riverbanks September-October 2007

1 Inside scoop The Observation Deck 3 In The Know 20 Riverbanks 4-1-1 26 Volume XXVI, Number 5 Riverbanks is published six times a year for members of Riverbanks Society by Riverbanks Zoological Park and Botanical Garden, Essentials Columbia, South Carolina. Plan Your Visit 6 Shoots and Blooms 10 Riverbanks Park Commission James E. Smith, Chairman Riverbanks Adventures and Class Calendar 14 Lloyd Liles Junior Zookeepers 23 Jan Stamps Bud Tibshrany Tracey Waring Robert P. Wilkins Features South Carolina’s Pride 4 Riverbanks Society Board of Directors Jeremy G. Wilson, President Learn what Riverbanks is doing to protect African lions Robert G. Davidson, Vice-President Fins or Scales? Trick or Treat 8 Mary Howard, Secretary Barbara K. Ryan, Treasurer Visit the Aquarium Reptile Complex to see some real creepy crawlies H. Perry Shuping, Immediate Past President Riverbanks ZOOfari Mike Brenan William H. Davidson II Discover treasures from around the world at the wildest fundraiser in town Thomas N. Fortson A Face Only a Zookeeper Could Love 18 Steve Graves Greg Lapointe Find out why it’s so important to breed, study and rehabilitate vultures Jonathan H. Nason Beyond Hollies 22 C.C. Rone, Jr. Find out why it’s so important to breed, study and rehabilitate vultures James S. Welch Dr. Anny Zalesne Botanical Garden Bulb Sale 28 Don F. Barton, Director Emeritus Brighten up your garden with these botanical beauties Riverbanks Senior Staff Satch Krantz Executive Director Kim M. Benson Director of Human Resources George R. Davis Director of Finance Ed Diebold Director of Animal Collections & Conservation Kevin Eubanks Director of Guest Services Eric Helms Director of Risk Management & Facilities 4 18 Melodie Scott-Leach Director of Horticulture Riverbanks Magazine Staff Riverbanks Hours of Operation Tommy Stringfellow Dixie Kaye Allan Open daily except Thanksgiving day & Christmas day Director of Marketing Executive Editor/Art Director 9am – 5pm Daily Keith Benson, DVM Monique Jacobs 9am – 6pm Weekends during Daylight Savings Senior Veterinarian Editor Andy Cabe Dargan Davis Curator of Horticulture Contributing Writer John Davis Ashley Walker Subscriptions to Riverbanks are $24 per year. Curator of Mammals Graphic Artist Members of Riverbanks Society are entitled to Scott Pfaff Larry Cameron one free subscription along with free admission Curator of Herpetology Photographer and guest passes, discounts at Zoo & Garden gift Martin Vince shops, invitations to special events and much more. Curator of Birds Front cover: African Lion To subscribe to Riverbanks or to join the Society, Photograph by Larry Cameron visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717 x1111.

Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the American Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta. The observation deck

s a governmental No matter how good the Zoo and Garden, an aggressive agency, Riverbanks PR and marketing program is vital to maximizing attendance. operates on a Riverbanks has devoted considerable financial and human fiscal year which resources over the past 25 years in order to insure that our story ends on June 30. is told to the widest possible audience. AI am pleased to announce that A strong annual attendance is not just about bragging we ended the 2006-2007 fiscal rights. For Riverbanks, it is vital to our financial wellbeing. The year with just under 900,000 majority of the Zoo and Garden’s $8.7 million annual operating visitors, the fourth highest budget is funded through visitor-related income such as admis- attended year in Zoo and Garden sion fees and the sale of food and gifts. An additional $1 million history. I recently wrote a letter in operating support is provided by members of Riverbanks to the members of Richland Society. The remainder of Riverbanks’ operating budget, about and Lexington County Councils, $2.5 million, is provided by Lexington and Richland County Columbia City Council and com- Councils. The Riverbanks Park Commission joins me in thanking munity leaders pointing out the significance of this incredible the members of both councils for their continued support of our milestone. Some of the highlights of the letter follow: operating budget. By combining earned revenue with private What eats 3 tons of hot dogs, consumes 191,000 gallons and public support, Riverbanks stands as testament to the fact of soft drinks and uses 650 miles of toilet paper, all in a that a true public/private partnership can be attained. single year? The nearly 900,000 thousand people who visited And there is always the matter of economic impact. Nonprofit Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in the past 12 months. cultural institutions are constantly challenged to justify public Columbia is home to one of South Carolina’s biggest tourist support based upon economic impact. Over the years I have attractions (maybe the biggest) and one of North America’s tried to avoid the economic impact debate because I feel that best zoological park –Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. As evidence, there is no one model that produces consistent or credible look no further than the fact that since opening in 1974 results for differing organizations. Instead, I sometimes answer Riverbanks has attracted over 21 million visitors. this question with the following fact: This year, Riverbanks Zoo You might find it helpful to think of our attendance in terms and Garden will have almost as many visitors as EdVenture, the of University of South Carolina home football games. Each year, Columbia Museum of Art and the South Carolina State Museum more people visit Riverbanks than 10 sell-outs at Williams-Brice combined and doubled. Stadium. Or, you may wish to consider that Riverbanks has After more than 30 years at Riverbanks, I find these facts and averaged just under 3,000 visitors every day for the past 12 statistics almost impossible to comprehend. And I feel certain months. And these are not just Columbia-area residents. Last that none of this would be possible without the steadfast, year alone, Riverbanks attracted over 120,000 out-of-state and ongoing support of our Riverbanks Society members (cur- international visitors. rently 33,000 households strong). Thanks to you, our Society How do we do this year after year? We provide our guests is one of the top zoo support organizations in the Southeast. with a high-quality educational and recreational experience I look forward to creating more milestones with your support. and strategically combine that effort with a professional marketing and public relations program. We believe that Riverbanks stands as testament to the fact that residents of the Midlands support quality. They are proud of their zoo and they support it by visiting in record numbers.

Mission statement It is our mission to foster appreciation and concern for all living things. We are dedicated to providing:

u the highest standards of care for our animal and plant collections. u a diverse educational and high-quality recreational experience for all Riverbanks visitors. u all the resources at our disposal for the conservation of the earth’s flora and fauna.

3 south carolina’s pride

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is home to three African lions. Currently, there are only 115 pedigreed African lions in 39 North American zoos.

