Growing Our Own Cultivating the Next Generation of Institutional Leaders

SEPTEMBER 2015

A publication of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

CHARTING THE COURSE TO SUCCESS A FOCUS ON ANIMAL WELFARE BY THE NUMBERS The Professional Development Puzzle Professional Development Courses AZA and Gorilla Conservation and Animal Welfare

September 2015

Features 20 26 32 Growing Our Own: Charting the Course Focus on Animal Welfare Cultivating the to Success Zoos and aquariums have Next Generation of AZA courses are just long considered the welfare Institutional Leaders part of the professional of the animals under their Zoo and aquarium staff who development puzzle, and like care, and there has been aspire to the most senior many things, staff training an AZA committee focused leadership roles can now starts at home. Many AZA- on animal welfare for more apply to participate in a accredited facilities support than 40 years. With ongoing new training experience: their staff with robust and professional development The Executive Leadership diverse approaches to opportunities, we are gaining Development Program. training and development. a more nuanced understanding of animal welfare. BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS BY TRACEY LYNN SHIFFLETT BY EMILY SOHN

September 2015 | www.aza.org 1

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Member View Departments

7 On the Water 10 Education 13 In the Field 40 Faces & Places SeaWorld Entertainment, Tennessee Aquarium and A team of Smithsonian Inc., committed $1.5 million Tennessee Tech unveil virtual Conservation Biology 43 Advertiser Index to the Killer Whale Research snorkeling for students. Institute researchers ﬁ nd 45 Exhibits and Conservation Program. forest corridors between 11 Reintroduction protected areas in the 47 Announcements 8 Proﬁ le The Detroit Zoo’s breeding sloth bears’ native habitats 49 Calendar Inés Baños Hernández, efforts for the Puerto Rican are vital. of Africam Safari in crested toad have yielded 64 Births & Hatchings Puebla, Mexico. 22,571 tadpoles. 14 Research Researchers study 9 Professional 11 By the Numbers nutritional needs of the About the cover Development AZA and gorilla conservation. Gray’s monitor lizard. Red Panda Kirstin Schoeninger, of the 12 Conservation Smithsonian’s National Zoo, 15 Research was a recipient of the Spotlight This month’s selection of AZA‘s Jeff Swanagan Fossil Rim Wildlife Center what has been published. Memorial Scholarship. is dedicated to the conservation of species 16 Green Tales in peril. Tracy Aviary uses solar trees for clean energy and shade. © Thinkstock

VISIT US ONLINE Editorial policy: Connect is published by the aza.org Association of Zoos & 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.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 3 EDITOR Tim Lewthwaite ASSISTANT EDITOR Jennifer Fields REDESIGN AND ART DIRECTION LTD Creative GRAPHIC DESIGNER Lisa Cadigan, Cadigan Creative Coming Together ADVERTISING Gina Velosky As my year as Chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) draws to a close, (301) 562-0777, ext. 254, [email protected] I wanted to thank everyone who has played a part in making this a remarkable and EDITORIAL BOARD Thom Benson | Tennessee Aquarium rewarding experience. Th e AZA-accredited aquarium and zoo community is coming Julie Larsen-Maher | Wildlife Conservation Society together in profound ways that will put us in a strong position to meet the challenges in Tim Lewthwaite | Editor Kristin L. Vehrs | Executive Director the years ahead. 2015 saw the launch of SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction, an ambitious eff ort to grow the conservation impact of our community. AZA also launched the

Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards Preparedness, Response and Recover Center (ZAHP President and CEO Fusion Center). Th is USDA-funded Jim Maddy Fusion Center will be a conduit for Executive Director Kristin L. Vehrs dissemination of information to the Chief Operating Ofﬁ cer managed wildlife community on the Jill Nicoll fi ve critical national preparedness Senior Vice President of Conservation R & D and Policy mission areas: prevention, protection, Paul Boyle, PhD Senior Vice President of Conservation and Science mitigation, response and recovery. In Debborah Luke, PhD addition, AZA’s Executive Leadership Senior Vice President of External Affairs Development Program is providing Rob Vernon Senior Vice President of Finance critical training for the next generation Phil Wagner of aquarium and zoo leaders. Vice President, Principal Gifts and Campaign Director for SAFE By no means a comprehensive list Alison Davitt Vice President of Animal Programs of our recent achievements, these three Candice Dorsey, PhD examples illustrate the forward-looking Vice President, Conferences and Membership nature of our community and our Association. In today’s world, one constant we can Melissa Howerton Vice President of Congressional Affairs all rely on is change. We must keep building on our strengths and have the vision and Jennifer Keaton will to prepare ourselves to meet challenges posed by the fl uid nature of the world we Vice President of Accreditation Programs live in. Denny Lewis As I complete my year as Chair, I do so with a real sense of excitement and Vice President of Federal Relations Steve Olson confi dence. Our next chair of the Board is Steve Burns, director of Zoo Boise, a For a full listing of AZA’s staff, visit www.aza.org/about-aza talented and passionate advocate for wildlife and wild places. I will stay involved and AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS active in our community as the immediate past chair. Chair It’s been an honor to serve on the AZA Board, and I look forward to welcoming Dennis E. Pate | Executive Director and CEO, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium you all to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium for the 2016 AZA Mid-Year Chair Elect Meeting, where we will continue the important work of AZA-accredited aquariums Steve Burns | Director, Zoo Boise and zoos. Vice Chair Dennis W. Kelly | Director, Smithsonian National Zoological Park Past Chair Jackie Ogden, PhD | Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Directors Jim Breheny | Executive Vice President and General Director, Zoos and Aquarium, Jonathan Little Cohen Director of the Dennis E. Pate Bronx Zoo, Wildlife Conservation Society Executive Director and CEO Lynn B. Clements | Director, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Science Center Jim Hekkers | Managing Director, Monterey Bay Aquarium Gregg Hudson | Executive Director and Chief Executive Ofﬁ cer, Dallas Zoo Management, Inc. Steve Marshall | Zoo Director, El Paso Zoo Amos Morris | Zoo Director, Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden Douglas G. Myers | President and CEO, San Diego Zoo Global Craig Pugh | CEO, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Peggy Sloan | Director, North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

4 www.aza.org | September 2015

6 www.aza.org | September 2015 On the Water SeaWorld Announces Support for Killer Whale Research and Conservation Program

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., announced a (RFP) 8 June in conjunction with the global whale population found in the coastal waters commitment of $1.5 million over three years celebration of World Oceans Day. of Washington State and surrounding areas, to a new partnership with Th e National Fish “SeaWorld and the SeaWorld & Busch known as the Salish Sea. and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) through Gardens Conservation Fund have long As part of SeaWorld’s $10 million the Killer Whale Research and Conservation supported organizations that focus on commitment, multiple killer whale projects Program (KWRCP). Support of the KWRCP results-driven, on-the-ground research are already underway through funding is part of SeaWorld’s $10 million pledge to and conservation work,” said Joel Manby, provided by the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens fund research and conservation for killer president and chief executive offi cer of Conservation Fund (SWBGCF). Th ese whales in the wild – the largest private SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “NFWF projects include: commitment of its kind. has a longstanding reputation for working • Continued funding of a breakthrough Th e KWRCP will focus on three effi ciently and eff ectively to conserve species nutritional assessment of Northern strategies: increasing prey availability; and their habitats and we are looking Resident killer whales using unmanned improving habitat quality; and strengthening forward to working together to protect wild aerial drone technology. Scientists from management through crucial research. killer whale populations.” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric NFWF will seek to match this commitment Th e program is dedicated primarily to Administration (NOAA) took a series with additional public and private dollars providing support to aid in the recovery of of precise body measurements of and released an initial Request for Proposals the endangered Southern Resident killer the killer whales living at SeaWorld,

September 2015 | www.aza.org 7 including pregnant whales. Now they are using drones to photo-document wild killer whales, and based on the images collected at SeaWorld, are able to monitor the wild population’s nutritional and reproductive states. • Research on SeaWorld’s killer whales’ milk composition will help scientists understand the nutritional requirements for mothers and calves. In the Pacifi c Northwest, killer whales face the challenge of not enough salmon. By understanding how much energy goes into producing milk and having a better handle on how calves grow, we can determine if available prey are suffi cient to meet the nutritional needs of the killer whales in the wild. • Research into pregnancy and lactation will help scientists understand how killer whales metabolize toxins. Th is study is

looking at how toxins are transferred Africam Safari Park © Professional Development Profi le in Professional Development Inés Baños Hernández, Animal Keeper, Africam Safari

Inés Baños Hernández, following in the Asian elephants, lions, hippos, American footsteps of family, came to Africam Safari bison and elk. Park in Puebla, Mexico, when she was 17 Inés’ character, her ability to organize, years old. Her family, and her uncle Don delegate and evaluate work and her desire León in particular, had instilled in her a to improve were important qualities in her love for animals and a commitment to rise through the ranks. She recently won a the organization. keeper scholarship, allowing her to attend Inés’ fi rst job at the Park included the annual conference of the Asociación during pregnancy and lactation to caring for the ponies and helping to raise Latinoamericana de Parques Zoológicos y off spring. Toxins are identifi ed as a major rabbits. Her ability to hand-rear animals led Acuarios’ (ALPZA) in Córdoba, Argentina. health concern for wild killer whales. to a position running the nursery, where While there, she participated in workshops Th ey have been proposed as causes for she further developed her skills, always and presented on the care and rearing of reduced pregnancy success and increased demonstrating a strong work ethic. Malayan and Central American tapirs. health issues in wild whales. By studying Later, she began working as an animal Inés says that working at African Safari the whales at SeaWorld, we can create an keeper. Th e speed and skill with which she has given her confi dence, security and eff ective model to better understand how learned and performed new tasks, along motivation, helping her become independent these toxins impact wild killer whales. with her ability to share that knowledge and self-suffi cient. She feels like she has always For more information on SeaWorld’s with colleagues, made her stand out. Today, had the Park’s support, both in her personal commitment to helping killer whales in the 11 years later, she is responsible for the and professional endeavors, as it has given her wild, visit SeaWorldCares.com. Okavango Delta area. She also coordinates the platform and support necessary to develop For more information on the Killer 10 staff , who care for ring-tailed lemurs, new ideas and put them into action. Whale Research and Conservation Program, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, “Africam Safari believes in me, and that please visit www.nfwf.org/killerwhales. chimpanzees, various antelope, giraff es, makes me proud.”

8 www.aza.org | September 2015 Jeff Swanagan Memorial Scholarship By Kirstin Schoeninger

Each year, the recipient of the Jeff Swanagan Memorial Scholarship is asked to share how their participation in an AZA Professional Development course will help them live Swanagan’s philosophy of “Touch the heart to teach the mind.”

