® Meet Our Gray Wolves

New Gorilla Arrival

January / 2010 Zoo Events Calendar February 2010

Pu b l i s h e d f o r Fr i e n d s o f Th e Me mp h i s Zo o EXZOO-

BERANCE! Exzooberance™ is a bimonthly Memphis Zoological Society publication providing information for friends of the Memphis Zoo. 4 Send comments to MZS, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, call (901) 276-WILD In this issue: or log onto www.memphiszoo.org. Vol. XIX, No. 1 3 NanoZoo Memphis Zoological Society Board of Directors Check out this brand-new program offered as of December 2009 through the Zoo’s education department that Officers: teaches all about the tiniest particles of matter Kelly H. Truitt, Chair that exist. Diane Smith and John W. Stokes, Jr., Vice Chairs Gene Holcomb, Treasurer Joseph C. DeWane, M.D., Secretary 4 Creature Feature: Carol W. Prentiss, Past Chair Meet the Gray Wolves Directors: F. Norfleet Abston Jason Rothschild MidSouth Chevy Robert A. Cox Karl A. Schledwitz We’d like to introducefull page you ad to Shiloh, Rocki, Thomas C. Lucy Shaw Meeka and Dakota — our four gray wolves at Farnsworth, III Richard C. Shaw Diana Hull Brooke Sparks Teton Trek. Read about what makes each of Henry A. Hutton Joe Warren these canines distinct. Dorothy Kirsch Robin P. Watson Robert C. Lanier Russell T. Wigginton, Jr. Joyce A. Mollerup 5 Keeper’s Blog Honorary Lifetime Directors: 5 Donna K. Fisher Do you keep up with the Keeper’s Blog on Roger T. Knox, President Emeritus memphiszoo.org? Here’s a taste of what you can Scott P. Ledbetter learn from the folks who know our animals best. Frank M. Norfleet Senator James R. Sasser Rebecca Webb Wilson 11 Zoo News Ex Officio: Dr. Chuck Brady, Zoo President & CEO “Kwizera,” a 21-year-old female gorilla, has joined Bill Morrison, City Council Representative the apes at the Memphis Zoo. Find out more Bob Drake, Docent/Volunteer Representative about this new arrival. Credits: Abbey Dane, Editor / Writer Brian Carter, Managing Editor Geri Meltzer, Art Director Departments: Jennifer Coleman, Copy Editor Toof Printing, Printer Exzooberance paper generously donated by 2 Financial Report – Fiscal Year 2009 International Paper employees 6 Conservation Zoo Admission Hours: March - October 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 11 7 Education Programs November - February 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Grounds close one hour after last admission • Zoo Closed: Thanksgiving Day, 8 2010 Events Calendar Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 9 January/February Calendar Our Mission: Connecting people with wildlife. 11 Zoo News Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo. 12 Kids’ Activity Page

® The Memphis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. ©2009 Memphis Zoo Photo courtesy of Buffalo Zoo Buffalo of courtesy Photo

Front cover photo by Jon Pegg 1

Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2009 Financials Memphis Zoological Society • Statement of Activities For the year ending June 28, 2009 (with summarized financial information for the year ending June 29, 2008)

