The Oceletter Dec 2020/Jan 2021

Ocelots Web-based Presentation When: Thursday, December 10, 2020 5:00-6:00 pm Who: Yeleny Smith What: Little Leaping Lemurs: A Closer Look at the Growing Ring-tailed Lemur Troop at Africa Rocks Our Mission The Ocelots enthusiastically support the efforts of the Zoological Society of San Diego through active involvement, commitment to education, and fund-raising. In This Issue A Note From The Head Ocelot. 2 Mark Your Calendars . 3 Reviews of Our Last 2 Webinars . 4 A Review of Our November Webinar. 5 Grants Program Update. 7 Grants In Action. 8 About the Ocelots. 14

Thyese lemurs are at the Safari Park, not at Africa Rocks. Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 2

A Note From The Head Ocelot By Kim BidermanN Head Ocelot

Dear Ocelots, It has been my distinct honor to serve as your Head Ocelot this past year. And what a year it has been for Ocelots! I am so proud of the steering committee for pivoting from our bi-monthly dinners to monthly webinars without missing a beat. Lots of emails keep you informed of SDZG comings (births) and goings (to other zoos for breeding purposes). The new Steering Committee is a tremendous mix of new people bringing fresh blood and enthusiasm and others with more experience to provide continuity. We have Zoo and Park volunteers and non-volunteers. They will serve you well in growing the organization Like you, I am hoping 2021 brings more peace in the country along with vaccines and good health for all. I know it is a big ask, but it’s my wish and I am sticking to it!! I would be remiss if I did not remind you that we are in grant season. Please donate if you are able. The animals will thank you. Kim Bidermann Head Ocelot Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 3

Mark Your Calendars Contribute to the Oceletter!

You won’t want to miss a single Ocelots event this year! We invite you to submit articles and photographs for the Oceletter. Dec 10 Webinar: : Ring-tailed lemurs All content should be submitted electronically to the Oceletter Editor, Yeleny Smith Paul Brooks, at Jan 21 Webinar: Care and Conservation of Wild Cats: A Fresh [email protected]. Perspective for 2021, a panel discussion with Georgeanne Irvine, Lori Hieber, Nicki Boyd, Contact Us and Mathias Tobler The best way to reach a member of the Steering Committee is to use the following e-mail address: [email protected] Mar 25 Webinar: Nick Pilfold: Polar Bears in the wild This e-mail account is monitored frequently, and questions can be routed Apr 15 Webinar: Luis Ochoa: Platypus to the member of the Steering Committee who should handle them.

The following people can be reached directly: Jun 24 Webinar: Brandon Scott: Komodo Dragons Kim Bidermann–Head Ocelot (619) 233-7600 [email protected] Theresa Low–Grants/Logo Wear (858) 391-8616 [email protected] Aug12 Webinar: Jennifer Chapman: Okapi Paul Brooks–Oceletter Editor (619) 889-9051 pbrooksphotos@ hotmail.com Oct 14 Webinar or Dinner (Park): Chelsea Davis: Dholes

Dec 9 Webinar or Dinner (Zoo): Jennifer Toby: Koalas in the Wild

Please note: The Ocelot schedule is currently in flux. In the midst of the Corona Virus crisis we are unsure as to when we will be able to resume our sched- Please note that these dates, venues, speakers, and topics are tentative and are uled activities. As soon as San Diego Zoo Global is able to let us know subject to change. There is construction scheduled for the Children's Zoo and our when we will be able to we will schedule and resume our great dinners, access to the Zoo Party Area (ZPA) may be affected. Our speakers are staff members special events, and presentations. Please know that your Steering Commit- of SDZG and their schedules may change necessitating a change in our programs. tee is working to get things back to normal as soon as possible. Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 4

Reviews of Our Last 2 Webinars On October 8th the Ocelots held their sixth webinar event. Following Theresa Low’s Grants update, Dr. Oliver Ryder reported on a virtual conference to discuss advances in genetic studies. Biodiversity Genomics 2020, hosted by the U. K., included 3000 partici- pants from 72 countries.

Our featured speaker, Steve Metzler, Henshaw Curator of Mammals at the SDZ Safari Park, presented “Eric the Rhino’s Journey to Tanzania.” East Tanzania, with fewer than 100 black rhinos, approached the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) for candi- dates for a program to repopulate that species. Eric, who was born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, was not recommended for breeding by the SSP as his DNA was well represented in the managed population. His DNA, however, was absent from Tanzania.

