Published for Friends of The Memphis

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

Vol. XXIV, No. 2 BERANCE!BERANCE! Memphis Zoological Society Board of Directors as of August 2013 In this issue: Officers: On the Cover Joseph C. DeWane, M.D., Chair 2 Dorothy Kirsch, Secretary Gwen has been a Zoo fan since 1958, and now that Russell T. Wigginton, Jr., Treasurer she is a grandparent, she uses her grandparent membership Larry Roesel, Vice Chair to enjoy the Zoo with her little ones. Read her “Rediscover” Gene Holcomb, Past Chair story on page 10. Diane Smith, Past Chair Directors: 2 Rediscover the Memphis Zoo Gaurav Agarwal Joyce A. Mollerup The Memphis Zoo of today looks very different from the Brent Alvord Brandon Morrison Thomas C. Carol W. Prentiss Zoo you might’ve known as a child. After numerous renova- Farnsworth III Karl Schledwitz tions and additions over the last 20 years, the Zoo continues to David Hopkins Jenna Shaw grow, creating world-class, naturalistic homes for its animals. Henry A. Hutton Jerry A. Shore This spring, Rediscover your Memphis Zoo. MidSouth Chevy Scott McCormick Kelly Truitt Mario L. Walker full page ad 5 Creature Feature: Siamangs Honorary Lifetime Directors: Donna K. Fisher Among all the animals that have benefitted from the Roger T. Knox, President Emeritus improvements at the Zoo, few are enjoying their new homes 5 Scott P. Ledbetter more than the siamangs. “Debbie,” one of our female Senator James R. Sasser siamangs, made the transition from a small enclosure to her Rebecca Webb Wilson new open-air exhibit, complete with a large jungle gym Ex Officio: structure. Learn more about siamangs and the opening of Dr. Chuck Brady, Zoo President & CEO Primate Canyon. Bill Morrison, City Council Representative Bettye Berlin, Docent/Volunteer Representative

6 Rediscover memphiszoo.org Credits: As the Zoo continues to grow, we also look for better Laura Doty, Editor / Writer ways to connect with you! This spring, when you visit Abbey Dane, Writer memphiszoo.org, you will see an all-new website. Along with Brannon Moore, Writer Geri Meltzer, Art Director a new look, you’ll find more animal info and more ways to Laura Horn, Contributing Artist interact. Stayed tuned this spring as we invite you to explore Jennifer Coleman, Copy Editor the all new memphiszoo.org. Toof Printing, Printer Exzooberance paper generously donated 6 by International Paper employees Departments: Zoo Admission Hours: 7 Education: Inside the Explorers Program March-October 16 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 8 Special Events October 17-February 9 a.m.-4 p.m. • Grounds close one hour after last 11 Keeper Photos Caption Contest admission 12 Kids’ Activity Page • Zoo Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Our Mission: Membership Goes Green! Connecting people with wildlife

Don’t forget, membership cards Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le are now printed directly at the Zoo are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.

when you arrive. These will no The Memphis Zoo is accredited by the Association of and Aquariums and a member of the World Assoc- longer be mailed. iation of Zoos and Aquariums. ©2014 Memphis Zoo ® Have a question? E-mail us at [email protected], or call (901) 333-6500 31 2 3 Rediscover memphiszoo.org

