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BACKYARD ACTIONACTION HEROHERO 2O11 2O12

Facts, Puzzles, Activities,

It’s time to... GRIN AND “” IT! Hi Kids! “At Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. (TMMK), we believe that protecting the environment is part of our mission to be a good neighbor across Kentucky. As we build cars in our plant in Georgetown, we are committed to protecting the environment, obeying the environmental laws, preventing pollution and continuously improving our processes. But the committment doesn’t stop there. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect the environment. Becoming a Backyard Action Hero is the first step in learning about how we coexist with the plants and that make up our environment. Once you have learned about some of the things in this book, you will be ready to take conservation action in your own backyard and beyond. Good luck!” Sincerely, Your Friends at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc.

What is a Backyard Action Hero?

A Backyard Action Hero – or BAH as they are called – is a kid or an adult who is really into wildlife and habitats and is ready to take action to protect them. They think being “green” is cool, and they know that to really make a difference you not only need to learn, but you also need to act! BAHs care about animals and habitats in their own backyards as well as all around the world. Since the Louisville is a great place to learn about all kinds of plants and animals, our BAH crew will check out what’s going on there and introduce some of the Zoo’s real life conservation heroes!

Produced by the Lousiville Zoo Written by Marcelle Gianelloni & Doug McCoy and Jennifer McMaster Illustrations by Steve Sebree Designed by Robert Kemnitz Edited by Jennifer McMaster & Debbie Sebree Printed by Publishers Printing Hello, Backyard Action Heroes! ith the opening of the brand new W Glacier Run at the Louisville Zoo, we couldn’t bear to leave you out of all the fun! And with all the exciting information we want to share about the conservation efforts con- nected to this new exhibit, we’ll bearly (that’s our Backyard Action “barely”) be able to fit everything into this Mission: This guidebook reflects booklet. So let’s get started! the Louisville Zoo’s mission “to As you may know, Glacier Run features two Y different species of , polar bears and griz- better the bond between people and our zly bears. Grizzly bears are actually a subspecies planet.” You will learn about the eight of the , and the Louisville Zoo is living species of bears found today on our now host to a grizzly family of three. This is the first time the Zoo has exhibited grizzlies, and planet. Of these eight, six are listed as ei- both staff and patrons really enjoy observing ther endangered or threatened. We hope their cute (but not quite cuddly) antics. The that the more that you learn about these What is a other bear species you’ll see at Glacier Run is, of course, the —marking a trium- bears, the more you will want to protect phant return of this favorite to the them and their ecosystems. You will meet Zoo. Glacier Run also represents several other Backyard Action Hero? some of the Zoo’s heroes who are making species of animals, including seals and sea lions. a differecne. The connections you make Coming in the spring of 2012, the Zoo will with wildlife and your zoo will help instill reveal a new Stellar’s Sea Eagle aviary as well as a sense of the responsibility we all share the new Glacier Run Arctic Ambassador Center (GRAAC) which be a home for special educa- to preserve and develop a better future tional outreach animals including the beautiful for all living creatures and plants. snowy owls and arctic .

Who’s Watching Whom?

Mother and baby grizzly bears meet students at Glacier Run. Photo by Robert Kemnitz “Did you know that the closest living relative to the elephant is the manatee? Well, now you do!”

Classification ou’ve got class, right? You’ve also got or scales) and even coloration. That is, if two Y phylum, order, genus and species. These species looked alike, they were assumed to be are taxonomic ranks, part of the classification closely related. As scientists gained a better system that scientists use to group animals understanding of how species evolved or devel- and plants together and distinguish them from oped in the first place, they discovered that one another. Scientific or biological classifica- appearances aren’t always what they seem. tion is the cornerstone of scientific inquiry and There are several examples of animals that discovery, a way to organize the information do or do not look alike but are or are not we learn about living things. closely related, many of which you can see at Classification provides a way to define ani- the Zoo. The ring-tailed lemurs certainly look mals’ biological relationships to one another. a lot like in terms of their coloring Two animals may share the and body shape. Both are forest dwellers, but same phylum, class, order the lemur belongs to the order primates and and family, but exhibit actually has more in common with monkeys very different character- and apes, while the is a carnivore and istics. is related to bears and . The tall, graceful As the giraffe and the round-bodied hippopotamus “low- both belong to the order Artiodactyla because est” or they share similar foot structure. most spe- Today, scientists have the added benefit of cific ranks, the DNA, which helps them determine relatedness genus and species of through genetics. The more similar the DNA, an reveal the molecules found in the cells of living things, most information the more closely two animals are related. about what makes Scientific classification helps biologists and that animal unique. zoologists recognize and understand the rela- In the past, species tionships between different animals, which in were defined by such turn helps our Zoo’s veterinarians and keepers physical characteristics as size, provide better care and training. teeth, body coverings (like hair