Unrestricted Temporarily Permanently 2009 2008 Total Revenue, Gains & Other Support Restricted Restricted Total (Memorandum Operating Revenue Only) City management fee $1,200,000 $ - $ - $1,200,000 $1,200,000 Concessions income 399,447 - - 399,447 403,528 Donations and bequests 92,254 - - 92,254 120,688 Education income 310,383 - - 310,383 279,361 Gate admissions 3,781,535 - - 3,781,535 3,736,155 Grant income 123,492 - - 123,492 157,063 Investment income 60,228 - - 60,228 189,830 Membership income 1,870,082 - - 1,870,082 1,879,199 Other income 50,342 - - 50,342 46,448 Parking income 379,531 - - 379,531 368,447 Private events 1,034,060 - - 1,034,060 1,340,366 Public relations & advertising 77,144 - - 77,144 56,782 Retail income 1,980,355 - - 1,980,355 1,967,765 Rides income 359,286 - - 359,286 372,755 Special events 1,022,800 - - 1,022,800 1,042,605 Total operating revenue 12,740,939 - - 12,740,939 13,160,992 Conservation Revenue Donations & bequests - 37,521 - 37,521 58,803 Investment income - 1,702 - 1,702 7,132 Total conservation revenue - 39,223 - 39,223 65,935 Capital Revenue Birds & Bees exhibit 15,106 - - 15,106 34,593 Donations & bequests - 664,913 152,212 817,125 2,865,147 Investment income - 43,853 (971,742) (927,889) (324,118) License fee income 69,636 - - 69,636 73,371 Total capital revenue 84,742 708,766 (819,530) (26,022) 2,648,993 Net assets released from restrictions Satisfaction of program restrictions 9,478,123 (9,478,123) - - - Total revenue, gains & other support 22,303,804 (8,730,134) (819,530) 12,754,140 15,875,920 Expenses Operating Expenses Educational activities 351,155 - - 351,155 454,841 Fundraising activities 254,685 - - 254,685 243,858 Grant activities 200,566 - - 200,566 246,200 Legal & professional fees 20,313 - - 20,313 17,495 Membership activities 227,786 - - 227,786 242,897 Private events 503,698 - - 503,698 603,958 Public relations & advertising activities 577,952 - - 577,952 646,379 Retail activities 1,252,843 - - 1,252,843 1,309,011 Rides operations 216,470 - - 216,470 252,406 Special events 330,234 - - 330,234 569,962 Visitor services 242,136 - - 242,136 245,436 Zoo and animal operations 8,710,798 - - 8,710,798 8,571,826 Total operating expenses 12,888,636 - - 12,888,636 13,404,269 Conservation Expenses Grant activities 31,589 - - 31,589 26,774 Research and conservation 13,198 - - 13,198 16,220 Total conservation expenses 44,787 - - 44,787 42,994 Capital Expenses Capital improvements 9,257,142 - - 9,257,142 2,675,017 Provision for doubtful pledges 201,260 - - 201,260 - Other - - - - - Total capital expenses 9,458,402 - - 9,458,402 2,675,017 Total expenses 22,391,825 - - 22,391,825 16,122,280 Change in net assets (88,021) (8,730,134) (819,530) (9,637,685) (246,360) Net assets at beginning of year 2,573,283 14,802,560 5,076,902 22,452,745 22,699,105 Net assets at end of year 2,485,262 6,072,426 4,257,372 12,815,060 22,452,745

2

NanoZoo:NanoZoo: Exploring the science of small matter in the Animal Kingdom

In the time it takes you TechnologyTechnology ofof thethe FutureFuture to read this sentence, your fingernails have grown one nanometer in length.