Eric’s trip required a year of preparation. Besides having to test the viability of his sperm, he had to transition from a hay to browse diet, including thorny browse to toughen his mouth for the natural vegetation of his new home in Tanzania. He was trained to enter the crate that would be used for his transfer.

The logistics of moving from the Safari Park to his new home, a 350,000 acre private preserve in East Tanzania called Singita Gru- meti, were quite complex. He was trucked to LAX where he was loaded on a cargo plane, accompanied by Wildlife Care Specialists from San Diego and a veterinarian from South Africa. The itinerary involved a layover in Belgium followed by a longer one in Qatar. Throughout the long journey, Eric enjoyed air-conditioned quarters and was kept hydrated with water, produce, and watermelon.

Upon reaching Uganda, Eric was transferred to a smaller cargo plane capable of landing at the Serengeti National Park airport, where security and local conservation workers greeted him. The final leg of his journey to Singita Grumeti was by road. Unfor- tunately the crane truck needed to transfer the crated rhino had a breakdown, but creative workers improvising with a second flatbed truck came to the rescue and Eric arrived safely. After several days in a boma for adjustment Eric transitioned to an outdoor yard and eventually to the fenced 670-acre area set aside for black rhinos inside the preserve.

Eric has been introduced to the female Laikipia. The pair have been interacting appropriately although no word of any little rhino yet. Even though Eric is now a “wild” rhino, a tracking device implanted in his horn constantly monitors his movement.

If you missed Steve Metzler’s photo-rich presentation, the link to the recording of this webinar is as follows: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/5778272663707879170 Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 5

A Review of Our November Webinar

The seventh Ocelots webinar of 2020 was held November 5. Following Theresa Low’s update on the Grants program, Dr. Oliver Ryder shared recent findings in the article “Reference Genome and Demographic History of the Most Endangered Marine Mammal, the Va- quita.” Despite the ongoing threat of extinction to this critically endangered animal, primarily from gill net fishing, the species shows a healthy genetic variability within the remaining tiny population.

Autumn Nelson, Animal Care Supervisor at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, presented “Sand Cats and Black-footed Cats: Population Management and Husbandry of Two Fascinating Feline Species.” These two cat species are tough little cats with big personalities, yet are some of the smallest cats in the world weighing in at three to ten pounds. They are both considered to be extremely good hunt- ers, eating a variety of reptiles, birds, small mammals, and insects. The black-footed cat has earned the reputation of “deadliest cat in the world” due to their 60% kill rate, and sand cats have been known to kill venomous vipers. S and cats live in the sandy deserts of northern Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Black-footed cats live in the savanna grassland of southern Africa. With activity both nocturnal and crepuscular, they must coexist with other predators such as foxes and jackals. To endure the hot sand, sand cats have thickly furred feet, and their coat matches the sand color. Black-footed cats have spotted coats to blend in with grasses and shrubs. They are capable of flattening their body close to the ground to stalk prey.

The conservation status of the black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) on the IUCN Red List is Vulnerable, with an estimated 9,700 wild indi- viduals in 2016, but a decreasing population trend. The sand cat (Felis margarita) is listed as Least Concern with an estimated wild population of around 27,000 individuals in 2014. There is currently not enough data to determine the population trend.

Autumn is the Sand Cat Species Survival Plan (SSP) Coordinator and Studbook Keeper, and is on the Management Committee for the Black-Footed Cat SSP. The goals of the Sand Cat SSP are to share best practices in husbandry and management to advance the welfare of sand cats in human care, to promote future reproduction and stabilize the age structure of the species, and to collaborate with domestic and international partners. The Sand Cat and Black-footed Cat SSP Management Groups assist and mentor zoos with hus- bandry questions and breeding plans, help education advisors develop curricula and programs to educate the public, and share on social media to inspire conservation awareness about the species. Autumn encouraged participants in the webinar to follow the Sand Cat SSP Facebook Page.

Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 6

A Review of Our November Webinar Cont.

Unlike big cats, who might skip a day or two of feeding, these small cat species are provided with multiple feedings each day. The nutri- tion recommendation is to feed 50% whole prey, supplemented with insects and commercial beef. Although on occasion these small cats might share space with another individual of their species in a zoo setting, they are typically housed separately except for breeding. Males do not participate in the rearing of young. The mother is ready to separate from her young at about three to four months of age, and they are sexually mature at six months.

