Annreport Guts2012qrk8 Guts

Vision The Milwaukee County Zoo will be a zoo of renown with a reputation as a leader in animal management, conservation, research and education within a wholesome recreational environment enjoying the admiration of the citizens of Milwaukee County as well as all zoo guests and other zoos of the world. Mission Statement The Milwaukee County Zoo will inspire public understanding, support and participation in global conservation of animal species and their environment by creating a unifying bond between our visitors and the living earth and provide an environment for personal renewal and enjoyment for our guests by: • Contributing to world wide animal management, conservation Table of Contents and research efforts; Address from the County Executive ...... 1 • Fostering sound physical, psychological and social development Letter from the Director ...... 2 for the animal groups in our care Milwaukee County Zoo History...... 3 • Sharing our knowledge with the intent to reinforce the 2012 Highlights ...... 5 human-animal-earth bond; Animal Management and Health Division...... 8 Administration and Finance...... 30 • Improving the quality of our professional development, administration and operating environment; Public Affairs and Services ...... 33 Operations ...... 37 • Striving for the financial self-sufficiency of the organization; Operating Expenses ...... 40 The Milwaukee County Zoo • Continuing the public-private partnership with the Zoological and the Zoological Society...... 42 Society of Milwaukee County. County Executive and Board of Supervisors...... 45 Dear Friends, A newly renovated entryway to the Zoo’s Northwestern At the Milwaukee County Zoo, the year 2012 was Mutual Family Farm rounded out the exciting year. This marked by a variety of noteworthy animal births, exhibit new interactive addition allows guests to learn firsthand renovations, facilitation of the Zoo’s next master plan about the agricultural history of Wisconsin. and the return of one of the Zoo’s most popular summer exhibits, “Adventure Dinosaur!”. In the years ahead, the Zoo is committed to reinventing itself; a response to the changing zoological marketplace. In the summer, the Zoo displayed the special exhibit, The future changes included in the master plan involve “Adventure Dinosaur!” sponsored by Sendik’s Food redeveloping exhibits and improving the visitor experience. Markets. Visitors were greeted by more than 25 prehistoric robotic dinosaurs, moving and rumbling I thank the staff of the Milwaukee County Zoo for their in a tropical outdoor habitat. The exhibit proved continued dedication and hard work. It is because of your popular to yet another generation of kids, intrigued efforts that the Zoo is able to grow and thrive. by these fascinating animals. I would also like to acknowledge the relationship between the Zoo In the fall, the Zoo was proud to announce the birth of a jaguar litter; and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Each year, this public-private the first at the Zoo since 1975. The two males were born to mother, partnership helps strengthen the Zoo’s projects and overall initiatives. Stella, and father, Pat. Because Pat was a wild-born animal from Belize, the genetic lines the cubs add to the captive population are significant. A birth such as this demonstrates the Zoo’s continued commitment to conservation efforts and raises awareness to the plight these animals Chris Abele face in the wild. Milwaukee County Executive

1 Letter from the Director

The year 2012 was noted for significant animal additions, important conservation projects, special exhibits and the continuation of our comprehensive master plan, the first for the Zoo since 1997.

During the summer, we displayed one of our most popular exhibits, robotic dinosaurs! Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, “Adventure Dinosaur!” featured more than 25 life-sized re-creations of these prehistoric animals, moving and rumbling in their outdoor habitat.

Fall was exciting as we welcomed two male jaguars, born to mother, Stella, and father, Pat. Because Pat is a wild-born cat, the cubs bring new and valuable genes into the captive population. The birth also was significant Charles in that it marked the first jaguar cubs born at our Zoo since 1975. Wikenhauser; jaguars in Water conservation efforts continued with several repaving projects throughout the grounds. Many large asphalt walkways were background replaced with permeable pavers resembling brick roadways. The pavers act like sponges to absorb surface water from rainstorms, filter it and release it back into the earth. The largest of these repaved areas was Zoo Terrace, used for a multitude of special events and after-hours gatherings.

At the end of 2012, we suffered a great loss in our animal collection with the death of one of our most beloved animals, 5-year-old Bornean orangutan, Mahal. His death was sudden, and came as a shock to staff and visitors alike. He will be sorely missed.

We once again extend a thank you to the County Executive, the County Board and the Zoological Society and their partners for their continued support. A number of our initiatives, renovations and special exhibits are possible because of their assistance.

Please read on as each Division shares highlights from the year.

Madagascar giant day gecko Charles Wikenhauser Director

2 Our History Home to more than 3,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and amphibians, 1892 2002 we’re proud our Milwaukee County Zoo continues to be recognized as one of the finest in the country. The Zoo was founded 120 years ago, and our partnership with the Zoological Society began 103 years ago, and continues today:

1892 1902 1910 1934 1958 The Milwaukee County Zoo MCZ expanded to 23 The Zoological Society was MCZ became an entity of MCZ moved to its present (MCZ) started as a miniature acres; now home to founded, lending financial the Milwaukee County Park location on 200 acres of mammal and bird display in 800 animals support to the Zoo Commission, which helped park land Milwaukee’s downtown provide resources to expand Washington Park the Zoo

1988 1980s 1978 1970s Late 1960s Hosted the Association • Initiated a $26 million • The Milwaukee County • MCZ added the Children’s Completion of: the Primate of Zoos and Aquariums capital improvement plan, Zoo was one of only Zoo, Train Shed, Zoo Hospital, Building, Monkey Island, Winter Annual Conference representing a significant 22 institutions in North Dall Sheep Exhibit and the Quarters, Polar and Brown partnership venture between America accredited by Gift Shop Bear Exhibits and the Feline, the Zoo, Milwaukee County the American Association • The Zoological Society’s Pachyderm, Giraffe, Aviary, and the Zoological Society of Zoological Parks and volunteer organization, Zoo Pride Small Mammal, Aquarium & • Completion of: Wolf Woods, Aquariums, now named was established Reptile and Australian Buildings underwater viewing in the the Association of Zoos • The Zoological Society develops Polar Bear and Sea Lion Exhibits, and Aquariums (AZA). education programs at the Zoo Oceans of Fun, the Dairy Complex, Humboldt Penguins and the Peck Welcome Center

Early 1990s 1995 1998 1999 2002 An extensive renovation Renovation of the Completed Initiated a $30 million capital • Renovation and modernization of Lakeview Place restaurant of the Aviary and Primates Aquarium & Reptile remodeling improvement plan, representing • Redesign of the Ice Cream Palace and Karibu Gift Shop of the World, and the Center; renamed of the Small a significant partnership venture • Groundbreaking for the new Animal Health Center completion of a new the Aquatic & Mammals between the Zoo, Milwaukee • Major renovation (both indoor and outdoor quarters) to our Apes of Africa Reptile Center Building County and the Zoological Society landmark exhibit, Monkey Island; renamed Macaque Island

3 Our History

2003 2004 2005 2006 • Completion of Animal • Completion of the Karen Peck • Completion of the Florence • Completion of the Health Center Katz Conservation Education Mila Borchert Big Cat Country MillerCoors Giraffe • Initiated design phase of Feline Center • Completion of the Northwestern Experience Building renovation; animals • Began demolition and finalized Mutual Family Farm • Began initial design relocated designs for Northwestern • Completion of the redesign phase for the new U.S. • Began initial renovations to Mutual Family Farm and renovation of the Safari Bank Gathering Place the Stackner Heritage Farm • Continued construction of the Train Station and construction of the Karen new $7.2 million Florence Mila Peck Katz Conservation Borchert Big Cat Country Education Center

2010 2009 2008 2007 • Installed solar panels at • Completion of the • Completion of the U.S. Bank Began construction for the admission gates Dohmen Family Foundation Gathering Place new U.S. Bank Gathering • Installed permanent poetry Hippo Home • Completion of the Idabel Wilmot Borchert Place, and the new Idabel exhibition, “The Language of • Completed renovation of Flamingo Exhibit and Overlook Wilmot Flamingo Exhibit Conservation,” located the Taylor Family Humboldt • Received accreditation by the Association and Overlook throughout Zoo Penguin Exhibit of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) • Began upgrades for storm • Hosted the Association of Zoos & water management program Aquariums Annual Conference

2011 2012 • Completion of the new outdoor Bonobo • Completion of the first planning phase Exhibit, and new interpretive graphics of a new 10-year Zoo Master Plan, and interactive displays to the indoor addressing improvements in animal Bonobo Exhibit exhibits, visitor attractions and amenities, • Opened new permanent visitor activities service facilities and operations with Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone • Completed the renovated entrance to • Added Kohl’s Wild Theater programming the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm to Zoo’s Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, • Completion of the first phase of Black 2003 2012 made possible by donation to the Bear Exhibit improvements, made Zoological Society possible by a donation from MillerCoors

4 2012 Highlights

The major highlights of 2012 included: the completion of major renovations made to the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm entrance; initial exhibit renovations to our existing Black Bear Exhibit and the birth of two male jaguar cubs, the first for the Zoo since 1975. In addition, our Zoo, along with Polar Bears International, hosted the “Paw of Approval Award” presentation to one of our community partners.

Listed here are some of these highlights and accomplishments in greater detail:

Polar Bears International/Paw of Approval Award In May, the Zoo hosted its second annual “Be Cool” event in cooperation with Polar Bears International (PBI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to polar bear conservation. As part of the celebration, PBI’s President, Robert Buchanan, gave a conservation lecture and workshop to both Zoo and Zoological Society staff which inspired participants to reduce their carbon footprints. An evening workshop was repeated for Zoo Pride volunteers and donors.

Also during his visit, Buchanan presented PBI’s signature “Paw of Approval Polar bears and Award” to The Green Initiative. This annual award honors a local business Renovated farm entrance enrichment items for extraordinary accomplishments in carbon dioxide reductions. The Zoo partners with The Green Initiative for its recycling operation on Zoo grounds. The Green Initiative strives to shift the business world closer to operating sustainably, and promote the companies and organizations that take part. The Zoo currently displays 54 Green Initiative recycling bins on grounds.

For Robert Buchanan’s visit, the Zoo’s Public Relations Section pitched media outlets for interviews to raise awareness on behalf of polar bears’ plight in the wild. Media outreach included interviews with Milwaukee Public Radio and Wauwatosa NOW community newspaper.

Northwestern Mutual Family Farm Entrance Renovation Thanks to a grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the entrance area to the Family Farm was renovated to include an outdoor museum of early farm equipment and interpretive graphics. The project was unveiled in early October, and educates visitors on days-gone-by farming techniques using horse-drawn farming equipment displays, most of which were generously donated by the Richfield Historical Society. Featured in the open-air displays are a sickle mower, horse-drawn shovel, a cultivator, dump-rake, plow, grain wagon and water pump. Kids can operate the water pump and climb on the 100-year-old wagon for photos. A new red-stone pathway, a cedar fence, a cornfield and added green space all serve to enhance the entranceway. This serves as the first phase renovation, with additional improvements slated for 2013.