When I fi rst began exploring the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Professional Development scholarships, there was one opportunity that immediately stood out to me—the Jeff Swanagan Memorial Scholarship. From the very start of my career in the fi eld of environmental education, I have been driven by the idea that in order to conserve our planet and the creatures living on it, we must fi rst ignite a passion for wildlife in our audience. Mr. Swanagan’s philosophy of “touch the heart to teach the mind” was something that resonated strongly with me and compelled me to apply for the scholarship awarded in his honor. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the 2014-2015 recipient of this scholarship and as a result, attended AZA’s Managing for Success: Career Development professional development course in Wheeling, W.Va., this past winter. Th roughout my week in Wheeling, I Zoo National © Smithsonian’s had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the greatest minds in the zoo and discussions among classmates that went individuals who place great value in nature. aquarium community. My classmates and along with each session. However, as we begin to seek solutions to instructors in the Managing for Success While the topics discussed throughout this problem, a beacon of hope emerges. course came to West Virginia with a the week ranged greatly, it was one of our As AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, wealth of knowledge and experience and fi nal sessions that I felt brought together we are uniquely positioned to address this each person I encountered brought a new everything we had learned. Th e session was concern head-on by prioritizing education, perspective or idea to the table. on conservation, and we began by discussing and dedicating our eff orts to building and Our week consisted of a what we believed to be the most serious strengthening the connection between our comprehensive course in zoo and threat to the protection of wildlife and wild visitors and the animals under our care. Th e aquarium management, where we learned places. Aft er a series of varied opinions fi rst step to a lifetime of conservation action everything from employment law to were voiced, our instructor, Tony Vecchio, is passion; we won’t protect what we don’t up-and-coming trends in our fi eld. To shared his perspective: people have lost their care about. To save species, we must fi rst learn from leaders of AZA facilities connection with wildlife and nature. inspire our visitors to care. nationwide about their areas of expertise When taken at face value, this statement was an invaluable experience, which was is undoubtedly disheartening—particularly Kirstin Schoeninger is an education compounded by the intelligent, thoughtful to an audience such as ours, comprised of specialist at Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 9 Education Tennessee Aquarium/Tennessee Tech Unveil 3D Virtual Snorkeling for Students Th e Conasauga River, which fl ows along the world that off ers high-defi nition visuals learning specialist. While on a snorkeling Tennessee/Georgia border approximately in a 360-degree fi eld of view. Computer trip to the Conasauga River, Taylor 1.5 hours from downtown Chattanooga, is processing speeds have become powerful wondered aloud, “How can we give all of incredibly alive. Within its crystal clear waters enough to allow Oculus users to look up, our Aquarium student groups this unique lives 76 native fi sh species, more than the down or behind themselves, and the complex experience without having them travel to Colorado and Columbia Rivers combined. scenery seamlessly follows their motions. this remote location?” Th ese fi shes, and the dozens of other animals Th e gaming industry has been rushing Six months ago, Liska and a project that make up the aquatic community, live to develop content ever since Facebook team of eight people from TTU met with within less than 1 percent of the area of the CEO Mark Zuckerberg purchased Oculus Aquarium educators and scientists from other two enormous watersheds. VR for $2 billion. TNACI to brainstorm how to captivate “Whenever we take students snorkeling While most developers are rushing students with a new virtual reality lesson in the Conasauga, they are changed by the to complete entertainment projects by plan. “It was an ambitious project, but experience,” said Dr. Anna George, director the widespread release of the Oculus between our team and the Aquarium’s, we of the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Rift system, which is forecast to be were drawing on 16 diff erent academic Institute (TNACI). “Th ey see all of this life— available by Christmas of this year, others backgrounds,” said Liska. “So the fi nal right here in our backyards—and realize that like Tennessee Tech University (TTU) product isn’t just a cool game idea; it’s a way we live in a special place worth protecting.” have forged a diff erent path focused on to immerse students in an environmental Traveling with large groups to the river education. “When we fi rst started thinking lesson that’s rooted in science.” is impractical. But now there’s a way to about virtual reality projects, we thought When school groups book a fi eld bring the river to students at the Tennessee about partnering with the Tennessee trip this fall, they will be able to add the Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tenn., thanks Aquarium,” said Kevin Liska, director of “Stream Scene Extreme,” a classroom to a new collaborative project with the the BusinessMedia Center at TTU. “We program based on the Oculus Rift project, BusinessMedia Center at Tennessee Tech felt there was a tremendous opportunity to enhance what they experience in River University using Oculus Rift . to develop the world’s fi rst environmental Journey and Ocean Journey. “Th is is very Oculus goggles allow users to become education virtual reality game.” much like snorkeling a thriving river,” said immersed in a 3D virtual reality Th e idea to create a snorkeling game Taylor. “Virtual reality allows us to place came from Th addeus Taylor, the Aquarium’s them in a healthy ecosystem and then create diff erent pollution events for the students to actually experience.” As the water changes from clear to murky, species begin to disappear. It’s up to the students to surface and become environmental superheroes by identifying the source of the pollution. Th en they must choose the right corrective action, or actions, to restore the watershed. Liska’s team is sharing this ground- breaking Oculus project with the world, hoping it becomes an environmental education game-changer. “In addition to reaching students at the Tennessee Aquarium, we will post this on the Oculus website for everyone,” said Liska. “Making this project publicly available for classrooms and homes across the nation is really exciting because it may help encourage waves of students to value and protect river systems.”

10 www.aza.org | September 2015 By The Numbers

and

Over the past ﬁ ve years (2010-2014), more than $4.5 million was directed toward gorilla conservation. At least four endangered or critically endangered species were targeted, including the Cross River, eastern, mountain and western lowland gorillas.

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Gaskill accredited M. facilities Mark © supported Reintroduction gorilla conservation. Detroit Zoo Breeds 22,571 Puerto Rican Crested Toads

In Royal Oak, Mich., the Detroit Zoo’s Th e Detroit Zoo began working to breeding eff orts for the critically endangered preserve the Puerto Rican crested toad in Puerto Rican crested toad (Peltophryne 1999. Since 2008, more than 47,000 tadpoles lemur) have yielded the best results in the have been released into the wild. Zoo’s history with a record 22,571 tadpoles. Th e Puerto Rican crested toad has Twenty tadpoles have been retained for greenish-brown pebbled skin and marbled future breeding at the National Amphibian golden eyes. It grows 3-4 inches long and Conservation Center while the rest were sent has the ability to almost completely fl atten to Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, for release into its body to fi t into tiny crevices. Th e award- Additionally, more than the wild. winning National Amphibian Conservation $340,000 from 34 institutions “We are thrilled to set a record—and Center—a leader in amphibian supported the AZA Ape Taxon reach a new milestone—by placing more than conservation and research—is a state-of- Advisory Group Conservation twenty thousand endangered Puerto Rican the-art facility that boasts a spectacular Initiative (www.apetag.org/ crested toad tadpoles into the wild this year,” diversity of frogs, toads, salamanders, newts ConservationInitiative.html) said Chief Life Sciences Offi cer Scott Carter. and caecilians.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 11 the institution and the contribution of animals for the Abu Dhabi World Herd for reintroduction to Chad, Fossil Rim is playing a direct role in reestablishing wild populations of this iconic species. • Fossil Rim also provides support and participates in other conservation organizations’ fi eld eff orts, including: Saola Working Group of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), AZA Conservation Grants Fund and the WildGenes Laboratory and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s addra gazelle genetic study.

Conservation Success Story One of Fossil Rim’s fl agship conservation eff orts is our Attwater’s prairie-chicken captive breeding program. Th is grouse, Conservation Spotlight historically found in large numbers on the coastal prairies of Texas and Louisiana, was listed as endangered in 1967 under the Endangered Species Act. For the last Fossil Rim Wildlife 20 years, the species has been intensively managed with a wild population of fewer Center’s Mission than 110 individuals dependent on the release of captive-reared birds. Fossil Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is dedicated Fossil Rim Wildlife Center Rim, a pioneer in Attwater’s prairie to the conservation of species in peril, Conservation Facts chicken captive-rearing in the 1990s, has conducting scientifi c research, training of In 2014, Fossil Rim spent 6 percent of contributed signifi cantly to the program professionals, responsible management of its annual budget on fi eld conservation. by improving husbandry knowledge and natural resources and public education. Th ey focus their work on conserving providing the most chicks for release of Th rough these activities, we provide a the threatened species that can be found any breeding partner. Chick survival to diversity of compelling learning experiences at Fossil Rim. To this end, the Center eight weeks has improved at Fossil Rim that inspire positive change in the way collaborates with multiple partners, from 52 percent between 1996 and 2005 people think, feel and act toward nature. including those within the Association of to more than 75 percent since 2006. A Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), with other collaborative dietary study conducted Conservation Efforts organizations and associations, and with with the Fort Worth Zoo in Fort Worth, Dr. Patrick Condy, executive director, state and federal agencies through their Texas, and Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas, regards Fossil Rim’s open spaces as a critical involvement in the red wolf, Mexican along with fi ne tuning and standardization element of the conservation Center’s wolf and Attwater’s prairie-chicken of husbandry techniques, are both success. “Our large spaces covered by recovery programs. Th e following are a contributing factors to this increased natural Texas Hill Country vegetation, few excellent examples of Fossil Rim’s rearing success. Additionally, Fossil Rim’s nestled in the rural countryside and free conservation eff orts: development of a Web-based database has of the noise, light and disturbance typical • Fossil Rim was a founding member of improved record keeping and provides of city locations, enable Fossil Rim to the International Rhino Foundation and access to collected data for more prompt keep selected species in their natural continues to support their work through analysis during and aft er the breeding group sizes, so that the normal social annual contributions. season. As the 2015 release approaches, the dynamics within the group can play out • Fossil Rim is a proud supporter of the success of this program in returning the unhindered. Th is makes for fi tter groups Sahara Conservation Fund (SCF). SCF Attwater’s prairie chicken to sustainable of endangered birds and mammals, either and Environment Agency Abu Dhabi numbers seems more secure than ever, for sustaining assurance populations, for will be reintroducing the now extinct in tracking to be the largest one in the providing animals to boost dwindling wild the wild scimitar-horned oryx to Chad program’s history. populations or for reintroduction where this year. Th rough cash donations to To learn more about the Fossil Rim they have gone extinct in the wild.” SCF, in-kind support of skilled staff from Wildlife Center, visit www.fossilrim.org.

12 www.aza.org | September 2015 In the Field Smithsonian Scientists Find Key to Maintaining Healthy Sloth Bear Populations By using DNA extracted from sloth bear scat, a team of Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) researchers found that forest corridors between protected areas in the bears’ native habitats are vital to maintaining a genetically diverse population. Th e team, including John Seidensticker, Jesus Maldonado, Trishna Dutta and Sandeep Sharma from SCBI and Hemendra Singh Panwar from the Peace Institute Charitable Trust, studied sloth bear populations in four wildlife reserves in India. Th e work was published 6 May in thePLoS- One paper, “Genetic variation, structure, and gene fl ow in a sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) meta-population in the Satpura-Maikal landscape of Central India.” “Our study shows that despite their sensitivity to habitat fragmentation, maintaining connectivity can protect sloth bears by preventing the negative impacts of genetic isolation,” said Trishna Dutta, SCBI research fellow and lead author. “Th e bottom line is clear: corridors in this landscape are functional and are being used by many Jesus Maldonado, SCBI geneticist. “From one area to another. Previous research by diff erent species—sloth bears, leopards and these, we are able to tell how an animal SCBI scientists found that sloth bears are tigers—and the protection of the corridors is moves through a landscape and the genetic sensitive to the size and degree of isolation vital for their continued survival.” diversity within the population.” between forest patches. Th e results of this Studying the genetics of wild animals Th e four wildlife reserves the team study support the argument that it is vital is a diffi cult proposition. Not only are studied—Kanha Tiger Reserve, Pench to keep the pathways between the reserves sloth bears elusive, but it is diffi cult to Tiger Reserve, Bori-Saptura Tiger Reserve open to wildlife. tell individuals apart. Unlike tigers and and Melghat Tiger Reserve—have been set However, these corridors lack the leopards, these bears do not have unique aside primarily for the protection of tigers, formal protection of reserves. Humans use coat patterns, so researchers cannot use but they are also home to other carnivores. the same forest corridors used by bears for camera traps to track individuals. Th e team found that the sloth bears in the farming and livestock, which can result in For decades, SCBI researchers have led reserves comprise two populations that are human-animal confl ict. Another looming the world in an innovative, noninvasive each connected by corridors: Bori-Satpura threat to sloth bears and their habitat is alternative to trapping animals for and Melghat form one population, and human population and the infrastructure, studying genetics: they extract DNA Kanha and Pench form another. development and energy needs that a samples from scat and hair that the Th e researchers found that compared to growing human population requires, such as animals leave behind. Th is technique other bear species, this population of sloth transportation networks and mining for coal allows researchers to study the animal bears displayed a moderately high level of and other minerals. populations in a nonintrusive way and to genetic diversity, which is an indication of Native to India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and sample far more animals than they would a healthy population. Evidence of genetic Bangladesh, sloth bears are vulnerable to otherwise be able to access. mixing in the sloth bear population, along extinction. According to the International “Noninvasive techniques allow us to with scats found in corridors between Union for Conservation of Nature, less study elusive carnivores from a wide range the reserves, show that sloth bears use than 20,000 sloth bears remain in their of habitats by collecting these samples,” said these corridors as conduits to move from range countries.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 13 Research Unlocking the Nutritional Secrets of the Frugivorous Gray’s Monitor Lizard By Roger Sweeney

