The WildTimes

NEW Zoo & Adventure Park

Meet the Summer Interns

We are very excited to have in the last two issues! as well as my father, Issue 89 14 interns this Summer. Two who directs the NEW of them are continuing from Zoo, inspired me to in‐ August 2015 Hello, my name is Zack An‐ the Spring Semester, and one tern here assisng with edu‐ derson and I'm currently a of them is returning from last cang the public about ani‐ senior at UW Milwaukee re‐ Summer. We are happy to mals, as well as receiving the have them with us! Make ceiving my bachelors degree opportunity to shadow keep‐ Inside this Issue... sure you stop and say hello in environmental science. As ers as they complete their Conservation Connection 2 when you see them educating a child, I grew up with the daily tasks. the public during our many NEW Zoo literally in my back Animal Collection Report 3 exhibit chats and presenta- yard. Therefore, I was con‐ We are currently accepting tions this summer. They will stantly exposed to this tre‐ applications for our Fall N.E.W. Zoological Society 4 Internships! Check out be identified by their bright mendous AZA accredited pro‐ blue shirts that say EDUCA- www.newzoo.org/get- 2015 Volunteer of the Year 5 gram and the amazing things TION on the back. Here’s a involved for more infor- the keepers would do for our bit more about the remaining mation or to apply. Calendar of Events 6 NEW Zoo. This program, intern you didn’t get to meet

Something NEW for Zoo Pass Members this Summer: Early Admission on August 5th The August 2015 This summer, Zoo Pass Members have an opportunity to BEAT THE HEAT during the first Wednesday of every month in June, July, and August, because the NEW Zoo will be Paws & Claws open from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. exclusively for our Zoo Pass Members! Gift Shop Special Members can enjoy free coffee and juice in the Mayan Restaurant during this time, as well. Is…

While you’re visiting, keep an eye out for Neil and the Fox 11 Van—as you just might see 10% off all them “in action” during one of their live television spots. Giraffe items The final “Early Admission” day for Zoo Pass Members is August 5th. We look forward to seeing you here!

Not a member?? There’s still time to join! Check out our website for the details: http://newzoo.org/support/zoopass/ Page 2 The WildTimes

Conservation Connection: Recent Ivory Crush

On the morning of June 19, 2015, in rangers who work to protect them. This 25th]. The draft ivory regulations, which Times Square, New York City, the U.S. wholesale slaughter of elephants is a will now be open to a public comment Fish and Wildlife Service, with wildlife destabilizing force for African range period, come at a time when the slaughter and conservation partners, hosted its states that rely heavily on wildlife tour- of wild elephants continues unabated. second ivory crush event. One ton of ism. Many of the organized criminal Tanzania recently announced a drastic 60 ivory we seized during an undercover gangs at the center of the trafficking percent drop in its elephant populations in operation, plus other ivory from the New rings are also implicated in the traffick- the past five years due to poaching for York State Department of Environmental ing of drugs, arms, and even people. ivory trade. Conservation and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, was crushed in What can you do to help? WWF welcomes the strong and pragmatic front of VIPs and the general public. The United States is among the world’s proposal put forward by the US Fish and largest consumers of wildlife products – Wildlife Service, which represents a sig- Why Crush Ivory? both legal and illegal. We have a signifi- nificant advance in US ivory policy. Crushing our ivory sends a message to cant ivory market, and we must continue ivory traffickers and their customers that to be vigilant in combating illegal ivory Specifically, shifting the burden to the the United States will not tolerate this trade. You can help by not buying items seller to prove that a piece of ivory is legal illegal trade. This crush will also educate that contain elephant ivory and by could be a significant game changer in consumers, in the United States and spreading this message to your family enforcement efforts. But the regulations around the world, and urge them not to and friends. The work of law enforce- would still allow some sale of ivory. buy products made with ivory that could ment is an important part of the overall WWF believes the response must match be contributing to the poaching crisis. effort to stop wildlife poaching, but the the scale of the crisis, and we advocate for only way to truly stop this slaughter is by an end to commercial elephant ivory sales in the US as the most effective and effi- Our first crush took place in Denver, ending consumer demand for ivory. cient solution. Colorado, on November 14, 2013. We destroyed six tons of elephant ivory that Crush Partners Strong US ivory regulations will do more was seized over the years by our law The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is than save wild elephants; they will play a enforcement special agents and wildlife grateful to the following organizing part- vital role in ensuring US consumers are inspectors in connection with violations ners in the Ivory Crush at Times Square: not unknowingly complicit in the slaugh- of U.S. wildlife laws and treaties. Since Wildlife Conservation Society, New ter of these magnificent animals and con- that crush, several governments through- tinue to build global momentum and inter- out Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and York State Department of Environmental national action to stop wildlife crime. But Asia, have also destroyed ivory, joining Conservation, New York State Senator to be truly effective, the new regulations with us to highlight this worldwide crisis Brad Hoylman, and Powerscreen; and to must be backed by robust enforcement and emphasizing that only a worldwide our other partners in the Crush and the and funding. solution will stop wildlife poaching. effort to end wildlife trafficking: African Wildlife Foundation, The Humane Soci- The Poaching Crisis ety of the United States, International Elephant poaching is at its highest level Fund for Animal Welfare, Natural Re- in decades and now exceeds the species’ reproductive potential. Elephants are sources Defense Council, and World being slaughtered across Africa to meet Wildlife Fund. the demand for ivory faster than they can reproduce. Article sourced from: http:// www.fws.gov/le/elephant-ivory- The poaching crisis not only takes a toll crush.html on wildlife, it affects communities as well. Insurgents and organized crime Other Recent News from the World groups cash in on the money to be made Wildlife Federation (WWF) from ivory, killing tens of thousands of President Obama announced long-awaited elephants while gunning down park draft ivory regulations on Saturday [July Page 3 The WildTimes