The Giraffe and Hippopotamus are more similar than you thought What’s in a Name? hen scientists discover and describe a different species. For example, the Eurasian Wnew kind of living thing, they assign it a brown bear ( arctos) was thought to be scientific name. Before scientific names were a different species than the (Ursus accepted as the system for classifying animals, horribilis). Recent studies of these bears’ DNA people would assign a name to show they aren’t so differ- an animal or plant without re- ent after all! They would be gards to whether it had already capable of producing offspring been named by someone else. together, and their offspring This created confusion in the would ultimately be able to scientific community when reproduce. This means the a single animal or plant was two types of bears are actually known by multiple names. of the same species. When you visit the Zoo, Here’s where the subspecies you’ll notice signs at each ani- helps scientists be even more mal exhibit (and among many specific. The Eurasian brown of the plants). These signs bear is now known as Ursus display a common name and a arctos arctos and the griz- scientific name. The scientific zly is known as Ursus arctos name is written in italics and horribilis. As you can see, they usually consists of two parts— now share the first two parts the genus and species. of their scientific name. The Many animals were assigned addition of the subspecies lets scientific names more than us know that there are minor 200 ago. As scientists differences between the two learn more about animal relationships, they bears, probably as a result of having been geo- often have to modify the existing scientific graphically separated for many years. name. Sometimes this means adding a third Some interesting findings about polar bears part of the name, known as a subspecies. may result in a scientific classification update, The brown bear is the most widely distrib- too. Researchers now believe that the polar uted bear on the planet. It can be found on bear is actually a subspecies of the brown several continents. At one time, different bear—even though polar bears obviously aren’t groups of brown bears were thought to be brown! Classification Puzzle hat’s in a name? Classification is a way to group different animals together based on similar W traits or characteristics to help scientists categorize the relationships between living things. Can you match the scientific species names below to the bears’ more common names?

1 Ursus maritimus a — This bear species is the most wide- spread across 2 Ursus arctos b — This bear is named for its black and white coloring. 3 Ursus americanus c — This shaggy treeclimber loves to feast on sweet (the Latin word for honey is mel) 4 Ursus thibetanus d Polar bear — This bear is sometimes known as the “Sea bear”

5 Melursus ursinus e — The rarest bear species in the world, this bear can be found in the rainforest of Malaysia 6 Helarctos malayanus f Brown bear — A subspecies of this bear is called horribilis