In April of this year, a new fi eld conservation arranged meetings with project was initiated for one of the world’s the local mayor and most unusual and least-understood reptiles, chief of police to ensure the Gray’s monitor lizard or “Butaan” as proper approvals before it is locally known in the Philippines. Th e research could begin in a project brought together an international protected area. collaboration between the Oklahoma Our fi eld project site City Zoo in Oklahoma City, Okla., and was located in the Sibulan Virginia Zoo in Norfolk, Va., the University Watershed Reserve about of the Philippines and the Polillo Islands 10 km inland from the port Biodiversity Conservation Foundation where the researcher spent (PIBCF). Th e goal was to collect samples fi ve days surveying the forest of the wild foods eaten by this lizard to for target tree species. We perform nutritional analysis to better know what fruits these lizards understand the biology of these lizards, eat in the wild from previous listed as Vulnerable by the International research looking at what seeds Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), are present in scat samples by and to provide a better diet for them in Dr. Daniel Bennett. What we zoological collections. didn’t know until now is the Gray’s monitor lizards are unusual nutritional content of those among the family of monitor lizards for the fruits that are unlike anything we fact that they are obligate frugivorous; nearly typically used in zoo diets. Aft er all other members of the monitor family four days surveying trees of the outside of the Philippines are carnivorous. target species that had fruit, it was Currently Gray’s monitors are only kept then assessed which of those trees at the Oklahoma City Zoo and the Los had fruit in the most appropriate Angeles Zoo in Los Angeles, Calif., in North developmental stage. On the fi ft h day America. Th ey oft en do not adapt well to inside the Sibulan Watershed Reserve the types of fruits and vegetables available in samples were collected and then it was a North America. race to keep the samples cool and in good Funded by a Conservation Action Now condition while getting back to Luzon and to grant from Oklahoma City Zoo, and with the University of the Philippines nutritional support from Virginia Zoological Society, I analysis laboratory as swift ly as possible. Th e travelled to the Philippines and aft er a short results are now being compared to the fruits visit to the University of the Philippines, and vegetables that currently are off ered headed to the island of Polillo off the East in zoo diets. We can already start to make coast of Luzon to meet members of the positive changes to the diets of these animals PIBCF. As local partners for this project, in zoological collections. PIBCF arranged for the local permits to allow fi eld research and sample collection Roger Sweeney is the Assistant Director from a forest reserve area, and they also at Virginia Zoo. Angeles Zoo Los © Ian Recchio,

14 www.aza.org | September 2015 Change in Diet free diets. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Lowers Aggression Research 3: 52-58. Correspondence to Amy Plowman at amy.plowman@ Lemurs are frugivorous and folivorous, paigntonzoo.org.uk. but many species consume other plant parts and some have been observed eating Saving Mr. Nature: small vertebrates and/or invertebrates. In the wild, lemur diets are low in non- Anthropomorphism structural carbohydrates (sugars and Enhances Connectedness starches) and high in neutral detergent to Nature fi ber. Zoos typically attempt to mimic wild diets by off ering large amounts of Anthropomorphism has oft en been fruits and vegetables. However, the fruits used to foster connections to nature and and vegetables off ered by zoos have been promote environmentally responsible selected for human preferences and behaviors. Yet despite its prevalence, typically contain high levels of starch and there is little empirical support that sugars and low levels of fi ber. In humans, anthropomorphizing is a successful high levels of sugar are associated with approach to promote environmentally a wide range of health and behavioral responsible behaviors. Th is study used three problems, including implications of experiments involving college students to elevated levels of aggression, anti-social explore the impact of anthropomorphic behavior and hyperactivity. Th e behavioral messaging. Fift y participants in Experiment eff ects of high sugar diets in non-human 1 were asked to design posters promoting primates has received less attention than environmental awareness. Eighteen posters Cooperative Nursing on for humans, but there are indications that were anthropomorphic, and designers of Meerkat Manor: sugary diets may increase the incidence those posters reported stronger intents for Who Really Benefi tted? of aggression and self-directed behaviors environmentally responsible behaviors. Forty in zoo primates. Th is study examined the participants in Experiment 2 read either an Many social mammals engage in eff ect of a low sugar diet, created primarily anthropomorphic or non-anthropomorphic allonursing—nonparental females nursing by the removal of fruit from the diet, on newsletter and then completed a 14-item the young of others. It is generally assumed the behavior of 17 individuals among four Connectedness to Nature Scale. Th ose that this behavior benefi ts some combination species of zoo housed lemurs at two zoos. participants who read the anthropomorphic of the mother (reduces energetic demands), Prior to the study, diets consisted primarily newsletter had stronger connectedness off spring (increases energy gain) and of fruit, vegetables and specially formulated to nature. Seventy-three participants in nonparental nurse (assisting relatives). primate biscuits. Th e study diets contained Experiment 3 were asked to view subsets Th us, it seems likely that 1) mothers whose no fruit, a reduced amount of vegetables of either the anthropomorphic or non- off spring are nursed by others will be in better (3 species) or slight increase in vegetables anthropomorphic posters from Experiment condition and reconceive faster than mothers (2 species), and a diff erent primate biscuit 1. Th ose viewing the anthropomorphic who are the sole energy providers to their (Leaf Eater). Energy content of the original posters subsequently scored higher young and/or that 2) allonursed off spring and study diets were similar, but the latter on scales measuring connectedness to will be larger at weaning and/or have lower contained 80-150 percent more fi ber nature and self-reported environmentally mortality than non-allonursed off spring. and 21-30 percent less non-structural responsible behaviors. Th ese results suggest Th is study used 25 years of data collected on carbohydrates. Aggression and self-directed that anthropomorphisms make people the population of meerkats made popular behaviors for all species were reduced feel more connected to nature. Th is sense by the television series, ‘Meerkat Manor.’ substantially by the removal of fruit, despite of connectedness is positively associated Somewhat surprisingly, there was no impact diff erences in species, groupings and with behaviors that are perceived as of allonursing on either pup size or survival, social composition and zoos. Th ese results environmentally positive. and mothers whose off spring were allonursed Zoo indicate that simple dietary changes can were in slightly poorer condition at weaning have signifi cant behavioral eff ects. Tam, K-P, Lee, S-L, Chao, MM. 2013. than those who nursed their own litters. Angeles Saving Mr. Nature: anthropomorphism Pup condition and survival was positively Los , Britt, S, Cowlard, K, Baker, K, Plowman, enhances connectedness to and impacted by maternal condition, but there A. 2015. Aggression and self-directed protectiveness toward nature. Journal of was no diff erence in allonursing association Recchio behavior of captive lemurs (Lemur catta, Experimental Social Psychology 49: 514- with maternal condition. Maternal Ian Varecia variegata, V. rubra and Eulemur 521. Correspondence to Kim-Pong Tam condition was more strongly infl uenced by © coronatus) is reduced by feeding fruit- at [email protected]. environmental factors. Th e study concludes

September 2015 | www.aza.org 15 that allonursing may occur either because the costs are low or because it conveys subtle social or immunological benefi ts.

MacLeod, KJ, McGhee, KE, Clutton- Brock, TH. 2015. No apparent beneﬁ ts of allonursing for recipient offspring and mothers in the cooperative breeding meerkat. Journal of Animal Ecology 84: 1050-1058. Correspondence to Kirsty J. MacLeod at [email protected]. Speed Kills: Birds and Fast Moving Vehicles

Th e decision to evade a threat typically involves characteristics of the threat and condition of the animal under threat. Despite important diff erences in size, speed and directness of approach, there is evidence that many animals respond similarly to cars or aircraft or predators. Although each year hundreds of millions of animals collide with moving vehicles, it is unclear why these animals fail to eff ect appropriate escape behaviors. Th ere is some Green Tales indication that as vehicle speed increases, animals do not increase their perceived risk. Th is study used video playback of a pickup Tracy Aviary Solar Trees truck traveling at wide range of speeds to assess the threat responses of male brown During the past several years, Tracy Aviary executive director, responds by asking what cowbirds. Th e results indicate that male has experienced a dramatic transformation the ROI on a backyard pergola structure is brown cowbirds use distance, rather than with the vast majority of the nine acres being and then explaining that generating solar speed, to assess and respond to the threat touched by construction. We look forward power is just one of the benefi ts of Tracy of a moving vehicle. As vehicle speed to sharing the new Tracy Aviary during the Aviary’s solar trees. Th e trees also provide increased, birds continued to respond at the 2015 Association of Zoos and Aquariums shade, the most important component of the same perceived distance. At vehicle speeds (AZA) Annual Conference in Salt Lake City project. Like every other AZA-accredited of about 75 mph, these cowbirds did not this month. An unfortunate side eff ect from facility, aesthetics matter and Tracy Aviary respond quickly enough to avoid simulated all the construction has been the removal couldn’t simply install an eyesore adjacent collisions. Th ese results are consistent with of trees. Th ough most of the trees were to their Chilean fl amingo exhibit. Whether other recent studies that suggest animals old, they provided wonderful shade that a pergola or solar trees, the shade structure make fl ight decisions based on distance contributed to Tracy Aviary being one of the needed to be an aesthetic amenity. Th e solar and not size or speed. Th e authors suggest coolest places in town. tree project is the fi rst of its kind in Utah and that a reduced vehicle speed in sensitive We knew shade for visitors was needed, creates a great educational opportunity for ecological/conservation areas seems a viable and the point was made even more clearly by people of all ages. Finally, they exemplify our strategy for reducing collisions. the team of AZA inspectors who mentioned need to constantly consider ways to reduce this as a concern during their 2014 visit. our carbon footprint. DeVault, TL, Blackwell, BF, Seamans, Tracy Aviary has responded to this need In summary, the solar trees provide TW, Lima, SL, and Fernández-Juricic, in many ways, including the traditional shade, make an aesthetic contribution to E. 2014. Speed kills: ineffective avian methods of planting more trees and Tracy Aviary’s landscape, educate the public escape responses to oncoming scattering umbrellas strategically throughout and generate energy. And with respect to the vehicles. Proceedings of the our landscape. We also opted to take a walk ROI, Tracy Aviary also secured +$52,000 Royal Society B 282: 20142188. on the creative side by installing solar trees. from Rocky Mountain Power’s Blue Sky Correspondence to Travis L. DeVault at Cynics among us might ask, “What’s the ROI program to cover more than half the cost of [email protected]. on this project?” Tim Brown, Tracy Aviary’s the $96,000 installation.