5 came to a close, the firm of Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. (PGAV) was contracted for the project. This national company, which also handled the initial phase, is considered a leader in planning and design for a large number of zoos and aquariums across the country. Amur tigers outdoors Ropes course for kids Pat the jaguar Jaguar Cubs This new master plan will serve as a guide for the park for the next It was a noteworthy year in our Animal Division with the birth of two 10 years and beyond, and address all aspects of the Zoo, including animal male jaguar cubs on November 13. Born to first-time mother, Stella, exhibits, dining, merchandise sales and additional service and infrastruc- and father, Pat, these cubs marked the first litter of jaguars born at the ture improvements. The impact of the Zoo Interchange Project also will be Zoo since 1975. Because Pat is a rescued, wild-born animal from Belize, addressed. This substantial freeway project will impact the Zoo in a number Central America, he’s considered a founder to the population, and his of ways, most significant of which is the loss of approximately 700 visitor cubs bring valuable new genes into the North American zoo population. parking spaces. Zoo staff meet regularly with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on the project and its impact on the Zoo. The renovation Prior to their public unveiling, the cubs and Stella could be seen on the project will last through 2018. Zoo’s website via a live webcam of their dens in the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country. Lunchtime Lectures As in years past, staff and outside guests presented a series of lectures The birth of the cubs demonstrates the Zoo’s commitment to conservation as part of continuing education. These free “Lunchtime Lectures” offered efforts and the propagation of a species whose numbers are dwindling in varied topics of interest and served as professional enrichment for staff. the wild. It also raises awareness of visitors to the plight of such an important Most were hosted by the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Association of animal, and brings to light the need for conservation of the species. Zookeepers (AAZK). Here are some of the topics presented during the year:

Zoo Master Planning * 2011 AAZK National Conference With the initial analysis and findings for the Zoo’s upcoming comprehensive * 2011 AZA National Conference and Post-Baccalaureate Program master plan complete, the next phase of the project began in 2012. * 2011 Elephant Managers Association Conference * Penguin Guano Harvest Monitoring In August, a request for proposal was issued. Proposals were requested * The Tiger Species Survival Plan to include a plan for eight new or redeveloped animal exhibits, three * Cognitive Research in Chimpanzees non-animal attractions and five revenue-generating centers. As the year * Conservation Initiatives in Botswana 6 Other Highlights Throughout the year, the Zoo continued to host temporary exhibits and special events. The year’s events included our summer exhibit, “Adventure Dinosaur!”, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, the opening of a new entranceway for the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm and renovations to our existing Black Bear Exhibit.

The attraction and special event lineup included: Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show sponsored by Supercuts, Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone, sponsored by Tri City National Bank, Party for the Planet sponsored by American Transmission Company and Father’s Day Sponsored by Chinet® and Pick ’n Save.

2012 Special Exhibit “Adventure Dinosaur!” Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets During the summer, visitors were invited to take a trip back to a prehistoric time as “Adventure Dinosaur!” inhabited the Zoo from May 26 through September 3.

The special outdoor exhibit was located behind the Small Mammals Building and featured tropical plantings, sound effects and most exciting of all – 25 life-size re-creations of prehistoric dinosaurs!

New inhabitants for this year’s exhibit included: the Massopondylus and its baby, the Edmontonia and the Acrocanthosaurus. Making a return engagement was the popular Dilophosaurus, which was presented complete with its water-spitting component. Visitors were able to see the inner workings of these lifelike models through 2012 dinosaur a Deinonychus robot skeleton display. Patrons could work the joysticks special exhibit themselves to figure out just how these creatures were able to move and rumble like their prehistoric counterparts. 7 2012 Animal Management and Health Division Animal Division Collections Our Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and The Animal Division Collections serve to enhance visitors’ knowledge and Aquariums (AZA), the premiere association of zoological institutions in appreciation of animals, and to contribute to animal species conservation. North America with unequaled standards for animal care and management. Our front-line animal care staff devotes more than 100,000 hours each Many of the transfers and the breeding of animals described below are in year toward the care of our animals. accordance with AZA programs including Species Survival Plans® (SSPs) and Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs). Out of the total number of species in our collection, 37 are listed as endangered, including several that are critically endangered (on the brink of extinction in the wild) such as Amur tiger, Sumatran orangutan, On December 31, 2012, the Milwaukee County Zoo southern black rhinoceros, cotton-top tamarin, western gorilla, and animal collection on Zoo grounds included 3,107 animals red-ruffed lemur. Our collection also includes the Guam kingfisher, representing 424 species as listed below: which is extinct in the wild. On Zoo Grounds Species Specimens Mammals 84 388 With such a large and diverse animal collection, there are a significant Birds 74 307 number of births, transfers and deaths every year. Due to the level of husbandry and veterinary care, the life expectancy of animals at our Zoo Reptiles 43 112 may greatly exceed the life expectancy of animals in the wild. These life Amphibians 11 55 expectancies vary dramatically with the species – small rodents and the Fish 187 1,519 giant Pacific octopus are old in two years, while swans can live for decades. Invertebrates 25 726 Female lions are ancient at 20 years of age, but our giant Amazon River turtle may be 100 years old. Animals are subject to the same types of TOTAL 424 3,107 health conditions as humans, which may result in earlier deaths.

The animal collection owned by our Zoo and out on The animal staff devotes much thought and time toward enriching the loan to other zoological institutions included 61 animals lives of the Zoo animals. They provide mental and physical stimulation representing 30 species, as listed below: to the animals by varying their social structure, mixing compatible species Out on Loan Species Specimens together, varying their habitats, offering interesting scents, providing manipulation devices, engaging them in positive reinforcement training, Mammals 16 37 offering food treats for foraging opportunities and supplying toys and Birds 8 16 problem-solving reward devices. Reptiles 7 8 Amphibians, Fish and Invertebrates 0 0 TOTAL 30 61 8 Aquatic and Reptile Center In 2012, the African Lakes Exhibit underwent a renovation spanning two The fourth section is devoted to fishes from the island of Madagascar. months, resulting in the display of more than 40 species, 23 of which had One theme of the African Lakes Exhibit is the unusual and easily observed never before been displayed at the Zoo. aspects of the fish biology, including reproductive behavior and color varieties. Another is the impact of non-native fishes on the fishes of Lake This exhibit is divided into four sections. Three of the sections are devoted Victoria and Madagascar, where many native fishes are either extinct or to the fishes of the Great Lakes of Africa, Lake Nyasa (also known as Lake threatened with extinction by the introduction of Nile perch, tilapia and Malawi), Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. These three lakes contain a largemouth bass. huge diversity of cichlid fish species, more than 1,500 species are known.

Aviary The Aviary collection continued to increase with the addition of two new species, the black-naped fruit dove and the crested wood partridge. We also welcomed mates for our black-necked stilt, blue-grey tanager, blue-bellied roller, as Ringed teal well as new pairs of Humboldt penguins and red-billed hornbills, from other institutions.

Red-billed hornbills hatched again this year, this time from a new pair. Our Zoo has been one of the most successful in the country to breed this species. We also hatched two green-naped pheasant pigeon, one of which is already calling Florida his new home.

The Aviary staff continued to support conservation efforts in situ during the year. One of our zookeepers traveled to Punta San Juan, Peru, to help monitor the guano harvest. Another staff member continues to band migratory passerines on Zoo grounds, a recognized stopover point for birds migrating to the Neotropics.

We also continued our involvement with the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Program, of which we’ve been involved since 1996. New for the year, a keeper travelled to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland to aid in the hand-rearing of whooping cranes that will ultimately be released into the wild population. 9 Large Mammals North America/Australia Unfortunately, we did have animal losses as well. The Large Mammal Sections of the Zoo include: In Australia this year, we acquired a new male Denali, our 10-year-old adult male Dall’s sheep, Big Cat Country, North America/Australia, red kangaroo from the Kansas City Zoo who we died after a brief illness in September, and Annie Pachyderm/Giraffe, African and South American hope will breed with all three of our current the red kangaroo died in January. The only other Hoofstock and Bactrian Camel. females. Willaroo was introduced to the mob dispositions in the area were the transfer of two in November and we may see kangaroo joeys young male red kangaroos to a new exhibit at In all of these areas, an extensive animal sometime in 2013. The Matchie’s tree kangaroo the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. collection with a progressive operant condition- born in late 2012 is out of the pouch and can ing training program is managed by staff. Training be seen on exhibit with her mother, Kiama. Wolf Awareness Day in October provided fun the animals to cooperate willingly for health activities such as the annual howling contest, exams, sample collections and husbandry The Zoo’s resident polar bears, Wilhelm (Willie) and displays and presentations on the history and procedures allow for an enriching and stress- and Snow Lilly, were introduced to each other in recovery of Wisconsin timber wolf populations. free environment. Samples collected under the spring and were able to spend time together these conditions are used to determine normal on exhibit throughout the summer. Renovation Big Cat Country biological parameters in exotic species, and of Willie’s exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo is The big news in Big Cats this year was the also to monitor the overall animal health progressing a little bit behind schedule and November birth of two male jaguar cubs. These and reproductive status. he’ll be here until at least the fall of 2014. are the first cubs for mother, Stella, and father, Pat. As a wild-born animal, Pat is now a founder

Snow leopards

Tree kangaroo and joey

10 to the AZA jaguar program, bringing badly introduced to our female Tomiris when they both to Understand Zoo Elephant Welfare. This is a needed genetic diversity to the zoo population. appear comfortable with each other. comprehensive, nationwide study to determine The cubs weighed less than 1.5 kilograms at the environmental and husbandry factors most birth and were visible to the public soon afterward The lion cubs born in 2011 have all grown up, important to elephant welfare, and is sponsored via web cameras placed above their holding and began their dispersal from the natal pride. by a grant from the Institute of Museum and area. Stella has proven to be a great mother and Hubert departed in November for the Oklahoma Library Services. We also continue to perform the cubs will be on exhibit with her early in 2013. City Zoo where he will be introduced to two in-house endocrinology research on the females. Kiume left in December for the John effectiveness of contraceptives in our two Big Cat Country also saw the acquisition of Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and female female hippos. two new animals this year. Nyota, a 3-year-old Njeri moved to the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas spotted hyena, arrived in November from the early in 2013. Parents Themba and Sanura are The third annual Elephant Awareness Day was Buffalo Zoo. She was introduced on a breeding still a recommended breeding pair and we hope a great success, providing visitors with activities recommendation to our male Scruffy and the to see more lion cubs in the coming years. and information about elephants, and also pair is getting along well. Genghis, a 13-year-old raising funds for wild elephant conservation. snow leopard, also arrived in November, from Pachyderm/Giraffe Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the Two young female bongo antelope, acquired African & South American Hoofstock/ end of the year, he was still in the process of near the end of 2011, were moved to the Bactrian Camel acclimating to the new area, and will be Pachyderm Section in spring and introduced Several changes were made to the South to our resident female Meru. Meru is currently American animal collection in 2012. In April, we one of the oldest living bongo in the world. traded Sooner, our adult male breeding alpaca, When it’s warm outside, the three of them for a new unrelated male, Phoenix. Sooner’s final Alpaca, Gustavo, born can be seen in the exhibit. offspring at the Zoo, a male named Gustavo, was August 2012 born to dam Eleanor in August. Shortly thereafter The only disposition this year was the humane we also sent out our other male alpaca, 7-year- euthanasia of Malinde, our 28-year-old reticu- old Antonio. Finally, we added a pair of female lated giraffe. Malinde had been at the Zoo since greater rheas to the exhibit in spring. Rheas 1985 and had seven offspring during her life- had not been exhibited here since 2002. time. She currently has living descendants in 16 facilities in North America, Puerto Rico and In May, our Bactrian camel, Sanchi, gave birth Japan. Malinde’s longevity is a testament to the to a healthy female calf named Addi Jean, or quality care animal and veterinary staff invest AJ for short. Camel demonstrations resumed in our animals. in the area behind the pony rides after a two-year hiatus. Throughout the year, the Elephant staff collected data for a research project titled Using Science 11 A trio of new greater kudu females was added to the African Waterhole the lack of much social bonobo contact when he was growing up, Exhibit, bringing our herd up to five animals. Rachel and Noeli from Binder proved himself to be an asset to our troop. Fortunately both Lody and Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Teshi from the Indianapolis Zoo, Viaje left behind offspring to carry on many of their traits, both genetically will hopefully form the basis for a new breeding herd with our resident and behaviorally. male, Barudi. Three young impala, a male and two females born in 2010, also were sent to Binder Park Zoo, as part of the transaction to bring the Our Primates of the World building also had a significant addition with kudu to Milwaukee. the birth of a female Goeldi’s monkey. These small monkeys are listed as vulnerable in the wild and there are only about 140 of the species in North Apes of Africa and Primates of the World American zoos. We have two successful breeding groups, one in Primates During 2012 we saw a significant addition to our Apes of Africa population of the World and the other in the Small Mammals building. with the arrival of a 10-year-old female gorilla from the Toronto Zoo. Her name is Shalia, and she is both an attractive and intelligent gorilla. Due Primates of the World also sustained several heavy losses in 2012. to the endangered status of this species and the international shipping Three elderly Japanese macaques died this year. This brought our troop regulations, the process of receiving Shalia was considerably more drawn down to eight individuals. We are looking into acquiring an additional out and com- smaller group, possibly from Japan, and attaining a larger group through plicated than future breeding. shipments within the Probably the most devastating event for the Primate Section was the United States. death of Mahal, our 5-year old Bornean orangutan. His death in December was sudden and came as a shock to us and to many of our visitors. Mahal With gains was a typical young orangutan, always playing, testing his keepers through come losses, his antics, and seeking attention. He is sorely missed. and we were saddened Our animal care staff members have spent years diligently working to lose two with the primates using positive reinforcement training techniques. This is valuable male especially true with the apes at our Zoo (orangutans, bonobos, and gorillas). bonobos in As a result, our Zoo is a premier facility for the study of the physiology Bornean orangutan Mahal Apes of Africa and behavior of these endangered animals. The apes willingly participate due to cardiac in cognitive behavioral studies, ultrasound studies of the heart and fetal issues. They were Lody, our dominant male, and Viaje, who came to us development and medical care procedures. These procedures and studies in 2001 from Zoofari near Taxco, Mexico. Both were originally from Africa occur with a safety mesh barrier between the staff and the apes. The apes’ and carried valuable genes for the captive population. Lody was a strong participation is completely voluntary and without restraint. They readily leader, accepted other bonobos for who they were, and expressed deep participate, and they can end the training, behavioral study sessions or empathy for others. Viaje was a very good-natured individual who, despite examinations at any time.

