Agenda 1301 S

Potter Park Zoo Board AGENDA 1301 S. Pennsylvania Avenue ~ Lansing, MI 48912 Telephone: 517.342.2776; Fax: 517.316.3894

The packet is available on-line by going to www.ingham.org, choosing the “Monthly Calendar” and click on Wednesday, August 9, 2017.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 5:45 PM POTTER PARK ZOO BOARD MEETING Potter Park Zoo, Education Building, Coral Reef Room 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, Michigan

1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Minutes Minutes of July 12, 2017 will be considered 3. Limited Public Comment – Limited to 3 minutes with no discussion 4. Late Items/Deletions/Consent Items

5. DIRECTOR AND FINANCIAL REPORTS A. July Financial Reports – Delphine Brezee B. Zoo Director’s Report – Cindy Wagner i. July Attendance Report ii. July Parking Report C. Zoo Society Report – Amy Morris/Aaron Davis

6. NEW BUSINESS A. Presentation of the Felid Tag Conference – Annie Marcum

7. OLD BUSINESS A. Subcommittees: i. Strategy Subcommittee – Mary Leys ii. External Relations Subcommittee – Cheryl Bergman iii. Financial Sustainability Subcommittee – Kyle Binkley

8. Board Comments 9. Limited Public Comment - Limited to 3 minutes with no discussion 10. Informational Items A. Thank You Letters – Upon Request

11. Upcoming Meeting A. Zoo Board Meeting on September 6, 2017 at 5:45 PM at the Potter Park Zoo, Education Building

12. Adjournment

Official minutes are stored and available for inspection at the address noted at the top of this agenda. The Potter Park Zoo will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as interpreters for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting for the visually impaired, for individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon five (5) working days’ notice to the Potter Park Zoo. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Potter Park Zoo by writing to the Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912 or by calling 517.342.2776. 1 2 3 4 5

Zoo Director Second Quarterly Report 08-09-2017 AZA The written response to the inspector’s concerns was submitted to AZA on July 31, 2017. The accreditation hearing date is Friday, September 8th, 2017 at 2:30pm. Staff attending the hearing are; Cynthia Wagner, Amy Morris, Sally Nofs, Sarah Pechtel, Dennis Laidler, Jon Lawrence and Rick Parker. County Controller, Tim Dolehanty, will also be attending the hearing.

Staff Potter Park Zoo’s AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers) chapter is hosting the fourth annual Bowling for Rhinos event at City Limits East on Friday, August 4th, 2017.

Pat Fountain and Ashleigh Winkelmann will be attending the Rhino Keeper Workshop in August. The workshop will be held in Denver, Colorado and Pat will be doing a presentation on the animal care team’s journey with Jello, our previous male rhino. He had an unusual condition that hopefully many can learn from.

Liz Jagenow and Cagney McDermott are attending the Old World Monkey TAG this August in Columbus, Ohio. They will be able to get insight into the future of the Mandrill SSP population as well as valuable husbandry information.

Facilities As of August 14, 2017, I will be taking over the day to day operation and supervision of the zoo maintenance staff. The County Facilities department will continue to be involved in all CIP projects and available as a resource when needed.

Contracts The contract with Pepsico is still in progress and waiting to be signed by Pepsico.

All expense contracts moving forward will be entered into the MUNIS contract module.

Exhibits The giant anteater exhibit is in progress. The anteater is doing well in quarantine.

The binturong can frequently be seen on exhibit now.

The bat exhibit is complete and the bats are on exhibit. The bird house keepers continue to work on renovating other exhibits in the bird house to create more natural habitats. The new garter snake exhibit is beautiful.

All exhibits using hot wire as a means for primary containment in any part of the enclosure now have a battery backup allowing the animal care team the time to shift animals into holding areas. We are continuing to work on eliminating hot wire where possible.

