SEPTEMBER 2020

A publication of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Evolving for Action SAFE Species Programs Work Together Against Conservation Threats

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER CONNECTED FLYING MEXICAN WOLVES SSPs and SAFE Programs Can Make a IN A PANDEMIC Greater Impact Together

September 2020

Features 18 26 34 40 Evolving for Action Moving Forward Together Connected Flying Mexican Wolves The notion of shared threats AZA-accredited facilities are SAFE: Saving Animals From in a Pandemic across species is not a new driven by their conservation Extinction is a collaborative LightHawk works with the AZA one. It is easy to see that SAFE missions and their conservation program among Mexican Wolf Species Survival species and the health of conservation support is often AZA members and their field Plan® team and the USFWS our planet are all connected times the cornerstone of partners. The program was Mexican Wolf Recovery Team in some way, but the their animal and education inspired by the efforts of SSP to plan for safer, faster, and infrastructure to address these programs. As they deal programs to build support for more customized flights to threats takes time to build. with staff and budget cuts; field conservation, but worked transport the pups to join their BY KATE SILVER potential reductions in to build a complementary wild foster mothers. philanthropy; travel restrictions framework that expanded and an absence of ecotourism; capacity for conservation. BY ESTHER DUKE they are taking a hard look BY BETH SCHAEFER AND at how to maintain their MANDI SCHOOK commitment to conservation. BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS

September 2020 | www.aza.org 1 2 www.aza.org | September 2020 7 10 64

Member View Departments

7 Species Survival 11 Marketing 48 Faces & Places Drive-in Zoovies brings the Plan Highlight 50 Announcements Louisiana pine snake SSP®: silver screen to Columbus Zoo Ex situ sustainability and in 51 Exhibits situ conservation 12 Green Tales The Houston Zoo LEED 51 Calendar 8 Conservation employee program 52 Advertiser Index More than 170 Detroit Zoo- Births & Hatchings born dusky gopher frogs 13 Research Updates 64 About the cover This month’s selection of what head into the wild White-backed vultures has been published SEPTEMBER 2020 9 The AZA Social 15 By the Numbers Science Research Vultures—saving our scavengers A publication of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Agenda 2020 Evolving for Action Research that can help people SAFE Species Programs 16 Commercial Work Together Against and wildlife thrive together Member News Conservation Threats Elephant exhibit receives 10 Reintroduction landscape merit award Tennessee Aquarium and partners hit milestone in brook trout restoration program

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER CONNECTED FLYING MEXICAN WOLVES SSPs and SAFE Programs Can Make a IN A PANDEMIC Greater Impact Together © North Carolina Zoo Carolina © North

VISIT US ONLINE Editorial policy: Connect is published by the aza.org Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a nonprofit, tax- exempt organization dedicated to the advancement LIKE US ON FACEBOOK of zoological parks and aquariums for conservation, facebook.com/Association education, scientific studies and recreation. Issued to members as a free OfZoosAndAquariums service; not available as a subscription. Mailed during the first week of the month. Articles submitted for Connect do not necessarily reflect the opinions FOLLOW US ON TWITTER and policies of AZA. twitter.com/zoos_aquariums Mission: Connect is a forum for promoting AZA’s mission by highlighting zoo E-MAIL THE EDITOR and aquarium trends, industry initiatives, conservation efforts and member [email protected] achievements. Copyright policy: All items appearing in Connect are copyright of AZA. Permission to reprint items must be obtained by contacting AZA’s Publications Department at [email protected]. Advertising policy: Advertising is available. AZA reserves the right to refuse advertising not consistent with its mission. Ad contracts are issued on an annual basis, and ads are accepted on a one, three, six, nine or 12-time basis. Deadline for insertion orders is the first of the month preceding publication. Deadline for artwork is the 10th of the month preceding publication. Rates and mechanical requirements are available upon request.

2 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 3 EDITOR Tim Lewthwaite GRAPHIC DESIGNER Our Way Forward Lisa Cadigan, Cadigan Creative ADVERTISING Gina Velosky Dear colleagues, (301) 562-0777, ext. 254, [email protected]

It’s hard to believe that it’s been nearly a year since I stood on stage an accepted the AZA Board Chair responsibilities. As I look back on my time as Board Chair, I can certainly say it was not the year I expected. Most of our organizations have been pushed into survival mode. Hard decisions have been made, and it feels like our mission is so far away. But in a cruel President and Chief Executive Officer irony, our mission is more important than ever. Dan Ashe Executive Vice President The questions of the past six months have Craig Hoover been: Should aquariums and zoos reopen? General Counsel Jack Keeney How do we adapt our business model to Chief Financial Officer survive? To mask or not to mask? These are all Phil Wagner critically important, but I’d argue that critical Senior Vice President of Conservation, Management missing questions include: how can zoos and Welfare Sciences and aquariums play a role in convincing the Dr. Candice Dorsey world that wild places and properly protected Senior Vice President of Member Services Melissa Howerton wildlife can help prevent future pandemics? Senior Vice President of Accreditation What can we do differently to convince Denny Lewis our governments that we are more than Senior Vice President of Government Affairs entertainment and recreation? How do we Steve Olson develop inclusive practices that allow everyone Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy Rob Vernon to participate in conservation? Vice President of Conservation and Science Shelly Grow We have the scientific knowledge to balance Vice President of Congressional Affairs disease risks. We are building the capacity to Jennifer Keaton develop movements to change behavior and For a full listing of AZA’s staff, visit www.aza.org/staff engage populations to protect the planet. We have the connections in local communities AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS and can activate the voices of underserved populations. Our audience crosses demographic boundaries in a way that makes us uniquely Chair Dr. Christopher Kuhar | Executive Director, Cleveland positioned to create real social and environmental change. We have the capacity, we just have Metroparks Zoo to weather this storm and get back to our mission. I know that seems like wishful thinking, Chair Elect but it is our way forward. Bert Castro | President and CEO, Phoenix Zoo

Vice Chair I believe the world is forever changed and my heart breaks for what has happened to our Dr. Brian Davis | President and CEO, Georgia Aquarium profession over the past several months. But as I said last September, I believe in this profession and I believe in all of you. I’m so proud to be part of a group of organizations that Past Chair Peggy Sloan | Chief Animal Operations Officer, are fighting to make a difference in the world. I’m proud to be one of you. John G. Shedd Aquarium

Directors As we fight to keep our heads above water, keep your eyes on the horizon. The future needs to Christopher Dold, DVM | Chief Zoological Officer, be one that engages all peoples to protect wildlife and wild places. We are uniquely positioned SeaWorld Orlando to lead that charge. We Are AZA and we can get it done. Dr. Alejandro Grajal | President and CEO, Woodland Park Zoo Lisa New | President and CEO, Zoo Knoxville Thank you all for allowing me to be Chair of the Board. It has been an experience I won’t Mark Penning, BVSC | VP Animals, Science and Environment, forget. Be strong everyone! Disney’s Animal Kingdom Dr. Tara Riemer | President and CEO, Alaska SeaLife Center Dr. Christopher Kuhar Adrienne Rowland | Director, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay Executive Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Dwight Scott | Director, San Diego Zoo Denise M. Verret | Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director, Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens

4 www.aza.org | September 2020 4 www.aza.org | September 2020

Species Survival Plan® Highlight Louisiana Pine Snake SSP® Ex-Situ Sustainability and In-Situ Conservation

By C. Drew Foster and Steve Reichling

The Louisiana pine snake is a large, non- 1984 and a Species Survival Plan®-managed Maintaining both a stable managed venomous constrictor endemic to longleaf species since 2000. The goal of this SSP is to assurance colony and an effective pine forests of Louisiana and Texas, habitat sustainably manage an ex situ population while reintroduction program creates difficult which has long been decimated by excessive simultaneously supporting in situ conservation challenges for the Louisiana Pine Snake SSP. logging and subsequent forest management. of the species through a release program. Our strong partnership with the U.S. Forest Resulting habitat loss and fragmentation Through coordination with the PMC, Service has been critical to helping overcome along with fire suppression and vehicle- a portion of each year’s hatchlings are these challenges. The Catahoula District of caused mortality have caused drastic carefully selected on the basis of pedigree Kisatchie National Forest has entered into a population declines, making the Louisiana for release into suitable protected habitat in stewardship agreement with the Memphis pine snake one of the rarest snake species a collaborative project with the U.S. Forest Zoo in Memphis, Tenn., to support the in North America. In 2018, the species was Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, operation of dedicated breeding facilities and listed as a threatened species under the and Louisiana Deptartment of Wildlife the costs associated with releasing snakes Endangered Species Act. and Fisheries. We aim to establish a fully into their natural habitat. The Louisiana pine snake has been sustainable wild population at the selected Four core breeding centers were part of a managed breeding program in the field site, and then expand our efforts to established at Memphis, Audubon, Fort Association of Zoos and Aquariums since other suitable areas. Worth, and Ellen Trout Zoos, all selected

