the dence were routed to staff served as the diagnostic labo- Schroeder back to San Diego biology section of the New members daily. There was ratory for San Diego County. for his second stint as veter- York Academy of Sciences. scarcely desk room to accom- In between treating and re- inarian: "I do really feel ... The opening lines from a modate the material. But Dr. searching exotic animal dis- there is a bright prospect for 1948 pamphlet published by Schroeder had gone through eases, Dr. Schroeder was you out here and there will NYAS echoed Dr. Schroe- it all, and so could they. also concerned with the dis- be more people than the der's feelings about science: When he was awarded the eases of domestic poultry. In members of the Zoological "Not even a hennit today Zoological Society's conser- his spare time, he was the Society and the staff who can isolate himself from the vation medal in 1976, he was Zoo's photographer and will welcome you back to San influences of science:' lauded for having created an darkroom technician. He Diego." And after he had ac- He was proud of the caliber "attitude of education:' took animal photos during cepted, "[ do not know how of both staff and visiting sci- With strengths, ideas, and the day, processed them at many calls we have had alto- entists who carried on their convictions firmly in place, night, and had them on the gether, rejoicing over your studies at the Society's Zoo- and with countless plans sales rack as postcards the return, but it gives me the logical Hospital and Biolog- crowding into his imagina- next day. All in a day's work greatest satisfaction to see ical Research Institute, as it tion, he was ready to return as veterinarian meant how happy people really are was originally named. He to San Diego when Belle versatility. that you are coming back:' was devoted to Scholia, a Benchley was ready to retire. Research was as important This time he stayed until scholarly group to which he Charles Schroeder, who had to him as it was to Zoo Found- 1941, when Lederle Laborato- belonged and for which he made such a mark at the Zoo er Dr. Hany Wegeforth, and ries induced him, with some recruited many others. He as veterinarian, was her when the Bronx Zoo pulled difficulty, to rejoin the staff championed writers that in- choice as successor. The the Schroeders back to New at Pearl River as manager of terpreted science for a lay Board of Trustees was in York in 1937, Dr. Wegeforth their animal industry section public, and he always re- unanimous agreement, and wrote, and, later, director of veterin- quired his staff to be aware President Robert J. Sullivan My whole ambition was to ary clinical research. For the of research that was in prog- offered the post of managing have tire Zoo rroolve around next 13 years he worked with ress elsewhere. Curators at director on July 3, 1953, to the research. I do not care a noted scientists during a pe- the Zoo during the 1950s and become effective in early 'tinker's dam' to merely run riod when great strides in 1960s were constantly en- 1954. Dr. Wegeforth had died a circus .... medical and veterinary re- couraged to keep up with the in 1941, only a few months Then, with either premoni- search were being made and scientific journals in fields after Dr. Schroeder had re- tion or faith in his protege, life-saving vaccines were be- other than their own. Even if turned to Lederle, but in ac-