By – Sue Pfaff, Assistant Mammal Curator

When most of us dream about the perfect zoo, we often The results are sobering: lion populations are diminishing envision the most charismatic mammals, like “lions, tigers, quickly. As well-liked as these big cats are, it is difficult to and bears, oh my!” Riverbanks is proud to host many animal imagine that the need for conservation efforts in support of species that range from tiny pygmy sunfish all the way up to wild lions is necessary. 8,000-pound African elephants. When the Zoo first opened The International Cat Specialist Group responded promptly in 1974, some of the most requested animals were the big to this need, however, by developing a plan for saving wild cats—lions and tigers. To this day, the pride of African lions at African lions. A critical element of the plan was to protect Riverbanks continues to maintain its popularity. vast areas of wild land. The urgency for immediate actions suddenly fell into the hands of zoos as well. That’s where The Setting Riverbanks stepped up to the plate. Before we get into the really “fun stuff” that’s happen- To begin this process, a cooperative breeding program was ing right now with our three African lions, perhaps a bit of established for African lions. It was designed to establish hus- background information might be helpful to put things into bandry guidelines and coordinate breeding activities through perspective. Over the years, Riverbanks has hosted 19 African genetic analysis using an intricate database. Only African lions. They flourished under our care, and one pair success- lions with known origins, traceable to a specific location in fully bred and reared three cubs. The cubs were transferred Africa, are included in the proposed captive breeding popula- to other zoological destinations (accredited by the Associa- tion. Many zoos participate in these management programs tion of Zoos and Aquariums) to contribute their valuable to ensure genetic variation and population stability. Follow- genetic material to the North American captive population. ing considerable research through these programs, it was However, in the early 1990s it became apparent that captive soon discovered that full-blooded African lions were far and lions needed to be managed more intensely. Although wild few between. Currently, there are only 115 pedigreed African lions were plentiful within Africa’s National Park boundaries, lions in 39 North American zoos. biologists discovered obvious warning signs that lion popula- In the early 1990s, Riverbanks decided to quit “lion” around tions in Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa and pounced into action by importing lion cubs from Africa. were changing. Our South Carolina pride was soon established, and we were Since lions are the largest cats and the only felids that live in fortunate to have three lion cubs born in 1993. Since then, we large social groups, they have been deemed as an ecologically have worked with the lion population manager and received demanding species. They require healthy prey populations, two lionesses from the Knoxville Zoo and a young male from which necessitates great expanse of open wilderness. As a Sedgwick County Zoo. result, conflicts between humans and predators are inevitable. 4 The Players Let’s introduce the players. Brynn and Lindsey are sisters his scent. Zuri paced and interacted with his boomer ball who maintain a very tight bond. For most visitors, they look while on exhibit. He occasionally banged on the exhibit identical, but the keepers can easily tell them apart by their guillotine door. personalities and facial markings. Lindsey has a larger black PM: Zuri was shifted off exhibit at 3pm into den #1. Brynn spot on her nose and black rims on her ear tips; Brynn is was given access to the back animal hallway and exhibit for slightly leaner and has a calmer demeanor. The siblings are the evening. Lindsey remained in den #2. Zuri and Brynn six years old and have been approved to breed. were roaring and batting at the mesh towards each other for The male is named Zuri. He is three years younger than the approximately 3 minutes, then behaviors were calm. females and had to mature both physically and psychologi- Friday, July 6, 2007 cally before his introduction to the lionesses. It took only a Introductions continued between lions Zuri (Zoo ID# year and a half for him to achieve the right size (approximate- 9115), Lindsey (Zoo ID# 7173), and Brynn (Zoo ID # 7172). ly 350 pounds) and maturity for us to feel comfortable to Intros began with Zuri in den #1, Lindsey in den #3 and begin the daunting task of introducing these large carnivores. Brynn in den #4. At 10am, the shift door between dens #1 The mammal keepers began the visual introduction process and #2 and dens #2 and #3 was slowly opened. Lindsey was between Zuri and Lindsey on May 9, 2007. Large carnivore on the bench in den #3. Zuri approached the den slowly and introductions are notoriously demanding and often cause then walked underneath the bench. Lindsey then jumped staff to be on edge realizing the potentially lethal outcome if on his back. Zuri reacted by running, but Lindsey grabbed things go array. For the first seven weeks, affiliative behaviors his back left leg and hip. Zuri received a few small puncture were observed with increasing frequency. Lindsey, Brynn wounds from this encounter. Lindsey initiated the aggres- and Zuri spent most of the day lying next to each other, sion, yet she moved away from Zuri and ran into den #2. licking each other’s faces through the mesh, and lounging For the rest of the intro, Zuri remained cautious and settled around with their bellies up and their minds at ease. When in den #3. Lindsey went to den #1 and lay down. After a these interactions were the norm, the physical introduction few minutes, Lindsey approached Zuri in den #3, but he began. Riverbanks Zoo’s management staff met on numerous remained very still. She lay in front of him and played with occasions and communicated with the captive population pieces of phone book. Zuri attentively watched her. Lindsey manager when the lions appeared ready to take the plunge. elicited some breeding behaviors (lying on her side near Zuri, Although we all agreed that the lions were ready for the flicking her tail). Over time, Lindsey began to move towards next step, the staff was excited yet apprehensive. With Brynn Zuri. They touched noses and took some time to smell each in visual contact with Zuri and Lindsey, the shift doors be- other’s faces. When Lindsey went to stand, Zuri spooked and tween Zuri and Lindsey’s off-exhibit dens were slowly opened they both growled at each other, then laid back down in the and the physical introduction began on June 28. same stall. The growling caused Brynn to begin roaring and What a rush! Lions don’t simply meow—they roar! The Lindsey joined in, Zuri remained still. Over the next half-hour barn was rockin’ and rollin’, and when vocalizations finally Lindsey continued to move from den #3 to den #1; she subsided, both lions were in one piece and panting while rolled on the floor and continued to tear up the phone book. recuperating from their unexpected exertion. They appeared Zuri remained in den #3. Once Lindsey had settled in den # to share our excitement and apprehensions, too. 1, the shift door was slowly closed between dens #1 and #2 and #2 and #3, and all three lions remained calm. Excerpt from the daily cat/bear keeper reports Tuesday, May 9, 2007 We have been thrilled and relieved that the physical intro- AM: Visual introductions between Zuri (Zoo ID# 9115) and duction with these magnificent animals has been progress- Lindsey (Zoo ID # 7173) began. Lindsey was moved from the ing nicely. We will continue collecting behavioral data and cubbing dens to the main holding den #2. Zuri was housed making appropriate husbandry decisions for their success. in den #3. Both were separated by an empty den with a Our goal is to create a win-win-win situation for all three mesh barrier. Some minor aggressive behaviors (ears back, members of the pride. posturing, charging the mesh) and vocalizations occurred. Zuri will continue to mature and gain confidence with his During this period, Brynn was managed separately in the new role as the dominant and protective male. Lindsey and cubbing dens during the evening and on exhibit during Brynn have already begun to accept Zuri into their deeply the day. rooted relationship. Realizing that there may be many chal- Additional comments: Brynn was acting more persistent to lenges to overcome in the future, our pride is slowly but gain access to where Zuri is housed. Time spent near exhibit surely forming. The management team will take one day at shift guillotine has increased. time, moving cautiously and patiently, to accommodate the Tuesday, May 21, 2007 needs of each pride member. AM: Zuri (Zoo ID # 9115) was shifted on exhibit and Lindsey We are hoping that before too long visitors will be able to (Zoo ID # 7173) and Brynn (Zoo ID # 7172) remained in enjoy the pride as a whole—with Zuri, Brynn and Lindsey dens #2 and #3 with visual access. Vocalizations were lazily “lion” around in their African savanna enclosure. We steady at the beginning of the separation, but became less acknowledge that the success of the South Carolina’s pride frequent throughout the day. The lionesses remained neutral lies in our hands. The future of both captive and wild African towards each other and exhibited normal pride social lions truly depends on our actions. behaviors. They explored Zuri’s den and quickly picked up 5 plan your visit

Mark Your Calendars

September 2007 November 2007 5 First Thursdays in the Garden 1 SCE&G ZooView webcam features zebras/ostriches 6 SCE&G ZooView webcam featuring the winner of 17 Fall Bulb Sale the Mystery Animal Contest 22 Riverbanks closed – Thanksgiving Day 15 Enrichment Day 23-30 Lights Before Christmas 22 Riverbanks ZOOfari: Treasures From Around the World December 2007 October 2007 1-23 and 26-30 4 First Thursdays in the Garden Lights Before Christmas SCE&G ZooView webcam featuring the runner-up 6 SCE&G ZooView webcam features the from the Mystery Animal Contest Indo-Pacific coral reef tank 12-14, 19-21 & 26-30 25 Riverbanks closed – Christmas Day Boo at the Zoo For more information about these and other upcoming events, visit www.riverbanks.org.

Sub-Voyager Submerges the Imagination

Ever wish you could be the captain of your own ship? Wonder what it’s like to maneuver an underwater vessel? Check out the new sub-voyager explorer that has made its home in the Indo-Pacific coral reef tank inside the Aquarium Reptile Complex. This miniature submarine is docked and ready to guide you on a fascinating undersea adventure. For $1 you can take the helm and navigate around the 55,000-gallon tank filled with sharks, moray eels, a stringray and more!

u u u Plan Your Gifts u u u

Many of you will make a gift to charity this year, and goals of future financial security or disbursement of we ask that you consider making that investment your estate. Planned gifts may include gifts of cash, in Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Through a planned stock or securities, life insurance or IRAs, trusts or gift, you help to guarantee that future generations bequests. Should you have any questions regarding will enjoy the magnificent animals and plants at the advantages of planned giving, please feel free to Riverbanks, while helping accomplish your own call 803.779.8717 x1101.

6 Enrichment Day l Watch Wildlife in Action Saturday, September 15 l 10am–4pm

What is enrichment? It’s our way of encouraging animals to behave naturally by introducing a variety of activities, objects, sounds or scents into their environments. Every day the animals at Riverbanks are enriched in their exhibits. In their off-exhibit areas, the animals are given artificial enrichment, such as boxes and papier-mâché, for physical and mental stimulation.

On Enrichment Day, artificial enrichment will be brought out onto to the animal exhibits so members and guests may have the opportunity to watch wildlife in action! Scheduled animal enrichment sessions and hands-on “people enrichment” activities will take place throughout the Zoo. A schedule of timed events will be posted at the Zoo and online. Please make plans to join us and discover the thrill of enrichment!

Silent Auction l Scoop on Poop l Tattoo Stations Live Animal Encounters

Gorilla l Meerkat l Hyena l Sea Lion l Penguin l Elephant Giraffe l Zebra l Hippo l Lemur l Tiger Lion l Alligator l Grizzly Bears www.riverbanks.org

7 Fins or scales? Trick or Treat!

Above: giant sea urchin Just in time for Halloween, a quick tour around the Aquarium Reptile Complex will give visitors a whopping dose of creepy crawlies, costume lovers, full moons, bats and cats.