September 2020 | www.aza.org 7 Reintroduction due to their historical success in working with the species. Having four centers protects the population from a potential catastrophic event that might occur at More than 170 Detroit Zoo- any one location. Consolidation of the population from 23 zoos to these breeding centers was determined to be the best Born Dusky Gopher Frogs strategy for maximizing reproductive output and began in 2016, leaving only Head into the Wild a small number of animals, already consistently breeding, at Jacksonville Zoo Consider it one small leap for in Jacksonville, Fla., and Phoenix Zoo in amphibian-kind—more than 170 Phoenix, Ariz. dusky gopher frogs bred at the In the years since consolidation, we Detroit Zoo’s National Amphibian have seen a significant increase in breeding Conservation Center were success. Five years before consolidating released in Mississippi as part of the population, there were 107 snakes at a cooperative program to restore 21 facilities. Between 2011 and 2015, total a wild population of the critically hatches averaged only 23 snakes per year. endangered amphibian. This was not sufficient to meet either our This event marks the third time

zoo-managed sustainability goal or our Detroit Zoo-born dusky gopher Zoo © Detroit conservation goal. frogs were returned to the species’ Today, however, only four years after native habitat in the Mississippi’s Ward these amphibians in their natural consolidation began, the population has Bayou Wildlife Management Area. The first environment is critical to their survival,” increased to 306 individuals at the four two releases occurred in 2018 and 2019, Marcec-Greaves said. breeding centers and two satellite facilities, which gave 130 Detroit Zoo-born frogs the Dusky gopher frogs—formerly known a result of improved breeding success from opportunity to make their way into the wild. as Mississippi gopher frogs—are medium- an average of only 15 percent of paired This year’s frogs were sent to Memphis, sized frogs that are black, brown, or gray females reproducing prior to consolidation where they joined other dusky gopher frogs with dark spots and ridges along their backs. to 50-75 percent after consolidation. In the bred in managed care from Memphis Zoo Their skin is covered with bumpy glands three years since fully consolidating the in Memphis, Tenn., and Omaha’s Henry that secrete a coating that protects their skin. population (2017, 2018, and 2019), hatches Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Neb., When picked up, they cover their eyes with have averaged over 100 animals per year. before being released in Mississippi. All of their forefeet, possibly to protect their faces Because of the increased reproductive the released amphibians are tagged with until predators taste their bitter, milky skin success, both the zoo-managed population identification to track their survival. secretions and drop them. They have loud, and the number of annual releases have “DZS staff weren’t there for the guttural calls that sound like snoring. grown to strong and effective levels. In frogs’ release this year due to COVID-19 The dusky gopher frogs at the Detroit June 2020, 55 zoo-hatched snakes were precautions, but we know that our efforts Zoo’s National Amphibian Conservation released, bringing the total number of here in Detroit are helping to ensure that Center live in special bio-secure rooms releases since 2010 to 178. In 2019, we these frogs will soon thrive in their natural behind the scenes and are not viewable to trapped the first offspring from our releases, habitat,” said Dr. Ruth Marcec-Greaves, the public. The Zoo population is critical marking a critical milestone of success. AZA director of the National Amphibian insurance against extinction until the species facilities are now sustainably managing Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo in can be adequately protected in the wild and and securing Louisiana pine snakes in zoos Royal Oak, Mich. suitable locations are found for release. while simultaneously contributing to in situ Once abundant throughout Louisiana, When the National Amphibian conservation by creating a fully sustainable Mississippi and Alabama, dusky gopher Conservation Center opened at the Detroit wild population in protected habitat. frogs are nearly extinct. This species is Zoo in 2000, it was the first major facility among the most endangered species in the dedicated entirely to conserving and C. Drew Foster is an animal curator world, according to the International Union exhibiting amphibians. The award-winning, at Arizona Center for Nature for the Conservation of Nature. state-of-the-art amphibian center is the Conservation’s Phoenix Zoo “With nearly half of the world’s 8,000 largest of its kind and home to a spectacular in Phoenix, Ariz. plus amphibian species threatened with diversity of frogs, toads, salamanders, Steve Reichling is director of extinction due to habitat loss, climate newts and caecilians, many of which are conservation & research at the Memphis change, pollution, infectious diseases and the subjects of field research and part of Zoo in Memphis, Tenn. other factors, bolstering the population of cooperative management programs.

8 www.aza.org | September 2020 communications? How can zoo and aquarium diversity, equity, access, and inclusion efforts support this? This question looks inward at the profession, prompting zoos and aquariums to assess how and to what extent their operations and culture may contribute to the continuation of inequitable societal norms and privileges and how to move toward more inclusive and just practices.

2. What is the role of zoos and aquariums in communities, including in the context of striving for environmental and social justice? This question looks externally at the positioning of zoos and aquariums in a community and societal context. The focus on communities brings forward questions

© Julie Larsen Maher, WCS © Julie Larsen Maher, of the role of zoos and aquariums in The AZA Social Science Research Agenda 2020 environmental and social justice.

© Detroit Zoo © Detroit 3. What is the role of zoos and aquariums in contributing to social change toward conservation? Research that can Help People This question addresses the potential for zoos and aquariums to influence societal values and Wildlife Thrive Together toward measurable conservation impact for two outcomes: 1) humans and nature thrive Submitted on Behalf including the current pandemic. It will together and 2) that zoos and aquariums of AZA’s Research and be a tool for AZA members, researchers, become synonymous with conservation. graduate students, and practitioners. Technology Committee AZA’s Board of Directors approved 4. What is the role of zoos and aquariums in The Association of Zoos and Aquariums the Agenda’s five key research questions in contributing to the development of a person’s Research and Technology Committee is July 2020. AZA’s Research and Technology intellectual, social-emotional, and physical excited to share the AZA Social Science Committee and Social Science Research and well-being? Research Agenda 2020, which is intended Evaluation Scientific Advisory Group (SSRE Anchored in education, this question to guide social science research by, about, SAG) will govern the agenda, in partnership positions zoos and aquariums within an and for zoos and aquariums over the next with the Conservation Education individual’s life experiences, which includes decade. It reflects the priorities, trends, and Committee and other committees, as learning as well as social-emotional and emerging issues identified by social scientists appropriate. Many thanks to those who physical well-being. and practitioners in the AZA community contributed time, resources, and expertise as most relevant to helping AZA-accredited to this process and especially those who will 5. How can zoos/aquariums maximize their organizations meet their missions. conduct the research of this agenda, helping systemic impact on conservation? The agenda was developed through the entire community be better positioned The need for multidisciplinary and an iterative process, with considerable to meet our missions successfully. community-based approaches is not always vetting by AZA committees. It builds upon considered when planning for, carrying out, the 2010 AZA Framework for Zoo and Five Key Research Questions measuring impact of, and communicating Aquarium Social Science Research and 1. How can zoos and aquariums help build about conservation field work. This question SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, and a more equitable society through reflection brings focus to the role of social science acknowledges the changing social climate, on their internal operations, culture, and research in achieving conservation goals.

For more member news, visit www.aza.org/press-room

8 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 9 Reintroduction Tennessee Aquarium, Partners Hit Milestone in Brook Trout Restoration Program © Tennessee Aquarium © Tennessee

Shell Creek is pretty much a picture-perfect naturally spawned fish in Little Stony, a clear Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Appalachian mountain stream.From indication that restocking had been successful. While the brook trout acclimated to the headwaters within a stone’s throw of the “The fish we introduced there are now water of their new home, the reintroduction Tennessee-North Carolina border, it descends producing enough on their own that we don’t team discussed where and how best through the Cherokee National Forest in a have to help them anymore,” said Tennessee to release their charges into the brisk, burbling dance over and around boulders Aquarium Reintroduction Biologist, Meredith 58-degree current. coated in carpet-thick layers of green moss. Harris. “This year feels like starting a new “The brook trout is the native species Shell Creek is an undeniably beautiful chapter. Now, it’s on to the next location.” here in the Appalachians, and we want waterway rife with stairsteps of terraced The first stocking effort at Shell to get those back into our streams,” said falls separated by clear, slower-moving Creek began before dawn as Harris and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency pools. Even more importantly to biologists, Reintroduction Assistant, Anna Quintrell, Streams and Rivers Biologist, Sally Petre. however, the creek’s upper reaches are largely collected more than 400 juvenile brook trout “It’s nice to close the door a little bit free of non-native rainbow and brown trout from hatchery systems at the Tennessee on Little Stony Creek. Now, we can put thanks to a natural barrier preventing their Aquarium Conservation Institute’s effort into spawning and rearing fish to movement upstream. freshwater science center near downtown stock Shell Creek and hopefully see more The absence of competition for Chattanooga, Tenn. production here, too.” resources makes this stretch of the Shell an After getting the fish ready for a road Brook trout—or “Brookies,” as they’re ideal location for the next chapter in the trip in oxygenated bags cooled by ice packs, affectionately known to anglers and other restoration of the Southern Appalachian Harris and Quintrell drove more than ichthyophiles—used to thrive in places brook trout to its historic range. 250 miles to reach a stretch of Shell Creek like Shell Creek. Beginning in the 1920s, Over the course of three years, brook bordered by a meadow of waist-high grass however, the introduction of non-native trout restoration efforts were focused at Little off a steep, switchback gravel road. species, clear-cutting of forests, and Stony Creek, another cold-water stream about Once on site, Harris and Quintrell alterations to streambeds saw brook trout ten miles north of Shell Creek. In the last joined representatives from Tennessee species reduced to 15 percent of its historic year, however, biologists were excited to find Wildlife Resources Agency, U.S. Forest range in the Southeastern United States.

10 www.aza.org | September 2020 In the wild, brook trout are wide- ranging and can be found from the Southern Appalachians into Canada. However, the southern strain of brook trout—the Southern Appalachian brook trout—is genetically distinct from northern populations. In the 1980s, TWRA began what has become a decades-long quest to restore Brookies to their native southern waterways. In 2012, the Aquarium leant its expertise to this effort by spawning, hatching, and raising juveniles for release back into the wild. With the release of this year’s class of propagated fish, the restocking effort has seen more than 3,000 brook trout returned to their native waters. The propagation process is a time- intensive affair, which begins in late October with the spawning and fertilization of eggs from brood stock at the Conservation Institute. The daily care of these juvenile fish is funded by the Appalachian Chapter of Trout Unlimited through the sale of special brook trout license plates. Despite eight months of work rearing these juvenile trout to a releasable size, their reintroduction into Shell Creek was over in less than two hours.

© Tennessee Aquarium © Tennessee Team members worked their way up and downstream over slick rocks and through patches of stinging nettles while carrying dip nets and buckets. Stopping occasionally along the waterway, team Marketing members carefully deposited fish, a few at a time, into calm pools and in the shadowy lee of overhanging boulders. When reintroduced, these fingerlings Drive-in Zoovies Brings the are mostly pale silver—the only suggestion of their future brilliance being a faint Silver Screen to Columbus Zoo reddening of their tail and pectoral fins. When they are full grown, brook trout are a The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in were able to add-on a “Zooper Snack Pack” riot of color, with white-edged fins and sides Powell, Ohio, brought a new, fun event to that included four bottled beverages and that brighten from olive to crimson with the summer schedule while still allowing two bags of popcorn. gold and red speckling. for social distancing. Taking a spin on This favorite family pastime was the For those involved in such long-term the traditional drive-in movies, Drive-In perfect way to get out of the house while conservation programs, the effort can ZOOvies, presented by G&J Pepsi, featured still enjoying a socially-safe activity together. sometimes feel like a battle of attrition— family-friendly flicks up on the big screen in The movies played on a large LCD screen, years of effort with few noteworthy signs the Zoo’s northeast parking lot. which allowed families to see the movie even of forward progress. Seeing successful wild A series of eight movies was featured on before sunset. All vehicles were directed into breeding of reintroduced fish is a rare, Fridays and Saturdays from 19 June to 11 July. parking spaces to ensure every other space is special moment, Harris said. Each vehicle needed to pre-purchase admission occupied to allow for appropriate distancing “That’s the end game for us,” she said. “To online at ColumbusZoo.org for this special between vehicles. Guests could either sit in put them back into the water and know that event. No event tickets were sold at the Zoo. their vehicle or outside of their vehicle on they’re swimming in the stream where they There were limited concessions the driver side only. The movie’s audio was belong is just the best feeling in the world.” available, but for an additional $20, guests played through an FM radio station.