A lot has changed at the Memphis Zoo over the years, and with those changes, we’ve also tried to keep our online pres- ence new and fresh. This spring, the Zoo is launching an all-new website that will make you feel like you are visiting us from the comfort of your home. We’ve joined with the team at Speak Creative to build a site like none other; we’ll have more interactive components, more photos and videos and, most importantly, more animal content than ever! When you visit memphiszoo.org, you’ll be greeted by videos of our animals. From close-up shots with a rooster at the Farm to an aerial shot of our penguin colony enjoying their pool, you’ll enjoy this portion so much, you may never leave the home page! We thought that might be the case, so we created a home page full of all the necessary information. By just using the scroll button, you’ll be able to get an overview of information on admissions, animals, education, conservation and ways to connect with us. You’ll see our Instagram feed — all of this before you ever leave the home page. Once you peel yourself away from the videos, you will find in-depth information about each of the Zoo’s programs in a clean and colorful layout inside the internal pages of the site. Get all the information you need about siamangs for a school report. Find out the benefits of being a Zoo member. Learn about special events and education programs. You will be able to explore all of this and much more in the all-new memphiszoo.org. Stay tuned for the launch of this updated site. You will be able to rediscover the wonder of the Memphis Zoo before you arrive at our gates.

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Creature Feature

Siamang (Hylobates Syndactylus)

Chickie, female orangutan by Brannon Moore, Marketing Specialist Have you ever walked through the below the siamang’s mouth and can grow started approaching Debbie when she was Memphis Zoo and heard a loud “howling” to the size of its head! Their “singing” on the ground. Debbie wasn’t sure that sound? Well, that would be no other can be heard up to two miles away. This was a good idea and showed her teeth, and than the noisiest species of gibbons, the noise is mainly used to state their territory threatened Chickie when she got too close. siamangs. They are a rare ape species, and let others know they are around. However, Chickie was very persistent and known for their loud vocalizations in the The first siamangs at the Memphis Zoo very patient and she slowly won Debbie’s jungle, as well as the Zoo! While they are were a pair named “Danny” and “Debbie” trust. Chickie now grooms Debbie and they lightweight and small in size, they are very who lived in the old primate house. The are best friends. They sleep in the same agile and quick to swing from tree to tree. couple moved from those facilities in 1994 room at night and the keepers sometimes They are so quick in the trees that almost to the all-new, state-of-the-art Primate see them cuddling in the mornings. no predator can catch them. Canyon exhibit. Danny has since passed, Debbie joins in the morning song of the Siamangs are very social animals that but you can still visit “Debbie” in her new siamang pair who lives across the path, are active primarily during the day. Mating home with the orangutans. but she seems very content to live with the pairs raise their offspring up until the After the passing of Danny, Debbie was orangutans. She is affectionately known by young reach seven years old. They spend introduced to a new mate, “Loki.” The pair the keepers as an honorary orangutan. time searching for food, like fruits, leaves didn’t get along well so Debbie was moved The next time you visit the Zoo, just and other plant materials, as well as to the orangutan yard in 2004. There were follow the “singing” all the way to Primate grooming each other and picking any no issues with the orangutans, and it Canyon to visit Debbie, Loki and “Raya,” unwanted items out of their fur. seems they only wanted to watch Debbie. and see the naturalistic exhibits Memphis Siamangs are most known for a key She was very quick and agile, so she was Zoo animals enjoy. feature that makes their calls so loud. able to avoid them by swinging on the They have an inflatable throat sac that sits top ropes. “Chickie,” a female orangutan,

5 Discover more programs and get ‘ 14 nn more information at EdEdzoozoocatiocatiopproroggraramsms memphiszoo.org

Homeschool Day This two-hour program takes our Registration popular zoo classes and adds a home- Conservation Camp Deadline: school twist! Meet live animals, Grades Going, going, saved! While exploring March 6 participate in hands-on activities JK-5th Grade the Zoo and participating in fun games, and get a guided tour of exhibits crafts, and interactive experiments, in this all-new program. Aftercare spring break campers will learn how Aftercare 2 to 5:30 p.m. If 2 p.m. 1st-12th Grades: special our endangered animals are pickup is too early for your schedule, and what they can do to help save these we offer aftercare each day. A way for The NanoZoo - Zoom important animals from extinction. your child to unwind while you finish into the nano-scale to your work day, aftercare consists of discover how even the March 10 - 14 educational videos, exciting activities smallest adaptations can 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and fun games. have big effects. Cost per Day: $45/members; $55/nonmembers — special pricing Aftercare cost Wednesday, April 2 before March 1st ($10 off daily price) (1st –12th grade) – 1 to 3 p.m. Member per day $20; Spring Break Camp 2014 Call to register: (901) 333-6576 Registration Deadline: Mon., March 31 Nonmember per day $30 For more information, visit $15/members; $18/nonmembers* memphiszoo.org *additional fees may apply Call to register: (901) 333-6576