By – Christine Foster, Aquarist and Jennifer Rawlings, Senior Aquarist

Ah, Halloween. I love this time of year, especially here at One of the most mesmerizing attractions in the ARC is the Riverbanks. Boo at the Zoo always embodies the spirit of the exhibit featuring dozens of purple full moons. These are actu- season for me: the cool night air, children disguised as their ally moon jellyfish. They are found in oceans throughout the heroes or favorite TV characters, the smell of sugar in the world, including off the coast of South Carolina. air, the sound of bubbles as a fish swims by…. Did I lose you Although jellies sometimes get a bad reputation, moon jellies there? Let me explain. are actually very human friendly. That is to say, the moon You see, my love for Halloween is actually the reason I jellyfish’s sting is not strong enough to penetrate human became an aquarist. Why just a quick tour around the skin. In fact, Riverbanks’ aquarists have to put their hands Aquarium Reptile Complex (ARC) will give any visitor a and arms in the exhibit on a daily basis in order to clean the whopping dose of creepy crawlies, costume lovers, full tank and feed the jellies. moons, cats and bats. Hop on my handy broomstick, Deep in the depths of the Pacific Ocean near the coast of and I’ll show you around. Japan lives a true sea monster. This animal can also be found There is no bigger costume lover than a sea urchin. To feel looming in our cold marine gallery. The largest known spe- protected, the urchin will disguise itself with pieces of gravel cies of crab, the giant Japanese spider crab reaches a whop- and other tiny rocks small enough to carry. This echinoderm ping 13 feet in length, making it truly an impressive sight. (meaning “spiny skin”) uses hundreds of sticky tube feet to Because of its decorative shell and tasty legs, the spider crab’s hold on to its disguises, as well as to move around and hold natural population is beginning to wane. In an effort to onto rocks while grazing on algae. protect the extraordinary creature, it is now illegal to capture 8 the giant Japanese spider crab in the spring when spawning large, hairy spider will inject its victim with special venom season begins. This playful arthropod can be seen on exhibit that liquefies its internal organs. Then, using specialized crawling along the rockwork or cleaning its shell. straw-like fangs, the tarantula will suck out its prize. The large Indo-Pacific exhibit is a great place to watch The centipede may seem harmless, but this venomous some truly scary fish. One such fish looks like it’s wearing insect can cause intense pain for humans with a single bite. a set of false vampire teeth. It’s called the Niger triggerfish. The centipede does not have fangs, so the venom is injected Like all triggerfish, it has extremely powerful jaws that it uses using modified front legs. Gluttony is a centipede’s middle to crush food like hard-shelled clams and crabs. This ultimate name. While chowing down on one meal (mainly insects), it trick-or-treater will search along the bottom and blow water will hold several other meals captive with its back legs. at the sand or gravel to uncover these hidden goodies. This These animals are only the tip of the jack-o-lantern in the fiercely protective fish will use its jaws to protect its territory, ARC. Every turn in the building will expose a new species too. Even the divers are not immune to the territoriality of ready to thrill your inner trick-or-treater. So get in the spirit, the triggerfish; you may sometimes see it trying to “attack” throw on a costume and come down to say “BOO” to all the divers’ wetsuits. your favorites at Riverbanks. But be on the lookout for a girl While you’re watching the Niger triggerfish, you may also dressed as a triggerfish…. Trick or treat! spy a hair-raising batfish. Batfish travel in large schools or groups. You may notice that these large, round fish some- times have scars and abrasions. They really like tactile stimulation, meaning they enjoy rubbing up against rocks and other structures in the exhibit. Sometimes, batfish will interact with divers by swimming through their hair. We find another Halloween representative back on our home turf, in the South Carolina gallery. The blue catfish can

Above: Gila monster Left: blue catfish Below: corn snake be found patrolling the bottom surfaces of South Carolina’s rivers and lakes, including Lake Murray. This large catfish has small sensory organs, called barbels, beneath its mouth that allow it to sift through mud and silt for goodies and treats (but not candy). Even though this species is found in South Carolina waters, it is a non-native species that was purposely introduced for stocking purposes. Fish aren’t the only creatures that get into the holiday spirit. Some reptiles show off their Halloween colors, liter- ally, by displaying a black and orange coloration. Others, like the hellbender (also known as the “devil dog”), can secrete a slime that some predators find noxious. Gila monsters have specially grooved teeth that can emit powerful neurotoxic venom; however, due to the position of these teeth, venom is not always injected into their victims. Be careful walking through the pumpkin patch where you may run into a corn snake; corn snakes are actually normally docile creatures that feed on rats. Perhaps one of the most stunning and terrifying creepy crawlies in nature is the Indian ornamental tarantula. This fast and extremely aggressive predator will chase almost any size prey. When the tarantula finally overpowers its prey, the 9 shoots and blooms u Plant your fall and winter garden now. Sow seeds or plant Fall Gardening Tips from the hardy annuals like calendula, calliopsis and larkspur. Include Urban Horticulture Center petunias (P. integrifolia), pansies, foxglove, ornamental kale and cabbage. Herbs like rosemary, oregano, sage and Thanks to Terence Kemper, cilantro, and vegetables like Swiss chard, broccoli and Brussels sprouts may be planted at this time. Lexington County Master Gardener u Divide your crowded perennials and replant now. Incorpo- u Fall is the time to plan your spring-blooming bulb garden. rate a liberal amount of organic matter during replanting. Purchase bulbs in October. The Riverbanks Bulb Sale is a good place to get quality bulbs for the southern climate. u Have your soil analyzed and apply any recommendation Plant daffodils in November, but wait to plant other spring- regarding the application of lime during the fall. flowering bulbs until soil temperatures are below 60°F, u usually late December or early January. Add dead leaves and branches to your compost pile, preferably mulched. u Lift your tender bulbs before frost. In the Piedmont, store u Harvest tender crops before the first frost. Pumpkins, them in a cool, dry, dark place until spring; in the Coastal winter squash and sweet potatoes need to be harvested at Plain, mulch them in place for winter protection. this time.

Gardener’s Profile by Amanda Segura, Garden Education Specialist mind weeding the herb garden because when she bumps up against the herbs their various fragrances waft through the air. Anna, on the other hand, enjoys being able to use the herbs and experiment with their flavors. In addition to their new herb garden, these ladies take care of the Knot and Texture Garden, Art Garden, Play Garden and a newly planted shade garden in between the Herb and Win- ter gardens. The Shade Garden is full of Ligularia, Solomon’s Seal and a variety of hostas. “We saw the name ‘Elvis Lives’ on one hosta, and we just had to have it!” exclaims Meta, although her personal favorite is “Praying Hands” because the leaves fold upright like hands Meta Whitlock and Anna Dickson are quite a pair. Both of in prayer. them have had a lifelong interest in gardening. They began at Anna loves working in the Knot Garden, watching it grow Riverbanks as volunteers; both had retired from their “previ- and form a distinct shape. “Most people don’t appreciate the ous lives” when their love of being outside and dirty led them labor involved in maintaining the knot”, which can take 2–3 to working in the Botanical Garden. hours to prune by hand. Since she also works in the green- Meta worked for the state retirement system for 30 years, house, she has the pleasure of sowing plants by seed, and and she always knew she would do something with garden- watching them grow 2–3 feet tall. “Sometimes I don’t even ing when she retired. Tired of sitting behind a desk, she recognize them,” she claims. But a sign hanging in the green- began to volunteer with the horticulture staff five years ago. house reveals her true sentiment: A thriving plant can usually Owning 50 acres in Orangeburg, she also grows and sells cut attribute its success to a happy upbringing. flowers at the Aiken farmer’s market. Meta became a part- As for their favorite plants, Anna likes anything yellow. time employee at Riverbanks last November. She loves the Kerria japonica in the spring, and the shape After 20 years as a Montessori teacher, Anna Dickson “was of Edgeworthia in the winter. In the Herb Garden, the dark not ready to do nothing.” She had started volunteering with yellow of the Ridolfa segetum ‘Goldspray’ grabs her attention. the zookeepers in 2001 and four years later learned of a Meta focuses more on how things smell. She favors the lemon need for volunteers in the greenhouse. After completing the verbena in the Knot Garden and the scented geraniums in the Master Gardener course in 2006, she was officially hired by herb bed. Riverbanks. Now she spends two days a week in the green- They both agree on one thing: don’t over care for your houses and one day in the Garden. plants. The less attention you give them, the better they will Meta and Anna recently created an herb bed across from thrive, especially with herbs. Once they are established, don’t the gazebo in the Walled Garden. This has been Meta’s favor- over water. Just water deep and seldom; then sit back and ite project so far, since she was involved in the entire process watch them flourish. of designing, plant selection and planting. She also doesn’t 10 Sunflowers and More Sunflowers

Helianthus angustifolius (swamp sunflower) Helianthus salicifolius ‘First Light’ (dwarf swamp sunflower) Swamp sunflower is a terrific perennial plant for the late This new dwarf swamp sunflower is perfect for the small summer garden. The 2-inch golden yellow flowers are a garden. ‘First Light’ is not only dwarf (reaching only 3–4 feet) harbinger of the coming autumn. Their 3-week flowering but also sturdy. There are none of the staking concerns as period coincides with mums and asters. The only drawback with H. angustifolius. The best part about this cultivar is the to this plant is its giant status. Reaching over 10 feet as a flowers. Although the same size and color of other swamp maximum height, swamp sunflower can overwhelm a small sunflowers, they appear in abundance. Huge masses of garden. Staking is a necessity unless you want the plant to golden daisy-like flowers burst from the innocuous stems in flop. Many gardeners cut the foliage back by half in July to September. The only drawback is that sometimes the number try and reduce the maximum height. Plant this helianthus in of flowers is so massive that the stems can tend to crack from full sun with adequate water, and you will have a fantastic the weight. However, this concern should not keep you from fall plant. trying this remarkable new plant in your garden. For more fun plant comparisons such as these, check out the Donny and Marie Show lecture in November. We will compare cultivars, old and new, and show how they harmonize in the garden. For details, visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717 x1799.

