In This Issue: Meet the ZWPA Leadership Team/ I Am ZWPA Scholarship Announcements ZWPA Interpnet Conference Information

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In this issue: Meet the ZWPA Leadership Team/ I am ZWPA Scholarship Announcements ZWPA InterpNET Conference Information

Interpretive Tips

ZWPAnewsletter I am

NAI Vision: To be the recognized voice of interpretation.

NAI Mission: ZWPA Inspiring leadership and excellence to advance heritage ur members are in the interpretation as a profession. field of interpretation at zoos, wildlife parks ZWPA Mission: and aquaria. We love Owildlife. But each type of facility or To provide leadership and inspire excellence in the field location has its specialty – types of of interpretation at zoos, wildlife parks and aquaria. animals, types of enclosures, and types of public interaction. Each 2014 Leadership Team member has a different role. Communications Chair: When the visitors look at our ZWPA Kristi Florance web page, we want them to get a feel e: [email protected] for what ZWPA members are all about. We are looking for members InterpNET Chair: to share their love of interpreting Jess Reese, Chicago Zoological about wildlife. Is it the excitement of Society – Brookfield Zoo the sighting? Is it sharing your love 2014 Board Members e: [email protected] of wildlife with others? Is it watch- Director: National Workshop Chair: ing a child connect with an animal? Therese Joyce, Jessica Moore, Send your thoughts to: dmurbach@ Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Northwest Trek Wildlife Park sandiegozoo.org. e: [email protected] e: [email protected] Selfies are welcome! Deputy Director: Recognition Chair: — Debbie Murbach Beth Heidorn, Jungle Island Leigh Spencer, Great Plains Zoo e: [email protected] e: [email protected] Secretary-Treasurer: Resource Chair: Debbie Murbach, San Diego Zoo May Andrusyk, Shedd Aquarium e: [email protected] e: [email protected] Let’s meet some members of the ZWPA Leadership Team:

Terry Joyce Debbie Jess Reese Jessica Moore Mary Andrusyk NAI-ZWPA Director Murbach NAI-ZWPA NAI- ZWPA National NAI-ZWPA NAI-ZWPA Secretary InterpNET Chair Workshop Chair Resource Chair Therese (Terry) Joyce, CIG, CIT, -Treasurer CIHT, is an Education Special- Jess Reese serves as the Inter- Jessica Moore, an NAI Certi- Mary Andrusyk is Shedd ist at the Cleveland Metroparks I am the Interpretation Man- pretive Programs Coordinator fied Interpretive Trainer (CIT) Aquarium’s Manager of Zoo. As an Education Special- ager for the San Diego Zoo at Chicago Zoological Society’s and Certified Interpretive Interpretive Training and ist, she interprets to the general Global responsible for develop- Brookfield Zoo where she pro- Guide (CIG), is the Education Recruitment in the Guest public; teaches Education pro- ing consistent messaging for duces interpretive multimedia and Conservation Curator for Engagement department. grams and trains staff and vol- signage, interpretive exhibits, content, conducts Backstage Northwest Trek Wildlife Park She has been at the aquarium unteers in customer service and e-module courses and cur- Adventures, interprets at the in Eatonville, Washington. since 1997, working with a in interpretation. She has been riculum throughout the San dolphin presentation, and as- Jessica has been working in the variety of learning audiences working at the Zoo since 2002. Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and sists in the training and super- interpretive field for the past in roles from interpreter to Prior to her work at Cleveland Wildlife Conservancy. When I vision of seasonal interpreters. 13 years as a National Park animal programs manager. Metroparks Zoo, she interpreted am not working, I am traveling. She also serves as the ZWPA Service Interpreter, Wildlife She is currently responsible for first-person history at a living Recently I went to Morocco InterpNET Chair, helping to Park Naturalist, Conservation the oversight of all aspects of history museum. Terry was also (fondly called “More Rocks” plan, recruit, and moderate the Program Coordinator, and departmental training and re- the recipient of the 2012 ZWPA because they have the more annual webinar. Jess is a Certi- Curator. She received a Bach- cruitment of guest engagement Outstanding Interpreter Award. rocks than anywhere else per fied Interpretive Trainer (CIT) elor’s Degree in Wildlife Biol- volunteers and work-study From 2010-2014, Terry served as our guide) and India where we and holds a Masters of Arts in ogy from Central Michigan participants. ZWPA Secretary-Treasurer and went on safari’s to see tigers, Zoology from Miami Univer- University, and her Master’s in now services as Director. In her rhinos, elephants, lemurs, and sity of Ohio Park, Recreation and Tourism Mary serves as the resources “free time”, she enjoys activities 209 different species of birds. Resources from Michigan State chair for ZWPA and is an NAI with her husband and two sons. University. Jessica is currently Certified Interpretive Guide. She Her lifelong passion has been serving as a National Board has her undergraduate degree in as bagpiper with the Cleveland Member for NAI. Marine Science from the Uni- Firefighters Memorial Pipes and versity of South Carolina. Drums and she has been playing with them for the past 22 years. Meet the rest of our ZWPA Leadership Team in our next issue G e t yo u r ta i l f e at h e r m ov i n g ! Registration available soon at: September 24, 2014 www.interpnet.com Ag e n da

