November/December 2016

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

MEMPHISZOO.ORG

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Friends,

This year marked a milestone in the Memphis Zoo’s 110-year history. We opened the long anticipated “Zambezi River Hippo Camp,” and it has exceeded our expectations. The hippos and cichlid fish are amazing. The crocodiles are up close and dramatic. The flamingos, patas monkeys, okapi and African birds complete the journey, as guests are transported to the banks of the Zambezi river. The Zambezi River Hippo Camp is the last major project in our current master plan.

We also completed two other smaller projects this year, a renovation of the herpetarium and updates to our Nile River fountain and wading area. We have one additional project, “The Chickasaw Bluff Natural Trail,” that we will complete over the next two years.

Our attendance was 1.15 million visitors, which is the largest attendance ever recorded at the Zoo. Our visitors included 137,943 free admissions and 89,254 school group admissions. Zip code data from our guests indicates that we have visitors from every zip code in the mid-south area as well as over 300,000 out-of-town guests.

We have exciting plans for spring 2017. Two new special exhibits will open in March. A LEGO brick sculpture exhibit will feature larger than-life sculptures representing the complex interconnections of the natural world. Approximately 15 sculptures will be placed throughout the zoo. Plans are also underway to launch a new bird and mammal show in our amphitheater. The show will feature animal ambassadors from our collection. The interactive show will be presented three times each day.

In collaboration with the City of Memphis and the Overton Park Conservancy, we are moving forward with the process of implementing the City Council approved parking plan for the Memphis Zoo and Overton Park. The plan will provide an additional 415 spaces, that will help us meet parking demand on peak days. We look forward to working with all parties involved to get this process underway.

Our conservation and research staff continue to do important work around the globe. The Louisiana pine snake, the rarest snake in North America, will move into a new dedicated breeding facility this year. The research facility, funded by the U.S. Forest Service Catahoula District, is one of four conservation sites dedicated to increasing the size of the Louisiana pine snake’s breeding population.

The building will be located on current Zoo grounds near the giraffe barn. The conservatories at all four sites are expected to each produce 100 snakes per year to release to an experimental site in Grant Parish, Louisiana, on the Catahoula District of Kisatchie National Forest.

We would not be the Zoo we are today without the unparalleled support of our members and community sponsors. The Memphis Zoo has long been an important part of our City’s culture and is an icon, as the single most visited attraction in Memphis. The Memphis Zoo is for everyone, and together we have made great things happen. Thank you for your support and visit us soon.

Sincerely,

Chuck Brady

2 MEMPHISZOO.ORG EXZOOBERANCE is a bimonthly Memphis Zoological Society publication providing information for friends of the Memphis Zoo. Send comments to MZS, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, or call (901) 333-6500 or log onto memphiszoo.org

VOL. XXVI, No. 6 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 Our Mission Connecting people with wildlife

Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.

Memphis Zoological Society Board of Directors as of June 2016

Officers DIANE SMITH, Co-Chair GENE HOLCOMB, Co-Chair DOROTHY KIRSCH, Secretary RUSSELL T. WIGGINTON, JR., Treasurer THOMAS C. FARNSWORTH III, Vice Chair JOSEPH C. DEWANE, M.D., Past Chair

Directors W. LYNN CARSON SAMANTHA BOGGS DEAN DELISA EDDINGS DAVID HOPKINS HENRY A. HUTTON MARIA LEGGETT JASON MAYKOWSKI SCOTT MCCORMICK JOYCE A. MOLLERUP BRANDON GARROTT MORRISON CAROL W. PRENTISS JERRY SHORE RICHARD W. SMITH KELLY H. TRUITT MARIO L. WALKER BYRNE WHITEHEAD

Honorary Lifetime Directors DONNA K. FISHER ROGER T. KNOX President’s SCOTT P. LEDBETTER SENATOR JAMES R. SASSER Message REBECCA WEBB WILSON 2 Special Events Ex Officio and Calendar DR. CHUCK BRADY, Zoo President and CEO BILL MORRISON, City Council Representative 8 Creature Feature Credits LAURA DOTY 4 Editor/Writer Edzoocation

MANGAN HOLCOMB PARTNERS Art Director 10 Zoo Rendezvous MEGHAN BURNETT Writer 5 Kid’s Page JENNIFER COLEMAN Copy Editor 12 TOOF PRINTING Tbilisi Zoo Printer 6 Exzooberance Paper generously donated by International Paper Employees