(Photo left:) Water droplets on a lotus leaf by Dr. Helen Beady, Director of Education Have you ever wondered what’s being done to remove water droplets ball up on a leaf’s surface and simply roll salt from ocean water to make it drinkable? Or perhaps away off the leaf, taking dirt and other debris with them. you’ve wondered how swimwear can help swimmers move Dr. Wilhelm Barthlott of the University of Bonn, Germany, at a faster pace? Well, the answer lies in the science called discovered this “lotus effect” and has already applied the nanotechnology. principles of nanotechnology to develop self-cleaning surfaces. Nano, which derives from the Greek word “dwarf,” is Dr. Barthlott has even created an assortment of fabrics that the scientific prefix to describe something as small as one- can stay dry underwater for four days. This helps to explain the billionth (1/1,000,000,000). But how small is that really? riddle of how a swimsuit can help swimmers glide through Think about this: in the time it takes you to read this the water faster. Thanks to nanotechnology, the suit is always sentence, your fingernails have grown one nanometer in dry, allowing the swimmer to glide through the water with length. In other words, a nanometer is small (really, really little resistance. small), so nanotechnology deals with the smallest matter At the Zoo, students explore how nanotechnology is used imaginable. to develop more environmentally friendly products that can The Education Department at the Memphis Zoo believes affect many aspects of our daily lives. For example, nano- it is important for students to be aware of the possibilities. products are already helping to eliminate the need for The Zoo’s new class, “Nano: Technology of the Future,” hazardous chemicals used in paints. uses nanotechnology as a cutting-edge way to excite Nanotechnology has also led to a new field of health care students of all ages about science. research dubbed “nanomedicine.” This will open new doors A concept called “NanoZoo” teaches students how nature to cancer research in the upcoming years. has done its part to inspire nanotechnology. All of these ground-breaking applications of nanotechnology Scientists and engineers have discovered that by observing show that it truly is the technology of the future. the way nature uses nanotechnology, they can create entirely new, useful materials. The lotus plant, for instance, floats with ease on water and never appears to have a dirty surface. Visit memphiszoo.org/education for Scientists now understand that each lotus leaf is covered in nanoscopic bumps that are too small to allow dirt and water information on Zoo classes your child particles to fit between them. Instead of sitting on the leaf, can take in the field of nanoscience.

3 Creature Feature Meet Our Gray Wolves

“Dakota” is the largest wolf and “Rocki” is the lightest of all the “Shiloh” is the smallest female in the only male. He has a dark wolves with a white face and back. the group and the omega of the muzzle and dark markings that She is the most dominant female, pack, meaning she is somewhat of extend down his back and tail. He making her the alpha female. How- a loner. Many times you’ll see is the handsome leader of this pack. ever, this hierarchy can change. her exploring alone. She is very His name is Native American and She gets her name from the Rocky light in color with dark streaks means “friend.” Mountains. between her eyes, similar to our male, Dakota. Shiloh means “gift.”

“Meeka” is the largest and tallest female. Our wolves are siblings, born on Her color is blond and she has a beautiful April 21, 2009, and are a very happy smile. She is very friendly and a favorite of group. You can occasionally hear everyone who meets her. Meeka is usually them howling after they have eaten considered the beta of the group, meaning their breakfast or evening meal. second in command. Her name is French They were acquired from a private Latin, meaning “Lord” or “Dominique.” breeder in Illinois.

4 From the Keeper’s Blog

If you haven’t visited the Keeper’s Blog on memphiszoo.org in a while, you’re missing great updates like these from the keepers themselves. Here’s what zookeeper Adrienne Saunders recently wrote about the latest Armadillos happenings in Animals of the Night.