IB ZOONOOZ I ~

Los An geles Zoo photo

Sir Charles: To add to his marry honors, he was knighted in C:zechoslOV11kia. Th is cake was given to Dr. Schroeder after lie served as interim director for the Los Angeles Zoo in his retirement. It was actrra//y his cepting the directorship, he promptly responded. He ex- with keepers at the Wild An- third retirement - the first was from Lederle Laboratories, where tlm; remembered his mentor with pected his employees to look imal Park. partied under palm trees and to a characteristic enthusiasm: neat, no matter what the job. It was Dr. Schroeder's vi- jungle theme to send him 011 his "I'll bet Dr. Harry knew Zoo Physiologist Andy Phil- sion that produced the Wild way to the diredorsltip of the San I'd be back, or did Mrs. lips recalls working summer Animal Park, but he was Diego Zoo. Benchley plan this?" vacations in the back of a quick to credit his close As director, he ran a tight trash truck, knee deep in friend Andy Borthwick for ship. He was famous or no- garbage, and being ad- making the Park possible. most recent was probably torious (depending on one's monished by Dr. Schroeder The Schroeders' Escondido (but not necessarily) the un­ point of view) for his memos to tuck in his shirttail. home overlooks "the Park veiling in February of the go­ and for his little black book. It was a side effect of his that Charlie built." The same rilla statue erected in his On his daily walks through enthusiasm and optimism charging energy he used to honor at the Wild Animal the Zoo, every dripping fau- that he was easily enamored drive posts to mark the route Park. cet, each bit of chipped paint of people. Some of those for the Wild Animal Park's In January 1986, Dr. was duly noted in the black people became lifelong Wgasa Bush Line monorail Schroeder and Dr. Harry book. Back in his office, his friends, others brought dis- kept him chopping firewood Wegeforth each received na - Dictaphone recorded all appointment. But no disap- and repairing his roof well tionwide attention when CBS items that needed attention, pointment could quell his into his 80s. But then he television featured them on and the next day a flurry of zeal for the next interesting grew up tough and re- "An American Portrait:' memos reached all those person met. He irrepressibly silient-in New York's Bed- Dr. Harry was prophetic charged with correcting the liked company and conversa- ford-Stuyvesant area - when he welcomed Dr. problems. If, after a few tion. As director, he often where, he said, "You had to Schroeder as a returning vet­ days, the faucet still dripped enjoyed company and dis- belong to a gang to survive." erinarian in 1939: " ... I am or fresh paint hadn't been course by sharing the con- For many years, he attrib- glad to see you come back to applied or there had been tents of his mail with Zoo uted his remarkable good a zoo that is young for I feel no response to the memo, staff over morning coffee. In health and recuperative you will be able to see it in a follow-up copy went out retirement, he hailed em- powers to the immunity he full bloom before you pass with a handwritten note ployees to his lunch table- gained from his childhood out of the picture:' Dr. signed CRS that simply always keeping track of the swims in New York's pol- Schroeder saw it in full asked, "What happened?" pulse of the place. A short, luted East River. bloom and helped it to Few waited to receive a third conversational walk with Dr. He often dismissed dis- bloom -far beyond Dr. memo. The little black book Schroeder would become a cussion of his numerous Harry's wildest dreams. ~ and the oft-cursed memos lengthy and interesting, awards, honors, and acco- kept the Zoo shipshape. spasmodic stroll, because he Jades by saying, "They' re re- Editor's Note: Nothing escaped his notice. couldn't walk and talk. It ally for longevity:' He began Marjorie Shaw knew and He saw every purchase req- was imperative that he stop reaping them as too young a worked with Dr. Schroeder uisition and every piece of and face his companion to man for that to be true. It is for almost 30 years and re­ correspondence that left make a point. In recent true that they are too numer- ceived her own share of the Zoo, and if there was a years, he delighted in his ous to list without fear of for- memos. She is a former edi­ question or a problem, he Sunday morning breakfasts getting a dozen or so. The tor of ZOONOOZ.

ZOONOOZ 19 NOOZNOTES

Palomar Mountain State Park

Wildlife Treks

Ex plore the mountains this s ummer European river otter Lutra Jutra with local wildlife expert Celia Condit Taylor. She'll take you out to three local Sun Bear Forest has some new residents, given to the Zoological Society areas-Cuyamaca State Park on June 15 by the Zurich Zoo in Switzerland. Two European river otters Lutra Iittra, or 16, Laguna Mountains on June 22 or also known as Eurasian otters, now occupy the tumbling waterfall pool 23, and Palomar Mountain on June 29 within the lion-tailed macaque portion of the exhibit. Look for their or 30-to see our local flora and fauna. quick and agile movements as they cavort around the enclosure. There's even a special trek to beautiful A rather solitary member of the species, these Old World representa­ San Jacinto Mountain, led by Naturalist tives of the Lutra genus have a range that extends from Scotland east and and Wild Animal Park Education Man­ south, all the way to Java. While otters prefer life in streams and lakes, ager Debra Erickson on July 6 or 7. In ad­ where they forage for food, they are equally at home on land. Otters are dition to the three-hour, easy-to-moder­ the only amphibious representatives of the weasel family. ate walks, each trek includes handouts In their native habitat, Eurasian otters tend to have a varied carnivore to help you identify local birds, mam­ die~, usual!~ frogs,. fish, eels, and other small water creatures. They eat mals, and plants. Member fees for the their catch tmmediately, crushing bones and all with strong premolar three-trek series to Cuyamaca, the Lagu­ teeth. Due to their rapid metabolism, otters must eat a substantial meal nas, and Palomar are $17.50 per trek or at least four or five times a day. $45 for the series. Nonmember fees are Otters are also known for their vocalizations, which range from short $22.50 per trek or $60 for the series. The chuckle sounds to chirps. Eurasians otters tend more towards a twitter San Jacinto trek, which includes the sound that is made between adults in close proximity or between a Palm Springs Aerial Tram fee, is $30 per mother and her young. person. To register, send a check payable -Editor to the Zoological Society of San Diego to Wildlife Treks, P.O. Box 551, San Diego, CA 92112-0551.