12 The latter arrived in October from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk as a companion for our 21-year-old male. He seems pleased with the company.

For our Zoo to have groups of animals living to ripe old ages also means the loss of some each year. This year we lost a number of geriatric animals, including a Ruwenzori Birds of Prey Show mountain fruit bat, two straw-colored fruit bats, a male dwarf mongoose and two sugar gliders. Small Mammals It was an eventful year for our collection in the Small Mammals building Transferring to other institutions from the with births, deaths and transfers in and out. In February, our fennec fox Small Mammals building were: five pairs of pair had a litter of kits. Two kits, a male and a female, survived but had to vampire bats to the Cincinnati Zoo; a male be hand-raised. In October, another set of kits were born, with again only Goeldi’s monkey to ZooWorld in Panama City two surviving and who needed to be hand-raised. The first set of kits was Beach; the two fennec fox kits mentioned transferred to two other institutions, serving as valuable education animals. previously; and a male golden-headed lion The second set of kits will remain here until they are a little older and tamarin who had an extremely long, but when the Fennec Fox SSP identifies new homes for placement. uneventful, trip to the Melbourne Zoo in Australia. Zoos around the world are Also in February, our cotton-top tamarin pair had a set of twins. This cooperating to ensure the survival of small monkey is listed as critically endangered in the wild. They produced this endangered species. a second set of twins in August. This provides us with a very active tamarin exhibit, displaying a family of 11 members. Northwestern Mutual Family Farm Two bull calves were born in the Farm After more than a year without the species, we received a pair of galagos this year: Timothy, a red and white that we hope will breed. Our male came to us from the Cleveland Zoo, Holstein, to mother, Amy, in March, Mahal and the female from the Bronx Zoo. We have been quite successful with and brown Swiss calf, Jared, to mother, breeding this species in the past. Molly, in April. We also received another Superior Quality Award Our last acquisitions for the Small Mammals building was the birth of from Foremost Farms, USA. a vampire bat and the arrival of a female douroucouli, or owl monkey. 13 Only four farms in the district received this Two longtime Zoo residents passed away in 2012: The entryway to the Northwestern Mutual Family prestigious award, given for superior quality Bandit, our pinto horse, and Cody, our miniature Farm received a complete makeover, and now milk for the entire year. horse. Both animals will be dearly missed as they features an antique hay wagon, a working water engaged and entertained literally tens of thou- pump, and an assortment of genuine antique New additions to our “outreach” animal collection sands of visitors over the 16 and 33 years they farm equipment graciously donated by the included three new rats, two new American toads lived here respectively. Richfield Historical Society. Additional entrance and a barred tiger salamander. These animals enhancements are scheduled for 2013. are used in our demonstration area throughout The World Bird Sanctuary’s Bird of Prey Show, the summer, as well as in educational programs as well as Kohl’s Wild Theater, continues to be Animal Health Center the remainder of the year. showcased in the outdoor theater. A new shade The veterinary staff at the Animal Health Center structure was added to the center section of are responsible for the preventive animal health bleachers for the summer performances. and nutrition programs and the medical care of the entire collection.

Some of the procedures performed in 2012 included: 381 anesthetic procedures 540 blood samples collected for a variety of analyses 1,328 parasite exams run on 642 samples 2,067 written prescriptions 259 radiographic procedures including 7 CT scans on various animals 3,283 medical record entries for 552 individual animals representing 203 species

On average, there were 10 animals in the Animal Health Center each day of 2012. Many of the animals who stayed at the Animal Health Center were those kept in quarantine before releasing them to the main zoological collection. These included a new female hyena, a male snow leopard, a young female gorilla, black-tree monitors, black-naped fruit doves and crested Orangutan wood partridges. Both species of birds have not 14 been in the Zoo collection for many years. The gorilla is of particular note because it completed her residency and went on to We maintain up-to-date records on every animal was imported from Canada. As an imported Washington State University as a Ph.D. candidate. at the Zoo. All of the information that the animal non-human primate, quarantine had to meet care staff observes is reported daily to the regis- the Center for Disease Control (CDC) specifica- The veterinary staff also conduct a zoo-animal trar, who records the information electronically tions. Specifications include rigorous protocols medicine preceptor program for veterinary in a database called the Zoological Inventory and a CDC-approved quarantine area. The students. Each preceptor is at the Zoo for Management System (ZIMS). Animal Health Center expressly included the one to two months. CDC specifications in its design to allow for The ZIMS information includes primary data importation of non-human primates that are In 2012, the Zoo obtained an intern to update, such as common and taxonomic name, parents part of Species Survival Plan breeding programs. enhance and computerize our animal diet (whether at our Zoo or at another facility), date Other hospital residents were either being management system. A digital version of the and place of birth, gender and the circumstances treated for a variety of illnesses, or held for Milwaukee County Zoo Diet Notebook is now of acquisition such as birth, loan, purchase or shipment to other zoos. available for use by all Animal Division staff and donation. Similar facts are recorded when the can be easily updated. The intern also helped animal leaves the Zoo, such as the name of the Both the Zoo pathology fellow program and to review, update and create a digital version recipient zoo, the date of transfer and terms of the clinical medicine residency continued in of the Zoo’s Preventative Health Program. This the contract or the circumstances of death. collaboration with the University of Wisconsin- digital version can be easily updated over time Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. The to maintain a current and effective preventive Identifiable characteristics or marks, all clinical residency program is a three-year animal health plan. background information, measurements, program that provides specialty training in behavior, breeding management, enclosure zoo and exotic animal medicine. The clinical Animal Records information, behavioral enrichment, training, residents alternate their time at our Zoo, each Since the Milwaukee County Zoo opened in diet/feeding, development and medical spending approximately four months per year 1892, records have been kept for the almost notes and procedures all are data recorded here. In 2012, we had two residents – one that 20,000 individual animals that have been in the animal’s record. finished in July and the other in her second year. managed in the Zoo’s collection. Today, AZA- accredited zoos keep very detailed up-to-date Animal medical information also is vital to the The pathology program offers specialized records for each animal, telling its life story care of the animal collection. The Medical Animal training to pathologists interested specifically from birth to death. In addition, our Zoo archives Records Keeping System, known as MedARKS, is in zoo and exotic animal pathology, and provides contain ephemeral material including animal used to create a detailed medical record for each us with information crucial to managing our inventories, old log books, Zoo annual reports, animal containing clinical notes, prescriptions, collection. Our fifth pathology fellow (since the published articles, prints, slides, 16mm films and treatments, cryopreservation records and program’s inception in 1997) began in August general correspondence. We also maintain unique necropsy details. 2010 after having finished a two-year residency documents and artifacts from 19th and 20th century in general pathology at the University of zoological institutions from six continents. Connecticut. The previous resident successfully 15 Regulatory Agencies Fennec fox The Milwaukee County Zoo partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Center and other agencies. Polar bears We provide these agencies with expertise and assistance Willie and Snow Lilly toward the conservation and protection of animals in the wild and in captivity.

The Zoo complies with regulations and permit requirements of international treaties and national and state laws regarding animal conservation, management, care, health and safety. The ZIMS database is a Examples of permits received by the Zoo in 2012 include: real-time, internet-accessible database produced by ISIS International: (International Species Infor- Convention on Trade in Endangered Species mation System), which links import permit (CITES) animals’ records as they National: move between institutions U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service throughout the worldwide Captive Bred Wildlife permit zoological community. The Migratory Bird Special Purpose permit merging of these data from Depredation permit each zoo enables ISIS members to share information Native Endangered Species Recovery permit for management of genetic and demographic programs U.S. Department of Agriculture (such as studbooks or cooperative Species Survival Plans) Exhibitor Permit and their own animal collections. The central database Plant Pests, Noxious Weed, Soil Movement permit contains information on 2.8 million animals – more than U.S. Department of Interior 10,000 species – held in more than 800 institutions in Marine Mammal Protection Act permit 80 countries, as well as some animals in the wild that are participants in release and relocation projects. Currently State of Wisconsin: over 470 facilities are using ZIMS. On December 14, 2012, DNR Depredation permit (Canada goose and eggs) the one millionth transaction was reported in ZIMS. DATCP Johne’s Disease-Free Herd classification DATCP Chronic Wasting Disease-Free Herd classification

16 Library and Archive Conservation and Research Programs The Milwaukee County Zoo Library and Archive, The Zoo Library also collects ephemeral In 2012, the Zoo managed an ambitious and located in the Administration Annex in the materials from U.S. and foreign zoos and diverse conservation and research program at Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, is a research aquariums. This collection is the largest local, regional, national and international levels. library that provides information resources to collection of zoo ephemera in the country. The Senior Animal Staff, including specialty staff of the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Zoological The Library also has a number of animal- Curators, staff Veterinarians and the Deputy Zoo Society of Milwaukee, Zoo Pride volunteers, themed art works, including prints, Director, develop, implement and manage these and the public. sculptures and paintings. programs. Front-line animal care personnel also actively participate in many of these programs. The Milwaukee County Zoo Library collection The Archive preserves materials that are Collaborative efforts with other conservation- includes books and academic/science periodi- crucial to the history of the Milwaukee County oriented institutions and agencies are essential cals in the following subject areas: zoological Zoo and zoos in the United States. This collection to the effectiveness of these efforts. science; animal husbandry; management of includes photos, slides, DVDs, VHS cassettes, animals in captivity; animal behavior; animal 16mm films, historic postcards, personal papers, In addition to the commitment of Zoo resources nutrition; veterinary medicine; wildlife conserva- veterinary records, and Milwaukee County and the resources of collaborating institutions, tion; birds; fishes; invertebrates; mammals; reptiles Zoo historical records on paper and microfiche. significant funding came from Zoo trust funds and amphibians; aquarium management; aquatic These materials are preserved in a climate- and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Public life; horticulture; zoological gardens; history of controlled environment. and private grants also contributed to the support. zoological science; zoo administration; and zoo, aquarium and museum exhibits.

