Exzoo- Berance!

Pu b l i s h e d f o r Fr i e n d s o f Th e Me mp h i s Zo o EXZOO-

BERANCE! Exzooberance™ is a bimonthly Memphis BERANCE! Zoological Society publication providing information for friends of the Memphis Zoo. Send comments to MZS, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112, call (901) 276-WILD In this issue: or log onto www.memphiszoo.org. Vol. XVIII, No. 6 Cover Feature — Memphis Zoological Society SunTrust Zoo Lights Board of Directors as of July 2009 Join us for even more lights, activities and more Officers: Zoo as we bring back more of your favorite Kelly H. Truitt, Chair holiday event! Diane Smith and John W. Stocks, Jr., Vice Chairs Gene Holcomb, Treasurer Joseph C. DeWane, M.D., Secretary 3 Time to Re-Zoo Carol W. Prentiss, Past Chair Directors: Get the latest info on your Zoo membership, F. Norfleet Abston Jason Rothschild and see the latest benefits of being a member as Robert A. Cox Karl A. Schledwitz Thomas C. Lucy Shaw we make some changes in 2010. Farnsworth, III Richard C. Shaw 3 Diana Hull Brooke Sparks Henry A. Hutton Joe Warren 4 Creature Feature — Dorothy Kirsch Robin P. Watson Robert C. Lanier Russell T. Wigginton, Jr. Meet the Grizzlies Joyce A. Mollerup The Zoo has become the new home to five Honorary Lifetime Directors: grizzlies living in Teton Trek. Learn about these Donna K. Fisher Roger T. Knox, President Emeritus new residents from the keepers who know them Scott P. Ledbetter best. Frank M. Norfleet Senator James R. Sasser Rebecca Webb Wilson 5 Give the Gift of Zoo Ex Officio: Dr. Chuck Brady, Zoo President & CEO This holiday season, stock up on gifts for all Pete Aviotti, Jr. your Zoo lovers with these great Zoo gift ideas. Bill Morrison, City Council Representative Give a whole year of Zoo with a membership Bob Drake, Docent/Volunteer Representative in 2010! Credits: Abbey Dane, Editor / Writer Brian Carter, Managing Editor Departments: Geri Meltzer, Art Director 4 Jennifer Coleman, Copy Editor Toof Printing, Printer 2 Spot You at the Zoo Exzooberance paper generously donated by International Paper employees 6 Conservation Zoo Admission Hours: 7 Education Programs March - October 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. November - February 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. 8 Special Events • Grounds close one hour after last admission • Zoo Closed: Thanksgiving Day, 9 November/December Calendar Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Our Mission: 10 Zoo News Connecting people with wildlife. 11 Rendezvous Recap Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo. 12 Kids’ Activity Page

1 SPOT YOU AT THE ZOO Special Feature As a perk to your Memphis Zoo membership, members were offered the chance to see Teton Trek before the rest of the public. We spotted these members enjoying the new Teton exhibit during our members-only preview. Come see Teton Trek in lights at SunTrust Zoo Lights this holiday season, and you may be spotted in the next Exzooberance! Trek! Member Preview

Samuel and Judith Fleischhacker enjoy the scenery Sandy Smith and granddaughters Addison and Alden Thomas step out of of the 20-ft. waterfall next to the grizzlies. Memphis and into Yellowstone as they pass through the Great Lodge.

Guy and Mary Whalen with their children Matthew Clifton and Addison Wilson view the four timber wolves. and Sarah at the overlook. Matthew could barely These pups will provide endless entertainment keep his eyes off the grizzlies! for your entire pack.

Zachary Lucia plays on the rocks at this 30-ft. geyser, inspired by Old Faithful. It welcomes guests as it erupts every 60 seconds.

Creature Feature Meet Our Grizzly Cubs

Introducing five furry residents of Teton Trek! Every animal at the Memphis Zoo is different and has its own personality that makes it stand out from the others. Read about our five grizzlies as our keepers share what makes each one special.

“Cochise” is one of three orphaned “Else” is the female cub from “Yukon” is the other male cub who cubs who came from Yellowstone Yellowstone. Although she is the came from Yellowstone. For now, he Basin. He is calm, easy-going, and a smallest, she has the biggest is the “medium-sized” of the three. good brother. He seems to “look out” attitude and seems to be the main He is adventurous, tending to go off for his siblings, sometimes taking on instigator of play sessions. She’s on his own more than the others. a protector role. For the time being, feisty and very fun to watch! He has also proven to be a “true he is the largest of the three cubs. grizzly” by swimming and fishing!