Adults who want to find out more about which ones did not. And, best of all, you our dinosaurs can sign up for this fact­ can spend an hour in the dinosaur ex­ filled, three-hour tour. You'll find out hibit before it opens to the public. De­ DEMYSTIFYING what prehistoric animals can teach us mystifying Dinosaurs is offered on Sat­ DINOSAURS about the past-and the future - of life urday and Sunday mornings, from 8 to on this planet. The tour, which includes 11 A.M. The program fees are $13.50 for a monorail ride and an animal encoun­ member adults and $28 for nonmem­ ter, will help you sort fact from fiction by bers; $11.50 for members ages 12 to 15 Spend some time alone in the woods at taking a look at the plants and animals of and $19 for nonmembers. For reserva­ the Park with our prehistoric creatures! long ago to see which ones survived and tions, call (619)738- 5057.

ZOONOOZ 23 THERAPY FOR A DYING PLANET

The project involves several phases. out irrevocably depleting it. First, the SDSU graduate students par­ In order to properly identify our own ticipate in the classroom study of a vari­ positions within the overall ecological ety of worldwide environmental issues, picture, we must be concerned with our pinpointing areas of concern-such as individual impact on the world and the the South American rain forests or the legacy that each of us leaves behind. North American wetlands-and ·dis­ Therapy for a Dying Planet is designed cussing ways that the native peoples to promote an increased understanding might receive rewards for protecting, in­ of environmental problems and the deli­ As part of its ongoing commitment to stead of destroying, the environment. cate interaction that exists between hu­ conservation, the Zoological Society of The second phase is a summer intern­ man beings and the planet, as well as to San Diego, in conjunction with San Di­ ship at the San Diego Zoo, where stu­ teach the behavior-modification tech­ ego State University, is piloting a new dents can apply what they have learned niques that, if applied effectively, may environmental education program called about behavior modification by working change the ways people interact with Therapy for a Dying Planet. This coop­ with Zoo animals, encouraging natural their environments. The underlying phi­ erative project combines the efforts of foraging behaviors with food rewards. losophy is that as long as people get educators from San Diego State Univer­ The third phase asks students to design something they want or need from con­ sity's Educational Opportunity Pro­ a specific action plan that will address a servation efforts, they are more likely to gram, its Psychology Department, and conservation problem in a targeted for­ participate. Those involved in this pro)­ staff from the San Diego Zoo in teaching eign country, and the last phase involves ect hope it will be duplica ted in univer­ graduate students how to effectively use the students in a field conservation proj­ sities nationwide, and a video tape de­ behavior modification with both animals ect in that country. This year, the stu­ scribing the project and its goals is being and people. Behavior modification, sim­ dents will travel to Papua New Guinea, made to provide more information. If ply put, provides a reward in exchange where they will work with the Offke of you would like to know more about for a desired behavior. With animals, the Environment and Conservation to find Therapy for a Dying Planet, contact Dr. reward is usually a food item; with hu­ ways to reward people for preserving Kathryn Wullner at the Educational Op­ mans, the reward can be anything from Papua New Guinea's abundant natural portunity Program, Psychology Depart­ money to farming space to international resources, allowing the population to ment, San Diego State University, San recognition. benefit from the natural diversity with- Diego, CA 92182.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Get 'em while they're hot! The Zoo and Wild Animal Park's Summer School bro­ chures are ready, and classes for stu­ dents entering grades 1 through 12 are already filling fast. If your child will be entering first grade in the fall, sign him or her up for both Dino Day Camp at the Wild Animal Park and a week-long chance to meet some mammals at the Zoo. You r ninth grader can find out more about saving endangered species in the Zoo's A Race Against Time and will have an opportunity to spend a day at the Wild Animal Park learning what it's like to be a zoo keeper. You can even bring the whole family on an unforgetta­ ble photo caravan trip in the back of a pickup truck, driving through the Afri­ can field enclosures at the Park and feed­ ing inquisitive giraffes as you go. All Wild Animal Park Summer School classes include a visit to the dinosaur Ed 11cntio 11 Depnrtment llltem Lise Christensen introduces 11 Galtfpagos tortoise lo summer school students. exhibit. Fees range from $20 to $50 per class, with discounts for Koala Club registration form, ca ll our Summe r Wild Animal Park, or (619)236-0163 for members. To get your brochure and School hotlines - (619)740 - 9383 for the the Zoo.