Graphics continue to be replaced or added in the zoo. The Pallas’ cat and king vulture graphics are at print and will be installed soon. The barred owl graphics are installed. We have added a few directional signs near the parking booth to clarify parking and delivery areas. The pony path has a new graphic greeting guests at the entrance to the area with all the pertinent information they need to know regarding pony rides. Many others are in process.

Conservation The paper straw dispenser is in place at the restaurant. The feedback we are receiving is positive and we plan to continue this program and add a dispenser at the front concessions area.

Dr. Sally Nofs, Director of Animal Health First and foremost the vet department was busy along with everyone else preparing for the AZA accreditation inspection.

It has been a busy year with scientific publications for the vet department with four journal articles and an abstract coming out in second quarter. These works represent collaborations with multiple zoos and universities.

Journal articles:

Nofs SA, Dierenfeld E and Backus R. (2017). Effect of increasing taurine and methionine supplementation on urinary taurine excretion in a model insectivore, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 2017; 00:1-11. https://doi.or/10.111/jpn.12748

Leuchner,L, Nofs S.A., Dierenfeld E., and P. Horvath. (2017). Chitin Supplementation in the Diets of Captive Giant Anteaters (Myrmycophaga tridactyla) for Improved Gastrointestinal Function. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research Vol 5 No 2 (2017)

Thompson R, Wolf T, Robertson H, Woc-Colburn M, Moreno A, Moresco A., Napier AE and Nofs SA. (2017). Serial Ultrasound to Estimate Fetal Growth Curves in Southern Tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla). J of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine June 48(2): 294-297, 2017

Thompson K., Agnew D., Nofs S. and Harrison T. (2017). Obstetrical and Post-partum Complications in Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrecs (Echinops telfairi): 5 Cases. J of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine June 48(2): 446-452, 2017

Abstract:

A. Burke, J. Kottwitz, R. Wilhite, A. Maxence-Haspel, and S. Nofs. (2017). Evaluation of Arthritic Lesions in Giant Anteater Feet: Pilot Data. Proc of the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists Annual Conference, Auburn, AL.

The veterinary department gives kudos to the rhino keepers for being diligent collecting urine samples from Doppsee up to three times a day for a study Dr. Nofs is working with CREW on, along with fecal collections for other hormone studies we are collaborating on.

Our summer Veterinary student intern this year was Whitney Wells. She has been a great help, especially researching various topics and assisting with ultrafiltrating rhino urine samples for the study we are working on with Cincinatti’s CREW program. She learned a lot during her stay with us. We will miss her as she moves into her second year of veterinary school at MSUCVM and wish her well with her path to zoo and aquatic veterinary medicine.

Dr. Nofs attended the American Marten working group meeting in Roscommon, MI on May 12. This is an exciting conservation & research project Potter Park Zoo is newly involved with. Earlier this season both Dr. Nofs and several PPZ zoo keepers assisted this project with field work on this Michigan mammal species. We look forward to continued involvement to contribute to conservation in our home state.

Dr. Nofs attended the annual veterinary conference with the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine in May. Networking and learning veterinary information with an international crowd is very worthwhile.

Sarah Pechtel, General Curator Staff:

 Full time animal care staff have been working 4 – 10 hour days since April. This is a new schedule we instituted to create a better visitor experience and a safer work environment for late shift keepers. Continued feedback indicates the schedule is liked, but that communication can be a struggle within animal areas. We are working as a team to find solutions to this issue. Keepers will switch back to their old schedule in early-September and work 8 hour days through the winter when the zoo hours are shorter.  One of our Keeper Aides has accepted a position as a full time hoofstock keeper at a zoo in Kansas. Her replacement has been hired and should be able to start work in the next few weeks.

7  Hiring for seasonal animal care staff went well this year and we have a great group working with us. Of those were hired, five were returning seasonal animal care staff and four were former interns.