Check our Web site for updated “Hydee” is the female from Alaska. “Peak” is one of two grizzlies from information on our two older, Alaskan She is laid back, watchful, and very Alaska. He is very playful and has grizzlies, “Hydee” and “Peak.” Visit smart. She is smaller than Peak and had great relationships with all of them when they go on exhibit at has the typical look of a grizzly bear. his caretakers. It’s very easy to fall Teton Trek soon later this fall! While in Alaska she proved to be an in love with Peak! expert den digger!

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ADDITIONAL MEMBERS DISCOUNT! Members save an additional 10% in the Zoo’s gift shops November 20, 21 and 22. Total member discount of 25%! HOLIDAY SHOPPING at the memphis ZOO

Visit the three Zoo gift shops this holiday season for even more gift ideas as well as a selection of Zoo ornaments of your favorite animals. This holiday, give the gift A. Best Buddy Backpack $21 C. Wolf Stuffed Animal $17 of Zoo! B. Hot Hugs Lion $33 D. Blanket Friends Polar Bear $15 Heat up in the microwave for a Also available in wolf, elephant, panda, warm cuddle penguin, giraffe, tiger and sea turtle

B C D

gifts available at the zoo’s gift shops or by calling (901) 333-6776.

5 Conservation

by Dr. Erin Willis, Memphis Zoo Researcher

After estrus, giant pandas experience a phenomenon known as pseudopregnancy, where the female exhibits behavioral, physiological and hormonal changes similar to pregnancy. Therefore, monitoring hormonal patterns that are usually different in pregnant animals compared to non-pregnant animals is not effective at determining the pregnancy status of the panda. It has been impossible to determine whether a giant panda is pregnant until about two weeks prior to birth when ultrasound can be used to detect a developing fetus. The fetus is too small to see with ultrasound prior to that. With a panda’s gestation typically ranging anywhere from 85-185 days, having to wait until two weeks before birth to confirm a pregnancy is quite a long time. Unraveling the Mysteries of Giant Panda Pseudopregnancy Recently, I made a great discovery in unraveling the mysteries of giant panda pseudopregnancy. I found that a particular protein that usually increases in response to inflammation also increases in response to pregnancy in the giant panda. In pregnancies that were carried to term, this protein increases in the first week of gestation. Not only does this new “panda pregnancy test” determine if a panda is pregnant very early in gestation, it also provides information on whether a panda has lost a pregnancy. Since ultrasound could only be used very late in gestation, a pregnancy that was later lost could very easily go undetected. With early pregnancy detection, we can now distinguish between a true pseudopregnancy and a lost pregnancy. A diagnostic pregnancy test for pandas has evaded scien- tists for decades, but with the development of this technique, breeding and conservation efforts for these endangered bears will be significantly improved. This test also has the potential to easily determine the reproductive status of female giant pandas in the wild!

Animal Enrichment Giving Tree

by Dara Reinbold, Zookeeper The holidays are quickly approaching, and the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) is inviting you to participate in its annual Animal Enrich- ment Giving Tree program. As you might remember, the idea is similar to the Salvation Army’s Angel tree. Simply pick a gift off the tree in the Zoo’s lobby, purchase it (or donate money for the item) and then bring it to the Zoo to be given to the animals. Keepers request specific items for their areas. The gift you pick is one that comes straight from the people who know the animals’ needs best. Enrichment is intended to encourage behaviors that are appropriate for the species, and that satisfy an animal’s physical and psychological needs. Enrich- ment is everything from puzzle feeders and safari balls to new sounds, new smells and new textures. We hope that everyone will take part in the Enrichment Giving Tree and make 2010 a very happy new year for our animals and zookeepers alike!