10 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 11 Green Tales The Houston Zoo LEED Employee Program

The program took off in popularity and the Zoo far exceeded its goal. The Houston Zoo now has 24 employees across the Operations team who are LEED accredited, including carpenters, electricians, painters, horticulture technicians, water quality technicians, welders, and exhibit designers. Other accredited staff include the Houston Zoo’s Design & Engineering project managers, the director of business operations, and the chief operating officer. After receiving their LEED Green Associate accreditation, employees were asked to identify a project to improve campus operations that could help save energy, save water, prevent pollution, reduce waste, or other green practices. To date, 16 projects have been completed on campus by LEED accredited staff that have helped reduce the Houston Zoo’s carbon footprint by 57 tons per year, saved over 40,000 kwH of energy per year, and reduced water consumption by three million gallons per year. Energy saving projects include upgrading automatic hand dryers in restrooms to more energy efficient models, increasing the installation of LED lighting, retrofitting electric-charging carts with solar roofs, and installing sub-meters on buildings to better understand energy consumption sources. Additionally, the Houston Zoo LEED employees have switched indoor paints to low VOC alternatives and upgraded landscaping equipment to battery- operated models to reduce dependence on combustion fuels.

© Houston Zoo Two of the Zoo’s most recently completed projects include a green ticket kiosk and In 2017, the Houston Zoo published The program for green buildings worldwide, and green food kiosk. These small buildings were Future of the Houston Zoo, a strategic plan is administered by the United States Green built using recycled and renewable materials, that included among its eight goals Operate Building Council (USGBC). The LEED include large windows to increase daylighting, Sustainably to Benefit the Environment in rating system provides a framework for and have prairie roofs to slow stormwater order to meet the Zoo’s mission of saving healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green runoff, insulate the building, and provide animals in the wild. A tactic identified buildings and can be used throughout all habitat for native flora and fauna. to meet this goal was to have three staff building phases including new construction, The Houston Zoo LEED employee members LEED accredited. renovations, operations, and maintenance. If program has empowered staff members and LEED, Leadership in Energy and three staff shared this expertise, they could made them feel confident that their position Environmental Design, is the leading help lead the Zoo toward a greener future. helps the Houston Zoo meet its mission.

12 www.aza.org | September 2020 Research Updates for up to four months following release. At Captive Rearing and Translocation of A Novel Method for least four of the chicks were subsequently Juvenile Common Loons. Zoo Biology, 1-8. Captive Rearing confirmed to have survived to adulthood Correspondence to Michelle Kneeland when they returned to the area in breeding at [email protected]. of Common Loon Chicks plumage two to three years following release. Common loons are diving waterbirds Two of these confirmed adults displayed Maximizing Survival and that are particularly challenging to keep prolonged territorial pair behavior together, in managed care due to their specific and this is an encouraging early sign that Welfare in Eastern Gray behavioral and physiologic needs, special chicks-reared in managed care may form Squirrels Presented for housing requirements, and susceptibility successful breeding pairs in the future. Wildlife Rehabilitation to stress-related disease. This study reports Because most immature loons remain on a novel method for housing and rearing on the ocean until at least three years of The purpose of this study was to establish common loon chicks that was developed age, additional managed-reared loons easily identifiable prognostic indicators for as part of the first-ever loon translocation are expected to return to the release area survival in eastern gray squirrels. Eastern effort in southeast Massachusetts, from in subsequent years. These husbandry gray squirrels are commonly presented to 2015 to 2017. techniques could be applied to other loon wildlife rehabilitation facilities and wildlife Thirteen loon chicks were reared in and diving bird species that are notoriously medical clinics in North America for a aquatic pens in a natural lake environment, difficult to house in managed care. The novel variety of human-related injuries including utilizing noninvasive feeding and feeding techniques described here could also road traffic and pet predation, particularly monitoring techniques that avoided human be adapted for loon chicks being reared in cat predation. habituation. Chicks were reared in aquatic pools or other traditional managed settings. There are limited financial resources pens for 16 to 28 days before being released and personnel to treat and care for wildlife. onto the lake. All chicks remained clinically Kneeland, M.R., Spagnuolo V.A., Evers, Eastern gray squirrels produce two litters normal and were monitored on the lake D.C., et al. (2020) A Novel Method for a year (March through August); juveniles wean as early as seven weeks of age and are considered completely weaned at 300g of body weight. The medical record database of the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic was searched from January 2012 through December 2018 for records of eastern gray squirrels weighing <300 grams (N=955) and categorical data recorded. Factors that predicted a non-survivor status included orphaned eastern gray squirrels that presented with body system abnormalities, particularly neurologic clinical signs and those that present in the winter months. The presence of respiratory signs and diarrhea were also significantly associated with a higher likelihood of non-survival status. Wildlife medical clinics and rehabilitation centers may use this information by initiating more aggressive medical therapies or instituting distinct euthanasia protocols for eastern gray squirrels with these presentations.

Levy, I.H., Keller, K.A., Allender, M.C., Reich, S. & Whittington, J. (2020) Prognostic Indicators for Survival of Orphaned Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 51(2), 275-279. Correspondence to Krista Keller at [email protected].

12 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 13 Perching Surface/Foot and artificial turf/interdigital bandage admitted to the Turtle Rescue Team at the Bandage Combinations for combinations, and a third group including the North Carolina State University College the Prevention and Treatment interdigital/wood and no bandage/artificial of Veterinary Medicine between 1996 turf. All combinations performed better and 2017 were reviewed for presenting of Bumblefoot in Falcons than control (no bandage on wood). The complaint and time line for admission. The Pododermatitis, or bumblefoot, is prevalent in results of this investigation may be used as a most common presenting complaint was falcons and is characterized by inflammation resource for the selection of perching surface/ vehicular trauma (n = 1,195) with over and infection of the plantar (bottom) foot bandage combinations to use in the 70 percent of the caseload associated with aspect of the feet, particularly at the central prevention and treatment of pododermatitis human-related impacts. metatarsal pad. Suboptimal perch design and in falcons and other avian species. Average monthly temperatures from increased weight loading on the plantar skin 1996 to 2017 for Raleigh, N.C., were have been proposed as major risk factors for Barboza, T., Beaufrére, H., & Moens, N. extracted from the National Oceanic and the development of pododermatitis. (2020) Effects of Perching Surfaces and Atmospheric Administration climate Prevention and treatment are challenging, Foot Bandaging on Central Metatarsal database. By comparing the pre- and but weight load reduction on the affected Foot Pad Weight Loading of the Peregrine post-2006 years, the study found that area of the foot is an accepted goal of initial Falcon (Falco peregrinus). Journal of Avian both the annual peak temperature and the treatment. While various foot bandages Medicine and Surgery, 34(1), 9-16. annual timing of admission have shifted and perch surfaces have been advocated Correspondence to Hugues Beaufrére significantly or with a strong tendency by avian veterinarians and falconers, at [email protected]. towards significance. Annual peak evidence currently is lacking to support temperature has increased by 1.3°C over specific recommendations. Using feet Shifts in Box Turtle Activity this 22 year period, and timing of admission from a peregrine falcon cadaver, this study has shifted 18 days earlier between pre- investigated the performance of different Patterns Potentially Related and post-2006 years. This supports the perching surface (wood, neoprene, artificial to Climate hypothesis that box turtle activity patterns turf)/foot bandage (none, interdigital, silicone Significant impacts of global climate change are shifting and that these changes are shoe) combinations, and mimicking different on wildlife have been documented and are potentially related to climate. weight loading on the feet or increased projected to continue. Reptiles have been compression forces upon landing. suggested as being especially susceptible to Ready, Z.C., Chen, E.P., & Lewbart, G.A. As compression forces increased, these effects along with other anthropogenic (2020) Temporal Patterns in Admissions differences emerged with the shoe impacts on their environment. of Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina combinations performing better overall, A retrospective review of medical carolina) at a North Carolina Wildlife followed by a group including the neoprene records for 2,356 wild eastern box turtles Clinic as a Reflection of Climate. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 51(2), 363-370. Correspondence to Greg Lewbart at [email protected].

Study Finds that Spindly Leg Syndrome Connected to Low Calcium Levels in Water Used to Rear Tadpoles

Spindly leg syndrome is a relatively common musculo-skeletal abnormality that leads to poorly developed forelimbs of newly metamorphosed froglets. This condition is usually associated with rearing of frogs in managed care and has been rarely observed in the wild, making it an animal welfare concern for zoos and aquariums. In conservation breeding programs, spindly leg syndrome can lead to high mortality rates for endangered species, and unpredictable breeding success.