Zoo Camp 2014 Growing Wild Animal Appetites 6th-8th Grade June 2-6, June 16–20, June 30– June 9-13, June 23-27, July 7-11, Memphis Zoo U: Class of ’14 Send your wild child to the July 4, July 14–18, July 28–Aug. 1 July 21-25 June 9-13, June 23-27, July 7-11 wildest camp around: ZOO All animals have to grow up Feed your curiosity and At Zoo University campers CAMP. Campers will explore eventually, and they have lots learn what animals eat. experience the Zoo like never the fascinating world of animals to learn along the way. before. Participate in all new while participating in fun games, Rainforest Rumble behind-the-scenes tours, crafts, tours, keeper chats, live Classy Critters June 2-6, June 16–20, create animal enrichment, animal visits, and more. Parents June 9-13, June 23-27, July 7-11, June 30 – July 4, July 14–18 perform hands-on experiments, must provide a non-refrigerated, July 21-25 Swing through the tree- meet live animal ambassadors, non-microwavable lunch. Discover the fun side of tops and stomp the forest floor and see how animals inspire Registrations prior to critter classification. while we explore this amazing scientists to new heights in June 1 receive one free camp habitat. technology and research. t-shirt per camper. Big & Small, Short & Tall June 9-13, June 23-27, July 7-11, 3rd-5th Grade Aftercare 3 to 6 p.m. June 2-August 1 July 21-25 Wildlife Weirdos If 3 p.m. is too early for your Monday-Friday Learn all about animal June 2-6, June 16–20, June 30– schedule, we offer aftercare 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. opposites. July 4, July 14–18, July 28–Aug. 1 until 6pm. Aftercare consists Cost per Week: $165/members; Delve into the weird and the of educational videos, exciting $195/nonmembers 1st-2nd Grade wacky of the animal kingdom. activities, and fun games for Journey to the Top Registration deadline: your child to unwind after a full Alien Invaders The Monday before registered June 2-6, June 16–20, June 30– day of camp. camp week July 4, July 14–18, July 28–Aug. 1 June 9-13, June 23-27, Aftercare Cost: $85/members; Trek to the Tetons, ascend July 7-11, July 21-25 $95/nonmembers JK-K (To attend, child must be to the top of Everest, and Learn how plant and 4 years old and potty-trained by conquer Kilimanjaro to discover animal “aliens” can wreak start date of registered class.) the adaptations of the animals havoc on an ecosystem. who survive here.

