NOVEMBER 2015

A publication of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

For the Good of Us All Conservation Partnerships With the Military

BUSINESS OPERATIONS RENRENOVATINGOVATING HISTHISTORYORY BY THE NUMBERS SUPPORTING CONSERVATION ToToledoledo Zoo’s ReimaReimaginedgined AqAquariumuarium AZA and Rhinoceros Conservation

November 2015

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For the Good of Us All Business Operations Renovating History Conservationists at Supporting Conservation Famed author Kahlil Gibran Association of Zoos and Zoo Boise considers wrote, “In one drop of water Aquariums-accredited all of its visitors to be are found all the secrets of facilities count military conservationists. Just all the oceans.” This quote personnel as committed by buying an admission comes to life in the Toledo partners. One major reason ticket, a visitor contributes Zoo’s new Aquarium. After for this is that the United 50 cents to the Zoo Boise being closed for two and States Department of Defense Conservation Fund. Purchase a half years, the renovated owns lands that encompass of an annual pass raises $5 Aquarium reopened to rave multiple ecosystems and for the fund. reviews in March 2015. are home to threatened or BY TOM PRICE BY KIM HADDIX, JAY HEMDAL endangered species. AND RICK PAYEFF BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS

November 2015 | www.aza.org 1

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Member View Departments

7 Relocation 11 Amphibian Health 14 Fund Raising 42 Faces & Places Last Sumatran rhino in Lincoln Park Zoo develops AEP Foundation presents 45 Western hemisphere innovative methods to save major gift to Fort Wayne Calendar leaving the Cincinnati Zoo & amphibians Children’s Zoo 46 Announcements Botanical Garden 12 15 47 8 Award New Construction Advertiser Index Species Discovery San Diego Zoo Global Oregon Zoo breaks ground 49 Biodiversity expedition awards Conservation Medals on new education center Exhibits in Madidi National Park to two scientists working to 17 68 Births & Hatchings discovers new frog species save elephants Surrogacy Aviculturists act as surrogates About the cover 9 By the Numbers 13 Reintroduction for abandoned puffi n AZA and rhinoceros Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo fi nds 50 Black Rhinoceros conservation success in breeding program Annual for rare amphibian species Conference Review 10 Animal Welfare Using the science of animal personality as a tool for optimizing animal welfare in zoos © Thinkstock

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

November 2015 | www.aza.org 3 EDITOR Tim Lewthwaite ASSISTANT EDITOR Jennifer Fields REDESIGN AND ART DIRECTION A Crossroads LTD Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa Cadigan, Cadigan Creative Many of you know I work at a small zoo, Zoo Boise, in Boise, Idaho. In the summer of ADVERTISING 2000, when still an un-accredited facility, the Zoo experienced an unfortunate event at a Gina Velosky fundraiser that shook the public’s faith in us and left the Zoo with an uncertain future. (301) 562-0777, ext. 254, [email protected] We had a diffi cult decision to make – continue with the status quo or lead and turn EDITORIAL BOARD Thom Benson | Tennessee Aquarium things around. My staff and I chose the latter, and we embarked on the path that led to Julie Larsen-Maher | Wildlife Conservation Society accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Tim Lewthwaite | Editor Kristin L. Vehrs | Executive Director Now, for all of us, we cannot aff ord to accept the status quo. Events are happening that pose serious threats to aquariums and zoos. Th e animals that we care so much about are in serious trouble in the wild. Our critics are increasingly vocal and are

questioning the reason for aquariums and zoos to exist. President and CEO Fortunately, there is an answer. But the answer requires change. Jim Maddy Th e good news is that we don’t need to change what we do. We can still be Executive Director Kristin L. Vehrs aquariums. We can still be zoos. We Chief Operating Offi cer just need to change the reason why. Jill Nicoll Every year, AZA-accredited aquariums Senior Vice President of Conservation R & D and Policy and zoos spend $160 million on the Paul Boyle, PhD Senior Vice President of Conservation and Science conservation of animals in the wild, Debborah Luke, PhD but what if we could move that to $500 Senior Vice President of External Affairs million per year? Rob Vernon Senior Vice President of Finance Imagine being able to say every 2 Phil Wagner years that AZA-accredited aquariums Vice President, Principal Gifts and Campaign Director for SAFE and zoos generate $1 billion for the Alison Davitt Vice President of Animal Programs conservation of animals in the wild and Candice Dorsey, PhD represent one of the biggest sources of Vice President, Conferences and Membership conservation funding in the world. Melissa Howerton Vice President of Congressional Affairs Th at, my friends, is a game changer Jennifer Keaton for our community. Vice President of Accreditation Programs First, though, we will need to stop thinking like 230 individual organizations and Denny Lewis start acting more like one. Not only do we have the obligation to be one of the world’s Vice President of Federal Relations Steve Olson greatest forces for wildlife conservation, but we have the opportunity. For a full listing of AZA’s staff, visit www.aza.org/about-aza I understand this won’t happen overnight. We are going to have to work harder and AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS smarter than we have ever done before—and we need to do this together. I am excited Chair by the fact that AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction provides us with a road Steve Burns | Director, Zoo Boise map for how to do just that. Chair Elect Like the crossroads my colleagues and I were faced with in 2000, there is a path Dennis W. Kelly | Director, Smithsonian National Zoological Park forward. And that path is for us to exist for a higher purpose—to save animals in the wild. Vice Chair Jim Breheny | Executive Vice President and General Director, Zoos Just like it was 15 years ago, as I think about you reading this, I can think of no and Aquarium, Jonathan Little Cohen Director of the Bronx Zoo group of people with whom I would rather take that path. Wildlife Conservation Society Past Chair Let’s get to work. Dennis E. Pate | Executive Director and CEO, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Directors Bob Chastain | President & CEO, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Lynn B. Clements | Director, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Steve Burns Suzanne M. Gendron | Executive Director Zoological Operations and Education Ocean Park Corporation Director Gregg Hudson | Executive Director and Chief Executive Offi cer, Zoo Boise Dallas Zoo Management, Inc. Christopher Kuhar, PhD | Executive Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo John Lewis | Zoo Director, Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens Steve Marshall | Zoo Director, El Paso Zoo Amos Morris | Zoo Director, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Peggy Sloan | Director, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

4 www.aza.org | November 2015

6 www.aza.org | November 2015 Relocation Last Sumatran Rhino in Western Hemisphere Leaving the Cincinnati Zoo © Cincinnati Zoo © Cincinnati

Th e Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in we have accomplished, for there is much Sumatran rhinos are scattered throughout Cincinnati, Ohio, announced that 8-year- to celebrate. Th e Cincinnati Zoo has had a fragmented rainforests in Southeast Asia, old male Sumatran rhino, Harapan, will be profound, historic impact on the eff ort to making it diffi cult for the animals to fi nd moved to Indonesia. His departure marks save this species.” each other and reproduce. In August 2015, the end of an era for the Cincinnati Zoo’s Harapan, the third of three calves born scientists declared the species extinct in Sumatran rhino breeding program, the only at the Cincinnati Zoo, is the only Sumatran the wild in Malaysia, dealing another blow captive breeding program in the United rhino living outside of Southeast Asia. He to a species already considered the most States to produce calves for this critically- is sexually mature and his opportunity to endangered rhino. endangered species. breed and contribute to his species’ survival “Th ough the numbers are frighteningly During a press conference held to exists only at the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary low, Sumatran rhinos still exist in the forests announce Harapan’s departure, Dr. Terri (SRS), a breeding facility in the Way Kambas of Sumatra; we believe there is still time to Roth, director of the Zoo’s Center for National Park of Indonesia. SRS is home to save them, and we are by no means giving up Conservation & Research of Endangered Harapan’s brother Andalas, as well as the son that fi ght now. Ultimately, the responsibility Wildlife (CREW) said, “Despite the great that Andalas sired at the sanctuary in 2012 for saving this magnifi cent species now lies personal sadness so many of us feel both and three possible mates for Harapan. squarely on the shoulders of our Indonesian about Harapan leaving and Cincinnati Approximately 100 of Harapan’s kind colleagues. Our hope is that they succeed Zoo’s Sumatran rhino breeding program remain in the world, and only nine are beyond all of our wildest dreams,” said Dr. coming to an end, we need to focus on all cared for in captivity. Th e remaining wild Roth. “We will all rejoice when we hear news

November 2015 | www.aza.org 7 of another birth—a son or daughter of either Andalas or Harapan,” said Dr. Roth.

About the Sumatran Rhino Breeding Program at the Cincinnati Zoo Aft er years of research, CREW scientists at the Cincinnati Zoo, led by Dr. Roth, unraveled the mysteries of Sumatran rhino reproduction and, in 2001, produced Andalas, the fi rst calf bred and born in captivity in 112 years. In 2004, his sister, Suci, was born, and in 2007, Harapan arrived. Between 2001 and 2012, the Cincinnati Zoo held the distinction as the only place successfully breeding this endangered species. Th e Zoo worked closely with Indonesian and Malaysian colleagues to transfer knowledge and techniques so that they, too, could succeed. In 2007, the Cincinnati and Los Angeles Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles, Calif., agreed to send Andalas to the SRS. Th at sacrifi ce on the part of the Los Angeles Zoo, © Mileniusz Spanowicz where Andalas was living at the time of his The new species of robber frog, Oreobates sp. nov., discovered in the tropical transfer, paid off in 2012 when a healthy son montane savannas and gallery forests of the Apolo region of Bolivia. was born in Sumatra. Species Discovery Biodiversity Expedition in Madidi National Park Discovers New Frog Species Th e Wildlife Conservation Society region of Bolivia. Subsequent examination (WCS) in Bronx, N.Y., reported that of available literature supports this discovery the groundbreaking Bolivian scientifi c as a probable new species for science to be expedition, Identidad Madidi, has discovered confi rmed with forthcoming genetic studies. a new species of big-headed or robber frog James Aparicio said, “Robber frogs are (Oreobates sp. nov.) from the Craugastoridae small to medium-sized frogs distributed in family in Madidi National Park. the Andes and Amazon region and to date Th e frog was found during the fi rst leg of there are 23 known species. As soon as we an 18-month long expedition to chronicle the saw these frogs’ distinctive orange inner

© Cincinnati Zoo © Cincinnati staggering wildlife living in what is believed to thighs, it aroused our suspicions about a Th e Cincinnati Zoo works closely be the world’s most biodiverse park. possible new species, especially because this with the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry, James Aparicio and Mauricio Ocampo, habitat has never really been studied in detail the Indonesian Rhino Foundation, the two professional herpetologists from before Identidad Madidi.” International Union for Conservation of the Bolivian Faunal Collection and the Mauricio Ocampo added, “We have Nature (IUCN) Asian Rhino Specialist National Natural History Museum, spent the last two months ruling out known Group and the International Rhino immediately suspected they had found species at the Bolivian Faunal Collection Foundation to protect this species in the something exceptional in the fi rst week and also from published accounts, especially wild and also propagate Sumatran rhinos in of the expedition in the tropical montane recently described species from southern human care. savannas and gallery forests of the Apolo Peru, but we are now confi dent that this will