8:30 am PST/11:30 am EST 11:00 am PST/2:00 pm EST to 9:30 am PST/12:30 pm EST Jess facilitates a 15-20 minute Engaging Guests through Q/A with Tammy Rach and Technology presented by Amy InterpNET participants. Donofrio, Interpretive Programs Supervisor and Yvette Mendez, Short (10 minute) break Senior Roving Naturalist Chi- cago Zoological Society. 11:30 am PST/ 2:30 EST to 12:30 pm PST/ 3:30 pm EST 9:30 am PST/12:30 pm EST Take a Deep Dive Jess facilitates a 15-20 minute into Gallery One Q/A with Amy Donofrio and presented by Jane Alexander Yvette Mendez and InterpNET Chief Information Officer, participants. The Cleveland Museum of Art Short (10 minute) break 12:30 pm PST/3:30 pm EST 10:00 am PST/1:00 pm EST Jess facilitates a 15-20 minute to 11am PST/2:00 pm EST Q/A with Jane Alexander and Leverage Your Training with InterpNET participants Technology presented by Tammy Rach, Senior Volunteer 12:45pm PST/ 3:45pm EST Manager at Zoological Society Closing remarks of San Diego from Jess Reese First Presentation second Presentation third Presentation Engaging Guests Leverage Your Take a Deep Dive through Training with into Gallery One Technology Technology presented by: presented by Jane Alexander Chief Information Officer, The Cleveland Museum of Art presented by: Amy Donofrio, Interpretive presented by: Tammy Rach, Senior Description: Programs Supervisor and Yvette Mendez, Volunteer Manager at Zoological The Cleveland Museum of Art created Gallery One to build Senior Roving Naturalist Chicago Society of San Diego audiences by providing a fun and engaging environment for visitors with Zoological Society all levels of knowledge about art. Gallery One opened to the public, Janu- Description: San Diego Zoo Global went from ary 21, 2103 This session will address the three questions most frequently Description: The Chicago Zoological Society’s a few hundred volunteers in a handful of assign- asked by colleagues: 1) Is the concept behind Gallery One working? We Interpretive Programs team is exploring unique ways ments, to over 1600 active volunteers in nearly will take a look at the inaugural year of Gallery One. We will discuss gam- technology can increase guest engagement at Brook- 100 assignments in five short years. Very early on ing & playful experiences through the Gallery One Lenses. We will take field Zoo. Mobile technology and tablets provide it was clear that a blended learning approach to a closer look at the ArtLens iPad app and share the museum’s findings, interpreters the opportunity to easily access informa- training was much needed, both for the train- including the audience research team’s immersive study involving observa- tion, connect guests with achievable conservation ac- ers and trainees. This required technological tions and intercept interviews with visitors. In addition, I will demonstrate tions, and engage guests in scientific inquiry through innovation, as well as inspiring and motivating the museum’s new ArtLens for iPhone and Android. We will also share our data collection. Interpretive staff also uses mobile volunteers to jump on board. With volunteers process in adapting the iPad app functionality and content to the smaller technology as a professional development tool to video from ages 18 to 92 with all differing skills and device. And we will show how the Collections Wall is being leveraged to record and reflect on their own interpretive practices technical abilities, it was going to be a challenge. promote major exhibitions, and as a tool for gauging visitor interest in and techniques. Join us for a lively discussion on how Fast-forward to today where volunteers are all themes under development for permanent collection installations, exhibi- technology can be incorporated into your program. connected via a central hub housing all of their tions, and educational program development. 2) How can the museum Amy Donofrio is the Interpretive Programs Supervisor training materials, volunteers can access continu- sustain Gallery One? We will address the museum’s digital media strat- for the Chicago Zoological Society at Brookfield Zoo. Cur- ing education materials 24/7, and even use iPads egy, including 1) how the backend systems and staff workflows have been rently a NAI Certified Interpretive during their shifts! Interpretive volunteer training adjusted to maintain the “big data,” and 2) support for operating costs, Trainer and Certified Interpretive includes pre/post materials, interactive in-class Host, Amy received her Bachelor’s from content development to hardware. We will also speak to new content in Biology from Illinois State Uni- sessions, tours, activities, mentor sessions and development strategies for the iPad app that ensure as many objects as pos- versity and her Masters in Zoology more. Issues in each area have remarkably dimin- sible have rich media interpretation. 