The cats are trained to voluntarily participate in such behaviors as shifting, crating, and weighing, as well as minor medical care such as hand injections and radiographs. This operant conditioning training using positive reinforcement reduces stress and provides choice and control for the cats. The opportunity to learn also provides mental stimulation. Mental stimulation is also provided through various enrichment that provides opportunities to express species-appropriate behaviors such as hunting, play, scent-marking, and hiding. This enrichment is in addition to habitat design with the diversity to provide comfort and encourage exploration.

Conservation research for these species is conducted both in zoos and in the wild. The Institute for Conservation Research has teamed up up with Cincinnati’s Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo to conduct assisted repro- duction procedures such as in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer and semen collection. Dr. Alex Sliwa of the Cologne Zoo heads up research of both cat species in the wild. SDZG’s Dr. Nadine Lamberski is one of the founding members of the Black-footed Cat Working Group studying the species in South Africa and Namibia. The Sand Cat Sahara Team studies the African sand cat sub-species in Morocco.

The Ocelots Grants have provided cams for observing sand cat Newman when he was in the habitat at the Carnivore Breeding Center. A second grant provided an air purifier for black-footed cat Yuna, as well as Newman, in their habitats in the Nairobi Village at the Safari Park.

If you missed this webinar or if you wish to see it again you can find it on Youtube at this link: https://youtu.be/JE2-v0i-2Hs Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 7

Grants Program Update By Theresa Low Grants Coordinator It is that time of year where we are cozily nestled in between holiday themes, thanks and giving. Perhaps you agree, even traditions ebb and flow with the times. While our traditions may take on a new dimension, memories are treasured gifts and bridge hope for the future. Last year at this time, Ocelots supported the Zoo’s Employee Arts and Crafts Fair which benefits our Grants Program. Unfortunately, the Crafts Fair has been cancelled for this year. Granting Wishes to Staff and Wildlife. Tis the season and there are over 500 “wish list” re- quests from staff members this year. Donating to the grants program is a personal way for Ocelots to support a favorite species, staff members and teams, and inspiring conservation work. All gifts will be matched by SDZG, dollar for dollar, up to the first $100,000 received. Details on how to make your gift for grant requests can be found in each Grants Catalog and on the traditional Grants List. Our 2020 Grants Catalog is now available for easy viewing on mobile devices and computers. You may access it, along with our traditional Grants List at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/7kh6yxx4g29ceqj/AAB2jEF0Y3FqqzSbaXa0H2Aia?dl=0 Your support at this extraordinary time will allow SDZG to:  Expand scientific discovery in animal health and conservation initiatives  Enrich animal care and their habitats  Connect people with wildlife through educational discovery and awareness.

For tax purposes, please ensure your gifts are received by Thursday, December 31st. Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a promising and fulfilling new year! Photo 2019 Zoo’s Employee Arts and Crafts Fair Ocelots Charlene and Dee. Photo credit: Helene Hoffman Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 8

Grants In Action By Theresa Low Grants Coordinator

Hippopotamus Habitat Happenings - Monitoring Behavior

Greetings Ocelots, The attached photo is of the wireless camera system monitor installed at Hippos/Okapi. Thanks to Ocelots! The system also has a DVR which has allowed us to review animal behaviors after hours. This system has been extremely beneficial to help us monitor the Hippos, Okapi, and Black duiker. Gaylene and Sun Bear Forest Team

Note: Do you see the “golden ticket” below the monitor? It reads, “This item was made possible through the generosity of the Ocelots.” Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 9

Gramts In Action cont. from previous page Habitat Improvement – Seasonal Changes for Tigers We received 700 sq ft of St Augustine sod today and installed it in the tiger habitat. Needless to say, the tigers approved!!! Thank you so very much!! They are so enjoying it!!!! Hip hip hooray for Ocelots!! Gaylene and Sun Bear Forest Team (aka the Sod Mob) Malayan tigers Cinta and Berani

Why sod? Sod blankets the ground of the habitat and provides diversity to existing substrates. New sod is part of the seasonal enrichment we learned about at our February dinner. Clearly, these handsome Malayan tigers approve! The new sod supports their natural behaviors. Being very secretive, Malayan tigers like to hang out in places where they are hidden or hard to see. They also get relief from the heat by resting in shady areas.