Trainings & Conferences:

 I attended the AZA Professional Development Course, Animal Welfare: Evidence Based Management course in late April at the Brookfield Zoo. The knowledge I gained is helping to shape PPZ’s Animal Welfare processes.  Annie Marcum (Carnivore/Primate Lead) attended the Felid TAG Conference in Erie, PA.  Liz Jagenow and Cagney McDermott (Carnivore/Primate Keepers) are attending the Old World Monkey TAG Conference in Columbus in August.  Pat Fountain (Head Keeper) and Ashleigh Winkelmann (Hoofstock keeper) are attending the International Rhino Keepers Association conference in August. Pat is presenting on our male rhino, Jello, and the care he underwent to deal with his seizure disorder.  Carolyn Schulte (Carnivore/Primate Keeper) and Adrianna Davidson (Birds, Reptiles, Small Mammal Keeper) are both attending the Hose2Habitat workshop in Indiana.

Animals:

 1.0 Giant Anteater: o Arrived in late July from the San Francisco Zoo. He is settling in well. Maintenance staff have been working on preparing the exhibit for him.  1.1 Crested porcupines: o Arrived from Potawatomi Zoo in early July. They are doing well and adapting to their exhibit.  1.0 Cotton Top tamarin o Arrived from Oglebay Zoo (Wheeling, WV). He is through quarantine and has been introduced to our female. o This pair has a breeding recommendation from SSP  Lesser Madagascar Hedgehog Tenrec o 0.0.3 Tenrec babies were born in late July  Education Animals: o 0.2 chinchilla and 2.0 ferrets were brought in as new ambassador animals  Puerto Rican Crested Toads: o We did not have a successful year breeding Puerto Rican Crested Toads – there were only 16 tadpoles that hatched. o Keeper staff are investigating possible causes and we hope for improved success next year.  Binturong: o The binturong exhibit has been finished and the animals are on exhibit. o These animals have a breeding recommendation, but will not be placed together until she comes into heat.  Big Cats: o Our male tiger (Sivaki) underwent surgery to remove a small lump on his left shoulder. The lump was benign and he is healing well. o Keeper and vet staff have been dealing with a wound on the lioness Ulana’s tail. The wound is almost completely healed and we expect to be reintroducing the females to Kota soon.  We are waiting for cooler weather to bring in: 0.2 Magellanic penguin and 0.2 grey kangaroo.

Exhibits:

 Maintenance staff has been busy working on the new anteater exhibit.  Modifications are being made to the wall in the large rhino exhibit, so that Phineus can be shifted out there. Due to erosion, there are some points of the wall that are a few inches short of the SSP recommended height. Additional poles were also added to the small yard. This must be completed prior to introducing the two rhinos for breeding.  The bat exhibit expansion is completed and the bats are back on exhibit. Keeper staff will be driving to the Oklahoma City Zoo in the next few weeks to pick up additional Seba’s fruit bats for the exhibit.

There was a meeting with keeper staff to go over their thoughts regarding the current Master Plan – what changes they would like to see, what exhibits they feel are valuable, species they think are important to our zoo etc. I will be putting together

Customer Services – Jon Lawrence, Customer Services Manager With the arrival of the second quarter my transition was in full swing, as was the hiring of the temporary seasonal workforce that serves our customers diligently throughout the peak season. With so many new staff members’, including myself, orientation and training to new job duties has been an ongoing process to ensure our guests are being met with smiling faces and efficient service. The summer workforce will soon be transitioning again as many of our student employees will be returning to their institutions of higher learning by the end of August. Seasonal positions are still open and being filled to assist with this transition from summer to fall.

The new credit card terminals were “a work in progress” early in the 2nd quarter. After all troubleshooting efforts were complete the end required the addition of mobile Wi-Fi hotspots to be interfaced with them in both concessions and the AniMall gift shop in order to keep consistent credit card processing available for our guests needs.

New financial operating practices for both concessions and the AniMall gift shop have been put into practice to ensure accountability and proper reporting of each day’s events. As part of the newly created systems new cash registers were programmed and placed into service in both concession areas and the gift shop. These new machines have increased accountability, greatly improved our sales tracking capability, and have other features that supply a SD card backup to the printed reports. While cash registers are limited compared to the features offered by computer software point-of-sale programs, these registers have proven very helpful.