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BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS

Zoo and aquarium senior staff members who aspire to the top rung of the organizational ladder now have a new training experience that will help them with the ascent. The 13-month Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP) is one of the latest additions to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) portfolio of professional development opportunities.

The expertise required to run a zoo or aquarium has changed over the years, and people who have come up through the ranks often don’t have the chance to develop many of the executive skills necessary to take on the leadership role.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 21 Participants begin the program by undergoing a 360-degree assessment in which they receive feedback from questionnaires completed by their peers, supervisors and staff members. Executive coach Tracy Smith, an ELDP consultant, reviews the results of the assessment with each applicant, helps them determine the areas they want to “Long ago focus on and assists in creating an Independent Development Plan (IDP) that will help guide each participant’s program throughout the year. Each person is assigned and far away, a mentor, a director who is most zoos and aquariums were funded by local government,” said Jackie particularly strong in the Ogden, vice president, animals, science and environment, at Walt Disney Parks areas that complement their and Resorts in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. “Th ey were community places where it own. In addition to regular wasn’t so important that they be run as businesses. Some still receive funding, communication, and sometimes but there’s a need for increased resources and more sophisticated revenue a site visit with the mentor, generation. Th ere’s so much competition for leisure time that institutions have participants receive individual to focus on being the best places for people to take their families. We also have and group executive coaching. to inspire our guests to care about the animals and the planet. Th e complexity of Th ey also attend AZA’s four the goals needs leaders with a greater breadth and depth of experience.” annual meetings, where ELDP In order to fi nd individuals with that experience, candidates from outside programming includes executive the zoo and aquarium world have been hired, according to Amy Rutherford, directors making presentations AZA’s professional development program manager. about their own professional “Th is is a complex profession. People who come from other fi elds might journeys and participating in be strong in business and communications, but there is a steep learning curve roundtable discussions on topics to understand the animal side of the profession. Although many of them have like managing boards or high- turned out to be great leaders within AZA, we had to look at what was keeping level fundraising. other internal candidates from being chosen for those positions.” Participants are also divided With a signifi cant number of current directors set to retire within the next into two “action learning decade, the impending loss of institutional knowledge provided an additional teams” that tackle an issue in incentive for creating the ELDP. AZA leaders credit Ted Beattie, president and the profession, and they present chief executive offi cer of the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, Ill., for championing their results to the AZA Board the idea. He also provided start-up money for the program from the Penny of Directors at the end of the Beattie Leadership Fund he had created in memory of his wife. program. “Th ey use this group “When Ted was board chair in 2001, he challenged us as a community to develop skills, like active and said we needed to do leadership training,” said Kris Vehrs, AZA executive listening or giving feedback, as director. “We had been talking about it for years and decided we had to just do well as working on providing it. Now I’m thrilled that we took the leap.” solutions or resources for a critical issue of importance to the AZA Program Overview community like conservation or Th e fi rst cohort began the ELDP in January 2014. Th e program is designed for diversity,” said Rutherford. those who have the interest and expertise needed to move to the most senior At the end of the program, management position within the next fi ve years; and it focuses on developing participants receive a diploma competencies in executive leadership behaviors, executive focus and executive and have an opportunity to oversight for zoo and aquarium operations. share their experiences with the As the program requires a signifi cant time commitment, applicants must incoming cohort. have a recommendation and a commitment of support from their director. Th e selection committee tries to choose a diverse group of 10-15 people who Up Close and Personal represent diff erent types and sizes of facilities and departments ranging from Th e ELDP requires participants conservation to fi nance. to seriously refl ect on their own

22 www.aza.org | September 2015 Top: Jackie Ogden, vice president, animals, science and environment, at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts speaks with a cast member.

Right: AZA leaders credit Ted Beattie, president and chief executive ofﬁ cer of the Shedd Aquarium for championing the idea for the ELDP.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 23 “My perspective is changing. As I think about things like budgets and board support and dabble in other departments … it feels natural to look at them as other places where there are opportunities.” --Kiersten Darrow, research curator, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

goals in order to create the path they want to pursue, which came as a surprise to Jo-Elle Mogerman, vice president of institutional planning and inclusion, Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfi eld Zoo in Brookfi eld, Ill., and a participant in the fi rst cohort. “Our president and CEO asked if I’d be interested. I hadn’t considered being an executive director because my son was just three, but I thought, ‘I’m naturally curious, so I’ll learn something.’ I thought it was going to be more of an academic process. I didn’t expect to spend so much time on me. It is more about refl ection and your personal journey. It was about fi guring out what being an executive director means and what it means for you. Having the opportunity to do that was one of the most valuable things about the program.” Th e participants’ relationships with the mentors and coaches have a signifi cant impact, according to Doug Piekarz, president and CEO, Akron Zoo in Akron, Ohio. He was vice president of planning and conservation programs when he started program. “My mentor was Steve Marshall from the El Paso Zoo, and he was available at any point in time to talk about any issue, to give honest feedback and work together on my development plan. We shared the very personal stories of successes and failures in the nonprofi t world, and that openness was the most important aspect of the mentorship.” Halfway through the ELDP, the Akron Zoo’s chief executive offi cer left and Piekarz applied for her position. When an unanticipated issue arose that prompted him to consider removing himself from the search, people in the program provided invaluable counsel. “Th is program supported me in a very unique way. I was able to make the right decision for me and do what was in my heart and in my mind. Had I not gone through the program, I might not have made the same decision. I am very grateful.” He completed the interview process and was the unanimous choice to on the nuts and bolts of your own become the chief executive offi cer. facility, you’re self-refl ective in a very diff erent way.” Learning Curve Lynn Clements, executive Learning what an executive director’s job entails also expands participants’ director of the Virginia Aquarium professional horizons. Dr. Kiersten Darrow, research curator, Cabrillo Marine & Marine Science Center in Aquarium in San Pedro, Calif., is halfway through the second ELDP cohort and Virginia Beach, Va., mentored said, “My perspective is changing. As I think about things like budgets and board Mogerman and is now mentoring support and dabble in other departments … it feels natural to look at them as other Darrow. “When Jo-Elle came and places where there are opportunities.” She also discovered a new skill when she toured our facility, she gave us recently participated in AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., for the fi rst time. several nuggets of information “I am surprised at how natural it feels to make a case to people about things about why it was so great. Th ey I love. I’m usually the scientist at the bench, and this was new to me, but I found were things we don’t capitalize that I really enjoy it. Th at process has been demystifi ed.” on enough, like having a very Th e learning experienced by the mentors came as a pleasant surprise to the culturally diverse audience and program creators, including Vehrs. “I knew participants would get a lot out of it, but a military-related audience. She I didn’t realize how much the mentors would,” she said. “When you’re not focused also saw people interacting with

24 www.aza.org | September 2015 Dr. Kirstin Darrow teaching a group of high school interns from the Port of Los Angeles about research that is done at Cabrillo to understand the balance of marine ecosystems and industry in the harbor.

our hands-on exhibits to a degree leadership, and it was fascinating and energy to the ELDP is a she has not seen elsewhere in to hear how other mentors worthwhile investment and that aquariums and zoos. She helped us answered the questions. I’m also you will get out of it exactly what see our facility through new eyes.” very excited about the site visit. you put into it. Dwight Scott, director of the San Andi is coming in August, and “It leaves you in a better Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif., is I’m scheduling times for her to place than when you started,” currently mentoring Andi Kornak, meet with members of my team said Mogerman. “I feel like I now director of animal and veterinary to focus on diff erent executive understand what competencies programs at the Cleveland director competencies. She will are needed, and I recognize what I Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, see what we do here, and we can learned and what I’m still learning. Ohio. He, too, sees the value of the gain insight from her. It’s a two- Th e program stops, but the program to seasoned pros. way street. I hope participants listening and refl ection don’t.” “In our fi rst meeting at the take away from the program the For information on the ELDP, AZA Annual Conference, the fact that to be a leader is to be a go to www.aza.org/ELDP.aspx. mentors were in the same room lifelong learner.” with the participants. It was a Participants and mentors Mary Ellen Collins is a writer great environment for discussing agree that committing time based in St. Petersburg, Fla.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 25 Charting the Course to

BY TRACEY LYNN SHIFFLETT

In both its Accreditation Standards and Obligations of Professional Ethics, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) calls on its members to provide staff “opportunities for continuing education and training programs” and to “aid the professional development of those who enter the zoological park and aquarium profession.”

rofessional training and development courses provide practical tools and skills for The Road to Leadership is highlighted in both of these students to take back to their facilities, as In addition to supporting Colahan’s important documents for a very good well as strong networking experiences with participation as an AZA course instructor, reason: charting the course to success fellow professionals. Denver Zoo has invested in growing their must include grooming the future stewards AZA courses are just part of the internal opportunities with a zoo-wide of the zoo and aquarium community and the professional development puzzle though, and management training program called Values- animal world. like many things, staff training starts at home. Based Leadership, launched in 2012. “When I was starting out in my career, Many AZA-accredited facilities support their “As part of our strategic imperative, I was fortunate to have some great mentors. staff with robust and diverse approaches to we developed a program with goal-setting Th ose experiences meant a lot to me and training and development. priorities that is organic to our business really helped to shape my career in this practices, while supporting employees at the industry,” said Hollie Colahan, vice president for animal care at Denver Zoo in Denver, Colo. “I couldn’t pay my mentors back, so I pay it forward.” Paying it forward for Colahan means, in part, mentoring other zoo and aquarium staff as an instructor for the AZA professional development courses, Managing for Success and Managing Animal Enrichment & Training Programs. Th e Managing for Success courses were fi rst off ered more than 40 years ago, and since that time AZA’s Professional Development Program has grown to include 20 in-person courses, team-taught by experts

from across AZA-accredited facilities. Th ese Houston Zoo Adams, © Stephanie

26 www.aza.org | September 2015 Left: A reptile keeper at the Houston Zoo demonstrates target training.

Right: Lemurs at the Houston Zoo receive a novel plant as enrichment. Houston Zoo will host AZA’s Managing Animal Enrichment & Training Programs course in October. © Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo

September 2015 | www.aza.org 27 © Randy Wilder, Monterey Bay Aquarium Bay Monterey Wilder, © Randy

“Professional development is all about strengthening your skills, understanding your weaknesses, and becoming stewards of the zoo and aquarium community ...”

management level with leadership skills,” “Th e program arms participants with series and an online training platform that explained HR Special Projects Manager tools to empower, motivate and hold their also supports participation from other AZA- Jamie Cornell. teams accountable; manage tasks, people accredited facilities. To accomplish this, Denver Zoo partnered and themselves; and communicate more “San Diego Zoo Global Academy (www. with EPI in Minneapolis and committed extra eff ectively,” concluded Cornell. “It is strongly sdzglobalacademy.com) is an elearning budget and staff time for the fi rst year of the supported by our CEO, and employees have resource that is open to all AZA-accredited program. Th e program is divided into six given the experience very high marks.” institutions,” explained Mulligan. “Each course monthly sessions, and between each session, is designed to meet the specifi c needs of participants have reading assignments and A Wide Reach individuals in the zoological profession.” Th e other homework. At the end, participants Another graduate of Managing for Success, Academy makes learning available anytime, are asked to complete concluding projects. San Diego Zoo Global Chief Human anywhere, in an eff ort to reduce travel and With the eff ort, a combined 420 professional Resources Offi cer Tim Mulligan, referred to time barriers that can hinder professional development hours were logged among staff the course as a “360-degree eye-opener,” and development endeavors. It also allows and participants last year. he agreed that leadership support is vital. individuals to learn at their own pace, test Cornell explains that the training is now San Diego Zoo Global’s professional their skills and gauge their progress. Courses a mandatory part of onboarding procedures development program, “Zoo U,” comprises are available for a variety of skill levels, from at the management level and above, and the several diff erent components, including early service keepers to managers. budget and staff time commitments are less an intranet employee resource, a monthly “Professional development is all about now that the program is in full swing. management class, a leadership development strengthening your skills, understanding your

28 www.aza.org | September 2015 weaknesses and becoming stewards of the zoo and aquarium community,” Mulligan explained. “Ensuring that everyone has access to programs that foster learning and growth is safeguarding the future of our organizations and the animals we care for.”