Giant Pacific octopus 17 Conservation and Research Program Collaborative Support The Zoo provides funding and/or staff support to selected conservation initiatives and research projects. Highlights for support in 2012 include:

UCN Conservation Breeding Specialist Group Global Piping Plover Recovery Project Great Lakes Turtle Survival Program Global Ornate Box Turtle Headstart Program Wisconsin Polar Bears International Pan-Arctic Butler’s Garter Snake Ecology Wisconsin International Elephant Foundation Africa and Asia Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study Zoo International Rhino Foundation Africa and Asia Grenada Frog Study Grenada Ape TAG Conservation Initiative Africa and Asia Grenada Bank Treeboa Study Grenada Great Ape Survival Partnership Africa and Asia Grenada Reef Monitoring Grenada Phoenix Fund Amur Tiger Project Russia Rock Iguana Conservation Jamaica International Snow Leopard Trust Nepal Rock Iguana Conservation Grand Cayman Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program Papua New Guinea Puerto Rico Crested Toad SSP Puerto Rico Orangutan Outreach Borneo and Sumatra Hippopotamus Reproductive Hormone Study Zoo Hornbill Nestbox Adoption Thailand Starhead Minnow Spawning Research Zoo Hornbill Feather Distribution Indonesia Mississippi Gopher Frog Conservation Zoo Elephants for Africa Africa Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study Zoo Fennec Fox Conservation Project North Africa Ape Cognition Study Zoo Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative Democratic Republic of Congo Great Ape Cardiovascular Health Study Zoo Lola Ya Bonobo - Bonobo sanctuary Democratic Republic of Congo Great Ape Ultrasound Studies Zoo International Bongo Foundation Kenya Bonobo Semen Freezing Project Zoo Tarangire Elephant Project Tanzania Bonobo Cardiac Database Zoo Kibale Fuel Wood Project Uganda The Zoo also provided funding for many collaborative Berggorilla and Regenwald Direkthilfe Gorilla Project Rwanda conservation and research initiatives including: Adopt an Ostrich Program/Sahara Conservation Fund Niger Cheetah Conservation Botswana Avian Scientific Advisory Group Madagascar Fauna Group Madagascar Penguin Taxon Advisory Group Humboldt Penguin Artificial Burrow Project Chile Great Apes Taxon Advisory Group Humboldt Penguin Education Program Chile International Species Inventory System Humboldt Penguin Guano Harvest Monitoring Peru Amphibian TAG Amphibian Ark Whooping Crane Recovery Project National Great Ape Cardiopathology Research National AZA Wildlife Contraception Center AZA Elephant Welfare Project National Wisconsin Bureau of Endangered Species Herp Fund 18 Staff Conservation and Research Projects Humboldt Penguin In 2011, the first successful hatching and Zoo staff participate in wildlife conservation and The Milwaukee County Zoo has a long and fledging of chicks were observed. In 2012, an research projects at local, regional and interna- storied history with the conservation of Humboldt additional 20 artificial burrows were installed. tional levels. Many of these projects were made penguins in their native range, which is restricted possible with funding from the Zoological to the coasts of Peru and Chile. In 1994, the Zoo Also in 2012, a Zoo staff member participated Society of Milwaukee. initiated a long-term research program to study in the Guano Harvest Monitoring Project in Punta a breeding colony of Humboldt penguins in San Juan (PSJ), Peru to aid in the initial startup of Piping Plover Algarrobo, Chile. the monitoring efforts. Volunteers from our Zoo Each year, the Milwaukee County Zoo sends and the world went to PSJ to monitor and miti- Aviary staff members to assist United States Part of this study continues today with the gate the amount of disturbance created by the Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in Michigan installation of artificial burrows to provide more miners who harvest the seabird guano for use with the monitoring of active nests and the sturdy nests that can better resist flooding and as commercial fertilizer. Through the efforts of rearing of abandoned piping plover eggs and destruction than the natural dirt burrows. In 2009 the volunteers, the impact of harvesting is mini- chicks. These eggs and chicks are brought to and 2010, 35 artificial burrows were placed on mized. The program also includes an educational the University of Michigan Biological Field the island. The artificial burrows were placed program for the miners and local population Station and are hatched for re-release into the in areas where the natural burrows have about sustainable practices regarding the use wild. Our staff members also have participated disappeared, and were monitored to see and harvesting of the guano, helping to ensure in the development of captive husbandry proto- if the penguins would use them. successfully nesting penguins in the future. cols and designated research projects designed The Zoo also provided funds to purchase to benefit wild populations of piping plovers. equipment for the project.

The Great Lakes population of the piping plover was listed as endan- gered in 1986 with only 17 nesting pairs. In 2012, there were 64 nests Humboldt penguins recorded with 58 breeding pairs (4 more than 2011) which produced 193 chicks that hatched in the wild. Of these, 103 had fledged as of the last report with another 25 still pending. In addition, six chicks were captive-reared and released.

19 Another goal of our Humboldt Penguin identified 176 species of native migratory birds. Whooping Crane conservation efforts is to increase public aware- Of these identified species, 42 are listed as rare, The Whooping Crane Recovery Program, ness of the penguins in Chile and the threats threatened, or of special concern in Wisconsin, conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service they face to enhance the conservation of Chilean and 45 have been identified as nesting on Zoo and the International Crane Foundation (ICF), penguin species. Last year, the Zoo developed grounds. Because of these remarkable findings, is responsible for bringing the number of wild a bilingual brochure in Spanish and English. The the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources cranes back from a low of 16 individuals in the brochure provides information about the penguin has designated the Milwaukee County Zoo as 1940s, to a total of more than 500 individuals species found in Chile. It was developed primarily a recognized migratory bird stopover habitat. collectively in captivity and in the wild. Donated for use by Chilean fishermen who act as guides In addition, bird-banding demonstrations are funds from the ICF aid in the captive-rearing, for eco-tourists. It also has been distributed to conducted each year during the Zoo’s special release and management of wild cranes, as various tourist and rehabilitation centers along Earth Day event, Party for the Planet. Visitors well as develop new release techniques to the Chilean coast. As a pilot project, a limited have the opportunity to observe the banding bolster the existing population. The ICF also number of brochures also were given to elemen- process and release birds. does outreach programs to educate the public tary schools in Southern Chile to introduce the about the plight of the cranes, and conducts children to the penguins that live in their own Zoo and Society staff and volunteers also are studies on environmentally-friendly and backyard, and also as a bilingual language involved with reducing bird injuries and mortali- non-toxic alternatives to controlling sandhill resource. In 2012, additional brochures ties associated with window collisions by crane depredation on crops. were sent to Chile for distribution. modifying existing structures to mitigate strikes. By applying stencils, striping, The Milwaukee County Zoo assists The Zoo also provided staff and funds to support silhouettes and decals as well the International Crane Foundation the Penguin Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). This as using netting and better and the USFWS with whooping crane group furthers research efforts that support planting practices, we are recovery by acting as a medical both captive and in situ conservation, promotes reducing the collisions. care location for injured whooping conservation concern and conservation action cranes that were part of the through educational programming and internet Several types of feeders release program. We currently resources, and engenders appreciation for these were installed throughout have one female and one male charismatic species that serve as indicators of the Zoo, and native species non-releasable cranes that have the health of marine and coastal environments. of plants were installed that been successfully introduced provide cover and food for to each other. Migratory and Resident Avifauna migratory birds. In addition, Fairy bluebird Study/Collision Abatement nest boxes were placed around In 2012, a Zoo staff member participated Zoo staff and volunteers are mist-netting Lake Evinrude for bluebird, chickadee, in crane care at the Patuxent Wildlife Research and banding wild birds on Zoo grounds to house wren and tree swallow nesting. These all Center in Maryland to learn more about the determine the numbers and species that use serve as examples of what people can do to help handling, restraint, hand-rearing and general our grounds as a stopover site during migration. migratory birds in their own backyards. husbandry practices. This facility is the largest Since its inception in 2001, this project has breeder of whooping cranes. 20 Ornate Box Turtle frogs were sampled to determine if they were shown on the Grenada Information Service This year, the Zoo raised 24 endangered ornate carrying the deadly frog-killing fungus called (GIS) television station. The GIS is the Grenadian box turtles to be released into a wild prairie chytrid. Unfortunately, the fungus was found at equivalent of the U.S. National Broadcast System. remnant in south central Wisconsin. In 1996 all of the sampling sites. Chytrid could lead to These films have the potential to be shown and 1997, the Zoo developed raise-and-release the extinction of the Grenada frog. Data from several times per day around the clock, thus procedures for this highly successful DNR program. 2011 and 2012 indicate the frog populations in reaching a wide audience, providing them with During a single winter at the Zoo, these turtles Grenada have stabilized. Continued monitoring information about the value of their wildlife may grow from a one-third ounce hatchling to as will be necessary to determine if this observation heritage. The first set of films, expected to air much as five ounces. In the wild, it may take as is real or merely a random event. in 2013, will focus on Grenada’s frogs, snakes long as seven years to reach this size, at which and lizards. time they are practically predator-proof. Because the people of Grenada are unaware the Grenada frog is found nowhere else in The Racine Zoo also participates in this program, the world, and at the request of the Grenadian and the Nature Conservancy has adopted its Department of Forestry and National protocols to help increase ornate box turtle Parks, our Zoo provided staff and Grenada frog populations in its Wisconsin reserves. By the funds to develop film clips of summer of 2012, this program had resulted Grenadian wildlife to be in the successful headstarting and release of 1,120 turtles. Of these, our Zoo raised 336 turtles.

Grenada Frog The Grenada frog was once widespread on the island nation of Grenada. During the late 1880s, a related frog species, Johnstone’s frog, was introduced. Since that time, Johnstone’s frog has spread throughout the island and the Grenada frog has retreated to small isolated pockets (seven square miles) in the mountain rainforests. In 2004, our Zoo, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Grenada Forestry and National Parks Department initiated a field-study to determine if these two species can successfully coexist. In 2009, the Racine Zoo joined our efforts. In 2009, we noted the numbers of frogs observed had dropped for a third consecutive year. As a result, 21 Grenada Bank Treeboa addition of fieldwork studies of the Grand This subspecies of the Cuban rock iguana is The Grenada Bank treeboa is only found on Cayman blue iguana and Jamaican iguana. endemic to the small islands of Cayman Brac the islands in the Grenada Bank. Although wide- Blue iguanas are one of the most endangered and Little Cayman. While there have been spread, populations seem to be decreasing on lizard species in the world. studies conducted on Little Cayman, no such the island of Grenada. Our Zoo and the Racine population surveys exist for Cayman Brac. The Zoo have been cooperating with the Milwaukee A 2003 census indicated there might have goal of the project was to find and process as Public Museum to conduct research on this tree been as few as 12 Grand Cayman blue iguanas in many iguanas as possible to get an estimated boa. The Zoo is collaborating with Dr. Marie Rush the wild. Because of the efforts of several zoos, population count. During the month-long proj- of St. George’s University (Grenada) in a study to including ours, the population is now estimated ect, 97 iguanas were found, a number greater determine this snake’s normal blood parameters to number more than 200. The Jamaican iguana than the original estimate. Unfortunately, these and identify the blood parasites of this species. was once thought to be extinct in the wild, and animals face grave threats due to increasing is still very much in peril. development, cars and feral cats and dogs. Coral Reef Monitoring - Grenada During 2012, cars killed five breeding-age adults, Our Zoo has participated in the fieldwork In 2009, our research efforts in the Caribbean including one pregnant female. Zoo staff also for these collaborative efforts, resulting in expanded to the surrounding ocean. Our Zoo taught local volunteers how to find, catch and successful releases of captive-hatched, joined the Wisconsin Lutheran College’s reef process iguanas in hopes of rallying community raised-and-released iguanas back into the monitoring program in Grenada. The purpose interest to help the species to survive. wilds of Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Also, of this project is to compare the long-term through observations and radio tracking, data health of the coral reefs found in Grenada’s Butler’s Garter Snake has been collected for the first time on the marine protected areas with other areas that The Butler’s garter snake is an endangered habits of these rare species from both raised- receive no protection. We hope to demonstrate species restricted to southeastern Wisconsin. and-released iguanas and free-ranging wild the economic benefits of protected areas to In 2007, the Wisconsin Department of Natural individuals. Additionally, a veterinary technician the tourist industry and fishing communities Resources brought together developers, land was sent to assist in the health screening of of Grenada. In July of 2012, data from the first owners, our Zoo and other conservation organi- the iguanas intended for the release. More field- four years of this project were presented at the zations to develop a management plan for this work is scheduled, and our Zoo will be sending International Coral Reef Symposium, in Cairns, species. This plan identified numerous gaps in additional staff to assist fieldworkers with Australia. The response from the audience our knowledge that were crucial to the develop- protection of nest sites, nest monitoring, was enthusiastic, as there are very few, data- ment of a successful plan. As a result, the Zoo health screenings, and radio tracking. They intensive, long-term studies of Caribbean reefs. joined with the Urban Ecology Center at also assist with the maintenance of iguana Riverside Park to seek answers to several Rock Iguana Conservation raise-and-release facilities. questions. What is the dispersal distance of Our Zoo has been a longtime supporter of the snakes? What is the population density of In January 2012, a zookeeper was sent to rock iguana conservation in the genus Cyclura. the snakes in Riverside Park? How fast do they Cayman Brac to assist in a study on the Sister Since 2003, this support has increased with the grow? These studies involve radio tracking, Isles Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis). finding and capturing snakes and marking 22 them for individual identification. Hundreds of hours were spent on this Great Ape Ultrasound Studies research during the year, and several additional seasons of work are For the past 20 years, Zoo staff and needed to adequately address these issues. volunteer medical professionals have per- formed ultrasound studies on our great apes. Mississippi Gopher Frog As a result of extensive positive reinforcement The Mississippi gopher frog is the most endangered frog species in the training by our staff, the great apes voluntarily country. The species is only found in one pond, and population estimates participate in these painless studies – without range from 100 to 200 individuals. The Mississippi Gopher Frog Species restraints, sedation or anesthesia. The animals look Survival Plan (SSP) group sent out a plea for zoos to take and hold frogs forward to these procedures and willingly cooperate. to make space for additional founders by SSP participants who breed The ultrasound studies include heart studies of bonobos, the frogs. Our Zoo now houses and cares for 25 of these frogs. gorillas and orangutans and fetal development studies of bonobos. Our Zoo has been the first in the world to Starhead Topminnows do these types of studies with the great apes. Starhead topminnows are an endangered fish species in Wisconsin. Although there have been a few cases of successful captive reproduction Great Ape Heart Studies in the private sector, there are no reports of breeding in zoos or aquariums. The most common cause of mortality in captive great Several pairs were collected in July 2007 with the intent of developing apes is enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart spawning techniques that could be used by the Wisconsin DNR should a due to replacement of the normal heart muscle with captive breeding program become a necessity. One or two pairs have been fibrotic scar tissue. In humans, this change is most collected each year since, in order to maintain the genetic diversity of the often related to hypertension, or high blood pressure. captive population held here. Fishes from this program have been sent to the Urban Ecology Centers in Milwaukee and other aquariums or nature centers for display.