24 ZOONOOZ A Remembrance: Pamela C. Orsi

San Diego ZA3o: G. Irvine 1963-1991

A bright, welcome sun warmed the grassy hillside in the Wild Animal Park's African elephant enclosure on March 22, as friends, family, and co-workers gath­ ered to remember Pamela Orsi. In song, in poetry, in words, and in silence, before a panorama of the Park's rhinos, antelope, and birds and the beautiful San Pasqual Valley, several hundred people said goodbye to a SHOP TALK young woman devoted to elephants. Pam Orsi, 27, was caught up in a con­ frontation between two Asian ele­ Zoo: The Modern Ark phants on March 14. Her accidental Pam Orsi was one of Omar's dedicated, around­ Text by Jake Page, photographs by Franz death stunned the community and sad­ the-clock caretakers after his birth in Ju ne 1990. Her love of elephants was apparent in the juy she Maier, preface by Gerald Durrell, Facts dened a!J who knew her. And it ended, showed while romping with him. on File, New York, 1990. too early, a promising career she had The zoo's vital new role in conservation spent most of her life preparing for. is the focus of this beautifully illustrated Pam graduated in 1981 from St. Mary's book by Jake Page, a noted authority on High School in her hometown of Man­ put to good use with the birth of Omar, natural history and a founding editor of hasset, New York. She eamed an animal the first born to the Zoo­ the Natural History Press and Smith­ science degree from Cornell University logical Society. Rejected by his mother at sonian Books. This volume brings its in 1985 and took a mammal keeper posi­ birth, Omar required around-the-clock readers a historical appreciation of zoos tion at the Bronx Zoo that same year. For attention by a number of caretakers, and by tracing their history from 2300 B.C., five years, Pam worked at the Bronx Pam eagerly volunteered to be among as well as providing a new understand­ Zoo, caring for , deer, rhinos, and them. ing of their increasingly important role elephants. But it was the elephants that As a surrogate mother, she often sat in saving endangered species. This book intrigued her most. quietly for hours with the baby elephant's recounts the launching of the Species "Pam loved elephants, she loved to head on her lap while he napped. For Survival Plans (SSPs) and how these work with elephants," said Bronx Zoo playtime, she would sometimes open a plans have helped to revolutionize the Curator James Doherty. "She wanted to large bag of wood shavings for Omar, modem zoo with more natural habitats, work in San Diego because it would give which he loved to roll around in. For ex­ advances in breeding, public education her an opportunity to work all day, every ercise, keeper and elephant calf kicked a programs, and the reintroduction of cap­ day, with elephants:' soccer ball. Pam helped feed and bathe tive-bred animals into the wild. The She began her job as an elephant keep­ Omar and conspired to coax him onto book also discusses how zoos in general er at the Wild Animal Park in 1990. Fel­ the scales for daily weighing. Pam's en­ care for their coHections and profiles low keepers recall that Alice, an adult thusiasm and dedication to the elephant some prominent zoos, including the Asian female on breeding loan from the orphan was evident. Bronx Zoo, the National Zoo in Wash­ Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque, was On March 24, ten days after Pam's death, ington, D.C., and the San Diego Zoo. Pam's favorite. Alice would follow Pam baby Omar had to be put to sleep by an During May, Zoological Society mem­ around the elephant yard like a playful injection from Wild Animal Park veter­ bers may purchase this book at a 10 per­ puppy. Now and then, Alice would take inarians. The 10-month-old elephant calf cent discount. Copies are available in the the keeper's wrist with her trunk and was no longer able to stand, having suf­ Zoo and Wild Animal Park gift shops. To lead her down to the gate, knowing that fered since January with an undetemtined order by phone, use your VISA® or Ma!Y Pam would get her an apple or some infection and poor bone development. terCard® and have your Society mem­ other treat. Wild Animal Park keepers, veter­ bership number at hand. " Pam touched the lives of so many inarians, and curators who had rescued people;' said Robert Poree, a Wild Ani­ Omar from attacks by his mother at birth Publisher's price: $35.00 mal Park co-worker and friend. "She and had organized 24-hour-a-day care Member price: $31.50 gave of herself and was always there teams throughout the rallies and set­ Shipping and handling: $2.50 with a kind word or smile. She was an backs of Omar's short life, were on hand California residents add 7 percent sales accomplished young woman who chose when hope for his return to health tax. To order by phone, call (619)586- to follow a career that would satisfy her disappeared. 1657 or, toll free, 1-800-628- 3179. Mem­ passion for elephants." "Don't worry," someone said, in the ber discount price good through May 31 Soon after her arrival in San Diego, barn with the baby elephant. "Pam will only. Pam's training and abilities were quickly take care of him:'