6 - ø - ø • • • Discover more programs ‘EdzoocationEdzoocation 09 and get •more information at pprroogrgraammss memphiszoo.org/education. r The Zoo in Early Winter s r s Walking Homeschool Stroller Cubs December 5, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. • $10 for members and $20 for non-members To u r Workshops • 10 t o 10:45• a.m. (includes Zoo admission)• Dec. 5 10 a.m. t o 2 p.m. $5/m e m b e r s ; $15/n o n m e m b e r s Pre-registration required for very limited space $30/m e m b e r s ; $40/n o n m e m b e r s , (i n c l u d e s o n e a d u l t a n d z o o a d m i s s i o n ) $5 o f f if p a r e n t a s s i s t s The Zoo takes on a very different look in winter when all the tropical Registration De a d l i n e : On e w e e k Re c o m m e n d e d a g e s : plants have gone inside. We’ll take a look at our evergreen plants, see b e f o r e t h e d a t e o f t h e p r o g r a m 18 m o n t h s - 4 y e a r s o l d beautiful red berries that attract our feathered friends and admire the Reptile Squad There’s always something interesting bark of deciduous trees and shrubs. Then we’ll finish up with a fun to do at the Zoo! Come join stroll through the greenhouse to see where all the tropicals are spending attles aren’t just for babies, R us for story time, animal visits the winter. Our walking tours take place outside, rain or shine. Please and hoods aren’t just for keep- and play time with other dress appropriately. ing your head warm! Come to children. Adult supervision is the Zoo and learn about the required. unique ways reptiles defend themselves. November 2 & 23 December 14 November 16 — PreK/K and 1st/2nd November 18 — - 3rd/4th and 5th-7th ø Junior Zoo Crew Looking for a Few 10 a.m. t o •1 p.m. Good Mammals HOMESCHOOL• ZOO ACADEMY $30/m e m b e r s ; $40/n o n m e m b e r s Hide and seek might seem Ag e s : 10-12 y e a r s like a fun game to play, but for Registration De a d l i n e : Mo n d a y - Fr i d a y January 11-15 — some of our fur-covered friends We d n e s d ay b e f o r e t h e p r o g r a m 10 a.m. t o 3 p.m. PreK -12th Grade it is not fun at all. Discover the Nu m b e r o f Sp a c e s : 20 c h i l d r e n Pr e K - 8t h g r a d e — $105/ January 18-22 — many different ways that p e r s e s s i o n r m e m b e r s ; $115/n os n m e m b e r s 1st -12th Grade mammals protect themselves. 9t h -12t h g r a d e — $120/ Take a look at some of the m e m b e r s ; $130/n o n m e m b e r s December 7 — wildest careers around while PreK/K and 1st/2nd • ($20 o f f w e e k ’s t u i t i o n f o r Paws and Claws experiencing behind-the-scenes o n e c h i l d if p a r e• n t a s s i s t s ) December 9 — tours, games, keeper chats, Pr e K a n d Ki n d e r g a r t e n (m u s t 3rd/4th and 5th-7th hands-on projects and more. This week-long educa- b e 4 y e a r s o l d b y 12/1/09) You’ll even meet some of our Zoo tional program will provide Marvelous Mammals critters up close. Please plan to exciting and interactive ways 1st and 2nd Grade dress for the weather and getting for students to learn about dirty, and don’t forget to bring a science. Each class includes Home Sweet Biome animal visits, tours of exhibits, 3rd - 5th Grade non-refrigerated, non-microwave- chats with keepers, special able lunch. Incredible Invertebrates projects and much more. 6th - 8th Grade November 7 — Students bring a non-refrig- Wildlife Rehabilitators erated, non-microwavable Animal Behavior December 5 — Scatologists lunch. An afternoon snack is 9th - 12th Grade provided.

Information line: (901) 333-6600 • Registration line: (901) 333-6765 • www.memphiszoo.org/education

Pre-registration is required. Prices are subject to change. The Education Department reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient participants. 7 SPECIALSPECIAL

Larger Than Lights!

Opens November 20 & 21 Continues on select dates through January 2 5:30 to 9 p.m. each evening $5/members; $7/ nonmembers Tickets available online Don’t Forget! SunTrust Zoo Lights The Zoo’s hours change for the winter months. We’re “Larger than Lights” with more lights, November through February more activities and more ground to cover. Celebrate the holidays in the Tetons, CHINA, last admission is at 4 p.m., the Farm, Egypt and Northwest Passage. Enjoy and the Zoo closes your favorite holiday activities, including carriage at 5 p.m. rides, santa, Kids Karaoke, holiday shopping and more! See front cover for details about even more activities throughout the Zoo. Promotional Partners: WRVR 104.5 “The River” – Malco Theatres

New Event! DEC NOV 14 DEC 3 10 Winter Wildlife Snooze Chef’s Dinner Thursdays at the Lodge