8 www.aza.org | November 2015 indeed be confi rmed as a new species for Teresa Pérez , director of the Bolivian beautiful but deadly annellated coral science once genetic analyses are completed.” Biodiversity and Protected Areas snake (Micrurus annellatus); the bizarre Identidad Madidi is a multi- Directorate expressed her satisfaction Hagedorn’s tube-snouted ghost knifefi sh institutional eff ort to describe still with the scientifi c results of the Identidad (Sternarchorhynchus hagedornae); and the unknown species and to showcase Madidi expedition. “Th e description of long-tailed rice rat (Nephelomys keaysi). the wonders of Bolivia’s extraordinary a new species of robber frog for science Dr. Robert Wallace of WCS stated, natural heritage at home and abroad. Th e is important news for the country as it “Th is is just the beginning. We are expedition offi cially began on 5 June 2015 confi rms the extraordinary biodiversity of incredibly proud of the team’s eff orts across and will eventually visit 14 sites over 18 Madidi National Park and demonstrates the fi rst two study sites and while we are months as a team of Bolivian scientists the importance of scientifi c research in expecting more new species for science, works to expand existing knowledge protected areas,” she said. as important is the astounding number of on Madidi’s birds, mammals, reptiles, Across the fi rst two study sites in additional species confi rmed for Madidi amphibians and fi sh along an altitudinal June and July, the Identidad Madidi further establishing it as the world´s most pathway descending more than 5,000 team registered 208 and 254 species of biologically diverse park.” meters (more than 16,000 feet) from the vertebrates respectively, including an Th e next leg of the expedition began on mountains of the high Andes into the impressive 60 species of vertebrates that 20 August and will explore three study sites tropical Amazonian forests and grasslands are new records for the offi cial park in the High Andes of Madidi, specifi cally of northern Bolivia. list: 15 fi sh, 5 amphibians, 11 reptiles, within the Puina valley between 3,750 Participating institutions include the 4 birds and 25 mammals. Five of these meters (12,303 feet) and 5,250 meters Ministry of the Environment and Water, additions – three catfi sh, a lizard and (17,224 feet) above sea level in Yungas the Bolivian National Park Service, the Vice another frog – are candidate new species paramo grasslands, Polylepis forests and Ministry of Science and Technology, Madidi for science, and the team continues eff orts high mountain puna vegetation. National Park, the Bolivian Biodiversity to determine their identity. Notable Wallace added, “Th e success of the Network, WCS, the Institute of Ecology, new records for the park include the communication and social media campaign Bolivian National Herbarium, Bolivian incredible tube-lipped nectar bat (Anoura is also especially pleasing for the scientifi c Faunal Collection and Armonia with fi stulata) with a record breaking tongue team.” You can follow the adventure online funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore and only a fourth continental distribution at www.identidadmadidi.org, www.facebook. Foundation and WCS. record since its discovery in 2005; the com/IdentidadMadidi, #IDMadidi.

Byy tthehe NNumbersumbers

and One commonly supported fi eld AZA Rhinoceros Conservation conservation initiative was AZA Conservation Partner American Association of Zoo Keepers’ (AAZK) Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities spent more than $4.2 million to protect “Bowling for Rhinos,” and conserve rhinos between 2010 and 2014, with more than which raises funds for rhino conservation half a million in additional funds spent on rhino research. in east Africa and Indonesia. $1.5 million While all fi ve extant species of rhinoceros benefi tted from member Over the past fi ve years, 78 efforts, the critically endangered black AZA-accredited zoos and rhinoceros and Sumatran rhinoceros aquariums, along with three were each aided by more than $1.5 AZA Certifi ed Related Facilities, million spent on fi eld conservation and research efforts. reported supporting rhino conservation and research. 78

November 2015 | www.aza.org 9 Animal Welfare Using the Science of Animal Personality as a Tool for Optimizing Animal Welfare in Zoos

By Dr. Hani Freeman

Steve, a zoo keeper who cares for tigers Over the past two decades, there has and zoo animals. Th e methods of collecting named Miranda and Chelsea, describes been a large increase in the number of studies personality data include behavioral Miranda as being shy and reclusive and investigating personality in zoo animals such observations, adjective ratings from people Chelsea as being excitable and curious. If as felids, giant pandas, rhinoceros, elephants familiar with the individuals and behavioral asked how each of them might respond and great apes. Early studies focused on how tests such as observing reactions to a to a new type of enrichment, he said that to reliably measure personality in diff erent novel object. A combination of all three Chelsea will interact with it much faster species. Recently, in connection with the methods allows for the most comprehensive than Miranda. Th ese descriptions are of strong focus on the welfare of individual understanding of personality. Th e most personality traits that indicate consistent animals, scientists have begun using animal effi cient and reliable method of personality individual diff erences. Zoo keepers and personality research to understand better data collection is ratings. Th is method others who work with animals routinely ways to manage zoo animals. entails people familiar with the individuals make predictions and decisions based on Animal personality research evolved rating them on a list of adjectives using a the animals’ personality traits. Th e science of from the study of human personality, and scale, which indicates how much a particular animal personality systematically quantifi es results are oft en compared to what is found term describes the individual. For example, a individual diff erences to understand them in humans. Th ese methods have been keeper might be asked “On a scale from 1 to on a more long-term and deeper level. successfully applied to pets, farm animals 7, where 1 is “not at all” and 7 is “extremely,”

10 www.aza.org | November 2015 Amphibian Health how anxious (hesitant, indecisive, jittery, tentative) is this animal?” Th ese adjectives are then analyzed to see how they are related to each other. For example, the 54 Lincoln Park Zoo Develops adjectives measured in chimpanzees relate to each other in such a way that they form 6 Innovative Methods to Save factors: Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Dominance, Extraversion, Neuroticism and Openness. Instead of having to describe a Amphibians chimpanzee using 54 diff erent adjectives, someone could just describe them using Over the past two decades, researchers the 6 factors mentioned, and another person believe that nearly 200 species of frogs would have a good understanding of how that worldwide have gone extinct due to chimp might behave in a range of situations. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidi¸ a Animal personality research now devastating disease commonly known helps provide the best welfare for animals, as chytrid fungus. Ecologists at Lincoln including: enrichment, managing atypical Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., detected the behaviors, managing introductions between disease locally in three frog species and animals, understanding diff erences in are working to reduce the spread through response to zoo visitors, understanding several methods, including the development keeper/animal relationships, reproductive of an innovative, noninvasive method success, parental care and reintroductions of measuring frog health, which can be into the wild. For example, a study by implemented globally to prevent the

Powell et al. (2008) found that pandas that disappearance of the world’s amphibians. Zoo © Lincoln Park are hesitant or “shy” using a novel object Stress has been linked to increased test also engaged in less sexual behavior. susceptibility to disease, thus requiring “Th is new noninvasive method is critical Authors made management suggestions for further study on amphibian stressors to monitoring the stress levels of amphibians “shy” pandas in terms of increasing certain such as urbanization and how stress and understanding environmental impacts types of enrichment and strengthening impacts vulnerability to a detrimental not only on frogs here in Chicagoland but bonds with keepers in an eff ort to make disease like chytrid. across the globe,” said Manjerovic. these individuals more comfortable and “Amphibian health is a good indicator of Chytrid fungus is a waterborne disease increase their sexual behaviors and thus environmental health,” said Wildlife Disease which can be spread by people who do not their reproductive success. Th e next step Ecologist Dr. Mary Beth Manjerovic. “To properly disinfect waders, boats and the like in the fi eld of zoo animal personality understand how to combat chytrid fungus, between sites. Armed with this knowledge, research is to start moving toward tools we need to fi rst understand the obstacles local county forest preserve district for implementation. Th is involves utilizing these frogs face and how stress is impacting biologists have implemented disinfection as emerging results to begin evaluating their overall health.” a part of their standard operating procedures management practices. In this way, Traditional methods of measuring and require disinfection protocols to be managers can provide physical and social amphibian stress have proven to be included on their permits. environments that are best suited to an unreliable or invasive, providing additional Manjerovic was recently awarded Th e individual animal and optimize individual challenges to wildlife ecologists. In order Animal Welfare Institute Christine Stevens welfare for our zoo animals. to measure amphibian health and prevent Wildlife Award, which provides grants of up causing the animals additional stress, to $10,000 to help fund innovative strategies Hani Freeman, PhD, is a Research Lincoln Park Zoo researchers developed for human wildlife confl ict management Fellow in Animal Behavior at Disney’s an innovative, noninvasive method for and study. Th e grant will help Manjerovic Animal Kingdom. monitoring stress hormones by collecting continue to answer the questions of Powell D, Lin H, Carlstead K, Kleiman skin secretions. amphibian health and disease prevention. D, Zhang H, Zhang G, Zhang Z, Yu J, Ng TSK, Tank, TCL, Zhang JG, Lu Y, Snyder R. (2008). Relationships For member news, visit between temperament, husbandry, management, and socio-sexual behavior in captive male and female giant pandas www.aza.org/pressroom Ailuropoda melanoleuca. Acta Zool Sinica 54:169-175.

November 2015 | www.aza.org 11 Conservation Awards San Diego Zoo Global Awards Conservation Medals to Two Scientists Working to Save Elephants

San Diego Zoo Global in San Diego, Calif., honored the work of two leading fi eld biologists and researchers, who have dedicated their lives to saving elephants: Iain Douglas-Hamilton, Dphil, founder of Save the Elephants; and Dr. Michael Chase, founder of Elephants Without Borders. Both honorees were awarded San Diego Zoo Global’s 2015 Conservation Medals during a luncheon on 20 August in San Diego, attended by San Diego Zoo Global staff and members of the board of directors. Since 1966, the Conservation Medal awards program has recognized world leaders in conservation who share San Diego Zoo Global’s vision to end extinction. Douglas-Hamilton was awarded the 2015 Conservation Medal for “Lifetime Achievement,” due to his invaluable leadership of the Save the Elephants organization, which he founded in 1993. He and Save the Elephants have contributed to legislation against ivory trade and countries, and is expected to conclude Massachusetts, Amherst. While fi nishing importation, and have been rallying eff orts later this year. work on his degree, he founded Elephants to end the poaching crisis facing this species. “Th is (Conservation Medal Award) Without Borders to continue his lifelong When he was 23 years old, Douglas- came as an unexpected surprise and I’m work with elephants. In 2007, he was the Hamilton completed the world’s fi rst overwhelmed…It’s a tremendous honor,” fi rst person from Botswana to read for a in-depth scientifi c study of elephant social said Chase. “Th is award does come with doctorate specifi cally in elephant ecology. behavior, based on elephants in Tanzania’s a very generous gift , and I hope to use Chase also served as a post-doctoral research Lake Manyara National Park. Aft er the money to establish the fi rst elephant fellow for San Diego Zoo Global and has earning his doctorate in zoology from the and rhino sanctuary in Botswana that will conducted groundbreaking studies of the University of Oxford, Douglas-Hamilton rehabilitate and reintroduce orphaned ecology and movements of elephants. went on to investigate the status of elephants animals back into the wild.” Th e San Diego Zoo Global throughout Africa in the 1970s, and he Chase has been studying the ecology Conservation Medal for Conservation chronicled how Africa’s elephant population of elephants for more than 15 years, but he in Action is given to individuals who was cut in half between 1979 and 1989. has spent time in the bush of Africa since he are making an active and important Chase was presented with the 2015 was a child on safaris with his father. Chase contribution to the conservation and Conservation Medal for “Conservation received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees recovery of endangered species, habitats in Action,” for providing data on the from the University of Natal in South Africa. or ecosystems in the fi eld through applied status of elephants and other wildlife, He returned to his homeland of Botswana research, breeding and reintroduction identifying cross-border corridors and and worked with Conservation International programs, community education or the discovering new migration routes. He is to conserve the Okavango Delta and its rich establishment of protected areas. Both the also the principal researcher leading and variety of wildlife. Lifetime Achievement and Conservation coordinating the Great Elephant Census— Chase received his doctorate in in Action medals are presented with a which started two years ago, spans 21 conservation from the University of $10,000 prize.