Great Ape In-house Cognitive Research The purpose of this project is to gain insight into the cognitive abilities of our three great ape species: bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. Dr. Sarah Boysen, a great ape behavior researcher, conducted tests with the apes. Tests included: counting; the “shell game;” the “more or less” paradigm; and the use of tools to retrieve rewards. The bonobos were the most interested and cooperative of the apes, although the gorillas and orang- utans participated as well. The results from past testing, including the first of the two in 2012, have been presented in a number of poster sessions in Prague, the Czech Republic; Birmingham, England; and Kyoto, Japan. Western lowland gorilla 23 For a number of years the Zoo has been working at training bonobos for voluntary participation in allowing indirect blood pressure measurements to be collected from animals that are awake. Currently, several bonobos are allowing blood pressure measurements to be collected using finger cuffs. We are the first Zoo to document hypertension in this manner, and to prove that treatment with oral blood pressure medications actually results in lowering blood pressure.

Bonobo Heart Pathology Studies In an effort to delve more closely into the similarities and differences between heart disease in apes and humans, preserved hearts from the pathology collection at our Zoo were analyzed by specialists in human cardiopathology. These in-depth reports have assisted in identifying differences in terminology used by veterinary

24 Elephant Awareness Day and medical pathologists. They also have identified several classical • Cognition in bonobos as it relates to human cognition; pathologic changes associated with hypertension in the apes, and have • In-house measurements of hormone levels for reproductive identified one case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy management of hippos (ARVC). This work has spurred additional research into methods for measuring indirect blood pressure in apes that are awake. This most The Zoo also maintains a library of frozen or preserved blood and biopsy likely will result in a publication on hypertensive tissue changes in and necropsy tissue samples available for approved research projects bonobos with left ventricular hypertrophy, and has stimulated upon request. research into the possible genetic basis for ARVC in bonobos. Presentations/Publications Animal Awareness Days The Animal Division staff deliver more than 1,000 formal presentations Two zookeeper-driven events were held at the Zoo this year to showcase and innumerable informal presentations to the visiting public every year. species and educate the public on captive care as well as conservation needs In addition, Zoo staff develop programs, publish articles and research in the wild. Elephant Awareness Day was held September 15, and Wolf papers and deliver presentations locally, regionally and internationally Awareness Day was held October 13. Both events included activities and to contribute to conservation efforts. opportunities for behind-the-scene tours of the facilities, zookeeper talks and the distribution of materials on related conservation organizations. Visitors were encouraged to conserve these species, and to learn about the other species and the ecosystems that are important to sustain wild populations. Funds raised at Elephant Awareness Day were donated to the International Elephant Foundation and Elephants for Africa. Bonobo Other Research and Studies The Zoo assists in many scientific studies and collaborative research projects by providing facilities, staff expertise and an environment conducive to animal studies. The Zoo Research Committee reviews all research proposals to ensure the protection of animal welfare. A few studies from 2012 include:

• Infra-red imaging of North American mammal species for identification during field surveys; • Differentiating notch marks made on bones by hyenas from those made by humans for paleontology studies; • Developing a non-invasive technique for measuring cortisol levels in wolves for field hormone level determinations; • Determination of factors that will enhance the welfare of elephants; 25 Species Survival Plans® Our Zoo cooperates with all major zoos and aquariums in North America to enhance The Zoo’s scientific staff also are members of specialist groups the survival of endangered species in our collections and in the wild. This is done devoted to the conservation and management of groups of through Species Survival Plans® of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Groups species. These are called Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs). of zoo scientists and collaborating experts develop breeding plans to help protect the genetic variations of each of these species. Collaborative programs also are The Milwaukee County Zoo participates in Species Survival developed with range countries to assist in conservation of these animals and Plans (SSP) and Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG) that exist for the their habitats in the wild. species in our collection and closely related species, including:

Alligator Chinese SSP Macaque Japanese SSP Hippopotamus SSP Amphibian TAG Ratite and Tinamiformes TAG Argens (LV Cichlid) SSP Mandrill SSP Hyena Spotted SSP Aquatic Invertebrate TAG Turaco and Cuckoo TAG Degeni (LV Cichlid) SSP Monkey DeBrazza’s SSP Jaguar SSP Chelonian TAG Antelope and Giraffe TAG Esculentus (LV Cichlid) SSP Orangutan Bornean SSP Kangaroo Red SSP Crocodilian TAG Bear TAG Iguana Rock SSP Orangutan Sumatran SSP Kudu Greater SSP Freshwater Fishes TAG Bison Buffalo Cattle TAG Ishmaeli (LV Cichlid) SSP Siamang SSP Leopard Snow SSP Lizard TAG Canid and Hyaenid TAG Lip Two Stripe White Spider Monkey Central Lion SSP Marine Fishes TAG Caprinae TAG (LV Cichlid) SSP American SSP Moose SSP Snake TAG Deer (Cervid/Tragulid) TAG Melanopterus (LV Cichlid) SSP Tamarin Cotton-Top SSP Panda Red SSP Terrestrial Invertebrate TAG Elephant TAG Perrieri (LV Cichlid) SSP Tamarin Golden Lion SSP Rhinoceros Eastern Black SSP Ape TAG Equid TAG Piceata (LV Cichlid) SSP Tamarin Golden-Headed Sea Lion California SSP Bat TAG Felid TAG Rattlesnake Aruba Island SSP Lion SSP Seal Harbor SSP New World Primate TAG Marine Mammal TAG Toad Puerto Rican Frogmouth Tawny SSP Tiger Amur SSP Old World Monkey TAG Marsupial and Monotreme TAG Crested SSP Hornbill Rhinoceros SSP Tree Kangaroo Matschie’s SSP Pangolin Aardvark Xenarthra TAG Rhinoceros TAG Rattlesnake Eastern Jay Plush Crested SSP Warthog SSP Prosimian TAG Tapir TAG Massasauga SSP Kingfisher Micronesian SSP Zebra Plains SSP Rodent Insectivore Wild Pig Peccary and Hippo TAG Penguin Humboldt SSP Motmot Blue Crowned SSP Lagomorph TAG Bonobo SSP Mynah Bali SSP Small Carnivore TAG Callimico SSP Rail Guam SSP Charadriiformes TAG Cat Black-Footed SSP Spoonbill African SSP Ciconiiformes and Colobus Angolan SSP Sunbittern SSP Phoenicopteriformes TAG Fox Fennec SSP Vulture King SSP Columbiformes TAG Gorilla Western SSP Bear Polar SSP Coraciiformes TAG Lemur Black & Bongo Eastern SSP Galliformes TAG White Ruffed SSP Cheetah SSP PACCT TAG (Passerines) Lemur Mongoose SSP Eland Common SSP Parrot TAG Lemur Red Ruffed SSP Elephant SSP Piciformes TAG Lemur Ring-Tailed SSP Giraffe Reticulated SSP Raptor TAG 26 Lion cubs tackle Wisconsin snow, an enrichment item.

27 Professional Program Management Zoo staff members hold management positions in national and international programs through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and other conservation entities. These management positions include:

• President - Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians • Director - Milwaukee Ape Heart Project • Manager - Bonobo Cardiovascular Database • Chairperson - Humboldt SSP, Veterinary Advisor: Bonobo SSP, Ape TAG, Ring-tailed lemur SSP, Humboldt penguin SSP, Penguin TAG, Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians Examination Committee • Co-chair - Humboldt Penguin SSP • Vice-chair - AZA Annual Conference Program Committee • Management Group - Bonobo SSP • Steering Committee - Institution Data Management Advisor Group, Freshwater Fish TAG, Lake Victoria Cichlid SSP, Great Ape Heart Project, Ape TAG • SSP Coordinator/Studbook Keeper/Point Person - Red Kangaroo, Yellow-backed Duiker, Short-crested Rockhopper, Long-crested Rockhopper, Tayra, Striped Skunk, Canada Lynx • Zookeeper Advisor - Bonobo SSP • Scientific Advisory Board - Urban Ecology Center • Animal Care Manual Team - Penguin TAG, Ring-tailed Lemur • Accreditation Inspectors - Association of Zoos and Aquariums • Program Manager - American College of Zoological Medicine Residency Program • Co-editor - National American Association of Zookeepers Animal Keeper Forum • Reviewer - Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine • Treasurer - American Association of Zoo Veterinarians • Executive Committee - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians • Research Advisory Committee - Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake • Information Resources Committee - American Association of Zoo Veterinarians • Education Committee - Elephant Managers Association • Enrichment Committee - Elephant Managers Association • Ethics Committee - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians • Grants Committee - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, National American Association of Zookeepers • Conservation Committee - National American Association of Zookeepers • Animal Welfare Committee - Liaison between National AAZK and AZA Hippo In addition, many members of the Zoo staff are officers of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK). 28 Exhibit Renovations The Northwestern Mutual Foundation provided funds for a complete renovation of the Northwest Mutual Family Farm entrance. The entrance features an out- door museum display of antique, horse-drawn farm equipment, a 100-year-old grain wagon that visitors can climb on, a working hand-operated water pump and signage of how these items were used by our farming ancestors. Additional improvements will be made in 2013.