7 Ailuropus melanoleucus g. Asiatic black bear — This bear’s scientific name translates to

“Moon Bear of Tibet” Answers: 1-d, 2-f, 3-a, 4-g, 5-c, 6-e, 7-b 6-e, 5-c, 4-g, 3-a, 2-f, 1-d, Answers: A Brief History of Bears rown bears are the most widely distributed B species of bear in the world. Geologically speaking, bears have lived on every continent except Australia sometime in the past. The evolution of today’s bears can be traced back to around 30 million years ago. Today, there are eight living bear species. Ancestors of these living species of bears can be traced back to the Miocene Epoch, between 15 and 20 million years ago. The best known of these ancient bears and the first known member of the Ursidae—or “true bear” fam- of (Ursus spelaeus) ily—was the so-called cave bear. Photo courtesy of Ra’ike This predator, evidence of which has been found at several sites in Europe, was actually bigger than today’s grizzly bears. Interestingly, though, the teeth of this great bear indicate it was almost exclusively a veg- etarian, which may have led to its extinction as ice sheets buried or destroyed local vegeta- tion. Somewhere around 300,000 years ago, the cave bear began to roam to other parts of the world, likely looking for food. As groups moved into new areas and became more isolated from one another, new species began to develop, leading to the diversity of bears we see today. Another ice age bear, whose history can be traced back to two million years ago, was the giant short-faced bear. This species, which belonged to the genus Arctodus, may have been one of the largest and fiercest bears that ever lived. The short-faced bear stood between Short-faced bear , 11 to 13 feet tall on its hind legs and prob- photo courtesty of ably weighed between 1,800 and 2,000 lbs. Living Museum Fossil evidence shows that it had eight-inch claws and fed almost exclusively on meat. This powerful species seems to have died out around 11,000 years ago. Its closest living rela- tive today is the (Tremarctos ornatus) of South America.

Living Bear Species Eight distinct species of bears can be found living on the planet today. Within the “town” borders of Glacier Run at the Louisville Zoo, you’ll find two of these species: polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and a subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) known as the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis). The six other species of living bears are 1) the American black bear; 2) the Asiatic black bear; 3) the spectacled or Andean bear; 4) the sloth bear; 5) the sun bear; and 6) the giant panda. Of these eight species, six are listed as either endangered or threatened. Asiatic Black Sloth Bears Sun Bears (Melursus ursinus) (Helarctos malayanus) Bears The sloth bear is one of the The sun bear is the smallest (Ursus thibetanus) oldest living species of bears, and rarest bear species in the The scientific name of this with ancestors that can be world. Much like the moon medium-sized bear means traced back to the early bear of Tibet, its name comes “moon bear of Tibet.” The Pleistocene era, approxi- from a golden yellow cres- moon reference comes from mately 1,800,000 years ago. cent-shaped patch of on the crescent-shaped yellow- Sloth bears inhabit forested its chest. It is also known as ish marking found on its and grassland regions of the honey bear, the bear chest. These bears are also India, Bangladesh, Nepal and and the Malay bear. This last commonly called the Tibetan Bhutan and lowland forests common name comes from black bear and the Himalayan in Sri Lanka. It’s not known the fact that the sun bear black bear. Males weigh for sure where the common is found in the rainforests between 220 to 440 pounds, name of “sloth” bear came of southeast Asia, including and females are somewhat from, but some believe their India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, smaller, weighing between name derives from their slow Thailand, Cambodia, 110 to 275 pounds. They can movements. Others suggest Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia be found across the southern that early explorers observed and—of course—Malaysia. part of Asia, into Pakistan, these bears hanging upside Their short, dense fur repels across northern Indian to the down from trees, and were water and they have bare southern part of China. The mistakenly though to be soles on their feet with long, Asiatic black bear has been related to true sloths in other sharp claws for climbing. seen at elevations as high as parts of the world. The sloth These bears are roughly half 13,000 feet, but generally bear has an unusually long the size of the American black comes down from the moun- snout or muzzle that it uses bear, with an average adult tains