12 www.aza.org | November 2015 Photos © Lowry Park Zoo Park Photos © Lowry

Reintroduction Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Finds Success in Breeding Program for Rare Amphibian Species

Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Fla., that Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is able to were injected with hormones, they then has taken action to help save the Puerto contribute directly to the recovery eff orts released the eggs, which were fertilized by Rican crested toad, a critically endangered for the crested toad. One of the most the males. Eggs hatched aft er two weeks amphibian species, by successfully important parts of ensuring survival of this and quickly morphed into tadpoles. Within breeding the species at the Zoo and species is the reintroduction of tadpoles to two weeks of hatching, the tadpoles were returning more than 1,600 tadpoles to that establish new populations,” noted Diane packed, shipped and arrived in Puerto Rico country for reintroduction. Barber, program coordinator and curator for transfer to the release site. All of the As one of a few zoos to have a breeding of ecotherms at Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Zoo’s tadpoles arrived in good health and group for these endangered toads, the Worth, Texas. “Th e Tampa tadpoles were were released into the protected pond in La herpetology team at Tampa’s Lowry Park released at our newest site in the north, Espeanza the same day. Zoo has successfully hatched and returned which has quickly begun to show promise “Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is fortunate tadpoles several times in the last decade. as a new protected stronghold for the toad.” to have staff with the animal husbandry However, the 2015 breeding season was Th e process of breeding Puerto Rican skills and expertise to help to save imperiled the most successful for the Zoo to date, crested toads is neither easy nor quick. amphibian species,” said Dr. Larry Killmar, producing 1,687 tadpoles, which were Several years ago, the Zoo invested in a vice president of animal science at the Zoo. shipped aboard a commercial airliner to protected quarantine area for four breeding “Our location in central Florida is ideal Puerto Rico and released the same day into pairs of toads. Over a period of six weeks, for collaboration with global partners in protected pools in La Esperanza. the adult toads were cooled down (a Central and South America–in this case, the “Th e Puerto Rican Crested Toad hibernation period) during which the government of Puerto Rico and amphibian Species Survival Plan® (SSP) is delighted females produced eggs. When the females conservation organizations.”

November 2015 | www.aza.org 13 Did you see?

A RECORD SETTING BIRTHDAY! Patty the Matschie’s tree kangaroo cele- brated her milestone birthday today, becoming the oldest of her species ever in recorded history. She celebrated alongside her dedicated keepers. Happy Birthday, Patty!

New Species of Lemur Our Conservation Genetics team and the Madagascar Biodiversity Partnership discovered a new lemur species. Meet Andy Sabin’s dwarf lemur, the 23rd lemur species that has been identifi ed Fund Raising by our scientists in Madagascar. AEP Foundation Presents Major Gift to Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo

© Dr. Edward Louis, Jr. Louis, Edward © Dr. Indiana Michigan Power, on behalf of Zoo education programs.” What a cutie! MORE HERE: the AEP Foundation, presented a gift of Th e Jungle Lab classroom was built http://bit.ly/1jdGNcn $75,000 to the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo as part of the Indonesian Rain Forest in in Fort Wayne, Ind., for renovation of the 1994. It currently hosts summer camps, - Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo’s Jungle Lab classroom. workshops and school programs. New Zoo and Aquarium Facebook “Th e Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo curricula for inquiry-based science and is a gem, and we are lucky to have this math programs are under development for SEAL RELEASE world-class attraction right here in our the renovated space. Renovations will take Aft er spending the summer at community. Indiana Michigan Power and place this winter while the Zoo is closed for the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ma- the AEP Foundation are more than pleased the season. to provide support for the Zoo and its Th e Zoo receives no tax funding for rine Mammal Rescue Centre, mission to educate children through hands- improvements or operations, so donations several harbour seal pups were on learning,” said Paul Chodak, Indiana such as this are important to the continued released at Cates Park in Deep Michigan Power president and chief growth of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Cove. Th e seals were rescued in operating offi cer. “Each year, more than 35,000 children the spring for being sick, injured “We are always honored when participate in Zoo education programs,” or abandoned. Goodbye and organizations like the AEP Foundation said Cheryl Piropato, the Zoo’s director of #VArescue choose to support the Zoo’s community education and communications. “Th ese funds good luck, seals! outreach,” said Zoo Director Jim Anderson. will help us create an exciting space that will “Th is gift directly supports many important engage children and inspire learning.”

14 www.aza.org | November 2015 New Construction depend on each other. A backyard habitat garden will illustrate the importance of native plants for local wildlife habitat and remind us Oregon Zoo Breaks Ground that, ultimately, we are all connected. “Th is will be a space for the community on New Education Center to share nature exploration experiences and ideas for making a positive impact on the environment,” Spickelmier said. “We want to encourage people to go out and help each other connect with the natural world.” He noted that the Zoo oft en serves as an entry experience, a gateway to what may become a deeper relationship with the natural world. To that end, the Zoo is working with partners such as the Intertwine Alliance, Metro’s Property and Environmental Services and Parks and Nature departments, and the USFWS. “Engaging urban communities for conservation is a top priority of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, and we’re thrilled to be a partner in the Oregon Zoo education center,” said Robyn Th orson, USFWS regional director. “Th is is a monumental opportunity A crowd of shovel-wielding schoolchildren Zoo scientists care for endangered animals to combine our expertise and passion joined forces with a 30-ton excavator, as the and see where rare western pond turtles are with the Zoo’s vast experience to grow a Oregon Zoo in Portland, Ore., broke ground raised for release into the wild. Kids will get conservation ethic in younger generations.” on its next major campus improvement: a to practice some of the same fi eld research At the groundbreaking event, the new conservation education center slated to activities as Zoo scientists in interactive play Oregon Zoo Foundation announced the open in spring 2017. areas nearby. public launch of its $1.5 million Education Th e center—the fi ft h of eight major “Across the Zoo, visitors learn Campaign, which will support features projects funded by the 2008 community- about animals, their habitats and the like technology in the classrooms, an supported Zoo bond measure—will be conservation challenges they face,” said expanded space for teen volunteers and located in the area opposite the Zoo’s Amur Grant Spickelmier, the Zoo’s education interns, and interactive displays in the tiger habitat and adjacent to the train station. curator. “We want this center to help NESt, as well as ongoing and expanded It will provide a welcoming entry and children and families appreciate that small education programming. staging area for the thousands of children things matter, both in the everyday actions “Th e Oregon Zoo Foundation is who participate in Zoo camps and classes they take and by connecting them with proud to elevate our support for the Zoo’s each year, and serve as a regional hub, critically important small animals like bees, education programs and enhance the new expanding the Zoo’s conservation education butterfl ies and turtles.” education center,” said Kim Overhage, programs through partnerships with the Th e center’s Nature Exploration chair of the Oregon Zoo Foundation’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Station—or NESt—will serve as a catalyst board of trustees. “As the future of Intertwine Alliance and others. for awareness and action, starting with the education at the Zoo takes shape, our Highlights of the space include a small things. From insects to plants, the community can help us continue the reimagined insect zoo and an interactive environment at the NESt is designed to help legacy of learning and inspiration that species-recovery lab. Visitors will learn how visitors understand how humans and nature generations of families have cherished.” Have your Zoo & Aquarium sales fi gures left you out in the cold? Did you forget to

For rate sheet and contract information, visit www.aza.org/Advertising or call (301) 562-0777, ext. 254.

November 2015 | www.aza.org 15 16 www.aza.org | November 2015 © Oregon Coast Aquarium Coast © Oregon

Surrogacy Aviculturists Act as Surrogates for Puffi n Abandoned by Parents

When a tuft ed puffi n chick hatched in us, so we limit interactions to feeding and 574 grams during the day 31 checkup. Newport, Ore., at the Oregon Coast cleaning time and make adult puffi n noises Stella is losing the downy face and Aquarium’s Seabird Aviary on 24 July, it as we feed,” said CJ McCarty, curator of chest chick feathers to make way for seemed as if everything was going to plan. birds for the Aquarium. adult feathers. A complete set of adult, Th e baby bird, nicknamed Stella, weighed in “Stella is so fl uff y it is a little hard to waterproof feathers indicates the little at a healthy 64 grams and was under the care resist cuddling, but because we plan to seabird is ready for water. of experienced parents. reintegrate this puffi n with the population Aviculturists will start Stella’s practice By Stella’s day two checkup, something in the Seabird Aviary, minimizing human swims in small pools behind the scenes, was clearly amiss. Th e chick was not gaining contact is in Stella’s best interest.” making sure the bird is a strong swimmer weight as the parents were not delivering During the early days, a heat lamp kept before the next transition. fi sh or brooding the chick to keep it warm as Stella warm, and a feather duster stood If Stella turns out to be a male, the bird puffi n parents should. in for Stella’s parents. Th e Aquarium’s will be assigned an identifi cation number, as Following a second day of careful aviculturists fed the chick every two hours, all the Aquarium’s birds are, and transition observation, it was clear that Stella needed an and even came in late and early to ensure to the Seabird Aviary. If Stella is a female, she intervention. Th e aviculturists brought the Stella receives the proper nourishment. will be placed with another Association of chick behind the scenes to be hand raised. Despite the chick’s early circumstances, Zoos and Aquariums-accredited facility that “We do not want Stella to imprint on Stella is growing at a healthy rate and weighed has requested a female tuft ed puffi n.

November 2015 | www.aza.org 17 © Mote Marine Laboratory BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS © Toledo Zoo © Toledo

Conservationists at Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities count military personnel among their most committed partners.

One major reason for this involvement “Joe handles all my logistics and is the fact that the United States aids me in tracking the boas,” Tolson Department of Defense owns a explained. “Th e veterinary detachment great deal of land, with many bases there is staff ed by the Army, and the vet located on large tracts that encompass does the radio-transmitter implantations multiple ecosystems and are home for me. I also have a naval partner at the to threatened or endangered species. Naval Facilities Engineering Command Th is has resulted in a wide range Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia. I send of collaborative eff orts that serve him all of the radio telemetry data I conservation goals while enabling the acquire, and he’s using GIS (Geographic U.S. military to carry out their training Information System) for conservation and other activities. mapping for Guantanamo. We are united “Beyond the fact that there in a common goal of recovering and are several laws, regulations and protecting species at risk.” policies governing the protection of Although all bases have a natural wildlife and their habitats on military resources department, the expertise installations, it is just the right thing brought by zoo and aquarium to do,” said Joe Madison, natural and professionals is invaluable. “Pete cultural resources manager at U.S. brings a level of knowledge on specifi c Naval Base Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. species, such as the Cuban boa, that Madison is the liaison for work being the natural resource manager simply done by Dr. Peter Tolson, director doesn’t have the time to master,” of conservation and research at the said Madison. “Consequently, our Toledo Zoo in Toledo, Ohio. Tolson partnership allows us to tap into his has been studying and tracking the knowledge and expertise to the benefi t Cuban boa in order to develop a of the wildlife, the natural resource species management plan to ensure program and the military.” its survival on the base. Th is project, Tolson’s project is just one example which began in 2000, perfectly of the ways in which partnering with illustrates the symbiotic relationship the military is a positive force in between a zoo and the military. conservation today.

20 www.aza.org | November 2015 © Peter Tolson © Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

22 www.aza.org | November 2015 “We rely heavily on researchers from academic institutions and groups like the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to support much of our work . . . We have a very good working relationship with them and frequently join them on day trips to collect turtles for tagging.”