How to Build a Vermi-Compost Bin A worm compost bin is a simple and inexpensive way to turn Step 3: Add worms. kitchen scraps into high quality compost. Try these five easy Use a pound of red wigglers (found at bait and tackle shops). steps to start a compost bin at home. Step 4: Feed the worms. Step 1: Get a Bin. Bury food scraps such as fruit and vegetable peels, bread and All you need is a shallow box, coffee grinds with filters. Place food in a different spot each about a foot deep, with a lid. It time to encourage the worms to move. Cover with a piece can be built from wood, a plastic of moist newspaper if fruit flies appear. Do not feed meat, storage tote or foam cooler. The cheese or oily products to your worms. bin should have ventilation holes Step 5: Harvest. on the sides and bottom and one After two to three months, the bin will be full of dark, rich square foot of surface area for soil. Empty the bin on a sheet of paper or plastic in the sun- each pound of food added per light, creating several small piles. Let sit for about 15 minutes week. Therefore, a 2’ x 4’ bin can and then remove the top from each pile until you see worms. process 8 pounds of food scraps Repeat the process until the worms are at the bottom of each a week, the average amount pile. Place the worms in fresh bedding in the bin. Use the produced by a family of four. castings you harvest as a fertilizer for the garden or contain- Step 2: Fill the bin with bedding. ers. Sprinkle it around the base of the plants or mix it with The bedding should be loose and moist like a wrung-out water to make a compost tea. Worm castings are organic, sponge. A mix of the following materials works well: shred- high in nutrients and non-burning, making them easily ded newspaper/paper, potting soil, peat moss, untreated absorbed by plants. coarse sawdust or fall leaves. 11 Swing to the Beat of the Music

Sample Exotic Foods

Enjoy Live Entertainment

Bid on Rare Auction Items

12 Journey Through the Wilds of Riverbanks

Saturday, September 22 l 7:00pm $75 Riverbanks Members, $85 General Public To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.riverbanks.org or call 803.779.8717 x1601. Reservations requested by noon, September 14

Safari or Casual Attire

13 riverbanks adventures

ur award-winning education programs are a great way to learn more about the fascinating life at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden! All programs are $7 per person unless otherwise noted. If you are not a Riverbanks member, a general admission ticket will be O required in addition to the program fee, as admission is not included in the price of ZOOventure or Garden Programs. Programs for children ages 2–­ 4 are just 45 minutes and include: arts and crafts, story time, games, live animal encounters and Zoo walks. These programs require one adult to attend with each child at no extra charge. As always, we are interested in your comments and suggestions and invite you to call the Education Department for all ZOOventure programs at 803.779.8717 x1400, 9am to 4:30pm, Tuesday through Friday. For Garden programs, call 803.779.8717 x1799. A registration form is below or you can register online at www.riverbanks.org. We look forward to seeing you at Riverbanks!

PROGRAM REGISTRATION FORM

Participant’s Name:______Age:______Parent/Registrant’s Name:______

Street Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______

Member #:______Email:______Phone # (h):______Work/Cell #:______

Please make checks payable to Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. Mail completed form and payment to: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Attn: Education Department PO Box 1060 Columbia, SC 29202-1060 or register online at www.riverbanks.org Program(s) Date Time Fee Program(s) Date Time Fee ______

______

______

______

Class Registration Cancellations and Refunds Preregistration is required for all activities. Written cancellation must be received at least two weeks before the Please complete the registration form. scheduled program date in order to receive a refund or reschedule

E No registrations will be accepted by phone. E your reservation. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less

E Register early. Space is limited. than two weeks before the program date.

E Upon receipt of registration and payment, a confirmation will be mailed. Riverbanks reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any activity.

E If an activity is filled, your check will be returned. A full refund will be issued if Riverbanks cancels any activity. E E E E

14 ZOOventure Programs The Bear Necessities (ages 2-4) It’s a Jungle in Here (ages 2-4) Pony Whisperer (ages 5-7 ONLY) What do grizzly bears do in the winter? How do polar Rainforests are home to nearly half of the earth’s Come meet our Shetland ponies up close! This class is bears live in such cold areas? Learn all about bears. living things. Learn about animals that live up high specifically designed for the younger pony lovers out Guaranteed to be a “beary” good time! and animals that live down low, in a climate where it’s there. Children will learn how to feed, groom and care Doodlebug Jubilee (ages 2-4) never too hot or never too cold. for ponies! The class will be led by a member of the Come be a part of the Doodlebug Club! Join in for fun The Long Necks (ages 2-4) Riverbanks pony care team. crafts and make your own doodlebug passports to Look up! With a neck so long, what does a giraffe eat ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY PLEASE keep track of all the animals you learn about during and how does it sleep? Join us in learning about the Some Like It Hot (ages 2-4) the year. tallest living mammal. Like it or not, the desert is hot! Find out what animals can Eeky Freeky (ages 2-6) The Mane Man (ages 2-4) take the heat and live in a desert! Who’s the scariest animal of them all? Join us for a The lion is known as the king of beasts, but what Teacher Safari spine chilling time and learn about some spooktacular makes this animal so special? Come join our pride for a Who: Teachers & Student Teachers across the animals. Happy H-owl-o-ween! roarin’ good time! Midlands (30 maximum) Family On Safari – Overnight Camp (ages 5-adult) My, What Big Teeth You Have! (ages 2-6) When: Friday, September 14, from 6:30pm – 9:00am Experience the zoo that few get to see, the Zoo at night! Can you guess what animal’s teeth grow non-stop and Where: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Riverbanks staff are your guides on an unforgettable up to 5 inches each year? Or, what animals leave a wet How: Call the Education Department to register at night of games, activities and behind-the-scenes tours. scent trail wherever they walk? Join in this class about 803.779.8717 x1140 or Families should bring their own sleeping gear, tents rodents and learn about this mysterious animal. email [email protected] and sense of adventure. Price includes light snack and Night Hike (ages 7-12) Cost: $35 per participant, includes a cool glow-in-the- continental breakfast. Nature at night! Take a journey with us on a nocturnal dark T-shirt with the slogan, $35/person – members, $40/person – general public adventure to learn about survival adaptations of animals “I Survived the Night at Riverbanks” Fluke ‘n Flippers (ages 2-4) such as camouflage, hearing, sight, odors and much more. This will be an opportunity for teachers and student Join us in learning which of our flippered friends Pilgrim Party (ages 2-4) teachers to experience what it’s like to spend the night is larger than any dinosaur ever was, making it the It’s turkey time! Come participate in a party to celebrate our at the Zoo. The Safari will focus on animal adaptations largest animal that has ever existed. This class is sure to zoo’s favorite turkey, Mr. Fusco. for survival. Please eat dinner before you arrive. be a whale of a good time. Pony Care 101 (ages 8-12 ONLY) Trunkin’ It (ages 2-4) Fuzzy Wuzzies (ages 2-4) Join us at the Farm to meet our Shetland ponies. If you Come discover the secrets of the largest land mammal Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear, but there are even more want to know more about basic pony care, including on earth. Find out where elephants live, what they eat fuzzy creatures out there. Come learn about our fuzzy grooming and feeding, then this is the class for you! and what it takes to care for these enormous creatures. animals, and meet the softest mammal in the world! ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY PLEASE

Garden Education Programs

The Winter Garden Animal Gardens (ages 6-9) - $10 Pumpkin Painting (ages 5-10) - $10 The Winter Garden - $15 Many plants have fun, playful animal names and Unleash your imagination as artist Jeanne McIntosh- Discover what plants you can put in the ground now to characteristics. Go on a scavenger hunt through our Lirola guides children through the process of painting provide an interesting and colorful landscape all through Animal Garden to see up close which grass looks like a pumpkins for Halloween. Take your decorated pumpkin the dreary months of winter. zebra and which plant resembles an elephant ear. home. Dress for a mess! Tai Chi - $120 for 10-week session, Tuesdays or Sundays Rain Gardens - $15 Vermi-Composting Demonstration - Free A cross between Martial Arts and Yoga, Tai Chi uses Turn mud into marvelous with this creative approach to Stop by anytime during this free demo to learn how to slow movements to build endurance and balance. Tai dealing with rainwater runoff or low spots in your yard. build a worm compost bin for your garden. The worm Chi relieves stiffness of the joints, improving posture, Presented by Bill Blaxton of Clemson Extension. castings are a great way to fertilize your plants and amend decreasing the degeneration of joints and helping to Sand-Cast Leaf Art - $35 for 3 sessions during two weeks your soil. Learn more about vermi-composting on page 11. disperse tension, strengthening the respiratory, muscular, Learn how to imprint leaves on wet concrete and mold Stepping Stones - $15 and cardiovascular systems. Instructed by the U.S. Chinese them into the shape you desire. Your leaf casting can Using tile, leaves, and glass, you can design original Culture Center. be used as a birdfeeder, bird bath or decoration for the stepping stones for your garden path. Materials provided Wildlife Gardener (ages 8-11) - $50 for 6 six weeks garden. All materials are provided. to complete one stepping stone. The National Wildlife Federation and the Junior Master Backyard Wildlife Habitat - $15 The Donny and Marie Show - $15 Gardener Program have teamed up to create the Wildlife Create a haven for wildlife by selecting the proper plants Join us as Riverbanks’ own “Donny and Marie” (Melodie Gardener. This program is a resource to help youths and creating shelters for animals. We will look at different Scott Leach, director of horticulture and Andy Cabe, understand wildlife and their needs while learning to shrubs that provide food and demonstrate easy ways to curator), present “a little bit country and a little bit rock- appreciate the contribution and their aesthetic value to a attract wildlife to your backyard. n-roll” lecture, highlighting their favorite plants—old garden habitat. Palms and Other Exotics - $15 and new. She likes the old fashioned classic plants, and The Garden Forest: A Tour of Trees - $15 Discover the vast array of palms available for your he likes the hot new cultivars, but together they create Take a hands-on tour of Riverbanks’ Woodlands Walk landscape as we talk about how to use them, proper harmony in the Garden. The evening promises to be fun and learn to identify native South Carolina trees by their planting, winter protection and potential problems. A as they share a new spin on the old standbys. A plant sale leaves, structure, and bark. Presented by Ted Williams of variety of other exotic plants will also be covered. of new and old plants will follow. Clemson Extension. Watercolor Painting (ages 16 and up) - $35 Design a Low-Maintenance Garden - $15 From a blank sheet of paper to a finished painting, Limited on time but want to enjoy the beauty of plants? artist Jeanne McIntosh-Lirola teaches beginners (and Create a garden with all the punch and none of the fuss more experienced artists) techniques in watercolors. by learning what plants and combinations to use. Participants will be given a list of supplies to bring upon registration.