during winter. They to suck up . While their weight between 60 to 145 are and many are hearing and eyesight are not pounds and measuring 48 to nocturnal, most active during very good, they have a keen 60 inches in length. But don’t the night. The typical sense of smell that helps let their size fool you! Sun of an individual Asiatic black them find termites, , ber- bears have excellent hearing bear is only about 0.5 square ries, larvae and honey. and are considered to be very miles, especially in areas with aggressive and will attack plenty of food. They are listed without cause. Strong jaws as a vulnerable species and and sharp claws make this are threatened by poaching animal one to avoid. and deforestation. Giant Panda American Andean Bears Black Bears (Spectacled) (Ailuropus melanoleucus) (Ursus americanus) Giant pandas are a very an- Prior to Glacier Run, the only Bears cient species, probably having other bear species on exhibit Tremarctos ornatus first evolved between two to at the Louisville Zoo had been This bear’s scientific name three million years ago, yet the American black bear— means “decorated bear,” they remained unknown to almost 20 years ago! The referring to the light-colored the western world until 1869. American black bear is the rings usually found around Their scientific name means smallest and most widespread its eyes. These markings “black and white bear”—a of all the bears in North often extend to the neck pretty obvious description America. black bears aver- and chest, and are unique to when you think about it! age about 54 to 72 inches in each individual bear, just like At one time, giant pandas length and range in weight fingerprints. One of could be found in most of between 125 to 600 pounds. its more common names – southern and eastern China, Scientists have discovered that Andean bear – refers to the as well as northern Myanmar the ancestors of this bear first Andes mountains where it and northern Vietnam. Due crossed into North America lives, the only bear species on to increased human popula- via a land bridge near the the South American conti- tion in those regions over Bering Strait about 500,000 nent! The spectacled bear is several thousand years, the years ago. While their name shy and elusive, in giant panda’s numbers have implies that this bear is black, the mountain forests mostly decreased. Thanks in large its color can range from at night. Subsequently, little part to conservation efforts black to brown, cinnamon to is known about this smaller over the last 20 years, it is creamy white. Black bears are bear species. Due to habitat now estimated that about the least endangered species loss and poaching, however, 2,000 giant pandas live in of bear and still inhabit about it is believed that fewer than the wild today. Most giant 85% of their historic range in 3,000 Andean bears live in pandas are not quite so giant, , as well as at least 40 the wild today. when compared to a full- of the 48 lower United States grown American black bear, and as far south as the Sierra weighing between 175 to Madre Mountains of . 275 pounds. But there have Like many bears worldwide, been some reports of pandas the greatest threat to black reaching upwards of 350 bears is poaching. pounds. Brown Bears (Ursus arctos) The brown bear is the most widely distrib- uted species of bear in the world. They can be found in North America, Europe, Asia, and formerly northern Africa. Approximately 15 different subspecies of brown bears have been identified, including the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis). Brown bears are omnivores, feeding on both vegetation and other animals. Really, they’ll eat just about anything, but generally concentrate on the specific foods that are abundant in their region. For example, the yearly run in some parts of the world provides a great op- portunity for these bears to gorge themselves on this -rich food. Brown bears will take advantage of the plentiful food source to fatten up for winter, allowing them to survive through times when there isn’t much to eat. The common name for Ursus arctos horribilis comes from the bears “grizzled” fur—fur that is tipped with gray or white and gives grizzlies a slightly streaked appearance. Other subspe- cies of brown bear include the (Ursus arctos arctos) and the (Ursus arctos middendorffi). In the United States, grizzly bears have been listed as threatened under the Endangered Grizzly Species Act since 1975. In the lower 48 states, brown bears have been reduced to 2% of their bears are a original range. Since the 1800s, the popula- subspecies tion of brown bears in the has dropped from over 50,000 to of brown around 1,200. efforts are an important part of ’ involvement with this bears vulnerable species. Polson,