A Model of Success Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas, recently developed a leadership program for its employees that is based on the AZA Executive Leadership Development Program. “We wanted to provide our employees with a similar growth experience here at the Zoo,” said Executive Vice President David Brady. In fall 2014, Brady launched a pilot program with six Zoo employees from a cross- section of disciplines at the management and director level. “Th e goal was to help our staff develop better management and leadership skills, and for those skills to cascade throughout the organization,” explained Brady. Th e team met once a month as a group and with subsets on the departmental level, covering a variety of management and supervisory tactics. When Brady and his team launched the full program in January 2015, they also integrated it with successful external models, hosting guest speakers from diff erent industries, who added valuable perspective on those leadership skills. Th e group included leaders in business, the energy industry and a book author, all sharing their respective areas of expertise. At the end of the program, the participants completed evaluation surveys that Brady said revealed improved cross- departmental relationships. “From the bottom up, and the top-down, everything we do to make better managers makes all staff performance better, which is better for our guests, and also better for our brand. Th at means better overall value for the entire Houston Zoo Adams, © Stephanie organization,” summed up Brady. ads and posters, if everyone developing those Houston Zoo recently Brand Behaviors messages is not speaking in the same voice, It’s an organization’s brand that Jim Covel, your brand has been fragmented.” developed a leadership director of guest experience, training and Covel continued, “Professional program for its own interpretation at Monterey Bay Aquarium in development is one of the most important Monterey, Calif., said is the cornerstone of all brand builders, and Monterey Bay leadership employees. professional development. “Everything you do, puts a high priority on it.” From its Welcome everything you say; and everything everyone Week Orientation, to daily and weekly on your team does and says is your brand,” he ongoing training sessions, to all-day off erings explained. “Whether it is a welcome speech by that immerse employees in the behind-the- the ticket taker, an education member sharing scenes world, he said that “training must an animal story or marketing messages on always be accessible because anything they’ve

September 2015 | www.aza.org 29 © Randy Wilder, Monterey Bay Aquarium Bay Monterey Wilder, © Randy

“Training must always be accessible because anything they’ve learned, in any way they’ve grown, it will beneﬁ t the Aquarium and its brand.”

learned, in any way they’ve grown, it will Th e Aquarium also partners with local benefi t the Aquarium and its brand.” educators to off er employees courses that For nearly 30 years, Covel’s brand qualify for degree and continuing-education ownership has been training frontline staff credits. Covel said that none of it is possible and volunteers to be engaging and mission- without 100 percent leadership support. serving storytellers, or “interpreters.” He “None of it works if the organization refers to this skill as a “brand behavior” and doesn’t value it. It’s a partnership between partners with the National Association for management and its employees,” he Interpretation (NAI) to help his team perfect said. “At Monterey Bay, there are a lot of it. Covel was one of the fi rst certifi ed trainers resources dedicated from the board level from NAI when it was founded in 1987 and down with the primary goals of promoting said professionals from the tourist industry, excellence, setting everyone up to succeed National Parks Service and universities and continuing the culture of excellence of across the country utilize NAI trainings and service and integrity of mission.” certifi cation programs. “Certifi ed interpreters receive learning Practicing What They Preach and building components that include Be it one of the instructors of an AZA the basics of identifying an audience and professional development course, a senior the ability to make that head-and-heart staff member in leadership training, connection with guests,” he explained. a seasoned trainer for volunteers and

30 www.aza.org | September 2015 © Denver Zoo visitor services staff or human resources their professional development goals helps leader, so I can create programs that allow professionals spearheading professional me learn key skills in my own career.” others to become stronger leaders. It’s development initiatives, the professionals Covel: “By exposing yourself to diff erent personally very rewarding to be a mentor, championing development at AZA-accredited methods and processes, you are learning how and it’s a crucial component to workforce- facilities are of diff erent disciplines and at to improve your own methods and processes. planning initiatives in our industry.” various levels of progression in their careers. You should never be satisfi ed with where Charting the course to success includes But they have one common denominator you are; you should always have ideas about practicing what you preach and making – they all practice what they preach and where you are going.” sure others have the same opportunities to recognize the value they receive from training Brady: “Mentoring is something I’m grow, succeed and become future stewards the next generation: very passionate about. I wholeheartedly of the zoo and aquarium community and the Colahan: “Every year I learn something encourage anyone to pursue their animal world. Find out more: from every student and instructor, as well professional development goals, and at the www.aza.org/professional-development/ as best practices at other AZA-accredited same time, give some thought to how you can [email protected] institutions. Teaching is part of my ongoing create an environment of learning in your 301-562-0777, ext. 251 learning process.” organizations for a new generation of leaders.” Cornell: “I’m always seeking growth Mulligan: “I am very focused on Tracey Lynn Shifﬂ ett is a writer based opportunities. Coaching our employees about everything I can do to become a stronger in Odenton, Md.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 31 FOCUS on Animal Welfare

BY EMILY SOHN

32 www.aza.org | September 2015 September 2015 | www.aza.org 33 The western lowland gorillas at Chicago Zoological Society’s Brookﬁ eld Zoo in Brookﬁ eld, Ill., used to get their meals at the same time every morning. That was the routine until curators studied their activity patterns and decided to create new opportunities for more natural and active feeding behaviors. They set up automated feeders to deliver their diet at both regular and irregular intervals, sometimes in unusual places.

he apes don’t always know the new red panda exhibit, for example, welfare means has not always been as clear. anymore when or where food contains tree-like structures with cups that Welfare is an amorphous term that combines will appear, said Lance Miller, are occasionally fi lled with food. Th e Asian a creature’s physical, mental and emotional senior director of animal welfare small-clawed otters already get unexpected states into an overarching assessment of research at Brookfi eld Zoo. Th is fi sh deliveries. well-being. In the 1960s, a focus on defi ning set-up more closely resembles Brookfi eld Zoo’s new approach to and legislating the welfare of domestic conditions in the wild, where gorillas feeding strategies is an example of the overall livestock in the United Kingdom resulted spend much of their time foraging, and shift happening across facilities accredited in a concept known as the Five Freedoms. dramatically increases their motivation to by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Animals were considered well cared for move—leading to a doubling of activity (AZA) toward scientifi c, evidence-based if they were free from hunger and thirst; levels, Miller and colleagues report in an techniques for assessing and providing for discomfort; pain, injury and disease; and upcoming issue of the journal Animal animal welfare. fear and distress, as well as free to express Behavior and Cognition. Th e Zoo is in the Zoos and aquariums have long normal behavior. process of switching many of its exhibits considered the welfare of the animals under Animal welfare in the zoo and aquarium to similar feeding systems that provide their care, experts say. Th ere has been an fi eld has moved past this concept of “freedom variety while delivering an animal’s full AZA committee focused on animal welfare from” toward a more nuanced understanding and complete diet. One component of for more than 40 years. But what animal of welfare focusing on opportunities to

34 www.aza.org | September 2015 thrive and assessing welfare over time. care by rating the condition of fur, feathers good husbandry by professionals who were Th is interpretation is clear in the AZA and scales, and measuring indicators like heart dedicated to improving husbandry,” said Dr. Animal Welfare Committee’s defi nition and rate, blood pressure, body weight, hormone Don Moore, senior scientist for AZA and explanation of animal welfare: levels and behavioral signs of distress. Smithsonian National Zoological Park. “In Animal Welfare refers to an animal’s “Much of our animal management over the last 25 years, we have been using more collective physical, mental, and emotional the last 100 years has been based on early and more high-tech tools and laboratory states over a period of time, and is measured natural history studies, fi eld studies and techniques to study animal sensory on a continuum from good to poor. studies of animals in zoos, and the ‘art’ of capabilities, endocrinology and behavioral Explanation: An animal typically experiences good welfare when healthy, comfortable, well-nourished, safe, able to develop and express species-typical relationships, behaviors, and cognitive abilities, and not suff ering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, or distress. Because physical, mental, and emotional states may be dependent on one another and can vary from day to day, it is important to consider these states in combination with one another over time to provide an assessment of an animal’s overall welfare status. “When I started working as a keeper almost 30 years ago, maybe you’d throw some left over greens to the ducks because you knew they liked it and you thought it would be nice, but it wasn’t a regular part of their day,” said Sara Hallager, curator of birds at the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. “Now, it’s ingrained. Th ere are so many papers being published on the value of training and enrichment that I can’t imagine it not being part of our daily care. Th ere’s defi nitely more science to welfare than there used to be.” Th is science behind animal welfare provides a framework not only for assessing and understanding an animal’s well-being, but for training animal care staff . Next spring, for the fi rst time, the AZA will off er a weeklong course titled Evidence-based Animal Welfare Management, hosted at the Brookfi eld Zoo. Th is course was developed with support from the AZA “When I started working as a keeper almost 30 years ago, maybe Animal Welfare Committee to provide managers, supervisors and curators hands- you’d throw some leftover greens to the ducks because you knew they on experiences to learn and build the skills liked it and you thought it would be nice, but it wasn’t a regular part necessary to implement an evidence-based management program at their institutions. of their day,” said Sara Hallager, curator of birds at the Smithsonian Th e key to this approach is in gathering National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C. “Now, it’s ingrained. the evidence. Animals can’t say how they’re There are so many papers being published on the value of training feeling, and many are motivated to hide signs of stress or illness as these would be and enrichment that I can’t imagine it not being part of our daily care. weaknesses in the wild. Among the lessons There’s deﬁ nitely more science to welfare than there used to be.” included in the new AZA animal welfare course, keepers will learn to observe and evaluate the welfare of the animals in their

September 2015 | www.aza.org 35 preferences to help us improve husbandry Species Survival Plan® (SSP) or place an through eff ective scientifi c assessments.” animal in an appropriate social grouping. Also in the fi nal stages of production “Zoos and aquariums move are two Web-based trainings focused thousands of animals every year,” said on animal welfare, both developed in Hallager, who co-developed and teaches conjunction with AZA’s Animal Welfare in the course. “But any time you ship Committee. Th e fi rst is a 30-minute an animal, whether by air or land, there “Introduction to Animal Welfare” that are always risks. And it can be a source will serve as pre-work for many of AZA’s of stress on the animal. We want to animal-focused, in-person courses. minimize stress as much as possible.” Additionally, the San Diego Zoo Global Hallager and the other instructors Academy has led the development of a guide keepers to think ahead about all more comprehensive two-hour course that the details needed to ensure a smooth will be hosted by both the Academy and transfer — making sure to have the right AZA’s elearning platform. Th ese modules kind of crate, for example, that will be will increase access to training around kept at the right temperature and fi t in animal welfare to a broader audience of the truck that’s coming to move it, and zoo and aquarium professionals. provide the animal time to explore and

“Public concern about animal welfare keeps growing with increased social media-generated awareness about well-being of animals in aquariums, zoos and even in nature ...”