Keeper Adrienne Saunders bottle feeds this baby In 2009, a new resident arrived at armadillo. the Animals of the Night building. We acquired “Beau,” a male, six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus), to breed with our female “Jackie.” On August 18, a tiny newborn arma- dillo was seen just outside of Jackie’s log (six-banded armadillos like to sleep inside hollow logs), but where was many zoo animals enjoy in their balanced Jackie? She was fast asleep inside of her diet), but he loved the banana! We log, not taking care of her new baby. The set up a den in an off-exhibit area with keepers went in and placed the baby with lots of wood shavings and his own his mom. hollow log. One of the keepers kept a close eye Unfortunately, he will not be staying on mom and baby for a few hours, but here at the Zoo. Six-banded armadillos Jackie never showed much interest or tried are in high demand at zoos in the U.S. to nurse her little one. The decision was made for the keepers to step in and be- come “mothers” to the baby armadillo. We have had experience over the years raising “For the first 15 days he had to be fed every two several babies at Animals of the Night, so we did some research on hand-raising to three hours, so we took him home with us at baby armadillos. night. We kept him in an incubator so that he was We had to figure out what to feed him, in a warm and humid environment. When he was how much and how often. We also had to decide how he should be housed. For born his eyes were shut and they did not open until the first 15 days, he had to be fed every he was about a month old. He had no hair and his two to three hours, so we took him home shell was soft … he was completely helpless.” with us every night. We kept him in an incubator so that he was in a warm and humid environment. When he was born, his eyes were shut, and they did not open until he was about a month old. He also Right after he was born, several zoos Read more keeper had no hair, and his shell was soft. In began expressing an interest in him. blogs like this one at other words, he was completely helpless. We have not officially named him, but He ate well and steadily gained weight. a lot of us call him “Dill” or “Dillo.” Our memphiszoo.org. Another big milestone was reached at little Dill will be leaving us soon and one month: we started giving him solid going to the Cincinnati Zoo. We all felt food. We started off with mashed up that since he was going to be leaving us banana, cooked sweet potato and dry at such a young age that his new dog food soaked in his formula. He was keepers should get to be the ones to not crazy about the dog food (which name him. But he will always be Dill to me. 5 Saving the World’s Largest Amphibian: Eye The Chinese Giant Salamander on Conservation by Dr. Andy Kouba, Curator of Research Salamanders have survived numerous Fortunately, Chinese giant salamander extinction events throughout history and have hatcheries have been established throughout even outlasted the dinosaurs. Unfortunately, the region and are engaged in projects to they have not fared as well in recent times. reestablish wild populations. Many amphibians are facing a crisis with Memphis Zoo staff has recently established nearly one third of the species currently a partnership with the Shaanxi Institute of threatened with extinction and at risk of Zoology in Xi’an to follow and monitor disappearing forever unless urgent approximately 10,000 juvenile salamanders action is taken. The Zoo’s conservation that were released into mountain streams in department has initiated a project to help 2009. The goal will be to re-capture these save the mysterious Chinese giant salamander salamanders over the next several years and — a truly prehistoric species from the age study growth, habitat selection, dispersal and of dinosaurs. disease issues. Growing up to five feet in length and In October 2009, Memphis Zoo staff weighing over 50 pounds, this animal earns its and collaborators from Mississippi State name “giant.” Unfortunately, this species has University helped implant small transponders into approximately 300 young salamanders Post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Jon Davis, declined sharply in recent decades due to over with a Chinese Giant Salamander harvesting for the food market, loss of habitat to assist with tracking and identifying these and pollution. The salamander’s habitat in released animals. China overlaps with several endangered What we learn from these reintroductions mammal species with which the Memphis will help re-establish native populations of Zoo is currently working (e.g. giant pandas this iconic ‘giant’ amphibian. If you would and golden monkeys). This will complement like to help financially support this project our existing projects on landscape-level and the Memphis Zoo’s efforts to save the conservation issues for endangered species giant salamander, please email us at found within the Qinling Mountain range. [email protected].

Explore, imagine, CREATE!

Monet to Matisse FAMILY DAY FREE ADMISSION Saturday, February 20 10 am - 2 pm. Art activities, en plein air painting, music, refreshments and much more. A Bientôt! Sponsored by Arthur F. & Alice E. Adams Foundation

SHIP AHOY! Kids Impressionist Painting Workshop* Saturday, February 6 10:30 -12:30, Ages 6 -11. $10 members, $15 non-members

Introducing FAMILY STUDIO FREE ADMISSION before noon! Second Saturdays: January 9, February 13, and March 13 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Drop in to explore the world of art through games, crafts, and activities. Fun for the whole family!

SPRING TO ART Camp* March 8 - 12 and 15 - 19 9:30 - 12:30, Ages 6-11 Join us during spring break! Come for one day or for the full session.

*Please reserve your space at 901-761-5250 or www.dixon.org

6 www.dixon.org

The Chinese Giant Salamander Discover more programs ‘10Edzoocation and get more information at pprogrrograammss memphiszoo.org/education.