14 www.aza.org | September 2020 By the Numbers The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project is a collaborative conservation project between the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Zoo New England, the Houston Zoo, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute that houses captive assurance colonies of 12 amphibian species at their facilities in Panama. The Morris Animal Foundation provided funding to a team of staff from these collaborating organizations and the Waltham Petcare Science Institute From 2017 to 2019, to identify the cause of spindly leg syndrome, a condition that was affecting the harlequin frog and dart frog species Association of Zoos and Aquariums- housed at the facility. 41 The team found that rates of spindly accredited facilities spent approximately leg syndrome were not connected to the tadpole’s diet, but to low levels of dissolved calcium and phosphate in the water used to $1.5 million on conserving rear the tadpoles. Tadpoles absorb calcium primarily across their gills and store it in vultures in the wild. specialized organs so they can use it later in metamorphosis when their skeletons change from cartilage to bone. Therefore, increasing Most projects work on International calcium and phosphate levels in the water Union for Conservation of Nature rather than their food was more important for preventing spindly leg syndrome. Critically Endangered species. Addition of both calcium and phosphate to the water improved survivorship of the tadpoles and reduced the prevalence of African white-backed, Eurasian black, spindly leg syndrome, but did not eliminate it completely. and lappet-faced vultures were the Researchers speculate, based on previous experiments, that other factors such as highest funded species. The majority overfeeding tadpoles may also reduce larval development times and their ability to store of projects took place calcium reserves for metamorphosis. They recommend that other people encountering in South Africa, spindly leg syndrome test their water for followed by Botswana calcium hardness and supplement it with calcium chloride if it is too soft, and reduce and Tanzania. the amount of food offered to tadpoles. The paper was published in Plos One: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/ Projects involved many article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0235285 topics, but conservation E. Lassiter, O. Garcés, K. Higgins, E. Baitchman, M. Evans, J. Guerrel, E. and environmental Klaphake, D. Snellgrove, R. Ibáñez, B. Gratwicke (2020) Spindly Leg education were the most Syndrome in Atelopus varius is Linked to commonly mentioned. Environmental Calcium and Phosphate Availability. Plos One

14 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 15 Did You See? Commercial Member News It’s National Nonprofit Day! The New England Aquarium is a Elephant Exhibit Receives nonprofit that safeguards ocean animals and habitats to ensure a vital and Landscape Merit Award vibrant ocean for generations to come. We engage and educate individuals of all ages ..., we conduct innovative scientific research through our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, and we rescue and rehabilitate endangered and threatened sea turtles in our Animal Care Center in Quincy... Support our mission, our research, our staff, and our animals by giving to our Mission Forward Fund here: bit.ly/2wzV9jg

- New England Aquarium Facebook Page

Happy Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin! © Sedgwick County Zoo © Sedgwick County Join us and communities around the world in celebrating Cotton-top tamarins and the awesome work of our conservation The Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley into the water, and a nearly 16,000-square- at Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, Kan., foot viewing platform named Camp Zambezi. partner Proyecto Titii, saving this critically was recognized by the American Society “We wanted to put guests inside the endangered species in Colombia. of Landscape Architects Prairie Gateway animal’s environment to create different Want to see more of these amazing little Chapter with a Merit Award for landscape perspectives for both animals and humans. architecture. Working in tandem with the Our design organically integrated animal monkeys? Our Keepers are doing a Zoo’s horticultural staff, Association of enrichment directly into the habitat and “Tamarin Takeover” of our Instagram Zoos and Aquariums commercial member landscape to encourage natural behaviors,” account today! GMLV’s landscape studio designed a habitat said Lori Guthridge, lead Landscape with the highest standards of animal care Architect for the project. www.instagram.com/ and immersive guest experience. Not only does this immersive project OaklandZoo Everything was designed with elephants continue to shine as a premier elephant and visitors in mind, where guests can view a exhibit in North America, but most - Oakland Zoo herd of up to seven elephants with no visible importantly, it aligns with the Zoo’s larger Facebook Page barrier. These striking views are experienced story of Africa, providing educational from pontoon boats, a boat dock that extends benefits to guests.

16 www.aza.org | September 2020 © Sedgwick County Zoo © Sedgwick County

16 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 17 SAFE SPECIES PROGRAMS WORK TOGETHER AGAINST CONSERVATION THREATS

Monarch butterfly FOR ACTION SAFE SPECIES PROGRAMS WORK TOGETHER AGAINST CONSERVATION THREATS

BY KATE SILVER

September 2020 | www.aza.org 19 Looking Back Dr. Richard Bergl has been involved in gorilla conservation for more than two decades. That’s given Bergl, who, is AZA’s Wildlife Conservation Committee liaison to the SAFE gorilla program and a member of the steering committee, as well as the director of conservation, education and science at North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, N.C., a valuable vantage point to watch SAFE carve its path. Looking back, he said he respects the way the SAFE has bridged conservation work among zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations. “I think in the past, zoos had somewhat worked in silos when it comes to conservation. There was the ‘North Carolina Zoo Gorilla Conservation Project’ or whatever zoo conservation project on a given species, but there was no coordination between them,” said Bergl. “I think SAFE has helped to achieve that coordination and collaboration so that people are working towards a collective conservation goal that’s the best thing for that species, rather than highlighting the work of an individual zoo or aquarium.” As SAFE shark and ray public engagement coordinator, Jim Wharton, the director of conservation engagement and learning at Seattle Aquarium in Seattle, since the Association of Zoos and Aquariums launched Wash., has been involved with the program since its SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction. SAFE began earliest days. He said SAFE has helped elevate the with 10 SAFE species programs and has since grown conservation work of zoos and aquariums. Visitors— to include 27 species-specific programs. SAFE evolved who number nearly 200 million a year—as well as from being led by AZA to a program that’s driven by conservation organizations, are now more likely to AZA members, who now propose species and take recognize the role those facilities play in addressing ownership of developing SAFE teams and devising threats to wildlife. collaborative conservation efforts. “In order to be an effective conservation The notion of shared threats across species is not organization, you have to be recognized and respected a new one. It is easy to see that SAFE species and the as a conservation organization. So, there is a little bit of a health of our planet are all connected in some way, but feedback loop there,” said Wharton. the infrastructure to address these threats takes time to Wharton said that it was necessary to establish that build. In addition to field conservation and scientific reputation by focusing on individual species before objectives, SAFE species programs address threats by moving in the current direction and tackle even larger bringing awareness to and engaging their visitors and challenges in conservation. the public in action against threats to SAFE species. It’s because of this work that AZA can now engage Launching a Movement to Save Monarchs members at a different level of collaboration. In 2021, In fact, the progress towards addressing threats has been a new initiative under SAFE called “Action Against an organic one, inspired by creative and collaborative Conservation Threats” or “ACT” will be launched. actions of SAFE species programs, themselves. One Through ACT, AZA looks to tackle the most common such group is the new SAFE North American monarch shared threats to SAFE species, such as habitat loss, program, where social science has played a valuable role wildlife trafficking, pollution, climate change, and more. in drawing support among members. “Because of everything our community has been The monarch butterfly, with its orange lacy wings, is able to build through species-focused conservation, one of the most recognized of all butterfly species. “It’s now we’re able to bridge the larger gaps of threats that really everyone’s butterfly,” said Paige Howorth, SAFE are affecting all of our SAFE species,” said Kayla Ripple, North American monarch vice program leader who AZA SAFE coordinator. is the McKinney Family Director of Invertebrate Care In honor of the fifth anniversary of SAFE, and and Conservation at San Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif. to better understand the evolution of this new SAFE Its plight is also well-known: according to the National initiative, we talked to five SAFE leaders about where Wildlife Federation, North American monarchs have the program has come from and where it’s headed. declined almost 90 percent since the 1990s because of Here’s what we learned. habitat loss, pesticides, and other threats.

20 www.aza.org | September 2020 Western lowland gorilla

Sandtiger shark

20 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 21 Monarch butterfly

22 www.aza.org | September 2020 Asian elephants

When this SAFE program formed in 2019, the goal our own backyards. And they’re taking notes, so that of its leaders was to launch a coordinated movement other AZA members can learn from those efforts and within the AZA community to address the threats tackle other challenges. impacting the butterfly. Dr. Lily Maynard, who is the SAFE North American monarch program leader and Taking Action for Asian elephants conservation program manager at Disney’s Animal By educating people about the ways that oil palm Kingdom in Orlando, Fla., is a social scientist who is plantations can have a devastating impact on habitat, the using her expertise in social movement engagement— SAFE Asian elephant program is using social media to coupled with Howorth’s entomology expertise—to rally inspire action against shared threats. support. Already, the group has a network of nearly It began in 2019, when educators in the program 80 zoos and aquariums and almost a dozen other got together to discuss a significant challenge to their organizations that have signed on as partners. conservation work: awareness. Asian elephants are The key is that the group is open to anyone. classified as Endangered by the International Union “That’s important when building a social for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with populations movement,” said Maynard “You can’t make a small declining by 50 percent over the last century. group and then only invite some people to join you and Danielle Ross, who is a member of the SAFE expect a movement to take off.” Asian elephant steering committee as the public Hosting video calls for up to 100 people, they’ve engagement coordinator and vice president of collaborated to design a menu of 15 actions that partners conservation education and engagement at Columbus can add to their conservation efforts, such as planting Zoo and Aquarium in Powell, Ohio, and The Wilds native milkweed so that monarch caterpillars have food, in Cumberland, Ohio, said that when people think of or reducing pesticide use. The actions are grounded in elephants, their minds often go to Africa. best practices developed by SAFE partners and scientific “The numbers are more dire for Asian elephants, but advisers, such as the Xerces Society for Invertebrate people don’t realize that,” said Ross. “We felt people don’t Conservation and Monarch Joint Venture. even realize that there are elephants in Asia.” “The thing I think really helps build a lot of buy-in The group launched a social media campaign called for zoos to sign on is we did not dictate what they have #TONSoflove to draw attention to the species. They to do,” said Maynard. Rather, each partner selects at least asked zoo visitors across the country to hold their hands one activity to add to their current efforts. in the shape of a heart and taken an “elphie” (elephant By launching a social movement, they’re inviting selfie) with an Asian elephant, with the goal of getting us all to address the threats to a butterfly that’s in 40,000 people to react to the campaign. By the end of

22 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 23 Asian elephant

the campaign, the elephant messages reached more than 1.6 million people, with 89,974 likes, comments, and shares—more than twice the goal. The next step, said Ross, is to share messages about threats to Asian elephants, like oil palm plantations. In Indonesia, the world’s largest producer of palm oil, oil palm plantations are taking over massive amounts of land, threatening the habitat of Asian elephants, as well as other animals such as orangutans, Sumatran tigers, and a number of bird species. Ross said that the next social media campaign will encourage people to download the Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping App produced by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colo., and share a photo of themselves choosing sustainable palm oil. “We want people to start showing themselves doing something to help Asian elephants, and that’s showing their love,” said Ross. By addressing the shared threat of habitat loss, the campaign will be working to make a difference not just for Asian elephants, but for all animals in that ecosystem.