“Animal well-being is a focus of our become accustomed to being in the AZA professionals and also many of our crate before transfer. Permits need to be zoo and aquarium visitors and other acquired in advance, and keepers need to stakeholders. Public concern about animal think about how to help animals adapt to welfare keeps growing with increased social new exhibit mates, new keepers and new media-generated awareness about well- potential breeding partners. While there being of animals in aquariums, zoos and is no single lecture on animal welfare, even in nature,” Moore said. “It is important participants in the inaugural session that all zoo and aquarium professionals reported overwhelmingly that they felt have access to advanced training resources the topic was well-covered throughout about animal welfare science and the course. philosophy so they can discuss all aspects Hollie Colahan, vice president for of animal welfare with our interested animal care at Denver Zoo in Denver, supporters and stakeholders.” Colo., and the vice chair of AZA’s Th e new welfare course will bring Professional Development Committee AZA’s in-person off erings up to 20 courses which oversees AZA’s courses said, “As that reach hundreds of participants zoos, our greatest responsibility is the from more than 150 facilities each year, welfare of the animals in our care.” and a growing number are emphasizing With new research and techniques animal welfare as an essential part of the to better assess and address welfare, curriculum. One of these is the recently together with new courses that teach launched Animal Transport for Animal professionals about animal welfare, Care Professionals course. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are Animal transfers are an important meeting this responsibility. part of animal management at AZA- accredited facilities and are oft en done to Emily Sohn is a writer based in fulfi ll breeding recommendations from a Minneapolis, Minn.

36 www.aza.org | September 2015 © Stephanie Adams, Houston Zoo Adams, © Stephanie

September 2015 | www.aza.org 37 AQUATIC LIFE SUPPORT FOR AQUARIUMS AND ZOOS

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Member News Minnesota Zoo, Ehmke was growth and fi nancial stability. with Kyle’s background and the director of planning and New and strengthened sources vision for the future, and we feel Prominent Zoological design at New York’s Wildlife of revenue, enhanced guest he will bring renewed passion, Leader Lee Ehmke to Conservation Society (WCS), services, creative programming energy and innovation to our Head Houston Zoo headquartered at the Bronx Zoo and new and revitalized exhibits community jewel.” Th e Houston in Bronx, N.Y. In his 12 years —including the recently opened Burks’ extensive work Zoo in Houston, at WCS, Ehmke led the design state-of-the-art gorilla habitat history includes being recruited Texas, a leading and managed construction of —have resulted in revenues to the Opening Team for zoological center numerous award winning Bronx and memberships more than Disney’s Animal Kingdom in for conservation, Zoo projects, including its doubling over Cannon’s tenure. Lake Buena Vista, Fla., in 1997. education and cultural signature Congo Gorilla Forest Today, with 2.4 million visitors While there, he served many experiences, announced that exhibit. Th is acclaimed habitat annually, the Houston Zoo is roles, including training the it has named internationally was also home to three of the among the top 10 zoos in the park’s operations managers recognized zoological leader Houston Zoo’s new western country in attendance and is one to understand the animals Lee Ehmke as its president and lowland gorillas prior to them of Houston’s most visited and in the collection, serving in chief executive. moving to the Bayou City. cherished cultural attractions. a temporary assignment as Ehmke was the director/ “Th e Board of Directors and “It is indeed a privilege and the curator of education for chief executive of the Minnesota I are honored to have someone honor to have been chosen cast programs, managing the Zoological Garden in Apple with Lee Ehmke’s breadth as the next president and Wildlife Tracking Center and Valley, Minn., and president of and depth of experience as CEO of the Houston Zoo. helping to develop and monitor the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. our next president and CEO. I have admired its growth, Disney’s Animal Kingdom’s Th ere he directed all aspects His powerful combination fi scal strength and focus on strategic plan. In 2008, Burks of the 485-acre zoological of passion for conservation, conservation. I am excited to work joined Denver Zoo in Denver, park and served as its primary visionary leadership and with the talented and dedicated Colo., as executive vice spokesperson and representative dedication to the highest quality staff of the Houston Zoo as we president and chief operating in governmental, community, animal husbandry, education prepare for its Centennial in offi cer. In that role, he was media and professional forums. programming and visitor 2022,” said Ehmke. “21st century responsible for the day-to-day Since arriving in 2000, Ehmke experience is aligned with our zoos will increasingly be called operation of the Zoo, including has revitalized the Minnesota mission at the Houston Zoo,” upon to help save wildlife, veterinary and daily care of the Zoo with award-winning new said Suzanne Nimocks, chair and the Houston Zoo is well- animal collection, education, exhibits and facilities; developed of the Houston Zoo’s Board of positioned to be a global leader conservation, operations, a conservation program; and Directors. “We are confi dent in this vital role.” human resources and campus grown its annual attendance to that he will build upon the management. Burks also 1.25 million. He also generated outstanding achievements Sacramento Zoo served as Denver Zoo’s interim unprecedented charitable, of retiring CEO, Deborah Announced Dr. Kyle president/chief executive government and earned-revenue Cannon, and help propel us on Burks as New offi cer from July 2013 through support for the facility. our journey to ever-improving Director and Chief February 2014. Ehmke serves as the our regional, national and Executive Ofﬁ cer “I am honored to have elected president of the World international infl uence and Th e Sacramento the opportunity to work at Association of Zoos and impact on behalf of animals Zoological Sacramento Zoo, a community Aquariums (WAZA), a global both in our care and in the wild.” Society’s Board treasure that has inspired association of more than 300 Cannon commented: “I of Trustees wonder and awe for 88 years,” member facilities, which serves am thrilled to know that our announced the said Burks. “I look forward as a catalyst for their joint beloved zoo will be in such good selection of Dr. Kyle Burks to to leading the Zoo’s highly action on behalf of biodiversity hands under the stewardship the position of director and regarded team. Together we and habitat conservation and of my colleague and friend, chief executive offi cer of the will continue to make the sustainability. Ehmke’s two-year Lee Ehmke. He is one of the Sacramento Zoological Society term as president of WAZA will leaders I most admire in the in Sacramento, Calif. end in October 2015, but he will fi eld, and I know that the Zoo “We conducted a nationwide For member news, visit remain active in national and will remain fi scally strong and search and identifi ed several www.aza.org/ international zoological and programmatically vibrant with highly qualifi ed candidates for conservation work, deepening Lee at the helm.” the position,” said Jeff Raimundo, pressroom Houston Zoo’s leadership in Cannon herself joined the president of the Sacramento these critical eff orts. Houston Zoo in 2005 and led Zoological Society’s Board of Prior to his time at the the facility into a new era of Trustees. “We are impressed

40 www.aza.org | September 2015 community proud, living up to improving animal welfare and New Executive Staff husbandry and animal care, our responsibility of maintaining safety practices and protocols. at Mystic Aquarium including veterinary services. the highest standards of animal Under Jamie’s direction, the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, “Mystic Aquarium is care while providing an amazing animal care team will continue Conn., announced the committed to our mission of experience for our guests.” their outstanding work in setting appointment of Larry J. Rivarde protecting our ocean planet Burks succeeds Mary Healy, the highest possible standards to the position of senior through conservation, education the Zoo’s director for nearly 15 for the care of the Zoo’s animals. vice president of zoological and research,” continued Coan. years, who died unexpectedly operations and business “We are dedicated to providing last August while on a trip to the New Director of development. In his role, the highest standards of animal Galapagos Islands. Conservation & Science Rivarde will be responsible care and guest experience. As the new director/ at Calgary Zoo for leading animal husbandry, Th e appointment of Larry chief executive offi cer of the Th e Calgary including marine mammals, Rivarde and promotion of Dr. Sacramento Zoo, Burks will Zoo in Calgary, birds, fi sh and invertebrates, in Allison Tuttle refl ects our total ensure the Zoo achieves its Alberta, Canada, direct support of the mission commitment to this mission.” mission to inspire appreciation, announced programs at Mystic Aquarium. respect and a connection with that Dr. Axel Life support systems, veterinary Executive Leadership wildlife and nature through Moehrenschlager has been services and animal rescue and Changes at Shedd education, conservation and appointed as director of rehabilitation will also be under Aquarium recreation. In this role, he conservation & science. his stewardship. Shedd Aquarium will oversee 108 employees, a Over the last 25 years, Rivarde comes to Mystic in Chicago, Ill., collection of more than 500 Moehrenschlager has conducted Aquarium from the Audubon announced that animals on 14 acres, as well as research and training around Nature Institute in New Orleans, Tim Binder has the Zoo’s robust education and the world to develop science- La., where he has served as the been promoted international conservation programs. based solutions for eff ective vice president of the Audubon to executive vice president conservation. Moehrenschlager Nature Institute and managing of animal care where he now New Director of Animal received his PhD from Oxford director of the Audubon Zoo since oversees Shedd’s animal care and Care at Calgary Zoo University, where he remains 2001. With a background that animal health divisions. Th e Calgary affi liated. He is also an Erskine also includes tenure as the chief “Tim has done a Zoo in Calgary, Fellow at New Zealand’s fi nancial offi cer of New Orleans tremendous job of ensuring our Alberta, Canada, University of Canterbury and City Park, Rivarde combines dedication and commitment announced that an adjunct associate professor at keen business acumen with a to both staff and our animals Jamie Dorgan has Canada’s University of Calgary. resolute focus on enhancing has remained paramount as an been appointed as director of Moehrenschlager joined animal care and operations and essential part of our culture and animal care. the Calgary Zoo in 1999 improving guest experiences. our mission. As an experienced Dorgan’s love of animals and founded its Centre for “Mr. Rivarde was appointed and extremely knowledgeable started as a child working on Conservation Research in aft er a lengthy search considering leader who is respected not only his aunt’s dairy farm. As a 2003. He became the chair of some of the top animal husbandry at Shedd but throughout the zoo professional, he has now worked the International Union for and veterinary experts in the and aquarium community, I am in the zoo community for 15 Conservation of Nature (IUCN) nation,” said Dr. Stephen Coan, proud to welcome Tim offi cially years, including 10 years with the Reintroduction Specialist president and chief executive as a member of the Executive Greater Vancouver Zoo, where Group in 2014. It is made up offi cer of Mystic Aquarium. “His Leadership Team,” said Tedd he progressed from zookeeper to of 150 global experts in more passion for animals, the mission Beattie, president and chief curator then to general manager. than 40 countries focusing on of zoos and aquariums, and executive offi cer at Shedd. Since joining the Calgary the restoration of endangered extensive management experience With more than 35 Zoo in 2010, Dorgan has played species. Recognizing the make him an outstanding choice years of experience in both a leading role in completing importance of the Zoo’s for this key leadership role at fi shes and marine mammal the Penguin Plunge exhibit, conservation and reintroduction Mystic Aquarium.” husbandry, Tim Binder is a helping to achieve outstanding activities, Moehrenschlager will Th e management of trusted resource for counsel on results in the 2013 AZA be working with all departments zoological operations will also animal transports, acquisitions, accreditation process and to help imperiled species and see the promotion of long- strandings and rehabilitations. developing new exhibits for ecosystems in Canada and time Mystic Aquarium chief In 2012, he was part of a team such species as mandrills, rhinos around the world. He will take veterinarian Dr. Allison Tuttle of marine mammal husbandry and Komodo dragons. Perhaps a leading role in continuing the to vice president of biological experts from leading U.S. most importantly, he has been Zoo’s eff orts as one of Canada’s programs. Tuttle will have aquariums that provided instrumental in designing and leaders in wildlife conservation. direct responsibility for animal around-the-clock intensive care