200NOOZ 25 a tensive botanical collection on our Zoo • grounds, most of the plants listed by the • field biologists are not available for us to use as browse. In order to meet an ex­ panding demand for browse by our rhi­ nos from both Africa and Sumatra, we rely on the availability of generic plant substitutes, which we have growing on the grounds and which the animals will readily accept (see table). The browse­ worker, a member of the horticulture de­ partment, delivers arrnloads of four- to six-foot branches of these plants to water barrels near the rhino exhibits several times a week. Despite the variety of plants provided, the favorites seem to be Acncia longifolia and Acacia saligira, which are both from Australia. This preference may be due to the higher amount of cellulose present in the phyllodes, or leaflike petioles, that function as leaves on Australian acacias. In their desire for cellulose fiber, our rhi­ An Ensl African black rlri110 Diceros bicornis mi­ nos will consume branches up to two chaeli and her yow1gs/er browse on Ficus macro­ inches in diameter-which makes those phylla. The Society's r11i110 browsr progm111 pro­ of us who have seen these browsing <>ides se7.•eml pounds of such ;,>egetarfr111 treats 11s beasts in action wonder if they them­ .ficus, acacia, or hibiscus cuttings for t•aclr r/1i110 selves aren't responsible for the de­ every d11y, f11lfi'lliirg J/ieir belrauioml 11eed lo .fomge Prescription ,for food. forestation of their natural habitats' The browse program as we manage it at the Browse survival of these species. A good exam­ Zoo is an excellent example of how mod­ ple is our southern white rhino popu­ ern zoos meet the needs of the animals for Rhinos lation at the Wild Animal Park, where in their care, allowing them to continue successful care and reproduction have to breed highly endangered species in produced 75 offspring since 1971. We captivity. hope to parallel that kind of success at the Zoo as well. On Elephant Mesa we have two species of rhino, the Sumatran r,. :lant Species Acceptable Daniel Simpson HORTICULTURE and the black. Our browse program is designed to meet their needs. Barak.as, a I to Browsing Rhinos: fifteen-year-old female Sumatran rhino, The five species of rhinos that exist today is an enthusiastic browser. In order to i Acacia longifolia are somewhat specialized in their feed­ keep her happy and healthy and to re­ Acacia saligna ing methods. The white, or square­ duce her impact on the plants in her ex­ Ensete ve11tricos1m1 lipped, rhino and the Indian rhino are hibit, she receives daily offerings of sev­ Ficus benjnmi11a grazers, meaning that they feed on eral different plant species, including Ficus elastica grasses and other similar types of vege­ acacia, ficus, and hibiscus. Presently, tation. The black, or hooked-lipped, she consumes about twenty or more Ficus macrophylln rhino and the Javan and Sumatran rhi­ pounds per day. In the near future, we Ficus 11ekb11d11 nos are considered browsers because plan to receive a male companion for Ficus p1u11ila they feed on small trees and shrubs. her, and we hope this will lead to a triple Ficus retusn Regardless of their specific feeding be­ demand for browse. Ficus rubiginosa havior, rhinos require large amounts of Nearby, we have two pairs of black fiber for their slow digestive systems. rhinos, Dillon and Scooter and Gund­ Ficus t110nni11gii Bacterial activity in the cecum, rather wane and Chirundu, that also require Harpep!tyllum cnffrum than in the stomach, breaks down the branches of foliage on a daily basis. Our Hedycl1ium flavum cellulose contained in the volume of veg­ captive rhinos receive a carefully planned Hibiscus rosa-sinensis etation a rhino needs to consume daily. diet of herbivore pellets, carrots, yams, Morus alba In their natural habitat, these animals apples, alfalfa, and vitamin E supple­ Syzygium paniculatum have access to a wide variety of plant ments that meets their nutritional needs, I material. However, habitat destruction but the browse material supplements Zingiber zerumbet reduces their food supply and increases that diet and helps to meet their behav­ competition for living space and avail­ ioral needs. I l-···------~-~ able forage. Rhino researchers in the field have Opposite: Tire Zoo's female S11m11trnn ,.Ji/110 Captive management and successful compiled lists of the plant species rhinos reaches 11 p to sa111 pie one of lire 1'11 inos · favorite reproduction are important steps in the seem to prefer. Although we have an ex- /Jro10se irems. Acacia longifolia.

2h ZOONOOZ

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~N~ Ma}•1991 Zcological Society of San Diego, Box 551, San Diego, California 92112/Litho by Frye & Smith, Ltd.

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