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THE z 0 0 T I c The HIMALAYAN TAHR (Hemitragus jemlahicus) is a goat-like animal found in the mountain ranges from Kashmir to Sikkim. Its habitat is mostly the tree-covered slopes at altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet; it prefers the most craggy and precipitous sites. Tahrs have a thick coat that protects them from the extreme cold of the Himalayas. They A grow long tufts of hair on the elbows and jaw, but lack a beard. The shaggy mane around the houlders of the male is most luxurious during the winter months. Both male and female e horns which are short, flattened, and not twisted. Old males may weigh up to 200 pounds, while the females may weigh about 80 pounds. Utica Zoological These animals live in herds of up to 30-40 individuals. After the breeding season in Society Newsletter December, the females stay with the males until their young are born- six to eight months later. Litter size is usually one, sometimes two. While the males remain in the wooded Vol. 20, No. 2 areas, the females and their offspring migrate to the upper mountainous regions. Summer, 1985 2 THE ZOOTICA PERSONNEL PROFILES

After completing two years at Cornell University, with an Animal Science major, Laurie Gorman became a night­ keeper at the Utica Zoo in March, 1983. She has been a full-time zookeeper in Cats-Primates since February, 1984. Her day starts with the first of three sea lion feedings, followed by the cleaning of the cats' and primates' quar­ ters. She also disinfects these exhibits once a week. The marmosets housed in the Animal Care Center then receive Laurie's attention: she makes their diets, hoses their exhibits, and then feeds these tiny primates. After feeding the sea lions again at 12:30, Laurie can devote her time to sweeping and hosing walks, washing windows, and adding branches to the exhibits where needed. Laurie feeds the cats and primates starting at 4:00, and she then returns to the sea lion exhibit for the third and last feeding demonstration. She finds working with these marine mammals most challenging. New commands were added to the animals' repertoire when they were moved to the former polar bear pool. However, those commands already mastered also needed reinforcement because of the move to the new location. In response to several questions about particular ani­ mals, Laurie expressed her respect for the capabilities of those in hercharge,especially the strong and agile gibbons. "It's tricky- I need to keep an eye on them." Female white-handed gibbon, born on June 19. As for her favorite - it's Katrina, the three year old Siberian Tiger that Laurie helped to hand raise. Her FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR admiration is now limited to outside the cage - the young cat weighs over 250 pounds. by Herb Emmerson I've been heard to say that if an animal facility ha expert plumbing and veterinary services, it's halfway home to good management. We have both at the Utica Zoo, but the point of my remark is that the health of the animal collection is inextricably bound up with that of the physical plant. Any animal facility gets hard wear, but a zoo gets used up from both sides of the fence, by the animals on one side and the public on the other. Now this is a normal situation and it should come as no surprise to the management that things wear out, be­ come obsolete, or just get broken. The trick (and this is where planning comes in) is to keep the place from becoming dilapidated. The passage of time without the completion of stepwise renovations will ruin a zoo as surely as would a tornado-the one is insidious but the other spectacular. This year is remarkable for its show of zoo support from all sectors of the community. Now, while we have momentum, the zoo administration wants to show pro­ gress on the physical plant. And we are doing it. Our at­ tention is focused on the Children's Zoo, more than fifteen years old and in desperate need of repai r. Under way is replacement of fences and reworking of streams and ponds in the exhibits at the east end of the Children's Zoo. The upper pond area will be mini­ Australia with emus, wallabies, and black swans; in the lower will be muntjac, the tiny Asian deer. The projects will be done well, and this takes time. We hope our pub­ lic will bear with us during this period of renewal , to be capped in 1986 with the opening of the Children's Zoo centerpiece, a new California sea lion exhibit. THE ZOOTICA 3 ')F YOU CARE ... YOU'LL LEAVE THEM THERE! II