Animal Collection Report: July 2015, by Carmen Murach

ferret. Zookeeper Katie Ferris attended the The NEW Zoo supports conservation in AZA Felid Husbandry course hosted by many ways, including participating in the Pittsburgh Zoo this year. The course SSP captive breeding programs, funding provides further training to Zookeepers field conservation projects and sending who work with cats and focuses on safe- staff to help with conservation work in ty and animal welfare. The experience the field. In July, I spent a week assist- also offers networking opportunities for ing the Great Lakes Piping Plover Re- Zookeepers. covery Effort. Zoo professionals with Zookeeper Jessica Hutjens and I attended hand-rearing expertise are recruited from the Red Wolf SSP meeting at the Endan- throughout the country to the University gered Wolf Center in St. Louis recently. of Michigan Biological Station to incu- This SSP works closely with the USFWS bate eggs and rear chicks from nests that Red Wolf Recovery Effort. The wild Edmund, the Canadian lynx kitten born were damaged or abandoned in the wild. recovery program is currently under re- in early May, has been spending time on The Detroit Zoo spearheads the egg res- view and the future of the species in the exhibit for regularly scheduled public cue and rearing portion of the project in wild is uncertain. The SSP is working to viewing. His mother Lucy has allowed partnership with UM, USFWS, DNR and encourage and facilitate continuation and Zookeepers to “borrow” him for an hour many other organizations. I was also expansion of the wild red wolf popula- each day. During this time, the Zookeep- able to help with monitoring wild nests tion. ers are working on forming a bond with and banding birds on Lake Superior and the kitten and are also talking with visi- Zookeeper Katie Ferris organized and, Lake Michigan beaches (see photo be- with the help of volunteers and keepers, tors about the species and the role of the low). At one time, only 12 breeding NEW Zoo in the Species Survival Pro- staffed a Zookeeper Week event during pairs remained of this endangered popu- which children could experience aspects gram for lynx. Before long, we expect lation of shorebird. This season, 73 pairs Edmond will be able to follow his moth- of the career and earned a “Junior of the birds were located – a record since Zookeeper” certificate. Donations collect- er around the exhibit and will no longer the population was listed as endangered require babysitters. ed will be used to purchase enrichment for in 1986! the animals. Four Alpacas were donated to the zoo by Kele Alpaca – a local alpaca farm. The 3 females and 1 male will spend a month off exhibit in our quarantine space before joining the other domestic animals in the Children’s Zoo. A four-year old endangered Black-footed Ferret has also been added to the collec- tion during July. The USFWS Black- footed Ferret Conservation Center asks that facilities displaying animals retired from the breeding program (the young are released into the wild), keep at least 2 animals for educational display. This ferret, like several others before her, was transported via Lighthawk – an organi- zation that donates flights for conserva- tion (see more at http:// www.lighthawk.org/ ). We have timed BF Ferret transports to coincide with EAA on several occasions. The volunteer pilot was flying from California to Osh- kosh and was kind enough to stop in Colorado to pick up the hitchhiking Issue 89 Page 4

N.E.W. Zoological Society News

Cornerstone Animal Hospital Update

What a difference a year makes! On July 7, 2014 we broke ground for our new Cornerstone Animal Hospital and Recovery Center on the north end of the NEW Zoo. Now one year later, we are prepared to move into our new facility. The N.E.W. Zoological Society, Inc. has been successful in raising over half of the $1.3 million dollar capital campaign for the Animal Hospital and Recovery Center. Our new facility will allow us to provide for the current and future needs of preventative, medical and surgical animal care to over 200 animals in 62 different exhibits at our accredited zoo. Our old Animal Hospital was only 3000 square feet and our new facility covers over 7450 square feet of space. Zoo Director, Neil Anderson, and his staff plan to occupy the building this month. The first animals that will go into the new facility will be the ones that need climate controlled environments, such as birds, small caged animals and reptiles. We will also be able to use the new facility for animals that require quarantine. Once our medical equipment is in place, we will be able to utilize the new Animal Hospital for all necessary medical functions. The old Animal Hospital is being remodeled to utilize as a Diet Kitchen. An observation window will allow guests to view the food preparation for our animals. Please help us raise the funds to finish this project! Call the Society at 920-434-6814 to make a donation or go to the website link below to make a donation to the Animal Hospital on-line: http://newzoo.org/zoological-society/