• MillerCoors has pledged a 4-year grant for the renovation of our Black Bear Exhibit, with emphasis on the importance of clean water, water conservation and the natural habitats which depend on water. The 2012 funds were principally devoted to the installa- tion of a state-of-the-art filter system that cleans and circulates the bears’ pool water, enhances the exhibit waterfall, and saves the Zoo hundreds of thousands of gallons of water each year. • The City of Wauwatosa, with the aid of project contractors, donated several large ash trees that needed to be removed for an infrastructure project. These trees were installed as props for animal enrichment at Brown Bear, Grizzly Bear, American Black Bear, Polar Bear and Macaque Island Exhibits.

Facilities Improvements A considerable number of animal area infrastructure projects were completed in 2012. Most of these are not noticed by the public, but are critical for the continued operation of the Zoo and the well-being of the animal collection. The projects included: animal life support systems, heating, ventilating, electrical American black bear and plumbing upgrades, roof replacements and other behind-the-scenes renovations. 29 Administration and Finance Financial and Capital Project requests and expenditures continue to help Planning and Control the Zoo control these costs. The Zoo filled its Background and 2012 Review This Section involves coordination of the budget Accountant II position in 2012 by promoting This Division oversees the following: Cash process. Balancing the budget is challenging one of the Concession area’s most effective Management, Financial and Capital Project when support is reduced, while service, as well seasonal supervisors. The Accountant II has Planning, Accounts Payable and Receivable, as entertainment values are expected to be been especially helpful assisting areas impacted Personnel and Payroll, General Office Services maintained, and new revenue sources are by job transfers and medical leaves. (including coordination of security, emergency explored and priorities re-evaluated. The 2013 medical support, reception and switchboard, Special Exhibit contract was negotiated during Information Technology (IT) radio dispatch and clerical support), Information the year. Financial reporting and analysis contin- Information Technology functions were provided Technology, Employee Safety and Training and ued to be performed on a daily, monthly and by Zoo staff, Milwaukee County’s Department oversight of the Zoo’s Green Committee. The annual basis, with comparisons to the budget of Administration – Information Management Section also completed the 2012 year-end as well as to the previous year. Revenue sharing Services (IMSD) and outside consultants. The financials review and submitted the year-end contracts were improved to enhance vendor year 2012 marked the first full year for the Zoo’s financial report. The Zoo ended the year with accountability. The review of the Zoo’s revenue new IT position. It was filled through IMSD to a tax levy deficit of $549,004 and had an contracts started in 2012 to improve language directly support the Zoo. The Zoo has continued increase of $40,877 in the Zoo trust funds. consistency and accountability. to partner with a variety of IMSD technical staff resources to assist primarily with the point-of- Cash Management Accounting sale, inventory and event management systems. This Section’s responsibilities include (Accounts Payable and Receivable) The IMSD staff helped control the Zoo’s expenses reconciliation of cash receipts to our point-of- During 2012, Accounts Payable and Receivable by troubleshooting most register issues for the sale system, preparation of the bank deposits, processed contracts, purchasing requisitions system on site, rather than contacting an outside preparation of cash register starting banks and and receipts, monitored the credit card system, vendor for support. daily support of the cashiers for change and reviewed sales documentation, prepared deposits of funds, processing of contract ride invoices, tracked accounts receivable and The Zoo IT position has allowed for continued revenues and improved monitoring of cashier entered financial transactions into the general improvement in set-up, usage and monitoring discrepancies. In 2012, a new cashier cash ledger. During the year, significant effort was of financial information through point-of-sale counting room was set-up to assist with tighten- put toward improving utilization of the auto- and Milwaukee County financial systems. Usage ing internal controls. The new procedure has mated purchasing function in the point-of-sale of the Internet Supply Store was enhanced for each area count its starting funds within the system. The item master was streamlined, the Commissary, and inventory modifications camera-controlled areas outside the Cash Room. and vendor contract information has been continue for the Stockroom and resale items. used to facilitate ordering of the necessary concessions and catering items. Accounting Staff attended the point-of-sale conference staff have been instrumental in identifying during the summer, allowing for both networking discrepancies and assisting with problem opportunities as well as a greater understanding resolution. Effective coordination of travel of the system. 30 Green Committee promotion, training, disciplinary actions, The Milwaukee County Zoo has implemented transfers, employee benefits and departmental recycling programs and conservation-minded diversity issues. projects for many years. Recycling efforts include cell phones, printer cartridges, aluminum cans, Also, the Human Resources Coordinator light bulbs, food and motor oils, scrap metals, represents the Zoo as part of committees, restaurant cups, plastic bottles and paper and appeal boards and meetings and hearings Diversity Committee coffee grinds. The Zoo’s energy savings program related to various personnel issues. The Diversity Committee is a group formed of upgraded electrical, natural gas, water and within the parameters of the Human Resources sewer infrastructure continues to produce savings Highlights from 2012 include: Section with a primary function of providing in utilities. The Zoo also has used green-friendly • Took part in job fairs in Milwaukee opportunities for better understanding of practices in building construction and County to ensure a diverse work force civil rights by Zoo personnel. other projects. • Worked together with the Milwaukee County Department of Human The Diversity Committee consists of seven Resources to process applications representatives from various Divisions who and hire Zooworkers and Family annually make recommendations concerning Farm Attendants equal opportunities for all employees regard- • Worked together with the Milwaukee less of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, County Department of Human religion, national origin, age, handicap and Resources to enable the Zoo to Polar bear recycling other non-merit factors. bins made from advertise current “hot jobs” on recycled plastic. the County website The committee acts as a resource for all Zoo • Received the 2012 D.R.E.A.M Award staff by providing information and addressing (Diversity Rewards Employees and particular concerns or complaints. Members Milwaukee County) attend quarterly training sessions that empha- • Assisted in the hiring of 12 individuals size diversity-related issues in the workplace. Human Resources for full-time employment with the Zoo Committee members also provide outreach The Human Resources Section consists of the • Worked in cooperation with the Milwaukee through activities that promote diversity Human Resources Coordinator, Administrative County Department of Human Resources in the workplace. Specialist and a seasonal Payroll Assistant. to inform, train and provide guidance to Zoo Responsibilities include coordinating and employees regarding Milwaukee County’s performing a variety of technical and professional time and attendance, payroll, benefits and personnel-related tasks. General duties performed recruitment system entail managing the payroll and human resources function to include grievance handling, recruitment,

31 Employee Safety and Health Fair

Safety and Training The Safety and Training Section is comprised of the Safety and Training Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) management, pesticide usage Specialist and a seasonal Training Assistant. This Section is responsible reports and annual Tier II reports are processed and completed by this for instructing Zoo employees in regulatory compliance, customer Section. The Safety and Training Specialist and the assistant are respon- service, security and emergency response programming and training. sible for accident investigation and on-site security system maintenance, The Section also is responsible for maintaining first aid kits, fire along with Zoo Access Control and surveillance programming. extinguishers and emergency chemical exposure stations. In addition, assessing workplace hazards, developing safe work practices and State and federal compliance regulations mandate the annual safety assigning proper personal protective equipment are tasks training programming conducted by this Section. In addition to required assigned to this Section. programming, the Safety Section continues to promote the annual Employee Safety and Health Fair. The following topics were presented This Section also coordinates and provides identification badges at the 2012 Fair: Emergency Response and Drills, Confined Space and distributes employee uniforms, and conducts annual seasonal Awareness, Cutting Safety, Tool/Equipment Safety, Zoonosis, Electrical orientations, informing Zoo seasonal staff of workplace policies and Safety, Accident Statistics, Golf Cart Training, Thinking Well, Self procedures. The Section performs routine hazardous waste removal Defense, Active Shooter, Risk Management, Blood Borne and storage and identification audits to ensure compliance with Pathogens, and Fire Extinguisher Training. state and federal regulations.

32 Public Affairs and Services 2012 Highlights Special Events The Public Affairs and Services Division consists of four Sections: Group Each year, the Public Affairs and Services Division coordinates more Sales, Public Relations, Special Events and Special Programs. In addition than 16 special events held on Zoo grounds, drawing more than 167,000 to these areas, the Division is responsible for the overall marketing, visitors. Here are a few highlights from the year: promotion and advertising of the Zoo. The staff includes: a Division Director, four Coordinators, four full-time staff and approximately Behind the Scenes Weekend – March 10 & 11 50 seasonal Zooworkers. This unique annual event gives visitors the opportunity to see areas of the Group Sales Zoo which are not normally open to the The Zoo’s Group Sales Section manages public. In 2012, several new areas were more than 600 events annually. These added to the Zoo tours, which included events are a mix of corporate, non-profit giraffe treatment areas and the indoor and private events held throughout hippo stalls. New demonstrations Zoo grounds. rounded out the event, and included: Private event setting Behind the scenes at hippos scuba diving in the Aquatic and Reptile Events can be held during any month of the year, and may include a Center and iPad interaction with zookeepers and orangutans in building rental such as the Peck Welcome Center or Zoofari Conference Primates of the World. Center, which are ideal for the corporate daytime meeting or after-hours Attendance: 14,280 party or wedding reception. A picnic site can host groups of 50 to 5,000, or an entire Zoo grounds rental also is available, in which an organization Party for the Planet – May 19 & 20 has exclusive rights to the park. Sponsored by American Transmission Company This event, held in recognition of Earth Day, highlights all things The Zoo’s Group Sales Section also is responsible for Children’s Birthday “green!” The weekend’s activities included: a migration game, Parties, Group Tours and Advanced Consignment Ticket Sales that are woodcarving demonstrations, scrap metal and cell phone recycling sold and distributed throughout Wisconsin. and bird banding, to mention a few. New this year, many of the activities focused on polar bears, and the increasingly urgent need to save their In 2012, the Zoo added the Jungle Party Room, located in the Otto habitats due to a changing climate. A special polar bear exhibit with Borchert Family Special Exhibits Building. This unique space is specially artifacts and literature was offered and the annual migration game designed and dedicated to children’s birthday parties. focused on the journeys of Arctic polar bears. Attendance: 18,242 These events and ticket sales continue to have a positive financial impact on the Zoo’s fiscal revenue and attendance budget.

33 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte – August 16-19 Breakfast and Lunch with Santa – December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 Our annual “Feast with the Beasts” once again proved to be the largest Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles attraction on the Zoo’s special event lineup. With more than 25 restaurants A huge number of kids and their families joined us for the holiday offering tasty menu items and a variety of local and national entertainment, meals with Santa. Offered over three weekends, breakfasts were our visitors were treated to one of the best summer happenings in the city. served on Saturdays only, and Sundays featured both breakfast and National headliners included: Los Lonely Boys and the BoDeans, and new lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children enjoyed entertainment by restaurants Hue Vietnamese and Jake’s Deli, were welcomed into the Fred Turk while dining in our festively decorated Peck Welcome Center. a la Carte “family.” Attendance: 2,300 (Sold-out) Attendance: 74,507

“Feast with the Beasts” Los Lonely Boys (Left)

34 • Also during the summer, the Zoo hosted the exhibit, “Adventure Dinosaur!” Public Affairs and Services sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets. The hugely popular exhibit was Special Programs displayed outdoors from May 26 through September 3, and featured The Special Programs Section of the Milwaukee County Zoo is responsible a variety of dinosaur species built to their real-life specifications. More for overseeing these areas: Supercuts Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion than 194,000 visitors encountered these prehistoric creatures during Show, our temporary summer special exhibits and audiovisual services. the summer. The Special Programs Section coordinated and supervised In addition, this Section works directly with the Zoological Society, serving exhibit staff. as the liaison for all Zoological Society events taking place at the Zoo. • The Special Programs Section continued its partnership with the Following are the 2012 highlights: Zoological Society, serving as a liaison to facilitate all of the Society’s events that took place on Zoo grounds. This partnership serves to • The Supercuts Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show is a 20-minute strengthen the overall relationship between the Zoo and the presentation sponsored by Supercuts, which entertains and educates Zoological Society. visitors about seals and sea lions through a live animal show. The shows generated more than $195,000 in revenue for the year, and welcomed • Finally, Zoo operations were enhanced by the efforts of the Audiovisual 53,099 visitors. Section. Areas served included: the Animal Division, Public Relations, Group Sales and Special Events. Photos, videos and visual presentations were used for newspaper and magazine articles, animal identification, Zoo website, marketing and promotional campaigns, collateral pieces and the audiovisual needs for Group Sales clients.