7 p.m. t o 9 a.m. Ag e s : 5 a n d u p Felicia Suzanne’s $10 a d m i s s i o n 5:30 t o 8:30 p.m. *Ag e s 21 a n d u p o n l y . $55/m e m b e r s ; $65/n o n m e m b e r s 6:30 t o 9 p.m. Ca l l (901) 333-6752 f o r Ti c k e t s . Al l c h i l d r e n m u s t b e a c c o m p a n i e d b y a n a d u l t $125 p e r p e r s o n , $1,000 f o r a p r i v a t e t a b l e o f 8 Registration d e a d l i n e : Mo n ., No v . 9, 2009 Ca l l (901) 333-6752 t o r e s e r v e Join us for this brand new event at Teton Ca l l (901) 333-6765 t o r e g i s t e r Trek. Wind down at the Great Lodge on Felicia Suzanne Willett, chef and owner the second Thursday of every month, Brr! It’s cold out there, but not all animals of Felicia Suzanne’s in downtown Memphis, at the Zoo think it’s too cold to be outside. starting Thurs., Dec. 10. Tapas (by Wade joins with the Zoo this holiday season for & Company) and Libations will be avail- Come explore the many ways animals have an enchanting dinner. While you enjoy the adapted to survive in such chilly tempura- able for purchase. Visit memphiszoo.org for beauty of Yellowstone in the Zoo’s newest more information on this upcoming event. tures at the Winter Wildlife Zoo Snooze. exhibit, Teton Trek, she will prepare a meal Snoozers will learn all about our winter at which each course is perfectly paired friends through an interactive educational with fine wines from Southwestern Distrib- program, up-close animal visits, a moon- uting. Enjoy an evening of food, wine and DEC 31 light safari through part of the Zoo and fun music to kick off the holiday season. Limited New Years Eve Snooze games and crafts. Cost includes program- seating available. (kids only) ming, an evening snack, breakfast, special Zoo Snooze t-shirt and admission to the 6:30 p.m. t o 10 a.m. Zoo the next morning. $75/m e m b e r s ; $85/n o n m e m b e r s Fo r c h i l d r e n o n l y , a g e s 6-12 Registration De a d l i n e : Mo n ., De c . 28, 2009 Ca l l (901) 333-6765 t o r e g i s t e r

Send your child to spend the night at the Zoo and celebrate the New Year in a wild way! Your child will meet several animals close up, tour part of the Zoo on a moonlight safari and participate in fun games and crafts. There will be a countdown to 2010 at midnight with party favors and snacks to celebrate. Cost includes pizza dinner, an evening snack, breakfast, special Zoo Snooze t-shirt and admission to the Zoo the next morning! 8 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Stroller Cubs Zoo Junior Hours Zoo Crew Change! 5668 9 November10 through 11 12 13 14 February last admission Winter Wildlife is at 4 p.m. Snooze

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 SunTrust Zoo Lights Homeschool Homeschool Workshops Workshops SunTrust Zoo Lights Opening Night BonusBonus offeroffer –– seesee frontfront covercover 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Thanksgiving Stroller Cubs Day SunTrust Zoo Lights Zoo Closed Bonus offer – see front cover NOV. ‘09 NOV.

NOV. ‘09 NOV. 29 30

Dec. 1 2 3 4 5 SunTrust Zoo Lights Chef’s Dinner Junior Zoo Crew Horticulture Walking Tour 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Homeschool Homeschool Thursdays at SunTrust Zoo Lights Workshops Workshops the Lodge

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 SunTrust Zoo Stroller Cubs SunTrust Zoo Lights Lights closed for pre-booked engagement 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Christmas Eve Christmas Day SunTrust Zoo Lights Zoo Closed Zoo Closed SunTrust Zoo Lights DEC. ‘09 DEC. DEC. ‘09 DEC. 2327 28 29 30 31 Jan. 1 2

SunTrust Zoo Lights SunTrust Zoo Lights SunTrust Zoo Lights Dec. 27-30 closed Jan. 1-2 New Year’s Eve 9 Snooze Zoo News

Become a Docent at the Memphis Zoo An informal orientation for those Thursday or Saturday classes, which will interested in becoming a docent will be run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes will The Memphis Zoo docent team is held on Saturday, January 9, 2010. This be held each week through late March, looking for interested volunteers to sign provides an opportunity for those inter- followed by on-grounds exploration. Do- up for the 2010 training program. A ested to ask questions and receive more cents must volunteer a specified number docent is a specially trained Zoo vol- information about what it takes to be a of hours per year. Those interested must unteer who interacts with the public at Memphis Zoo docent. be 18 years old to apply. For more infor- animal exhibits, gives guided tours, Formal classroom sessions will begin mation, please visit www.memphiszoo. assists with educational classes, special in late January 2010. Docent associates org or contact the Memphis Zoo at (901) events as well as a variety of other will have a choice between attending 333-6600. activities that aid the Zoo in fulfilling its mission. Now accepting plants and pots! Have your houseplants outgrown your house? Do you have a stack of unused clay pots taking up space in your garage? Donate them to the Zoo! We can use your large houseplants in our bird and reptile exhibits, and we use clay pots in our educational programs and summer plant displays. Email us at [email protected] for more information. Your donations are tax deductible. heart of the community