With funds provided by New York State taxpay­ Young wildlife that do survive human care have missed •ers through the "Return a Gift to Wildlife" contribu­ the natural experiences that enable them to fend for tions, the Departmentof Enviromental Conservation themselves. When these animals are released back into has produced brochures and posters entitled "If You the wild they have a reduced ability to survive. It is Care ... You'll Leave Them There!". The follow­ difficult for them to function as they should in the ing is reprinted with permission of the Department. natural world. Their ability to find natural foods is im­ paired, thereby reducing survival chances. Further, they may be thrust as unwelcome intruders into the home range of another member of their species. "THE PROBLEM Often, the care given to young wildlife unavoidably results in some attachment to humans. Upon release to Every year, the lives of many young wildlife are upset the wild, those animals generally have little fear of by people who mean only to help. Those people take people. Some return to places where people live, to be baby wildlife from the wild in a mistaken attempt to save attacked by domestic animals or to be hit by cars. Some them. Hopefully, a little understanding will prevent this become nuisances getting into stored food, trash cans or problem. dwellings. People have also been injured by once-tamed wildlife. WHY IT OCCURS

The arrival of spring and summer also means the ar­ rival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These young­ sters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings. Most are learning survival from one or both par­ ents. For them, the perils of survival are a natural part of ecology. Some will not survive. However, young • wildlife that learn well and are the most fit usually live the longest. Those early unsteady steps and flights are part of normal development, helping young animals learn to take care of themselves. Some develop that ability quickly, almost from birth. Varying hare, for example, are ready to venture into their world within hours. Other animals need more parental care. Cottontail rab ­ bits are born with no fur and eyes closed, unable to leave their nest for several days. It is at this time that most of the problems arise. Some people assume that the young wildlife they have found are abandoned. They believe that the young animals are helpless and need to be saved. In nearly all cases, this is a mistake; the young animals are neither abandoned or orphaned .

THE RESULT

These well-meant acts of kindness tend to have the op­ posite result. Instead of being left to learn their place in the world, young wildlife are removed from the wild. They are denied important natural learning experiences. Worse, most people quickly find that they do not really know how to care for young wildlife, and many of the animals soon die in the hands of these well-meaning people. Of course, this can be prevented if young wildlife are not taken from the wild in the first place. ::iummer zooKeeper ::>andy Young with orphaned raccoons . 4 THE ZOOTICA

WHAT TO DO

All of these problems can be avoided if we follow one 0 This morning I found an abandoned fawn near simple rule when coming upon young wildlife: LEAVE the edge of a field on my property. I brought the fawra THEM ALONE! It may be difficult to do, but this is the into my house to save it, but I don't know how to car~ real act of kindness. We must not allow ourselves to be for it. What should I do? fooled into thinking that the situation is different - in nearly all cases, young wildlife do not need to be saved. A Immediately, take the fawn back to the spot Resist the temptation to help them. Only when they are where you found it, and leave it there. The mother found injured or with their dead mother is there reason should come back again looking for the fawn. Even one to do something, and then the state's Environmental to two days after removal from the wild, fawns have been Conservation Law is specific about what may be done successfully reunited with their mothers by returning legally. them to the place where they were found . When you Nearly all wild birds and mammals are protected under picked up the fawn, the mother was probably eating not the law. They may not be legally taken from the wild far away. Usually young fawns are quite safe when left or kept - never consider them as possible pets: it is both alone because their collar pattern and lack of scent help illegal and unwise. They are wild animals that belong in them to remain undetected until their mothers return. the wild . However, a distressed/ injured wild animal may be assisted, but a person must: contact an Environmental 0 A moment ago, I accidently kicked open a nest Conservation Officer immediately; make written con­ of baby rabbits while walking in the thick grass at the far firmation of capture within 24 hours; and obtain a corner of my backyard. They seem so helpless. I waited veterinarian's certificate within 48 hours and pay all but saw no sign of their mother. Should I rescue them? veterinarian fees . Here are some of the answers that we give to people A They do not need to be rescued . The mother with questions about young wildlife: would not return as long as you remained at the nest. Just replace the top of the nest that you uncovered and 0 A baby bird has fallen out of its nest in a tree in leave. The mother will return and care for the young. my backyard. I am afraid something might happen to Cottontail rabbits leave their young for hours while eat- it if I leave it there on the ground. Should I bring it into ing, but they do return to nurse the young. As with other the house and feed it until it is able to fly? young wildlife, it is best to LEAVE THEM ALONE!" • A No. The best thing to do is put the bird carefully back into the nest. Don't worry about getting your scent on the bird ; it should not affect the mother's care. Even if you find that the nest has blown out of the tree, put it back in the tree securely along with the nestling.