Homeschool Zoo Academy 2010 The Class of 2009 Mo n d a y - Fr i d a y , 10 a.m. t o 3 p.m. Introducing the Pr e K - 8t h g r a d e : $105/m e m b e r s ; $115/n o n m e m b e r s Docent Class of 2009 9t h -12t h g r a d e : $120/m e m b e r s ; $130/n o n m e m b e r s If you are interested in ($20 o ff w e e k ’s t u i t i o n f o r joining this band of faithful o n e c h i l d if p a r e n t a s s i s t s ) Zoo volunteers, contact us Ja n . 11-15: (Pr e K t h r o u g h 12t h Gr a d e ) at (901) 333-6600 or visit Ja n . 18-22: memphiszoo.org/docents. (1s t t h r o u g h 12t h Gr a d e )

PreK/Kindergarten (must be 4 years old by 12/1/09) Paws and Claws Ground Row: Jacque Keener, Phili Deboo, Sheila Gallogoly, Clay Phillips, Terry Coulston, Sher Comp, Lynn Owen, Kathy Davidson, Investigate how animals eat, Fred Jennings, Lynn Harris. Middle Row: Tris Merediz, Kristen Geiger, Gillian Smoot, Lisa Jorgensen, Karen Keeler, Bram Bors-Koefoed. move and look. This class uses Top Row: Dan Snider, Pat McGee, Jack Ford, Pegge Baughcum, Dawn Sipowich, Ernie Restivo, Glenn Fuqua, Larry Abramson arts and crafts, activities, books Not pictured: Malenda Sutherland, Leroy “Shag” Fetterman and more to teach your child about animal life. Grades 1 & 2 The Olympic games bring out the most amazing athletes Ma r c h 15, 16, 17 in the world to compete for the gold. In the animal world, Marvelous Mammals Spring a n d 22, 23, 24 individuals compete year-round to see who has the right Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! 9 a.m. t o 3 p.m. Break stuff, but wild contenders are a little different. These extreme From whales in the water to bats in $35/m e m b e r s /d a y ; Camp: survivors participate in cross-country marathons, eating the trees, mammals are as diverse $45/n o n m e m b e r s /d a y contests and even slumber parties! This year Spring Break as the places they live. Come Extreme Pr e K-K, 1s t -2n d , Camp will take you from the winter to the summer games explore what makes mammals 3r d -5t h special, specialized and similar, too. Survivors and back again as we explore what amazing things animals will do to survive against all odds. Grades 3-5 Home Sweet Biome Polar bears don’t live in the desert, or do they? Travel the world in a week to learn about the Horticulture Tour different places that animals call home Fe b r u a r y 20 • 8:30 t o 10 a.m. and what it takes to survive there. International $10/m e m b e r s ; $20/n o n m e m b e r s

(i n c l u d e s Zo o a d m i s s i o n ) Polar Bear Day Grades 6-8 Pr e -registration r e q u i r e d f o r Incredible Invertebrates v e r y l i m i t e d s p a c e Sa t ., Fe b r u a r y 27 • 10 a.m. t o 2 p.m. In c l u d e d w i t h Zo o a d m i s s i o n No bones about it — invertebrates are some of the coolest animals The Zoo takes on a very different look in winter. We’ll Cranbeary, Haley and Payton want to around. This class will unearth the get the word out that their wild relatives are facts on how they live and why they take a look at our evergreen plants, see beautiful red berries, threatened! Join us as we celebrate what makes are so important to us. polar bears magnificent creatures through deciduous trees and shrubs and Grades 9-12 even a few winter blooms. We’ll special feedings, keeper chats, games and interactive displays. There will be opportunities Animal Behavior finish with a stroll through the greenhouse. Our walking tours to touch a real polar bear pelt, see how they Why do animals do the things take place outside, rain or shine. hunt for seals on the ice, compare your size they do? Observe different types of Please dress appropriately. to theirs and learn how you can be a part animals at the Zoo, and discover of the race to save them! how their behavior helps them survive in the wild.