Registration begins March 1 • Call to register! (901) 333-6576

Pre-registration is required. Prices are subject to change. The Education Department reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration. 6 The Story of Explorers “Our Explorer’s Academy program is a by Carla Cook, Director of Education wonderful initiative to introduce the Similar to parents and their children, some would say that as Director of Educa- Imagine the excitement of walking into a wonders of wildlife and our Zoo tion I am not supposed to have favorites classroom that has been transformed into a among the many wonderful programs offered rainforest, desert, ocean or tundra. What on resources to urban fourth graders.” by the Zoo’s Education Department. To those Earth will the day entail? Meeting a giraffe r huck rady oo resident — D . C B , Z P people I would say, “Spend a week with and seeing the long neck and tongue that these students. Watch their faces as they help this graceful creature reach the leaves Since 2008, more than 1,600 students explore the inside of a squid or touch the in tall acacia trees in the grasslands? Feeling from the Jubilee Schools — Catholic Diocese pelt of a leopard. Watch as science becomes how the blubber of marine mammals keeps schools located in some of Memphis’ most something real and not just something in a them warm in the frigid waters of the Arctic? economically challenged neighborhoods text book. Read the sweet notes of thanks Dissecting a squid and touching the sharp — and from three Shelby County Schools — that arrive from the students and teachers beak buried in its mouth — a beak that helps Springdale Elementary, Idlewild Elementary, after Explorer’s Academy. Then it might the squid break open shells as it searches for and Snowden Elementary — have experi- become your favorite program, too.” food in the ocean? This is not your typical enced learning outside of the box and inside classroom, and this will not be a typical day. the Zoo at no cost to their school. Unlike This is Explorer’s Academy. a typical Zoo class that can last from 45 In January 2008, the Memphis Zoo’s minutes to an hour, these students spend Education Department invited 4th graders three hours per day for four or five days in from the Catholic Diocese of Memphis Jubilee a row gaining an appreciation for areas of Schools, as well as Springdale Elementary, the world unlike their own and, hopefully, to study different biomes of the world. Zoo beginning a lifelong quest to do all they can President, Dr. Chuck Brady, says, “Our to conserve our planet. Explorer’s Academy program is a wonderful And what would a Zoo journey through initiative to introduce the wonders of wildlife biomes be without a focus on the animals? and our Zoo resources to urban fourth Through visits with animal ambassadors, graders. The one-week program shows these tours, lessons and hands-on activities, the young children biomes of the world and the students are fully immersed and versed on wildlife that inhabit them. It also introduces many of the adaptations that animals must these children to our great Zoo.” use in order to survive in each area.

fred’s is a proud supporter of the Memphis Zoo

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March 1 Seasonal Exhibits March 22 Reopen March 1 Tour de Grizz During those lazy winter days, have Ride begins at 4:45 p.m. Eventsemphis rizzlies vs ndiana acers p m EventsM G . I P , 7 . . you missed riding a camel, feeding a giraffe and petting a stingray? Beginning March 1, $30 or $65 (price dependent on seating level) each of these seasonal exhibits will reopen! All ages and levels of experience welcome Here is some useful info to help you plan Join us for a group bicycle ride from the your visit: Zoo to the FedEx Forum in the 6th annual April 26 Tour de Grizz! See the grizzlies of Teton Trek Stingray Bay: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily Party for the Planet before heading downtown to cheer on your $3/Members, $4/Nonmembers Memphis Grizzlies! Your ticket gets you an all- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. • included with Zoo admission Camel Excursion: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily day pass to the Zoo, a ticket to the Grizzlies e’re throwing a party — a Party for the $5 per ride W game (terrace and club levels available), your Planet! The Memphis Zoo is joining with the Giraffe Feedings: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., entry fee for the ride and a special Tour de Association of Zoos and Aquariums to celebrate Wednesday through Sunday Grizz T-shirt. Call (901) 205-1460 or visit Earth Day where we will learn ways to save the $5 per lettuce bundle memphiszoo.org for details. Bicycle storage planet in our daily life, all while visiting with available at Zoo and Forum. some of the world’s most exotic animals. Join us for our Earth Day celebration and learn all April 11 about conservation through information stations, special keeper chats, a scavenger hunt, Wild World of Wine and Beer eco-friendly crafts and games! Presented by AutoZone • 7 to 10 p.m. $45/members, $55/nonmembers • For tickets call April 15 (901) 333-6553 or visit memphiszoo.org. The Zoo’s largest conservation fundraiser of Looking Ahead Macy’s Zoo Brew Tickets the year is back! Wild World of Wine and Beer Stay tuned for details on these events! Go On Sale is your chance to sample beers and wines at one Tickets: $35/member; $40/nonmember of the most unique venues in the city. When you VIP Tickets: $55/member; $60/nonmember attend this event, you help support conservation Memorial Day Weekend is a great If you plan to attend Macy’s Zoo Brew efforts both at the Zoo and in field projects across time to visit the Zoo. Don’t miss these on May 23, mark your calendar for April the globe. We will enjoy food, wine, beer and a great activities: 15 when tickets go on sale! Be the first to silent auction of artwork from some of the Zoo’s Zoom Through the Zoo — May 22 purchase your Zoo Brew 2014 tickets. Visit very own artists. Join us at Teton Trek for the 16th Macy’s Zoo Brew — May 23 memphiszoo.org,MG_TourDeGrizz_Exzooberance.pdf or call (901) 333-6572. 1 2/10/14annual Wild9:53 WorldAM of Wine and Beer. Members Party — May 24