3) What are the next steps? What is from Miami University. She loves ished to next to nothing. And we save training Gallery One 2.0? - We will discuss plans for refreshed art installations and to connect Brookfield Zoo guests time and staff time utilizing this blended learning interactive technology in Gallery One. with wildlife and nature through approach. Find out how you can do the same dur- front-line interpretation and by Jane Alexander is the Chief Information Officer for the Cleveland ing this informative session! It’s much easier than helping seasonal interpreters learn Museum of Art. Jane is responsible for creating, ongoing itera- and understand the importance of you think! tion, and advocacy of a vision for technology implementation interpretive philosophies and techniques. Tammy Rach graduated from the University of St. Thomas best applied to Cleveland Museum of Art’s (CMA) mission as A National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Certi- in St. Paul, Minnesota, while an well as long-term strategic plan for Information Management fied as Interpretive Guide (CIG), Yvette Mendez active Interpretive Volunteer Systems, Media Services and Technology Services. Under her has a Bachelor of Arts degree in and employee at the Minnesota project management and with the collaboration of the Chief Cu- Anthropology from the Univer- Zoo. She has since worked at the rator and the Director of Education and Interpretation, the CMA sity of Illinois at Urbana-Cham- Aquarium of the Pacific in Long completed Gallery One and the revolutionary ArtLens mobile paign and is currently pursuing a Beach, California, the Los Angeles app that transformed the museum into one of the most techno- Masters in Zoology. As a member Zoo, Dolphin Quest Oahu, and logically advanced and engaging art destinations in the world. of the CZS Interpretive Programs San Diego Zoo Global, in both an Jane earned a BA in Architecture and an BS/MS in Applied Mathematics from Columbia staff, Ms. Mendez shares her love Educational and Volunteer Man- University. Before moving to Cleveland, Jane developed and directed Columbia Univer- of the outdoors with zoo audienc- agement capacity. She is currently sity’s acclaimed distance education program, as well as the development of university-wide es through animal and conserva- the Senior Manager for Volunteer resources for instructional technology and methodology. In Cleveland, Jane has worked on tion focused programs. Services at the San Diego Zoo, and serves as the Chair of several high-profile projects, notably as the virtual Chief Technology Officer to the Great AZA’s Volunteer Management Committee. Lakes Science Center, as well as the technology design consultant to Frank Gehry’s Peter B. Lewis Campus at Case Western Reserve University. Scholarship Announcement for National InterpNET Scholarship Workshop Announcement Summary: Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Aquaria section of the National Association Summary: for Interpretation is pleased to announce a scholarship for the 2014 Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Aquaria section of the National Association for Inter- InterpNET Conference on September 24, 2014 pretation is pleased to announce a scholarship for the NAI National Workshop Scholarship includes: “Scaling Interpretive Heights” November 18 – 22, 2014 Scholarship includes: One $60 scholarship to be used toward the registration of the • One $300 scholarship to be used toward the registration of the ZWPA InterpNET conference. NAI National Workshop Eligibility Requirements: Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be registered for and able to attend the • Applicants must be a member of Zoos, Wildlife Parks & Aquaria ZWPA InterpNET conference on September 24, 2014. • Applicants must be registered for and able to attend the NAI National Judging Criteria: Workshop “Scaling Interpretive Heights” November 18 – 22, 2014 Applications will be evaluated and ranked by the scholarship Judging Criteria: committee based on an essay explaining the professional and personal Applications will be evaluated and ranked by the scholarship committee based benefits for the interpreter in attending the ZWPA InterpNET conference. on an essay explaining the professional and personal benefits for the interpreter Application: http://zwpa.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post. in attending the NAI National Workshop. php?post=356&action=edit Selection Procedure and Timetable: Time table: • Applications sent to Scholarship Chair: no later than July 15, 2014 Applications sent to Scholarship Chair: no later than Sept. 1, 2014 To download an application: Scholarship Committee reviews applications: from September 1-15, 2014 http://zwpa.wordpress.com/2014/05/30/ Applicants notified by Scholarship Chair:on Sept. 17, 2014 june-15-deadline-for-nai-national-workshop-zwpa-scholarship/