Looking Ahead In just five years, SAFE has come a long way in finding its own voice, and amplifying the voices of AZA-accredited facilities. Some of those closest to the program, like Wharton, said that its effectiveness lies, in part, in AZA’s willingness to grow and change. “I think it’s definitely the most important work we do. And I’m happy that SAFE has continually allowed itself 2021, AZA will launch ACT as part of its 2021 Party to evolve and not felt stuck in its original mode. As long for the Planet events. In the interim, AZA is working as it’s willing to look at itself critically, and respond, then I with members, SAFE species programs, directors, think it’ll only get more and more effective,” said Wharton. conservation partners, and others to build a multi- Bergl said he looks forward to seeing what the future disciplinary framework to take on the most pressing holds for SAFE. issues in conservation. “The threat focus is still very emergent so I think There’s much more to come, said Ripple, as AZA and it has the potential to be really important in the next others work together and learn from one another. iteration of SAFE,” he said. “By focusing not only on specific species but also AZA elevated discussions around shared threats in the shared challenges confronting them, we hope to 2019, working with members to highlight links across inspire a social movement within and outside of AZA- SAFE species threats and the existing work of AZA accredited facilities that can contribute to a world where members and their partners to address these threats. people and wildlife thrive together.” This built a foundation to engage members at another level of collaboration and multi-disciplinary work. In Kate Silver is a writer based in Chicago, Ill.

24 www.aza.org | September 2020 Manta ray

24 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 25 BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS

Returning to business as usual within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ community may sound like something to hope for, but given the reality of COVID-related challenges, it may be some time before that’s achievable.

AZA-accredited facilities are driven by their conservation missions and their conservation support is often times the cornerstone of their animal and education programs. As zoos and aquariums deal with staff and budget cuts; potential reductions in philanthropy; travel restrictions and an absence of ecotourism; they are being forced to take a hard look at how to maintain their commitment to conservation. BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS

© North Carolina Zoo

September 2020 | www.aza.org 27 “The challenge is, ‘How do you keep one eye on trying to advance your mission while keeping the other eye on stabilizing operations?” said Chris Kuhar, executive director While facing the challenge of continuing to fund and advance conservation on their own, it makes sense for zoos and aquariums at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in to consider a more collaborative approach. All ecosystems— including institutions—go through an adaptive cycle during Cleveland, Ohio, and chair, AZA any time of significant disruption. Understanding that cycle from the perspective of our members lends credence to the idea board. “We have to stabilize our of the partner-based SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction programs being a viable solution to maintain our commitment to funding and determine the most conservation even when resources are limited. important places to put our “The adaptive cycle framework helps us understand how interdependent all living systems are, and what happens as they conservation dollars. We need move and evolve,” said Zosia Brown, resource, procurement, and sustainability supervisor at Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, to be efficient, not wasteful.” Wash., and chair of AZA’s Green Scientific Advisory Group. “While there are many benefits to maintaining the status quo, when an event or shift happens, it can force a release of energy and present new opportunities. Similarly, with zoo/ aquarium sustainability and conservation programs, we can save more wildlife and habitat, and certainly respond better to disruptions if we can coordinate, leverage each other’s strengths, and collectively explore new opportunities.”

What’s in it for You? AZA-accredited facilities’ identity as conservation organizations is deeply ingrained, with many of them having done their own conservation programs for decades. Although SAFE is a relatively new program, 70 percent of AZA members are already participating in it. It may take time to reach 100 percent, but the pandemic may prove be a catalyst that moves the community more quickly towards that number. “Programs have inertia,” said Kuhar. “You may have been dealing with a partner for 20 years, and you don’t want to say, ‘We’re going to defund you so we can work over there.’ I hope we’ll see organizations move from individual models of conservation toward more unified programs, but cultural change won’t happen overnight.” He encourages facilities to have an open mind and “take a good, long look at what would work for you. If your zoo has gorillas, for example, there’s a SAFE gorilla program. Go and find out what it does. Might it be the most effective place to put your resources?” Pandemic-related revenue losses and the increasing complexity of conservation issues are two factors that may push the community to better understand how their resources can be put together for greater impact. “Everyone is competing for the same money and resources,” said Dr. Debborah Luke, senior vice president, conservation at The Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Fla. “I think we grew up in an atmosphere where grant funds and big donor funds came into programs that were really well-established, and those programs were siloed. But conservation issues

28 www.aza.org | September 2020 28 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 29 have become so complex because there aren’t just one or two factors that affect a species. You’re seeing a shift in the culture— that it takes the expertise of many to work at solving issues comprehensively. Funders are looking now at funding projects that are collaborative, not just a simple one and done. SAFE puts an active conservation focus for a taxon into a well thought out plan where everyone can play a role.” The SAFE program framework not only benefits facilities with varying degrees of experience, but also enhances the reputation of the profession as a whole, according to Lisa Kelley, executive director of WildCare at the Saint Louis Zoo in Saint Louis, Mo., and Wildlife Conservation Committee coordinator for SAFE. “If you have SAFE species and are doing conservation anyway, this is a very effective way to amplify the message that AZA-accredited facilities are wildlife conservation leaders. And for institutions that don’t have a history of field conservation and don’t know how to get started, SAFE gives them the “You tap into a motivated, engaged, experience and confidence to become leaders.” expert group of people that have In a time of disruption, SAFE is perfectly set up to maximize and leverage resources of all kinds, providing knowledge, connections, and inspiration like-minded partners and eliminating the need to start that you can benefit from immediately working from scratch. While the reference to “resources” may include financial support for conservation, it also includes ... Every institution is different and the valuable skill-set of staff at member organizations. SAFE opens opportunities for educators, marketers, advocacy every SAFE program is different, but experts and more to come together for a single purpose. when you see a team that’s winning, If your organization is passionate about saving a specific species, an easy way to double your impact could be joining you want to be a part of it.” a SAFE species program. “You tap into a motivated, engaged, expert group of people that have knowledge, connections, and inspiration that you can benefit from immediately,” said Kristen Lukas, director of conservation and science at Cleveland MetroParks Zoo and chair, SAFE gorilla program. “Every institution is different and every SAFE program is different, but when you see a team that’s winning, you want to be a part of it.”

A Collective Effort SAFE’s collaborative partnership model includes working closely with communities in the field, which supports a move toward focusing on both animals and people. This may prove beneficial when facing limited resources as we move forward in this changed world. Roger Sweeney, director of animal management welfare at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, N.C, recently proposed the SAFE Asian hornbill program, a natural progression of his work with the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) Asian hornbill specialist group that is based in field biology. “This was an opportunity to look at SAFE as being a bridge between the AZA community and the scientists to bring the best out in both,” he said. Even though several potential partners wanted to delay the SAFE program proposal once the pandemic took hold,

30 www.aza.org | September 2020 30 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 31 the Nashville Zoo in Nasheville, Tenn., and the Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Ariz., joined Sweeney on moving it forward because they wanted to double down on their commitment. He emphasized the importance of partnering with local organizations and communities long before he was involved with SAFE, citing conservation planning workshops that included educators, farmers, field biologists, and representatives from local government and forestry agencies. “You need to be a partner on the ground to develop those long- term relationships. You have to get to know the people, be very visible, and show them you’ll be with them year after year. We’re using our knowledge and skills to help their communities and support them in doing their best conservation planning and work.” For Jake Owens, director of conservation at the Los Angeles “We will certainly continue to expand Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles, Calif., the value of collaboration between zoos and field organizations became evident our involvement in SAFE programs as when he was in China as a field conservationist at the Chengdu we focus and increase the efficacy of Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. “We kept seeking out people to help us, which included seeking our conservation program, as we did out partnerships with zoos. That’s when I first saw the natural link. in March by joining the SAFE North Zoos had skills and expertise we didn’t have because they deal with animals from birth to death. They are serious conservation American songbird program. ” organizations with a unique capacity. One of our most effective partnerships was with the Smithsonian National Zoo. They had a very skilled wildlife veterinarian who came and stayed for a year. He not only trained our veterinarians, he trained our field team, who didn’t have any medical or veterinary experience.” Now that he is working for the Los Angeles Zoo, Owens remains committed to a partnership model in all of their conservation efforts. “We will certainly continue to expand our involvement in SAFE programs as we focus and increase the efficacy of our conservation program, as we did in March by joining the SAFE North American songbird program. The roundtable we are putting together as we develop our Conservation Strategic Plan is primarily focused on exploring new collaborations with local organizations. However, we often discuss the SAFE programs in these meetings, as they are important to the broader discussions.” The pandemic has shed light on the notion that the way we did conservation “before” was costly and perhaps unsustainable for business practices long-term. Although the way forward is not yet completely clear, the AZA ecosystem is in the phase of the adaptability cycle where we have experienced a shift that has created new challenges, and as a result, new opportunities. Increasing participation in SAFE species programs is an opportunity that checks many of the boxes that are necessary for more sustainable and long-term commitments to conservation. “SAFE encourages us to commit to more focused conservation planning, more strategic goal setting, and better evaluation,” said Sweeney. “It gets us to commit to a three-year plan … and it’s more effective at showing the impact of what we’re doing. SAFE programs tell a story of hope.”

Mary Ellen Collins is a writer based in St. Petersburg, Fla.