15 riverbanks class calendar

september 2007 Wednesday, September 26 Friday, October 19 Friday, November 9 Wednesday, September 5 10am Some Like It Hot 10am The Mane Man 10am The Bear Necessities 10am Doodlebug Jubilee 2 years old 2 years old 2 years old 2 years old 11am Some Like It Hot 11am The Mane Man 11am The Bear Necessities 11am Doodlebug Jubilee 3-4 years old 3-4 years old 3-4 years old 3-4 years old Friday, September 28 Saturday, October 20 Tuesday, November 13 Friday, September 7 10am Some Like It Hot 10am The Mane Man 7pm Night Hike 10am Doodlebug Jubilee 2 years old 2 years old 7-12 years old 2 years old 11am Some Like It Hot 10am Watercolor Painting Wednesday, November 14 11am Doodlebug Jubilee 3-4 years old 16 years old and up 10am Pilgrim Party 3-4 years old Saturday, September 29 11am The Mane Man 2 years old Saturday, September 8 10am Some Like It Hot 3-4 years old 11am Pilgrim Party 10am Doodlebug Jubilee 2 years old Tuesday, October 23 3-4 years old 2 years old 10am Rain Gardens 7pm Night Hike Friday, November 16 11am Doodlebug Jubilee 11am Some Like It Hot 7-12 years old 10am Pilgrim Party 3-4 years old 3-4 years old Wednesday, October 24 2 years old 10am The Winter Garden 12pm Some Like It Hot 10am My, What Big Teeth You Have! 11am Pilgrim Party Tuesday, September 11 5-6 years old 2 years old 3-4 years old 10am Tai Chi 11am My, What Big Teeth You Have! Saturday, November 17 Wednesday, September 12 3-4 years old 10am Pilgrim Party 10am Fuzzy Wuzzies october 2007 Friday, October 26 2 years old 2 years old Monday, October 1 10am Eeky Freeky 11am Pilgrim Party 11am Fuzzy Wuzzies 6 pm Sand-Cast Leaf Art 2 years old 3-4 years old 3-4 years old Wednesday, October 3 11am Eeky Freeky Wednesday, November 28 10am Wildlife Gardener 10am Trunkin’ It 3-4 years old 10am Fluke ‘n Flippers 8-11 years old 2 years old Saturday, October 27 2 years old Friday, September 14 11am Trunkin’ It 10am Eeky Freeky 11am Fluke ‘n Flippers 10am Fuzzy Wuzzies 3-4 years old 2 years old 3-4 years old 2 years old Thursday, October 4 10 am Pumpkin Painting Friday, November 30 11am Fuzzy Wuzzies 6 pm Sand-Cast Leaf Art 5-10 years old 10am Fluke ‘n Flippers 3-4 years old Friday, October 5 10am Vermi-Composting 2 years old 6:30pm Teacher Safari 10am Trunkin’ It Demonstration 11am Fluke ‘n Flippers Saturday, September 15 2 years old 11am Eeky Freeky 3-4 years old 8:30am Pony Care 101 11am Trunkin’ It 3-4 years old Friday, December 1 8-12 years old 3-4 years old 12pm Eeky Freeky 10am Fluke ‘n Flippers 10am The Garden Forest: Saturday, October 6 5-6 years old 2 years old A Tour of Trees 10am Trunkin’ It Wednesday, October 31 11am Fluke ‘n Flippers 10am Fuzzy Wuzzies 2 years old 10am Eeky Freeky 3-4 years old 2 years old 10am Backyard Wildlife Habitat 2 years old 11am Fuzzy Wuzzies 11am Trunkin’ It 11am Eeky Freeky 3-4 years old 3-4 years old 3-4 years old 7pm Family On Safari 8:30am Pony Whisperer 5 Years–adult 5-7 years old Sunday, September 16 Wednesday, October 10 November 2007 10am Tai Chi 10am It’s a Jungle in Here Friday, November 2 Wednesday, September 19 2 years old 10am My, What Big Teeth You Have! 10am The Long Necks 11am It’s a Jungle in Here 2 years old 2 years old 3-4 years old 11am My, What Big Teeth You Have! 11am The Long Necks Friday, October 12 3-4 years old 3-4 years old 10am It’s a Jungle in Here Saturday, November 3 Friday, September 21 2 years old 10am My, What Big Teeth You Have! 10am The Long Necks 11am It’s a Jungle in Here 2 years old 2 years old 3-4 years old 10am Stepping Stones 11am The Long Necks Saturday, October 13 11am My, What Big Teeth You Have! 3-4 years old 10am It’s a Jungle in Here 3-4 years old Saturday, September 22 2 years old 12pm My, What Big Teeth You Have! 10am The Long Necks 10am Sand-Cast Leaf Art 5-6 years old 2 years old 10am Palms and Other Exotics Wednesday, November 7 10am Animal Gardens 11am It’s a Jungle in Here 10am The Bear Necessities Education classes are 6-9 years old 3-4 years old 2 years old listed in blue 10am Design a Low Maintenance Wednesday, October 17 11am The Bear Necessities Garden 10am The Mane Man 3-4 years old Garden classes are 11am The Long Necks 2 years old Thursday, November 8 listed in green. 3-4 years old 11am The Mane Man 7pm The Donny and Marie Show 3-4 years old

16 library wish list

iverbanks staff members have included the following books on their wish lists for the Library Wish Fund. R (All the books needed by the Zoo & Garden are not shown here. For a complete listing, call the number below.)

Creative Concrete Ornamentals for the Garden $20 Hotspots Revisited: Earth’s Biologically Endangered Areas $55 Ball Field Guide to Diseases of Greenhouse Ornamentals $25 Tropical Foliage Plants $55 Marine Fishes: 500+Essential to-Know-Aquarium $25 Reef Aquarium: Science, Art & Technology, vol. 3 $65 Niwaki; Training & Shaping Trees the Japanese Way $30 Health and Welfare of Captive Reptiles $75 Seashore Life of the Northern Pacific Coast $30 Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs $86 Ultimate Marine Aquariums $32 Diagnostic Ultrasound in Small Animal Practice, 2nd ed. $90 Directory of Protected Areas in East Asia $33 Zoo Animal Immobilization & Anesthesia $105 Buried Treasure; Finding & Growing the World’s Choicest Bulbs $40 Poisonous Plants $115 Turtles of the World $45 Veterinary Endoscopy for the Small Animal Practitioner $130 Pests & Diseases of Herbaceous Perennials $48 Design & Operational Guide for Aquaculture Seawater Systems $140 Global Strategy on Invasive Alien Species $50 Reptiles and Amphibians of Pakistan $150 Professional Planting Guide $50 Amphibians and Reptiles of Nepal $155

To donate, or for a complete list of books available for sponsorship, please contact the Riverbanks Society Office at 803.779.8717 x1111, email us at society [email protected] or visit www.riverbanks.org. Help make a wish come true.

Jungle Trails and Zoo Tales. See it all on SCE&G’s ZooView!

Would you like to experience Riverbanks Zoo in an entirely different way?

It’s easy! Simply visit scegzooview.com from the comfort of home or anywhere else with online access. You’ll be delighted to see what’s swingin’ with some of your favorite animals as they climb, swing and hang out in the zoo, just like in the jungle.

Check it out today at scegzooview.com.

Brought to you by:

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17 griffon vulture A Face Only a ZooKeeper could Love

The vulture acts as nature’s garbage disposal system, cleaning from the environment materials that would otherwise pollute waterways and spread disease.