Registration line: (901) 333-6765 • www.memphiszoo.org/education

Pre-registration is required. Prices are subject to change. The Education Department reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration. 7 ® 2010 Zoo Events

Yo u d o n ’t w a n t t o m i s s w h a t ’s in s t o r e f o r y o u t h i s y e a r a t t h e Me m p h i s Zo o ! January July January 14 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge Summer Zoo Camp all month July 8 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge February July 17 — Members Night February 5 — Valentine’s Dinner in Teton Trek February 11 —Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge August February 20 — Horticulture Tour August 6 — Summer Zoo Camp ends February 27 — International Polar Bear Day August 12 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge March September March 10 — Horticulture Tour Labor Day Weekend: March 11 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge September 3 — Zoo Brew Zoom Through the Zoo March 15-17 — Spring Break Camp September 5 — Members Night March 22-24 — Spring Break Camp September 6 — Labor Day, Zoo open April September 9 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge April 8 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge September 11 — Zoo Rendezvous April 16 — Wild World of Wine and Beer September 25 — Harvest Fest April 17 — Earth Day Celebration April 24 — Horticulture Tour October October 6 — Senior Day May October 14 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge May 1 — Migration Day October 22, 23, 29, 30 — Zoo Boo May 13 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge Zoo Brew May 16-22 — Bear Awareness Week November Memorial Day Weekend: November 11 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge November 13 — Winter Wildlife Snooze May 27 — Zoom Through the Zoo November 19, 20 — Zoo Lights Begins May 28 — Zoo Brew May 29 — Zoo Grass November 26, 27 — Zoo Lights May 31 — Memorial Day/Members Night May 31 — Memorial Day, Zoo open December All month — Zoo Lights (select nights) June December 9 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge June 10 — Thursdays Unplugged at the Lodge December 31 — New Year’s Eve Zoo Snooze June 7 — Summer Zoo Camp begins, all month June 18 — Father’s Day Snooze Zoo Rendezvous

Special thanks to our Le Bonheur Zoo Boo ‘09 event partners

Title Sponsor: Event Partners: Gentle Dental, PLLC, Le Bonheur Children’s Blue Bell Ice Cream, Marrio R. Thomas, D.D.S. Medical Center Brooke & Brian Sparks Family, Media Partners: Presenting Partner: Dorothy Orgill Kirsch, FM100, Memphis Parent Nationwide Insurance, FRED’S Joseph C. DeWane, M.D.,

Le Bonheur Zoo Boo Special thanks to our SunTrust Zoo Lights ‘09 event partners

Title Sponsor: Family, Wolfchase Galleria and Edward DeWane, Erich DeWane, SunTrust Banks, Inc. Oak Court Mall Jaxson DeWane, Mary Katherine Light Partners: Activity Partners: DeWane, Gene & Nancy Holcomb, Henry & Hoben Knox, Anonymous, Armstrong FRED’S, Lexus of Memphis, Lipscomb and Pitts Insurance, Relocation, Bors-Koefoed “BK” Phillips Grandchildren for Moonshine Lighting and Family, CB Richard Ellis, Joseph Weetie Mr. and Mrs. John W. Stokes, Jr. C. DeWane, M.D., FedEx, Avenue of Animals Dorothy Orgill Kirsch, Brad and Partners: Media Partners: Dina Martin Family, Pinnacle Sam & Charlene Crump, 104.5 The River, Malco Theatres, SunTrust Zoo Lights Midsouth Moms 8 Airlines Corp., The Prentiss Will & Angie Deupree, Family, Brooke & Brian Sparks sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday saturday Jan.1 2 Special offer with 2010 membership SunTrust Zoo Lights SunTrust Zoo Lights purchases and renewals! New Year’s Day Zoo open When you renew or purchase a membership anytime during 2010, you’ll get a little something extra. When you receive your membership cards, 8 9 you’ll also receive three coupons for 1/2 price general admission for one guest. Look for this special offer when you receive your cards. Thank you for your continued support in 2010. RY ’10 RY RY ’10 RY 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Homeschool Academy Jan. 11-15 Thursdays Unplugged

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Homeschool Academy Jan. 18-22 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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Groundhog Valentine’s Day Dinner

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Thursdays RY RY Unplugged

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Valentine’s President’s Horticulture UA