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

Member Updates to a newborn beluga whale the Aquarium. Before that, he calf stranded in Bristol Bay, was a co-owner of Marine Life Alaska. Th is was only the second Aquarium in Rapid City, S.D. Welcome New Members time such a rescue had been Binder also has assisted zoo and attempted at a North American aquarium facilities in Europe, AZA is pleased to warmly welcome new Professional zoological facility. Asia, the Middle East and Africa Affi liate, Professional Fellow, Conservation Partners, Before joining Shedd in with animal transports and Accredited Institutions, Certifi ed Related Facilities and 2009, Binder was director developing staff training and Commercial Members. of husbandry at the Georgia husbandry advancements for Aquarium, in Atlanta, Ga., their collections. New Professional Marc Franzen, Animal where he supervised the fi shes, A veteran of countless Affi liate Members Ambassador Trainer, marine mammals, birds and rescue and rehabilitation eff orts, Julia Bates, Director - Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo animal health divisions. He Binder is a valued resource for Volunteer Services, Dallas Zoo Rachel Fritz, Vet Tech/ helped assemble the team that aquatic animals in need. He Crystal Bernt, Guest Service Registrar, Red River Zoo successfully opened the new has been featured in several Manager, Phoenix Zoo Matthew James Frohlich, aquarium with a fully stocked documentaries, including the Jacqueline Bershad, VP Keeper, Columbus Zoo collection in more than 8 2000 documentary Whale Capital Planning, and Aquarium million gallons of exhibit space. Rescue: Stranded Friends, which National Aquarium Britlee Gaines, Chattanooga To accomplish this signifi cant tied for Best Independent Film Ann-Marie Bisagno, Zoo at Warner Park task, Binder drew upon his in the 2001 International Wildlife Supervisor Birds & Adam Garrett, Coordinator expertise to move several never- Film Festival awards for its Mammals, Adventure of Volunteer Services, before-transported animals to portrayal of the successful rescue, Aquarium Indianapolis Zoological Atlanta, including whale sharks rehabilitation and return to the John Black, Business Society, Inc. and the Aquarium’s fi rst manta wild of two juvenile pilot whales. Operations Manager, Thomas James Gaskill, ray, Nandi. Binder is a professional Abilene Zoological Gardens Informal Education Program Binder previously served as fellow in the Association of Marissa Danielle Blackburn, Supervisor, Oregon Zoo the vice president of zoological Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Education Program Billie Claire Harrison, operations at Mystic Aquarium where he serves on the Specialist, North Carolina Supervisor of the Aquatic & in Mystic, Conn., where he Annual Conference Program Aquarium at Fort Fisher Reptile Center, Milwaukee supervised the departments Committee. He is an active Syndi Castelluccio, County Zoological Gardens of fi shes, marine mammals, member of the International Coordintator of Education Cecilia Hatton, Herpetology birds, laboratory, facilities and Marine Animal Trainers’ Volunteers, Riverbanks Zoo Exhibits Tech II, Virginia stranded-animal rescue and Association, the International Lindsay Cokeley, Bird Aquarium & Marine rehabilitation. He also oversaw Association for Aquatic Animal Keeper, Santa Barbara Science Center the animal side of a $53 million Medicine and the Society for Zoological Gardens Karen Hays, Youth Programs expansion and renovation of Marine Mammalogy. Beth Comeaux, Director of Manager, Denver Zoo Corporate and Foundation Jared Michael Hitchens, Relations, Minnesota Manager of Marketing and Zoo Foundation Volunteer Development, Tenley Davis, Kansas City Zoo Friends of the Topeka Zoo Oscar Dizon, Sponsorship Laura Houston, Director Coordinator, Greater Los School, Public & Youth Angeles Zoo Association Programs, Philadelphia Zoo Erin Dougher, Mammal Eric Kaminsky, Zoo Business BE CONNECTED. Keeper, San Antonio Manager, Zoo Miami THE AZA MARKETPLACE. Zoological Society Dana Keeler, Vice President Anne Druhl, Marketing and of Human Resources, Building a network of AZA Commercial Members. Sales Manager, Greater Los Woodland Park Zoo Angeles Zoo Association Pliny Keep, Environmental AZA community connections. Daniel Elkin, K-12 Outreach Services and Sustainability Coordinator, Aquarium of Manager, Woodland Collaboration and information exchange with colleagues. the Bay Park Zoo Exploration of product and service providers. Jenn Fedesna, Animal Care Caitlin Kenney, Zoological For more information, contact [email protected]. Specialist, Racine Zoological Manager, Myakka City Gardens Lemur Reserve

42 www.aza.org | September 2015 Amy Kerrick, Executive New Professional New/Reinstated GameTime Assistant, Indianapolis Fellow Members Commercial Members 401 Chestnut Street Zoological Society, Inc. Julie Benbow, Executive Aquarium Design Suite 410 Sarah King, Assistant Director of the Foundation, International Chattanooga, TN 37402 Curator of Hoofstock and Sequoia Park Zoo 9150 Belvedere Rd Ste 110 Email: Marsupials, San Francisco Jill Giles, Georgia Aquarium Royal Palm Beach, FL [email protected] Zoological Gardens Ashley Hartness, Senior 33411-3614 Phone: (423) 648-5604 Keith Krause, Operations Aquarist, Ripley’s Aquarium Email: info@ www.gametime.com/ Manager, Virginia Zoological Park Dave Koontz, Director of aquariumdesign.com Primary Contact: Chelsea Lee, Zookeeper, Communications, SeaWorld Phone: (561) 214-4632 Kent Callison Roosevelt Park Zoo San Diego www.aquariumdesign.com/ GameTime is a leading US Stacey Ludlum, Zoological Allyssa Dunklin Leslie, Primary Contact: manufacturer of commercial Designer, PGAV Destinations Interpretive Programs Richard Goldberg playgrounds, custom play Diana Elizabeth Major, Manager: Outreach and Senior Aviculturist, Cheetah Encounter, Dallas Zoo SeaWorld San Diego Justin McKinniss, Strategic Advertiser Index Annabell Marcum, Partnerships, Columbus Zoo A Thru Z Consulting and Distributing, Inc...... 50 Zookeeper, Potter Park and Aquarium Aquaculture Systems Technologies, LLC ...... 48 Zoological Gardens Lynn Mento, Executive Aqua Logic, Inc...... 56 Matt Wade McHale, Director, Friends of the Beanstalk Builders ...... 17 Propagation/Brooder National Zoo Carnivore Essentials ...... 51 Keeper, Zoo Miami Candace Osunsade, Cemrock Landscapes, Inc. Naturalistic Environments ...52 Katie Mentel, Reid Park Zoo Vice President of Human Central Nebraska Packing, Inc...... Back Cover Samantha H. Mills, Major Resources, National Aquarium CLR Design ...... 61 Gifts Offi cer, South Rhys Phillips, Park Services Corners Limited ...... 58 Carolina Aquarium Manager, Naples Zoo COST of Wisconsin, Inc...... 18 Jacqueline Murray, Carly Pope, Manager, Dan Inject Dart Guns ...... 52 Director of Marketing and Georgia Aquarium GLMV Architecture, Inc...... 62 Communications, Aquarium Rachel Salant, Collection Hayward Flow Control ...... 60 of the Bay Manager - Animal Shows & iZone Imaging ...... 39 Patricia Noland, Manager, Program Animals, Woodland K & K Insurance Group, Inc...... 18 Constituent Giving Park Zoo Main Street Design, Inc...... 2 Programs, Greater Los Amber Schiltz, Education The Mason Company ...... 55 Angeles Zoo Association Curator, Riverside Discovery McRoberts Sales Co., Inc...... 60 Paige Rudasics, Educator, Center Met-Pro Global Pump Solutions -Fybroc ...... 59 Abilene Zoological Gardens Milliken Meats ...... 57 LynnLee Schmidt, Assistant New Conservation Nets Unlimited, Inc...... 54 Curator Mammals – Birds, Partner Members Northeast Brine Shrimp ...... 39 Landry’s Downtown Project Dragonfl y Pentair - Aquatic Eco-Systems ...... 38 Aquarium - Denver 13 Peabody Hall, Miami PGAV Destinations ...... 53 Carrie Scott, Senior Director, University PMI® Nutrition International, LLF ...... 5 Advancement, Greater Los Oxford, OH 45056 The Portico Group ...... 6 Angeles Zoo Association Email: [email protected] Richards-Wilcox, Inc...... 46 Lacie Scott, Guest Phone: (513) 529-8576 RodentPro.com, LLC ...... Inside Back Cover Experience Assistant www.projectdragonfl y.org/ SAVOR ...... 19 Manager, Phoenix Zoo Primary Contact: Skulls Unlimited International, Inc...... Inside Front Cover Kerston Swartz, Public Affairs Christopher Myers Speak Creative ...... 62 and Advocacy Manager, Project Dragonfl y is a ground- Tenji, Inc...... 55 Woodland Park Zoo breaking global program Tokens Direct ...... 61 Sarah Woodruff, Senior offering Web and fi eld-based Tom Tischler Bronze ...... 43 Zookeeper, Franklin Park Zoo university courses, master’s Torre Design Consortium, Ltd...... 59 For member news, visit degree programs and Triple A Brand Meat Company ...... 39 www.aza.org/ collaborative projects that are WDM Architects ...... 48 pressroom making a difference in Africa, Zoo Med Laboratories, Inc...... 63 Asia, Australia and the Americas.

September 2015 | www.aza.org 43 Faces & Places

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44 www.aza.org | September 2015 Exhibits

Gorillas Take to the Treetops with Spring 2015 Opening of Gorilla Treeway

Great apes are on the move like master plan that provides executive offi cer. “Th e Zoo Treeway also illustrates the never before with the 16 May more exciting and enriching experience is evolving and time-sharing capabilities of opening of Gorilla Treeway, the experiences for animals and though Philadelphia Zoo is an Zoo360. In colder months, the newest addition to Philadelphia visitors alike, creating a more organization steeped in history, large felines from neighboring Zoo’s fi rst-in-the-world animal dynamic engagement as animals we are on the forefront of this First Niagara Big Cat Falls will travel and exploration trail move along, above and across change—defi ning the zoo of have exclusive access to Gorilla system, called Zoo360. visitor pathways. Zoo360 is the future.” Treeway until the weather is Gorilla Treeway is a 300-foot currently comprised of four In addition to the new suitable for great apes to venture mesh engineered overhead trails—Treetop Trail, Great Ape trailway, additional expansions outdoors. Over time, and passageway, extending 12 feet Trail, Big Cat Crossing and now, are underway for Big Cat through gradual acclimation, above the visitor path from PECO Gorilla Treeway, with more on Crossing and Treetop Trail. A gorillas can move through Primate Reserve, encouraging the way. Th is is another fi rst at ground-based extension of Big Gorilla Treeway, while big cats these magnifi cent primates to America’s fi rst zoo as well as Cat Crossing will add 170 feet roam the ground-based portion explore among the trees and in the world and continues the of walkway along the Zoo’s Bird of Big Cat Crossing directly expand their world. Th rough Zoo’s commitment to excellence Lake for big cats to experience below them. Gorilla Treeway—a fi ve-foot-wide in animal care and to inspiring new waterfront vantage points. “We are seeing animals by six-foot-tall rigid trail structure guests to conservation action. Treetop Trail, which is currently eagerly exploring the trailways —Kira, Honi, Motuba, Louis “Th e opening of Gorilla used by monkeys and lemurs, and truly interacting with their and Kuchimba, Philadelphia Treeway marks another major will connect to Great Ape Trail environments,” said Dr. Andy Zoo’s western lowland gorillas, milestone as we continued to and Coquerel’s sifaka exhibit—a Baker, Philadelphia Zoo’s chief will enjoy long-distance travel, transform the Zoo experience highly endangered species. With operating offi cer. “We are seeing investigate a greater variety of —quite literally taking visitors’ this 200-foot addition, sifaka visitors stop in their tracks to environments and determine their engagement to wildlife to and other small arboreal species marvel at animals they have seen own experiences. new heights,” said Vikram will benefi t from the enrichment at Philadelphia Zoo for years, Zoo360 is the cornerstone H. Dewan, Philadelphia and excitement Zoo360 off ers. but they are now seeing in a of the Zoo’s transformative Zoo’s president and chief Th e opening of Gorilla whole new way.”