Research and Monitoring Center to support much of our work. Th e In some cases, collaborations take the form researchers from the Aquarium are great of research partnerships, with the military partners for this project because they are funding studies that will help them conduct local and have extensive experience working their activities without negatively aff ecting with sea turtles. Th ey have the facilities and the environment. permits to support the tagging project and “Th e Navy and the Department of also have research staff experienced both in Defense are very interested in our work,” the fi eld and doing data analysis. We have a said Mark Swingle, director of research and very good working relationship with them conservation at the Virginia Aquarium & and frequently join them on day trips to Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, Va. collect turtles for tagging.” “We’re dealing with protected and endangered species, and the military has to monitor their Species Recovery impact on them.” He has been contracted to In the Puget Sound area, the Washington work on a variety of projects with naval bases Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) in the area, including air and boat surveys has taken the lead in working with local documenting mammal activities in waterways AZA-accredited facilities to restore that are training courses. populations of the Taylor’s checkerspot “In order to do anything on the water, butterfl y and the Oregon spotted frog on you have to do an environmental assessment Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM). of any impact you will have,” he said. “When “Only 1 percent of prairie habitat it’s time to do more construction or bring in remains in the Puget lowlands,” said Karen more vessels, the military wants to have the Lewis, conservation research associate at the baseline information that informs how their Oregon Zoo in Portland, Ore. “All prairie actions may or may not aff ect endangered species are in trouble. Th e last population of species. For example, we are fi nishing up our Taylor’s checkerspot butterfl ies is on the live second year on a grant to look at fi ne-scale fi re artillery range at JBLM.” movement of sea turtles in the Chesapeake WDFW collected butterfl y off spring Bay and other waters in and around naval from the base, and the Zoo handled the facilities. We’re tagging and monitoring subsequent rearing, feeding and housing sea turtles and analyzing data on turtle of them while they overwintered. When movement, so the Navy scientists can take they woke up, staff from both organizations that information and do modeling with it.” released them back on the base. Although the Navy has its own experts, “Th e collaboration between these three non-Navy researchers perform most of the very diff erent entities has been key to our work on their marine species monitoring reintroduction success,” said Mary Linders, program, according to Joel T. Bell, senior prairie/oak species recovery biologist with marine resources specialist at Naval Facilities WDFW. “We bring technical expertise to Engineering Command Atlantic. the table, including knowledge of life history “We rely heavily on researchers from and population requirements, assessment of academic institutions and groups like the habitat quality and other threats, as well as Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science design and implementation of reintroduction

November 2015 | www.aza.org 23 crustaceans. It is also a protection from breaching or saltwater intrusion because if saltwater moves inland, it can harm the ecosystem that is not salt tolerant.” Once or twice a year, the Aquarium hosts two-day events during which staff , base personnel and community volunteers plant native vegetation and install fencing. “Th e Navy also collects Christmas trees and puts them on the dune because they’re great for collecting sand,” said Dahlenburg. In a unique collaboration, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota, Fla., has engaged volunteers from the Combat “Th e habitat the frog needs is wetland prairie, Wounded Veteran Challenge program and SCUBAnauts International to rebuild dead and most of that land is taken up by malls and and damaged areas of the reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Th e housing,” said Dr. Jennifer Pramuk, curator at veterans group became involved through SCUBAnauts, a youth organization that was Woodland Park Zoo. “Th e military holds the already assisting in the eff ort to plant coral best remaining habitat for the frog.” fragments grown in Mote’s underwater coral nursery. Retired U.S. Navy Captain Dave Olson founded SCUBAnauts and is co-founder and executive director of the Combat Wounded and monitoring methods. Th e Oregon head starting and released more than 5,000 Veteran Challenge program. “Th e fi rst Zoo brings a wealth of animal husbandry frogs onto JBLM’s wetlands. year Mote worked with SCUBAnauts, the experience, rearing facilities and an impressive “Th e ultimate goal of the Oregon Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge team capacity to interpret animal behavior and spotted frog reintroduction eff ort at JBLM also arrived by boats, ready to plant corals,” adjust rearing techniques to maximize animal was to see if we could get a self-sustaining said Dr. David Vaughan, Mote’s manager of welfare and productivity. Finally, none of population,” said Lisa Hallock, wildlife the Coral Reef Restoration Program. “It was it would be possible without the support biologist with WDFW. “WDFW will a pleasant surprise for us, and a great project of JBLM. Th ey supply us with funding continue to manage habitat to enhance sites was initiated.” and access to training lands to support for Oregon spotted frog egg laying, and Th is year, more than 50 divers planted propagation, reintroduction and monitoring, we will both continue to monitor suitable approximately 250 fragments of coral. “Th e and in turn, WDFW supplies JBLM with habitat in the spring for egg masses.” most rewarding part is seeing how well the data on the species distribution and numbers, Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge team, and recommendations on managing habitat Habitat Restoration the SCUBAnauts and the Mote scientists and threats to avoid, minimize and mitigate Th e National Aquarium in Baltimore, Md., hit it off as a diverse group with a common impacts to the species, enabling no net loss in has joined forces with the Department of cause,” said Vaughan. “Th is amazing team military training.” Defense to restore the 4-mile sand dune eff ort has done great things for corals and for Th e WDFW also worked with the along the Naval Air Station Oceana Dam the people involved.” Oregon Zoo and other AZA-accredited Neck Annex in a mutually-benefi cial For those who do not automatically facilities, including the Northwest Trek eff ort. Storms like Hurricane Isabel have associate the military with conservation, Wildlife Park in Eatonville, Wash., Point compromised beach stability and had a these collaborations provide a fresh Defi ance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, negative impact on training sites, as well as perspective. Whether they are funding Wash., and Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, natural habitats. research projects or taking a more hands- Wash., to reestablish the local population “A lot of naval bases are built on on role, military facilities and personnel of the Oregon spotted frog, which is the shoreline, and the dunes are their play an important part in preserving and endangered in Washington. only defense. If a dune is washed away, protecting natural habitats and the animals “Th e habitat the frog needs is wetland it threatens the base operations,” said that occupy them. Being committed prairie, and most of that land is taken up Charmaine Dahlenburg, manager of the to ecosystem health adds a whole new by malls and housing,” said Dr. Jennifer Aquarium’s Chesapeake Bay program. meaning to the concept of protecting and Pramuk, curator at Woodland Park Zoo. “From the Navy perspective, the goal of defending our country. “Th e military holds the best remaining dune restoration is to defend the base. From habitat for the frog.” Since 2008, the WDFW the Aquarium’s perspective, the goal is to Mary Ellen Collins is a writer based has collected eggs, taken them to the zoos for restore the habitat for sea turtles, birds and in St. Petersburg, Fla.

24 www.aza.org | November 2015 © Oregon Zoo

November 2015 | www.aza.org 25 BUSINESS

SUPPORTING CONSERVATION

BY TOM PRICE

26 www.aza.org | November 2015 ZOO BOISE IN BOISE, IDAHO, CONSIDERS ALL OF ITS VISITORS TO BE CONSERVATIONISTS.

Just by buying an admission ticket, a visitor contributes 50 cents to the Zoo Boise Conservation Fund. Purchase of an annual pass raises $5 for the fund. Fees for several activities—a solar-powered boat ride, as well as feeding giraffes, sloth bears and the Zoo’s farm animals—generate 25 cents to $3 for the fund. Purchases at the gift shop and food concessions produce more income for conservation projects. And 10 percent of money raised for capital improvement © Julie Larsen Maher, WCS projects goes to conservation.

November 2015 | www.aza.org 27 and aquariums are spending more operating income on conservation—sometimes in creative ways like Zoo Boise’s boat and feeding activities. Fees for joining the once-a-week Backstage Safari at the Dallas Zoo in Dallas, Texas, for instance, have raised $40,000 for conservation over the last 14 months. Th e Zoo expects that by conducting the Safari on Saturday and Sundays, they may be able to double that amount. During the 90-minute tour, guests feed TAKEN TOGETHER, OPERATING animals and experience various encounters with anteaters, owls, a cheetah and other animal INCOME NOW CONTRIBUTES ambassadors. A raven has earned $10,000 for conservation this year by collecting currency at BETWEEN $250,000 AND the bird show: a member of the audience is asked to stand and hold out a dollar bill. Th e raven fl ies $300,000 ANNUALLY TO to the guest, takes the bill in its beak, fl ies back to the stage, puts the bill into the trainer’s pocket, CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES— then fl ies a bracelet back to the guest. Aft er the show, anyone can approach the stage and give the a total of more than $1.7 million since the Zoo raven a bill. adopted this conservation focus in 2008, said Th e Dallas Zoo also supports conservation Steve Burns, director of Zoo Boise and chair of the projects by selling horned lizard shirts to Board of Directors for the Association of Zoos and recognize its work to protect the Texas state Aquariums (AZA). reptile, operating wishing well-like coin collection AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums need to machines and charging for access to a “hurricane step up their support for conservation because simulator,” which Sean Greene, the Zoo’s vice “the animals in our collections are going extinct president of guest experiences, described as a in the wild,” Burns said, and operating income small room in which visitors are hit with a strong can be an undertapped source for that support. stream of air. Conservation is “a core mission” for zoos and Like Zoo Boise, the Dallas Zoo has added an aquariums, said Adrienne Rowland, director of admission surcharge of 25 cents. the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay in Las Th e Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Vegas, Nev., and a member of the AZA Business in Bronx, N.Y., manages approximately 500 Operations Committee. “It’s the right thing to do.” conservation projects in more than 60 countries, “A lot of facilities have become more business some of which are supported by zoo operating savvy,” she said. “Being smarter about how they income. Since 1999, for instance, the Congo run their businesses means they can return more Gorilla Forest exhibit has sent more than $12 to the bottom line, which means they have more million to conservation projects in Africa, money for other initiatives.” according to James Breheny, WCS’s executive vice Burns said that dedicating specifi c revenue president for zoos and aquarium. streams to conservation “guarantees you’ll have Th e exhibit, at the Bronx Zoo, includes money” for that purpose. “When we look at giraff e gorillas and other animals and tells about Society- feeding, we never think of money to pay the light funded conservation activities in Central Africa, bill.” Zoos and aquariums are ideally positioned to Breheny said. Just before leaving the exhibit, raise substantial money for conservation, he added. visitors encounter computer touch-screens at “Collectively, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums which they can learn more about the conservation have 180 million visitors a year. Get a donation for activities and pick which of the activities they conservation from all those 180 million people, would like their $5 admission fee to support. and we can be one of the greatest single sources of Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Ill., employs conservation funding.” approximately 40 staff to conduct conservation- AZA itself taps operating income for related research, said Dr. Lisa Faust, the Zoo’s conservation through its Smart Source vice president of conservation and science. About purchasing cooperative, which dedicates a 4 percent of the Zoo’s budget supported fi eld portion of its revenues to Species Survival Plan® conservation initiatives last year, and more is (SSP) programs, Rowland said. And many zoos devoted to other research projects, Faust said.

28 www.aza.org | November 2015 November 2015 | www.aza.org 29 © Zoo Boise the Zoo’s governing organization changed its name from the Arizona Zoological Society to the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation. Enjoying a rise in attendance and income, the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, decided to put more operating income into its Wildlife Care, Conservation and Research Fund, Texas State Aquarium President and Chief Executive Offi cer Tom Schmid said. “While we continue to funnel most of the [increased income] into new programming and exhibits,” he said, “we felt we also had the opportunity to increase what we do in conservation. Our goal is to contribute at least $100,000 a year to programs out of that fund.” AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums support conservation in a variety of ways, international and local. Zoo Boise, for instance, funds restoration of Mozambique’s Gorongosa National Park, which was nearly destroyed during the country’s civil war from 1977 to 1992, as well as conservation of southern Idaho ground squirrels. At Lincoln Park Zoo, “for a long time, a lot of our initiatives were international,” Faust Zoo Boise has raised over $1.7 million for conservation said. “About fi ve years ago, we established the through business operations since 2008. Urban Wildlife Institute to try to learn about what happens to animals in cities and the areas surrounding cities.” Th e Zoo has started programs in forest preserves around Chicago and is Lincoln Park Zoo is spending an increasing studying black-crowned night herons, a state- amount of operating income on conservation, endangered species that nests near the Zoo. Faust said, but also supports conservation with Th e Texas State Aquarium focuses mainly donations. Because it doesn’t charge admission, on the Gulf of Mexico but is expanding into the the Zoo’s operating income is limited to such Caribbean because “there’s a lot of interaction” sources as food and gift shop sales, rental of Zoo between the two bodies of water, Schmid said. facilities and special ticketed events. Beyond considering conservation a core Th e Phoenix Zoo in Phoenix, Ariz., last year mission, these zoo and aquarium leaders say their began to build on its existing conservation fund actions enhance their institutions’ standing with by committing $1 from each admission and $5 the public. Zoo visitors appreciate the opportunity from each annual membership to support the to become involved with conservation, even in fund. Th at generated nearly $700,000 the fi rst a small way, and that makes them more likely to year, and Zoo offi cials plan to grow that to a $4 support other conservation eff orts. million fund over the next fi ve years, according “If somebody asks why we are exhibiting to Bonnie Mendoza, the Zoo’s executive vice gorillas in the Bronx Zoo, I can say we’re making president and chief fi nancial offi cer. people aware of conservation issues and giving To highlight its commitment to conservation, people an opportunity to take action. Because of the Phoenix Zoo changed the title of its annual that, this group of animals is directly helping to fundraising gala to “Rendez-Zoo: An Evening contribute to the conservation of gorillas in the of Conservation and Cuisine” in 2010. Last year, wild,” said Breheny.