35 Public Affairs and Services Media Relations In 2012, the Zoo received positive media coverage from broadcast, print and electronic media outlets.

Following are a few media highlights from the year:

Each month of the year, the Zoo was featured on FOX-6 Wake-up News as a regular segment, spotlighting a particular animal and zookeeper. Some of the animals who made appearances included: a potto, Flemish giant rabbit, sea stars, straw-colored fruit bat, barn owl and a purple sea urchin. These regular features proved to be very popular with Wake-up News viewers.

• The Zoo was regularly featured on many of the morning news programs, including “Real Milwaukee” on FOX-6 and Channel 12 News This Morning. Topics included the new sea lion pup, Colby, at the Supercuts Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show, our new jaguar cubs and new female hyena at the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, and a behind the scenes look at our grizzly bears preparing for winter hibernation.

• The Zoo’s Master plan project was featured on a continuing basis in several publications including: The Business Journal, The Biz Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

• Throughout 2012, new animal additions, including the critically endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo, were featured in the AZA magazine, Connect. This monthly member publication serves the national zoo and aquarium professional community.

• The monthly magazine, Wisconsin Woman, profiled three of our female employees, and highlighted the important work they do here at the Zoo. Featured in the June issue were: Area Supervisor of North America/Australia, Dawn Fleuchaus; Veterinarian Technician, Margaret Michaels; Deputy Zoo Director/ Administration and Finance, Vera Westphal; and Vehicle Machine Operator, Bo Kueny.

36 The staff consists of one Operations Division Operations Manager, one full-time Manager and approxi- 2012 Highlights mately 50 seasonal employees. The revenue The Milwaukee County Zoo’s Operations from the shops is generated by two year-round Department consists of the following Divisions: shops and 10 seasonal kiosks throughout Visitor Services, Concessions and Catering, the Zoo. The revenue generated from vending Grounds and Horticulture, Maintenance and comes from photo, medallion, claw machine, Trades, Custodial, Merchandising and Warehouse foot massage and penny press machines. and Time and Material/Major Maintenance/ Revenue shared contracts consist of face Capital Project Construction Management. painting, temporary tattoos, caricatures, ropes course, climbing wall, zip line and Visitor Services: 2012 Highlights: entryway photos. This Section meets and greets guests upon • Rebuilt train crossing entering the Zoo, providing them with informa- • Worked with the Grand Avenue Club, which In 2012, we expanded our program for individuals tion essential to their visit. In 2012, the Visitor is designed to assist individuals with special with special needs, as six seasonal positions Services staff admitted more than 1.3 million needs to enter the workplace and increase were filled by students with special needs from visitors to the Zoo. This Section’s responsibilities their level of self-esteem as well as area high schools, and three adults from the include: collecting fees for admission and their independence Grand Avenue Club. These individuals were hired parking, operating the miniature train, carousel, • Provided staff support for all events that through a work-study program in which schools zoomobile, stroller rentals, sky safari and the occurred during regular Zoo hours or were on site weekly for two hours with their mold-a-rama machines. This Section also after-hours events in conjunction with class to work and study job skills. This program oversees dog kennels and the camel and pony Group Sales, Public Affairs, Education has been a huge success to help prepare rides. The Visitor Services Division is comprised and Zoological Society Divisions students for future employment, and learn of two full-time Managers, two full- time Train to be self sufficient. Engineers, one seasonal Engineer/Welder Merchandising and more than 60 seasonal employees. The Merchandising Section is responsible for The year’s success was accomplished by the generating revenue through shop sales, vending help of our seasonal supervisors and front-line In our annual visitor survey, conducted by machines and shared contracts. The Section staff. We had great success with the temporary the Public Affairs and Services Division, many monitors inventory levels, purchasing, displaying, gift shop located at Adventure Dinosaur! which guests commented our Zoo was very clean and pricing and stocking of all merchandise. The staff included a fossil dig and a 50-foot merchandise organized with regard to overall appearance. is pivotal in supporting the switchboard operation tent. A new garden store, added in 2012, sur- Further, nearly 82% of the total sample surveyed (all communications) for the Zoo on weekends, passed revenue projections. We also benefitted said they were “very satisfied” with their current night events and special events. from above budget revenue for sidewalk carts, experience at the Zoo. special exhibits, bear carts, photo booths and group sales. 37 Grounds and Horticulture Maintenance In 2012, the Horticulture Section planted about 40,000 annuals, perennials, A considerable amount of infrastructure work is completed each year by woody shrubs and trees. In addition, we coped with one of the driest and the Maintenance Division. While most projects are not noticeable to the warmest summer seasons on record. Despite this challenge, we were able public, they are critical to daily Zoo operations. Maintaining the buildings, to maintain our public green space by adding and repairing turf in worn grounds, exhibits and public areas are vital to overall operations. areas, and creating areas for future naturalization with removal of invasive plant species. Behind-the-scenes electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC and general maintenance include operation of HVAC and Metasys interface computer We also welcomed a new full-time forestry employee to take on the boards, repairing animal exhibits, animal life support systems, maintaining responsibility of tree care. We created prehistoric-looking planting areas lighting, including green initiative lamps to help reduce the impact on the to display at the summer “Adventure Dinosaur!”, and helped to re-theme the environment and reduce utility costs. This Division handles emergency entrance to the Family Farm with the landscaping focused on a traditional calls on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week schedule and works with outside Wisconsin farmstead. To add to the year’s activity, we created new decora- vendors to maintain all of the buildings and grounds making it safe tive Easter scenes for Egg Day, were involved in Halloween preparations and comfortable for our visitors. and festively decorated the Zoo for the Christmas season. 2012 Construction Project Highlights: Our main efforts regarding the Animal Division included sourcing and distributing browse, providing plants for enrichment and caring for -Replacement of train garage roof indoor tropical plantings. -Stormwater and manhole restoration project -Construction of Peck Welcome Center glass vestibule and installation of new rooftop HVAC units -Exit drive asphalt replacement -Sea lion filter room upgrade -Deep well pump replacement project -Replacement compressors for air conditioning units at Flamingo Café and Zoofari Conference Center -Rain garden installations -Concrete permeable paver installations -Sea Lion Concessions roof replacement -Family Farm entrance upgrade

2012 dinosaur special exhibit

38 Stockroom Operations Custodial The Stockroom’s major responsibility is to support all of our The Custodial Section is responsible for keeping buildings clean revenue-generating operations. The operation consists of one for both our visitors and staff. Custodians also work with vendors full-time Supervisor and eight seasonal associates. Main functions and event managers from small companies to large corporations of the Stockroom include: ordering, shipping, receiving, delivering as well as the Group Sales Division. The Section works to ensure and monitoring of inventory controls. that the event plans and preparation requests are met for each client’s function. The employees of the Stockroom work closely with all Zoo departments in support of their daily needs. The Stockroom works Concessions and Catering directly with Concessions, Catering, Group Sales, Special Events, The Concessions and Catering operation provides our guests with Merchandising and the Zoological Society on a daily basis. The food, beverages, snacks and personable service. The diverse staff Stockroom stores food, beverage, merchandise and administrative consists of up to 180 seasonal associates and two full-time Food products. The Division works to ensure all health and sanitation Service Managers. The operation has nine permanent concession standards are achieved, and maintains a clean and safe facilities, four popcorn wagons, 45 vending machines and seven working environment. beverage and snack carts located throughout the grounds.

Woodland concessions

Sea lion concessions 39 Operating Expenses (Financials) Zoological Department (Unaudited) 2012 2012 Adjusted Budget Actual Year-to-Date Variance ( ) = Deficit Revenues Total Admissions $6,227,714 $4,758,569 $(1,469,145) Less Group Sales $1,580,207 $1,098,937 $(481,270) Net Operational Admissions $4,647,507 $3,659,632 $(987,875) Concessions $4,256,353 $3,983,291 ($273,062) Catering $151,848 $157,744 $5,896 Novelties $1,903,675 $1,837,718 ($65,957) Parking $3,061,447 $2,960,197 ($101,250) Special Exhibit Admissions $389,293 $406,351 $17,058 Sea Lion Show $195,819 $137,015 ($58,804) Vending Machine Commissions $313,400 $226,820 ($86,580) Strollers $130,000 $105,751 ($24,249) Animal Rides $60,000 $51,578 ($8,423) Total Group Sales $2,492,343 $1,904,958 ($587,385) Carousel $221,252 $184,226 ($37,026) SkyRide $251,722 $140,214 ($111,508) Society Memberships $238,771 $376,532 $137,761 Donations $196,000 $196,618 $618 Other Private Funding $832,440 $782,440 ($50,000) Sponsorships $275,500 $239,983 ($35,517) Miscellaneous Revenue $602,686 $454,338 ($148,348) Performance Contract Escrow $0 $0 $0 Sales Tax ($525,000) ($441,490) $83,510 TOTAL REVENUES $19,695,056 $17,363,914 ($2,331,142) Expenditures Personnel Services $8,153,097 $7,781,188 $371,909 Fringe Benefits $4,833,319 $4,801,354 $31,965 Contractural Services $5,920,126 $5,248,307 $671,819 Internal Service Charges $1,741,332 $1,651,088 $90,244 Commodities $3,560,118 $3,123,231 $436,887 Depreciation $0 $0 $0 Capital Outlay $575,152 $395,838 $179,314 Other Expenditures $0 $0 $0 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $24,783,144 $23,001,006 $1,782,138

TAX LEVY $5,088,088 $5,637,092 ($549,004) ATTENDANCE 1,350,000 1,332,395 (17,605)

40 Operating Expenses Zoo Trust Funds (Unaudited)

2012 2012 2012 2012 Variance Adjusted Actual Year- Variance Railroad Trust Adjusted Budget Actual Year-to-Date ( ) = Deficit Specimen Trust Budget to-Date ( ) = Deficit Revenues Revenues Zoomobile Revenue $102,185 $61,478 ($40,708) Earnings on Investments $4,109 $186 ($3,923) Miniature Train Revenue $660,000 $646,759 ($13,241) Animal Sales/Milk Sales $16,200 $14,788 ($1,412) Earnings on Investments $1,700 $438 ($1,262) Giraffe Experience $26,376 $18,365 ($8,012) Donations and Reserve Contribution $95,987 $7,388 ($88,600) Gifts & Donations $1,500 $1,467 ($33) Other Revenue $79,367 $55,589 ($23,778) Other Miscellaneous Revenue $0 $0 $0 Sales Tax ($35,000) ($30,661) $4,339 Reserve Contribution $0 $0 $0

TOTAL REVENUES $904,239 $740,991 ($163,248) TOTAL REVENUE $48,185 $34,806 ($13,379)

Expenditures Expenditures Personnel Services $361,358 $290,688 $70,670 Contractual Services $38,446 $26,747 $11,699 Fringe Benefits $82,240 $82,240 $0 Commodities $12,095 $1,334 $10,761 Contractual Services $262,217 $182,994 $79,223 Internal Service Charges $0 $0 $0 Internal Service Charges $1,676 $0 $1,676 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $50,541 $28,081 $22,460 Commodities $36,590 $44,076 ($7,486) NET INCOME (LOSS) ($2,356) $6,724 $9,080 Conservation Projects $15,000 $0 $15,000 Fund Balance January 1, 2012 $202,705 Capital Outlay $149,157 $106,840 $42,317 Net Income $6,724 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $908,238 $706,838 $201,400 Fund Balance December 31, 2012 $209,429 NET INCOME (LOSS) ($3,999) $34,153 $38,152 ZOO TRUST FUNDS Fund Balance January 1, 2012 $670,394 Total Trust Revenue 2012 $775,797 Net Income $34,153 Less Total Trust Expenditures 2012 ($734,919) Fund Balance December 31, 2012 $704,547 2012 NET INCOME (LOSS) $40,877