ZOO ADMISSION HOURS March – October 16 • 9 a.m. – 5p.m. October 17 – February • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Grounds close one hour after last admission Membership Zoo closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Goes Green! The Memphis Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member Don’t forget, membership cards are of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. now printed at the Zoo when you Wanna talk? Give us a buzz. © 2016 Memphis Zoo arrive. These will no longer be mailed. [email protected]

EXZOOBERANCE 3 CREATURE FEATURE

An Interesting Snake (That You’ve Never Heard Of): The Mangshan Viper by MEGHAN BURNETT, Communications Intern LAURA DOTY, Marketing and Communications Manager

op quiz. What’s the only non-cobra snake that can spit venom, size for this species. However, scientists believe there are has a dappled, leaf-like pattern, and wasn’t discovered until only about 500 individuals. After their discovery, a captive Pthe late 1980s? If you guessed the Mangshan Mountain viper, breeding program was established in 1994. By 2010, you’d be correct. (You’d also probably be a more than 100 specimens had been born herpetologist.) in captivity. The Mangshan Mountain viper is also known The Memphis Zoo The Mangshan Mountain viper is a type as the Mangshan pit viper, the Mang mountain currently has of pit viper. This group is a subset of vipers viper or the Mount Mang pit viper. Their name, one Mangshan that have sensory pits on their heads. These mangshan, comes from the Mandarin words for pits can detect heat emitted by their prey. python (mangshé) and mountain (shan). They mountain viper. Pit vipers represent six percent of all snake were discovered in 1989 in the Hunan province The male, which species in the wild. in China. This is the only place in the world is located in Many Mangshan Mountain vipers can grow where these snakes can be found in the wild. the Herpetarium, to be seven feet long, and weigh more than Such a discovery is very uncommon. 10 pounds. Scientists believe that they use “It thrills me that we live on a planet where a has been part of the tip of their tail to lure their prey when six-foot long, outlandishly beautiful, and deadly our collection hunting. Their tail tips are small and white, creature can live undetected until the 1980s,” since 2014. and look like a caterpillar or worm when said Dr. Steve Reichling, Curator of the Central they move. Zone. “That’s incredible! What other wonders While Mangshan Mountain viper’s numbers are waiting to be discovered?” are growing, there’s still a bit of mystery surrounding this Due to their mottled shading and natural habitat, it’s unique snake due to lack of historical data. What we do know hard to make an accurate assessment on the population about them makes them a special species.

4 MEMPHISZOO.ORG ZOO RENDEZVOUS: AN EVENING IN AFRICA On Saturday, September 10, more than 3,000 people gathered at the Memphis Zoo to experience Zoo Rendezvous: An Evening in Africa, our largest single-night fundraiser of the year. More than 70 restaurants and bars participated, along with four live entertainment Congratulations to the acts. All proceeds support the daily operations of the Memphis Zoo. We would like to thank following winners of the the following partners: décor contest! Thank you for all you did to make Platinum Partner Luxurious Lions Harmonious this event a memorable MERCEDES-BENZ OF MEMPHIS Hippos evening for our guests. METHODIST HEALTHCARE A2H-ENGINEERS • ARCHITECTS • PLANNERS PEPSI BEVERAGES COMPANY Premium ALLIANCE INDUSTRIES, LLC Best In Show RESTAURANT Partners DELTA AIR LINES ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY GOLD STRIKE Zealous Zebras FRED’S PHARMACY AND SKIN CANCER CASINO RESORT ASSOCIATES, PURVISHA FERTILITY ASSOCIATES OF GERBER TAYLOR PATEL, M.D. MEMPHIS, PLLC., DOCTORS KE, KUTTEH, BREZINA AND SUNSTAR INSURANCE OF AUTOZONE BAILEY Best In Show MEMPHIS BAR BORS-KOEFOED “BK” FAMILY GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT ZELLNER CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC CORKY’S/ JOSEPH C. DEWANE, M.D. THE PRENTISS FAMILY SIMPLY DELICIOUS