30 www.aza.org | November 2015 “Collectively, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have 180 million visitors a year. Get a donation for conservation from all those 180 million people, and we can be one of the greatest single sources of conservation funding,” said Steve Burns, director of Zoo Boise.

Th e Texas State Aquarium’s support for wild,” said Ruth Allard, the Zoo’s executive vice conservation has garnered “overwhelmingly president for conservation and education. positive” feedback from visitors and donors. Th e Zoo’s support for orangutan conservation Visitors “are excited that were doing it,” Schmid and the endangered status of the animals are said. Donors appreciate how the conservation described at the orangutan exhibit where people activities leverage their contributions, he said. “can see our orangutan family, watch that family “When someone makes a donation to build interact and think about how the orangutans are a new exhibit at the Aquarium, that causes an similar to their family,” Allard said. increase in attendance and revenue and allows “We hope—in conjunction with the signage us to give more money to conservation,” Schmid at the exhibit and interaction with our volunteers explained. “When you connect the dots, people and staff —those guests will have a diff erent realize it does make sense.” understanding of the world when they hear a At the Phoenix Zoo, conservation education news story about palm oil and how it has an combined with “the power of face-to-face, eye- impact [on orangutans] in Borneo.” to-eye interaction with the animals” can increase visitors’ support for protecting animals in the Tom Price is a writer based in Washington, D.C.

November 2015 | www.aza.org 31

N O V A T I R E N G

BY KIM HADDIX, JAY HEMDAL AND RICK PAYEFF 344 wwww.aza.orgww.wwww.azaaaz .or.o.o g | NovNovemberovvembmbberer 20122020150 5 building fl ow and capacity, and balancing animal needs with public space. Th e spatial constraints posed diffi culties for architects and construction crews. While the foundation of the historic building was impressive, column spacing amed author Kahlil Gibran wrote, “In one drop of and the fl oor plan proved problematic. water are found all the secrets of all the oceans.” Th is Massive new quarantine tanks, the size of quote comes to life in the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium’s the largest public exhibit in the previous new Aquarium in Toledo, Ohio. Aft er being closed Aquarium, were to be placed in the for two and a half years, the completely renovated Aquarium basement of the building. Th e column reopened to rave reviews in March 2015. spacing necessitated that several of these Th e Aquarium building, opened in 1939, was new tanks be brought in piece by piece originally constructed by unemployed craft smen due to the instead of being pre-built. Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) Another spatial constraint was eff ort. It utilized recycled river shale, salvaged clay brick and precipitated by budget. It was cost effi cient lumber, concrete and new glass block. At the time, it was the to keep as much of the historic structure world’s largest freshwater aquarium. More than 75 years of as intact as possible. Th e complete interior bearing the immense weight of thousands of gallons of water overhaul required engineered shoring to and the corrosive eff ects of saltwater took quite a toll on the be placed indoors to support the building’s historic building, prompting the restoration plans. envelope, main structural components and Aft er considering all options, including a new location, roof. Th e shoring then had to be revised construction of a new facility on the current site and partial with every step of renovation process. re-construction, it was decided to keep the historic exterior and Th e Zoo’s facility director, Rick Payeff , completely modernize the interior. EHDD, a San Francisco- likened it to a chess game during which based architectural fi rm and an Association of Zoos and each movement was precise and then Aquariums (AZA) Commercial Member, and Rudolph/Libbe perfectly countered. For example, some of Inc., a local construction management fi rm, were hired. Th e the custom-designed acrylic exhibit panels, goal was to create a state-of-the art interactive Aquarium which weighed in excess of 7,000 pounds while preserving the WPA-era building. Th is goal presented and measured 25 feet by 7 feet, were too unprecedented challenges, including spatial constraints, large to fi t through doorways. Ingenuity

November 2015 | www.aza.org 35 was re-conditioned and waterproofed. Th is recycling eff ort not only helped keep the project within budget but also features the animals in unique settings. Size and scope also came into play with “Th e new design called for a single the two interactive touch tanks, the shark and ray pool and the invertebrate Ocean Lab. Th e challenge was to provide adequate entrance leading to a one-way space and water depth for the animals while ensuring the sea creatures were accessible circuit traffi c pattern and one to all visitors. Th is problem was solved through extensive research on proper main exit point.” habitats and construction of a ledge around the pool for younger visitors to stand. In and a crane were utilized to maneuver those panels through a addition, the exhibit features a specially temporary roof opening, around the shoring and into place. designed inboard lip to keep the animals Another example of the spatial constraints was the from jumping out. Th e lip curves back installation of modern life support systems. While these new toward the water, so when a ray swims up systems use much less water and energy than older models, they the side, it will be guided back to the water still require water reservoirs and space for Aquarium staff to and not out of the exhibit. Additionally, the utilize and service the equipment. Instead of infringing on the center of the pool serves as a resting area for public or exhibit areas, the basement was excavated, and some animals, where they are still visible but out of the air conditioning ducts were placed on the outside of the of the reach of visitors. building to conserve valuable space. Th e incredible popularity of the Th e next major obstacle was the fl ow and capacity of the touch tanks has provided its own unique building. In the original Aquarium, there were two entrance set of challenges. With the one-way points with two-way traffi c. Th e new design called for a single circuit design, the touch tanks are the entrance leading to a one-way circuit traffi c pattern and one fi rst exhibits that visitors encounter. Th e main exit point. Th e new entrance is actually located where an interactive nature makes them a huge entrance was originally constructed by WPA workers but that but time-consuming draw that can create had not been used as such. Additionally, plans included utilizing congestion. To resolve this and provide the Aquarium as an event space for aft er-hours functions. To the best visitor experience possible, during make the space even more effi cient, the Captain’s Room, a busy times the traffi c fl ow is reversed separate intimate space with access to the Aquarium experience, so guests visit the touch tanks last and was created. Another compromise made to accommodate use may spend as much time as they wish. as an event facility was a movable wall. During the day, this wall Th is reversal also requires visitors to provides part of the necessary darkness required to best see the rinse the saltwater off their hands and unique fl ashlight fi sh, while during an event it can be pushed apply hand sanitizer aft er utilizing the back for additional space. touch tanks. Th is action eliminates the Th e next challenge was balancing the exhibit expectations problem of the mixture being spread like with the size of the building. In the original Aquarium, the fi ngerpaint throughout the building and exhibits were small and all framed in brick, which Aquarium creating a diffi cult-to-clean fi lm on exhibit Curator Jay Hemdal equated to viewing fi sh through a porthole. glass. With frequently more than 8,000 In the new Aquarium, several exhibits have expansive fl oor- visitors touring the Aquarium per day, to-ceiling viewing panels, which fi ll the visitors’ entire fi eld of spontaneous adjustments to the queue vision with water, creating the illusion of the exhibit being even system and internal operations have also larger than it is. Other exhibits were scaled down to “jewel” or been necessary. single species tanks that provide visitors an up-close experience Th e only adverse comment from with unique creatures and serves as a nod to the Aquarium’s visitors is the restricted access of strollers humble beginnings. and wagons in the Aquarium during busy Due to programming needs, some of the original concrete periods. Th ese restrictions were put in place exhibits were also retained. Th is posed another set of challenges, for traffi c fl ow, safety and optimal viewing including creating exhibit diversity from identical tanks, for all guests. For guest convenience, a eliminating visitors’ view of keeper workspace and extending monitored stroller/wagon parking area is the tanks’ lifespans. To help solve these problems, tanks were provided directly outside the entrance. Th e merged to create varying sizes, artistic above-water dioramas Zoo was able to address this concern via and in-tank exhibitry camoufl aged workspace and the concrete social media and suggest non-peak time

36 www.aza.org | November 2015 NovemberNovNoNoovembemmberer 201202201515 | wwwwww.aza.orgw.awwaaza.zaza orgorrrg 37 Th e new Aquarium was unveiled to the public in a grand re-opening ceremony While the challenges were unique, on 27 March 2015. As of 1 July, well over 405,000 visitors have enjoyed discovering the Aquarium overhaul was a the deep blue. On busy days, approximately 1,800 people per hour are appreciating the resounding success. more than 3,000 sea creatures living at slots to visit. Additional measures taken to combat the lines the Aquarium. Th e Aquarium renovation associated with the Aquarium’s immense popularity have been is the Zoo’s latest step in evolving with to provide a photo opportunity to help pass the wait time and to visitor expectations and providing a more “pulse” visitors into the exhibit in small groups. participatory experience for our guests. While the challenges were unique, the Aquarium overhaul Everyone is invited to dive in and explore the was a resounding success. Th e entire project stayed within world beneath the waves at the Toledo Zoo’s budget and was completed on schedule. Th e renovation new Aquarium. increased the amount of water volume from 48,000 to 182,000 gallons. It also increased the amount of public space by 74 Kim Haddix is the Communications percent. Th e new Aquarium is home to 271 species in 32 Coordinator at the Toledo Zoo & exhibits. All of this was accomplished while keeping the Aquarium. impressive vestige of history and modernizing the systems, Jay Hemdal is the Aquarium Curator at exhibits and space within. One of the best examples of this is the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. the largest exhibit, Th e Reef, generously supported by Owens- Rick Payeff is the Director of Facilities Illinois, Inc. Th e exhibit’s 90,000 gallons are housed within the and Planning at the Toledo Zoo & historical rotunda, providing visitors with six unique views Aquarium. through expansive windows. All photos © Toledo Zoo & Aquarium

38 www.aza.org | November 2015 NovemberNovNoovoveemmmbbere 201201501015 | wwwww.aza.orgww.aw.w.aazaza.aa..orgororgg 3939