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Mar. 1 March 1

Stingray Bay Camel Excursions Giraffe Feeding 2 3 4 5 6 Adventure7 8 Stroller Open Safari

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13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Stroller Macy’s Safari Zoo Brew Tickets on sale

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9 Member Spotlight The Hogan Family Rediscovers the Memphis Zoo by Laura Doty, Communications Specialist Every year growing up, Gwen Hogan According to Hogan, she’s especially visited the Memphis Zoo while on field looking forward to the new home for the trips. When Gwen’s children were growing hippos, Zambezi River Hippo Camp. up, she continued to take field trips to the “We always gravitate towards that Zoo as a school chaperone. Now, she brings area,” Hogan explains. “We love checking her grandchildren as often as she can. out the hippos. It will be nice for them to Hogan, a Senatobia native, has been have a new home, too.” coming to the Zoo for as long as she Gwen also loves learning the names and remembers. It’s always been a place she’s history of each individual animal. Learn- loved, and a place she wanted to share ing more about animals and their habitats with others. helped Hogan decide which field she would “Even when I went to college, I go into when she was growing up. remember bringing friends home,” Hogan Hogan taught Biology in the Senatobia said. “We took them to the Zoo.” City School system for 25 years. She The Memphis Zoo has been a long- recently retired and now has more time standing family tradition for Hogan. to bring her grandchildren to the Hogan’s husband, Larry, also grew up Memphis Zoo. coming to the Memphis Zoo. Together, Do you know someone who needs to Have Old Gwen and Larry brought their three “Rediscover” the Memphis Zoo? Invite your children, Lee, Mark and Betsy. Hogan friends to see the all-new Memphis Zoo. Zoo now shares her Zoo visits with her grand- Photos? children, Luke, 3 (3 ½ if you ask him), and Harper, who’s almost one. “It’s such a great place to take your grandchildren,” she said. “It’s nice and safe. Have you been a longtime Memphis Zoo Even if there are a lot of supporter? Do you have old photos people visiting, it’s never too crowded. You can always see you’d like to share? Please email us at the exhibits.” Hogan has seen her fair [email protected] with the share of the exhibits subject line Memphis Zoo Photo. Please changing. “The polar bears didn’t have the nice set up include in the email that you give us they have now,” she said. permission to use the photo for our “The tigers were in cages. They didn’t have Cat upcoming campaign. Country, where they could roam and play.”

10 Facebook Caption Contest

No one gets better pictures of our animals and “And now for their quirks than the zookeepers themselves. We the synchronized posted a few of their best photo moments and asked our Facebook fans to give us their caption suggestions. swimming event…” This is just a sample of some of the responses we – Wendy Coltharp received. Check out our Facebook page for more photos and more funny captions!

t “This is my Monday face.” – RuthAnn Tillner

Armadillo Owl Monkey

“I have no idea how the holes got in the flower bed. Why do you ask?” – Elizabeth Price Tucker “Rocking the mustache.” – Daniela Prieto

Sea

Tawny Frogmouth “I still don’t think we are tall enough to reach “Pucker up, butter cup! It’s time for the latch.” a kiss!” – Lisa Ralph Duren – Kimberly Fendley Giant Monkey Frog

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