32 www.aza.org | September 2020 32 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 33 CONNECTED

SSPS AND SAFE PROGRAMS CAN MAKE A GREATER IMPACT TOGETHER BY BETH SCHAEFER AND MANDI SCHOOK

34 www.aza.org | September 2020 CONNECTED

From left to right: Two Blanding's turtles, one Midland painted turtle, one Blanding's turtle 34 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 35 the efforts of proposing a SAFE species, only to be rejected seemed like a lot of work with little to no reward. Others felt that only species with the greatest likelihood of conservation success would be approved. In the new member-driven model, SAFE species are proposed and run by members, empowering them to work with Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival colleagues as is appropriate for the needs Plan® programs were established in 1981 to oversee the of the species. Often times, SAFE species programs are already working with or are population management of select species within AZA- proposed by SSPs, adding more resources accredited facilities and to enhance conservation of focal to their conservation efforts. While SAFE species are approved by the WCC, all species in the wild. As SSP efforts grew, it became clear that species with thoughtful proposals that meet it would be difficult to maintain population management and eligibility criteria (www.aza.org/propose- safe-species), are approved. conservation as long-term, sustainable operations of SSPs. There can be several benefits of Today, there are nearly 500 SSP programs and about 20 partnerships between SAFE and SSP programs. For Dave Collins, director of percent of them support conservation projects. forests and animal behavior at Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Spotted Turtle SSP coordinator, the AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction is a collaborative transition to a SAFE American turtle conservation program among AZA members and their field program was a no brainer. The SSP already worked with many partners. The program was inspired by the efforts of SSP non-AZA conservation partners. programs to build support for field conservation efforts, but Collins realized that establishing a better picture of genetic diversity and building worked to build a complementary framework that expanded genetic libraries would not only aid capacity for cross-cutting and interdisciplinary conservation law enforcement in correctly placing confiscated turtles from illegal wildlife by AZA members. trade, but also help the SSP understand the origins and relatedness of many turtles in AZA. The connection between ince its launch, SAFE has expanded Conservation Management Committee) field conservation and sustainability of eligibility criteria, offering greater and Wildlife Conservation Committee the AZA population prompted Collins opportunity for SSPs to work with existing (formerly Field Conservation Committee) to look into SAFE and read about the and new partners in the AZA community would be working together in a plan to One Plan Approach, an approach used in to advance in situ conservation goals. transition existing species conservation conservation planning by the International initiatives to the SAFE framework. Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Clarifying Committee Roles As part of a response to committee and one adopted in the SAFE framework. With the addition of SAFE, the alignments, the WCC began to survey He realized developing a SAFE program overlapping roles of the Wildlife the conservation-oriented SSPs that had would combine resources of multiple Conservation and Management proposed a SAFE species in 2014. This facilities and benefit common goals. Posting Committee and the Field Conservation allowed the WCC to dive deeper into the the SAFE American turtle program on Committee became unclear. In 2019, goals of these SSPs and learn how SAFE the AZA website prompted 13 additional AZA’s Board of Directors clarified the could facilitate achieving their goals. For facilities to express interest in joining, roles of the committees supporting this article, we also reached out to a number effectively doubling the those involved. population management and field of SAFE program leaders that partner with Collins also saw clear benefits to conservation work, as well as changed the SSPs to reach their conservation objectives. leveraging the AZA brand. names of each committee to reflect these Here’s what we found. “The Collaborative to Combat the roles. Last April, Dan Ashe, president Illegal Trade in Turtles (CCITT), which and chief executive officer of AZA, Myths Dispelled includes both law enforcement agencies issued a statement from the Board that Many SSP coordinators felt that proposing a and zoos in the Northeastern region, the Animal Population Management SAFE species, whether again or for the first drafted a call to action before World Committee (formerly Wildlife time, was just not worth-it. Going through Turtle Day,” Collins said. “AZA became an

36 www.aza.org | September 2020 White-backed vulture

© North Carolina Zoo

36 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 37 endorsing partner of that effort and handled the announcements. It had a huge distribution, and resulted in over 600 signatories and 18 facilities signing on. That wouldn’t have happened without being a SAFE program.” Michael Ogle, curator of herpetology at the SAGE ADVICE Knoxville Zoo, in Knoxville, Tenn., and chair of the SAFE radiated tortoise program and SSP For SSPs considering becoming coordinator for 12 years, described the current SAFE species programs: SAFE framework as similar to the original idea for SSPs, just set for modern times. • If developing a SAFE species program across “If our members are already working together on field projects, this is an easy way to multiple SSPs, recruit motivated individuals that build on those partnerships and expand to other think creatively and are looking for opportunities to members. Which in the end is what we all want to do: help the species we love in the area that accomplish more with their programs. matters most—their home.” • Inviting organizations outside the SSP to join Stronger Together discussions can bring diverse perspectives and While the roles of SAFE and SSPs are intertwined, it should be mentioned that a SAFE experience, and a conservation planning facilitator species program leader does not have to be an could also provide guidance while pulling together SSP coordinator. Often the two programs work hand in hand, dividing the work among two everyone’s ideas. separate committees. A successful example of this is the Orangutan SSP where Ronda Schwetz, • Develop well defined goals for what stakeholders executive zoo director of Henry Vilas Zoo want to get out of the program. The One Plan in Madison Wis., and co-leader of the SAFE orangutan program, is also on the SSP steering Approach may be really useful. committee. This allows close collaboration • Start fresh. Do not let the politics, mission, or between the two groups and a seamless transition to a SAFE program. previous work of the SSP shape the SAFE program, Dr. Corrine Kendall, curator of conservation but rather build your program strategically from the and research at North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, N.C., and program leader of the SAFE African ground up. vulture program says that collaboration with the Raptor Taxon Advisory Group has helped • Similarly, rather than “SAFE raised awareness about existing seeing SAFE as a new conservation activities, helped to unify members around a shared strategic plan, and name for your work allowed for greater consistency in messaging as an SSP, how can for education efforts related to African vultures across AZA facilities.” new resources and The SAFE North American monarch collaborative conservation program utilized the expertise of the Terrestrial Invertebrate TAG to create best practices for planning help you recruit rearing butterflies, thereby avoiding overlap new organizations and redundancy in the SAFE plan by directing questions in that area to the TAG. to participate and “Becoming a SAFE program allows for more rally more diverse efficient coordination of activities, resources, and communications to help partners work conservation activities toward shared goals for the species,” said Dr. for zoo and aquarium Lily Maynard, conservation programs manager for Disney Conservation in Orlando, Fla., and staff and guests? SAFE North American monarch program leader. “SAFE provides a platform for highlighting conservation successes via partnerships between zoos and aquariums that reach farther than White-headed vulture individual organizations can go.” © North Carolina Zoo

38 www.aza.org | September 2020 Spotted turtle hatchlings SAFE program leaders also felt that the role of SSPs in helping to maintain healthy populations for education and awareness efforts was vital to drive home the conservation message and actions for the public. Ogle found that SAFE also amplified awareness of in situ partnerships with the Turtle Survival Alliance. “When the massive confiscation happened in 2018, we were able to get the word out, and the AZA community showed up with funding, staff, and supplies in droves. It was great,” she said. “Several zoos have also joined the Radiated Tortoise SSP to exhibit this species since we launched as a SAFE program.”

It’s All Connected Aquarium Tennessee Phillips, © Casey Program leaders felt the role of SSPs in SAFE conservation programs remains as important as ever. Stacia A Pieroni, conservation manager at Kansas City Zoo in Kansas City, Mo., and Ronda Schwetz, felt that having the SSP involved as active advisors with both programs understanding and supporting each other’s mission and goals was critical, and that working closely with the SSP gave them a better SAFE program plan and more participation. Dave Collins agreed that continued coordination between SSP and SAFE programs is important. For example, genetics of wild confiscations may indicate the need to manage a certain number of genetic groups in AZA to maintain diversity, and he is finding that data management approaches for SSP populations might also be useful for in situ populations. SAFE program Bog turtle

leaders also felt that the role of SSPs in helping Aquarium Tennessee Phillips, © Casey to maintain healthy populations for education and awareness efforts was vital to drive home the Looking Ahead conservation message and actions for the public. The survey informed areas of future focus for the WCC and the APM Committee in supporting What is it Really About? SSPs in proposing SAFE species. Moving From WCC’s survey of SSPs, many of the SSP forward, both committees are working together respondents that had proposed a SAFE species to refine a productive and accessible reporting in 2014 expressed little understanding of what structure, understand how to increase focus SAFE was really about. Many of these leaders on population management but still highlight had not heard about SAFE because their TAGs how animal programs can support broader typically do not meet at AZA Annual or Mid- conservation efforts, and understand how Year conferences, where most SAFE information conservation planning through SAFE can help and updates are shared. Both committees TAGs weigh factors of species prioritization. are working to understand what a strategic We are continually learning and look forward communications plan and information sharing to making continued progress in supporting our could look like. collective conservation and management goals. Among articles like this that can promote information sharing and transparency, another Beth Schaefer, is the general curator at the potential solution is for WCC liaisons to attend Los Angeles Zoo and serves on the Wildlife TAG meetings occurring outside of AZA Conservation Committee. conferences to present on SAFE, and be available Mandi Schook is the science operations more broadly to answer questions, clarify manager at Disney’s Animal Kingdom misperceptions, and lend support to leaders who and serves on the Animal Population are considering championing a SAFE program. Management Committee.

38 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 39 FLYING MEXICAN WOLVES

The spring of 2020 promised to be a big year for Mexican wolf recovery. Unlike previous years, there would be no limits on the number of wolf pups born in managed care that the state of New Mexico would allow to be placed in wild dens, while Arizona increased their limit, allowing up to 12 placements. Known as “cross-fostering,” the process of placing pups born in managed care into wild dens, is a precise and well-coordinated effort that is executed by dedicated staff from several organizations. The chance to place more pups into the wild than ever before represented an important milestone for one of the most endangered mammals in North America.