November 2015 | www.aza.org 41 Faces & Places

Member News focused on sales, marketing zoological community and will Associates awards. Campbell and development support to work with various conservation has also served as vice president hospitality, gaming, timeshare, organizations and regulatory of marketing for Cendant, television and advanced digital agencies to ensure alignment of formerly Hospitality Franchise technology companies. Prior Georgia Aquarium initiatives. Systems (HFS), the hotel Georgia Aquarium to his 14 years as a consultant, Higley moves into his new role industry’s largest franchisor. Announces Key Gray’s career included the from the position of vice president She began her career with Days Leadership Changes launch of Carnival Resorts and of marketing, communications and Inn of America. Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Casinos, a joint venture between external aff airs. Prior to Georgia Christina Robinson, CPA, Ga., announced several changes Carnival Cruise Lines and Th e Aquarium, Higley specialized has been promoted to the role to its marketing and fi nance Continental Companies, as in retail marketing, sponsorship of vice president, controller departments. Martin Gray senior vice president of sales and sales and public relations with in which she will oversee all joins as chief marketing offi cer. marketing. He also launched global corporations such as Simon aspects of accounting, fi nance Scott Higley, formerly vice Th e Television Games Network, Property Group, Jones Lang and ticketing for Georgia president of communications a legal, online gaming company LeSalle and Ben Carter Properties. Aquarium. Robinson joined and external aff airs, has focused on in home wagering Debbie Campbell joins Georgia Aquarium in 2014 transitioned to the newly- on thoroughbred horse racing, Georgia Aquarium as vice as revenue and marketing created role of vice president of where he built the customer president of marketing and analytics manager. She started external aff airs and government marketing and sales operations communications, where she her career with Ernst & Young relations. Debbie Campbell and was responsible for all will focus on driving attendance in Richmond, Va., as an comes to the organization as network distribution, including as well as creating and external auditor before joining vice president of marketing and Direct TV, Comcast, Time expanding the revenue streams Cox Communications as an communications. Christina Warner and Dish TV. Prior that enable the Aquarium to internal auditor. Robinson also Robinson has been promoted to that, Martin was the senior contribute to research and served as an Internet business from revenue and marketing vice president of marketing conservation eff orts. Campbell’s manager in Charlotte, N.C., analytics manager to the role of for Holiday Inn Worldwide, career in senior marketing regional business manager vice president, controller. the Americas, where he also spans more than 30 years. in Washington, D.C., and Th e changes are congruent supervised ResWorld Access, Prior to Georgia Aquarium, accounting manager and with the vision set forth the technology subsidiary of Campbell was vice president director of fi nancial planning by the Aquarium’s Chief Holiday Inn Worldwide that of marketing and branding for and analysis in Phoenix, Ariz., Executive Offi cer Mike Leven developed the hospitality Foot Solutions, Inc., an Atlanta- with Cox Communications. as he returned to run the industry’s fi rst Internet booking based retail health and wellness She then went to work with organization last November. engine. Previous roles also comfort footwear franchise Comcast and served as the “We’ve committed to growing included president of Forte with stores worldwide. senior director of business attendance by 15 percent Hotels, North America, Ltd, and Previously, Campbell served operations in Nashville, Tenn., each year, an eff ort that will senior vice president of sales as senior vice president, and the senior regional director position us to continue our and marketing, Forte Hotels, the marketing for Atlanta-based US of fi nance of the Big South contributions toward research Americas and the Caribbean, Franchise Systems, Inc. (USFS), region in Atlanta, Ga. and conservation programs and where Gray built the company’s franchisor of two international to maintain this facility as a top fi rst worldwide-computerized hotel chains—Microtel Inns & driver for Atlanta’s hospitality reservation system and was Suites and Hawthorn Suites, industry,” said Leven. “We responsible for all sales and a Global Hyatt Affi liate— need the right people in the marketing operations. which became a subsidiary The Dallas Zoo Adds right positions to help us Scott Higley transitions to the of Wyndham Worldwide. Two Curators to Animal reach those milestones and newly-created role of vice president During her time with USFS, Management Team ensure that Georgia Aquarium of external aff airs and government she served as a member of the In late March, Sprina Lui remains a leader in the Atlanta relations, in which he will lead all USFS Operating Committee, became the Dallas Zoo’s new community and in the fi elds of activities with elected offi cials USFS Executive Committee, bird curator. Lui has made it research and conservation.” on the local, state and federal level key liaison to two Franchise back to the United States and Martin Gray assumes the and interface with infl uential civic Advisory Councils and liaison the Dallas Zoo aft er spending role of chief marketing offi cer organizations and community to advertising and marketing more than two years in Sydney, aft er serving as a consultant groups. Higley will serve as the agencies. With Campbell at the Australia, at the Taronga Zoo, for Georgia Aquarium since Georgia Aquarium liaison for helm, Microtel was the recipient where she was recruited as a January through his boutique accrediting organizations and of an unprecedented seven senior keeper and supervisor. consulting practice, which partner facilities within the consecutive J.D. Power and Lui got her start in the

42 www.aza.org | November 2015 zoological fi eld as a volunteer at Jan Hawkins Institution News the Dallas Zoo in the mammal Named Director of department in the late 1990s. Development for The Texas State Aquarium Earns CILC Aft er receiving her Living Desert Pinnacle Award Bachelor of Science degree in Th e Living Desert Th e Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, announced zoology from Texas A&M, Lui in Palm Springs, that its Flint Hills Resources Aquavision Distance Learning traveled to Namibia, where her Calif., announced program has earned a Pinnacle Award for the 2014-2015 fi eld experience focused on that Jan Hawkins school year from the Center for Interactive Learning and giraff e and elephant behavior. was recently named its director Collaboration (CILC). CILC is a national and international She went on to work with of development. In this role, leader in content aggregation, consulting and support hoofstock, elephants, carnivores Hawkins will spearhead all services that assist organizations with the utilization of and giant pandas at Zoo park-related fundraising videoconferencing and other collaborative technologies. Atlanta. In 2003, Lui joined endeavors, including charitable CILC has bestowed the Pinnacle Award annually since Zoo Atlanta’s bird department and campaign donations, 2008 on organizations that receive outstanding scores as the assistant curator of birds corporate sponsorships and on program evaluations submitted by educators and end and program animals. grantsmanship activities. users. According to CILC, receiving the award “indicates Th e Dallas Zoo also “In addition to being a remarkable quality of educational content and exceptional welcomed Marie Eve Poirier in well-known and respected skill at program delivery.” July as the new curator of the community member here in Each year, the scores of all program evaluations for each Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. the Coachella Valley, Jan is a content provider are averaged. Th e score is derived from Poirier comes to Dallas with consummate professional,” said seven questions, which have numerical value assigned to more than 15 years of zoological Allen Monroe, president and their responses and which drive the star rating on the CILC and educational experience at chief executive offi cer of Th e website. Th e averaged score for all program evaluations must the Montreal Biodome, Camden Living Desert. “We look forward be 2.85 or higher out of a possible 3.00 to qualify for a Pinnacle Children’s Garden and, most to her sharing her extensive Award. Th e seven questions that drive the scores assess recently, the Philadelphia Zoo experience with us in this whether the presenter was knowledgeable about the content as the manager of conservation critical role and helping to build and was engaging, and whether the program was engaging, education operations. the relationships with donors to was appropriate for the advertised age/grade range, aligned Poirier received her Th e Living Desert.” to the advertised educational standards, met the advertised Bachelor of Arts degree in Hawkins brings more educational objectives and had an impact on student learning. science teaching for grades 5-12 than a decade of fundraising “We are very pleased to learn Aquavision has achieved from the University of Quebec experience to the Zoo, the Pinnacle Award, an accolade that represents the highest in Montreal. She then went on including serving as director user rating for excellence in distance learning programs,” said to receive a graduate certifi cate of development at both Aquarium Vice President of Education and Conservation Leslie in Environment Education the College of the Desert Peart. “Aquavision is fortunate to have continuing support from the same institution. Foundation and Boys & Girls from Flint Hills Resources that allows us to deliver new and Poirier is also a regional leader Clubs of Coachella Valley. experimental programs living up to the Pinnacle standard.” for the National Network for “Th e Living Desert is Aquavision is a part of the Aquarium’s Flint Hills Resources Oceans and Climate Change unlike any other place in Center for Excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Interpretation. And in 2014, the desert,” said Hawkins. Engineering and Mathematics) Education. Flint Hills Poirier was awarded a Toyota “I’m excited to be involved Resources has supported the Aquarium’s Aquavision program Together Green Fellowship in furthering their mission of since 2007. from the National Audubon education through conservation.” Society, allowing her to publish Hawkins is a member her fi rst children’s book about of Associated Fundraising climate change, “Nice Weather Professionals (AFP) and served We’re Having!” four years as co-chair for National Philanthropy Day. She is being recognized as this For member news, visit year’s National Philanthropy www.aza.org/ Day Fundraising Professional pressroom of the Year. Hawkins earned a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from University of California, Riverside.

November 2015 | www.aza.org 43 44 www.aza.org | November 2015 Faces & Places

Member Updates Yellow Springs, OH 45387 Email: info@envirofl ight.net Welcome New Members Phone: (937) 767-1988 NOVEMBER 2015 envirofl ight.net/ 4-5: Fruit Bat The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is pleased Primary Contact: Cheryl Husbandry Course to warmly welcome new Professional Affi liate, Professional Preyer Lubee Bat Conservancy Fellow, Conservation Partners, Accredited Institutions, Black Soldier Fly Larvae Gainesville, Fla. http://lubee.org/events/ Certifi ed Related Facilities and Commercial Members. cultivation husbandrycourse/

New Professional New Professional Field Explorer, LLC 6-8: 2015 Southeast Regional Affi liate Members Fellow Members PO BOX 9302 Gorilla Workshop Brandi Andres, Web Ben Duval, Volunteer Wilmington, DE 19809-0302 Busch Gardens Content Manager, Greater Manager, Palm Beach Zoo Email: mail@fi eldexplorers.com Tampa Bay, Fla. [email protected] Los Angeles Zoo Association Rosalie Judd, Director, Phone: (302)358-0070 Ingrid Brustad, Risk Digital Media, Georgia fi eldexplorers.com/ 16-21: AZA Professional Management Coordinator, Aquarium Primary Contact: Development - Creating The Florida Aquarium Dave Meaux, Human Jake Saulsberry Successful Exhibits Amanda M Chapin, Exhibit Resources, Milwaukee Technology assisted wildlife Crowne Plaza Clayton Attendant, San Diego Zoo County Zoological Gardens viewing systems. St. Louis, Mo. Jessica Conroy, Omaha’s Vince Nicoletti, Vice www.aza.org/CSE.aspx Henry Doorly Zoo & President & Executive Guru 16-21: AZA Professional Aquarium Director, Adventure 4685 Convoy St. #210 Development - Population Robert M Donovan, Aquarium San Diego, CA 92111 Management I Aquarist, Greensboro Sarah Patterson, Assistant Email: hcameron@ Crowne Plaza Clayton Science Center Curator of Birds and theguru.com St. Louis, Mo. Hillary Hastings, Ripley’s Mammals, St. Augustine Phone: (619) 322-8675 www.aza.org/PMI.aspx Aquarium in Myrtle Beach Alligator Farm Primary Contact: 16-21: AZA Professional Dan Keeffe, Curator of Robert Vasquez, Director Hollis Mir Cameron Development - Principles of Education II, Los Angeles of External Affairs, Toledo Program Animal Management Zoo and Botanical Gardens Zoological Gardens Making Connections Crowne Plaza Clayton Dave Land-Closson, Director Rochelle Wilhelm, Vice 3768 Shasta St St. Louis, Mo. of Planning, Denver Zoo President Guest Experience, San Diego, CA 92109-6759 www.aza.org/ppam.aspx Alexandrea McMinn, Ripley’s San Antonio Zoological Society Email: stevenschindler@ 19-22: 5th Tree Kangaroo SSP Aquarium in Myrtle Beach Sam Young, DVM, yahoo.com Workshop Sean Patrick Myers, Veterinarian, Greensboro Phone: (619)318-1753 Milwaukee County Zoo Conservation Aide, Science Center Primary Contact: Milwaukee, Wisc. National Aquarium Steven Schindler E-mail: [email protected] Ryane Ashleigh Parkins, New/Reinstated Exhibit Attendant, San Diego Commercial Members Vet Rocket, LLC MARCH 2016 Zoo Safari Park Amaze’n Mazes 2065 Martin Avenue 4-6: Shark Reef Aquatic Medicine Kelly Elizabeth Pollock, Post- PO Box 1274 Suite 106 Seminar doctoral Researcher, Cincinnati Winter Park, CO 80482 Santa Clara, CA 95050 Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Zoo & Botanical Garden Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Las Vegas, Nev. Brady Stoever, Aquarist, Phone: (888) 909-6293 Phone: (800)757-0266 [email protected] Ripley’s Aquarium in amazenmazes.com/ vetrocket.com/ 19-24: AZA Mid-Year Meeting Myrtle Beach Primary Contact: Primary Contact: Andy Fu Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Brian Underwood, Honolulu Zoo Greg Gallavan Omaha, Neb. Katheryn Watkins, Carnivore Design, operation, and sales WORKTM www.aza.org/midyearmeeting Supervisor, Houston Zoo, Inc. of giant mazes 1973 W Gray St Ste 22 Rebecca West, Ellen Trout Zoo Houston, TX 77019-4811 APRIL 2016 Alyssa Whu, Instructor, EnviroFlight, LLC Email: [email protected] 11-14: CBSG Facilitation and Bronx Zoo 303 North Walnut St Phone: (713) 534-1225 Communications Skills Course worktm.com/ Toronto Zoo For member news, visit www.aza.org/pressroom Primary Contact: Toronto, Canada Clyde Twine [email protected]