The tiger habitat was transformed into a swamp by the addition of Spanish moss. Thank you, Ocelots! Attached a habitat photo. The team has been working to add differentiating elements to the tiger habitats, and the moss was perfect! Fishing Cat Stuart also received a little habitat moss transformation. Gaylene and Sun Bear Forest Team Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 10

Gramts In Action cont. from previous page Weighing In Is No Monkey Business

The siamang platform and scale in place to weigh our siamang. We can get weights on them any time we need to now. Thanks for all the Ocelots do for us! Tanya, Senior Wildlife Care Specialist

This grant award covered fabrication and installation of the stainless-steel platform to hold the scale and crate. The setup is used for training, weighing, and transporting the siamangs to medical exams when needed.

Maintaining a Safe and Healthy Environment

We just wanted to share photos of the Integrated Pest Management team using the backpack sprayer the Ocelots got for them last year - thanks so much! As it is electric, it really reduces the chance of any repetitive arm injuries with pumping the product. Thank you, Linda Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 11

Fatal Beauties Waiting to Catch your Attention (five photos)

Here are some photos of the carnivorous plants that we acquired through the Ocelots Grant Program. This grant allowed us to expand of our collection. We added 4 new genera to our collection: Heliamphora, Pinguicula, Cephalotus and Darlingtonia, 6 new species of Nepenthes, 5 new cultivars/ varieties of Dionaea, and 2 new hybrids of Sarracenia for a total of 28 new plants. Our carnivorous plants are immensely popular with guests, with these additional plants we have increased the educational and conservation value of our collection Lesley, Horticulture Manager

From Adam, Director of Horticulture: “Here are some photos of carnivorous plants that were purchased with Ocelots funds. The plants are extremely popular, and a real passion of our team. Please share these photos with our thanks!” Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 12

Perches and More for our Feathered Friends (10 photos)

Hello! I wanted to send some photos of our trainers making enrichment with the items Ocelots purchased for us as well as the other equipment. We purchased paper rope, paper lunch bags and grass seed so we make lots of fun forage bags with the paper and grow the barley grass and put the tubs in with most of our birds and they love it. We make plastic and wood hanging boxes that we fill with shredded paper and food for fun foraging. And we purchased an SUV-full of manzanita wood that we use for perches in parrot rooms and for hanging perches that we can attach browse too. We also purchase one more large flight habitat for large macaws. The habitat is made of stainless steel, so it is zinc free for our parrots to live in. And there is lots of room for hanging toys and browse. Thanks so much!!!

Kim, Animal Training Supervisor Visit our website http://www.sandiegozoo.org/society/ocelots.html Page 13

Processing Data – A Course for Action Early November we received this update from Jenna, Senior Research Coordinator: Computer training for the Twiga Wilinzi, a giraffe conservation team in Kenya, is underway. Scheduling got pushed back due to COVID-19 limitations, but the computer course kicked off Monday! The team in Kenya is beyond excited for this opportunity, thank you Ocelots for making the training possible. In the photo are some of the team members and the trainer. We have learned the class is short by one member, as she gave birth last week! Background information: The Twiga Walinzi teams have become experienced in ecological sampling methods and community engagement techniques. Recently, Population Sustainability team identified a need for computer and technology training to enhance their data processing, reporting, and analysis. We see this as an opportunity to provide necessary skills to the teams that will not only benefit giraffe conservation through more robust data processing and analysis but will also strongly benefit the individuals.

One Powerful Message

We received this box toy from an Ocelot grant last year, and Sumatran tiger Majel would like to say “thank you” to the contributors who made this donation possible Best, Elise, Senior Wildlife Care Specialist The “extra-large box” might look familiar. The “box” comes in a variety of sizes, strengths, and colors! This box is extra heavy duty as you might imagine. You will find these boxes in several different habitats at both the Park and Zoo. Some boxes have custom holes allowing more ways to present enrichment opportunities. In this photo the care team used a washable tempera paint to add an extra level of enrichment – the paint has a scent and possibly an interesting taste. Other than blue color on her nose, tongue, paws and belly for the day, the paint is safe for the animals. Thank you, Ocelots! About the Ocelots

enjoy a special relationship with San Diego Zoo Global. While having fun at many educational dinners and other special events at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Ocelots raise money to support the Ocelots Grants Program. Departments within the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research as well as conservation programs throughout SDZG are eligible to apply for these grants.

the ocelot, pictured above, the ocelot, pictured above, Diego was purchased for the Dafyd lived at the San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo by the Ocelots in 2005. Safari Park in an enclosure funded by the Diego is a working member of the Ocelots in 2011. Education Department!