1,961 miles to Montana 1,961 miles to Louisville 3,922 miles Total

Real Life Backyard Action Heroes!

Grizzly Bear Road Trip! The grizzly bears on exhibit at Glacier Run had an interesting journey to Louisville. Here to tell you a little about their adventure is Virginia Crossett, Registered Veterinarian Technician (RVT) at the Louisville Zoo. “In August 2010, the Zoo’s General Curator, Steve Wing, and I left Louisville for Polson,

Montana, to pick up a mother Virginia Crossett & Streve Wing. Photo by Robert Kemnitz grizzly bear and her two cubs. They had become what’s called “nuisance bears,” because they were raiding Steve and I drove straight through to nearby chicken coops and pens. As you can Montana for 31 hours in a large truck, trying imagine, the farmers who owned the chickens to get there as soon as possible. The very next and weren’t very happy to share their live- day after our arrival, the bears were loaded stock with these big and dangerous animals. into the truck and we hit the road again. The Wildlife authorities in the area hadn’t been return trip took 36 hours because every time successful in persuading the bears to eat what we stopped for gas, we also fed the bears. To they should, so the decision was made to relo- top it all off, we had a flat tire in . cate them instead. The Zoo’s new Glacier Run By the time the tire was repaired, everyone at exhibit was chosen for their new home, and the tire store knew exactly what was in the the three bears were captured. back of our truck!” Food Web Activity Creating a Food Web to better understand this interdependence Understanding the connections that different between species. species have with each other and their environ- Materials needed: ment is a big part of what a Backyard Action • Index Cards Hero must understand in order to help in • A ball of yarn conservation efforts. We often describe some of these interactions through the concepts of • Marker/Colored markers/Crayons food chains and food webs. Every bear de- • Hole punch or tape scribed in this guidebook is part of a complex Below is a a list of interactions that take food web within its particular ecosystem. place within a food web /ecosystem that might Let’s look at a typical food web that a brown include a typical grizzly bear (a subspecies of bear might be part of. The following activ- Brown bear) like those found at the Louisville ity will help you build a food web in order Zoo.

Species What they eat/How they get matter and energy Salmon Herring Brown Bear Plants (which includes leaves, , nuts & seeds), mice, insects, salmon, and occasionally caribou Insects Plants Herring Plankton Mice Plants and insects Plankton (a microscopic Herring floating plant) Caribou Plants Plants

Your mission: Build a food web using the species identi- fied above. Using eight different index cards, create a card for each species listed above. You can either draw the animal or plant or write its name on the card. If you have eight friends available, you can use some yarn to hang one of the cards around each person’s neck, or lay the cards out on the floor leaving about three or four feet between each card. Now using the ball of yarn, connect the cards or people wear- ing the cards into a food web, using the information above about where they get their matter and energy.

Once you’ve built your food web, see if you can answer the following. 1. Can you identify any predator/prey relationships that exist in your food web? 2. Can you identify any competition going on within your food web? 3. What is the importance of the plants in the food web? 4. Who is the highest order predator in your food web? 5. Pick a species in your web and identify any issues that might arise from its loss in the food web. Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) can be up to five inches thick offers additional The polar bear is the iconic species when it insulation and also buoyancy in the water. comes to living in the harsh environment of the Under all that thick fur, a polar bear’s skin Arctic circle at the top of the world. Considered is black, which allows more heat energy to be the largest terrestrial carnivore on earth, the absorbed. Their fur and skin are also quite oily, polar bear is the largest species of bear. While which makes them water repellant. Fur on the there are some brown bears that can outweigh pads of the polar bear’s feet not only insulates the polar bear, polars usually win out in the their paws from the cold ice, but also provides overall length category. better traction. Polar bears have small ears and Although their appearance may seem quite tail to prevent heat loss. different, scientists now believe that the polar All of these cold-weather insulators explain bear evolved from the brown bear when a why polar bears that are viewed with heat- group of brown bears was isolated by advanc- seeking devices are barely detectable. These ing glaciers some 250,000 to 100,000 years unique adaptations help the polar bear survive ago. There is evidence in recent years that the in one of the coldest and harshest environ- two species have occasionally crossed paths ments on earth. and produced viable offspring, meaning their Climate change is the biggest threat to cubs would eventually be able to reproduce the polar bear today. As the Arctic ice cover as well. This means that polar bears may more shrinks, so too does the polar bears’ hunting accurately be described as a subspecies of the grounds. Polar ice is now forming three weeks brown bear. later and melting three weeks earlier than To be sure, though, polar bears have some it did just 30 years ago. This totals six fewer physical characteristics that make them weeks that Polar bears are able to hunt seals, uniquely suited to the extreme conditions of their primary food source, which also means the Arctic. The most obvious difference is the considerably less time to build the reserves color of their fur, which appears white at a the bears need to survive in the summer when distance, but is actually clear. These clear outer they’re landlocked. This is one of the important coat hairs are also hollow and, combined with environmental issues that the new Glacier Run a dense inner layer of fur, provide insulation to exhibit hopes to bring to the public’s attention. keep polar bears warm. A layer of blubber that “The Zoo’s training and enrichment programs help our animals stay healthy and active.”