November 2015 | www.aza.org 45 Announcements

2015 AZA Conservation Grants Fund Awards The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Conservation Grants Fund (CGF) supports the cooperative conservation and education initiatives of AZA and its members and partners. Between 1991 and 2015, the CGF has provided almost $7 million to more than 375 projects worldwide. In 2015, the AZA Board of Directors approved the release of $125,000 from the CGF, while the Disney Conservation Fund (DCF) generously granted $250,000 in support for this year’s CGF awards. The CGF Scientifi c Advisory Committee (SAC) met in June to make recommendations on the allocation of 2015 funds. © Michael Durham, Oregon Zoo Oregon © Michael Durham, Eighteen projects received funding this year. Seventy-nine September 2015 proposals were reviewed in 2015, with requests totaling more than $1.6 million. Next year’s application materials Accreditation Results will be available on the AZA website (www.aza.org/cgf/) in The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is pleased January 2016. to announce the results of the Accreditation Commission We appreciate the time and effort invested by everyone hearings held in September 2015 in Salt Lake City, Utah. whose work makes CGF a success, and we would like to extend our special thanks to the CGF SAC, the more than We would like to welcome two newly accredited 160 fi rst-tier reviewers and all of our donors, including our member institutions: partners at Disney. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, Concord, N.C. 2015 AZA Conservation Enhancing Legal Protections Grants Fund Awards for Bornean Orangutans Continuing Accreditation For Another Cycle: Comprehensive Assessment of and Their Habitat in the Akron Zoological Park, Akron, Ohio Welfare in Cheetahs Housed Gunung Palung National Albuquerque Biological Park, Albuquerque, N.M. under Different Management Park Landscape, West Chahinkapa Zoo, Wahpeton, N.D. Strategies in Zoos (Disney Kalimantan, Indonesia (CGF) Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Colorado Springs, Colo. Conservation Fund) Cheryl Knott, PhD, Gunung Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio Bonnie Baird, PhD, Mandi Palung Orangutan Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, Saint Paul, Minn. Schook, PhD, Kristen Lukas, PhD Conservation Program Cosley Zoo, Wheaton, Ill. and Christopher Kuhar, PhD, Indianapolis Zoo, Indianapolis, Ind. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Enhancing Natural John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Mich. Nadja Wielebnowski, PhD, Foraging Behavior in Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City, Mo. Oregon Zoo California Condors (Disney Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari, Conservation Fund) Ashland, Neb. Dakota Skipper Propagation Ronald Swaisgood, PhD Lehigh Valley Zoo, Schnecksville, Pa. and Host Plant Performance and Mike Wallace, PhD, San National Aviary, Pittsburgh, Pa. Research (Disney Diego Zoo Global North Carolina Zoological Park, Asheboro, N.C. Conservation Fund) Oregon Zoo, Portland, Ore. Erik Runquist, PhD and Cale Infl uence of Male Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, S.C. Nordmeyer, Minnesota Zoo Physiology and Rolling Hills Zoo, Salina, Kan. Environmental Factors Safari West Wildlife Preserve, Santa Rosa, Calif. Delineation of the on Breeding Success and Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, Gainesville, Fla. Reproductive Hormone Population Sustainability Sequoia Park Zoo, Eureka, Calif. Cycle of Three Critically for Zoo Managed Snow Sunset Zoological Park, Manhattan, Kan. Endangered Asian Turtle Leopards (Uncia uncia) (CGF) Walter D. Stone Memorial Zoo, Stoneham, Mass. Species (CGF) Jason Herrick, PhD, National Western North Carolina Nature Center, Asheville, N.C. Luke Wyrwich, Zoo Atlanta Foundation for Fertility Research Wildlife Safari, Winston, Ore. ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park, For member news, visit Hershey, Pa. www.aza.org/pressroom

46 www.aza.org | November 2015 Rachel Santymire, PhD, Spatial Dynamics of Nassau Lincoln Park Zoo Grouper (Epinephelus Advertiser Index Cheryl Morris, PhD, striatus) Spawning A Thru Z Consulting and Distributing, Inc...... 40 Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo Aggregations, Abundance, Aquaculture System Technologies, LLC ...... 66 and Aquarium Population Connectivity Aqua Logic, Inc...... 65 and Reproductive Output Beanstalk Builders ...... 58 Keeping Western Pond in the Bahamas (Disney Carnivore Essentials ...... 2 Turtles SAFE in Mountain Conservation Fund) Cemrock Landscapes, Inc. Naturalistic Environments ...62 Lake: A Community Kristine Stump, PhD and Central Nebraska Packing, Inc...... Back Cover Collaboration (Disney Charles Knapp, PhD, John G. CLR Design ...... 67 Conservation Fund) Shedd Aquarium Corners Limited ...... 44 Jessie Bushell, San Francisco COST of Wisconsin, Inc...... 67 Zoological Gardens Strengthening Przewalski’s Dan Inject Dart Guns ...... 41 Deneen Powell Atelier, Inc...... 57 Horse Populations in Hustai GLMV Architecture, Inc...... 16 Keeping Whooping Cranes Nuruu National Park (Disney Hayward Flow Control ...... 60 Safe (Disney Conservation Fund) Conservation Fund/CGF) Howe Corporation ...... 64 Julie Langenberg, DVM, Melissa Songer, PhD, K & K Insurance Group, Inc...... 41 International Crane Foundation Smithsonian National McRoberts Sales Co., Inc...... 16 Zoological Park Met-Pro Global Pump Solutions - Fybroc ...... 57 Lale’enok: Conservation Kate Jenks, PhD, Milliken Meats ...... 6 through Coexistence Minnesota Zoo Nets Unlimited, Inc...... 61 (Disney Conservation Fund) Northeast Brine Shrimp ...... 63 S. David Jenike, PhD, The Tortoise Pentair - Aquatic Eco-Systems ...... 48 Zoological Society of Conservation Center: PMI® Nutrition International, LLC ...... 5 Cincinnati (dba Cincinnati the Final Component The Portico Group ...... 59 Zoo & Botanical Garden) in TSA Confi scation to Richards-Wilcox, Inc...... 62 Reintroduction Strategy RodentPro.com, LLC ...... Inside Back Cover Ranavirus Surveys in Wild for Southern Madagascar’s Skulls Unlimited International, Inc...... Inside Front Cover Communities of Reptiles Critically Endangered Soaring Eagle, Inc...... 63 Tom Tischler Bronze ...... 60 and Amphibians (CGF) Tortoises (Disney Torre Design Consortium, Ltd...... 64 Matthew Allender, DVM, Conservation Fund) Triple A Brand Meat Company ...... 63 PhD, College of Veterinary Rick Hudson, Fort Worth Zoo WDM Architects ...... 49 Medicine, University of Illinois Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc...... 56 at Urbana-Champaign Understanding Habitat Quality for the Desert Reducing Human- Tortoise for the Purposes Carnivore Confl ict in of Mitigation and Habitat Southern Tanzania through Protection (CGF) Educational Park Visits Melia Nafus, PhD and Ronald (Disney Conservation Fund/CGF) Swaisgood, PhD, San Diego Amy Dickman, PhD, Wildlife Zoo Global Conservation Research Unit, BE CONNECTED. University of Oxford Wildlife and Lead THE AZA MARKETPLACE. Outreach Initiative (Disney Building a network of AZA Commercial Members. Saving Confl ict Elephants Conservation Fund) in Myanmar—Using David Shepherdson, PhD Temporary Electric and Grant Spickelmier, AZA community connections. Fences to Reduce Human- Oregon Zoo Collaboration and information exchange with colleagues. Elephant Confl ict (Disney Conservation Fund/CGF) “Youth for Lemurs” Exploration of product and service providers. Peter Leimgruber, PhD and Global Conservation For more information, contact [email protected]. Christie Sampson, PhD, Education Program (Disney Smithsonian Conservation Conservation Fund) Biology Institute, National Tiana Rahagalala, Wildlife Zoological Park Conservation Society

November 2015 | www.aza.org 47 48 www.aza.org | November 2015 Exhibits

Detroit Zoo Opens Cotton Family Wolf Wilderness

Th e Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak, from the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Mich., opened its latest animal Valley, Minn., earlier this year. habitat and introduced its Detroit Zoo visitors are able newest residents. Th e Cotton to see the wolves from many Family Wolf Wilderness, located vantage points around the $1.4 at the southwest corner of the million habitat—including from Zoo, is a 2-acre naturalistic the historic Log Cabin, which habitat that features grassy hills features an observation area and meadows, native Michigan with expansive glass viewing trees, a fl owing stream and windows that allow people to get pond, dens and elevated rock nose to snout with the wolves. outcroppings from which wolves “Our goal is to provide the can survey their surroundings wolves with a wonderful home and Zoo visitors. and also to educate our guests Th e Cotton Family Wolf about these apex predators Wilderness is the new home to and their importance to two gray wolves—7-year-old Michigan’s ecology,” said Ron female Waziyata, whose name Kagan, Detroit Zoo executive means “north” in Lakota, and director and CEO. “We’re so 5-year-old male Kaskapahtew, grateful to the Cotton family Lakota for “smoke.” Th e for helping to make the Wolf

Canadian-born wolves arrived Wilderness possible.” Zoo © Detroit

November 2015 | www.aza.org 49 Annual Conference in Review

Honors & Awards EXCELLENCE IN NEWLY ACCREDITED INSTITUTIONS VOLUNTEER MARKETING AWARDS Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Toronto, Ontario) ENGAGEMENT AWARD Under $175,000 category SEA LIFE Charlotte Aquarium (Concord, N.C.) Innovation Signifi cant Achievement Seattle Aquarium - Beach Memphis Zoo – Rediscover Naturalist Program the Memphis Zoo BOOTH DECORATING WINNERS First Place – Washed Ashore Signifi cant Achievement Top Honors Second Place – Fresh Water Fish TAG Chicago Zoological Smithsonian National Third Place- Billings Productions Society/Brookfi eld Zoo Zoological Park - – 40+ Years of Engaging Endangered Song Volunteers AZA CENTRAL DRAWING WINNERS Woodland Park Zoo Over $175,000 category Professional Development Course Winner – Woodland Park Zoo Signifi cant Achievement Joyce Kaplan, Portland Community College-Biology Volunteer Program Philadelphia Zoo - Zoo360: & Management of Zoo Animals Big Cat Crossing Top Honors South Carolina Aquarium - 2016 Complimentary Conference Registration Winner San Diego Zoo Global Show Us Your #FishFace Rachael Robinson, Zoo Atlanta – San Diego Zoo Global Volunteer Engagement Top Award Cheyenne Mountain Zoo - LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AND GREEN AWARD I Will Protect PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE AWARDS Top Honors Detroit Zoological Society EDWARD H. BEAN AWARD Vancouver Aquarium Innovation Marlin Perkins Award Marine Science Centre Vancouver Aquarium David Towne, Former Director, Woodland Marine Science Centre – Park Zoo (1984 – 2002) Oregon Spotted Frog ANGELA PETERSON EXCELLENCE IN Devra Kleiman Award Signifi cant Achievement DIVERSITY AWARD Cheryl Asa, Ph.D., Director of Research, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Saint Louis Zoo Signifi cant Achievement Garden – Giant Jumping Detroit Zoological Society - Stick Inclusive Experience The Maryland Zoo in Tim O’Sullivan Award Baltimore – Panamanian Bruce Bohmke, Acting President & CEO, Golden Frog EDUCATION AWARDS WoWoodlandoodland PParkaark ZoZooo Top Honors Above $5 M operatingpg budget Minnesota Zoo - Tiger Signifi cant AchievementAchieveme WildlifeWildlife CConservationonserva EXHIBIT AWARDS SocietySociety - SurvSurveyeye of Under $5 Million EducatorEducator AAttitudesttt Operating Budgets on SScienceciencec Top Honors Great Plains Zoo and TopTop HoHonorsn Delbridge Museum of LiLincolnncolln Natural History - Snow PaParkrk ZZoo – Monkeys PaPartnersrtn North Carolina Aquarium iinn FField on Roanoke Island – Sea WWork Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation (STAR) Center

Left: Marlin Perkins Award winner, David Towne, Former Director, Woodland Park Zoo