By – Martin Vince, Curator of Birds and Bird Keepers Jonathan Rhodes, Angela Hardy and Kristin Frizzell

Have you ever heard the expression “a face only a mother off snake bites, cure blindness and ease childbirth. And could love”? Well, there are several species here at Riverbanks in ancient Egypt, vultures were protectors of kings. Yet in Zoo that have faces only a zookeeper could love. Balding, this day and age, vultures are often the object of contempt; wrinkled, carrion eating birds are one such species. Often Riverbanks hopes to help change that. given a bad rap for eating dead animals or defecating down Perhaps the most famous species of vulture is the California their own legs, these birds actually act as nature’s garbage condor whose decline was blamed on habitat degradation, disposal system, cleaning from the environment materials collision with power lines and poisoning from lead shot the that would otherwise pollute waterways, spread disease, birds ingested from game animals. Just as the California and of course give off an awful, putrid smell. You’ve guessed condor has been affected by environmental contamination, it. Vultures are today’s featured creature, and they are the so too have Asian vultures. subject of serious concern as well as the cause of new excite- By all accounts, three of India’s species of griffon vultures ment at Riverbanks. have declined at an alarming rate. Research points to the In other times and other cultures, vultures have been widespread use of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory and revered. In ancient Greece, a griffon’s feather could ward analgesic used to extend the working life of India’s farm 18 animals. When the animals die, farmers leave the carcasses Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), you are indirectly in the open for the vultures to clean up. Diclofenac, however, supporting a broad range of scientific research in which is poisonous to vultures. Presumably it also leaches into the zoos worldwide are involved. Birds like Linus benefit directly soil and waterways to affect other animals as it works its way from that work, while hundreds more–perhaps on other along the food chain. In fact, so many of India’s vultures have continents–also benefit from the knowledge learned in zoos. died that rats and wild dogs have started to fill the ecologi- Knowledge and understanding are key to Riverbanks’ cal void, bringing with them rabies and other diseases that mission; and interpreting wildlife for our members and endanger people. guests is where our passion lies. So can you guess which In addition, each year hundreds of India’s griffon vultures bird poops down its own legs so that the fecal material are cut and badly injured in an International Kite Festival pools on its feet? And how do you interpret these seemingly that celebrates the end of winter. Long kite strings are unpleasant actions? covered with powdered glass designed to cut the strings The bird in question is the king vulture, a pair of which of competitors’ kites. But as the “fighting kites” battle for can be seen in Riverbanks’ Bird Garden beside the sea lion supremacy–and as they herald the awaking of the gods from exhibit. As feces runs down the king vulture’s legs and their winter sleep–vultures collide with the glass-covered onto its feet, the liquid evaporates and cools its skin, just as strings causing injury and death. sweat cools our skin by evaporation. In addition to cool- And so while vultures in India disappear, zoos like ing, the feces actually sanitizes the vulture’s legs because Riverbanks continue to keep, breed, study and rehabilitate uric acid is so powerful that bacteria cannot survive. This vultures, the knowledge from which could one day be used cooling strategy is important to the king vulture because its to recover wild populations. Indeed, the type of veterinary homeland in Central and South America is dangerously hot. care given to our native vultures has already been used by Probably the most colorful of all vultures, the king also has a the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to help treat many of bald head–characteristic of most vultures–not because of the India’s griffon vultures. searing heat but because it would otherwise become matted Using the collected expertise of zoological veterinary with blood and body parts if it were feathered. medicine, the ZSL has held workshops in India to ensure Ultimately, sooner or later, everything we do from research that vultures injured by the kites benefit from the most to interpretation helps support and protect vultures in the current knowledge. When birds cannot be released, they are wild. And every time you visit an AZA accredited institution being incorporated into zoological breeding programs as a like Riverbanks, you help support that work. Linus and all the safeguard against extinction. Ironically, the casualties of the vultures thank you for that; and we sincerely do, too! festival could help recover the wild population; and the stage appears to be set for such a recovery. At long last, the diclofenac crisis appears to be turning the corner after use of the drug was banned by the Indian gov- ernment. An alternative drug, meloxicam, has been identified as being safe for both farm animals and the vultures that would eat them. Zoos and scientists around the world have contributed in some way to the pool of knowledge necessary to identify the “Asian Vulture Crisis,” as it is now called, and suggest remedies to it. In view of the decline of vultures in the wild, we’re very excited to announce the addition of griffon vultures and lappet-faced vultures to Riverbanks Zoo’s bird collection. The two species arrived at Riverbanks in June of this year, thanks to a generous loan from the Milwaukee County Zoo in Wisconsin. The birds will be off exhibit until August while they complete routine medical screening and a gradual acclimation process to their new home. They will live with the giraffes, just as they would in the wild. Riverbanks is also proud to have other species of vultures under our care. Many wild birds of prey (known as raptors) are treated by the Zoo’s veterinarians at Riverbanks’ BB&T Medical Center for Raptors and Endangered Species. Caring Carolinians, just like you, can bring injured birds of prey to Riverbanks Zoo where the available expertise offers an important second chance. “Linus” is one such bird. He is a black vulture who was brought to the BB&T Medical Center for treatment and is now at home at Riverbanks. He can occasionally be seen around the Zoo, especially on Wednesdays at the 1:30pm Amazing Animals Show. When you visit zoos like Riverbanks, accredited by the lappet-faced vulture 19 in the know By – Ed Diebold, Director of Animal Collections and Conservation

The Rhyme and Reason of Animal Collection Plans Looking Toward the Next Generation in Animal Records Technology Riverbanks is one of 676 member institutions worldwide that participate in the International Species Information Systems (ISIS). In short, ISIS maintains computer-based information systems that are used by zoological institutions around the globe to manage their animal collections. The ISIS central database is massive. It contains information on some 2 million animals and almost 15,000 taxa that are held in zoological institutions. In recent years, ISIS has facilitated a worldwide collabo- ration in which over 500 professionals from the zoo and aquarium community have worked together to design the I frequently receive calls and letters from the community Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), the asking why we do not have a certain species of animal in next generation of ISIS software. ZIMS will be a giant leap the Riverbanks collection. Likewise, rarely does a week go by forward and, when completed, will be the world’s first that I do not receive multiple enquiries from someone who is unified global animal management database. ZIMS will interested in donating an animal to Riverbanks. Few people allow any ISIS member institution to enter data into the outside of the zoological profession are likely to be familiar Web-based database. Other ISIS members will, in turn, be with the careful planning that is involved in making decisions able to search the database and retrieve data in areas such as about which species will be maintained in the Riverbanks animal husbandry, veterinary care, population management collection. The Riverbanks Animal Collection Plan, known and behavior in ways that were, prior to now, very difficult in the profession as an Institutional Collection Plan (ICP), if not impossible. provides the over-arching framework for the scope and Riverbanks has been selected as one of only 20 institu- composition of the animal collection. tions worldwide to serve as a ZIMS “Early Adopter.” As an An ICP is necessary for a number of reasons: to ensure Early Adopter, Riverbanks staff will be called upon to use that the animal collection clearly reflects the institution’s components of ZIMS before they are completed in order to mission; to ensure the best possible use of limited exhibit and help test and, through feedback to ISIS, strengthen program holding space, as well as financial and human resources; to design to ensure that the program meets institutional data provide a clear-cut justification and statement of purpose management needs. Riverbanks will also be a final test site for each species and individual specimen in the collection; as ZIMS is released to the rest of the ISIS community and will to provide stability to the animal collection while enhancing be called upon to mentor other institutions as they begin to animal management, health, exhibitry and interpretation; to use ZIMS. The development of ZIMS has been a long and, at minimize the production of surplus animals; and to provide a times, tedious process. However, when completed it will be clear picture of collection logic and activities for staff, an invaluable animal management resource for the world’s volunteers and constituents. zoos and aquariums. Riverbanks’ collection planning process is collaborative in nature, involving all of the managers in the Animal Division. ISIS Web Site: www.isis.org In selecting animals for the collection, a wide range of criteria Until the next time... are considered including: status in the wild; status in zoos and aquariums; existence and priorities of cooperative Above left: lorikeet management programs; ability to maintain the species in Below: grizzly bear both a physically and psychologically healthy environment; exhibit value; exhibit suitability, including climatic consider- ations; need for husbandry and other research; recommenda- tions stated in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Taxon Advisory Group Regional Collection Plans; and any other issues specific to the institution’s mission and vision. So any time that I receive an enquiry about the status of species in the Riverbanks collection or whether or not we will likely add a particular species to the collection in the future, you can be sure that the ICP will be my first source of reference. Notes from the Aquarium 20 junior zookeepers

Pot-belly Sea Horse Fun Facts: Hippocampus abdominalis ✵ In all seahorse populations, it is the male who nurtures the developing eggs in his In each issue of Riverbanks, brood pouch. you will find a new ✵ This is the largest of all seahorse species, wildlife card for growing up to 12.6 inches. Junior Zookeepers to ✵ Their eyes can move independently of each collect. Simply cut out other, and they have prehensile tails. ✵ Instead of having scales, as most other fish, the card, fold in half seahorses have a layer of skin stretched over and glue together and bony plates that are visible as rings passing Extinct in the wild you will have a new card around the trunk. Endangered to add to your collection

Threatened Diet: crustaceans, such as shrimp, and other of Riverbanks Wildlife Cards. small animals living among the seaweed Range: Rare New Zealand and Southeast Australia Uncommon Life span: 5 to 10 years Common

Keeping Up with the Keepers: An Animal Care Journal

Notes from the Aquarium Notes from the Hospital Larmarck angelfish was seen during feeding dive and appears to be in Great horned owl eating well. Bandage with ball applied to keep him good health. The angelfish ate gel food and a small piece of clam. This is from picking it off. the same angelfish that escaped during transfer for medical bath. King parrot blood sample taken. Approximately 50 koi in the Koi Pond are doing well. All have grown to approximately 2 inches in length and have been observed eating koi food. Notes from the Mammal Department Notes from the Bird Department Maintenance staff working on making the light fixtures in baboon holding Keepers Kym ReVille and Lisa Galloway met with Operant Conditioning more resistant to the animals’ tampering and adding I-bolts to the ceiling for Coordinator Andrea Mueller to discuss training techniques for red-legged mounting enrichment items. “ ” seriema, Pepe. Female Matschie’s tree kangaroo Patch seemed lethargic in the a.m. Caribbean flamingo chick completed hatch today. Initial weight = 91 grams. Dr. Moore came to assess her condition. Asked that the keepers feed Very vocal and alert all day. Swabbed umbilicus with betadine in the a.m. her melon tonight, and Dr. Moore will re-check her first thing tomorrow. Took .75 cc of water at morning feeding and 2.0 cc of water during the three afternoon feedings. Will do one p.m. feeding for the first few days. Notes from the Education Department The male black vulture did well with two classroom animal encounters. He Notes from the Farm sat calmly on the glove. The male rat was allowed to run around the classroom in his exercise Restocked 10 bales of hay in the barn. ball. All other animals checked and doing well. Lynda instructed Adventure Camp this morning, so two Zoo Teens helped Bearded dragon, boa constrictor and (many) Madagascar hissing on the pony side. cockroaches appeared with Katie on ABC’s Augusta News. All were calm and looked great on camera. Notes from the Herpetology Division First round of de-wormers given to new snakes: two puff adders and a Gaboon viper. Emerald tree boa shed on exhibit.