September 2015 | www.aza.org 45 Exhibits

Capybara Exhibit Grand Re-Opening

Th e Chattanooga Zoo in surrounded by hand craft ed Chattanooga, Tenn., announced rock work. the grand re-opening of the Capybaras are native to Zoo’s capybara exhibit. Th e Central and South America and original capybara exhibit was reside both in savannas and rain built in 2009 and was home to forests near bodies of water. one female capybara. When the Th is species is semi-aquatic Chattanooga Zoo acquired two and is known as the world’s more young female capybaras in largest rodent. Capybaras are June 2014, it was clear that there social animals and typically was a need for more space for live in groups with a dominant all the capybaras to swim and male, multiple females and play in their home. Th e capybara their off spring. Th eir life span exhibit renovations were started ranges from 8-10 years in the immediately by the Chattanooga wild and up to 12 years in Zoo,” noted Darde Long, the naturalistic needs of this Zoo’s facilities staff . Th e new captivity. Currently capybaras Chattanooga Zoo chief species, was keeper friendly and exhibit is approximately 1,100 are considered to be least executive offi cer and president. was interactive and educational square feet in size with a concern of becoming extinct “Our Zoo facilities staff worked for our Zoo guests.” waterfall feature fl owing into a by the International Union for diligently to make this exhibit Funding for a new graphic large pond able to hold 5,000 Conservation of Nature Red outstanding. It is so reassuring sign to go along with the new gallons of water. Zoo guests List of Th reatened Species™. to witness all diff erent exhibit was provided by the will be able to enjoy watching “Th is exhibit is the proud departments collaborating on Chattanooga Girls Leadership the Zoo’s capybaras through product of a lot of hard work this project to make sure we Academy as part of a study of two large observation windows by the staff at the Chattanooga built an exhibit that met all animal behaviors in their habitats.

46 www.aza.org | September 2015 Announcements

Thank You For Your Service Tom Ness, Minnesota Zoo Michelle Skurski, Disney’s Nick Newby, Oklahoma Animal Kingdom AZA Would Like to Recognize and Thank the 2014-2015 City Zoo Mike Souza, San Diego Zoo Instructors for Their Service and Course Host Facilities for Scott Newland, Sedgwick Bill Street, SeaWorld and Their Support of the Professional Development Program. County Zoo Busch Gardens Steve Olson, Association of Sara Sullivan, Lincoln Park Zoo Instructors Chris Hanley, Saint Louis Zoo Zoos & Aquariums Kevin Torregrosa, Bronx Zoo Bryan Amaral, Disney’s Darryl Heard, University Luis Padilla, Saint Louis Zoo Alan Varsik, Northwest Trek Animal Kingdom of Florida Kaitlyn Perišin, Lincoln Park Zoo Mark Vassallo, Detroit Zoo Hannah Bailey, Houston Zoo Tara Henson, Oklahoma Patty Peters, Columbus Zoo Tony Vecchio, Jacksonville Joe Barkowski, Tulsa Zoo City Zoo and Aquarium Zoo and Gardens Scott Barton, Fresno Robert Hill, Zoo Atlanta Scott Pfaff, Riverbanks Zoo Kris Vehrs, Association of Chaffee Zoo Daryl Hoffman, Houston Zoo and Gardens Zoos & Aquariums Karen Bauman, Saint Louis Zoo Emily Insalaco, Denver Zoo Doug Piekarz, Akron Zoo Kent Vliet, University David Becker, Chicago Jamie Ivy, San Diego Zoo Cindy Pinger, Birmingham Zoo of Florida Zoological Society - Craig Jacobs, Omaha’s Henry Vicky Poole, Fort Worth Zoo Brenda Walkenhorst, Brookfi eld Zoo Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Jennifer Pramuk, Woodland Audubon Zoo Jacque Blessington, Kansas Elliott Jacobson, University Park Zoo Leanne White, Jacksonville Zoo City Zoo of Florida Kevin Pratt, Detroit Zoo Ellen Wiedner, Point Gretchen Bickert Rebecca Johnson, Detroit Zoo Andrea Putnam, Defi ance Zoo & Aquarium Bruce Bohmke, Woodland Sharon Joseph, Houston Zoo San Diego Zoo Kevin Willis, Minnesota Zoo Park Zoo Larry Killmar, Tampa’s Lowry Beth Posta, Toledo Zoo Carman Wirtz, Columbus Marilyn Brink, Chicago Park Zoo Nancy Hotchkiss, National Zoo & Aquarium Zoological Society - Frank Kohn, U.S. Fish & Aquarium Brookfi eld Zoo Wildlife Service Ken Ramirez, Shedd Host Institutions Jen Brueggen, St. Augustine Shareen Knowlton, Roger Aquarium Buffalo Zoo Alligator Farm Zoological Park Williams Park Zoo Jessica Ray, Lincoln Park Zoo Chicago Zoological Society - John Brueggen, St. Jessi Krebs, Omaha’s Henry Emily Routman, Emily Brookfi eld Zoo Augustine Alligator Farm Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Routman Associates Detroit Zoo Zoological Park Greg Lepera, Greg Lepera Mei Len Sanchez-Barr, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Karen Burns, Indianapolis Zoo Photography EcoAdventures Houston Zoo Carrie Chen, Aquarium of Kelvin Limbrick, Lincoln Karin Schwartz, George Oglebay Resort & the Bay Park Zoo Mason University Conference Center Hollie Colahan, Denver Zoo Danni Logue, Jenkinson’s Marcy Seiggreen, Detroit Zoo Phoenix Zoo Josh Courteau, ISIS Aquarium Alice Seyfried, Saint Louis Zoo St. Augustine Alligator Farm Brian Davis, Maritime Sarah Long, Lincoln Park Zoo Wynona Shellabarger, Zoological Park Aquarium at Norwalk Colleen Lynch, Riverbanks Detroit Zoo Lisa Faust, Lincoln Park Zoo Zoo and Gardens SAVE THE DATE Steve Featherstone, Little Steve Marshall, El Paso Zoo Ray’s Reptile Zoo and Katelyn Marti, Lincoln Park Zoo AZA 2016 MID YEAR MEETING Nature Centre Steve Martin, Natural Donna Fernandes, Buffalo Zoo Encounters, Inc. March 19-24 Omaha, Nebraska Gina Ferri, Disney’s Mike McClure, The Animal Kingdom Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Chad Fifer, Nashville Zoo Lynn McDuffi e, Disney’s Chris Gentile, Western North Animal Kingdom Carolina Nature Center Patty McGill, Dallas Zoo Shane Good, Akron Zoo David McGuire, Saint Louis Zoo Rebecca Greenberg, Adrienne Miller, ISIS Association of Zoos & Don Moore, Smithsonian’s Aquariums National Zoo www.aza.org/midyearmeeting John Groves, North Rebecca Nellis, Columbus Carolina Zoo Zoo & Aquarium Sara Hallager, Smithsonian’s Dawn Neptune, Utah’s National Zoo Hogle Zoo

September 2015 | www.aza.org 47 Phoenix Zoo Administration Office

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48 www.aza.org | September 2015 Announcements

SEPTEMBER 2015 editions, or derivative 28 September – 4 October: works in any Zoological Registrars Association mmedia or format, Annual Conference Woodland Park Zoo wwhether now or Seattle, Wash. hehereaft er known, http://zooregistrars.org/conference.php inincluding without lilimitationm other OCTOBER 2015 kkindsind of print media 7-11: From Good Care to Great anandd electronic Welfare Workshop Detroit Zoo memedia.di Royal Oak, Mich. BBy entering E-mail: [email protected] the contestco you 11-16: 9th Annual Orangutan aalsolso represent,re SSP Workshop aacknowledgecknow and Sedgwick County Zoo warranwarrantt that (i) the Wichita, Kan. susubmittedbmitte photograph www.scz.org/ is an ororiginalig work visitor_tickets-conferences.php createcreatedd sosolely by you, and 12-16: 2015 Zoos and Aquariums yyouou are ththe sole owner Committing to Conservation 9”x12” in size (jpgs preferred). of all right, title, and interest Denver Zoo 2015 AZA Photo Denver, Colo. Both electronic and hard in and to your photograph, www.zaccconference.com/ Contest copy images will be accepted— including the copyright; (ii) Photos must be taken in 2015 though electronic images are AZA’s publication of your 25-30: Managing Animal Enrichment & Training Programs or the last three months of preferred. All submissions photograph as authorized Houston Zoo 2014 by staff or volunteers at become the property of AZA herein will not violate or Houston, Texas an AZA-accredited institution. and will not be acknowledged infringe any right, title, or www.aza.org/maetp.aspx Connect staff will judge the or returned. Send electronic interest of any person or NOVEMBER 2015 photos, and the winner will images to Tim Lewthwaite at entity; (iii) AZA’s publication appear on the December 2015 [email protected] with of your photograph will not 4-5: Fruit Bat cover. Other exceptional photos “Photo Contest” in the subject violate any right of privacy or Husbandry Course Lubee Bat Conservancy will be highlighted inside the line. Hard copies may be mailed publicity nor create any other Gainesville, Fla. magazine. Th e photos may also to: liability in tort and that you http://lubee.org/events/ appear on AZA’s website and/or 2015 Photo Contest have obtained a valid model husbandrycourse/ other promotional materials. Tim Lewthwaite release from any identifi able, 6-8: 2015 Southeast Regional AZA Publications Manager individual person who is the Gorilla Workshop Format for Submission: 8403 Colesville Road, subject of the photograph; (iv) Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay Submissions should include the Suite 710 you are not a party to and your Tampa Bay, Fla. name of the photographer, the Silver Spring, MD photograph is not subject to [email protected] AZA institution, the species, 20910-3314. any contract or arrangement 16-21: AZA Professional the date of the picture and the that would confl ict with your Development - Creating equipment used. Only one License: permission herein; and (v) you Successful Exhibits Crowne Plaza Clayton photo entry will be accepted per By entering the contest, agree to indemnify and hold St. Louis, Mo. photographer, so send in your you grant to AZA, and its harmless AZA against any www.aza.org/CSE.aspx best image. Pictures can include successors and assigns, the damages, losses, or expenses 16-21: AZA Professional animals, people and zoo or non-exclusive, worldwide, occurring as a result of any Development - Population aquarium scenes—if you think it perpetual right and license claimed breach of warranty. Management I will make a good cover, send it in. to use, display, reproduce, Crowne Plaza Clayton publish, transmit, and Release Form: St. Louis, Mo. Deadline: distribute your photograph To be considered for www.aza.org/PMI.aspx Th e deadline for entries is 15 on AZA’s website, in our publication in Connect, all 16-21: AZA Professional September 2015. magazine, and/or in any other contest photos that include Development - Principles of promotional materials. Your people must be accompanied Program Animal Management Crowne Plaza Clayton Format: grant and license shall also by AZA’s Model Release Form St. Louis, Mo. JPG, TIFF or EPS; 300+ dpi and apply to any reprints, revised signed by each person depicted. www.aza.org/ppam.aspx

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