0 A few minutes ago, I was walking through the woods behind our house and saw several baby raccoons on the ground near a large hollow tree. I wonder if they fell out of the hole way up in the tree and the mother has abandoned them because she can 't put them back in their nest. Should I bring them home and care for them?

A No. Most likely, the young raccoons are merely exploring, and their mother is nearby. They are prob· ably old enough to be fully capable of climbing back up the tree to their den when they are ready to return. If they were too young to climb, the mother would carry them back .

0 There is a young blue jay in my backyard, and it Infant sparrow in Zoo Rehabilitation Center. seems to have difficulty flying. I am afraid that either my dog or cat will get it. Should I bring it inside and feed it until it is able to fly? The Utica Zoo has been I icensed by the New A No. As a fledgling, it had enough feathers to York State Department of Environmental Conserv· leave the nest. This means it is old enough to learn to ation as a rehabilitator, and is qualified to care for fly, which it will rapidly begin to do. Leave the bird distressed/injured wildlife. alone, but you should keep your dog and cat in the house for a few days so that they will not disturb the bird. THE ZOOTICA 5

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT SUMMER PROGRAM SCHEDULE by William P. Schmitt ZOO LAB 11 :00- 2:00 (Mon. through Fri.) The determination and zeal with which the Board of e SEA LION FEEDING 12:30 and 4:30 (Daily) Trustees began 1985 has been rewarded. This will truly be the year of the Utica Zoo. FILM 2:30 (Sat. & Sun.) Great weather, uncharacteristic for Animal Fair, ANIMAL PRESENTATION helped to attract record crowds to this years's extrava­ ganza held on May 10-12. Thanks to the combined ef­ 3:00 (daily, in the auditorium) forts of the Zoo staff, Society members, and many tire­ less volunteers, over 24,000 enjoyed our facility. A SUMMER FILM SERIES special thanks goes to chairman Steve Miller for his efforts in coordinating one of the best Fairs ever. The following films will be show in the Zoo auditorium Not to be outdone by their fellow trustee, Board on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30. members Jean Bizzari and Sue Ann Dellerba chaired the July 27-28 "Lorax" second annual Children's Day held on July 3 as the Zoo's August 3-4 "Animal Olympians" part of the Good Old Summertime Festival. Once again August 10-11 "Where the Loon Screams" the weather cooperated, allowing hundreds to enjoy not August 17-18 "Walk in the Forest" only our Zoo animals, but also the magic of Ron Fred ­ August 24-25 "Nature's Birds of Prey" erick. Visitors also met such local dignitaries as Ken August 31- Brett, Utica Blue Sox manager and Miller-Lite commercial September 2 "Animals of North America" star, Winnie-the-Pooh, and Chuck E. Cheese. Donations to our "The Zoo Needs You" fund drive keep pouring in, thanks to the hard work of trustees Forrest Kelly, Gary Kavney, and Bob Thompson . To facilitate the continuing offers of support, the drive was extended to September 1, 1985. Some of the recent contributors include New York Telephone, the Down- n Utica Merchants, the merchants at both Charles­ n and New Hartford Shopping Center, the Central New York Auto Dealers Association, and Dr. Brian Gaffney. Our giraffe thermometer on Genesee Street will soon reflect that we are moving even closer to our goal of $250,000.00. To date, donations of money and services total over $200,000.00. Thanks to the influx of donations and public support, the face of the Zoo is changing. Already, new exhibits are being constructed while old ones are being refurbished. We hope to begin construction on what will be the show­ place of the Children's Zoo - the California sea lion exhibit - before the end of this year. Bathroom facil - • ities for the handicapped are also planned for the near Sea lion pup, born on May 30, shown with her parents. future. Early next year, plans are in the offing for ex ­ panded exhibits for our exotic bird collection and, with a little luck, polar bears. While 1985 will continue to be a rebuilding year, the future of the Utica Zoo looks brighter. ********************************* With deep regret , the Society bids adieu to Dave Mathis, a long-time friend and trustee. Dave's con­ tributions to the Zoo over the last nine years have been numerous, and his support, invaluable. Thanks, Dave!