Inquiries and scholarship applications should be directed to: Inquiries and scholarship applications should be directed to: Leigh Spencer, ZWPA Recognition Chair, Education Services Manager Leigh Spencer, ZWPA Recognition Chair, Education Services Manager Great Plains Zoo, 805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Great Plains Zoo, 805 S. Kiwanis Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 phone: (605) 367-8213x115 email: [email protected] phone: (605) 367-8213x115 email: [email protected] Seeing Stripes! Here is one simple activity that any interpreter or docent can do while interpreting the imprinting process between mom and baby zebra. First you need to create one prop, and you will be on your way (see next page for prop making instructions)! by Terry Joyce How to make Before the interpreter approaches a your prop visitor, wear the patterned sign around your neck with the single pattern (figure 1) Take a lanyard or an old conference facing potential visitors. name tag or just laminate both papers back to back, punch holes and string it to create a necklace (Figure 3). Now you can start your short interpretive talk!

Interpreter: Hello! Are you enjoying your visit to the zoo today? Glad to hear. Well, I can see you are headed over to see the giraffes and zebras, so I will let you be on your way. (Interpreter turns sign over to the side with multiple patterns (figure 2) and then approaches the same visitors again)

Figure 1 Interpreter: Oh wait! Before you go….can I ask you something? I was trying to find a specific pattern, but now I cannot remember which one it is. Can you help? Hopefully the visitor will be able to spot the singular pattern you were first wearing out of the group – it usually works.

Interpreter: How did you know that was the pattern I was looking for? Was it because I was standing here in front of

Figure 2 you wearing this pattern? Was it because this pattern became imprinted in your head and you remembered it when you saw it? Did you know that zebras do something similar to this with their young? Immediately after birth, the zebra foal begins to imprint on the mother and can recognize her distinct scent, vocalizations and her appearance. How it works is that about 20-30 minutes after birth the foal can begin to walk and 1 hour after birth can run. As migratory prey animals, it is important as a species for the young to keep up with mom for the survival of both the foal and the herd. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Docent Volunteer, You may have heard before that no two zebra stripes Sue Sage, modeling our interpretive hook are alike and it is true. If we were to compare our for this activity Figure 3 fingerprints, let’s say our thumbs, my thumb print would look different than your thumb print and then again from yours. Zebra stripes are unique to each zebra. When a newborn zebra is able to stand, mom is already trying to imprint her unique striping pattern into her young’s brain. Can I have a volunteer (don’t worry, this won’t hurt)? How she does it is by standing right in front of the baby. Interpreter stands directly in front of the visitor If the ZWPA Interpretive Tips baby moves left, she moves left. Interpreter moves left, and waits for visitor to move left If the baby moves right, she moves right. Interpreter moves right How is and waits for visitor to move right Mother Zebra does this continuously until her foal learns her stripes. Why in the world would she do this, you might a snorkel ask? Well, perhaps I can answer that with a few questions. Are any of you mothers? Did you ever lose like an your child in the store? Or if you are not a parent, have you ever been lost looking for that familiar face or were lost as a child? Zebra mothers do this so her young can find her in the crowd of zebra stripes. elephant? Zebra stripes can be used as camouflage, and can be confusing as to which zebra is which when the herd is standing together. Imprinting is the way that mom snorkel can be used for breathing from visitor to visitor. You might get some good and baby can recognize each other and not lose each underwater, and so can an elephant’s responses, some shrugs, and some silly responses, other among the masses. trunk. (Yes, elephants swim.) And but when you describe the way a trunk works Well, again I do not want to keep you from enjoy- interpreting an elephant’s trunk as an for breathing, your visitors will see and feel the adaptationA for breathing is more memorable and snorkel as an adaptation for breathing air, and ing the rest of the zoo, but as you go past other animals with patterns think about how those patterns meaningful if your visitors can see, touch, and they will remember it long after they’ve forgotten might help that animal in the wild. hold a snorkel. your words. Try it. Hand a visitor a snorkel and ask how it is — Debbie Murbach, ZWPA Secretary- — Terry Joyce, ZWPA Director, like an elephant’s trunk. Pass the snorkel around Treasurer, San Diego Zoo Global Cleveland Metroparks Zoo One of the best ways to learn interpretation is from sharing with others! Please consider sharing an interpretive tip! Email a tip and some photos to: [email protected]