UA Day Day Tour

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BR International Polar Bear Day E E F F 28

9 An exciting creation drop-in art-making activity for station children and their grown-ups.

Presented by

using their vivid imagination, a wide range of artist materials, and the Brooks collection as inspiration, mark your calendar! children will enjoy the opportunity to create their own fantastic works of art. free with museum admission! march 13 Get into shape

march 27 Family Day! 2nd free admission & activities saturday of January 9 each month! 11 am - 1 pm create with color kids 6 & under are always feBruary 13 free! Portrait remix 901.544.6200 | www.brooksmuseum.org | Overton Park

Saturday, January 23 brunch 10 am - 12 pm with a Enjoy a delicious brunch, autographs, and photos with ballerinas from Ballet Memphis! A special kid-friendly menu will be available. Stay afterwards to see the ballet film. Ballerina Call 901.544.6225 for reservations. tutus see the 12 pm optional! ballet film Children and adults alike will enjoy this special movie presentation of Tchaikovsky’s quintessential ballet Swan Lake. Presented Swan Lakein High Definition from St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theater, home of the world renowned Kirov Ballet. Film tickets: $10 for members, $12 for non-members, $5 for children.

3 For more information call 901.544.6200 or visit www.brooksmuseum.org | Brushmark Restaurant Reservations: 901.544.6225. | Overton Park Zoo News In 2010, the Zoo introduces new food service partner, Lancer Hospitality, featuring fresh new options and healthy selections at the Cat House Café. When visiting Memphis Zoo, make a stop at the Cat House Café for sandwiches, burgers, salads, soups, pizza and beverages. The Café will be open year round and Baby male bongo, named includes a variety of menu options and a spacious dining area. “Prince Bongo” by Facebook fans. The Cat House Café Grille will feature a variety of new selections including a Catfish Sandwich, Café Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Black Bean Burger, Chicken Fritters as well as Zoo visitors’ favorites such as hamburger, cheeseburger, crisp-cut fries, hot dogs, corn dogs and kids’ meals. Sabino’s Subs, Salads and Pizza includes a variety of deli sub sandwiches stacked with fresh cut meats, cheeses and vegetables, healthy salads and homemade soups. Plus, the Café offers gourmet coffees and a selection of sweet snacks including fresh pastries, muffins, cookies, smoothies and hand- dipped ice cream to name a few. Many of the new food options will not be available until Spring. Check memphiszoo.org for these grand-opening announcements. On November 26, a new face was welcomed to the African Veldt — a newborn male bongo. Team Lead Andrew Smith is pictured here bottle-feeding him. The calf’s birth mother rejected him, but another female bongo, “Bonita,” stepped in to care for him as his surrogate mother. “She already has a calf of her own,” Smith said. “And while she won’t let him nurse, she will teach him how to be a bongo.” In an online naming contest, the Zoo’s Facebook fans got to offer suggestions for the calf’s name. After almost 200 suggestions, the fans voted and named him “Prince Bongo.” Be sure to look for Prince Bongo on your next visit to the Veldt.

Memphis Zoo Welcomes Female Gorilla

Newest female gorilla, “Kwizera.” The Memphis Zoo grew its gorilla family by one when “Kwizera” became the Zoo’s newest in December. She was transferred to Memphis on a breeding loan. This is the first time the Memphis Zoo has partnered with another zoo on a gorilla breeding loan since the 1970s. Kwizera is a 21-year-old female gorilla who was transferred to Memphis from the Buffalo Zoo in Buffalo, New York. She joins our two female gorillas “Penny” and “Kebara,” who have been at the Zoo for about 18 months. The group has one male gorilla, “Mwelu,” who has been in Memphis for more than two years. “A strong family group is essential to raising a young gorilla,” said Matt Thompson, Curator of Mammals. “The addition of Kwizera gives Memphis our first opportunity at having a healthy, gorilla breeding program.” Kwizera will be off exhibit until keepers are able to integrate her into the existing group. “We will first introduce her to the two females,” said Sandi Shoemaker, Memphis Zoo Primate Keeper. “It’s very important that Kwizera builds a strong bond with the other two females before she is introduced to Mwelu.” Once a bond has been established between all three females, they Photo courtesy of Buffalo Zoo will then be put with Mwelu so he can meet Kwizera for the first time. “We’re honored to play a roll in the survival of this species,” Thompson said. “Hopefully, these gorillas can help our community gain an understanding and appreciation for these and other endangered or threatened species.” 11 Kids’ Activity Page