21 Beyond Hollies

By – Melodie Scott-Leach, Director of Horticulture

Ask any horticulturist about foundation plantings, and they Take notice of the architectural style of your home. Is it will tell you they are tough. Foundation plantings are the traditional? Modern? Ranch? Plants can evoke certain styles. shrubbery planted in the front of homes. Most homeowners Make sure the plants fit the architecture. buy some green lollipop shaped hollies and throw them in the front yard. However, the plants you choose for the front Layer your plantings. Give the planting some depth. A row planting can enhance or detract from your home. Here are a of plants just along the front of the home appears flat and few guidelines when choosing foundation plants: makes the front yard seem small. Don’t cover your windows. Measure the height between the Don’t start from scratch. You may have some good plants to ground and your windows. Make sure any shrub you pur- act as backdrops for other plants. If you do have a row of chase has a maximum height less than this measurement. hollies or azaleas, remove some and add different texture If not, plan to invest plenty of time in pruning. plants in their place. Plant some more interesting plants in front of what you already have. Buck tradition. Make your home stand out. Most traditional foundation plantings are evergreen but don’t limit yourself Watch where you plant. Plant spacing is important. Many by being conventional. Mix up the planting by adding plants people plant too close to their homes and the shrubs do not that have interesting winter structure or big bold leaves. have adequate space to spread. Planting under eaves or the Diversification equals interest. drip line will flatten plants in a heavy rain. Plant shrubs so they will just touch the house when they are mature. Note the silhouette of your home. Is your home boxy so you want it to appear wider? Make sure your planting are close Here are some good plants that are alternatives to traditional in maximum height. Is your home long so you want to reel it hollies and azalea foundation plantings: in? Strategically place taller verticals to break up the long line of the foundation. 22 Hydrangea quercifolia: Oakleaf hydrangea, although deciduous (loses leaves in the winter), makes a fine foundation addition. In the summer, the large leaves and flowers make a splash and the bark provides the show in the winter. The exfoliating nature of the bark is especially nice in front of a painted home that forms a contrasting backdrop. This hydrangea is great in part shade. Oakleaf hydrangeas have a massive spread. Give this plant at least 6 feet to spread its wings.

Rosa ‘Blush Noisette’: An old shrub rose, Blush Noisette Aspidistra ‘Hoshi Zora’: This tough plant will form forms a 6–8 foot shrub that is a nonstop bloomer from a large evergreen clump. Although Aspidistra will take spring until frost. The leaves are semi-evergreen and dry conditions, it does best with supplemental water. provide some coverage in the winter. Best for high Aspidistra must be planted in the shade. Any sun will window areas and sunny spots. burn the leaves. The maximum height is 24 inches so this plant is suited to lower window areas. 23 Edgeworthia chrysantha: Paperbush is another deciduous Serenoa repens or Sabal minor: Palms work well with other shrub that will add a punch to the foundation. In spring plants to give a different texture to a foundation planting. and summer, the 5-foot shrub sports long 4-inch soft, green You don’t have to have a “tropical” landscape to use these leaves. However, the winter is when this plant shines. dwarf palms. They provide all the great leaves of palms Funky white and yellow flowers begin opening in but do not reach more than 5 feet in height. Plant in full December and hang on through spring. Paperbush sun to part shade and give some supplemental water. will like some afternoon shade. Not for the impatient gardener, palms can take several years to become established.

Rosmarinus officinalis: Rosemary—it’s not just for chicken anymore. This aromatic herb makes a long-flowering, evergreen addition to the front of your home. Topping out at under 4 feet, rosemary requires little attention. The blue flowers are not only attractive, they are a bee magnet! Rosemary needs hot, sunny, well drained conditions. 24 Grasses: Try adding some grasses to your existing foundation plantings for some added pep. Muhlenbergia dumosa (above) and Miscanthus variegatus (below) are two good grasses here in the Midlands, and they top out at 4–5 feet. You will not have foliage in late February or March when the grasses are cut back, but you will have plenty of character the rest of the year.

25 riverbanks 4-1-1 Episode 0001

ACT 1

Scene 1: In front of the giraffe exhibit Eric and Martin discuss options for a barrier fence going up at the giraffe yard. The fence will keep the new lappet-faced and Ruppell’s griffon vultures from leaving the yard.

Scene 2: Around the table at a senior animal staff meeting Dr. Benson explains to the group that the 6-week-old lorikeet chick is at a critical learning stage and has been transferred to the education department. In order to become a good program animal, it needs to be trained and handled as much as possible by the education staff.

Scene 3: Behind the scenes in the Aquarium Reptile Complex Jennifer calls the South Carolina Aquarium and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to discuss the release of a sea turtle. The Aquarium offers holding facilities, and the DNR agrees to tag and monitor the turtle before the release.

ACT 2 Scene 1: On the floating bridge overlooking elephant yard Eric jots down some notes about the elephant exhibit. The contractor for the elephant shade structure project has received the permit needed to move forward. The job should be complete within 60 days from the start date.

Scene 2: Around the table at a senior animal staff meeting Ed explains to the team that a representative from the state veterinarian’s office called Dr. Benson and wants to gather information on Riverbanks’ disaster preparedness policies and procedures in the event of a natural disaster. Following some discussion, it is decided that Ed will forward all relevant policies to Dr. Benson who will then meet with a member of the state veterinarian’s office to discuss the Zoo’s policies. Scene 3: In the hospital A vet tech takes a moment to record in her daily log a routine procedure that had previously been performed on an Abyssinian ground hornbill. Dr. Benson and Martin discuss plans to send the hornbill to another zoo as part of the Population Management Plan (PMP) breeding recommendations.

26 “Reel” behind-the-scenes episodes involving senior animal staff

Scene 4: Behind the scenes in the Aquarium Reptile Complex Reviewing his notes, Scott follows up with a call about a 15-foot Burmese python. Pending its behaviors and history, the snake could be a great addition to the new Amazing Animals show.

Scene 5: Around the table at a senior animal staff meeting John reports that T.J., the new male tiger, was released from quarantine last week and is now adjusting to his surroundings. John also announces that baboons Makale, Imi and Adjoa, recent arrivals from the North Carolina Zoo, will have access to their exhibit on a part-time basis; the trio will split exhibit time with baboons Baines and Lou until introductions between the two groups are complete.

ACT 3 Scene 1: In front of the flamingo exhibit Dr. Benson and Martin discuss bird diets. Increasing the protein level in the flamingo diet just prior to and during the breeding season seems to have been successful in stimulating the breeding process. Martin wonders whether dietary protein may also influence breeding in other bird species

Scene 2: Around the table at a senior animal staff meeting Jennifer mentions that a new shipment of fish is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday, and the nautilus exhibit will undergo a theme change. Scott reports that four male puff adders and three female gaboon vipers have been added to the collection and that a pancake tortoise egg has hatched.

Scene 3: In the elephant barn Dr. Benson thanks the keepers for training African elephant Penny to allow the hospital staff to sample a small nodule near her rectal area. It makes testing the animal much easier.