On behalf of the N.E.W. Zoological Society, Inc., the 501 (c) 3 fundraising arm of the NEW Zoo, and the 241,000 guests that visited the Zoo last year, we thank you for your support! Page 5 The WildTimes

Congratulations to the 2015 Volunteer of the Year

The NEW Zoo & Adventure Park ing his/her young child to the wonder was pleased to host our annual Vol- of nature and zoo animals. unteer Appreciation Event in May. This time, we did things a little dif- ferently, opening the zoo two hours My husband Lee & I started volun- early for our volunteers, at 7am, and teering a number of years ago and providing them with an all-you-can- this year I was greatly honored to eat breakfast, instead of an evening receive the annual Mary Matzke Vol- event with dinner, as we have done in unteer of the Year award. While Lee the past. The main reason why we still helps behind the scenes with wanted to try out a morning event some engineering work, I can be was that we wanted to give our hard- found almost weekly at the giraffe working volunteers a chance to expe- stand with Hodari & Zuri. All of our rience the Zip Line, if they wanted! children & grandchildren live out of state, and so I am lucky to be able to We had great weather and a great share the wonder of other people annual holiday event in December turn-out for the event, and we also enjoying all the zoo has to offer. My where I’ve met great zoo regulars had several volunteers take ad- husband & I are also proud to pur- that attend, and also love being part vantage of the Zip Lining, so all-in- chase a zoo pass annually to help of tours for various groups. One of all, the event was a success! support our zoo, and fyi, zoo passes the most rewarding tours was in Oc- make great annual gifts for friends tober of 2014 where we hosted over and family too! During the Appreciation Event, we 100 volunteers from AZA zoos were also pleased to announce this throughout the United States. year’s recipient of the Mary Matzke Over the years, I have visited many Volunteer of the Year Award: Kathy other zoos both in the U.S. & also in In closing, just want to encourage Anderson. Kathy has been a dedicat- Europe, and I am very proud of our anyone interested to check out the ed volunteer for many years, and we whole giraffe volunteer group when I opportunities that volunteering has to are so lucky to have her as a part of say this is the only zoo that I’ve come offer. I’ve made some great friends our volunteer family. We’re pleased across that you can feed and visit the and am proud to be a member of our to share with you some information giraffes 365 days a year. I was sur- zoo family. Don’t forget that our from Kathy, explaining why she is a prised at larger zoos that only offer Green Bay zoo is open year round volunteer here at the zoo: this opportunity on weekends, or in and the zoo is a great place any sea- the summer months. son. We can use the help any time of “Most of my friends know that I con- year. The colors in fall are beautiful, sider the zoo “my happy place.” and even though I am not a huge fan There is just something about coming Besides being a weekly giraffe volun- of winter I can tell you that there is teer, I’ve also had many fun times out to the zoo that no matter what is no prettier place than walking helping with zoo camps offered in going on in life, I always find myself around the zoo after a winter snow summer, have slept a night or two on smiling. Sometimes it might be just a fall. And when spring comes, you can the floor for some of the zoo snooze favorite animal in a perfect pose like watch the scenery change week after the lions sleeping peacefully on their groups, worked many a night in the week.” favorite large rock, or maybe it’s a “haunted forest “ for zoo boo, love young snow monkey happily swing- running the carousel as well, have ing from rope to rope. Other times it had the privilege of assisting our Thank you so much, Kathy, for might be the sight of just a grand- wonderful zookeepers with needed doing what you do, and for being a mother enjoying time with grandchil- care for a few animals over the member of our Volunteer Family! dren and or a young parent introduc- years, have provided music for our NEW Zoo & Adventure Park Want to know more about the 4378 Reforestation Road Green Bay, WI 54313 WildTimes? Have a suggestion for an article you would like to see, or would you like Phone: 920-434-7841 Fax: 920-434-4162 to submit an article? E-mail: [email protected] Contact the Editor, Angela, at 920-662-2405 or through email, at [email protected]!

Your NEW Zoo is an always new, natural adventure We are your only AZA Accredited Zoo in that promotes recreation, education, and conservation through encounters with live animals. Northeastern Wisconsin.

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Upcoming Events & Things to Remember...

August 3rd Feast with the Beasts. 6pm to 8pm. Tickets $35 in advance; $40 at the door (if not sold out!) The NEW Zoo will be closed from 5pm to 6pm this day due to event preparations. August 11th Broadway Automotive Day—first 1,000 visitors to the NEW Zoo receive FREE admission, courtesy of Broadway Automotive. August 15th Final day for Summer Exhibit Chats. Chat schedule is posted online and at the zoo. September 1st Fall Hours Start. The Zoo will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Giraffe Feeding Experience will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. September 4th Senior Citizen Day. Seniors age 62+ receive free admission from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.