How to Train a Bear! Part of enriching the life of a bear or any One of the first training experiences we had with animal is giving them lots of choices— which the bears was just being around them all the requires some training. Jane Anne Franklin is in time, so they could get used to our presence. charge of animal training at the Louisville Zoo. On the flip side, our adult polar bear was Training also allows keepers and veterinarians born in a zoo setting, so we have a complete to provide better health care for the animals history of her experiences and behavior from and also helps Zoo staff share a lot of fascinat- the time she was born. ing information with Zoo visitors. But training Once we’ve gathered as much information as is no easy task! possible, we create an individual plan for each Here’s how Jane Anne approached the train- animal, and begin building a relationship with ing of the bears—all of which are new to the him or her. We use a positive reinforcement ap- Louisville Zoo—in Glacier Run. proach to training called operant conditioning “The first part of the process is to find out — giving the bears something they want—like everything you can about the bear’s natural a favorite food treat—when they exhibit the history. We start with the basics. What kind of specific behavior we’re looking for. A goal be- bear is it, where does it come from, what does havior might be sitting quietly while being fed it eat, when does it reach maturity, what is its or examined during health checks or moving expected lifespan? from one place to another within the exhibit. Next, we try to learn as much as possible With the grizzlies, it takes a lot of patience, about each individual bear that’s come to live because prior to coming to the Zoo, they had at the Zoo. For example, were the bears born in learned behaviors that put them and people captivity or in the wild? Because our grizzly bears near them in danger. came from the wilds of Montana, they’ve already Working with Qannik will be an exciting learned a lot on their own. They experienced challenge. As an orphan there are many behav- constant stimuli and choice-making in nature. iors she would have learned from her mother It also means we don’t know very many details that her human caregivers will now have to about their lives before they came to Louisville. teach her.”

Real Life Backyard Action Heroes!

Qannik is cute but she is a wild animal,so her keepers work with her through the mesh you see in this picture.

Kevin Grizzle, Qannik the polar bear cub in her off exhibit den and Jane Anne Franklin. Photo by Robert Kemnitz QANNIK: The Bear in Our Backyard

ou may have heard about Qannick, the require a whole team of heroes, including Y polar bear cub who was orphaned in Zoo director Pat Lampi and his staff, Alaska and now resides at the Louisville Zoo. the training and veterinarian staff from the Her rescue is the story of many heroes. Louisville Zoo, Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Qannick was born in January 2011, and was the Association of Zoos & Acquariums (AZA) first observed in February as she emerged from and logistics experts from UPS. Qannick’s a snow den with her mother and a sibling. health and safety during the trip were of para- Researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey mount importance, and no detail was left to placed a radio monitoring collar on the mother chance, including her own personalized travel in order to track her and the two cubs. After crate and temperature-controlled airplane just a few days, the collar slipped off. An aerial cabin. search to locate the polar bear family was On June 29, shortly after 1 a.m., Qannick unsuccessful. arrived at the Louisville Zoo. She was kept in In April, Qannick was spotted by employees quarantine for the next 30 days, the typical of ConocoPhillips, literally in their backyard period for any new animal, while she got used on Alaska’s North Slope. This time, though, to her new surroundings and Zoo staff could she was alone. ConocoPhillips contacted the closely monitor her health and behavior. U.S. and Wildlife Service (USFWS), who As of August 9, she weighed a healthy 107 in turn alerted the in case it was pounds, had learned how to swim (a skill her determined that a rescue was in the cub’s best mother would have taught her in the wild), interest. After a harrowing two days during and developed her hunting instincts through a which the young bear was lost in a coastal fog, variety of enrichment activities—from stalk- Qannick was again spotted. She was still alone. ing to attacking “toys” designed to provide Qannick was brought to the Alaska Zoo. She choices and reinforce natural behaviors. weighed only 17 pounds—half what a polar Qannick is now the unofficial spokesbear bear cub her age should weigh. According to for her Glacier Run brethren, a playful, healthy Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, Chief Scientist and Vice success story of a large-scale backyard action President of Polar Bears International, “Had she hero mission. not been rescued, she would have died. Polar Once she is ready for a more predictable bear cubs stay with their mother for over two schedule, we will post this on our website, at years as they learn the ways of their Arctic sea the Zoo and via Facebook. Since our goal is to ice home. Cubs of this age cannot survive on do what is best for the young cub, we cannot their own.” guarantee any public viewing. For answers Ultimately, the Louisville Zoo was chosen for to Frequently Asked Questions, her back- Qannick’s permanent new home. Transporting ground, and adorable photos and video, visit her from Alaska to Louisville, however, would louisvillezoo.org.