40 www.aza.org | September 2020 FLYING MEXICAN WOLVES

BY ESTHER DUKE

40 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020Background | www.aza.org photo: 41 © LightHawk Wolf pup: © Endangered Wolf Center with commercial flights canceling nationwide and pups at facilities in Eureka, Mo., and Wichita, Kan., needing to be transported to wild dens in Arizona and New Mexico, it was unclear if cross-fostering would happen. Since the Service requested the program intentionally increase breeding among captive wolves to provide a surplus of pups for release through cross-fostering, not fostering would have a domino effect of overcrowding the facilities that would be felt for years to come. Luckily, six months earlier, the conservation nonprofit LightHawk began working with the Mexican Wolf Species Survival Plan® team and the USFWS Mexican Wolf Recovery Team to plan for safer, faster, and more customized flights to transport the pups to join their wild foster mothers. The timing, cabin temperature, and route for these flights were all planned to meet the needs of the pups. LightHawk is the largest environmental flying organization in the country. Working with more than 100 conservation partners, they design strategic flight campaigns to address pressing river, ocean, land, and wildlife problems. With a network of over 300 volunteer pilots, they provide more than 200 flights to advance conservation each year. LightHawk had already worked with the USFWS for a decade, flying adult wolves to advance Mexican wolf recovery. Over the years, LightHawk has flown 42 wolves, with 24 offspring produced as the result of wolf match-making flights, and 10 wolves eventually placed into the wild. This spring, LightHawk officially joined the pup foster effort. In April 2020, LightHawk volunteer pilot Mike Schroeder signed-up to fly three pups from the he Mexican wolf was eradicated from the wild in Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, Mo., and transfer both the U.S. and Mexico by the mid-1970s and was them to the field team in Arizona. The transport required listed as endangered under the Endangered Species a predawn departure and over 10 hours of flying round Act in 1976. In the late 1970s, a managed breeding trip in his Beechcraft King Air 100 in order to pick up the program—established with only seven founder pups and get them to Arizona in time for them to be animals—was created for the species with the goal fed, checked by a veterinarian, and carefully re-packed of one-day releasing Mexican wolves back into the into backpacks for the hike out to the wild den. wild. In 1998, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fostering needs to occur when the donor litter (USFWS) began releasing Mexican wolves from the and recipient litter are each less than 14 days old and program into the wild in New Mexico and Arizona. born within four-to-six days of one another. Recovery With such a small number of founders, team members know the approximate whelp date for ensuring the wild population contains enough managed litters based on observed breeding behavior. genetic diversity for long-term persistence is a crucial They can also ascertain wild whelp dates based on step in the recovery process. The managed breeding location data via GPS collars. If the stars align, donor program, organized by the Association of Zoos and pups are moved to the recipient litter. Aquariums and AZA-accredited facilities, plays an Despite all these challenges, the transport was a success essential role in Mexican wolf recovery by providing and the pups were placed into a wild den with their foster pups for cross-fostering each year. All pups selected for mother within just 12 hours of leaving their mother. cross-fostering improve the genetic diversity of the wild “LightHawk was amazing,” said Nancy Smith, wolf population. senior zookeeper at Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita, This year, just a month before whelping began, Kan. “Without their service, the Sedgwick County the United States began closing down due to the Zoo would not have been able to participate in cross- COVID-19 pandemic. As many as 18 female Mexican fostering this year. They also made it incredibly easy for wolves at facilities throughout the country were us by doing all the transporting, and reduced the stress potentially pregnant with litters available to foster if on the pups by getting them to their destination so timing matched with the birth of a wild litter. By April, much faster than we ever could have done otherwise.”

42 www.aza.org | September 2020 Mexican gray wolf 42 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 43 “I don't think fosters would have happened this year without LightHawk, they provided the momentum and means, that even in a pandemic, allowed us to push conservation efforts forward... This was an epic success. Not only did we manage to somehow still foster during a world-wide pandemic, but we broke the record for pups placed into the wild.”

pups allows for genetically unrelated pups to be placed into an existing wild den in an area where humans are already experienced in dealing with wolves. A significant benefit of fostering is these pups are raised in the wild by experienced wolves, eliminating any nuisance behavior that would normally be associated with the release of adult wolves. In recent years many commercial airlines have tightened restrictions on transporting wildlife. As AZA member facilities and state and federal agencies face increasing challenges related to flying wildlife, LightHawk is proving to be a critical resource. LightHawk flights support the genetic diversity, managed breeding success, reintroduction into the wild, and care of the managed and wild populations of endangered species. © Woodland Park Zoo Park Woodland © “I don't think fosters would have happened this year Despite myriad challenges, 20 wolf pups bred in without LightHawk, they provided the momentum and managed care were successfully placed in the wild means, that even in a pandemic, allowed us to push in the spring of 2020. Seven of these pups flew with conservation efforts forward,” said Regina Mossotti, the LightHawk and 13 others were transported by Arizona AZA Mexican Wolf SSP foster advisor. “Their efforts Game and Fish and a private donor. This beats the were incredibly impressive. This was an epic success. record cross-fostering of 12 Mexican wolf pups in 2019. Not only did we manage to somehow still foster during This is so important because fostering pups into a world-wide pandemic, but we broke the record for wild dens is currently the primary way the SSP and pups placed into the wild.” USFWS are working to improve the genetic diversity In addition to flying to support species survival, of the wild population. The release of adult Mexican LightHawk flights are also helpful for educating and wolves has proven effective–it is how the wild informing other audiences. Flights are designed for population was originally established–but it is not educating and engaging elected officials and the media without complications. to support informed decision-making around recovery Adult wolves released into the wild may lead to efforts as well as aiding scientists to locate and monitor human-wildlife conflict. Having wild parents, with wild species in the wild. Best of all, LightHawk flights are experience, raise pups born in managed care allows the donated at no cost to the conservation partner. pups to learn important survival skills. Additionally, adult wolf releases need to avoid areas already occupied Esther Duke is the western program director by other wolves to avoid territorial issues. Fostering for LightHawk.

44 www.aza.org | September 2020 44 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 45 © Arizona Game and Fish Department 46 www.aza.org | September 2020 46 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 47 Faces & Places

In Memoriam veterinary hospital, laboratories, quarantine and holding facilities, and an animal nutrition center. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Mourns Upon Dr. Keller’s arrival, she Conservation Leader and Former COO Danny Morris immediately began spearheading the Zoo’s health care response to Danny Morris retirement in 2017. Jobs passion for animals reached COVID-19 and actively adapting was instrumental included supervisor of worldwide as Danny was the Zoo’s current health protocols in the growth of cats and bears, supervisor affiliated with many animal for its animals. Omaha’s Henry of aquarium and reptiles, conservation groups, “This has been quite the time Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, curator of aquarium and such as: to hit the ground running,” said in Omaha, Neb., not only in reptiles, animal curator, • Conservation Centers Dr. Keller. “There is no doubt that his roles, but also through his senior zoological curator, for Species Survival, animal health management will assistance in the design and and chief operating officer. a group that works to change as we maneuver this crisis, construction of major exhibits “The everlasting impact of secure populations of and I know that we will make including the Lied Jungle, Danny Morris on Omaha’s endangered species it through this together. Since I Dessert Dome, Suzanne and Henry Doorly Zoo and for assurance and started, everyone has been warm Walter Scott Aquarium, and Aquarium continues not reintroductions and welcoming. I am so happy to African Grasslands. only in the physical structure • Felid Taxon Advisory be here at the Los Angeles Zoo “Danny dedicated his life of the Zoo we have today, Group (TAG) and join this wonderful team right out of high school until but through his spirit felt • Small Carnivore TAG to help build on the world-class he physically couldn’t work in the good work the Zoo • Pangolin, Aardvark and animal health program the at the Zoo anymore,” said does,” said Pate. Xenartha TAG Zoo has created. I look forward Dennis Pate, president and Lasting symbols include • Species Survival Plan to continuing to elevate the chief executive officer of the Danny Morris Fund management group Zoo’s commitment to animal Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo for keeper training and member for the clouded welfare and saving animals from and Aquarium. “He helped development, and the leopard, jaguar, snow extinction through science, build this place and would Simmons, Morris and Pettit leopard, De Brazza’s conservation, and engagement.” still be here if he could.” Tiger Breeding Center. monkey, and Houston toad Dr. Dominique Keller’s Danny started as a Morris had a passion for Danny Morris passed on 14 passion for animals began zookeeper at Omaha’s conservation of carnivores, July 2020, and is survived by when she was a little girl living Henry Doorly Zoo and particularly small cats such his wife, Dr. Cheryl Morris, in the Democratic Republic of Aquarium in 1973 and as the black-footed cat. His vice president of conservation Congo, formerly the Democratic held many positions over conservation efforts did not at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Republic of Zaire. It was here that the 44 years until his end at the Zoo gates—his and Aquarium. she had the unique opportunity to observe an elephant in the Member News arrival to the L.A. Zoo’s animal health experts in collaboration wild. As she got older and Los Angeles Zoo Hires health and wellness program is with the Zoo’s curatorial and moved into high school, Dr. New Chief Veterinarian very fortunate,” said Denise Verret, animal care staff to ensure the Keller relocated with her family and Director of Animal chief executive officer and zoo highest quality of care and welfare to Australia where she had Health and Wellness director. “We are thrilled to have a of the Zoo’s animals. Dr. Keller an opportunity to become a The Los Angeles veterinarian of her caliber leading will also lead the Zoo’s Medical volunteer at the Melbourne Zoo– Zoo in Los Angeles, our animal health staff during this Advisory Board, which is a group inspired by her mother who was Calif., welcomed Dr. devastating pandemic, and I look of skilled physicians and medical a docent and passionate about Dominique Keller as forward to witnessing how she professionals from a variety of zoos. This would be one of the its new chief veterinarian and will elevate our animal health and backgrounds helping to bring first times Dr. Keller would get director of animal health and wellness program as we continue a trans-disciplinary one health to work with zoo veterinarians, wellness. Dr. Keller started at the to provide exemplary care for the approach to the Animal Health which started her journey into Los Angeles Zoo on 31 March animals in our care and endeavor and Wellness Program at the L.A. the animal health field. After 2020, after spending nearly six to be at the forefront of the One Zoo. The program is located at high school, she earned her years as a senior veterinarian at Health approach that is the future.” the Zoo’s state-of-the-art Gottlieb undergraduate degree in biology Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla. As the Zoo’s Chief Animal Health and Conservation at New College of the University “In light of recent events Veterinarian and Director of Center, which is a 28,500 square of South Florida. related to the COVID-19 virus, the Animal Health and Wellness, foot USDA-compliant facility Following her passion for timing of Dr. Dominique Keller’s Dr. Keller leads a team of animal that provides a full-service endangered species research,