Both the front and rear concessions areas have been up and running with the majority of effort being presented in training, cleanliness, safety, and with our staffs role in the total guest experience. Menu options are being considered for future introduction. Of some concern is the age of some of the commercial kitchen equipment, as both the fryer and walk in freezer have experienced shut downs due to repair over the second quarter. The fryer in particular is original equipment and will likely require some more intensive maintenance in the fall-winter months to ensure its continued use. The facilities department has been quick to respond to our needs. However, as the equipment ages these limitations are to be expected more frequently.

The AniMall gift shop has seen a remodel of the attendant’s station, replacing the large glass cabinetry with maple slat wall cabinets that allow for better use of equipment and supply storage for our attendants while also better utilizing the display space and providing for more impulse and convenience purchases to be showcased. Additionally, shelving, mannequins, and end caps were purchased from the former K-Mart store on Cedar Street and given new life here at the AniMall. These acquisitions have given us an increase in flexible retail display options which have been noted as a positive addition by some of our returning visitors.

New wagons and a few new strollers were purchased for the rental fleet to provide an increase in size options for parents to choose from. These new wagons and strollers have been a welcome addition and have allowed us to better answer the needs of our guests.

In our continuing effort to promote the Potter Park Zoos mission to inspire people to conserve animals in the natural world, we have been asking our guests to voluntarily support our conservation efforts by adding a dollar donation to their purchase both in the gift shop and at the admission booths. As a thank you we are offering the guest a bookmark keepsake that has information and a picture of one of five zoo animals. This program continues to be well received, and is generating needed income to the zoos conservation efforts. Additionally, the gift shop is carrying merchandise that benefits conservation efforts such as the Snow Leopard Trust, Bat Conservancy, and a line of animal art that our very own keepers and animals create. This line of paintings, postcards, bottle openers, key chains, and other affordable keepsakes by our AAZK keepers is generating both interest and income for the cause while sending the guest home with a truly unique keepsake that brings them great joy.

Jennifer Rostar, Director of Events and Member Services Public Events  Wine & Stein – We achieved our largest number of vendors ever, as well as the largest number of vendor cash donations. Wine & Stein revenue exceeded budget predictions and continues to be a community favorite.  Zoo Brew – This year we lengthened the time of the event to accommodate three musical acts and Lansing Brewing Company continues to be a committed partner. The event exceeded 2016 revenue production and is on track to meet budget predictions for the series.

Private Events  The zoo hosted many private events this spring including LCC Alumni and PII. The summer and winter seasons seem to be shaping up as the busiest time in private events for 2017.

Membership  Membership continues to show positive and consistent growth. A comparison of 2016 and 2017 second quarter end numbers shows an increase of 1758 members (2016 3170 members and 2017 4928 members). We contribute this substantial growth to the re-launch of the Deluxe and Premium Level memberships.

Volunteer Program  We have had a transition in the Volunteer Coordinator position. Carrie Green has accepted a position with MSU. We are currently in the final phase of the interview process and expect to have a new person in the position by August 7th.  The zoo was a host site for Comcast Cares Day – a nationwide volunteer day sponsored by Comcast. The volunteer day brought out over 100 volunteers focusing on beautification of the zoo grounds. Projects included painting fences and hand rails, weeding/mulching/planting gardens and installing new wall foundations to renovate an exhibit. This volunteer day came at a perfect time allowing us to prepare for our AZA inspection the following week.

LOOKING AHEAD Special Events  Zoo Brew – July 27th and August 31st tickets available on-line.  Members Night – August 9th Amazing animal experiences and behind the scenes tours and an all-around great way to say thank you to our members.

Rick Terrill – Ingham County Facilities Director Facilities has nothing to report other than continuing with day to day maintenance repairs as needed.

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