Photos by Robert Kemnitz Real Life Working Together Backyard Action Heroes! to Save Bears he Louisville Zoo, along with other accred- T ited Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions, is committed to helping save key species from extinction. Together, these zoos and aquariums spend nearly $90 million per on conservation initiatives. Through a variety of education programs, these institutions work to increase people’s knowledge about conservation issues such as climate change, and the interrelationships between all living things on the planet. The Louisville Zoo has partnered with Polar Bears International (PBI) and joined in its mission to help save the arctic regions of the world and the animals that live there. Robert Buchanan, PBI president (pictured at right), is a

great supporter of Louisville’s efforts. ©Andrew Fore Photography/andrewfore.com “The Louisville Zoo is part of the PBI network of Arctic Ambassador Center Zoos,” Buchanan PBI Polar Bear Sustainability Alliance.” says. “These centers focus on animal well- being and enrichment, take a leadership role in Buchanan also believes that everyone – espe- carbon reduction in their communities, par- cially KIDS – can help save polar bears. ticipate in PBI polar bear research efforts, and Learn more at polarbearsinternational.org support Polar bear conservation through the

Protecting Future Populations s General Curator at the Louisville Zoo, 3. Developing stable zoo populations, A Steve Wing (pictured at right) knows a specifically for the following bears: great deal about bears. One of his duties is to andean, sloth, sun, polar and the giant work with the AZA on joint conservation ef- panda. forts. Here are some of his observations: Our conservation efforts won’t “Bear conservation is extremely important, be successful without and coordination between AZA zoos is a critical Backyard Action Heroes component to preserving all eight species of taking an active role in bears worldwide. AZA conservation efforts for the preservation of all bears takes a three-pronged approach: animal life and the envi- 1. Research into their natural history, as much is ronment. So, my heartfelt still not known about bear habits in the wild. thanks to you, Backyard 2. In-situ (in their original home or habitat) Action Heroes!” protection of all species, which includes the protection of critical habitats, and Photo by Kara providing education for indigenous Bussabarger peoples on such topics as illegal hunting and trade practices. Present this coupon and receive ONE FREE CHILD’S ADMISSION With the purchase of one regular adult admission at the Louisville Zoo Valid during regular Zoo hours. Not valid with other offers or discounts. Expires 12/31/12

Get Your Parents & Teachers Involved, Too! he Louisville Zoo can be your partner in • Find ways to conserve around your house. T providing you, you family members & Turn off the water while you brush your teachers with the knowledge & inspiration to teeth. Replace burned out light be the future caretakers of nature & wildlife. with compact fluorescents. Turn your Visit louisvillezoo.org/education for informa- thermostat up or down a couple of tion about field trips, classes, camps, overnight degrees (up in the summer, down in the programs, professional development and so winter.) much more. • Try to buy products made of recycled Kentucky may seem like a long way from the materials or that come from sustainable sources. Also choose to buy products arctic or event the wilds of Montana, but your with the least amount of packaging. That efforts do make a difference. There are lots of means there’s less to throw away. ways a BAH and his or her family can get in- volved in protecting our planet. Here are some • Learn as much as you can about animals and their habitats and how to help more things YOU can do! preserve them. The Louisville Zoo is a good • Reduce, Reuse and Recycle place to start. • Organize a cleanup day and pick up litter • Send us your BAH ideas for protecting the around your school or in a local park. planet to [email protected]

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The Louisville Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizaion and the state zoo of Kentucky.