Winter weather for us means thick coats, ear muffs, and mittens. But did you know that even when it’s cold outside, the blood in our bodies still stays warm? That’s because we are warm-blooded, and our body temperature stays about the same whatever the weather. This is why we sweat to cool off in the summer and shiver to warm up in the winter. But what about cold-blooded animals like snakes and lizards? Try this experiment to find out how the chill in the air affects the animals that wear scales instead of scarves. Save the Date for Spring Break Camp at the Zoo! What you need: See page 7 for Cold-blooded animals don’t actually have cold blood all the • A sunny day details. time, but their body temperature is the same temperature as the world around them. If it’s 90 degrees outside, a reptile is A scrap piece of felt or thick fabric • 90 degrees on the inside. If it’s 50 degrees outside, a reptile is • A piece of heavy aluminum foil 50 degrees on the inside. Unlike mammals, they can’t sweat and they can’t shiver, so what do you think reptiles might do What you do: instead to try to stay warm? • Cut the shape of a snake or lizard out of heavy aluminum foil. For extra exploring, try testing your temperature in differ- • Cut the shape of a bear (or your favorite furry mammal) ent locations. You can even make more animals out of different out of the felt. types and colors of material and see what happens! • Place them both outside in the sun for about five minutes. Bundle up and visit the Zoo to see what our animals are up Now pick them up. Which one feels warmer? Colder? Why? • to during the cold season. When you get chilled, pop into the • Next put your animal shapes in the freezer for five minutes. Herpetarium to warm up and see our super cool cold-blooded How do they feel when you take them out? Which one residents! feels warmer? Colder? Why?

SATURDAY SCHOOL Ages 5 – 18 Classes begin January 23

Memphis College of Art Community Education A Memphis tradition for over 70 years

Overton Park | 1930 Poplar Avenue | (901) 272-5142 | www.mca.edu

12 Family Series 2010 JANUARY Based on the delightful22, picture2010 book by Crockett Johnson, Harold follows the zany adventures of an inventive young boy who creates the world he wants to explore using nothing more than a big purple cray- on and his sky’s-the-limit imagination.

Using life-sized puppets, masks, magic and music, Enchantment’s production will delight and amaze au- diences of all ages.

ThisFEBRUARY triumphant story 15 of, Jackie 2010 Robinson, the first African-American to play professional major league baseball, chronicles the young athlete’s nonviolent struggle to integrate what was then considered a “white man’s game.”

Through it all, Jackie’s courage, intelligence, leader- ship, resilience and athletic skill propelled him to be- come a national hero.

COMING SOON! March 3 - A Year With Frog And Toad March 30 - Strega Nona

The Family Series is presented in partnership with:

All shows start at 6:00 PM Single tickets are $12.50, or purchase four for just $32. Purchase at the Orpheum Box Office, the ticket counter inside Davis-Kidd Booksellers, or charge by phone at 901-525-3000. © Copyright Memphis Zoo 2010 Exzooberance is mailed with a bulk permit and cannot be forwarded. (901) 276-WILD Memphis, TN 38112 2000 Prentiss Place Requested in-home dates January 2-5 CHANGE S er v ice R e q uested

Thursdays Unplugged ® at the Lodge Permit No. 1124 Memphis, TN Organization

January 14 • February 11 U.S. Postage Non-Profit P aid www.memphiszoo.org/thursdaysunplugged

Mednikow Offers You Much More Than Time