41 Financial Summary Zoological Society of Milwaukee County (ZSM) – Year ending September 30, 2012

SUPPORT & REVENUE COST OF SUPPORT AND REVENUE (Support Services) MEMBERSHIP DUES MEMBERSHIP DUES from all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members ...... $5,948,973 Expense of providing benefits to all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members...... $1,574,563 CONTRIBUTIONS toward capital projects, specific programs and support ...... $613,220 SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS Expense of providing and promoting SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMS/SPONSORSHIPS ZSM special events/programs ...... $456,639 including animal sponsorship, Zoo Ball, education, ZSM and Zoo special events, and sponsorships ...... $2,403,062 TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT & REVENUE (Support Services) ...... $2,031,202 INTEREST INCOME ...... $45,807 EXPENSES GRANTS...... $694,746 DIRECT PROJECT COSTS Expenses relative to capital projects TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE...... $9,705,808 and specific programs...... $210,943

ZOO SUPPORT Receipts Direct cash and in-kind support to the Milwaukee 61% MEMBERSHIP DUES: 61% County Zoo, expense of providing, promoting and 25% SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS: 25% supporting education, graphics, special-exhibit CONTRIBUTIONS: 7% 7% projects, and Zoo special events...... $6,370,031 GRANTS: 7% 7% RESEARCH/CONSERVATION Expenses relating to state, national and international Expenses programs supporting species preservation ...... $585,930

ZOO SUPPORT, CAPITAL & GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECT PROJECT COSTS: 69% 69% Expenses relating to daily ZSM operations...... $397,737 SUPPORT SERVICES: 21% 21%

TOTAL EXPENSES ...... $7,564,641 RESEARCH/CONSERVATION: 6% 6% GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE: 4% 4% TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT AND EXPENSES ...... $9,595,843

42 The Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee A Public-Private Partnership The mission of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee is to participate in conserving endangered species, to educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo. Zoological Society Support of Particularly good at telling the story of appeal raised $176,585 to install Web the Milwaukee County Zoo conservation is the ZSM’s conservation cams in several indoor animal exhibits The Zoological Society of Milwaukee coordinator, Dr. Gay Reinartz. She directs and to provide cash support to the Zoo. (ZSM) provided total Zoo support in the Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity • Conservation and research: The ZSM 2011-2012 of $6,580,974 (including Initiative (BCBI), the ZSM’s long-term spent $535,494, including support of

direct project costs). Telling the stories project to help the endangered bonobo, the ZSM’s bonobo-conservation project Brodzeller by Richard Photo a great ape found in the wild only in the in Africa, which helps the Zoo to meet of the Zoo’s animals as we raise funds The 23rd Annual MillerCoors Birdies Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). its commitment to conservation. As to help support them is just part of and Eagles Golf Tournament raised Dr. Reinartz has promoted bonobo part of the Zoo’s mission and also for what we do. $115,216. All other fundraisers by conservation for more than 25 years, accreditation with the Association of the Associate Board raised $192,590. spending at least six months a year in Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoo supports For example, January 2012 marked the • Platypus Circle: Members of the DRC’s Salonga National Park conducting conservation efforts in the field to help 30th anniversary of the Zoo’s Samson ZSM’s annual-giving group donated field research, training guards and help- endangered species. The ZSM provides Stomp and Romp, a winter run-walk more than $620,730 in cash or in-kind ing protect wildlife. BCBI strives to be a financial support to several of those in memory of Samson, the Zoo’s most services to help the Zoo. model of how to conserve endangered projects, many involving Zoo staff. And famous gorilla (who died in 1981). The • Publications, websites and social animals while providing assistance to the ZSM supports the Bonobo Species Zoological Society got involved by media: The ZSM produced publications improve the lives of people who live Survival Plan, headed by Dr. Reinartz, recruiting sponsors for this and other and other materials that promoted nearby. In 2012, Dr. Reinartz received to help manage bonobos’ health and Zoo events, providing volunteer help Zoo events, exhibits and conservation the Excellence in Journalism Award breeding in zoos. and by telling the stories of Samson programs. The ZSM’s website, which from the American Association of Zoo • Exhibits and buildings: The ZSM and other animals in ZSM publications. averaged 23,873 visits per month in Keepers for an article titled Perspectives gave $260,710 in direct cash support Zoo Pride, the ZSM’s volunteer auxiliary, 2011-2012, provided Zoo and animal in Poaching: A Park Guard’s Story. Her to Zoo exhibits, including $50,000 added to the story when Zoo Prider information – as did the ZSM’s Facebook article detailed the daily reality of park for the 2012 special summer exhibit: Darlene Winter helped celebrate 61 page, Twitter and YouTube channel. guards who put their lives at risk. Adventure Dinosaur, sponsored by years of affection for Samson by writing The ZSM also helped maintain the Sendik’s Food Markets. The ZSM helped the 2012 book “I Remember Samson.” Zoo’s website. The Zoological Society helps animals upgrade the Bonobo Exhibit ($20,619) She dedicated book profits to the Great • Signs, videos, interactive displays, and the Zoo in a variety of ways, of and the Black Bear Exhibit ($44,063, Ape Heart Project, an ape-health study Zoo printed materials, special course. The ZSM’s total Zoo support in thanks to a grant from MillerCoors). that the ZSM helps support. The April projects: The ZSM’s Creative 2011-2012 was $6,580,974, and the Also, the ZSM donated payments for 2012 Alive, the ZSM’s member magazine, Department provides graphics and majority of the ZSM’s income came from maintenance contracts on various featured a story on that project. Stories design support to the Zoo and ZSM. on the Samson book and Samson Stomp $5,328,243 in Zoo Pass memberships. Zoo buildings ($144,028). appeared in Wild Things, the ZSM member For a financial summary, see page 42. • Fundraisers run by the ZSM newsletter. And Wild Things marked Here are summaries of various ways Associate Board: The 29th annual its 100th issue in June 2012. the ZSM supported the Zoo. Zoo Ball, sponsored by American • Annual Appeal: The ZSM’s annual Airlines, raised more than $476,000. 43 • Sponsors, grantors & supporters: • Additional cash support: The ZSM 8,570 children (ages 2-14) and 2,661 Programming for Disadvantaged The ZSM acquires sponsors for most provided $337,575 to the Zoo in a parents in 529 camp sessions. Summer Youth: 1) The Animal Ambassador of the Zoo’s major events and attrac- Zoo Pass price increase and $424,365 college-student internships provided program teaches schoolchildren about tions, and ZSM 2011-’12 direct cash additional cash support to the Zoo. 20 students (including three college- wildlife conservation during a semester, sponsorship support to the Zoo was student teaching interns) hands-on job and then they graduate to become $311,767. Grants supporting educa- The Zoological Society’s training, thanks, in part, to support from ambassadors for animals. Thanks to tion and conservation programs, and Education Programs at the Zoo the Antonia Foundation, the Jerome and corporate, foundation or civic-group other projects brought in $694,746 By offering extensive education programs Dorothy Holz Family Foundation, the sponsors for each school, ZSM Animal last year. Additional support of nearly year-round, the ZSM helps the Alice Kadish Foundation and the Ambassador and Continuum programs, $396,669 funded the ZSM’s live Zoo maintain national accreditation by Brady Corporation. which serve schools in economically theater program (see Education the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. disadvantaged neighborhoods, reached September-May Programs section). In December 2011, the In total, ZSM conservation-education 618 second-grade students and 723 From September through May, the ZSM ZSM was awarded $32,841 by the programs served 302,021 people in third-grade students at 12 schools, offers classes for individuals ages 2-14 Potawatomi Bingo Casino Miracle on fiscal year 2011-’12. A summary: and 1,188 fourth-grade students at 21 as well as programs for school groups Canal Street program; the funds went schools. An additional 623 students in Kohl’s Wild Theater that help students with science require- to support ZSM education programs five schools with smaller classes experi- On the heels of an excellent inaugural ments set by the Wisconsin Department serving children from economically enced a modified program. 2) Summer summer season, Kohl’s Wild Theater of Public Instruction. We also offer disadvantaged areas of Milwaukee. Camps special programs allowed (KWT) continued its success by launch- curricula and self-guided tours for all • The ZSM’s Sponsor an Animal 447 children from nine Milwaukee-area ing outreach programming. From school classes visiting the Zoo. In fiscal program raised $160,599 in the last neighborhood and community centers October 2011 through September 2012, year 2011-2012, the ZSM served nearly fiscal year to support the Zoo’s animals. to attend ZSM 2012 camps, thanks to teams of actors delivered 637 shows 12,000 people in individual child or • Veterinary help: The ZSM provided renewed support from U.S. Cellular®, featuring a wildlife conservation mes- parent-child classes, 23,190 school- $112,629 in funds to the Zoo’s veteri- the Evinrude Foundation, the Peters sage at schools and community events. children* through ZSM-run programs at nary staff by paying for veterinary Foundation and the Milwaukee Urban Over 83,000 audience members were the Zoo or presented at schools, and an residents ($52,457), a pathology League’s Safe Alternatives for Youth served in this period, making KWT one additional 85,494 schoolchildren who resident ($54,172), and an animal- fund. 3) A partnership with Big of the most expansive educational used the Zoo as a science laboratory on nutrition intern ($6,000). Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater theater programs in the United States. field trips and had ZSM curriculum avail- • Volunteer help: Zoo Pride volunteers Milwaukee and funding from U.S. Bank In May 2012, KWT began its second able during self-directed tours. Programs helped with events, education pro- allowed the ZSM to arrange a day for season of live plays at the Milwaukee for schoolchildren were funded in part grams, Zoo tours, etc. Between 1993 the 218 people (paired adults and County Zoo, featuring new shows and by gifts from the Ladish Company and early 2012, Zoo Pride’s conserva- children) to search the Zoo in a scavenger past favorites. In summer, also, three Foundation; U.S. Bancorp Foundation; tion committee raised nearly $55,000 hunt, enjoy the attractions, and see Kohl’s new outreach shows were developed to A.O. Smith Foundation, Inc.; Wells Fargo; through the sale of S.O.S. – Save Our Wild Theater performances. The children debut in October 2012. For information the Posner Foundation; and ADM Cares. Species – buttons to support conser- also received school supplies. on KWT, go to wildtheater.org. *(In addition to students reached by vation projects. Of 597 Zoo Pride Kohl’s Wild Theater outreach shows). volunteers, 433 active members Summer Camps Scouting: The ZSM again expanded its donated 46,973.5 hours in 2011-’12. The Zoological Society’s summer camps, programs to help children earn badges In addition, high school student volun- one of the largest zoo- or aquarium- or patches and served 487 Girl Scouts teers contributed 2,943 volunteer based camp programs in the U.S., in and Boy Scouts in 2011-’12. hours to help adults with 2012 2012 drew 11,231 participants: summer camps. 44 10001 W. Bluemound Road Editor: Jennifer Diliberti-Shea Milwaukee, WI 53226 Designer: Roberta Weldon 414.771.3040 Photographer: Michael Nepper www.milwaukeezoo.org

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele

Milwaukee County Board Chairman Marina Dimitrijevic...... 4th District

Vice Chair Peggy Romo West ...... 12th District

Board of Supervisors Deanna Alexander...... 18th District Mark A. Borkowski ...... 11th District David Bowen...... 10th District Gerry Broderick ...... 3rd District David Cullen...... 15th District John Haas...... 14th District Willie Johnson, Jr...... 13th District Patricia Jursik...... 8th District Theo Lipscomb ...... 1st District Khalif Rainey...... 2nd District Jim Schmitt...... 6th District Anthony Staskunas...... 17th District Steve Taylor...... 9th District John F. Weishan, Jr...... 16th District

The Milwaukee County Zoo offers equal opportunities for employees and visitors alike. 45