SAVE THE DATE

ZOO FAMILY PICNIC

August 21,1985

*Invitations will be mailed at a later date Cottontop tamarins, born on June 3. 6 THE ZOOTICA A MEMBERSHIP BONUS Below is a list of other Zoos and Aquariums that have a reciprocal agreement with the Utica Zoological Society. Admission to these other facilities will be free, but don't forget to bring your membership card.

AL Birmingham Zoo KY Louisville Zoo OK Oklahoma City Zoo Montgomery Zoo LA Alexandria Zoo Tulsa Zoo AR L ittle Rock Zoo Audubon Park & Zoo, New Orleans PA Erie Zoo AZ Reid Park Zoo, Tuscon Greater Baton Rouge Zoo, Baker Gettysburg Game Park , Fairfield CA Knowland Park Zoo, Oakland • Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo, Philadelphia Zoo Los Angeles Zoo Monroe Pittsburgh Zoo San Francisco Zoo MD Baltimore Zoo ZOOAMERICA at Hersheypark , Santa Barbara Zoo Ml Binder Park Zoo, Battle Creek Hershey Santa Ana Zoo John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids SC Greenville Zoo Sequoia Park Zoo Society, Eureka Detroit Zoo, Detroit Riverbanks Zoo, Columbia Fresno Zoo MN Minnesota Zoological Garden , TN Knoxville Zoological Park CT Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport Apple Valley Memphis Zoo F L Jacksonville Zoo Duluth Zoological Garden TX Abilene Zoo Dreher Zoo, West Palm Beach MO Dickerson Park Zoo, Springfield Central Texas Zoo, Waco Markharr: Park Zoo., Ft. Lauderdale Kansan City Zoo El Paso Zoo Miami Metrozoo, Miami MS Jackson Zoo San Antonio Zoo & Aquarium Central Florida Zoo, Lake M onroe NC North Carolina Zoological Park Texas Zoo, Victoria GA Atlanta Zoo Asheboro Dallas Zoo I L Glen Oak Zoo, Peoria ND Dakota Zoo, Bismarck UT Hogle Zoo, Salt Lake City John G. Shedd Aquarium , Chicago NE Folsom Children's Zoo, Lincoln WI Jo-Don Farms, Franksville Miller Park Zoo, Bloomington Henry Doorly Zoo, Omaha M ilwaukee Zoo, Milwaukee Henson Robinson Zoo, Springfield NJ Turtle Back Zoo, West Orange CANADA IN Fort Wayne Children's Zoo Cohanzick Zoo, Bridgeton Calgary Zoo, St. George Island Indianapolis Zoo NM Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Okanagan Game Farm , Mesker Park Zoo, Evansville NY Buffalo Zoo Penticton, B.C. Potawatomi Zoo, South Bend Burnet Park Zoo, Liverpool FREE MONORAIL RIDE ONLY : KS Sedgwick County Zoo , Wichita Ross Park Zoo, Binghamton K ings Dominion, Doswell , V irgin ia Topeka Zoo Seneca Park Zoo, Rochester Kings Island , K ings Island , Ohio Sunset Zoological Park, Manhattan Staten Island Zoo Lee Richardson Zoo, Garden City OH Akron Zoo Brit Spaugh Zoo, Great Bend Cleveland Zoo Columbus Zoo Toledo Zoo • Free admission to baby zoo only. Zoo is free, but there is a $2.00 charge per car to enter the park .

NOTICE: An Audited 1984 Financial Statement for the Utica Zoological Society will be available upon request at the Zoo office.

UTICA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY Board of Directors William P. Schmitt . . President Rita Brown ...... 1st Vice -President Stephen L. Miller. . 2nd Vice President Jean Bizza ri ...... Secretary George Pitman ...... Treasurer

Robert M . Benedict Jerimaine Cayan Anthony Clemente Sue Ann Dellerba Robert Funicello Dr. Thomas Harblin Gary Kavney Forrest R. Kelly C. Robert Thompson

Herb Emmerson .. . Zoo Director Mrs . Barbara Lambe rt . . . . . Curator of Education Female Arabian camel, born on March 11. Colleen Ray ...... Office Manager Philip and Barbara Lambert ...... Zootica Photography by Leo Hobaica

Non· Profit Organiz•tion THE lULl( !tATE U. S. POSTAGE ZOOTICA PAID UTICA, N. Y. UTICA ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY PERMIT No . 566 Steele Hill Road Utica, New York 13501