48 www.aza.org | September 2020 Dr. Keller obtained her PhD in to serve as an adjunct clinical Saint Louis Zoo Casey Craig, Executive reproductive physiology at Texas instructor. She also serves as Laura Cleveland, School Director, International Exotic A&M University and remained a reproductive advisor to the Programs Education Animal Sanctuary there to obtain her Doctor of Bonobo Species Survival Plan Presenter, Loveland Living Bruce Hartman, Safety & Veterinary Medicine degree. program. In 2014, Dr. Keller Planet Aquarium Security Manager, Fresno After obtaining her DVM and achieved the prestigious status of a Mackenize Ralbovsky, Chaffee Zoo spending time as an intern in diplomate of the American College Herps/Aquatics Keeper, Aimee Johns, Director New Mexico, Dr. Keller became of Zoological Medicine (ACZM). Brevard Zoo of Education, Lincoln a resident at the University of Dr. Keller also works Maximillian Borge, Animal Children's Zoo Wisconsin–Madison, where with the Guy Harvey Ocean Interpreter, Memphis Zoo Dr. Rodney William she would spend the next few Foundation on ongoing Meghann Kelley-DiSalvo, Schnellbacher, Associate years working with the Henry assessments of southern Director of Marketing, Veterinarian, Zoo Miami Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis., stingrays at Stingray City in the Wildlife Conservation Society International Crane Foundation Cayman Islands, which is one of Ms. Joann I Yue, Aquarist, New/Reinstated in Baraboo, Wis., and Milwaukee the most long-running projects North Carolina Aquarium at Commercial Members County Zoo in Milwaukee, Wis. of any wildlife species with Pine Knoll Shores Richard Lewis Media Group, Inc. After her residency, Dr. Keller continuous exposure to tourists Nala Naomi Key, External 70 Coolidge Hill Rd took over the role of clinical and may help serve as a model Affairs and Community Watertown, MA 02472 instructor for the exotic and for the long-term impact of Engagement Coordinator, Email: [email protected] zoological medicine service at the human-animal interactions for Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Phone: (617) 926-8300 University of Wisconsin–Madison’s aquatic species. Currently, Dr. Nicholas Blaes, Safety & Risk http://rlmg.com veterinary school for a year Keller is enrolled in a master’s Management, Saint Louis Zoo Primary Contact: before moving to Tampa as senior program in international animal Nicole Moscollic, Assistant Nancy Caulfield veterinarian at Busch Gardens. welfare, ethics, and law with the Manager of Member & RLMG is an acclaimed digital In addition to her clinical University of Edinburgh where Donor Services, Cleveland design studio specializing in work, Dr. Keller has maintained she is researching animal welfare Zoological Society interactive installations, films her academic relationship with broadly with a concentration in end- Paige Cargile, Accountant, and custom applications for the University of Wisconsin– of-life care and decision making for Abilene Zoological Gardens public spaces (including zoos, Madison, where she continues animals in zoological settings. Rachel Sides, Lead of Small aquariums, and nature centers). Carnivores, Oklahoma City We work closely with clients Member Updates Zoo and Botanical Garden and partners to transform Rebecca Sue Fort, Animal content into meaningful and Welcome New Members Interpreter, Memphis Zoo memorable experiences. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums is pleased to Sara Colandrea, Animal warmly welcome new Professional Affiliate, Professional Keeper, Smithsonian Waterbox LLC Fellow, Conservation Partners, Accredited Institutions, National Zoological Park 2500 East Imperial Hwy Certified Related Facilities, and Commercial Members. Sarah Hoback, #149A-141 Animal Care Coordinator, Brea, CA 92821 New Professional Coordinator, International Newport Aquarium Email: [email protected] Affiliate Members Crane Foundation Susan Beesemyer, Board Phone: (877) 464-3493 Alana Sullivan, Keeper, Grant Fischer, Program Member, Reid Park Zoo https://waterboxllc.com Pinola Conservancy Manager, Zoo Tara M Lee, Zoo Keeper, Primary Contact: Trish Pohanka Aliana Nicole Raulerson, Miami Foundation Henry Vilas Zoo WaterBox LLC is focused on Animal Interpreter, Jacqueline Zassick, Thea Etchells, Animal possibilities for social and Memphis Zoo Manager of Member and Keeper - Tropical Discovery, environmental impact. Our Bella Corley, Animal Donor Services, Cleveland Denver Zoo goal is simple and precise: Interpreter, Memphis Zoo Zoological Society Vada Marie Crosby, Animal to reduce the use of single Cindy Castelblanco, James Sheard, Guest Ambassador Keeper II, serve plastic items in order Director of Marketing, Zoo Services Retail and Audubon Zoo to disrupt the flood of plastic Miami Foundation Membership Manager, waste in the environment. Dave Haas, Project Elmwood Park Zoo New Professional We offer an affordable, Executive, Pepper Joshua Patrick, Zoological Fellow Members high quality alternative, Construction Company Supervisor 1, Zoo Miami Michelle Biddle, Lead so consumers can begin Elisabeth Condon, Keeping Kris Bruneau, Early Keeper, International Exotic to reverse this destructive Whooping Cranes Safe Childhood Educator, Animal Sanctuary contamination process.

48 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 49 Announcements

2020 AZA Photo Contest website, in our magazine, and/ or in any other promotional Photos must be taken in 2020 Deadline: materials. Your grant and license or the last three months of The deadline for entries is shall also apply to any reprints, 2019 by staff or volunteers at 15 September 2020. revised editions, or derivative an Association of Zoos and works in any media or format, Aquariums-accredited institution. Format: whether now or hereafter Connect staff will judge the JPG, TIFF or EPS; 300+ dpi and known, including without photos, and the winner will 9”x12” in size (jpgs preferred). limitation other kinds of print appear on the December 2020 media and electronic media. cover of the digital version of Send to: By entering the contest you Connect. The December issue will Both electronic and hard copy also represent, acknowledge and person who is the subject of the not be printed. Other exceptional images will be accepted – though warrant that (i) the submitted photograph; (iv) you are not a photos will be highlighted electronic images are preferred. photograph is an original work party to and your photograph inside the digital magazine and All submissions become the created solely by you, and you is not subject to any contract or on AZA’s website. The photos property of AZA and will not are the sole owner of all right, arrangement that would conflict may also appear on AZA’s other be acknowledged or returned. title, and interest in and to with your permission herein; promotional materials. Send electronic images to Tim your photograph, including and (v) you agree to indemnify Format for Submission Lewthwaite at TLewthwaite@aza. the copyright; (ii) AZA’s and hold harmless AZA against Submissions should include the org with “Photo Contest” in the publication of your photograph any damages, losses, or expenses name of the photographer, the subject line. as authorized herein will not occurring as a result of any AZA institution, the species, violate or infringe any right, claimed breach of warranty. the date of the picture, and License: title, or interest of any person the equipment used. Only one By entering the contest, you or entity; (iii) AZA’s publication Release Form: photo entry will be accepted per grant to AZA, and its successors of your photograph will not To be considered for publication photographer, so send in your and assigns, the non-exclusive, violate any right of privacy or in Connect, all contest photos best image. Pictures can include worldwide, perpetual right and publicity nor create any other that include people must be animals, people, and zoo or license to use, display, reproduce, liability in tort and that you have accompanied by AZA’s Model aquarium scenes – if you think it publish, transmit, and distribute obtained a valid model release Release Form signed by each will make a good cover, send it in. your photograph on AZA’s from any identifiable, individual person depicted.

50 www.aza.org | September 2020 Exhibits

Elephant Expedition Opens at Kansas City Zoo

SEPTEMBER 2020

5: International Vulture Awareness Day

14-18: AZA Virtual Annual Conference www.aza.org/annualconference

22: World Rhino Day

24: World Gorilla Day

26: Black-footed Ferret Rediscovery Day

OCTOBER 2020

10: World Migratory Bird Day 10: African Penguin Awareness Day

NOVEMBER 2020

28: World Jaguar Day © Kansas City Zoo © Kansas

It was just last year when the of water every few days. the elephant demonstration Kansas City Zoo in Kansas City, • Additional sand in the area with a public address Mo., announced an elephant- elephant habitat, which system for zookeeper chats sized renovation coming to provides a more and educational programming. the Zoo and now Elephant comfortable substrate. • An additional tram stop for Expedition opens back up to the • A safe perimeter for elephants added convenience and less public. This $10 million project of all sizes, so that even walking for those who desire it. includes updates that are going babies can explore the habitat • Improved viewing areas, to be enjoyed by the Zoo’s seven without concern. including a new, bigger deck African elephants as well as the • Additional shade structures at Elephant Overlook. many guests who visit them. for all-weather comfort. • Additional seating and shaded For the elephants, their areas so guests can enjoy a remodeled home has a number For Zoo visitors, the break, plus flexible event space. of new benefits: renovation includes: • ADA-compliant restrooms, Send calendar • A more elephant-friendly pool • ADA-compliant walking including an adult listings to and waterfall that will allow paths along the entire elephant changing table. easier access for the elephants. outdoor habitat to provide • A mother’s room, providing a tlewthwaite@ A water filtration system will increased viewing and safety. relaxing, private space to meet aza.org also save about 100,000 gallons • An enlarged viewing area at the needs of new moms.

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ww62w www.aza.org.ston |e Septemberface 2020inc.com 949-370-9880 [email protected] 62 www.aza.org | September 2020 September 2020 | www.aza.org 63 ZOO MIAMI Miami, Florida

For the first time in Zoo Miami’s history, a Cinereous vulture has hatched and is successfully being raised by its parents. The hatching occurred on 17 April in a secluded area of the Zoo where NORTH CAROLINA ZOO the monogamous pair had built Asheboro, North Carolina a nest on a platform and had been incubating the single egg for The Zoo announced the birth of five approximately 50 days. critically endangered American red wolves as part of its American red wolf breeding program. The five new pups–three males, two females–were born 21 April. This litter brings the number of red wolves in the Zoo’s BLANK PARK ZOO breeding program to 25, making it Des Moines, Iowa the second-largest pack after Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in A slender-horned gazelle calf was Tacoma, Wash. born on 8 April and recently was introduced to her outdoor habitat. The slender-horned gazelle is a small gazelle with long horns on its head and lives in the desert regions of northern Africa. They TOLEDO ZOO are listed by the International Union For Conservation of Nature Toledo, Ohio (IUCN) as endangered with an A male Bornean orangutan, estimated population of 300 to 600 Fajar, whose name means mature individuals remaining. dawn or start of a new day, was born on 12 October 2019. The youngster was hand-reared by staff for seven months before being HOUSTON ZOO successfully reintroduced to Houston, Texas his mother. Asian elephant Shanti gave birth to a 326-pound male calf after a short labor. The Houston Zoo veterinarians preformed a 30-minute procedure to find a COLUMBUS ZOO torn vessel, in the calf. Shortly AND AQUARIUM after surgery, the team reunited the calf with Shanti. The calf Powell, Ohio was soon standing and walking The Zoo and Aquarium announced on his own and began to nurse the birth of a male okapi calf on 8 May before the day ended. 2020. According to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™, okapis are listed as endangered. Habitat loss and deforestation, as well as poaching and previous civil unrest in the okapis’ range, have resulted in declining populations of this species.

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