FEDEX REGIONS BANK

SUNTRUST BANK SYSCO MEMPHIS

WRIGHT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

EXZOOBERANCE 5 TBILISI ZOO Extending Southern Hospitality Across the Atlantic

by FARSHID MEHRDADFAR, Curator DR. KIM TERRELL, Director of Conservation and Research

here are defining moments in life that and Asia. It played an important role in Our latest USAID-funded efforts took confirm our core beliefs in protecting establishment of silk road trade. Through us back to Tbilisi to help establish their Twildlife and providing support to those the centuries, it has been invaded and emergency response plan and provide in need when tragedy strikes. settled by Greeks, Romans, Persians, on-site assistance with their first-ever Last month, the Memphis Zoo sent two Turkish tribes, Arabs, Mongols, and emergency drill. During this trip we also employees halfway around the world to Russians. Traces of these diverse provided guidance and tools for animal help a flood-ravaged zoo on its path to influences can still be seen in modern training, which can be extremely helpful recovery. The Tbilisi Zoo experienced a Georgian culture. in resolving emergency situations where devastating flood in June 2015, killing Tradition, loyalty to friends and family, animals need to be moved or contained. three staff members and most of its and generosity toward guests are viewed More than a year has passed since animals. Staff from the local offices of as important Georgian values. Guests the tragedy. The feeling of sadness and United States Agency for International are always treated generously, and it is desperation that once permeated the zoo Development (USAID) and the US Forest considered a divine gift to have friends has changed to a sense of optimism and Service saw the devastation and wanted visiting the home of a Georgian. pride for what has been achieved in such to help. They knew a zoo on the other Our work began with a trip to Tbilisi a short time. Green spaces have been side of the Atlantic with the expertise and Zoo in July 2015, to assess immediate created where destroyed exhibits once dedication to make a difference in the animal welfare needs in the aftermath stood, the citizens of Tbilisi are once again recovery effort. of the flood. A year later, in June 2016, enjoying afternoon strolls through their zoo When Dr. Chuck Brady, President and the Memphis Zoo hosted six key staff and school groups are busy hand-crafting CEO of the Memphis Zoo, was approached members from Tbilisi for a study tour enrichment items for their favorite species. to develop a recovery plan for the Tbilisi of three US zoos, through the generous With the help of our long-time partner, Zoo, we knew this was an opportunity support of USAID. This group included the US Forest Service, and through the to provide timely support in improving a curator, veterinarian, educator, media support of USAID, we truly believe the animal welfare at the Tbilisi Zoo. But to specialist, biologist, and the director of Memphis Zoo has made a difference in make our efforts successful, we first had Tbilisi Zoo. They traveled to the Memphis the lives of the Georgian people and their to understand the culture and history of Zoo, St. Louis Zoo and Audubon Zoo to beloved animals. We introduced Southern the country. meet their counterparts and learn about Hospitality in the Republic of Georgia and, The country of Georgia is strategically all aspects of zoo operations, particularly in doing so, extended the silk road across located at a crossroads between Europe emergency management. the Atlantic to Memphis, Tennessee.

6 MEMPHISZOO.ORG Gergeti Mount Monastery in Georgia, in Great Caucasus Range. This architectural complex from the XIV century is located at a height of over 7,200 feet above sea level.

EXZOOBERANCE 7 SPECIAL EVENTS

November 18 Tree Lighting Ceremony 5PM INCLUDED WITH ZOO LIGHTS ADMISSION Help us flip the switch to ring in the holiday season! We’ll be joined by special guests at this annual tree lighting ceremony that’s fun for the whole family.

November 18 – December 30 SELECT NIGHTS SunTrust Zoo Lights 5:30-9:30 $7/MEMBERS; $9/NONMEMBERS Come see what everyone is talking about! Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo was rated one of the top 10 zoo light displays in the country. There’s snow in the Courtyard, the 90-foot LED Ferris wheel, Santa Claus in his workshop, live reindeer, thousands of holiday lights and so much more! Visit memphiszoo.org/zoolights for a full list of holiday activities.

November 19 – December 30 Ice Skating at the Memphis Zoo OPEN DAILY BEGINNING NOVEMBER 19 9:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. OPEN DURING SUNTRUST ZOO LIGHTS 5:30 TO 9:30 P.M. $6 PER PERSON Memphis’ ONLY outdoor ice skating rink is back at the Zoo this holiday season! The best time to skate is during the day, but you can also bring the whole family to skate at SunTrust Zoo Lights. Don’t miss ice skating at the Memphis Zoo. Visit memphiszoo.org for more information.