Th rough your support, Macy’s Gives contributes to initiatives important to you and your community – women’s health and wellness, arts, education, the . 10 en�ironment, and HIV/AIDS research and awareness Together, we give everyone the chance to shine. Zoo Rendezvous recap Special On September 12, more than Platinum Partner: Toe-Tappin Timber thanks to! 3,500 guests “Ran with the Pack” at Sam’s Town Tunica | FedEx Wolves: the 26th annual Zoo Rendezvous. Advanced Dermatology & All Zoo Rendezvous Guests enjoyed food and drinks from Premium Partners: Skin Cancer Associates, volunteers, docents & staff. more than 70 local restaurants and bars AutoZone | Bors-Koefoed PLLC | Frase Protection, Inc Chair: Carol W. Prentiss and were entertained by five bands on “BK” Family | Joseph C. | Pepsi Americas | Shaw Bar Committee Chair: five stages throughout the Zoo. Zoo DeWane, M.D. Material Handling Systems Mike Miller Rendezvous is the Zoo’s largest fund- Groovy Grizzlies: raiser of the year. The money raised Delta | Harrah’s Entertain- Elegant Elk: goes towards general operations. ment | Dorothy Orgill Kirsch Hardin’s-SYSCO | Kellogg’s China/China Road: | Mercedes-Benz of Memphis | Southeastern Asset Man- • 1st — Encore Restaurant agement advisor to Longleaf and Entourage Catering Partners Funds • 2nd — Zinnie’s East

The following restaurants Primate Pavilion/Canyon: and bars received awards • 1st — Madison Grill 83 for best display: • 2nd — Dixie Café Courtyard: Restaurant Best In Show: • 1st — BB King’s Blues Club/ • Harrah’s Sheraton Casino Itta Bena Bar Best In Show: • 2nd — Blue Fin • Huey’s Event produced by Memphis Zoo staff.

Support the Zoo

We would like to encourage our Zoo members and friends to help us feed the animals this year through a contribution to the Memphis Zoo’s Annual Fund. The Memphis Zoo spends approximately $475,000 per year on animal food and veterinary supplies. At just over $1,300 per day, that’s quite a grocery bill. Please consider a gift of:

$1,30 0 Feed all animals for the day $50 0 Meal worms for a month for reptiles and birds (200,000) $ 25 0 Feed sea lions for the week $10 0 Feed Cat Country for the day $50 Feed Penguin Rock for the day

It takes support from Zoo friends and members like you to keep over 3,500 animal residents fed, healthy and happy every day. On behalf of the Memphis Zoo we would like to thank you for your continued support of America’s number one zoo. Annual Fund donations can be made online at www.memphiszoo.org or mailed to Memphis Zoo, 2000 Prentiss Place, Memphis, TN 38112. For more information, please call (901) 333-6554. 11

Kids’ Activity Page

Grizzly Pinecone Craft

Did you know none of the Zoo bears hibernate? Visit memphiszoo.org/ polarbear blog to learn why.

What you do: 1 To start, you’ll need some extra parts for legs and ears. For these parts, just take the extra pinecone and pull off 12 scales. The holiday season is here, which means lots of (The scales are the prickly petals of the cone.) Set the rest of the family, friends and feasting! Grizzly bears also feast pinecone aside. to get ready for their long winter sleep. They need to Now you’re ready to make the mother bear! Get your large pine- store lots of fat and nutrients to last through hiberna- 2 cone and glue a black pom-pon on the pointed tip. This is your tion, and the seeds from whitebark pine trees are grizzly’s nose. some of their most important meals. The seeds are stored in the tree’s cones, a lot like the ones we have 3 Set the pinecone on its side with the nose pointing toward you. here in Memphis. In honor of the Zoo’s new grizzly families and their 4 Glue two googly eyes a little behind the nose. favorite fall feast, we’ve got a fun craft for you to make 5 For ears, glue two of the scales onto the grizzly just behind the at home and share with your family and friends! eyes. What you need: 6 Glue two more scales on the underside of the grizzly body toward • 3 pinecones (one large, one small, and one extra the front. These are the front legs. Glue another two scales on the for parts) — the older the pinecones, the better underside toward the back. These are the back legs. Googly eyes (two per pinecone) • GRRReat work — your mother grizzly is finished! But she’s not a Small black pom-pons (one per pinecone) 7 • mother without a cub or two. Use the rest of the scales and repeat Glue • the steps with the smaller pinecone to complete the grizzly family.

SATURDAY SCHOOL Ages 5 – 18 Classes begin January 23

Memphis College of Art Community Education A Memphis tradition for over 70 years

Overton Park | 1930 Poplar Avenue | (901) 272-5142 | www.mca.edu