50 www.aza.org | November 2015 Conference By the Numbers Operating Budgets greater than $5 Million Innovation The 2015 AZA Annual Conference, hosted by Utah’s Indianapolis Zoo – Simon Hogle Zoo, in Salt Lake City, Utah, took place Skjodt International 17-21 September. Thank you to the tremendous Orangutan Center staff and volunteers from Utah’s Hogle Zoo who put in countless hours to make the conference SIGNIFICANT a success! Here’s a quick review, but be sure to ACHIEVEMENT AWARD visit www.aza.org/annualconference for a full Jacksonville Zoo and recap and links to online videos and photos. Gardens – Land of the Tiger

Top Honors Assiniboine Park Zoo – Journey to Churchill 2,194 Columbus Zoo and Concurrent Aquarium – Heart of Africa Program San Diego Zoo Global – CONFERENCE 80 Sessions Tull Family Tiger Trail ATTENDEES First Time Attendees = NORTH AMERICAN 429 Poster CONSERVATION AWARDS Speakers = 361 Presentations Innovation 67 Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Committee Center – Grizzly Bear Exhibiting and Animal Conservation through Bear Companies and Program Resistant Product Testing 155 122 Organizations Meetings Signifi cant Achievement Disney’s Animal Kingdom Sponsoring - Disney’s Sea Turtle Companies Conservation Program and Organizations Top Honors Opportunities to network Gladys Porter Zoo – Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Binational and share best ppractices Conservation Program from peers INTERNATIONAL = Countless! CONSERVATION AWARDS Signifi cant Achievement North Carolina Zoo and WCS – Successful Conservation of the Critically Endangered Cross River Gorilla

Top Honors Saint Louis Zoo & many more – AZA Zoos Giving Voice to the Sahara: Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF) as a Model for a Zoo-Driven Conservation Movement

November 2015 | www.aza.org 51 Annual Conference in Review

OUTSTANDING Gail Brandt, Chicago Chris Brown Diane Barber, Fort Worth Zoo SERVICE AWARDS Zoological Society - Ciconiiformes and Puerto Rican Crested Toad Steve Martin Brookfi eld Zoo Phoenicopteriformes TAG Chair SSP Coordinator Beth Branning Humboldt Penguin Laurie Conrad, SeaWorld Stacey Belhumeur, Reid Park Zoo Robin Keith Studbook Keeper San Diego Giant Anteater Studbook Keeper Dr. Don Moore Mark Myers, Woodland Park Zoo Lesser Flamingo SSP Coordinator Mike Connolly, Tulsa Zoo Dr. Jackie Ogden Laughing Kookaburra and Studbook Keeper Andean Spectacled Bear Kris Vehrs SSP Coordinator and Tandora Grant, San Diego Zoo Studbook Keeper Dr. Paul Boyle Studbook Keeper Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Andre Daneault, Disney’s Danny Morris Studbook Keeper Animal Kingdom Animal Program Leader Jamaican Iguana African Pancake Tortoise SSP RETIRING Recognition – 20 Years Studbook Keeper Coordinator and Studbook Keeper COMMITTEE CHAIRS of Service David Hamilton, Nancy Gonzalez, Bronx Zoo Jim Anderson Linda Bachers, Milwaukee Seneca Park Zoo Magellanic Penguin SSP Pam Dennis County Zoological Gardens North American River Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Chris Kuhar Yellow-Backed Duiker Otter SSP Coordinator and John Gramieri, San Antonio Dale Schmidt SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Zoological Society Dwight Scott Studbook Keeper Charlona Ingram, Pangolin, Aardvark, Xenarthra Rick Barongi Dr. Andrew Baker, PhD, Houston Zoo, Inc. TAG Chair David Brady Philadelphia Zoo Wattled Curassow SSP Sara Hallager, Smithsonian John Chapo Pied (Bicolor) Tamarin Coordinator and Studbook Keeper National Zoological Park Chris Gentile SSP Coordinator and Jessica Jozwiak, Detroit Zoo Struthioniformes TAG Chair Tammy Rach Studbook Keeper Macaroni Penguin SSP Keith Lovett, Buttonwood Michael Macek, Saint Louis Zoo Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Park Zoo ANIMAL PROGRAM Piciformes Taxon Advisory Kenneth Kaemmerer, Central American Spider LEADER RECOGNITION Group (TAG) Chair Pittsburgh Zoo & Monkey SSP Coordinator AWARDS Deborah Olson, PPG Aquarium Mexican Spider Monkey Animal Program Leader International Ocelot SSP Coordinator SSP Coordinator Recognition – 30 Years Elephant Foundation Jill Piltz, Disney’s Robust Black Spider Monkey of Service African Elephant Studbook Animal Kingdom SSP Coordinator Frederick Beall, Keeper Sable Antelope SSP Coordinator Variegated (Brown) Spider Franklin Park Zoo Steven Sarro, Smithsonian and Studbook Keeper Monkey SSP Coordinator Wattled Crane Studbook Keeper National Zoological Park Jay Tetzloff, Miller Park Zoo Mark Myers, Woodland Park Zoo Dr. Dennis Meritt, Jr., PhD African Penguin SSP Coordinator Tammar Wallaby SSP Coordinator Blue-Crowned Laughing Chacoan Peccary Species Thomas Schneider, Detroit Zoo and Studbook Keeper Thrush Studbook Keeper Survival Plan® (SSP) European White Stork Dr. Kent Vliet, PhD, St. Michael Ogle, Knoxville Coordinator SSP Coordinator and Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Gardens Peter Siminski, The Living Desert Studbook Keeper Indian Gharial SSP Coordinator Common Spider Tortoise Mexican Gray Wolf Penguin TAG Chair and Studbook Keeper SSP Coordinator Studbook Keeper Mary Jo Willis, Denver Zoo Madagascar Flat-Tailed Mark Warneke, Chicago Animal Program Leader Eurasian Black Vulture SSP Tortoise SSP Coordinator Zoological Society - Recognition – 15 Years Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Northern Spider Tortoise SSP Brookfi eld Zoo of Service Coordinator Callimico Studbook Keeper John Azua, Denver Zoo Animal Program Leader Southern Spider Tortoise SSP Hooded Crane SSP Coordinator Recognition – 10 Years Coordinator Animal Program Leader and Studbook Keeper of Service Scott Tidmus, Disney’s Recognition – 25 Years Elizabeth Bahner, Christana Hamlin Andrus, Animal Kingdom of Service Philadelphia Zoo San Diego Zoo Raptor TAG Chair Elizabeth Bahner, Geoffroy’s Marmoset SSP Queensland Koala SSP Katherine Volz, Smithsonian Philadelphia Zoo Coordinator Coordinator and Studbook Keeper National Zoological Park Geoffroy’s Marmoset David Bernier, Lincoln Park Zoo Kristen Arnold, Busch Persian Onager SSP Coordinator Studbook Keeper Southern Three-Banded Gardens Tampa and Studbook Keeper Micronesian Kingfi sher Armadillo SSP Coordinator Northern Greater Galago SSP Kevin Willis, Minnesota SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Zoological Garden

52 www.aza.org | November 2015 Green Aracari SSP Coordinator King Vulture SSP Coordinator Studbook Keeper and Studbook Keeper and Studbook Keeper and Studbook Keeper Colleen Knobbe, Saint Louis Zoo Dustin Smith, North Carolina Tamara Conklin, Woodland Fennec Fox Studbook Keeper Zoological Park Animal Program Leader Park Zoo Lonnie McCaskill, Central Florida Puerto Rican Crested Toad Recognition – 5 Years Six Banded Armadillo SSP Zoo & Botanical Gardens Studbook Keeper of Service Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Siamese Crocodile SSP Joan Daniels Tantillo, Stephanie Allard, Detroit Zoo Wendy Enright, Smithsonian Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Chicago Zoological Society African Pygmy Goose SSP National Zoological Park Christine McKnight, - Brookfi eld Zoo Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Addax Studbook Keeper Minnesota Zoological Garden Aardvark SSP Coordinator Indian Pygmy Goose SSP Martha Fischer, Saint Louis Zoo Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo and Studbook Keeper Coordinator and Studbook Keeper African Elephant Studbook Keeper Dr. Erika Bauer, Smithsonian SSP Coordinator Lillian Moore, Saint Louis Zoo National Zoological Park Asian Elephant SSP Lesser Kudu Studbook Keeper Visit www.aza.org/ Behavior Advisory Group Chair Coordinator Shawn Pedersen,The annualconference Stacey Belhumeur, Reid Park Zoo Elephant TAG Chair Living Desert for all things Annual Giant Anteater SSP Coordinator Bob Flores, SeaWorld Tropical Species SSP Coordinator Conference, including Bonnie Breitbeil, Santa Fe San Antonio and Studbook Keeper College Teaching Zoo Chinstrap Penguin SSP Jamie Ries, Minnesota links to videos Clouded Leopard SSP Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Zoological Garden and Conference Coordinator and Studbook Keeper Heather Genter, Denver Zoo Painted Stork SSP Coordinator proceedings. And, Stephen Castillo, Disney’s Spotted Hyena Studbook Keeper and Studbook Keeper save the date for the Animal Kingdom Sara Hallager, Smithsonian Rachel Miller Ritchason, Santa 2016 AZA Annual White-Lipped Deer National Zoological Park Barbara Zoological Gardens Conference, 7-11 SSP Coordinator and Avian Scientifi c Advisory Rhinoceros Hornbill SSP Studbook Keeper Group Chair Coordinator September, in San Shelly Collinsworth, Nicholas Hanna, Audubon Zoo Thomas Schneider, Detroit Zoo Diego, Calif. Fort Worth Zoo Philippine Palm Viper Hooded Vulture SSP Coordinator

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November 2015 | www.aza.org 53 54 www.aza.org | November 2015 November 2015 | www.aza.org 55 56 www.aza.org | November 2015 November 2015 | www.aza.org 57 58 www.aza.org | November 2015 Photos courtesy of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Chaffee Fresno the of courtesy Photos

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• • • Imagining the Alter NET ives • • • November 2015 | www.aza.org 61 62 www.aza.org | November 2015 November 2015 | www.aza.org 63 Now Open: The Scaly Slimy Spectacular at Zoo Atlanta

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64 www.aza.org | November 2015 November 2015 | www.aza.org 65 66 www.aza.org | November 2015 November 2015 | www.aza.org 67 QUEENS ZOO Flushing, New York A southern pudu fawn was born at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo on 12 May. Th e pudu is the world’s smallest deer species. Th e arrival of the fawn brings the total number of pudu on exhibit at the SACRAMENTO ZOO Queens Zoo to three. Th e Queens Zoo breeds pudu as part of the Species Survival Sacramento, California Plan® (SSP). Two black and white ruff ed lemurs and a mongoose lemur were born at the Zoo. Both are critically endangered species native to POTAWATOMI ZZOOOO the island of Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa. South Bend, Indianana Th ree Amur leopards weree born at the Zoo in March. Amur leopards, the world’s rarest big cat, are considered a critically endangered species with only approximately 70 remaining in the wild and just over 100 in zoos. Th e Zoo participates in the Amurr KNOXVILLE ZOO Leopard SSSP.SP. Knoxville, Tennessee Th e Zoo celebrated the birth of a second endangered western lowland gorilla, just fi ve days aft er welcoming the fi rst gorilla ever born in Knoxville. Th e Zoo participates in TAMPA’S LOWRY PARK ZOO the Western Lowland Gorilla SSP. Tampa, Florida A southern white rhinoceros was born 21 May to fi rst-time mother Alake, originally from Africa. Th e newborn marks the fourth successful southern white rhino birth and the seventh rhino born in the Zoo’s history. Th e Zoo participates in the Rhino Taxon Advisory SHEDDSHED AQUARIUM Group (TAG) which includes the ChChicago, Illinois Southern White Rhino SSP. A Pacifi c white-sided dolphin was born in early June. With fewer than 20 Pacifi c white-sided dolphins in Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited North American zoological facilities, this birth is signifi cant for the population, aas well as to the scientifi c and marine mmammal communities dedicated to better ununderstandingd the reproductive and neonatal biolobiologyg of this diffi cult-to-study species.

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