THE CAST CREDITS Dr. Keith Benson Senior Veterinarian Director Ed Diebold John Davis Curator of Mammals Screenplay Monique Jacobs Ed Diebold Director of Animal Collections & Conservation Art Director Dixie Allan Eric Helms Director of Facilities & Risk Management Photography Ashley Walker Scott Pfaff Curator of Herpetology Stagehand Dargan Davis Martin Vince Curator of Birds

27 Riverbanks Fall Bulb Sale Saturday, November 17, 9am to 12pm West Columbia Entrance In The Bog Garden Plaza

DAFFODILS Check out this sensational selection of daffodils! These are some of our favorites—and great choices for the Southern climate. 10 bulbs/bag Brighten up your garden with Riverbanks’ finest selection of Narcissus ‘Sir Winston Churchil’’ Double white flowers with spring bulbs! Complete and splashes of orange in the center. return the order form today, Long lasting cut flower. and you’ll have first choice on (late bloom, 15-17”) $6.00 these premium picks. Shipping costs are an additional 10% of Narcissus ‘Tahiti’- Back by popular demand! Wild looking daffodil with the total order, or a minimum multiple layers of soft yellow petals. charge of $5 and a maximum Orange segments in the middle. Very showy. of $25, but you can save money, (late bloom, 14-16”) $5.00 packaging and time by planning to pick up your advance order Narcissus ‘Hawera’- Clusters of small, nodding, pale yellow flowers on the day of the sale. with reflexed petals. Will grow in part shade. Your order will be ready and (late bloom, 6”) $5.00 waiting for you! Of course, there also will be Narcissus ‘Gigantic Star’-A highly bulbs available on the day of fragrant, giant yellow trumpet the sale if you prefer to do your style daffodil. A favorite among Riverbanks staff members. shopping in person. For more (early bloom, 18-24”) $5.00 information, call Melodie Leach at 803.779.8717 x1129 or email Narcissus ‘Accent’- Pure white petals [email protected] with a large pink cup. You’ve got to love a pink daffodil. (midseason bloom, 14-16”) $6.00

28 Narcissus ‘Quail’-Clusters of 2-4 pure SPECIES TULIPS yellow flowers per stem. Perennial tulips? Yes, it's true! These varieties will beautify Very fragrant. your budding backyard for years to come. (midseason, 12-14”) $5.00 Tulipa ‘Lady Jane’ - One of last year’s bestsellers! Petals are red with a white edge. Flower opens to a white interior. (8-10") 20 bulbs/bag $8.00 Narcissus ‘Salome’ Pure white petals with a yellowish cup that matures to a salmon color. (late bloom, 16-18”) $5.00 Tulipa clusiana ‘Cynthia’ - Red, exterior petals with chartreuse edges and a purple base. (midseason bloom, 8-10" 20 bulbs/bag $5.00 Narcissus ‘Tripartite’-Split lemon yellow cup that lays flat against the petals that looks something akin to a butterfly. 3-4 fragrant flowers per Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha stem. Red exterior with a contrasting bright (mid-late bloom, 12-14”) $7.00 yellow interior. (8-10") 20 bulbs/bag $5.00 TULIPS Tulips are annuals in the South, and they’re a sure sign that spring is on the way. These varieties are guaranteed to MISCELLANEOUS BULBS upgrade your growing garden. 10 bulbs/bag Don’t miss these hot picks—more staff favorites! Tulipa ‘Big Smile’-Brilliant, deep yellow flowers—always a favorite here at Scilla peruviana - Blooms in spring with Riverbanks. Combines well with a baseball-sized, 18”-tall beautiful blue other tulips. flower. Space 12” apart. (late bloom, 20-22”) $5.00 3 bulbs/bag – $10.00

Tulipa ‘Monsella’-A bestseller back by Leucojum aestivum popular demand! Giant double blooms of Pendulous white flowers in mid-spring. yellow with red streaking. For those who Great for naturalizing or planting in mass. want to be bold (or gaudy). Will take light shade. (15") (mid-late bloom, 12") $5.00 20 bulbs/bag $4.00

Tulipa ‘Viking’-Scarlet colored double Crocus x luteus ‘Golden Yellow’ flowers. Has performed well for us, Giant yellow flowers. Great in masses. even coming back to bloom nicely for (early bloom 6”) three consecutive years! Fragrant. 20 bulbs/bag – $4.00 (mid-late bloom, 12”) $5.00

Tulipa ‘Don Quichotte’ Crocus vernus ‘Flower Record’ Flowers open pink and fade to Large purple flowers with a white center. a light purple. Great in masses. (early bloom 6”) (midseason bloom, 14-18”) $5.00 20 bulbs/bag – $4.00

29 Allium schubertii - Vollyball-sized globe Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Carnegie’ which has rose/purple flower. Makes Large creamy white flowers. Extremely a great dried flowerflower—try spray fragrant. (Mid-season bloom, 10”) painting it for decoration! (12”) 10 bulbs/bag – $6.00 3 bulbs/bag – $4.00

Allium cristophii - Softball-sized flower Muscari armeniacum heads comprised of hundreds of star Bright blue flowers resembling small shaped amethyst flowers. clusters of grapes. Great in masses and a (early summer flower, 18”) good naturalizer. (early spring bloom, 4-6”) 5 bulbs/bag – $4.00 20 bulbs/bag – $4.00

Allium sphaerocephalum Small, compact dark purple flowers. Known as the “drumstick allium”. (late spring/early summer bloom, 24”) CRINUMS 20 bulbs/bag – $4.00 Old-time treasures in the Southern garden, crinums are some of the most durable and reliable bulbs you’ll ever find. Limited availability. Order early! 1 bulb/bag

Crinum ‘Bradley’ Arum italicum - Great for shade! Green Red flowers. Small stature for use in and white variegated foliage in winter, perennial borders. followed by a flower and cluster of red $25.00 berries borne on a single stalk. 10 bulbs/bag – $8.00

Triteleia laxa ‘Queen Fabiola’ Crinum x powellii Great cut flowers. Blue bell-like Pink trumpet-shaped flowers. Great flowers appear in late spring. Needs beginner crinum. good summer drainage. (18-24”) $8.00 20 bulbs/bag – $4.00

Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus Crinum ‘Marisco’ Small purple flowers adorn 2-3’ foot stalks White flowers with deep red stripes. in Spring. An old-timey glad that is seen Offsets rapidly around old homesites. $25.00 10 bulbs/bag – $6.00

Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’ Large dark blue flower with purple striping. Extremely fragrant. (Mid-season bloom, 10”) 10 bulbs/bag – $6.00

30 # Bulbs per bag Price per bag # Bags Total DAFFODILS Narcissus ‘Sir Winston Churchil’’ 10 6.00 Narcissus ‘Tahiti’ 10 5.00 Narcissus ‘Hawera’ 10 5.00 Narcissus ‘Gigantic Star’ 10 5.00 Narcissus ‘Accent’ 10 6.00 Narcissus ‘Quail’ 10 5.00 Narcissus ‘Salome’ 10 5.00 Narcissus ‘Tripartite’ 10 7.00 TULIPS Tulipa ‘Big Smile’ 10 5.00 Tulipa ‘Monsella’ 10 5.00 Tulipa ‘Viking’ 10 5.00 Tulipa ‘Don Quichotte’ 10 5.00 SPECIES TULIPS Tulipa ‘Lady Jane’ 20 8.00 Tulipa clusiana ‘Cynthia’ 20 5.00 Tulipa clusiana var. chrysantha 20 5.00 MISCELLANEOUS BULBS Scilla peruviana 3 10.00 Leucojum aestivum 20 4.00 Crocus x luteus ‘Golden Yellow’ 20 4.00 Crocus vernus ‘Flower Record’ 20 4.00 Allium schubertii 3 4.00 Allium cristophii 5 4.00 Allium sphaerocephalum 20 4.00 Arum italicum 10 8.00 Triteleia laxa ‘Queen Fabiola’ 20 4.00 Gladiolus communis ssp. byzantinus 10 6.00 Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Blue Jacket’ 10 6.00 Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Carnegie’ 10 6.00 Muscari armeniacum 20 4.00 CRINUMS Crinum ‘Bradley’ 1 25.00 Crinum x powellii 1 8.00 Crinum ‘Marisco’ 1 25.00 (State sales tax is included in price of bulbs) Shipping $5 minimum or 10% of order Bulb Order Total Shipping May we substitute similar bulbs if necessary? Yes_____ No_____ ORDER TOTAL Orders accepted up to November 7, 2007. Have you ordered from us before? Yes_____ No_____ Pick up Nov 17 ❏ Pick up Nov 20 ❏ Name:______Shipping Address:______Pick up Nov 26 ❏ Ship Order ❏ City:______State:_____Zip:______Daytime Telephone Number:______

Method of Payment: (Payment is due with order.) Cash ❏ Check ❏ MC ❏ VISA ❏ AMEX ❏ Discover ❏

Card Number:______Expiration Date:______Name On Card:______Signature:______

ORDER FORM – RIVERBANKS FALL BULB SALE NOVEMBER 17, 2007 (please print) Check(s) payable to: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Mail to: Riverbanks Bulb Sale, PO Box 1060, Columbia, SC 29202-1060 Questions: Call 803.779.8717 x1129, email [email protected] or visit www.riverbanks.org 31 HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR

For 11 wild nights in October... things get a little spooky at Riverbanks’ BOO AT THE ZOO. October 12–14, 19–21 & 26–30 6 – 9pm

Batz-n-Bonz Castle u Trick-or-Treat Trail u Mad Magician Mummy’s Eeky-Freaky Dance Party u Nightly Costume Parade Frankenstein’s Foam Zone u Creepy Creature Encounters Haunted Carousel* u Vortex Spinning Light Tunnel u Wicked Wooded Walk u Fun House Express in 3-D*

$5 members, $7 general public u Prizes and treats for kids ages 3–12 Advance tickets are available online at www.riverbanks.org or at any Riverbanks ticket booth. * Attractions marked require an additional charge.

Riverbanks society Non-Profit Org. P.O. Box 1060 U.S. Postage Columbia, SC 29202-1060 PAID Columbia, S.C. Permit No. 90 Riverbanks ZOOfari Treasures from Around the World Page 12