8 MEMPHISZOO.ORG S M T W T F S November 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Great Tree Zoo Ice Rink Homeschool Lighting 5PM OPEN DAILY Day Zoo Lights Zoo Lights 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Thanksgiving Day ZOO CLOSED Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 27 28 29 30

Ice 1 2 3 Skating at the Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Memphis December5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM Zoo N4 ov. 1 5 6 7 8 9 10 O 9–Dec 0 PEN . 3 OPEN DAILY DURI 9:30AM–4:30PM NG SU M NTRUS 9:30 P Zoo Lights Zoo Lights T ZOO L TS 5:30– IGH 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

National Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Horse Day 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Christmas Eve 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM ZOO CLOSED 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Christmas Day ZOO CLOSED Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights Zoo Lights New Year’s Eve 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM 5:30–9:30PM

EXZOOBERANCE 9 EDZOOCATION HOMESCHOOL ACADEMY WINTER 2017 HOMESCHOOL DAYS This week-long educational program will provide exciting and This two-hour program takes our popular zoo classes and adds interactive ways for students to learn about science. Each a homeschool twist. Meet live animals, participate in hands- class includes animal visits, tours of exhibits, chats with on activities and get a guided tour of exhibits. keepers and more. THURSDAY MONDAY - FRIDAY November 17 January 9-13 CLASSES OFFERED AT 9:30 A.M. AND AT 1:00 P.M. 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M. 1ST - 12TH GRADE: EARTHWORM, SHARK AND SHEEP K – 8TH GRADE: $120/MEMBERS; $135/NONMEMBERS ORGANS 9TH - 12TH GRADE: $135/MEMBERS; $150/NONMEMBERS $20/MEMBERS; $23/NONMEMBERS

KINDERGARTEN – 2ND GRADE (CHILD SHOULD BE AT Check website for availability LEAST 5 YEARS OLD BY 9/1/16) ZOOperheroes! Uncover animal super powers while discovering the superhero in you.

3RD – 5TH GRADE Animal Detectives Ever wonder how elephants get so big or how cheetahs run so fast? Join us as we investigate how animals do what they do.

6TH – 8TH GRADE Wild North America You don’t need a plane ticket – we’ll take you on a wild adventure to discover the cool critters that call North America home.

9TH – 12TH GRADE Exploration Ecology Explore the interactions between animals and their environment. Learn why each piece is important in the intricate ecological puzzle.

10 MEMPHISZOO.ORG exhibition sponsor RED GROOMS: Traveling Correspondent

COMMUNITY DAY Saturday, November 5 | 10 am – 2 pm | FREE Art-making and gallery activities, live performances, food trucks. Immerse your family in the creative mind of international artist, Red Grooms.

HOMESCHOOL DAY Thursday, November 17 | 10 am – 2 pm | FREE Gallery activities, art-making, and docent-led tours. Explore local history through the art of Red Grooms. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Mid-South Arts Against Hunger Drive benefiting the Mid-South Food Bank.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Overton Park brooksmuseum.orgbrooksmuseum.org

low Prices! May your Holidays be Scaley and Bright

Visit fredsinc.com for a Pharmacy location near you.

11/12_2016_Exzooberance_Animal_Ad.indd 1 9/28/16 4:41 PM EXZOOBERANCE 11

© Copyright Memphis Zoo 2015 Exzooberance is mailed with a bulk permit and cannot be forwarded. (901) 276-WILD Memphis, TN 38112 2000 Prentiss Place Requested in-home dates April 21-May 1 (901) 276-WILD 2000 Prentiss Place (901) 276-WILD 2000 Prentiss Place Memphis, TN 38112 (901) 276-WILD Memphis, TN 38112 2000 Prentiss Place Requested in-home dates August 23-29 Requested in-home dates Oct 28- Nov 1 Memphis, TN 38112 Requested in-home dates Dec 29-Jan 4

2016 - 2017 ® FAMILYFAMILY 2016 Permit No. 1124 Memphis, TN Organization U.S. Postage

SERIES Non-Profit

SERIES Paid For a full list of our upcoming family programs, visit Orpheum-Memphis.com

CELESTE BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR RHAPSODY IN BLACK October 28, 2016 • 6:30pm & OTHER TREASURED STORIES November 18, 2016 • 6:30pm Halloran Centre at the Orpheum November 11, 2016 • 6:30pm Halloran Centre at the Orpheum Recommended for Ages 5 + Historic Orpheum Theatre Recommended for Ages 13 + Recommended for Ages 3 +

TICKETS: (901) 525-3000 • Orpheum-Memphis.com

Family Series Brown Bear, Brown Bear sponsored in part by: sponsored by: