We remember… 10% of what we read 20% of what we hear

30% of what we see

50% of what we see and hear

70% of what we discuss with others

80% of what we experience personally

95% of what we teach 2 potter park docent manual 2017 Zoo map Docent resources...... Welcome...... Survival Plan laws...... Teaching techniques ...... PPZ’s ...... In caseof emergency...... PPZ through theyears...... Tours: Sensational Zoo Tours: Nocturnal Behaviors...... Tours: Meet your Neighbor...... Tours: Last Ark...... Tours: Habitats...... Tours: Fur, Feathers, ScalesandSlime...... Tours: Exhibit Design...... Tours: Careers at theZoo ...... Tours: AnimalsinWinter...... Tours: Animaladaptations...... Special event animalhandling...... handling andoutreaches...... Prey/predator relationships...... Ecology...... Brownie badge workshop: Pets...... Girl Scouts tour: Pets Badge...... Girl Scouts tours: AnimalHabitats...... Big Zoo Lesson: Rhino Encounter...... Tours: What’s for Lunch...... TABLE OF CONTENTS ...... ® ...... 43 45 39 33 63 53 65 23 47 25 79 79 37 57 75 67 81 19 61 13 31 15 51 21 71 11 9 5 7 3 4 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 • Donate aminimumof50hourseachyear • These hoursare forspecificallydesignated activitiesthat Continuing education hours • In thecaseofencountersoroutreaches, allofthetime • Anyactivitywhere educational adocentisimparting Education hours HOURS CLARIFICATION • Successfully continuingeducation complete allmandatory • Stay current onprogram animals,or contentchanges,new • Correctly andconsistentlyfollow allanimalhandling To remain ingoodstanding,docentsmust: equipment/cagesweighing upto20lbs.for • Be abletocarry • Be abletostandforonehourmore whiledoing • Be abletowalkconducttoursup1.5hours • Be abletocommunicateeffectively todiverse groups per • Committodonateaminimumof50hoursservice • Successfully completedocenttrainingcourse • Pass abackground check • Be atleast18years ofage Potter Park Zoo docentsmust: DOCENT REQUIREMENTS on industry bestpracticesandtheneedsofPotteron industry Park Zoo. aware thatthisinformationmaybesubjecttochangebased program’s requirements, expectations,and protocols. Please be PROGRAM! Below you willfindinformation regarding the WELCOME TO THEPOTTER PARK ZOO DOCENT of mandatory hours may vary from year toyear. hoursmay vary of mandatory minimum continuing educationrequirement, the number among others.Please notethatwhile there isnoset refresher course,quizzes, andonlinelearningmodules, andmayincludetheanimal handling are mandatory increase docents’ knowledge orskills.Often theseactivities hours. presentation time,andcagecleanupcountaseducation spent loadinganimals,gettingtoandfrom thelocation, encounters, andinterpreting enrichment. include: tours,outreaches, learningstations,animal information tothepublicorotherdocents.Examples including butnotlimitedto: changes inprotocols protocols distances short presentations year foraminimumoftwoyears » “Other” hoursare encouragedbutwillnotcounttowards » At least50hoursof“Education” » Online learningmodules » Quizzes » Animalhandlingrefresher course the 50hourminimumcommitment • Optional continuingeducationhoursare encouragedand • Waivers are forhoursonly. Allotherrequirements, including • Docents withlessthantwoyears experiencewhoare granted • Acceptable justificationsforawaiver request includebutare • Waiver requests mustbesubmittedinwriting(emailis request anhourswaiver. hours inforagiven year butstillwishtoremain docents can Docents whodonotfeeltheywillbeabletogettheirrequired WAIVERS • These hoursrefer toanytimegiven tothezoo thatdoesnot Other (non-education) hours • Shorts maybewornaslongthey are thanthree noshorter • Jeans are acceptableaslongthey are cleanand free of • Shirts shouldnotbelow cutorbare themidriff. Logo • Closedtoeshoesmustbewornatalltimes attire isasfollows: givenby specificdirectionszoo staff. otherwise Appropriate timeadocentisrepresentingare towornevery thezoo, unless nametags wornover appropriate attire. The vest andnametags The docentuniformconsistsofthebluevest and General guidelines times whilerepresenting thezoo. Docents shouldpresent aneat,well groomed appearanceatall CODEDRESS attending relevant lectures orprograms inthecommunity. modules beyond theassignedones,raptororientation,or docent class,study/discussionsessions,additionallearning should berecorded. These canincludesittinginonthenew docent toremain ingoodstanding. continuing education,mustbesatisfiedinorder fora order tobereinstated. ofthedocentclassin education suchasattendingportions a waiver mayberequired toundergoadditionalcontinuing deployment, child. ornew military transfer, increase injobdutiesortemporary one, temporary not limitedtomedicalconditions,caringforanailingloved curator andwillbeconsidered onacaseby casebasis. acceptable) totheeducationcuratororassistant volunteer associationmeetings,millagecampaignactivities such asanimalhandling),gardening, attendingdocent/ event activity(except thosethatcanbeconsidered education watches,anyspecial Examples includeafterhoursbirth/cub thezoo isconsideredactivity thatsupports as“other” hours. qualify aseducationorcontinuinghours.Any inches above theknee holes or“strategic” tears,andfit well (nodroopy drawers!) (exceptt-shirts Potter Park Zoo) are discouraged WELCOME! 5 6 WELCOME!

Nametags DOCENT/VOLUNTEER SPECIFIC RULES The nametag should be placed on the left side of the vest • No unauthorized access to off exhibit areas, or granting above the logo and the docent patch placed on the right access to unauthorized persons. side. AZADV patches and pins should also be placed on the • Foul language, obscene gestures, horse play, etc will not be right. Longevity or milestone pins should be placed near the tolerated nametag. Only PPZ or AZADV pins should be worn. • No excessive/inappropriate cell phone use • Photo IDs will be issued to all docents and shall be worn on • Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol is cause for a lanyard. They should be displayed at all times except when immediate dismissal. handling animals. • Suggestions, comments, concerns or complaints should be brought to the attention of the assistant education curator Additional guidelines when handling animals • Avoid strong smelling lotions, potions, cologne, etc as the INFRACTIONS scent may stress the animals. Infractions of rules or protocols are subject to disciplinary • Avoid wearing insect repellant as the scent and chemicals action, determined on a case by case basis. Disciplinary action may cause stress or be injurious to the animals may include: • Be sure to wash hands (and arms if necessary) thoroughly • Verbal warning prior to handling animals to remove any residue • Written warning • Avoid the following to reduce the risk of animal • One-on-one retraining entanglement: • Retake the docent class » Loose fitting clothing • Probation » Loosely woven clothing • Dismissal » Jewelry such as long necklaces, bracelets, watches, Docents are encouraged to report suspected infractions or large rings anonymously or in person to the assistant education curator » Long hair should be pulled back or education curator. » Lanyards should be tucked inside docent vest when handling animals BENEFITS Volunteering as a docent at Potter Park Zoo comes with many CODE OF CONDUCT tangible and intangible benefits for docents in good standing. Docents will conduct themselves in a professional and Tangible benefits include: respectful manner at all times to all stakeholders. This • Discount in the zoo gift shop, concession stand, and includes: restaurant • General zoo visitors » Docents may get a discount at the concession stand • School children, parents, and chaperones or restaurant before or after their scheduled shift or • All zoo staff program. Docents will need to present their photo ID or • Fellow docents and volunteers be in uniform. • Zoo animals and artifacts • Discounts to select special events • Potter Park Zoo family membership after one year of service In addition, docents will follow all rules of the zoo including • Invitation to annual docent/volunteer dinner after first year but not limited to: • Access to Global Academy’s Potter Park Zoo • Smoking is prohibited on zoo grounds. Volunteer Connection • Alcohol is prohibited on zoo grounds • Eligibility to join Potter Park Zoo Docent and Volunteer • Respect exhibit barriers, fences, etc. Association (PPZDVA) and Association of Zoo and • No pets (except service animals) allowed on zoo grounds Aquarium Docents and Volunteers (AZADV) • Do not drive on the pedestrian walkway from the parking lot to the main entrance. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 zoo projects andhave socialgatherings. the fourth Wednesday at7p.m. They alsohold fundraisersfor They have monthly informationalmeetings,generallyheldon This isagroup created by thedocentsandvolunteers. andrun VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION POTTER PARK ZOO DOCENT/ volunteers. accept your request asthisisaclosedgroup fordocentsand and request tojointhegroup. Anadministratorwillneedto docents inthisgroup. Search for“Potter Park Zoo Docents” A lotofinteresting andpostsare articles shared between the PPZ DOCENTS FACEBOOK GROUP PARK ZOO VOLUNTEER CONNECTION SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL ACADEMY/POTTER selected animaldatasheets. schedule, specialevent sign-upsheets,program write-ups,and Docent/Volunteer Associationmeetingminutes,theprogram site, www.potterparkzoo.org/falcon-nest, containsPPZ bookmark thesitetoeasilygetitlater. The “Falcon Nest” nest intothebrowser. It isrecommended thatdocents directly enteringtheURLwww.potterparkzoo.org/falcon- site fordocentsandvolunteers. It canonlybeaccessedby other zoo endeavors. There isa“hidden” sitewithinthezoo events, educationprograms, membership, ADOPTS, and informationregardingcontains blogposts,news, special The Potter Park Zoo website, www.potterparkzoo.org , ZOO WEBSITE yearly. volunteers inthedocent/volunteer association.Updated Contains contactinformationforalldocentsandthose MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK all exhibitandprogram animals. information, program specificwrite-ups,anddatasheetsfor background Contains generalecology/conservation DOCENT MANUAL for accessingthesite. power pointlectures, andmore. See theseparateinstructions resources sectionwithcopiesofprogram writeups,recorded them, andmostare free ofcharge. There willalsobea Docents are alsoabletotakeanyothercoursethatinterests and completeassignedonlinecontinuingeducationcourses. profiles, connectwithotherdocents,joininterest groups, learning, andaresource bank.Docents willbeabletocreate This specialsitecombinesaspectsofasocialsite,online

Education curator STAFF DOCENTS ANDVOLUNTEERS (AZADV) ASSOCIATION OFZOO ANDAQUARIUM Dispatch 517.244.8002 Public safety educationcurator Assistant lounge oronlineattheAZADV website. Applications formembershipcanbefoundinthedocent severala newsletter timesayear andhostannualconferences. institutionsfrom acrossfrom AZA thecountry. They produce A nationalorganizationcomprisedofvolunteers anddocents DOCENT RESOURCES Dennis Laidler Jennifer Horvatin [email protected] office517.342.2714 [email protected] office 517.342.2769 cell 517.230.3970 cell 810.516.5642 cell 517.242.5707

7 8 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 ZOO MAP 9 10 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 • 1974Thezoo railroad begins offering ridesfor25¢each. total costof$4,453. • 1972Money israisedtopurchase Bingo theelephantfora spokes-, dies. • 1971Herman thedonkey, Potter Park Zoo mascotand The resulting group formstheFriends ofthe Zoo Society. call ameetingoflocalresidents tothezoo. tooffersupport State Journal, andhiszoo friendHerman, aMexican burro, • 1969Jim Hough, “Onlooker” columnistfortheLansing the zoo shouldbeclosed. dated exhibitsare inneedofrenovation. Some peoplethink hardships. Animalsbecomeincreasingly expensive andout- • 1960Once again,Potter Park Zoo experiencesfinancial otters. collection withtheadditionoftigers,baboons,kangaroos and the barnyard in1949. The 1950sseesgrowth intheanimal • 1940–1950s isintroduced in1941and The firstaviary $7,500. people annuallyandhasanannualoperationbudgetof • 1939Potter Park Zoo isvisited by more than120,000 zoo managestoobtainfederalfundsbuildMonkey Island. • 1936TheDepression bringstoughtimesforall,butthe large animalhouse,latercalledtheLionHouse. • 1930 The Works Progress Administration (WPA) buildsa collection anditspopularity. this modestbeginning,thezoo grows rapidlyinitsanimal the cityforPotter Park. The totalacreage isnow 102.From • 1927Sophie Turner, anearby resident, donates17acres to noted asthe“official” ofthe zoo. birth first residents ofthenew Potter Park Zoo. The year 1920is some deerare giftedby oneCharlesDavis andbecame the transferred toPotter Park, andabear, apairofraccoons,and • 1920Elk, whichhadbeenlocatedatMoore’s Park, are and additionallandaccessible. the street carlinetoMr. Hope Cemetery, makingthepark development, encouragesthecitytospend$20,000extend • 1918Mr. Potter, concernedwithsoutheasternLansing’s acres, increasing thesize to85acres enthusiastic thatMr. andMrs.Potter deedanadditional27 • 1917Public acceptanceanduseofPotter Park isso during theIndependence Day celebrationin1915. • 1915 The officialdedicationof Potter Park takesplace 58-acre parcel ofproperty, laternamedPotter Park. • 1915J.W. andSarah Potter offertheCityofLansinga POTTER PARK ZOO THOUGHTHEYEARS educational programs and capitalimprovements. The Potter opens forbusiness. Concessionproceeds benefitthe zoo’s • 1993 restaurant/restroomThe new concession building biggest summerhappening. now known simplyasZoo Days, becomesPotter Park Zoo’s Stores sponsorsthefirst Goff Zoo Days atthe zoo. Theevent, Potter Park ponypathreplaces theoldringride.Goff Food project, iscompletedandopenstothepublicinSeptember. • 1992One ofthemillageprojects, thefarmyard renovation toprovidecart toursforlessmobilevisitors. many localzoo friends,thesocietypurchases asix-seatergolf Park Zoo’s consultingveterinarian. With donationsfrom Sikarskie, medicineatMSU,Potter professor ofveterinary Potter Park newsletter, featuringDr. James • 1991“Ask Dr. Jim” becomesaregular columninthe first 5KRhino Walk toraisemoneyfortherhinoexhibit. show; thefirst McDonald’s/Toys R Us Kids Olympics; andthe friends: A&Wrestaurant’s first Crusin’ forthe Zoo classiccar andsponsorshipofspecialevents bysupport very levy forfive years. Thepopularityof Potter Park Zoo brings Eaton countiesoverwhelmingly approve aone-millparks • 1990 The residents ofthecityLansingandIngham and visitors staylonger! Glass eliminatesmuchoftheodorfrom thebuildingso • 1989 The Feline/ Building openstorave reviews. begins ontheoldlionhouseintoFeline/Primate Building. a $100,000donationfrom Harold Gross, renovation work building fundedby theAssociationof Women Builders. With • 1987Spider Monkeys are placedonexhibitinanew Potter Park Zoo. The firstdocentclassgraduates. Zoological Society tocontinuethestandard ofexcellence at • 1986TheFriends oftheZoo becomesthePotter Park cost$1,800each,plustransportation. house ninepairsofSouth Americanpenguinsisheld. The • 1985Groundbreaking forthepenguinexhibitthatwill • 1982Aviary openstothepublicaftersixyears ofplanning. behavior,unruly aparking feeisputintoplace. • 1980In anattempttohaltthetideofvandalism and the year, Tombi theelephantwas purchased for$15,400. at thelossofelephantencompassesarea residents. Laterin • 1979Bingo theelephantswallows arock anddies.Sadness • 1977 Twin lioncubsare born. begin • 1976Plansaviary buildanew for Potter Park Zoo animalsforthenext27years. • 1975Dr. Jim Sikarskie beginsaszoo veterinarian andcares 11 12 POTTER PARK ZOO THOUGH THE YEARS

Park Zoological Society presents the first Wonderland of • 2008 A new exhibit opens and the zoo creates an Lights. Docents and volunteers build, install and maintain the updated version of the master plan, complete with time line lighted animal sculptures and exhibits throughout the zoo. and development strategy. Over 40,000 visit the zoo to enjoy this new holiday tradition. • 2009 Wings From Down Under opens. • 1994 Woods and the Trappers Cabin are officially • 2010 Potter Park Zoo celebrates its 90th anniversary; opens opened after extensive renovation of the old wolf exhibit. a new eagle owl exhibit; breaks ground for the black rhino The Lansing Parks and Recreation millage of 1970 made this exhibit; and the first Wine & Stein event takes place. exhibit possible. • 2011 Black rhino exhibit opens; the Big Zoo Party returns; • 1995 This year celebrates the 75th birthday of the zoo. three Amur tiger cubs are born in September. Cakes are lined up together on long tables to make one huge cake for visitors. A new master plan is developed, including a • 2012 Gerry Brady, long-time zoo director, retires; Sherrie new entrance plaza. Graham, PPZ Society executive director, becomes interim director as the zoo moves to a public/private partnership • 1996 A fundraiser is launched for the Discovery Center. (position is later made permanent); PPZ successfully The first annual Golf Safari is created to raise money for the undergoes re-accreditation (again) by the AZA; the Big center. Zoo Lesson is awarded high honors at the AZA national • 1997 Potter Park Zoo partners with Impression 5 Science conference. Museum to bring the dinosaur display to the . • 2013 Planning is underway for the proposed and • 1998 First attempt to seek regionalization funding for bison exhibits; the coral reef exhibit closes after 8.5 years and the zoo. Admission prices are $2.50 for adults and $1 for the space is reclaimed as a classroom for the high school zoo children. and aquarium sciences class; for the first time, a male river otter is born at PPZ. Cindy Wagner is announced as general • 1999 Admission prices are raised to $5 for adult non- curator. residents and $3 for adult residents, with children remaining at $1. • 2014 Two of the tiger cubs born in 2011 are sent to another zoo and their mother goes to John Ball Zoo. The • 2000 The new entry plaza, including the Discovery Center, father and one cub remain at PPZ; two new arrive; is opened! work gets underway on the raven exhibit; plans are made to • 2001 Toys for Tots is on board for the first time at refurbish the spider exhibit to make it suitable for red Wonderland of Lights. A new vet clinic opens with a $50,000 pandas; Dr. Tara Harrison leaves the zoo for another position, donation from the Rotary Club of Lansing. and Dr. Sally Nofs is appointed in her place. • 2002 West Nile Virus claims the zoo’s snowy owls. • 2015 Construction begins on the moose exhibit. Beloved black rhino, Jello, passes away due to complications from • 2003 Ivan, the zoo’s mascot tiger and the oldest living his medical condition. Zookambi summer camp experiences Siberian/Amur in North America, succumbs to old age at age record attendance. The King vulture gets a new exhibit 20 years. courtesy of an Eagle Scout project. • 2004 The first Big Zoo Party is held. • 2016 The beautiful over-three-acre moose exhibit opens. • 2005 Ground is broken on the new river otter and arctic The newly remodeled spider monkey exhibit becomes home exhibit. The corals, conservation and clownfish exhibit to our red pandas and two cubs are born in the summer. opens, housed in the Discovery Center Work begins to create a nature play space in the Backyard Gardens. Sherrie Graham steps down as director. Cindy • 2006 The the new river otter and exhibit opens Wagner is appointed interim and then permanent director to rave reviews from several experts that we have the best of the zoo and Amy Morris is appointed zoo society director. otter exhibit in North America and that keepers at other The county millage passes by a record margin. would love to have our facility. • 2007 In July, Ingham County takes the reins as the managing and supporting entity of the zoo. The zoo also receives re-accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is mandatory for the zoo to house and/or breed . potter park zoo docent manual 2017 entrance; theFeline/Primate buildinghasan interiorhallway. The / buildinghasabasement withanoutside visitors nearyou totheinteriors ofabuildingandbasements. emergency siren oranoticeover PA allofthe system.Escort In theevent ofsevere weather, there willeitherbean EMERGENCY WEATHER so thatemergencypersonnelcan getthrough quickly. area. You mayneed to calmlydirect visitors awayfrom thefire zoo publicsafetyat517.230.3790andstayawayfrom thefire to remain calm,notifyastaffmemberimmediatelyorcall In theevent ofafire on zoo grounds, volunteers are expected FIRE tothechild. escorted shows up. Welcome Centerwillwaitwiththechilduntil theirguardian possible) tocomethe Welcome Center. Someone inthe system, directing theguardian (usingtheadult’s nameif safety arrives. Anannouncementwillbemadeover thePA a guardian isn’t located,remain withthechilduntilpublic look around theimmediatearea where theyare standing.If If you noticealostchild,calmthemifpossibleandhave them LOST CHILD Center. (i.e., twistedankle)needtobereported tothe Welcome Smaller injuriesthat mayrequire medicaltreatment further the visitormayusesuppliesthemselves. Welcome Center. We never applybandagesorfirstaidbut the labeledlower cabinetinthedocentlounge,and bandage. We in have smallfirst-aidkitsonourgolfcart, Sometimes apersonhasminorinjuriesandwouldlike trained andhave aradiowiththematalltimes. If you seeazoo keeperyou canaskthemforhelpastheyare zoo gototherestaurant andaskanemployee tocallforhelp. the employee tophoneforhelp. If you are inthebackof go immediatelytoadmissionsorthezoovenir shopandask don’t have acellphoneandyou are nearthefront ofthezoo, cell phone,callzoo publicsafetyat517.230.3790.If you employees are trainedinemergencyfirstaid. If you have your Contact astaffmember. Allcounty, zoo andzoo society INJURY situation to apositive conclusion. work together to professionally bring the but withknowledge andpreparation, we can Emergency situations can’t bepredicted When parents are found,theywillbedirected/ IN CASE OFEMERGENCY Zoo staffwill letyou know when itissafetoleave the building. remain inside. but explainthe dangerinvolved andsuggest firmly thatthey We cannotlegally prevent avisitorfrom exitingabuilding, emergency isover. toprevent visitorsfromor try exiting abuildinguntilthe door toreassure visitors, allow otherstocomeintoabuilding Once you visitorsinsideabuilding, stayatthe have escorted building orgooutsidethezoo. occurring; simplytellthevisitorswe needthemtomove insidea themfrom thezoo.or escorting Do notspeculateonwhatis Calmly assistanimalstaffinmoving visitorsintobuildings 3. Safety oftheanimal 2. Your own personalsafetyandthatoftherest of thestaff 1. Safety ofthezoo visitor Remember thethree priorities: ANIMAL ESCAPES has improved. be anannouncementover thePA systemwhentheweather In theEducation building,gointotheclassrooms. There will basement underthekeeper’s loungewithanoutsideentrance. Do notgointotheanimalholdingareas! There isa • Reassure thepublic • Remain calm following manner: volunteers are expected tointhe act In theevent anemergency occurs onsite, exact location. for theambulancetoenterzoo andleadthemtothe person shallgototheappropriate gateandopenthe the appropriate gateforentranceintothezoo. Also,astaff attendants shouldbeprepared todirect theambulanceto If norangerorotherzoo staffare available, parking booth will call911. forms. Dispatchinformation ontheappropriate injury Provide appropriate firstaidanddocumentincident radio alongwithwhichgatetheambulanceshouldenter. If anambulanceisneeded,maketherequest over the incident. regarding locations,medicalattentionneededandtypeof a “CodeBlue” over theradioandprovide information for anemployee, visitor, docentorvolunteer. Announce “Code Blue” isusedwhenmedicalattentionneeded COUNTY PROCEDURE:INJURY 13 14 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

COUNTY PROCEDURE: ANIMAL ESCAPES COUNTY PROCEDURE: ANIMAL DEATH “Code Green” is used in the event of an animal escape. “Code Red” will be used only when an animal in the zoo Follow these procedures: has died. Issue a “broadcast” message: “Code Red” at the ______exhibit. Do not use the radio unless absolutely necessary, you are called or the situation has been resolved. Do not say anything about a dead animal over the radio! Zookeepers will respond and deal with the issue. Admission booth staff Seasonal staff may be requested to assist in closing off the Close all the entrance gates at the admissions booths and area and/or moving the animal as necessary as determined secure the turn stile with the chain and lock provided in by the zookeepers. the admission booth. Staff will direct visitors, docents, volunteers, and worker that are inside the zoo, to go to the You may be asked to direct visitors away from this area. gift shop, Discovery Building or the Welcome Center. All You need to remain calm and pleasantly ask visitors to zoo visitors that are on the outside of the admissions area leave the area. Do not mention the animal death! You must return to their vehicle until drill or emergency is over. can say something like “the keepers are temporarily closing Admissions employees must stay inside of the admissions this exhibit but you are welcome to see the other exhibits booth until the “all clear” has been issued. nearby.”

Parking booth staff If the emergency is a drill, collect money from the visitors ANIMAL COLLECTION and tell them to go park, and stay in vehicle until an “ all The zoo has over 500 animals in the collection. If you notice clear” has been issued. If the emergency is not a drill then anything unusual about a zoo animal, contact a zoo employee do not allow additional vehicles into the park. Monitor or call public safety. They will contact Dr. Sally Nofs, the radio in case the police or fire department has been veterinarian, or Cindy Wagner, director. They will assume requested. If they respond, direct them to the appropriate responsibility immediately. Do not discuss the animal details gate for entrance into the zoo. Once the “all clear” has been over the radio. issued, you may allow visitors into the park. ISSUES/CONCERNS ABOUT VISITORS Contact area staff Any zoo visitor that exhibits any unusual or threatening Alert all visitors and advise them to get indoors as quickly behavior, uses offense language, disturbs the animals, throws as possible. Suitable locations for the visitors are: inside the items into an exhibit, climbs over public barrier or climbs Feline/Primate building, and hallway of big barn. Contact into an exhibit, portrays vandalism, or shows any disruptive area employees must stay inside big barn with visitors until behavior shall be brought to the attention of your immediate the “all clear” has been issued. supervisor or the park police (Portable 16).

Ranger staff BOMB THREATS Depending upon your locations when the “Code Green” In the event of a bomb threat to Potter Park Zoo, visitors is issued, report to one of the three entrance gates: north will be directed to leave the facility. Do not permit additional gate by railroad tracks, south gate by river, education gate visitors to enter the zoo. Staff shall leave the area indentified behind education center. by the threat. The zoo director shall direct operations and staff will follow directions given. Emergency personnel will be Stay inside of a truck or utility vehicle. Do not allow anyone permitted to enter at specific gate locations. in or out of the gates except for emergency vehicles. Monitor the radio in case the police or fire departments have been requested to respond to the zoo. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 updated 03/17 Saida Ulana Kota AFRICAN Susanna Loko NAME SPECIES; Gumbelina COLUMBIAN BLACK SPIDERMONKEYS Miles RIVER OTTERS Daughter Mom COTTON TOP TAMARINS Cheddar Colby GOLDEN LIONTAMARINS Sambi Joplin RED-RUFFED Miranda Sheila Miss Piggy Lulu RING-TAILED LEMURS Marcel Leon Jasper Sonny Ameliya Sivaki AMUR TIGERS Little Girl Tikanni Kamots Tala GRAY WOLVES Nkeke SEX M M M M M M M M M M M M F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F F Mane Large adult;father to young male Heart shapeinfuronforehead No heartshapeonforehead Much smallerthanadultmale;unrelated to others mistaken for apenis) Larger, somegray onface; pendulousclitoris (often Darker color Darker orange, white ring around baseof tail Larger, somegray onface Crooked tail tail Short Lighter color Buffier color No necklace; “fang” teeth Metal necklace, metal chain;skinny White/pink beads onnecklace Missing thumb Smaller thanClyde; missingof part two legs andtail DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS genitalia undertail Father of female; Larger head/body; visible male Very white spot dark, of furonchest Very larger dark, Smaller tallest rock intheback. Almost always outside. Oftenfound at thetop of the gray Light SOME OFOURANIMALS 02/19/13 09/13/11 BORN 2009 2006 2006 2006 2004 2004 2005 2005 2007 2014 2014 2015 1988 1998 1998 1999 1996 1996 1983 1992 1992 1995 1993 1997 1991 1981 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m., 3p.m.–4 p.m. Fed/enrichment: 45 years 30–40 years30–40 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m., 3p.m.–4 p.m. Fed/enrichment: 21 years 7–16 years Fed/enrichment: 3:30 p.m.–4 p.m. Brother/sister; onefixed. 24 years 19 years years 24–27 after cleaning (noset time) feeding/enrichment other thanbugs Housed withseveral . No visible No visiblefeeding; fed off exhibit Housed withring-tailed lemurs. Fed/enrichment: 3p.m.–3:30 p.m. Housed withred-ruffed lemurs; 25–30 years occur before 10a.m.orat feeding time. Fed 3p.m.–4 p.m. Enrichment may Females are sisters; often alltogether. ENRICHMENT NOTES LIFE SPAN INCAPTIVITY; or at feeding time. Enrichment may occur before 10a.m. outside/inside daily. Fed 3p.m.–4 p.m. Never together; usually alternate 16–20 years 15–20 years 10–12 years occur before 10a.m.orat feeding time. Fed 3p.m.–4 p.m. Enrichment may or enrichment at thistime. All three are siblings. No publicfeeding 15 16 SOME OF OUR ANIMALS

SPECIES; LIFE SPAN IN CAPTIVITY; NAME SEX DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BORN ENRICHMENT NOTES RED PANDAS 18 years Rupert Jr. M Larger; darker face and body 2011 No visible feeding; separated and fed Maliha F Smaller; whiter face and buffier body 2014 inside. Enrichment before zoo opens.

Son M Cubs are leaving in 2017 for another Daughter F Has a lighter face; is more adventurous zoo. BAT-EARED (may not be out below 50° F) 13 years Giza F More of a “” mask; “scrunched-looking” face 2007 No visible feeding; separated and fed Jabari M Mask not as pronounced 2010 inside. Enrichment before zoo opens. (may not be out below 50° F) 17 years F 2004 Difficult to tell apart. Fed 12:30 F 2004 p.m.–1 p.m., 3 p.m.–4 p.m.. Enrichment generally in morning before public M 2004 arrives. BANDED MONGOOSES (may not be out below 50° F) 12 years M 2009 M 2009 F 2010 Difficult to tell apart. Fed 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m., 3 p.m.–4 p.m.. F 2010 Enrichment generally in morning before F 2010 public arrives. F 2010 M 2010 MOOSE (not out in hot weather) 15–20 years Willow F No antlers 2013 From Alaska. Kept in separate pens Meeko M Antlers 2014 during male rut. Fed at 9 a.m. BACTRIAN CAMELS 20–30 years McKenzie F Longer face, more defined ridge on snout 1998 Food out by 10 a.m. Ernest M 2010 15–29 years Christina F White face, brown on back 1991 Zorro M Black 1996 Fed 3x a day (9 a.m., 12:30/1 p.m., Anastasia (Annie) F Smaller; mostly white, brown on face; funny teeth 1999 3 p.m.–4 p.m.) Enrichment 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Elvira (Ellie) F Smaller; black/brown 1999 (Pygmy goats) 22 years Dottie F Black/white, white back, big black dot on left side 2012 Flynn M Mostly black, black legs, two wattles at throat area 2012 Mostly black, more white than Flynn, white stripe Clyde M 2012 across shoulder area Fed 3x a day (9 a.m., 12:30/1 p.m., Chester M Mostly white, black stripe down back 2012 3 p.m.–4 p.m.) Enrichment 1 p.m.–2 p.m. Julian M Mostly white, no black stripe down back, tan socks 2012 in winter months only. GOATS (Kinder goats) Walter M Much larger than pygmies; mostly black 2012 Julian M Much larger than pygmies; tan with white splotches 2012 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 Bella Bock BONGOS (may not beoutbelow 40° F) NAME SPECIES; Penny Brown Right White Right Orange Right Black Right Yellow Right Green Right Yellow Left Blue Left Green Left White Left MAGELLANIC PENGUINS (may not beout below 32° F) Stella Esther GROUND HORNBILLS(may not beoutbelow 40° F) Rocky Lily RAVENS Hal Leuca Missing wing tip BALD EAGLES Doppsee BLACK RHINOS (not outincold, weather) slippery SEX M M M M M M M M M M F F F F F F F F F F F Penny’s father Bigger, darker, missing someof right horn; Has both horns Yearling (not Bella’s daughter) White onright tag flipper Orange onright tag flipper onrightBlack tag flipper Yellow on right tag flipper Green onright tag flipper Larger Flighted; usually onhigher perches from Missing most of onewing,usually lower to ground; Yellow on left flipper tag onleft flipper Blue tag Green onleft flipper tag White onleft flipper tag Band onright leg Band onleft leg Smaller Missing tiponright wing; from Alaska Father lived 26 years DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS SOME OFOURANIMALS BORN 2008 2009 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2003 2007 2007 2010 2010 2014 2013 2015 2012 1998 1998 1999 1986 Fed 9:30 a.m.–10 a.m. season; housedwithhornbills. from maleexcept during breeding Females are housedseparately 18-20 years 12-14 years feeding; fed off exhibit. Housed withbongos. No visible Up to 70 years No set timefor feeding/enrichment Up to 40 years 20–40 years years 40 before let out. Fed at 10a.m.Enrichment inyard Hand-fed p.m. a.m.and3:45 at 9:45 No set timefor feeding/enrichment ENRICHMENT NOTES LIFE SPAN INCAPTIVITY; 17 18 WHY USE ANIMALS IN EDUCATION?

Humans have an innate affinity for animals/nature and over NATURE DEFICIT DISPORDER 90 percent of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums incorporate People today are not as exposed to nature live animals in their education programming. • Nature deficit disorder refers to a hypothesis by Richard Louv in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods. Louv claims BIOPHILIA that causes for the phenomenon include parental fears, In his 1984 book, Biophilia, Edward O. Wilson defined restricted access to natural areas, and the lure of the screen biophilia as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”. • Children have limited respect for their immediate natural 1. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive surroundings. bond between human beings and other living systems. • Attention disorders and depression may develop. 2. Even small amounts of greenery in urban settings make a • Studies of students in California and nationwide show that difference schools that use outdoor classrooms and other forms of experiential education produce significant student gains in HUMAN/ANIMAL BOND social studies, science, language arts, and math 1. American Veterinary Medical Association: “The human/ animal bond is a mutually beneficial and dynamic THE ROLE OF ZOOS relationship between people and animals that is influenced 1. Urbanization of our population in the last two generations by behaviors that are essential to the health and well-being 2. Average 12–18 year olds spend nearly eight hours/day of both. This includes, but is not limited to, emotional, interacting with electronic devices psychological, and physical interactions of people, animals, 3. Nature Deficit Disorder and the environment.” 4. Sedentary (childhood obesity, Vitamin D deficiency, etc.)

2. Center for the Human/Animal Bond, Purdue University: • Human-animal interaction has profound physiological consequences. • People, in the contact with animals experience a decrease in blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and a general feeling of well-being. • By observing the behavior of animals, children learn to be more nurturing and perhaps better parents to their own children. • The therapeutic value of animals for socially isolated individuals in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and prisons has been documented. • People in the presence of animals are often perceived to be more happy and healthy. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 B. How toavoid it A. What itis VI. Ecophobia F. What ifIdon’t know the answer? E. Parents/students whowanttoanswer allthequestions D. Provide informationteacherwants:ask!(timelimits) C. Inattentive parents/teachers B. Encouraging/managing questions B. Rowdy kids/inappropriate behavior A. Carrot-and-stick, butbepositive V. Problems: prevention andresolution D. Prior knowledge C. How theirdaywent B. Social/cultural aspects A. Novelty effect IV. Constraints/thingstobeaware of C. Multiple repetition B. Providing acontextforyour audience A. Need tobecognizantoflearningstyles III. Learning styleshandout C. Having aconversation, notalecture B. Auditory A. Visual II. Teaching iscommunication B. “Exploration rooms” A. Must befun I. Introduction: “How we learn” handout 2. Discuss solutions 1. Success stories 1. Prevention 4. Vet,doctor 3. Snow leopard/Nepal 2. Distances 1. Weights 3. Askquestions 2. Listentothem 1. Talk withthem 2. Ambientnoise 1. Voice (tone,inflection, volume, word choice) 2. Awareness ofwhattheaudienceisseeing 1. Bodylanguage(eye contact) b. Setting thestage a. Rightsandresponsibilities sentpriortovisit ii. Explain why i. Addressing the group leader TEACHING TECHNIQUES ______Notes______19 20 MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES & LEARNING STYLES

Think about your students and their intelligences. Can you PLAYS WITH MOVING find categories for each student with the descriptions below? A person in motion; touching while talking, and using the body to express ideas. This person is a dancer, plays sports, PLAYS WITH WORDS and participates in producing a variety of crafts. Learning We start with the person who loves to play with language; to here has to have a kinetic component; interacting with tell stories and read and write. This learner is pretty good at space in some way so as to process, and remember, the new remembering names, places, dates, and similar. If you give this information through the body. person an opportunity to hear, see and say words associated with the desired outcome, the will, readily, learn practically PLAYS WITH SOCIALIZING anything of interest to them. The joiner; always with a group of people and talking with friends. Leading others is an obvious skill, along PLAYS WITH QUESTIONS with organizing, mediating, communicating and generally Here is a learner who likes to figure things out by asking understanding people and how to work well with questions, exploring, and doing some experimenting. This them. Impart new information to this person by giving person is, usually, good at math, and logic/problem solving. opportunities to compare and contrast, interview other with This person learns best when you’ve provided opportunities and about information, sharing ideas, and cooperating to to classify, categorize, and work with abstractions and their accomplish any given task. relationship to one another. PLAYS ALONE PLAYS WITH PICTURES This person really does better alone; pursuing self-defined This person is one who enjoys drawing, designing, and interests. Excels at “knowing” herself, follows instincts with looking at pictures, slides, videos, and films. This person is confidence and is an original. New information is absorbed especially proficient at imagining, sensing changes, doing best when the projects are individual, self-paced, and puzzles, and reading charts and maps. Information is best singularly oriented. absorbed by visualizing, using the “mind’s eye,” manipulating (working in some way) with pictures and colors.

PLAYS WITH MUSIC A hummer of tunes, a singer of songs; probably plays an instrument, and is always listening to music. This person excels at remembering melody, noticing the rhythms of life, and keeps perfect time. Therefore, this learner gets new information via melodies, musical notation, or rhythm as a critical aspect of the delivery system.

Excerpts from Elaine Winters and Howard Gardner, 1996 www.bcna.com/ewinters/styles.html potter park zoo docent manual 2017 from them. ofwildlifeorproducts made sthe interstatetransportation multiple amendments andadditionseven today. Banned Lacey Act: Passed in1900,majorreauthorization in1981, Evolution ofU.S.wildlifelaws: NATIONAL WILDLIFELAWS under astateorfederalendangered speciesprogram. hunted orfished,unlesstheygetsoscarce thattheyare listed strictly dedicatedtothe99.9percent ofspeciesthatare not as well. However, there are nosignificantamountsoffunding management. oftenhelpmanynongamespecies These efforts major sources offundingforresearch, habitatwork and fees, wildlifeandfishspeciesthatare gameanimalshave Pittman-Robertson andDingell- Johnson actsandother Game vsnongame: Through hunting/fishinglicensefees, oftheirrange. not inotherparts found here, butalsoincludesspeciesthatmayberare here but after federalact,itcovers speciesthatare federallylisted and Michigan’s Endangered Species Act: Passed in1974.Modeled federal laws,butlawsalwayssupersedestatelaws. Natural Resources. State lawscanbemore restrictive than They are administered by theMichigan of Department STATE WILDLIFELAWS: becoming anationalpark, foundedtheSierra Club. Responsiblevision wasoneofpreservation: for Yosemite John Muir: hisprimary Anotherpassionateconservationist, pragmatic approach toconservation. to solve allothers.”)He wasaleaderforthosewhohad problem. Unless we solve thatproblem itwillavail uslittle ofnaturalresources conservation isthefundamental “The impactful(quotefromas president, 1907speech: hewasvery Teddy Roosevelt: Due tohispassion,socialstature androle CONSERVATION MOVEMENT • Causes:Unregulated or“market” hunting(bounties)and pigeons andbisonare thetwomostglaringexampless which ledtodebunkingof“unlimited abundance”: passenger unabated, leadingtothedisappearanceofseveral species, Overexploitation ofthosenaturalresources continued • “Unlimited abundance” inregards tonaturalresources, European settlerattitudesinNorth America • Feudal system:ifyou owned theland,you owned the European wildlifelawsfrom 1600–1800s BRIEF HISTORY predators suchaswolves, coyotes, cougars,etc. habitat loss(clearingofforests, plowing ofprairies),for especially wildlife,fisheries,timber, andland wildlife ontheland. threatened andendangered. especially parrots andfinches,manyof which were becoming in response toanextremely birds, largetradein imported Wild Bird Act: Conservation Passed in1992. This waspassed more specificprotections forthesespecies exempted from theEndangered Species Act andgave some protection forsomemarinemammalsthatmayhave been Marine Protection Act: Passed in1972.Provides strong politicalpressure toweaken oreliminateit. yearsneeds tobereauthorized few andeachtimefaces every , Americanalligators,andperegrine falcons. This act Some ofthe“poster child” speciesare baldeagles,grizzly implementation andmonitoringofspeciesrecovery plans. endangered andprovides fundstohelpwiththedevelopment, protect speciesofplantsandanimalsthatare threatened or Endangered Species Act: Passed in1972.Created lawsto year. inspectionseach couple ofunannouncedUSDAveterinary allowed this tooccurformammalspecies.Our zoo getsa involve thepublicorresearch. Funding tothispointhasonly to thewelfare ofanimalsthatare involved withactivitiesthat inspection andenforcement ofthosestandards whichpertain USDA, thisactsetsstandards andprovides forthecreation, Animal Welfare Act: Passed in1970.Administered by the and fishhatcheries(over $5billionraisedtodate). for fisheries research, habitatprotection, publicaccess sites equipment, somewatercraft andrelated items.Funds are used Act): Passed in1950.Afederalexcise taxonallfishing Federal AidinSport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson raised todate). (state gameareas likeRose Lake)andprotection (over $3billion used forhuntersafety, wildliferesearch, habitatprocurement equipmentsoldinU.S.Fundsammunition andarchery are Act): Passed in1937.Afederalexcise taxonallfirearms, Federal Aidin Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson many wildliferefuges (closeto$1billionraiseddate) habitat procurement andprotection helpedfundpurchase of waterfowl intheUnited States. Funds goforresearch and stampisrequired1934. Amandatory foranyone hunting BirdMigratory Hunting Stamp (“Duck Stamp”): Passed in products madefrom them. Banned thepossessionoflive/dead birds, feathers,eggsor Mexico, years andafew later, Japan andRussia were added. BirdMigratory Treaty: 1918treaty between U.S.,Canada, WILDLIFE LAWS 21 22 WILDLIFE LAWS

INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE LAWS and endangered species. In 2014, rhino horn was selling Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species for $60,000/kilogram ($1,700/ounce), which is double the of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Drawn up in 1973. This current price of cocaine and triple the price of gold. The same is basically an international version of the Lacey Act. For the criminal organizations involved in illegal arms, drugs and 170+ nations that have signed this treaty, the importation of human trafficking are becoming more and more involves. The listed plant/animal species and/or products containing them wildlife trade has high profits, low risk of getting caught and is prohibited. It is coordinated by the International Union low penalties when convicted. Some estimates (annual) for for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is very effective illegal trade in living natural resources, as of 2014: in some of the countries that have signed on, but there are • Wildlife trade: $18–$20 billion, many countries which do not have the laws, resources and/or • Fisheries: $12–$20 billion, commitment to effectively curtail illegal trade. • Timber: $7–$10 billion.

ILLEGAL TRADE IN WILDLIFE Massive conservation and enforcement efforts, along with NOW A GLOBAL EPIDEMIC strong international cooperation are being employed, but Booming economies in several large southeastern Asian it is an uphill battle. Educating consumers to understand countries have created enormous numbers of people who the plight of the species involved is also being undertaken. now have financial means to acquire traditional medicines, It is hoped that this may help reduce the demand for such carvings, food items and other products utilizing threatened products. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 aquariums, certified aquariums, certified related facilities,andsustainabilitypartners. endangered, zoos speciespopulationwithinAZA-accredited and is tocooperatively managespecific,andtypicallythreatened or husbandry reasons andthebettermentof population. husbandry The include arecommendation nottobreed animalsfor sound certain In addition tobreeding recommendations, master plans also welfare, andotherfactorsthatcanimprove SSPoutcomes. each animalwithconsideration of logisticalfeasibility, animal other populationmanagementrecommendations are madefor long-term demographicstability ofthepopulation.Breeding and to minimize therateoflossgeneticdiversity andmaintain the population. It plansthe“family tree” ofeachmanagedpopulation goalsfora long-andshort-term An SSPmasterplanarticulates SSP MASTER PLAN and follow thefinalSSPbreeding recommendations. into theSSPplanningprocess andfullycomprehend, agree to, in theSSPprogram stakeholdershave ensures input thatallAZA represented initsSSPprogram. The policyforfullparticipation of thespecies is criticaltoensuringthelong-termsurvival population certified related facilities,andsustainabilitypartners greater zoos wholeoftheAZA-accredited andaquariums, Collaborative managementofindividualanimalswithinthe IN THESSPPROGRAM AZA POLICY FOR FULLPARTICIPATION collaborative spiritoftheSSPpartnership. andpubliceducationgoalsaswell asthe conservation, should befullycommittedtotheanimalmanagement, institutionsandcertified related facilities 2. AllAZA-accredited collections and; aquariums andtheirvaluable andoftenirreplaceable live animal ofprofessionally managedzoological parkssurvival and 1. Cooperative animalmanagementisvitaltothelong-term BoardThe AZA ofDirectors recognizes that: efforts. conservation of assurancepopulations,aswell asmanyotherspecies-focused recovery, care forwildlifediseaseissues,establishment veterinary species efforts, significantly contributetofieldconservation programs, aswell zoos asAZA-accredited andaquariums, giant panda,Californiacondor, andlowland gorilla.SSP andprotected inthewild,suchas need tobeconserved Many oftheseSSPprograms represent speciesthaturgently population. varied AZA sustainability ofahealthy, geneticallydiverse, anddemographically population managementgoalsandrecommendations toensure the studbook andabreeding andtransferplanwhichidentifies Each isresponsible fordeveloping acomprehensive population by groups theircorresponding (TAGs), taxon advisory withinAZA. There are currently more than450SSPprograms, eachmanaged SpeciesThe missionofanAZA Survival Plan ® (SSP)program SPECIES SURVIVAL PLAN • • Developing non-breeding plans,incoordination withthe • Developing abreeding andtransferplan,incoordination with • Establishingmanagement,research, priorities. andconservation • Overseeing thedevelopment ofastudbook. there issucha small genepoolremaining. but especiallyforendangeredspecies isimportant, species when Maintaining ageneticallydiverse andhealthypopulation ofevery our animalscomefrom other zoos andaquariums. the wild!For manydecadesnow, well over 90percent ofall Accredited zoos andaquariumsdonotnormallygetanimalsfrom smalloratrisk. those whosezoo populationisvery programs are alsoineffect formanyotherspecies—especially endangered species,andwhile that isstillthehighestpriority, SSP to cooperateinSSPmasterplanning. plans. The board emphasizes theresponsibility ofallinstitutions that, attimes,thesemayconflictwithamemberinstitution’s make soundmasterplanrecommendations, andalsorecognizes the SSPs, theresponsibility ofeachSSPmanagementgroup isto board recognizes that,inthecollaborative process ofmanaging Plan and managementprocesses are specifiedinthe Species Survival advisors.AllSSPprogrammembers, andseveral functional expert composed ofamanagementgroup, appointedfrom AZA by anSSPcoordinatorEach SSPprogram issupervised and FUNCTIONS S ADDITIONAL INFORMATION population. increase ahealthy, geneticallydiverse anddemographicallystable feasibility. Allrecommendations designedtomaintainor given toeachanimal’s socialandbiologicalneedsaswell transfer breeding ornon-breeding recommendations withconsideration demographic andgeneticstatusofthepopulationidentifies Each breeding andtransferplansummarizes thecurrent BREEDING ANDTRANSFER PLANS • Providing species-specificinformationtothe TAG intheir andproviding expert for asanAZA adiscussionforum • Serving • Developing insitureintroduction programs, ifpossible. • Developing andimplementingexsituineducation • Increasing issues. publicawareness ofwildlifeconservation • Collaboratingwithotherinstitutions/agenciestoensure SP programs originallyfocusedexclusively onthreatened or Serving aspecific Serving role inconflict resolutionissuesthatmayarise. wildlife contraceptioncenter(WCC). the populationmanagementcenter(PMC). development ofataxon-specific “Animal Care Manual.” topics applicabletothespecies. strategies. initiatives. integrated conservation ® program handbook,however functionsinclude: primary

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24 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 C. Ecosystem: Communityplusallthenon-living B. Community:Alllivingorganismswithinagiven locality. A. Population: The numberoforganismswithinarbitrarilyset III. BASIC UNITS INECOLOGICAL STUDY tounderstandcomplexplotofmovie byC. Liketrying B. Infinite numberofliving(biotic/abiotic)components A. Need tohave extensive knowledge inadiverse arrayof OFECOLOGYII. CHALLENGES organisms andtheirenvironment. Ecology isthescientificstudyofinteractionsamong I. WHAT ISECOLOGY? UNITS OFECOLOGICAL STUDY community interacts. components ofthatenvironment withwhichthe boundaries isolatedframes looking atafew scientific disciplines D. associated comm Biome: Regi 3. Example: Wetlands3. 2. Many different ecosystemsmayexistwithinadifferent 1. Defined by physicalterrainandmicroclimate: no • Riparianzone: areas alongstream; inIowa, you can • Fens: grassy • Swamp: wooded;permanentorseasonalwater • Bog:waterisacidic,low innutrients;floatingmats • Marsh: orreeds dominatedby grasses, rushes animals wouldlive there. parameters whichthenindicatespeciesof ecosystem, size varies. Determined by physical specific shape,can’t bedrawnonmap. trees from agreat distance tell whenastream iscomingbecauseyou cansee carnivorous plantsinMichigan, cranberries of vegetation, andpitcherplantsare sundew only on of the earth withcharacteristicclimateand on oftheearth unities ECOLOGY EXAMPLES OFBIOMES 25 26 ECOLOGY

BIOME SUMMARY CHART Biome Climate Soil Plants Animals Very hot days, cool Poor in animal none to cacti, , , small , some nights; less than 10 and plant decay yuccas, bunch Desert birds. The Sahara Desert is home to camels, inches (25 cm) of products; often grasses, shrubs, gazelles, antelopes, and small carnivores. rainfall per year rich in minerals and a few trees Very cold, harsh, long Nutrient-poor, Grasses, winters; short, cool permafrost layer Musk oxen, migrating caribou, Arctic foxes, wildflowers, Tundra summers; 10–30 inches a few inches , snowshoe , owls, hawks, various mosses, small (25–75 cm) of rainfall below the rodents, occasional polar bears shrub per year surface Cool in winter, hot Mostly grasses American grasslands include prairie dogs, in sumnmer; 10–30 and small shrubs, foxes, small , , insects, birds. Grassland Rich topsoil inches (25–75 cm) of some trees near African grasslands include , lions, rainfall per year sources of water zebras, giraffes. Mild winters and hardwoods such Wolves, , bears, and a wide variety of Deciduous summers; 30–50 inches Rich topsoil as oaks, beeches, small mammals, birds, , reptiles, Forest (76–127 cm) of rainfall hickories, maples and insects. per year Acidic, mineral- Very cold winters, poor, decayed Mostly spruce, cool summers; approx. Rodents, snowshoe hares, lynx, sables, ermine, Taiga pine and mostly fir, and other 20 inches (50 cm) of caribou, bears, wolves; birds in summer spruce needles conifers rainfall per year on forest floor Greatest diversity More species of insects, reptiles, and Hot year-round; 8–100 of any biome; amphibians than any place else in the world; Tropical inches (200–400 cm) of Nutrient-poor vines, orchids, monkeys, other small and large mammals, Rainforest rainfall per year ferns, and a wide including elephants; wide variety of colorful variety of trees birds

IV. ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION B. Progression of plant and animal communities over time The slow orderly progression of changes in community 1. Erosion, weathering breaks down rock composition during development of vegetation in any area, 2. Pioneer: earliest succession stage (lichen can live on from initial colonization to the attainment of the climax rock surface) typical of a particular geographical area; 3. Plant species are extremely tough: can survive extreme A. It is accompanied by changes in the associated animal temps and humidity communities (e.g., A forest succession may traverse the 4. Seeds that can disperse need lots of sun to grow following overlapping stages: algae, lichens, mosses, herbs 5. Climax community: final stage of succession (biome) and grasses, shrubs and bushes, subclimax trees, and climax C. Ways to set succession back: disease outbreak, insect forest.) outbreak, natural disasters potter park zoo docent manual 2017 C B. Photosynthesis istheprocess by whichplantsusethe A. Major toolinunderstandingecosystems V. ENERGY FLOW INLIVINGSYSTEMS C. C Examples: and beingconsumed. with repeated consumption a seriesofotherorganisms, transfer offoodenergythrough D. Food chain: The one-way make food.It canbedepictedby theformula: energy ofsunlightalongwithcarbondioxide andwaterto waste products: the formofaden biochemicalenergyfromconvert nutrientsintoenergy(in and processes thattakeplaceinthecellsoforganismsto 3. grass,grasshopper, frog, 2. grass,grasshopper, frog, 1. grass,,fox 2. Some organisms(suchasonesthatlive inthedeep 1. Chlorophyll =product inplantthatallows ellular respiration isthesetofmetabolicreactions , red-tailed hawk falcon of sunlighttoproduce energy ocean where nosunlightcanreach) usesulfurinstead photosynthesis totakeplace 6 Solar energy+6CO (chemicalenergy) H 12 O CLIMAX COMMUNITY =BEECH/MAPLECLIMAX COMMUNITY ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION INMICHIGAN 6 +O osine triphosphate(ATP)), andthenrelease 2 ➞ H 2 O +CO 2 +6H FOOD WEB 2 2 +36ATP (useableenergy) O ➞ C 6 H 12 O6 +6O 2

E. Food web: It depictsfeedingconnections(what-eats-what) of how in anecologicalcommunityandisabetterrepresentation traditional foodchain. 2. They are theinterconnected network ofpathwaysfor 1. It is finally returning theproducers. herbivores, carn the recycling ofnutrientsfrom producers, through speciesare interconnected inanecosystemthanthe comprised ofcountlessinterconnected foodchains. ivores, omnivores, anddecomposers, ECOLOGY 27 28 ECOLOGY

FOOD WEB

F. Food pyramid: divided into trophic levels (autotroph [plants], heterotroph [animals]): 1. Base: producers (the largest; plants) 2. Primary consumers: herbivores (deer, cows, rodents, llamas, pandas). Can also be omnivores. 3. Secondary consumers: Carnivores (cougars, wolves, weasels, hyenas) Can also be omnivores. 4. Apex: apex predators. Different animals in different ecosystems: e.g., wolves in UP, tigers in Siberia 5. Not always simple: bears could be at several levels the same day or at different times of the year (Acorns can make up 80 percent of their diet in the fall; in winter, they are more carnivorous.) 6. 10 percent rule: only 10 percent of energy is carried to next level, i.e., herbivores have to consume a lot more plants compared to the amount of prey a carnivore has to eat. Also, think of the number of zebras (a lot) versus the number of lions. 7. Biomass: organic matter derived from living, or recently living, organisms. Less biomass gets passed up the food pyramid 8. Decomposers: species that eat detritus (formerly living material that that is starting to decay.

VI. BIOACCUMULATION/ BIOMAGNIFICATION A. Bioaccumulation: increase in concentration of a pollutant in an organism (DDT is an example) B. Biomagnification: increase in concentration of a pollutant in food chain C. Biomagnification: aquatic insect gets 1,000 molecules; fish eats 1,000 insects = 1,000,000; otter eats fish = 1 billion BIOMAGNIFICATION potter park zoo docent manual 2017 D. S C. Environmental indicatorspecies:specialist(narrow B. Keystone species: have own niche,butit’s socriticalthatif A. Normally areduction orlossofbiodiversity indicatesa area, biome,orplanet. variation, speciesvariation, orecosystemvariation withinan The degree ofvariation oflife. This canrefer togenetic XI. BIODIVERSITY A. Limitingfactor:anythingpreventing populationfrom that speciesneedsinitsenvironment tosurvive. space. Note: more completedefinitionwillincludeeverything environment. Typically includesfood,water, shelter, and The region where aplantoranimalnaturallyoccurs;native VIII. HABITAT C. Commensalism:onebenefits,isn’t affected(remoras B. Parasitism: onebenefits,ishurt A. Mutualism: bothspeciesbenefit.Corals(animals)which species Long-term ecologicalrelationship between (usually)two VII. SYMBIOSIS diverse andproductive anything) range oftolerance) asopposedtoageneralist (eat almost ecosystem couldcollapse disrupted, biodiversity ismore stable system thatisbecominglessstable and/orhealthy;greateer growing oreven beingpresent: and sharks) hissing cockroach; oxpeckers ridingonthebacksofrhinos have zooxanthellae (plants)thatlive incorals;miteson 2. Density independent:naturaldisasters(fire, flood, 1. Density dependent:food,space,numberofpredators, ustainability: how biological systemsendure andremain drought), weather reproductive rate,disease C. Disease, , size, lossoffood,parasites,cars=cause B. Graph number of animalsversus time:goesinwaves; A. E Geographic specieslongterm area acertain thatcansupport X. CARRYING CAPACITY B. Competitive exclusion principle:notwospeciescanoccupy A. Context:animals’ job predator, andotherresource requirements) in termsofallaspectsitslifestyle(food,competitors, role ofaspecieswithinthecommunity,The particular defined IX. NICHE footprints. takeonlymemories,leave only A toolofconservation: XIII. PRESERVATION Sustainable managementofnaturalresources XII. CONSERVATION change inpopulation capacityisstraightline carrying spring backtofour may have 18rabbits;by fall12;by wintereight;andby same nicheatthetime 1. Red-tailed hawkversus great hornedowl= niche xample: Four rabbitslivinginbackyard; by mid-summer switching CARRYING CAPACITY ECOLOGY 29 30 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 potential prey, there isnowayallof thebabiescould betaken season. By floodingthe predator market withsomany forsome oftheoffspringcurrent breedingsurvival This reproduction phenomenonisameansofsecuring SIMULTANEOUS CALVING and resting. danger sothattherest oftheherd mayconcentrateonfeeding the fringes.In someherds, sentinelsare for usedto keep alert middle abetterchangeofescapingpredation thanthoseon for anattackadifficulttask. In addition,individualsinthe itmakesgettingcloseenough eyes, earsandnosesonthealert, predator tosuccessfullycapture anindividual. With somany Some animalslive inherds whichmakesitdifficultfora SAFETY INNUMBERS and great agility. suited forescapingpredation by oftenpossessingkeensenses as ifeachisevenly matched,prey animalsare well particularly sound. This enablesthemtolocateprey. Even thoughitseems toward thefront, andtheyare equippedwithstereophonic Predators, meanwhile,have lessflexibleearswhichare focused sounds from anydirection withoutturningtheirheads. positioned ontopofthehead. This enablesthemtodetect rotate 180degrees independentlyofoneanother) whichare tend tohave flexibleears(sometimestheseare ableto Prey role forsurvival. Ears alsoplayanimportant animals POSITION OFEARS large fieldofdepthperception. the front oftheirheadsandare closetogethergivingthema in order tobeanaccuratehunter. Their eyes are situatedin on theotherhand,mustbeabletoperceive three dimensions They rarely have alargefieldofdepthperception. Predators, behind themeven whentheirheadsare lowered forgrazing. animals toroutinely feedandstillbeabletodetectmovement of theirheadsforbetterperipheralvision. This enablesthe Eyes ontheseanimalsare andonthesides placedfarapart deal oftimeeatinginorder tomeettheirnutritionalneeds. Prey animalstypicallyare herbivores andmustspendagreat POSITION OFEYES Remember: Allpredators canbeprey! hard forallpredators andfastassertions andtheirprey. Please beaware thattheseare generaltrends andby nomeans continuation ofthespecieswhetheritisprey orpredator: Special characteristicsandbehaviorscontributetothe level.invertebrate animals. These typesofinteractionsare alsofoundatthe prey animalswillfocusonterrestrial, andpredatory vertebrate predation. It shouldbenotedthatthisdiscussionwillfocuson are thewaysinwhichprey animalsare well suitedforescaping doom fortheintendedvictims,butwhatisrarely addressed techniques utilized by different predators thatultimatelyspell Nature filmshave well documentedthe variety ofhunting PREY/PREDATOR RELATIONSHIPS and mimics benefitfrom theiracquired knowledge. learn toavoid thecolorsthatcommunicate tothemdanger, States. Predators thathave comeincontactwith suchanimals coral snake,avenomous snakefoundinthesoutheastUnited and blackare similartothe bandingpatternfoundonthe example istheSinoloan milksnake.Its bandofyellow, red colored yet itis notharmfultoitsconsumers.Another poisonous totheconsumer. The viceroy butterflyissimilarly is brightorangewithblackmarkings andifeaten,theyare more dangerous species.For instance,themonarch butterfly to foolapotentialpredator thattheyare actuallyamuch of anotherspecies. These animalstypicallyare attempting Thisiswhere• Mimicry: one speciesmimicstheappearance camouflaging suchastree-dwelling snakes. species. Also,manyarboreal animalsexhibitthissametypeof down through thewater. commoninmanyaquatic This very the lightventral region blendsinwiththesunlightfiltering the blackblendsinwithofoceanfloorwhile Penguins have blackbacksandwhiteabdomens.In thewater, half oftheirbodiesbeingdark andtheotherhalfbeinglight. Typically theseanimals’ bodiesare contrasting inshadewith by animalsthatmayinhabitdifferently litenvironments. • Counter-shading:Thisisacamouflagetechniqueutilized individuals suchaszebras. camouflage)ortogetlostinacrowdof cryptic oflikecolored these animalstoeithergetlostintheirbackgrounds (aform (stripes), giraffes(irregular patches). This colorationallows Examples includetigers(stripes),leopards (spots),zebras in whichtheoutlineofanimal’s bodyisbroken up. • Disruptive coloration: refers tothetypeofcoloration Arctic foxes camouflaged. are allcryptically gazelles, white-taileddeer, mountainlions,wildsheep, and sand camouflage. Lions,walkingsticks,Arabianoryxes, environment inwhichitlives, thisisanexampleofcryptic • Cryptic: When ananimalisthesamecoloras their presence andpotentialdanger. Some formsenablethemtohidewhileotheradvertise camouflage/coloration whichbenefit prey andtheir predators. definition ofcamouflage. There are, however, manyformsof The abilitytoblendinwithonessurrounding istheaccepted CAMOUFLAGE and antelopesofAfrica. a variety ofplainsdwelling animalssuchasthegazelles, zebras impending attack.Animalsthatexhibitthisbehaviorinclude This distanceistheir“headstart” inorder toescapethe they maintainbetween themselves andapotentialpredator. Animals have anestablished“flightdistance” orspacethat FLIGHT DISTANCE losing anentire year’s ofoffspring. worth offspring available forthetaking. There isapotentialriskof throughout theentire year, there wouldalwaysbevulnerable during thatbreeding seasonissporadic season.If thebirthing 31 32 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 3. If an animal appearsill,stressed, orexhibitsanyother 2. Before loadinganyanimalforoutreach orencountermake 1. Only thoseanimalshousedintheoutreach animalquarters AN ANIMAL CONSIDERATIONS WHENSELECTING 3. Never allow anyone toputtheirfingersintoananimal’s 2. Never allow anyone notassociatedwiththezoo andtrained 1. consideration inallanimalhandling The mostimportant SAFETY those theyencountertoaction.( Zoo) and fears,reconnect visitorswiththenaturalworldandstirall animals. They stimulateinterest andappreciation, dispelmyths Zoo are working ambassadorsoftheirspeciesandforallwild a living,breathing animal. The educationanimalsatPotter Park a more compellingeffectonhumanemotionsthancontactwith arguments—andnothinghas can makeconvincingconservation experience. They mustspeaktothepublic’s emotionsbefore they Zoos have aresponsibility toprovide aneffective educational RATIONALE 2. Successfully completeallanimalhandlingclassesrequired by 1. Be adocentingoodstanding; grounds, anindividualmustmeetthefollowing criteria: To beeligibletohandleoutreach program animalsonoroffzoo ELIGIBILITY POLICIES ANDPROCEDURES restrictions. Report thebehavior tostaffinperson orby ifthere are no unusual behavior, thendonotuseit—even should notgoout.Reasons forrestrictions: will attacharestriction card onthecageofanyanimal that sure thatthere are norestrictions notedonthecage.Keepers presentations. behind theDiscovery Centerare tobeusedforanimal in theEducation Centerandtheenclosures immediately including staffanddocents. home enclosure ortravel crate. This includeseveryone, education curator. be determinedby thezoo director, generalcuratororthe as ahandlertoever handleouranimals.Anyexceptions will privileges ordismissalfrom thedocentprogram. and guidelineswillresult inthelossofanimalhandling the animal.Failure toadhere toanimalhandlingrules fortheaudience,handlerand situations issafety—safety required refresher animalhandlingcourses. ofPotterthe educationdepartment Park Zoo, includingall • Behavioral issuesand/ortraining • Snakes thatare inshed • Medical considerations • The keytohavingsuccessfullive animalpresentations is anything withamouthcanbite! sense. Never forgetthatallanimalshave amouth—and calm,prepared,to bealert, andtoalwaysusecommon ANIMAL HANDLINGANDOUTREACH 7. Never leave cagesunattendedunlessabsolutelynecessary animalcontainers. 6. Only docentsandzoo staff should carry travel5. crates,theyshouldalwaysbe carried When carrying 4. When you remove ananimalfrom itsenclosure, remove the 3. You mustsignouteachanimalinthecheckoutlog. 2. Alleducationanimalsmustbeinatravel crate/container 1. youWhenever goingintotheeducationanimalquarters, CRATING ANDTRANSPORT 5. Think abouthow theanimal willfitinto your presentation. 4. Select animalsyou are with.Spend comfortable lotsoftime temperature andventilation. and thenonlyinasecure, lockedarea withappropriate with thedoorfacingbehindyou. more thanoneanimal(e.g.,ferret-light vs.ferret-dark). Be sure you are removing theappropriate IDforcageswith animal IDcard crate. andclipittothetopoftransport animal leaves theirhomeenclosure. Fill appliesanytimean thelogoutcompletely!Thisrule adjacent classrooms. taken directly through theaccessdoorintooneof whenever unlesstheyare theyleave theanimalquarters the Discovery Centerbuilding. footbath mustbeusedeachsubsequenttimeapersonleaves must stepintothefootbathimmediatelyuponentering. The other animalsselectedfortheprogram? How willitillustratethetopic?How doesitrelate tothe the educationcuratororasst.curator. presentations. If you have questionsorneedassistance,ask practicing handlingtheanimalsbefore you usethemin animal quarters. leaving anoteforthekeepersonwhiteboard inthe d. Location,typeofprogram (e.g.,BZL,Spring Fling, c. Please notethedetailsofprogram usingthe check b. The docentwhoremoves theanimalfrom itshome a. Eachindividualanimalhasitsown check-outsheet. d. Alwaysdoublechecktomakesure travel containersare c. Snakes andsheltopusikmustbeplacedinatiedclothbag b. andcagecovers Alwaysplacenewspaper/bedding on a. Make sure eachanimalgoesintheappropriate transport recorded inthe“Notes” section. Science Fair, etc.)andanybehavior informationcanbe boxes. signs itin. enclosure signsitout,andthedocentwhoputsback securely latchedandlidsare snappedcompletelyshut. before beingplacedintotheirplastictravel container. placed intothecrate(Checkpostedlistforspecifics). the bird/mammal travel cratespriortoananimalbeing cage. They are labeled! • It isagoodideatotakeanextraclothbagwhengoing they defecate. on outreaches withasnakeorthesheltopusikincase

33 34 ANIMAL HANDLING AND OUTREACH

8. Never stack cages/coolers on top of each other in the van. 5. All plastic transport tubs and lids for ALL reptiles must 9. Always align bird travel crates in a transport vehicle so that be sprayed thoroughly with disinfectant every time they their cage is perpendicular to the direction of travel (the are used and placed on the labeled shelf to the right of the cage faces towards the sides of the van, not towards the floor sink right side up. Then, set the timer for 10 minutes. front or back). When the timer goes off, rinse the containers and place 10. If you are exhibiting an animal on zoo grounds: them on the drying rack upside down. a. Set up in one location, using cones or stanchions to 6. Always wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer after delineate the area handling any of the snakes or sheltopusik and before b. Never stroll through the zoo with an animal out of its handling another species of snake or the sheltopusik. transport container. 7. Never have two snakes, or a snake and the sheltopusik, out at the same time if you are in a situation where the animals CRATING AND TRANSPORT: are displayed at a table and the audience is allowed to WEATHER CONDITIONS: touch. Tropical birds and mammals, arthropods and reptiles can all be at risk if exposed to extreme weather conditions. (Note: the SHARP ideal temperature range for the animals that travel in the large This acronym will help you remember the general principles white coolers is about 78–84 degrees. There is a thermometer of animal handling: on the inside of the cooler lid.) Support: The animal will be supported at points where the Cold temperatures body is normally supported. In many instances the animal 1. All birds and mammal traveling cages will be covered with will adjust itself. proper sized covers, including door flaps. Head away: When animal are presented for touching, the 2. Reptiles and arthropods will be transported in coolers back side will be presented and head kept away from the with the rigid water bottles containing hot water. Note: public. Public will be encouraged to touch in the direction Cooler lids should be kept closed except when removing or fur or scales grow. replacing animals in/out of the coolers. Awareness and knowledge: Presenters must remain alert. 3. Warm up the van before loading. Allow at least 20 minutes They must always be aware of the animal and the audience, of warm-up time. DO NOT USE REAR FLOOR VENTS. be familiar with the animal’s natural history before the 4. Park close to buildings when loading and unloading. presentation and admit they do not know the answer to a 5. Avoid direct drafts on the animals. question rather than give incorrect information. Restraint: Animals will be restrained as little as possible but Hot temperatures handlers will be prepared to increase restraint if necessary. A 1. All birds and mammal traveling cages will be covered with firm but gentle touch will be used. proper sized covers, including door flaps. Plane: Each animal will be held on its natural plane. 2. Reptiles and arthropods will transported in coolers with (Roger Williams Park Zoo) rigid water bottle filled with hot water. 3. Run air conditioner in van for 20 minutes before loading. DOCENT/ANIMAL INTERACTION DO NOT USE REAR FLOOR VENTS. 1. Always support the animal completely as most animals have 4. Avoid exposing animals or their cages to direct, intense a fear of falling. Use of cell phones is not allowed when sunlight. handling an animal. 5. Make sure birds and mammals have access to water 2. Always look in a cage and observe the animal before frequently attempting to bring it out. a. If an animal is sleeping or unaware, gently make it aware SPECIAL NOTES FOR REPTILES of your presence prior to picking it up. 1. All snakes and the Sheltopusik must be transported in a 3. Always work with at least one partner. Never go out on an cloth bag contained within a plastic tub. outreach or do an encounter by yourself! 2. No snake bag or tie is to be used more than once before 4. Only one animal per person may be handled at one time. being laundered. They must be washed after every use— If the parrot is on its portable perch or an opossum is in no exceptions! its bed on a table, there must be a docent with them at all 3. When unloading snakes and sheltopusik, docents should times with no other animals under their control. then immediately place used bags and ties in the laundry bag. 4. Never use a snake bag or tie unless it comes directly from the cupboard. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 12. When handlinganimals,docentswillfollow thefollowing 11. Never bringananimaloutofitscageifyou have any 10. Specific snake andsheltopusikprotocols: Theyare very 9. Lettheanimal’s behaviordeterminehow longyou keep 8. Alwaysbeaware: aware ofyour surroundings, aware of 7. Gloves mustbewornwhilehandlingthearmadillo, exceptions. 6. Parrots shouldbehandledonastick—no 5. Never treat theanimalsaspetsortalktoaudienceif handling aslongreptiles. it ondisplay. Birds andmammalsusuallydonottolerate children. young Be onthelookoutfordogsandvery comfortable. animal willoftengive you plentyofindicationifitisnot are handling.Note itsdemeanorandbodylanguage. The your audience,andespeciallybeaware oftheanimalyou porcupine, parrot, opossum,andraptors. they are pets. b. Avoid wearing thefollowing: a. Avoid strong-smelling lotions,potions,etc.onyour b. If you have educationalanimals outinatable/station a. Whenever you handleanyofthesnakesor d. Never allow animalsaround your faceorneckon c. With theopossum,explainthatitwrapsitstailaround b. With theparrot, explainthattheydonot“talk” inthe a. If you touchtheeagleowl’s headtodemonstratehis“ear dress andhygieneguidelines: appropriate fortheanimaltocomeout. You canalwaysexplaintoanaudiencewhyitisnot conditions ofthearea inwhichyou are presenting. doubts aboutitshealth,behavior, or theenvironmental important!! iv. Strong-smelling cologne,aftershave, or perfume, iii. Jewelry suchaslongnecklaces,bracelets,watches,or ii. Looselywoven clothing i. Loosefittingclothing hands. The scentmaydistress theanimals. the sametimeinlocation. setting, onlyonesnakeorsheltopusikshouldbeoutat several otheranimalsinbetween. any othersnakeorthesheltopusik,even ifyou handle sheltopusik, you mustusesanitizer before handling as such. outreach animalsare notpetsandshouldbetreated want togive thewrong messagetotheaudience— your shoulders. This isforyour safety. Also,we donot notbecauseitlikesyou.you forsupport, human sensebutare incredibly adeptmimics. the bird butsimulatingcooperative grooming. tufts,” thenexplaintotheaudienceyou are notpetting lotions large rings ANIMAL HANDLINGANDOUTREACH 1. Alwaysprepare your audiencepriortobringingananimal PREPARING THEAUDIENCE 3. Give specific,detaileddirections totheaudience: 2. The animalsare alwaysheldwiththeirheadtowards the 1. Docents mayallow theaudiencetotouchanimalsif AUDIENCE/ANIMAL INTERACTION 2. Never lettheaudiencegetoutofcontrol. You are theone 13. Wash your hands!! isforallaudienceswhen This rule out: occur. docent andthetailtowards theaudienceiftouchingwill situation isappropriate: is doneusingpositive tonesandword choice. movements, etc.)Be polite,butfirm. Note: Make sure this who dictateswhatbehaviorisacceptable.(i.e.,noiselevel, e. Holding upone finger letsdocentknow whichaudience d. Only inthedirection ofthetail; c. Using onlyonefinger; b. One personatatime; a. They are notpettingtheanimal,onlytouching; c. Reassure themthattheanimalswillstaywithinyour b. Letthemknow whatbehaviorisexpectedfrom the a. Letthemknow thattheanimalswilllikelydefecate, e. There issanitizer available, eitherintheschoolclassroom d. The animalisbehavingwell; c. There issufficienttime; b. The audienceisofsuitablesize; a. The audienceiswell-behaved andfollowing directions c. Follow dress code: disinfectant soap. thoroughly with animals andaftercleaningcages—wash to loadinganimals,afterunloading touching, itisimperative docentswashtheirhandsprior iv. No orpantswithholes extremely shorts short iii. Closed-toedfootware isrequired whenhandling ii. Have neatappearance i. Alwayswear docentvest andnametag touch. while notholdingupafinger means theydonotwishto members wanttotouchandare following directions, control atalltimes. audience (Quiet, nosuddenmovements, etc.) urinate andexhibitothernormalbehaviors. or from thesupplytubinvan. well; “strategic” tears animals 35 36 ANIMAL HANDLING AND OUTREACH

4. Never allow a member of your audience to touch the head 6. Clean and disinfect all travel containers used: of animals or place any part of their body near the mouth a. Invertebrates: only use water to clean and leave the of an animal. No exceptions! This reduces the likelihood of containers by the sink in the reptile room to dry. someone getting bitten. b. Reptiles a. If an audience member is attempting to use more than i. No snake bag or tie is to be used more than once one finger or their hand begins to go towards the before being laundered –they must be washed after animal’s head, then the docent must immediately pull every use—no exceptions! the animal back and/or step back, remind the audience ii. When unloading snakes and Sheltopusik, docents of touching “rules” , and then resume touching if the should then immediately place used bags and ties in audience is compliant. the laundry bag. 5. We never allow touching of any birds or invertebrates, the iii. Never use a snake bag or tie unless it comes directly armadillo, porcupine, or opossum! from the cupboard. 6. We never promise audiences or group leaders that touching iv. All plastic transport tubs and lids for ALL reptiles of the animals will occur. For most presentations it is not must be sprayed thoroughly with disinfectant every suitable. time they are used and placed on the labeled shelf to 7. Make sure everyone knows to use sanitizer immediately the right of the floor sink right side up. Then, set the following the presentation, or immediately after touching if timer for ten minutes. When the timer goes off, rinse the audience is walking past a demo table. the containers and place them on the drying rack 8. Make sure anyone wishing to touch has relatively dry, clean upside down. hands—not dripping wet with sanitizer, sticky fingers from c. If the containers are not dry, set them in the floor sink or food, etc. shelf above to air dry. i. Doors to mammal and bird cages should be closed to RETURNING ANIMALS avoid damage to the hinges (water will still be able to 1. Make sure each animal goes back in the same enclosure drain out.) from which you removed it! Animals placed in the wrong 7. Make sure that any mess (cardboard bedding, paper towels, enclosure can suffer unnecessary injuries or stress. Check muddy footprints, etc.) is completely cleaned up before the ID tag on your crate and match it to the picture of the you depart. animal on the enclosure. Return the tag to the marked “clip 8. Make sure to wash your hands before leaving the animal here” location on the matching picture when you return quarters. the animal. If you are not sure, check with zoo staff before returning the animal. It is always better to call than to put IN CASE OF AN INJURY (HUMAN) an animal in a dangerous situation! 1. If you get bit, remain calm. This is for your safety, the 2. Animals should only be placed in enclosures that are animal’s safety and the mental well-being of your audience. suitably prepared for them. Enclosures should always Do not try to pull away, as most animals only bite harder. have a substrate, clean water, and usually a food dish and Pulling also increases the likelihood of the bite becoming a enrichment items. If you had to move any items to get the laceration. Have your partner assist you in getting released animal out, make sure you replace them in the appropriate and putting the animal back in its cage. If a ferret, reptile location in the enclosure. In the unlikely event that the or parrot bites and will not release, then a gentle spray of appropriate enclosure is not prepared for the animal, do water will normally cause them to release. NOT attempt to prepare it yourself. Contact a member of 2. If you get bit or scratched and the skin is broken or you are zoo staff for directions on how to handle the situation. badly bruised, an accident form must be completed as soon 3. Leave a note for the keepers on the white board with all as possible—no exceptions!! pertinent information, if needed: a. Contact PPZ security ASAP @ 517.230.3790 a. Any unusual behavior or apparent health problems b. Security officer will complete the form with your information b. Snakes and sheltopusik: leave a note if they defecate or c. If the skin is broken or you are badly bruised, you must regurgitate. seek medical treatment—no exceptions. Note: Docents c. Notes about the need for nail trimming are liable for any and all costs associated with medical 4. Make sure each enclosure door is latched tightly and treatment for injuries received while serving as a docent. secured properly after putting the animal back. d. Docents who are bitten and receive medical treatment 5. Be sure to sign in all the returning animals in the checkout will be required to undergo a refresher course from the log. Double check the cage numbers when you do this. education curator or assistant education curator a. Tenrecs will need to be signed in on both the tenrec log and 3. If a member of the audience gets bitten, first make sure the regular checkout log that first aid is applied. If medical care is required, make potter park zoo docent manual 2017 down orremove somepelts/artifacts. If thereartifact. isn’t room tosetdown the animal,don’t setit Defecation/urination by thepelt or thelive animalwillruin DO NOT setanimalsdown ontopofpeltsorotherartifacts. handed control ismaintained. Animals maybesetonthetableatowel aslongtwo- when handlingananimal. for armadilloinplaypen).Use ofcellphonesisnotallowed time shouldyour handsnotbetouchingtheanimal(except Docents must use two-handed control AT ALL TIMES. At no vigilant! body/head position,aswell astheaudience,atalltimes.Be docents, butyou MUSTbeaware ofyour animal’s moodand easy togetdistractedtalkingtheaudienceorfellow BE AWARE OF YOUR ANIMALAT ALL TIMES!! It is Docents mayonlyhandleoneanimalatatime. numbers postedonthevisor. to thezoo. The outreach van hasalistofemergency phone to do. In mostcasesthiswillsimplybetoreturn theanimal willthendirect you onwhat appropriate zoo staff—who and informthemoftheproblem. Security willnotify call thezoo immediately(zoo [email protected]) If ananimalisinjured orhasanyadverse healthconditions, IN CASE OFANANIMALMEDICAL EMERGENCY and make sure all essential paperwork iscompleted. and makesure allessentialpaperwork immediately. They willcontacttheappropriate zoo staff Note: Zoo publicsafety(517.230.3790)mustbenotified sure you assistinensuringthatmedicalhelpisreceived. ANIMAL HANDLINGANDOUTREACH SPECIAL EVENTANIMALHANDLING assist you andnotifyappropriate zoo staff. zoo publicsafetyimmediately(517.230.3790). They will involved. Callthelocalpoliceandhave areport filed. Notify license numberandinsurancecompanyoftheotherdriver If you are inavehicle accident,makesure you have thename, THE OUTREACH VAN IN CASE OFAVEHICLEACCIDENT WITH artifacts. If therepelts orartifacts. isn’t room, remove somepeltsor Make sure onany thesanitizer isnotgoingtodriporsquirt Make sure thatallguestsusesanitizer before leavingtheroom. that theaudienceisusingappropriate onefingertouch. Make sure onlyonepersontouchestheanimalatatime,and disease transmissionbetween theleglessreptiles. sheltopusik) outatatimetominimize thepossibilityof Do nothave more thanoneleglessreptile (snakesor other thantheopossumorarmadillo,respectively. Do notusetheopossumbedorarmadillopenforanimals 37 38 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 it survive. Giveit survive. examples: awolftrotting with itsnosetothe adaptations are actionsananimal takes(behaviors)thathelp is anyactivityananimaldoeswith itsbody. Behavioral introduce theconcept ofbehavioraladaptations.Behavior good understandingofphysical adaptations,thenyou should retain thetermmore readily. Afteryou have established a terms like“adaptation” asagroup a2–3timeshelpsthem Helpful hint: For younger audiences,havingthemrepeat new animal. point outsomephysicaladaptationsonthatparticular wild. Whatever exhibityou are standingnextto,have them betterinthe that adaptationmayhelptheanimalsurvive adaptations andastheydo,have themalsodeterminehow your audiencequestions,have themgive examples ofphysical Note: physical adaptationswhichhelpdifferent animalstosurvive. of thefur, theshapeofnoseorearsare allexamplesof number offingers,colorthefur, thethicknessorthinness but over manygenerations. The shapeofabird’s beak,the Physical adaptationsdonotdevelop duringananimal’s life These toolsorphysicalfeatures are calledphysicaladaptations. keep safe,buildhomes,withstandweather, attractmates,etc. their habitat. They usethesetoolstohelpthemobtainfood, of theirbodiestheyuseas“tools”) in toenable themtosurvive adaptations. Animalsdependontheirphysicalfeatures (parts you establishagoodunderstandingofthedefinition It thatrightat thebeginningofyour tour isimportant STARTEDGETTING for thistourcanbeseen/interpreted there. Do notforgetaboutthecoralreef exhibit–manyofthetopics allow you tocompare andcontrasttheirdifferent adaptations. Remember thatvisitingadiverse selectionofanimalswill Discuss withtheotherdocentswhere eachofyou willstart. BEFORE YOU START location, habitat, instinct,learned,camouflage,prehensile, eye/ear Physical adaptations,behavioralbehavior, tools, KEY TERMS habitat use. we canoftenpredict/deduce manyoftheirbehaviorsand physicaladaptationsofaspecies understand thatby observing to eachphysicaladaptation.In addition,audienceshould that animalstypicallyhave adaptive behaviorsthatcorrespond between physicalandbehavioraladaptationsunderstand inthewild. surviving They shouldbeabletodifferentiate and how thoseadaptationsgive themabetterchanceof Audience willunderstandtheconceptofanimaladaptations OBJECTIVES During thisdiscussion,makesure it isadiscussion.Ask TOUR: ANIMALADAPTATIONS 50+ milesinone day! long distances(smooth, energyefficienttrot) theycancover a thousandtimesbetterthanours. Bodiesare builttotravel Wolves locateprey withtheirincredible senseofsmell—upto large amountofmeat,upto20pounds! by consumingvery andtheycantakeadvantage ofhunting success days apart maybeseveral they have “feast orfaminebiology”—kills are) asawell-coordinated team;likemostlarge predators, (pack) andhunttheir(whichare often muchlargerthatthey Gray wolf: Note placementofeyes andears;wolves are social soaring—an energyefficientwaytosearch forfood than theeagle;large,widewingsare designedforglidingand osprey, anotherraptor—whichiseven betteratcatchingfish winter tofindice-free water;willoccasionallystealfish from scarce; milesorathousand)inthe willalsomigrate(afew away); willscavenge, especiallyinthewinterwhenfoodis detecting atgreat distances(prey canbespottedover 1mile Bald eagle: Note placementofeyes; incredible eyesight for atcatchingfish. experts traps airforinsulation—theseadaptationsallow otterstobe ears; webbed feet,tailusedasrudder, denseunderfurwhich North Americanriver otter: Note placementofeyes and kills. scarce inthewinter, theyhave beenknown toscavenge polar front oftheirfacewhenitsextremely cold;whenfoodisreally Behavioral adaptations:Curling upbodywiththicktailin variation incoloroffur, thicknessofwinterfur, camouflage. Arctic fox: Note placementofeyes andears;seasonal more detailedinformationontheirvarious adaptations. suggestions.Befew sure toconsulttheanimaldatasheetsfor concepts andtermslistedabove. Remember, theseare onlya which you canusetheanimalstohighlightandillustrate ofthemany waysin some suggestionswhichpointoutafew Following isalistofsometheanimalexhibitsalongwith PPZ ANIMALS predator by usingjustthatinformation. whether ornoteachmammalyou visitisaprey animalor early oninyour tour, you canhave theaudience tellyou Helpful hint: If you cover eye/ear placementofprey/predators behaviors. the physicaladaptations(tools)thatare usedduringthose of behavioraladaptations,helpthemdeterminesome audience togive oftheirown. afew Astheygive examples tiring. Afteryou give themacoupleofexamples,askyour and shouldersthatisbuiltforcovering great distanceswithout nose filledwithscent receptors) andabodywithspeciallegs great senseofsmell(long two ofitsphysicaladaptations—a behaviorallows themtofindprey, by using ground—this 39 40 TOUR: ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS

Farm yard: , goats and reindeer/caribou are ruminants, Amur tigers and snow leopards: Have fur with color an adaptation for digesting hard to digest foods; caribou make patterns than can function as either cryptic or disruptive long migrations twice each year to find food on the tundra, depending on the color of the habitat; both are solitary; have extra large hooves help prevent them from sinking in deep extra heavy winter coats. snow and/or wet, spongy tundra of the summer. Kangaroo/wallaby: Pouch is used to keep joeys safe; large BIRD/REPTILE BUILDING: hind legs give them ability to leap great distances: long, large Birds: discuss differences in bills, gizzards and use of grit, tail serves as support and balance crops and food storage; placement of eyes, type of feet, length of legs; types, shapes and colors of feathers Camels: Note placement of eyes and ears; discuss the camel’s hump (if you ask what is in the hump, most people will say Snakes: Loosely hinged jaw for swallowing large prey; either “water”) and fat storage—humps are much larger in the constrictors, swallow prey while still alive (garter snakes), or fall and winter; camels are ruminants; camel bodies are very are venomous; tongue is used for taste/smell; some have heat efficient in their use and conservation of water; camels can sensing pits (Massassauga rattlesnake),cryptic camouflage. drink up to 30 gallons of water once they do come across Lizards: Cryptic camouflage; tongue used for taste/smell; some in the desert. Camels can defend themselves from have eyelids; have ears predators by biting and kicking—unlike horses and donkeys, Amphibians: All of our species are carnivorous; poison dart they can kick in all four directions. frogs use bright colors to warn predators, frogs’ tongues attach Eagle owls: Describe some of the many adaptations they have at the front of their mouths and are sticky—the tongue is which are used in procuring food –night vision, great hearing, flicked out to capture insects and other small prey. Zoo diet: silent flight, powerful feet, sharp talons, hooked beak, etc. Varies with species: meal worms, crickets, wax worms, fish. Patagonian maras: Note placement of eyes and ears; like , these animals, produce two types of fecal pellets: soft BACK YARD GARDENS: ones which are re-ingested (to get more nutrition from their Snakes: Relevance of camouflage; hiding places to escape poorly digested food; eating of feces is called coprophagy); predators, ambush prey; habitat for prey species –insects, and firm pellets which are not re-ingested; use cryptic rodents, etc.; nesting; sun/shade for thermoregulation. camouflage. Note: You can talk about predators of the maras Birds: Sources of food: nectar (hummingbirds), insects, seeds; (jaguars, eagles) and lead into a discussion of the differences in nest sites (both natural and man-made); escape cover from adaptations between predators and their prey. predators; shelter from wind and precipitation; camouflage; Spider monkeys: Their prehensile tail allows their hands to sexual dimorphism; territories. be free to pick fruit and grab insects. Being social gives them Mammals: Food—vegetation for herbivores/omnivores multiple eyes and noses to find food and to detect predators. and prey for carnivores/omnivores; escape cover; shelter— Magellanic penguins: Exhibit counter-shading; insulate vegetation, brush piles, wood chuck burrows; nesting/birthing bodies with down and fat, webbed feet, wings modified into areas; camouflage (e.g.,. mice and rabbits) flippers; talk about the parents taking turns with incubation and feeding of the young. MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL In addition to more depth and detail with the above PRIMATE BUILDING topics, you can add discussion of the following terms and Mandrills: Their bright colors on faces and rumps used for concepts: natural selection, evolution, simultaneous calving, communication; males have large canines for defense and coprophagy, ruminants. intimidation of male rivals; social groups (troupe) allow for predator detection and defense Natural selection: the gradual, nonrandom process by biological traits which become either more or less common Big cats: Note placement of eyes and ears; extremely powerful in a as a function of differential reproduction of their bearers. jaws and legs; sprinters, not endurance; retractable claws; It is a key mechanism of evolution—“survival of the fittest.” spend most of their day resting, conserving energy; have very One way to help them understand natural selection—have elastic stomachs and can consume large amounts of meat them give examples of domestication in animals selective when they make a kill. breeding in plants. Then give examples of some of our zoo Lions: are only social large cats (pride), often hunt extremely animals. large prey; utilize cryptic camouflage contrast this with the disruptive coloration of zebras, one of their prey. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 coincides withthepeakabundanceofnutritiousplants. calf willbekilledby predators andcalvingalmostalways functions:itreducesimportant thechancethatanindividual 10-day periodinearlyJune. two The synchronization serves Alaska, 80–90percent ofallcariboucalves are bornwithin a born withina2–3week period.In Canadaand northern In theSerengeti inAfrica,500,000wildebeestcalves are periodoftime. short withinavery population gives birth by several speciesoflargeungulatesinwhichmostthe Simultaneous/synchronized calving: Astrategyutilized even herbivorous diet. less-developed andhave becomeadaptedtoanomnivorous or developed. Other carnivores, suchasthebears,In others,are carnivores, suchathecats,carnassialteethare well- edges topassby eachotherinashearingmanner. In some in suchawayastoallow enlargedandoftenself-sharpening lower teeth(eithermolarsorpremolars andmolars)modified Carnassial teeth: Theselarge,pointyteethare upperand research provide thescientificbasisofevolution. species are constantlyevolving. Fossil records andgenetic pressures, naturalselectionisacontinuousprocess andthus and over alongerperiodoftime.Due toenvironmental populations. Think ofitasnaturalselectiononalargescale generations intheheritablecharacteristicsofbiological Evolution: Evolution isanychangeacross successive TOUR: ANIMALADAPTATIONS camels, alpacas,llamas,wildebeest,antelope,andpronghorn. American bison,European bison,yaks,waterbuffalo,deer, Ruminating mammalsincludecattle,goats,sheep, giraffes, these chambersby microbes (bacteria,protozoa, andfungi). size. Plantthe particle fibers,isprimarilybroken down in slowly tocompletelymixitwithsaliva andtobreak down form thecud(orbolus). The cudisthenregurgitated, chewed layers ofsolidandliquidmaterial.Solids clumptogetherto reticulum, thefoodismixed withsaliva andseparatesinto abomasum. Inrumen andthe thefirsttwochambers, chambers. These are reticulum, therumen, omasum,and Ruminants: Ruminants have afore-stomach withfour ingested afterbeingexpelled. of vitaminKandBvitaminsare usuallyimmediately the typicalhard fecalpellet. They alsocontainhighlevels soft pelletshave twicetheprotein, andhalfofthefiber cecum, whichmaintainscultures ofbeneficialbacteria. These it involves theproduction ofspecial“soft pellets” inthe “feces ingestion.”However, inthespeciesmentionedabove mammal species.Literallytranslated,coprophagy means rabbits, hares, guineapigs,mostrodents andseveral other Coprophagy: Thisisabehavioraldigestive process seenin 41 42 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 they becomemore active incoolerweather. become muchthickerandshaggier aswinterapproaches, and Amur tigers: Live inafour-season habitat. Their coats cover duringthewinter. restricted toareas withlessthan4inches(10cm)ofsnow adapted tomoving through deepsnow, sotheirhabitat is 100˚F to-45˚F(38˚C-43˚C).Pallas catsare poorly Pallas cat: Live inclimateswithtemperatures rangingfrom treetops inwintertowarmup, save energy. : Live athigheraltitudes,coolerclimate.Sun in warmth. Barred owl: Don’t migrate.Have feathersintheirlegsfor moose. of deepsnow, whichwilltire orstrandprey likedeer, elkor they sleep. Hunting togetherinapack,wolves takeadvantage be wrappedacross thenosetokeepitfrom freezing while winter tohelpinsulatethemagainstthecold.Bushy tailscan world andintundrahabitats,wolves grow thickercoatsin Gray wolf: Found infour-seasonclimatesallaround the Michigan.thousand. Scavenge deerinnorthern Bald eagle: Migrate milesora untilfindopenwater;afew heat, insulatingthemfrom coldair/water. riverbanks asslopestoslideontotheice. Thick furtrapsbody the wintermonths.Otters seemtoenjoy tobogganing,using North Americanriver otter: Remain active throughout thickly furred tohelpprevent frostbite. help keepfeetwarm.Anotheradaptation,theirsmallearsand feet helpgive thembettertractiononthesnow and iceand changing toasummercoatofgray. Fur onthesolesoftheir Arctic fox: Dor camouflage,thethickcoatiswhiteinwinter, PPZ ANIMALS They maybephysicalorbehavioral. weightlifter) orgenetic(theinheritedspotsofacheetah). during growth anddevelopment, suchasthemusclesofa They maybephenotypic(anacquired traitthatisacquired Features thatallow animalstoadjusttheirenvironment. ADAPTATIONS blooded Adaptation, cold-blooded,hibernation,migration,warm- TERMS enable animalstocopewiththechangingseasons. climatesallyear andlistatleastfouradaptationsthat northern Identify five animalsonexhibitthat remain in Michigan or OBJECTIVES TOUR: ANIMALSINWINTER center. down andotherappropriate biofactsintheeducation Note: If timeallows, you canalwaysshow someofthepelts, fuelinwinter. asreserve comprised mostlyoffat—used so luxuriousitisusedtomakefinewintergarments. Humps in thesummerto–20°F(-29°C)winter. The woolis temperature ranges temperatures from over 100°F(38°C) camels shedinspring.Bactrian camelsare abletosurvive camel: ThickcoatsprotectBactrian from inclementweather; downy feathersnexttotheskin,helpingkeepheatin. Birdsto thesurface. have excellent insulationwiththeir they“wakesun warmstheearth, up” andare ready toreturn temperature remains fairlyconstant.In thespring,when the while theystayburiedinholes. While underground, the hibernation tosurvive. Their bodiesslow down inthewinter unable tobeoutinourcoldclimateseasons. They employ Reptiles/: Allare cold-bloodedandtherefore BIRD/REPTILE BUILDING towarmerwaters. feathers toinsulateandmigratenorth Michigan.northern They have aheavylayer offatanddown Magellanic penguins: Found inaboutthesameclimateas to sufferfrom heatstress. temperatures aslow as57˚F(14˚C)cancausemoosetobegin heat. Moose willbeginpantingat68˚F(20˚C)andsummer todissipatetheirbody moose willlieflatinthesnow totry during ourwarmerwinterdays.On warmwinterdays,some depend ontheshadeofsoftwoodcover tokeepthemcool pant. Asourwintertemperatures canbequitevariable, moose cold thatwintertemperatures of23˚F(-5˚C)willmakethem protects themfrom heat!Moose are sowell insulatedfrom the deepsnow, orvery does ithelpmoosedealwithcrust it only forest. adualpurpose—not This shelteractuallyserves browse nearasheltering,mature mixed-wood orconiferous prefer tospendthewinterinanarea thatprovides plentyof tailed deercanhandleabout18inches),althoughmoosedo allow adultmoosetohandlesnow depthsof36inches(white- loss becauseofthelow surface-area-to-volume ratio. Longlegs and thecolderbetter. Their largebodysize reduces heat Moose: Moose are adaptedtolive incoldweather, perfectly winter, theyfollow theherds ofmigratinghoofstock. for anotherwinteranimal,theArctic fox. To eatduringthe hair onthepadsoftheirfeetandathickcoatare adaptations it iswintermostoftheyear. Small ears,along,bushytail, Snow leopards: Live intheHimalayan Mountains where 43 44 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 illegally. native plantsandanimals from beingdestroyed ortaken Conservation officer: enforces huntinglaws andprotects wildlife; protect ourcountry’s naturalheritage. ensure thatthere isadequate foodavailable forthenative Forestry Service:managesforests andother wildareas to legislators onenvironmental issues. foradvising so thattheanimalsmaybesaved; important biologist isusuallythefirsttonotifyproper authorities be monitored; todecline,awildlife whenpopulationsstart they are neededtocapture andcollaranimalssotheycan with managingwildareas; withsomeendangered animals Wildlife biologist: monitorwildanimalpopulations;help Animal infoasneeded. SMALL MOATS professions includebreeders andtrainers. what eachspeciesneedsinorder tobreed successfully. Other Birds: Several breeding pairsonexhibit.Keepers needtoknow them healthy. properly care fortheircages,anddesignexhibits thatkeep Keepers needtoknow how to tellwhenoneissick,how to Reptiles require inparticular specialcare—cold-blooded. BIRD/REPTILE HOUSE to maintainingthehealthofallpenguins. keepers. Mention the“medicated” fishandtheirimportance Point forthe outtheIDbandsanddiscusstheirimportance the water. in therock work. These penguinscanporpoise6feetoutof penguins escapeopeningdayby jumpingoutover alow spot for animals,needtoknow this. Why? We actuallyhadallour water? Exhibit designers,thosewhobuildcagesorexhibits Does anyone know how highapenguincanjump outofthe Brief informationabouttheanimals. PENGUINS maintain azoo. many different jobsthatneedtobefilledinorderrun and to jobs your audiencecannamethatinvolve animals? There are Introduce yourself, whileontour. rules What are someofthe STARTEDGETTING towork inthesefields. skills necessary 2. Describe twojobs/professions withsomedetailconcerning 1. Listatleastfourzoo related jobs/professions Students willbeableto: associated withzoos. To exposestudentstothevariety ofpositionsandprofessions OBJECTIVES TOUR: CAREERS AT THEZOO further theunderstandingofanimals. further these animals;provide informationtotherest ofthe worldto animals incaptivitytoseehow zoos canimprove theircare of discover study waystomeetneedsofcaptive counterparts; Animal behaviorist: studiesanimalbehaviorsinwildto Vet assistant: aidsveterinarian medication, sothevet needstobeableguessweights. their doctor);can’t alwaysweigh animalsbefore you them animals can’t tellaveterinarian where (compare ithurts to Veterinarian: cares forthehealthofentire collection; take tokeeptheiranimalshealthy. mention transmissionofdiseasesandprecautions thatkeepers to provide animalswithsomeactivitytoprevent boredom; order toproperly care forthem(catsandtheirdiets);theytry Keeper: needtoknow behaviorsofanimalsintheircare in FELINE/PRIMATE HOUSE collection ingoodhealth. the bestpossibleformulaoffoodstomaintainanimal responsible forresearching andexperimentingtoderive for theanimalsatzoo inorder tokeepthemhealthy; Nutritionist: someonewhodevelops well balanceddiets Show coolerandcarnivore diet. KANGAROO BARN zoological application than others. Students who are interested they wishtoattend, assomeprograms focusmore ona encouraged tocarefully review thecurriculumofschools Students wishingtopursueanimal-related careers are positions typicallyrequire advanced academicdegrees. behavior ispreferred. Curatorial, research, andconservation biology,conservation wildlifemanagement,andanimal Training inanimalscience,zoology, marine biology, positions now require afour-year collegedegree. keeper be substitutedforacademictraining,mostentry-level Although practicalexperiencewithanimalsmaysometimes aquariums have becomehighlytechnicalandspecialized. andscientificprograms in The conservation zoosand seven daysaweek, comesnow, rain,orshine. care tocaptive animalsthatrequire attention24hoursaday, up-to-date. It takesaspecialkindofdedicationtoprovide andkeepinformation ability tomakedetailedobservations Much ofthework requires physicalstrength, aswell asthe Zoo andaquariumemployment isnotalwaysglamorous. requires hard work. requires more thanacommitmenttoconservation—it assures aninteresting andrewarding career, buttheprofession ofwildlifeandwildlands. the conservation This responsibility toeducatethepublicaboutcriticalneedfor opportunity annually, allzoo andaquariumemployees have the institutions With nearly200millionpeoplevisitingAZA OTHER ZOO OPPORTUNITIES 45 46 TOUR: CAREERS AT THE ZOO in the business side of zoo and aquarium operations should Head keeper/aquarist: supervises a section or department of concentrate on skills related to a particular area of expertise, the institution; provides training and scheduling for keepers. such as accounting, public relations, marketing, or personnel Senior keeper/aquarist: provides primary animal care for a management. Whatever your career goal, guidance counselors department. can offer assistance in determining the most appropriate course of study. Keeper/aquarist: provides daily care to the institution’s animals, including diet preparation, cleaning, general exhibit SALARIES maintenance, and record keeping. Salaries for zoo and aquarium employees vary depending Operations director/manager: responsible for the daily on the institution and its location. Institutions located in operation of the institution’s physical plant and equipment. metropolitan areas generally offer higher salaries. An animal Curator of exhibits: creates exhibits and assists in the design keeper’s salary can range from minimum wage to more than of graphics. $30,000 a year, depending on skills and tenure. Salaries for other employees usually compare favorably with those Curator of horticulture: responsible for the botanical prevailing in that region. collection and its application to the animal collection, as well as daily maintenance of the institution’s grounds. Curator of POSITION DESCRIPTIONS education: plans and implements the institution’s education Listed below are some positions in zoos and aquariums and a programs. brief description of duties. Not all positions are found in all Public relations/affairs manager/director:promotes the facilities, and responsibilities often vary. institution, its mission, and its programs to the public via the Director/chief operating officer: executes policies as media. directed by the governing authority. Responsible for the Development director/officer:develops and manages institution’s operation and plans for future development. fundraising activities which can include writing grant Assistant director: assists the director and assumes charge in proposals and attracting corporate sponsors, as well as the director’s absence. soliciting private donations. Finance manager/director: manages the institution’s Marketing director/manager: creates advertising campaigns finances, including payment of bills, purchasing,investments, and other activities to increase public awareness of the and the preparation of financial statements. institution. General curator: oversees an institution’s entire animal Special events manager/coordinator: develops and collection and animal management staff. Responsible for implements events to attract visitors throughout the year. strategic collection planning. Membership director/manager: responsible for maintaining Animal curator: manages a certain portion of an institution’s and increasing institution memberships for families and animal collection; i.e., mammals, birds, fish,reptiles, etc. individuals and designing special events for members only. May Veterinarian: responsible for the health care program for the also be in charge of “adopt-an-animal” programs to raise funds. animal collection and the maintenance of health records. Gift shop manager: manages staff and all aspects of gift shop Veterinary technician: assists the veterinarian and provides operation from buying products to designing shops. care to the animals under the supervision of the veterinarian. Visitor services manager: supervises the staff and facilities Registrar: maintains computer records on the animal that cater to the visiting public including concessions and collection and applies for permits and licenses to hold or restrooms. transport animals. Personnel manager/director: responsible for all personnel Curator/coordinator/director of research: supervises matters including payroll, insurance, and tax matters. research projects, serves as liaison between the institution and Volunteer coordinator: responsible for recruiting and main- the academic community, and publishes articles in scientific taining a staff of volunteers/docents. Duties include sched- journals. uling docents for on- and off-grounds activities and keeping Curator/coordinator/director of conservation: oversees the docents abreast of new developments to relate to the public. institution’s conservation activities, including field projects. Docent/volunteer: duties may include diet preparation, Serves as liaison with government wildlife agencies and other small animal care, teaching educational programs, leading conservation organizations. group tours, and staffing special events. Conservation biologist/zoologist: provides scientific Review some of the jobs/professions by asking them to name and technical assistance in the management of the animal some and describe what they do. Which jobs would they like collection and assists in conducting various research or field to work? conservation projects. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 • How dothekeepersaccessexhibits? Cantheygoinwith What are theneedsofzookeepers? • Access toprivacy forbreeding May andbirth. needaplace • Access tocompanions,iftheyare group dwelling innature • Behavioral enrichmentthatchallengesthem,occupies their • What are thebasicneedsofanimalsinzoos? • Which animaloranimalsdoyou wanttoexhibit? Why? exhibit. Amongthemare: Lots ofquestionsneedtobeanswered before creating an connections thatwillfosterstewards fortheworld’s wildlife. ambassadors fortheirwildrelatives tohelpzoo visitorsbuild in zoos andaround theworld.Resident as animalsserve Zoos work togethertosave endangered speciesthrough work education,recreation,for conservation, andscientificstudies. other words, whyzoos? The answer: Potter Park Zoo exists they wouldconsiderputtingwildanimalsincaptivity. In at thezoo. Begin your program by askingyour audiencewhy Welcome your group andgoover expectedbehaviorswhile INTRODUCTION 4. Design anexhibitthatincorporatestheneedsof 3. Describe three different barrierdesignstoprevent animals 2. Listfive basicconsiderationsofexhibitdesignbasedonthe 1. Listfive needsofanimalsincaptivity OBJECTIVES to cleanandmaintaintheexhibit? the animalsordotheyneedextra penstoshifttheminorder for more animals? to beseparatedfrom motherandbabies.Is spaceavailable physically andexhibitnaturalbehaviors day, andprovides tobeactive mentallyand opportunities animals, thecaretakers, andthevisitors from escaping needs oftheanimals,caretakers, andthevisitors Space toexercise andmove about≥       Access tofood,water, andshelter… How willtheyexercise? Do theyneedprivacy from visitors? How muchspacedotheyneed? Is there accesstoheating/cooling,dependingonthetime What provisions are madefortheircomfort? What kindoffoodsdotheyeat? of year? • Do theyswim? • Do theyleap? • Do theyclimb? • Do theytunnelunderground? • How highcantheyjump? • How fastdotheyrun? TOUR: EXHIBITDESIGN • Many zoos are providing spacesnearexhibitsforfund • Visitors needrestroom facilitiesandaplaceforrefreshments. • Is there acover forshadeorrain? • Is there aplacetositwatchanimalactivity? • Cantheyseetheanimalseasily? What are theneedsofzoo visitors? • How dotheveterinarian andotherhealthcare professionals What are theneedsofmedicalstaff? to prevent thewolves from tunnelingout. Holding pensallow interior fencealso isburiedaboutthree feetbelow thesurface Wolf Woods: Theperimeterfenceisadouble fence. The there are live fishinthepondforenrichment. months thesmallpondisfilled withwaterandsometimes sincethebirds arenecessary outsideyear round. In thewarm keep raccoonsout.Notice theshelterandheatsource. This is be ableto“ladder” themselves upandout.Also,we wantto on theenclosure whenbecauseeven non-flightedbirds might eagles. Move back.Canyou even seethemesh? There isatop ordered thatwouldgive andbesafeforthe goodviewing Bald eagles: Built in2008.Special fencingmaterialwas exhibit inthehotweather. functions. multiple out inthepast,anexampleofexhibitserving also lendsitselftosmallprivate events andhasbeenrented added fortheotterstoroll intocleantheirfur. The exhibit help prevent thepoolfrom freezing over. The sandpatchwas exhibit. In thewinter, bubblersnexttotheglassinpool first time. to getoutwithinminutesofbeingputintotheexhibitfor had tobeconsidered. One ofourprevious ottersfoundaway heads are flattened,sotheshapeas well asthesize ofthe mesh canbelittleescapeartists. fence. Otters inparticular Their hot wire toremind theanimalsnottogettooclose encounter meshandwillnotbeabletodigout. There isalso over feetsoiftheydigintheexhibit,animalswill afew the poolbecausehehadnever experienceditbefore. was more interested exhibitratherthan inthegrassofnew which were inthesmallmoats.One ofourottersatthe time improvements over theprevious enclosures fortheanimals, they wouldhave donedifferently. exhibitsareThe new vast several zoos toseewhatotherpeoplewere doing, andwhat 2006. Alotofresearch went intothedesign.Staff visited Otters andArctic foxes: These exhibitswere openedin FEATURES OFEXHIBITS raising functions. access theanimals? Arctic foxes: They have ashadetarpover oftheir part Otters: The waterisnotheatedorcooled intheotter In bothoftheexhibitsperimeterfencegoesdown and 47 48 TOUR: EXHIBIT DESIGN the keepers to shift animals off exhibit, so they can clean. The “kick” at the top to keep them from climbing out); and the cabin provides an educational opportunity by showcasing two snow leopard cage is completely covered. Which cat is the prey animals and a wolf. Glass viewing takes away the bars but best climber? Next best? Worst? Did your audience know that adds wolf pawprints. Plans are in place to expand the exhibit tigers are excellent swimmers? The big rock in the outdoor by pushing back the perimeter fence to provide more space. exhibit of the lions can be heated when it is cold outside— not to be hot but warm enough to melt the snow and ice. Raven flight cage:This is one of our newest exhibits. It was Even when animals have been successfully exhibited for made big enough that our male raven could have a female many years, new animals can surprise the staff with new companion. The ravens are fully flighted. Our male can be behaviors. Many times docents and volunteers are asked to do aggressive so a holding area for shifting was added. Exhibit “behavior watches” when new animals are introduced to the completion was held up for almost a year because the type of exhibit or the exhibit is changed for our existing animals. The screening was not squirrel proof. The designers had consulted great almost-escapes of young lions: the other zoos that had assured them that their squirrels did • Young male started to climb the trees at the side of not damage the screening. Exhibits like this one—that do not exhibit. He might have been able to climb up and over. The need special climate controls or even running water—can be area now has electric fencing around the trees. built relatively quickly and inexpensively by zoo staff—are a • The female lion was on the big rock when a peacock flew good economic choice. up on the edge of the glass front of the exhibit. Despite the moat in front of her, she jumped over to a small ledge and Farmyard: Completely redone from the ground up in 1995. managed to hang on and try to pull herself to reach the bird. Initially, the gauge of the fence used around the contact area The ledge now has a sloping surface. The height of the front was too small and the goats had it all bent and bulging at wall had been increased and the top has an angle. No more the end of the first year just by standing on it. Because of the leaping lions allowed. summer heat, the umbrella was added. The wooden climbing structure—with stair steps and a platform—in the Rhino exhibit: Originally built for elephants, this exhibit has exhibit is behavioral enrichment. Windows to the vet clinic undergone some major renovations, most recently in 2011. allow visitors to observe medical procedures. The indoor space was greatly increased, allowing zookeepers to better manage the area and to shift the animals inside in New red panda exhibit: Originally designed and built by winter. A squeeze cage with a built-in scale also allows keepers women architects as a spider monkey exhibit, it has been and medical staff to get a better look at the animals and newly redesigned in 2016 for the red pandas. The red panda conduct target training to give shots, draw blood, etc. used to be housed across from the snow leopard. In the past The outdoor area has also been expanded and includes an we have tried unsuccessfully to breed red pandas. It is thought off-exhibit outdoor area that is flat and safer for the rhinos that they might not have bred due to the proximity of the when it is slippery outside. The umbrellas and log posts in snow leopard, which looks a lot like the clouded leopard, a the yard are buried six feet down to prevent the rhinos from predator of the red panda. The new exhibit is more spacious, knocking them down if they charge them. Rhinos in the wild with more climbing opportunities, and two indoor stalls to wallow in shallow pools of water. Our rhino likes to create her cool off in the summer, one a protected maternity den with own wallows from puddles when it rains. multiple nest boxes for babies. We have been rewarded for our efforts with the birth of two panda cubs in 2016. Small moats: Built during the WPA (Works Project Administration) of the Depression, these exhibits were “state- Feline & Primate Building and exterior: Renovated 1988– of-the-art.” These were the first exhibits without bars. The 89, the old concrete and barred cages were replaced with concrete keeps diggers from escaping and can be disinfected; more naturalistic outdoor exhibits and larger, indoor exhibits. the deep moats can be filled with water to make a barrier or Concrete is easily disinfected. Giving animals naturalistic can be left dry and the height used to keep non-climbers and exhibits compromises the keepers’ abilities to sanitize the area. non-leapers in. The problem is size. These can only be used Diseases are spread and parasites are passed onto other group for smaller animals, hence the name of this area. Point out the members. The more naturalistic the setting, the harder it is to different barriers used to keep animals in: electric wire; steep keep it clean. and smooth walls; and rocks that hang into the exhibit from Look at the primate enclosures. What equipment has been above creating the optical illusion of having a “roof” over your provided for their behavioral enrichment? head when you approach the wall to jump out. As you pass the cat side, ask your audience to compare Note the small doors for the animals entering the outdoor and contrast the top of the fences. The lions have just a high exhibits. Zookeepers need a ladder to get down into the fence with no top features; the tigers have in-rigger fencing (a exhibits, and the animals must be non-aggressive. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 through athree-foot doortoaccesstheexhibit. for apenguinnotperson,sokeepersmustcrouch andcrawl constant care; andthedoorleadingintoexhibitwasbuilt years tocombatleakage;thechillerandfilteringsystem need four weeks few inthewinter;poolmustberesealed every three-to- twoweeks inthesummerandevery of algaeevery exhibits are highmaintenanceareas; poolhastobestripped waddle down totheemployee parking lot.Problems: Water on openingday, jumpedoutoftheexhibitandproceeded to outoverto beextendedfarther thewaterbecausepenguins, feet outofthewater!Rocks closetotheedgeofpoolhad the keeperswhentheywere toldthatthesepenguins jumpsix architects atthetimeofconstruction: They didnot listento andtoprevent icefrom forming.Amistakemadeby keepmosquitoesfrom laying algae builduponthesurface, conditioning. The bubblerkeepsthewatermoving toprevent into aroom behindtheexhibitwhere there isheatingandair the rocks are usedtocooltheexhibit. The nestboxes extend the rock usedtosimulateoceanbreezes. Misters overhead in is chilledto55˚F(13˚C)inthesummer. Note thefanin Penguin exhibit: animals tohave more space. by knockingdown wallsbetween adjacentexhibitstoallow bats andscreech owls. Many oftheexhibitswere madelarger have beenaddedwithspeciallightingforanimalssuchasthe to thoseexhibited.In years, thelastfew nocturnalexhibits exhibits andgive plentyofspacesforexercise andbreeding humidity requirements. End-cages feature multi-species a specialbox behindthescenestoaccommodatethissnake’s environment). Anexception is theemeraldtree boa:there is building are thehardiest variations intheir (theycansurvive is poor;andalllightingartificial. Thespeciespickedforthis building iskeptsowarm,even inthesummer);aircirculation overhead, socontrolling heatisaproblem (thisiswhythe with managingreptiles inthesecages:heatsource isfive feet do nothave muchspace).Reptiles were added.Problems exhibits (smallglassfront exhibitsthatshowcase abird but small moats,thisbuildingwasdesignedfor“jewel case” Bird &Reptile House: Built duringthesameeraas The poolissixfeetdeep, andthewater TOUR: EXHIBITDESIGN potentially dangerous positions. for children thepondarea toview withoutbeingputinto and peek-through areas inthefencingprovide opportunities posts have pointedtopstodiscouragesettingchildren on fence into thecatcherandnotpond.Also,vertical that ifachilddidfallintoit,thewouldbounceback “kid-catcher” barrierfortheboardwalk, placedatanangleso Note thedoubleperimeterfenceatbackofexhibit. disease andpossiblychronic wastingdiseaseinthefuture). from themoose,becausedeercanspread disease(brainworm fans blowing over ice. procedures, andacoolspotinthesummer, withshadeand andmedical husbandry access totheanimalsforvoluntary larger holdingstallsandtrainingwallsthatallow keepersmore near theboardwalk duringcoldweather. The barnprovides their naturalenvironment. Water aerationkeepsopenwater system; andvegetation similartowhatwouldbefoundin a large,deeppondforswimmingandcoolingoff;waterfall It viewing. with unobstructed includeslotsofroom toroam; to anaturalisticlook–mimickingnaturalmoosehabitat from theoldhoofstockmodelofbarn-andfenceconstruction Moose exhibit: It wascompletedin2016amove away achieved. Wish themagoodday. will beabletoevaluate whetherornottheobjectives were Use your objectives toreview your program. By doingso,you CONCLUSION Measures implementedtoprotect thepublicincludea It thatnative white-taileddeerbekept important isvery 49 50 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 body parts: head,thorax (chest),andabdomen.Mostbody parts: insects Insects: Have three pairsoflegs(sixtotal), andthree main actual specimen. you canhave adiscussionoftheseanimalswithoutseeingan Students are familiarenoughwithinsectsandspidersthat centipedes, shrimp, lobsters,etc. millipedes, spiders, scorpions,ticks,mites,crustaceans, includeinsects, Arthropods or divisions,ofbodyparts. obviousblooded) andhavesegments, jointedlimbsandvery aremeans “jointedfoot.”Allarthropods exothermic (cold- out. both from attackandfrom drying The word “” chitin) thatmeetatflexiblejoints. Theexoskeleton protects made ofahard, plates(madeupofatoughsubstancecalled havethe arthropods anexoskeleton, anall-over bodycase Most are soft-bodied (sponges,jellyfish,worms,etc.),but make upmore than99percent ofallknown animalspecies. Invertebrates are animalswithoutabackbone.Invertebrates INVERTEBRATES usually beblack,brown orblackandbrown. dog andabrown dogmateandhave puppies,thepuppieswill examplemaybeifa black we cansee)from theirparents—an traits(features simple:animalsgetcertain that be keptvery “quiz” themseveral times.For lower elementary, heredity can of itby challengingthemtoremember andcomingbackto makeagameout to continuereferring backtothem—you remember istorepeat words new several timesasagroup and remember. One techniqueforhelpingthemassimilateand will belearningmaydifficultforthemtopronounce or example, how Some dowe tellthemapart? ofthetermsthey coverings ordifferences between typesofanimals;for Engage toanimal themby askingquestionsthatpertain STARTEDGETTING mutualism, heredity, traits,reproduction, environment exoskeleton,arthropod, arachnid,internalskeleton,symbiosis, vertebrate, Cold-blooded, warm-blooded,invertebrate, KEY TERMS the characteristicsoftheirtypeanimalfrom theirparents. Provide somebasicunderstandingofheredity, thatanimalsget has agoodunderstandingofcold-bloodedandwarm-blooded. amphibians, reptiles andbirds). Make sure thatyour audience pupa,adultforinsects,comparisonofeggtypesfish, larva, regarding basiclifestagesformostoftheanimals(i.e.,, unique identifyingcharacteristics.Include conversations be abletodifferentiate eachoftheseanimalgroups by their amphibians, reptiles, birds andmammals.Students should (insects,spiders),fish, contrast characteristicsofarthropods Using theirexteriorcoverings point,compare asastarting and OBJECTIVES TOUR: FUR,FEATHERS, SCALES ANDSLIME lack ofeyelids, noexternalearopenings, nofunctional and are covered withscales.Point outsnakecharacteristics: Snakes: Theyare reptiles, whichmeansthey’re cold-blooded characteristic between lizards andsnakes. out thatpresence/absence of limbsisnotadistinguishing use ofthetongueasasenseorgan (Jacobson’s organ). Point eggs(oviparoussoft, leathery vs.ovoviviparous). Explain their like birds andmammals,usually have long tails,andhave have eyelids, have externalear openings,have hingedjaws and are covered withscales.Point outlizard characteristics: Lizards: Theyare reptiles, whichmeansthey’re cold-blooded spine andvertebrae. timetoshowperfect carapacewiththeattached thepreserved oftheturtle’san integralpart body—ifyou have it,thisisthe the shellasdistinguishingfeature ofturtles. The shellis eggs.Discuss laysoft-shelledleathery their shells).Allturtles they’re cold-bloodedandare covered withscales(even on Terrapins/turtles/tortoises: Theyare reptiles, whichmeans a livingrequirement formostspecies.Allare carnivorous. and salamanders. Water humidmicroclimate nearbyis orvery eggs. The twomostrecognizable groups are thefrogs/toads (depending onthelifestageandspecies)laysoft,jelly-like have moistskin,breathe withgills,lungsorthrough their skin stage.Amphibians as adultsandretain thegillsoflarval House. Point outtheyare unusualinthattheyare aquatic Amphibians: Use themudpuppiesinBird &Reptile vertebrates Fish, sharks, amphibians,reptiles, birds andmammalsare all large size withoutbecomingtooheavyorclumsytomove. a shellorexoskeleton, thisinternalskeletoncangrow toa systemsandlargerbrains.Unlikewith well-developed nervous Compared are tomostotheranimals,vertebrates intelligent Vertebrates are animalswithabackboneandinternalskeleton. VERTEBRATES living onthebodiesofcockroaches. antennae (arachnidsdonot).Point outthemites(arachnids) although hissingcockroahces donot.Insects alsohave Madagascar hissing cockroach: mostinsecthave wings, makes uptheexoskeleton). actually bristlesmadeupofchitin(thesamematerialthat is madeofkeratin;thehair-likematerialonatarantulaare hair;onlymammalshave hair.tarantula isnottrue True hair silk, althoughmanydonotmakewebs. The “hair” ona and abdomen.Allspidersare carnivores andmostcanspin cephalothorax(headandthoraxtogether) main bodyparts: arachnids. They have fourpairsoflegs(eighttotal),andtwo Spiders: spiders,alongwithticks,mitesandscorpions,are standard pupa,andadult. isegg,larva, have compoundeyes. Lifecycle varies quiteabit,butthe 51 52 TOUR: FUR, FEATHERS, SCALES AND SLIME limbs, short tails, have very flexible jaws that open as wide Keep in mind the various types of camouflage as you survey in the back as they do the front, and have soft, leathery eggs the various animal types. (oviparous vs. ovoviviparous). Explain their use of the tongue as a sense organ (Jacobson’s organ). For upper elementary you can include a discussion on how Birds: They are warm-blooded, have an internal skeleton, lay the features of the various animal types help determine in hard-shelled eggs, and are the only animals that have feathers. which environments those animals are found. You can also (if Talk about the various types and functions of feathers. Include you have them with you) show and contrast mammal bones coloration and use of colors. The peafowl/pheasants are great and bird bones—fused bones of bird’s central body essential example for this discussion. Most see color very well. Most for attachment of flight muscles, bird bones (in flighted birds) have a body designed for flight—discuss hollow bones, lack of are hollow, etc. If time allows, you may even decide to have teeth, etc. Contrast them with the flightless birds (penguins). a little more detailed discussion on heredity and inherited Birds spend a lot of time on feather maintenance (oil gland, characteristics—animals that inherit characteristics that allow molting, preening). them to survive better, pass those traits to their offspring. This process is called natural selection. Mammals: They are warm-blooded, have an internal skeleton, give live birth (except monotremes), are the only animals with Middle/high school: This program is seldom requested by true hair and all have mammary glands that provide milk middle or high school teachers. If we do get a request for this for their offspring. Differentiate between the traditional hair program with older students, see the education curator for versus modified hair, like porcupine quills or tenrec spines. some specific suggestions on how to present. Discuss the hollow winter hair of cervids (deer family), the extremely dense under fur of the river otters—which prevents water from getting to their skin and traps some air between the fibers to add some insulation. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 Natural selection: Aprocess in nature resulting inthe induces ormay occurnaturally. These changesmay bedirect or indirect, maybe human or maynotsignificantly affectthatspecies’ abilitytothrive. Habitat changes: Alterationsinaspecies’ habitatthatmay that makeitdifficultorimpossible foraspeciestosurvive. Habitat destruction: Drastic changesinaspecies’ habitat chains inanecosystem. Food web: oftheinterrelated Thecomplexintertwining food the feedingrelationships between them. shown inasuccessiontorepresent theflow offoodenergyand ecosystem are grouped intotrophic (nutritional)levels andare Food chain:Afeedinghierarchy inwhichorganismsan animals. environment andtheliving(biotic)communityof plantsand Boththephysical(nonlivingor“abiotic”)Ecosysytem: forest community, etc.) a designatedarea (e.g.,apondcommunity, anoak/hickory Community: Alloftheplantandanimalspecieslivingin animal speciescanlive inaregion. cloudiness, andwinds,Climatedetermineswhichplant temperature, airpressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, Climate: Theprevailing weather conditionsofaregion, as area.often usedtodescribeallthespecieslivinginaparticular biological variation. In popularusage,theword biodiversity is diversity,” isacomplextopic,covering manyaspectsof Biodiversity: Acontractionofthephrase“biological students. typically discussedwithelementary Note: Unless askedtocover itby theteachers,biomesare not abovechart usefulforunderstandingthemajorbiomes. isvery associated vegetation typesandmajoranimalspecies. The of generallysimilarclimatesandsoilswithcorresponding ecological niche.In otherwords, biomesare largeregions characterized by climaticandsoilconditions,thelargest Biome: Anextensive communityofplantsandanimals intheirhabitats. selection tobettersurvive Animal species“adapt” over manygenerationsthrough natural intheirhabitat. with theirbodies)toenablethemsurvive they useas“tools”) orspecificbehaviors(thingsthatthey”do” Adaptations: Theseare physicalfeatures oftheirbodies (parts TERMS will begiven. habitat—food chains,foodwebs. Explanations andexamples the relationship between various plantsandanimalswithina habitats. in theirparticular They shouldbeabletodescribe habitats. They willlearnearnhow animalsare adaptedforlife their existence.Compare andcontrastthedifferences in and thebasicrequirements foralllivingthingstomaintain Audience willhave anunderstandingoftheconcepthabitat OBJECTIVES when theydo,besure tocomplimentthemontheirefforts. ask your audiencequestionsandhave themgive examples and During thisdiscussion—makesure itisadiscussion— Note: the termmore readily. terms like“food chain” asagroup 2–3times helps themretain Helpful hint: For younger audiences,havingthemrepeat new role ofaspeciesinanecosystem(thespecies’ “job”). elementary, you canintroduce theconceptof“niche”—the populations, communitiesandecosystems.Also,fortheupper than turkey habitat.For olderstudentsdifferentiate between deerhabitatisdifferent they wouldnotbethesame—thus if you lookatallofthelivingrequirements foreachspecies the sametime,maybeeven botheatingacorns.However, andwhite-taileddeerinaMichigan woods at is uniquetothatorganism.For example,you mayseeboth surroundings inorder to survive. Thuseachspecies’ habitat other words, habitat iseverything aspecies needsinits from speciestospecies.Inthat animalsneedandthesevary point outthatthere manyadditionallivingrequirements basic components:food,water, shelterandspace. You should of habitatsastheanimals’ “home.”Most habitatsincludefour Even lower studentshave beenexposedtotheidea elementary the immediateenvironment inwhichananimalorplantlives. establish agoodunderstandingofthedefinitionhabitats— It thatrightatthebeginningofyour touryou isimportant STARTEDGETTING habitat requirements. animals willallow you tocompare andcontrasttheirdifferent Rememberof you willstart. thatvisitingadiverse selectionof Take amomenttodiscusswiththeotherdocentswhere each BEFORE YOU START winter, they have beenknown to scavenge polarbear killsand other speciesin itshabitat,sowhenfoodisreally scarce inthe adaption. This harshenvironment limits theavailability of year, hencethefox’s thick,white wintercoatisanimportant scrawny trees. The ground is covered with snow muchof the or snow. There orsmall isnovegetation tallerthanshrubs has low winds,andnotmuchrain temperatures, cold,dry Arctic fox: Theyare foundonthetundra andtheclimate requirements. data sheetsformore detailedinformationontheirhabitat the habitatforanyanimal.Be sure toconsulttheanimal Remember, these are suggestions. onlyafew You coulddiscuss EXHIBITS TO HIGHLIGHT competitors, predator, andotherresource requirements). defined intermsofallaspectsitslifestyle(food, roleNiche: ofaspecieswithinthecommunity, Theparticular enable themtoadaptaspecificenvironment. favorable characteristicsthatbest animal lifehavingcertain andperpetuationofonlythoseformsplant survival TOUR: HABITATS 53 54 TOUR: HABITATS even eat the feces of polar bears. Bird & Reptile House: The two multi-species exhibits are North American river otter: Otters are dependent upon both good examples of tropical rain forests and illustrate bodies of fresh water: streams, lakes and estuaries. Please more realistic animal interactions. Each species occupies a differentiate between river otters and sea otters. Riparian unique niche. Chuckwallas are found in deserts and depend zones (the plant and animal communities and associated on specific micro-habitats. They, like all reptiles, need to have physical features found along bodies of moving water) places within their habitat where they can thermoregulate. are unique ecosystems. For a body of water to be suitable Magellanic penguins: This species is useful for correcting for otters it must also have healthy populations of fish, misconceptions about where penguins live. There are only two crustaceans, shellfish, etc. species of penguins that live out their life entirely on the ice Bald eagles: They have some of the same habitat of Antarctica (Emperor and Adele). Magellanic penguins are requirements as otters. Habitat destruction, due to pollution considered “warm water” penguins, even though where they (DDT) and human disturbances around nest sights, led live the water is still very cold. There are actually some species to them becoming an endangered species in much of our of penguins that are subtropical: Galapagos and African. country 40 years ago (threatened status in Michigan). Due to Suitable nesting habitats (remote shorelines of the southern good conservation practices, their numbers have come back South American coast) are often limited which leads to fierce to the point that they have been off the federal endangered competition for nest sites. species list for many years. Moose: Moose generally live in forested areas where there is Gray wolves: This species was once found throughout most of snow cover in the winter, and prefer moist conditions where North America, South America, Europe and Asia. One reason there are lakes, ponds, and swamps. Moose are limited to cool for that is its ability to live in many different vegetation types. regions because of their large bodies, inability to sweat, and They can also successfully prey upon a variety of larger prey the heat produced by fermentation in their gut. They cannot species. Their populations were decimated from pre-European tolerate temperatures that exceed 80˚F (27˚C) for long. In settlers habitat destruction was secondary to unrestricted killing summer, moose seek shade and cool themselves in ponds and by humans until they became protected in the 1970s. streams. Back yard habitats: Forest guinea hogs: This heirloom breed of hog was bred by Point out that this area does not include early North American pioneers to be winter hardy and able animal exhibits, but that visitors have a good chance to to forage for food on its own. It did just fine in the mixed see native Michigan wildlife. Back yards create habitats for hardwood forests found in the eastern half of our country. hundreds of species of plants and animals—especially if They are actually an example of a domesticated species that people take the time to learn what the habitat needs are of was allowed “free range” to forage on its own. They and the species they wish to attract. A back yard may not include other hog breeds have escaped over the years and feral hogs all of the habitat requirements for a species, but if it contains cause great habitat damage in places like Smokey Mountain only one or two, that animal may be seen. Planting the right National Park. species of plants in the right locations, placing nest boxes or brush piles—these kinds of actions can make an amazing Red panda: This species is good example of a species that is difference in the suitability of your yard for wildlife. Notice a specialist—it has very narrow habitat requirements—in this how our back yard demonstration area mixes cultivated areas case in its food choice. Although red pandas are omnivores, with adjacent areas that are left to grow naturally and are two thirds of its diet in the wild consists of bamboo. Animals coordinated with nooks with benches for resting and the that have narrow habitat requirements are much more observation deck for viewing wildlife. Careful planning can vulnerable to habitat changes. help prevent the appearance of unwanted species, too. Well African lions: This species is found in the grasslands of Africa designed back yards can also create wonderful habitat for the (savanna) because its prey species are large herbivores that young of another unique species—humans!! depend on the savanna for food. Grassland ecosystems have many different names: savanna, prairie, pampas, and steppes. The lion is a good species to talk about food chains and webs. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 Coniferous forest Desert Temperate grassland Deciduous forest Tundra BIOME For middleandhigh schoolstudents, you candiscusstheconcepts of biomes Tropical rain forest Savanna TEMPERATURE (-30–38˚C) (-54–21˚C) (-57–16˚C) -22–100˚F (13–40˚C) (-5–30˚C) (18–35˚C) 55–104˚F -65–70˚F 36–135˚F (2–57˚C) -70–61˚F 23–86˚F 64–95˚F (125–1,250 cm) (30–200 cm) (35–200 cm) (60–225 cm) (25–90 cm)(25–90 RAINFALL (10–50 cm) (0–25 cm) 50–475 in 24–89 in 10–36 in 14–78 in 12–78 in 4–20 in 0–10 in willows Lichens, mosses, dwarf grass gramma grass, buffalo Little andbig bluestem, yellow poplar maple, blackwalnut, Oak, hickory, beech, birch, aspen spruce, balsamfir, white Black spruce, white TYPICAL PLANTS 6% of theworld’s landarea animal species,yet rain forests encompass onlyabout Contain about50% of theworld’s terrestrial plant and grasses Baobab tree, acaciatree, bush, mesquite, sagebrush saguaro creosote cactus, Prickly pear cactus, TOUR: HABITATS ox, arctic fox lemming, caribou,musk Ptarmigan, snowy owl, jackrabbit, coyote antelope, badger, owl, prong horned Meadowlark, burrowing black bear squirrel, opossum, skunk, deer,White-tailed gray , lynx moth, moose, snowshoe Spruce budworm, tussock TYPICAL ANIMALS , antelopeelephant, Zebra, giraffe, wildebeest, wild roadrunner, kangaroo rat, snake, Gilamonster, Diamond-backed rattle 55 56 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 * SSPspecies are allexamples oftheLastArk, thatis, reproduction asahedge againstextinction inthewild,even if PPZisnotbreeding efforts thespecies. • Do notjusttalkaboutcausesforthereduction ofanimal following: As you prepare foryour tour, pleasekeepinmindthe STARTEDGETTING generalist. SSP, scientificcaptive breeding, reintroduction, specialist, habitatloss,humanencroachment, poaching, conservation, Endangered, extinct,threatened, extirpated,habitat, KEY TERMS • Identify thingsindividualscandotohelptheenvironment • Explore waysinwhichzoos andaquariumsare cooperating • Name atleastfive animalsat Potter Park Zoo thatare oflivingthings tothesurvival • Listthefouritemsnecessary • Listcausesforreduction ofanimalpopulations; • Define thefollowing terms:threatened, endangered, extinct, Your discussionsshouldinclude: OBJECTIVES protected areas Zoos working to establish fundraiser AAZK Bowling for Rhinos from zoo veterinary work; Increased knowledge education Breeding research, CONCEPTS POTENTIAL FOCUS working toimprove thesituation. weight ofthistopicandthattheyunderstandadultsare thatchildrenis important notbeoverwhelmed withthe being takenby zoos andotherstohelpthesituation.It populations butalsotalkaboutpositive actionsthatare and endangered species. species from ; locally, nationally, andinternationallytoprotect vanishing endangered species. (components ofhabitat; extirpated, SSP, conservation; Black rhino SPECIES Pallas cat PPZ SS PP at at x x x P* Z Asian medicine Middle East andfor useintraditional horn to make daggerhandlesin Endangered, CITESI;poaching for POPULATIONS FOR THEREDUCTION OF STATUS OFSPECIES; CAUSES cat;. pest rodents andpikasmay affect the so isseenasbeneficial, poisoning of in most areas; eats agricultural pests Near threatened, CITESII;protected protected thisanimalfrom hunting. habitat destruction; superstitions once Endangered; overhunting, habitat loss, the informationprovided. below,charts you canjustgointomore depthanddetailswith Middle/high school: With alltheinformationavailable inthe specialists. usually toleratechangesbetterthananimalsthatare For upperelementary, includeadiscussionof how generalists the animaldatasheetsformore additionalinformation. appropriate gradelevel ofyour audience.Be sure toconsult only suggestions.Remember tokeepyour discussiontothe the conceptsandtermslistedabove. Remember, theseare in whichyou canusetheanimalstohighlightandillustrate ofthemanyways some suggestionswhichpointoutafew Following oftheexhibitanimalsalongwith isadetailedchart • At somelaterpointinyour tourdiscuss: Why isitimportant • Have themnamesomeendangered species.See iftheycan • Askstudentstodefinethreatened, endangered andextinct; (education, research, conservation) to save species?How dozoos helpendangered animals? and space? happens tothemiftheycannotfindfood,water, shelter, students definehabitatanditsfourmaincomponents. What (habitat loss,humanencroachment, poaching).Have your name someofthecausesanimalsbecomingendangered introduce thetermextirpated. TOUR: LAST ARK VANISHING SPECIES COOPERATING TO PROTECT WAYS THAT INSTITUTIONS ARE protect animalsintheregion. to establish international peace parkto governments andscientists incentral Asia operates theBronx Zoo, isworking with The Wildlife Conservation Society, which conservation efforts. Bowling for Rhinos fundraiser supports wild treatment of previous/current rhinos; PPZ: Medical knowledge gained through translocation sites inthewild. increase survivorship andbreeding at new to better manage blackrhinopopulations and San Diego Zoo researchers are looking at how insemination. unsuccessful attempt at artificial PPZ: Successful at natural breeding; reintroduction. U.S. zoos have bred animalsfor 57 58 TOUR: LAST ARK

SSP* STATUS OF SPECIES; CAUSES WAYS THAT INSTITUTIONS ARE POTENTIAL FOCUS PPZ at FOR THE REDUCTION OF COOPERATING TO PROTECT CONCEPTS SPECIES PPZ POPULATIONS VANISHING SPECIES Project between Disney’s Animal Kingdom Projects between U.S. Cotton-top Endangered, CITES I; habitat and a Colombian zoo that combines x and native country tamarin destruction, trade. field research, education initiatives, and community programs. Legislation halting the import of endangered Legislation and Most species endangered, all birds in the has been imple- Parrot/ enforcement; owning protected in some way, CITES I or II; mented. Problems with the enforcement macaw a bird deforestation, illegal pet trade of export restrictions in South American countries. Do homework before buying! PPZ: Dr. Tara is participating in a research Species of special concern in Michigan study to learn more about Massasauga and a candidate for federal species rattlesnakes in Michigan. She puts Eastern Veterinary involvement list; more common in Michigan than in transmitter chips into snakes found in Massasauga in field research other parts of its range but in isolated the wild, and they are then returned to rattlesnake populations; wetland habitat loss, where they were found. These chips allow human persecution. researchers to learn more about the snakes’ population, movement, deaths, etc. Zoo Atlanta and Knoxville Zoo have been among very few successful at breeding, Endangered, CITES II; Asian food Spiny Asian information on biology and ecology from Research and education market, pet trade, habitat destruction; turtle these efforts could help conservation in wild. difficult to breed in captivity. PPZ: Redesigned exhibit to encourage breeding Endangered; human encroachment, Puerto predation and competition from Zoos: Breeding and reintroduction Rican Amphibian crisis x introduced animals; amphibians in PPZ: As of 2016, has sent over 18,000 crested great trouble worldwide with a fungus tadpoles toad a large threat. Zoos breeding; National Zoo an early leader Endangered, CITES I; fragmentation in the SSP program with Knoxville Zoo a Breeding research Red panda x and loss of habitat, exotic fur trade. current center for red panda reproduction. PPZ: Two cubs born in 2016. African lions are part of an SSP program even though they are not yet endangered. SSP, importance of Vulnerable, CITES II; habitat Most captive lions of unknown genetic African lion x known lineages destruction and human conflicts. origin and thus are not included in SSP. PPZ: Currently holding (successful breeding by other zoos, so there is no current need) PPZ: Birth of three cubs in 2005 and 2011; Endangered, CITES I; habitat aspects of SSP matching; movement of How SSP works, destruction, human encroachment, animals; loss of cubs; illness/hand-raising. increased knowledge of Amur tiger x poaching (traditional Chinese Target training of our tigers allowed their species medicine). participation in several important research projects. PPZ: Birth in 2007. Pioneering training protocols with our female enables veterinarians to perform ultrasounds, blood work and other medical tests without Endangered, CITES I; fur trade, anesthesia that provide valuable info Conservation human encroachment (natural prey shared with other institutions; has provided organizations, fundraising, Snow x decreasing due to competition from valuable information on her pregnancies partnerships, education leopard domestic livestock, human/animal and saved her life. of locals conflicts). Snow Leopard Trust: Includes zoos as fundraising partners for its work building partnerships; uses science and research to sustain a community-based conservation program.

* SSP species are all examples of the Last Ark, that is, reproduction efforts as a hedge against extinction in the wild, even if PPZ is not breeding the species. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 * SSPspecies are allexamples oftheLastArk, thatis, reproduction asahedge againstextinction inthewild,even if PPZisnotbreeding efforts thespecies. management quality andtrapping improvement inwater Extirpation comeback, of pollutant legal protection, banning Extirpation comeback, legal protection Extirpation comeback, ecotourism Reintroduction, zoo, partnerships University research, in SSP Reserve animalsinvolved SSP the wild Increased knowledge in CONCEPTS POTENTIAL FOCUS River otter Red-ruffed Ring-tailed Bald eagle Gray wolf SPECIES monkey tamarin Golden Spider lemur PPZ lion SS PP at at x x x x P* Z enough to sustain harvests. the 1800s;Michigan populations large overhunting andhabitat destruction in throughout much of itsrange dueto and recreational extirpated activities; pollution, andhuman encroachment common, CITES II;habitatdestruction, from endangered to threatened to Status inU.S. varies regionally overhunting. CITES II;human encroachment and destruction, poaching. Endangered, CITESII;habitat the U.S. endangered or threatened inmost of in embryos. They are nolonger thinning of anddeformities eggshells due to DDT (pesticide whichcaused in sixstates) in thelower 48 states Became endangered (or threatened destruction, exotic pet trade. Endangered, CITESI;habitat very limited resource. destruction, space onanisland isa Endangered, CITESI;habitat destruction andpoaching. Endangered, CITESI;habitat destruction, hunting, pet trade. Endangered, CITESI;habitat POPULATIONS FOR THEREDUCTION OF STATUS OFSPECIES; CAUSES TOUR: LAST ARK with afemale for breeding. PPZ: Male bornin2013; currently paired and potential threats. working withothers to monitor populations Field biologists from anumber of zoos are and reintroduction. regarding theirpopulation status, hunting western U.S., although legal battles remain reintroduced into remote areas of the Isle Royale). Somewolves have been in theUpper Peninsula (not including By 2015, there were over 600individuals to Michigan viaWisconsin andMinnesota. (Endangered SpeciesAct), they returned Public education andprotection of wolves they are notof part program. theSSP PPZ: Animalsare of unknown genetics, so nested along theGrand River near thezoo. There isawildpairthat hassuccessfully threatened status inthelower 48 states. 48 states. In 2007 they were delisted from In 1995 they were down-listed inthelower populations have recovered significantly. the U.S. in1972. Since thebanning,eagle The useof DDT was banned from usein reintroductions of various lemur species. involved inresearch, , and techniques, andecotourism. It isalso locals aboutreforestation, agricultural with alocalzoo inMadagascar to teach Duke Univ. Lemur Center partners at other zoos paired withfemales. PPZ: in2007 Births and2010; offspring are frequent. to helpensure protection inareas that they mandrills to gather datathat canbeused operates theBronx Zoo, isradio-collaring The Wildlife Conservation Society, which increase knowledge aboutspecies. captive population’s genetic diversity andto Madagascar participate to inSSP increase Individuals housedat areserve in Protected area established inMadagascar. VANISHING SPECIES COOPERATING TO PROTECT WAYS THAT INSTITUTIONS ARE PPZ: Holding apairof siblings in reintroduced areas hasbeenimportant. in protected areas inBrazil. Publiceducation began breeding andreintroducing tamarins In the1980s, ledby theNational Zoo, zoos 59 60 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 previously extirpated. have resultedefforts inrecolonization ofareas where theywere stabilized inrecent years andreintroduction andconservation midwestern andeastern United States. Population trends have river systems,especially around heavilypopulatedareas inthe 1800s, andhabitatlossoralteration duetothedammingof oftheirrange,duetooverhuntingthrough manyparts inthe in Appendix IIofCITES.Populations were onceextirpated North AmericanRiver otters: Northern river ottersare listed open water. Immature birds maymove south. further south enoughtostayaheadoftheiceandcongregate near Peninsula. These eaglesdon’t really migrate;theyjustmove ofthe Lower portion andthenorthern the western portion) while theynestmainlyintheUpper Peninsula (especially bald eaglesare seenthroughout thestate(almostallcounties), have hadanestingpairinthearea. During Michigan winters, sites from humandisturbanceshasmadethedifference. We of dangerous pesticidessuchasDDTandprotecting nest making astrong comebackinMichigan. Eliminating theuse Bald eagles: Previously athreatened species,eaglesare ANIMALS TO HIGHLIGHT inanotherpart. survive animals thatare ofthestatemightnot adaptedtoonepart longer, harsherwintersthantheLower Peninsula, and many it feelmuchcolder. Andofcourse,theUpper Peninsula has temperatures drop below zero andthewind chillcanmake into the90sandeven the100s,andcoldofwinter, when theheatofsummer,to survive whentemperatures canreach summer andfall.Michigan’s native animalshave tobeable is alwayschanging.It hasfourdistinctseasons:winter, spring, The temperatedeciduousforest biomethatcovers Michigan or more than85miles(137km)from oneoftheGreat Lakes. Michigan ismore thansixmiles(10km)from aninlandlake the secondlongestshoreline ofanystateandnopointin fifth ofthefreshwater ontheplanet. surface Michigan has largest bodyoffresh accountingforone- wateronEarth, Great Lake,fourofwhichborder Michigan, makeupthe Great Lakesbasin,including170-plusspeciesoffish. The More than3,500speciesofplantsandanimalsinhabitthe CONCEPTS adaptation, temperatedeciduousforest Endangered, extirpated,habitat,migration,hibernation, TERMS life inafour-seasonenvironment. Michigan andbealetoexplainthedifferent adaptationsfor To familiarize studentswithanimalsthatare native to OBJECTIVES TOUR: MEETYOUR NEIGHBOR the quillsofOld World porcupines lackbarbules. excellent diggers.Unlike North American porcupine quills, porcupines, Africancrested porcupines are cursorialandare defense ratherthanonspeedoragility. Unlike ourarboreal slow-moving animalsthatrely ontheirimposingquillsfor Michigan, Old World porcupines are large,heavy-set, equivalents, theNorth Americanporcupine foundin African crested porcupine: LiketheirNew World subspecies foundinMichigan tothefederalendangered list. moose isconsideringwhethertoaddthenorthwestern service at about400animalsintheUP. The U.S.Fish & Wildlife 1900s, Michigan’s current moosepopulationisestimated after numerous reintroduction attemptsthroughout the disappeared from theLower Peninsula inthe1890s,and Moose: Due tologging,huntingandbrainworm,moose look outforpredators. other animals,suchassheep, tohelpkeeptheherd calmand llamas, rabbits,goats(cashmere). Burros: oftenkeptwith food: Goats, chickens,rabbits,.Raisedforwool/fur: many are adaptedforMichigan’s fourseasons.Raisedfor (can you guesswhichonesaren’t raisedinMichigan?) and farmers raiseofmostthespeciesfoundinourfarmyard million acres (4millionhectares) offarmland.Michigan Farmyard: Michigan hasover 52,000farmsthatutilize 10 Michigan year-round. cooksforyou?” call.Liveinstantly recognizable in “Who they huntsmallanimals,especiallyrodents, andgive an deciduous trees andevergreens, oftennearwater. At night Barred owl: Live inlarge,mature forests madeupofboth pine forest andlive inMichigan year-round. Lowernorthern Peninsula, andtheyare commoninthejack Raven: TheirMichigan rangeistheUpper Peninsula and on theEndangered Species List. and considerationhasbeengiven toreclassifying theirstatus various areas inNorth Americahasproven fairlysuccessful, intothewilderness.Re-introduction andfurther further into encroaching ontheirenvironment, wolves were pushed Wolves secretive are very innature, andashumansstarted successfully re-introduced intosomewestern nationalparks. Wisconsin andMichigan’s Upper Peninsula, andhave been are doingwell inMinnesota, are recovering innorthern Gray wolf: Once endangered inalllower 48states,wolves 61 62 TOUR: MEET YOUR NEIGHBOR

BIRD & REPTILE HOUSE EDUCATION ANIMALS : There are two color morphs (gray Eagle owl: Very similar habitat and behavior as the great and rufous); gray is more common in Michigan. Both horned owl (also same , Bubo), which is found color morphs make them very difficult to distinguish from throughout Michigan, except the eagle owl is larger. surrounding tree bark. European ferret: Michigan has six mustelid species (least Other Michigan species in the BRH: , long tailed weasel, pine marten, ermine, fisher, and the American kestrel American badger). The smaller species are similar in behavior Blue jay and life history to the European ferret. Green heron American toad Sinaloan : Milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum) Common gray tree frog have many subspecies. The Sinaloan milk snake is a subspecies Mudpuppy (T. triangulum sinaloae) that mimics native coral snakes. The Northern leopard frog Eastern milk snake (Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum), Blanding’s turtle: Protected by Michigan law as a special naive to Michigan, is camouflaged to blend in with our concern species deciduous forest. Common musk turtle Map turtle Brown rat: Not native to MIchigan. Can discuss invasive Massasauga rattlesnake: Protected by Michigan law as a species. special concern species and is a candidate for federal listing. Painted turtle Domestic rabbit: The most common rabbit in much of the Black rat snake: Protected by Michigan law as a special U.S., and Michigan, is the Eastern cottontail. Snowshoe hares concern species and European hares (introduced) are also found in Michigan. Hares and jackrabbits are in the genus Lepus; all remaining species are referred to as rabbits. While hares are well-adapted for running long distances, rabbits run in short bursts and have modified limbs adapted for digging. Hares are often larger than rabbits and have black tipped ears. Newborn hares are precocial; newborn rabbits are altricial. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 flash of lightoccurstoo fastforthepupil toclose,the light shouldn’t beconfused with“red-eye,” which occurswhena including white, blue,green, yellow, pinkandred. This effect appears toglow. Eyeshine occursinawidevariety ofcolors the eye ofananimal havingatapetumlucidum,thepupil visible effectofthetapetumlucidum. When lightshinesinto retina, increasing the light available totheeye. “Eyeshine” isa Itmany vertebrates. reflects visiblelight back through the Tapetum lucidum:alayer ofreflective tissueintheeye of KEY ADAPTATIONS: creature ofthenight. blossoms. These flowers are pollinated by bats,another intense heatcannotwitheranddestroy theirmoist,delicate adapted sothattheirflowers onlyopenatnight when thesun’s water.conserve Many plantspeciesnative tohotclimateshave of theday. Anotherreason lionsprefer tohunt atnightisto creatures from losingprecious waterduringtheextreme heat where indeserts, nocturnalbehavior preventsespecially true the extreme coldofnightformanyArctic animals.) This is day (conversely, beingdiurnalcanbeawayofavoiding Another reason fornocturnalityisavoiding theheatof of daytimepredation tothemselves and/ortheiroffspring. gather atbreeding sitesorcoloniesatnighttoreduce therisk behaviors. For example,manyseabirds only andseaturtles are alsomanydiurnalspeciesthatexhibitsomenocturnal dozen orsobirds ofprey thathuntthemare diurnal. There species ofsmallrodents are active atnightbecausemost ofthe many oftheirprey specieshave poornightvision.Many One ofthereasons thatlionsprefer tohuntatnightisthat Another benefittonoctunalityavoid orenhancepredation. for eachother’s prey. owls are nocturnal. This meanstheyare notincompetition same rodents withoutconflictbecausehawksare diurnaland example, hawksandowls canhuntthesame meadow forthe by timeinsteadofresourcesis partitioned orseason.For differentiation, ornicheswitching,where aenvironment resource competition.Being active atnightis aformofniche What are thebenefitsofbeingnocturnal? One benefitis adapt tobothlow (night)andbright(day)levels oflight. nocturnal animalshave speciallyadaptedeyesight thatcan during thenightandsleepingday. Many Nocturnality isananimalbehaviorcharacterized by activity CONCEPTS Nocturnal, crepuscular, diurnal TERMS and adaptationsthatenableanimalstobenocturnal. Identify nocturnalanimals,theirspecificbehaviors OBJECTIVES TOUR: NOCTURNAL BEHAVIORS whiskers enablethemto findtheirway through tall grass and about sixtimes better thanhumansatnight.Long sensitive or anywhere elsethathasareduced snow depth. Catscansee select routes onfrozen river beds,inpathsmade by ungulates, and alongroutes where theycanmove quietly. In snow, tigers any timeoftheday. Tigers prefer tohuntindensevegetation ungulate prey are most active, although theycanbeactive at Amur tiger: Tigers are mostactive atnight,whentheirwild a tapetumlucidum the adaptationsthatothercatshave fornocturnality, including Snow leopard: Primarily crepuscular, althoughtheyhave all and sleepingintrees. Red panda: Crepuscular, theyspendmostoftheday resting Pallas cat: Crepuscular owl speciesthathuntduringtheday(e.g.,snowy owls). opening higherthantheother. doesnotoccurin Asymmetry nocturnal owls have asymmetricalearopeningswithone facial disk,thatchannelssoundintotheearopenings.Most distinctive patternofhair-likefeathersontheirface,calleda animals however, owls lackatapetumlucidum). They have a for collectingandprocessing light(unlikemanynocturnal can beswallowed whole.Eyes have alargecorneaandpupil yellow eyes. Without exception, barred owls huntprey that eastern United States whichhasbrown eyes; allothershave Barred owl: The barred owl istheonlytypicalowl ofthe hearing tolocateprey whentheyhuntatnight. for low lightconstions,wolves usetheirsenseofsmelland usually nocturnal.Since theireyesight isnotspeciallyadapted moving around duringtheday. The rest oftheyear theyare Gray wolf: During thewintermonths,wolves canbefound ANIMALS TO HIGHLIGHT hunting) invarious environments. Echolocation isusedfornavigationandforaging(or them. They usetheseechoestolocateandidentifytheobjects. echoes ofthosecallsthatreturn from various objectsnear bats, emitcallsouttotheenvironment andlistentothe Echolocation: Echolocating animals,suchasinsect-eating their prey from hearingthemastheyattack. This enablesthemtoheartheirprey astheyfly, andprevents wingfeathersthatallowsthem toflysilently.on theprimary Silent flight: Nocturnal birds have acomb-likeleadingedge Whiskers: reception. role Play intactilesensory animportant the largenumberofbloodvessels. then reflects offthebackofeyeball andappears red dueto 63 64 TOUR: NOCTURNAL BEHAVIORS brushy habitat. Soft padded feet with retractable claws allow Mudpuppy (BRH): Nocturnal; spend the day hiding in deep them to move about quietly. water under rocks or fallen logs.

African lion: Lions spend up to 20 hours per day resting. Northern leopard frog (BRH): Mostly nocturnal and are Although lions can be active at any time, their activity well-adapted to cold. generally peaks after dusk with intermittent bursts of activity through the night hours until dawn, when hunting most often Puerto Rican crested toad (BRH): Nocturnal takes place. Brazilian rainbow boa (BRH): Have heat-sensing pits on their Black rhino: They are less active during the middle of the day, face that allow them to detect the body heat of their warm- using mornings and evenings to eat, drink, and move around. blooded prey at night.

Bat-eared fox: 85 percent of activity occurs at night in the Emerald tree boa (BRH): Have heat-sensing pits on their Serengeti, while in South Africa bat-eared foxes are mainly face that allow them to detect the body heat of their warm- diurnal in winter and nocturnal in summer (to avoid the blooded prey at night. heat). Western tufted deer: Active at night, but frequently seen at African crested porcupine: Strictly nocturnal and will even dawn and dusk. avoid moonlight in open areas. Reeves’ muntjac: Crepuscular, feeding mainly at dawn and in Seba’s short-tailed fruit bat (BRH): These bats fly out at the evening. sunset, forage for fruit, eat for about 15 minutes, then nap. They will repeat this cycle throughout the night. They use EDUCATION ANIMALS their memory of an area to get to the general location of food Eagle owl: In addition to the other adaptations that nocturnal and then use their sense of smell, sight, and echolocation owls have, the eagle owl can hear the sound of a squeal to hone in on the fruit. Over 500 plant species rely on over 75 feet away. nocturnal bats to pollinate their flowers, including species of mango, banana, cocoa, durian, guava and agave (used Chinchilla: Nocturnal to make tequila). The pollination of plants by bats is called chiropterophily. Domestic rabbit: Crepuscular.

Screech owl (BRH): Eyes have a large cornea and pupil European ferret: Nocturnal for collecting and processing light (unlike many nocturnal animals however, owls lack a tapetum lucidum). They have a Lesser hedgehog tenrec: Nocturnal, usually found sleeping distinctive pattern of hair-like feathers on their face, called a during the heat of the day in small groups under boulders, facial disk, that channels sound into the ear openings. Most tree roots, and in tree holes close to the ground. nocturnal owls have asymmetrical ear openings with one opening higher than the other. Asymmetry does not occur in Madagascar hissing cockroach: Nocturnal, usually spending owl species that hunt during the day (e.g., snowy owls). their time hiding in crevices.

American toads (BRH): Primarily nocturnal and most active North American porcupine: Nocturnal during warm humid times of the year. When night falls, American toads come out of their hiding spots and hunt for Sinaloan milk snake: often nocturnal and stay in their desert food. During spring, American toads have one of the most burrows during the heat of the day. notable mating calls of all Michigan toads: a long high- pitched trill that lasts 4–20 seconds, which can be heard late Virginia opossum: Nocturnal into the night. Brown rat: Mostly nocturnal or active at dusk Common gray tree frog (BRH): Nocturnal potter park zoo docent manual 2017 their manyscent glands(popcornodor). communicate by making avariety ofsounds andby using Binturong: Longwhiskers used tofeelinthedark. They Bat-eared fox: Do you thinkthey’re goodlisteners? food itemsandtoclimb. how theparrots andmacawsusetheirfeet tohelpholdlarge display. If birds dotheyneedtosee in color? eatfruits, Watch Birds: Examine thedifferent beaksandfeetofthebirds on Massasauga rattlesnakeandboas. how theJacobson’s organ works. Heat-sensing pitsinthe ones don’t? Watch toseeifanystickouttheirtongue;explain Can you spotanyears? Which oneshave themandwhich Snakes, lizards: Canyou seeanyofthemblinktheireyes? BIRD &REPTILE HOUSE developed? Lessdeveloped? (hint:smalleyes andbigears) Rhinocerous: Which sensesdoyou thinkare more only usedforgrasping,butalsofeeling. through theirhabitat.Spider monkeys:prehensile tailnot on theforest floorandneedtoseedistanceswhenmoving distances? Where? They are designedforlifeinthetrees or Why are theireyes infront? Do theprimatesneedtosee : does theircamouflagework? Cats: Allcatsare predators; theyare carnivores. true How FELINE &PRIMATE BUILDING neighboring wolves. and mark territories(by urinatinganddefecating)towarnoff wolves. Wolves recognize eachother(packmembers)by smell Smell isusedtolocate prey andforcommunicationbetween hearing andsight. Wolves have anincredible senseofsmell. Gray wolf: Eye andearplacementofpredator. Exceptional Arctic fox: Uses strong odorstomark itsterritory. for hunting. rabbit uptoonemileaway. Note sharpbeakandtalonsused Bald eagle: Keen binocularvisionallows them tospota ANIMALS TO HIGHLIGHT omnivore Prey, predator, senses,Jacobson’s organ,carnivore, herbivore, TERMS how anowl isabletohuntatnightusingitseyes andears. describe whyasnakeorlizard sticksoutitstongue;describe and tellwhatsensevultures usethatotherbirds donotuse; listthosesensesmostbirdsthem tosurvive; usetolocatefood, and earsbeabletoexplainhow thispositioningenables identify prey andpredator animalsbasedonplacementofeyes List thefive sensesandidentifytheproper organforeach; OBJECTIVES Mostly plant-eaters, butare classifiedasomnivores. TOUR: SENSATIONAL ZOO which direction thesoundcame. ear atdifferent times,whichhelpsthemtodeterminefrom are offsetandoneishigherthantheother. Sounds reach each can triangulateasound,pinpointingitsexactlocation.Ears by turningtheirheads. They have excellent hearing,which owls have flexiblenecksthatallow themtoseebehind them from sidetoside.In order tobeablelookforprey, are sobig,there are nomusclesattachedtothe eyes tomove human, itseyes wouldbeasbigasoftball.Because owl eyes see exceptionally well atnight.If theowl were thesize ofa Barred owl: Huge eyes enablethesenocturnalcreatures to the senseofsmell? provide excellent hearing.How doesanosebeingwet enhance Bongo: Stripes are camouflage. Big earsthatswivel around prey animals. Patagonian : eye andearplacement;typicalof Observe water. Magellanic penguins: Excellent eyesight forfindingfishin plants theyare herbivores. so itisaprey animal. Who isitspredator? Since therhinoseat an animalispredator orprey. It definitelyhaseyes ontheside, Sizethem survive? doesn’t countwhendeterminingwhether good orbadvision? What othersensesmighttheyusetohelp Black rhino:Lookhow smalltheireyes are. Does thismean locate carcasses. food. Our kingvultures watchotherspeciesofvultures to well anddependoneyesightsmell very andhearingtolocate scavengers andprey ondeadanimals.Most otherbirds cannot birdsone ofthefew thathasasenseofsmell. Vultures are King vulture: Uses itssenseofsmellinorder tolocatefood; lookingandlisteningforpredators.on alert Meerkats: Anindividualinthecolony(asentinal)isalways 65 66 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 of theanimals. information. Note:pertinent Zoo dietsare alsolistedformost more detailedinformation ontheirfeedinghabitsandother suggestions.Befew sure toconsulttheanimal datasheetsfor concepts andtermslistedabove. Remember, theseare onlya which you canusethe animalstohighlightandillustratethe ofthemanywaysin some suggestionswhichpointoutafew Following isalistofsometheanimalexhibitsalongwith animals needavariety ofnutrientstomeettheirbasicneeds. would result inthelossofsomenutrients.)Remind them that stove—animals eattheirfoodrawinthewildandcookingit and sinks.(You maywanttoaskthemwhyonlyone hasa kitchens/food prep areas, eachwithrefrigerators, freezers Explain toyour audiencethatwe have several animal predator by usingjustthatinformation. you whetherornoteachmammalyou visitisaprey animalor predators earlyoninyour tour, you canhave theaudiencetell of animaldentition.If you cover eye/ear placement ofprey/ one wayofhelpingtoillustratedifferences invarious types and contrastingthe“vores.” Referring totheirown teethis about the“vores” andengagetheminadiscussioncomparing toavoid gettingeaten!)Earlyonquizthem food, whiletrying cats, mostanimalsspendthebulkoftheirtimelookingfor most oftheirtimedoinginthewild?”(Other thanthebig audience questionssuchas”Whatdomostanimalsspend To getthemthinkingintermsoffoodprocurement, askyour STARTEDGETTING allow you tocompare andcontrasttheirdifferent foodhabits. Remember thatvisitingadiverse selectionofanimalswill Make sure oneofyou hasthekeytokangaroo barn. Discuss withtheotherdocentswhere eachofyou willstart. BEFORE YOU START levels food web, photosynthesis,producers, consumers,trophic Jacobson’s organ,camouflage,detritus,nutrition,foodchain, Carnivore, herbivore, omnivore, predator, prey, scavenger, KEY TERMS ofscavengers. and theimportance relationships withinafoodchain,includingphotosynthesis avoid detection(lackofmovement, camouflage,etc.);discuss eaten by different birds; discusshow bothprey andpredators incisor andmolarteeth);explainbeakadaptationsforfood in dentition(identifyanddescribetheuseofcanine, including adiscussionofeye andearplacement,differences Compare andcontrastherbivore, carnivore andomnivore, OBJECTIVES TOUR: WHAT’S FORLUNCH? but formostit’s hay, grain/pelletized food. Zooruminants. diets:varies dependingonanimal, somewhat note placementofeyes andearsonallthe herbivores; goatsare are not)whichare omnivores (chickensandGuinea hogs); exception oftwospecies(have your audienceguess whichtwo Farm yard: Alloftheseanimalsare herbivores, withthe diet, mice. water inpursuitoffishandcrayfish. Zoodiet: water anddrop down tocatchfish,oreven wadeinshallow for prey withtheirsharpeyes andears. They mayperch over and waitingonanelevated perch, whilescanningallaround amphibians, reptiles, andinvertebrates. They huntby sitting mice, voles, rabbits,birds (uptothesize ofgrouse), Barred owl: Small animals,includingsquirrels, chipmunks, dog food,carnivore diet,fish(asanextrasource ofprotein). smell—up toathousandtimesbetterthanours.Zoo diet:dry pounds! Wolves locateprey withtheirincredible senseof largeamountofmeat,upto20 success by consumingvery andtheycantakeadvantagebe several ofhunting daysapart large predators, theyhave “feast orfaminebiology”—kills may larger thattheyare) asawell-coordinated team;likemost are social(pack)andhunttheirprey (whichare oftenmuch Gray wolf: Carnivore; noteplacementofeyes andears;wolves prey diet. consumers, andtrophic levels. Zoo diet:fish,mice,bird of students,it’selementary alsoagoodtimetodiscussproducers, fish-bald eagle. Be sure toincludephotosynthesis. For upper to discussfoodchains/webs—algae-insects-small fish-larger even betteratcatchingfishthantheeagle;thisagreat species occasionally stealfishfrom osprey, another raptor, whichis miles orathousand)inthewintertofindice-free water;will in thewinterwhenfoodisscarce; willalsomigrate(afew spotted from onemileinthesky);willscavenge, especially eyesight fordetectingprey atgreat distances(prey canbe Bald eagle: Carnivore, noteplacementofeyes; incredible times/day. dogfood,carnivore Zoo diet. diet:fish,dry active (highmetabolism),ourottersare normallyfedthree this predator catchesinadditiontofish. Because theyare so atcatchingfish;discussthewide variety ofpreyto beexperts which trapsairforinsulation–theseadaptationsallow otters eyes andears;webbed feet,tailusedasrudder, denseunderfur North Americanriver otter: Carnivore; noteplacementof boiled eggs,carnivore diet. scavenge dog food,fish,hard- polarbearkills.Zoo diet:dry food isreally scarce inthewinter, theyhave beenknown to seasonal variation incoloroffur, camouflage. When cryptic Arctic fox: Carnivore; noteplacementofeyes andears; ANIMALS TO HIGHLIGHT 67 68 TOUR: WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?

Kangaroo barn/freezer: Discuss the feeds that are visible: Lions: The only social large cats (pride), often hunt extremely hay (we use both alfalfa hay, which is high in protein, and large prey; utilize cryptic camouflage contrast this with the grass hay which is lower in protein because some of our disruptive coloration of zebras, one of their prey. herbivores need food which compares to that which they Amur tigers and snow leopards: Have fur with color would eat in the wild.) Show them the walk-in freezer and the patterns than can function as either cryptic or disruptive fish and carnivore diets housed there. depending on the color of the habitat; both are solitary. Zoo Camels: Herbivores; note placement of eyes and ears; discuss diet (all): carnivore diet, large bones; the big cats are fasted the camel’s hump (if you ask what is in the hump, most one day/week. people will say “water”) and fat storage—humps are much BIRD & REPTILE HOUSE: larger in the fall and winter; camels are ruminants; camel There are examples of herbivores, omnivores and carnivores; bodies are very efficient in their use and conservation of water; camels can drink up to 30 gallons of water once they do come Birds: Discuss differences in bills, gizzards and use of grit, across some in the desert. Camels can defend themselves from crops and food storage. Zoo diets: varies with species, but may predators by biting and kicking—unlike horses and donkeys, include bird of prey diet, meal worms, wax worms, crickets, they can kick in all four directions. Zoo diet: hay and seeds, produce. pelletized food (they chew any wood they can reach!) Snakes: All are carnivores; have loosely hinged jaws for swallowing large prey; either constrictors, swallow prey Patagonian mara: Herbivore; note placement of eyes and while still alive (garter snakes), or are venomous; Jacobson’s ears; like rabbits, these animals, which are actually rodents, organ; cryptic camouflage. Zoo diet: rodents offered weekly. produce two types of fecal pellets—soft ones which are re- Digestion is slow and temperature-dependent. ingested (to get more nutrition from their poorly digested Lizards: Carnivores or ominvores, depending on the species; food—eating of feces is called coprophagy), and firm pellets is one of only two species of venomous lizards in which are not re-ingested; cryptic camouflage. Note: You can the world; all of our lizard species exhibit cryptic camouflage. talk about predators of the maras (jaguars, eagles) and lead Amphibians: All of our species are carnivorous; poison dart into a discussion of: predator/prey, food chains, food webs, frogs use bright colors to warn predators, frogs’ tongues attach etc. Zoo diet: hay, pelletized food. at the front of their mouths and are sticky—the tongue is flicked out to capture insects and other small prey. Zoo diet: Spider monkeys: Omnivores; using their prehensile tail varies with species: meal worms, crickets, wax worms, fish. allows their hands to be free to pick fruit and grab insects. Being social gives them multiple eyes and noses to find food and to detect predators. Zoo diet: primate biscuits, produce MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL on M-W-F. In addition to more depth and detail with the above topics, you can add discussion of the following terms and Magellanic penguins: Carnivore; exhibit counter-shading; concepts: carnassial teeth, apex predator, biomagnification, discuss why they are the only animals we hand feed (for both simultaneous calving, coprophagy, ruminants. nutrition and disease prevention); talk about the parents Carnassial teeth: These large, pointy teeth (premolar and taking turns with incubation and feeding of the young. first molar), found in many carnivorous mammals, are used for shearing flesh and bone in a scissor or shear-like way. FELINE & PRIMATE BUILDING: Many modern carnivorans, e.g., lions, eat meat from other Primates: All our species are omnivores; being social provides vertebrates or invertebrates and have well-developed carnassial multiple eyes, ears and noses to detect predators and food. teeth. In others, the carnassial teeth have become adapted to Tamarins are strictly arboreal (tree-dwelling), lemurs spend an herbivorous or to an omnivorous, mixed diet of meat and a little time on the ground, but are mostly arboreal, and vegetable. The premolars and molars of modern bears are mandrills spend most of their time on the ground and use modified to grind vegetable matter. trees primarily to escape danger and to roost at night. Zoo Apex predator: Also alpha predators, or top-level predators. diets: primate biscuits, produce on M-W-F. Predators that, as adults, are not normally preyed upon in Big cats: All are carnivores; note placement of eyes and ears; the wild. Apex predator species are often at the end of long extremely powerful jaws and legs; sprinters, not endurance; food chains, where they have a crucial role in maintaining retractable claws; spend most of their day resting, conserving the health of ecosystems. One study of marine food webs energy; have very elastic stomachs and can consume large defined apex predators as greater than trophic level four. amounts of meat when they make a kill. Food chains are often far shorter on land, with the top of the food chain limited to the third trophic level, as where potter park zoo docent manual 2017 mammal species.Literallytranslated,coprophagy means rabbits, hares, guineapigs,mostrodents andseveral other Coprophagy: Thisisabehavioraldigestive process seenin nutritious plants. calving almostalwayscoincideswiththepeakabundanceof chance thatanindividualcalfwillbekilledby predators and functions:itreduces twoimportant the synchronization serves calves are bornwithina10-dayperiodinearly June. The In CanadaandAlaska,80–90percent ofallcaribou northern 500,000 wildebeestcalves are bornwithina2–3week period. periodoftime.In short theSerengetiwithin avery inAfrica, of largeungulatesinwhichmostthepopulationgives birth Synchronized calving: Astrategyutilized by several species substance thanispresent intheorganism’s food. result inanorganismhavinghigherconcentrationsofa in thefoodchain(athighertrophic levels). These processes results inhigherconcentrationsorganismsatlevels chain. It generallyrefers tothesequenceofprocesses those smaller organismsthatare foodforlargerorganismsinthe up thefoodchainby transferofresidues ofthesubstancein Biomagnification: This istheaccumulationofasubstance not themselves prey inmostoftheirrange. considerable vegetable materialaswell asmuchmeatbutare applies tosuchomnivores asgrizzlybearsandhumansthateat or giantconstrictorsnakesprey uponlargeherbivores. Also such predators asthebigcats,crocodilians, hyenas, wolves, TOUR: WHAT’S FORLUNCH? more onthecolonformicrobial fermentation. such ashorses,rhinoceroses, gorillas,andelephants,depend herbivores,pigs, chinchillas,andrats.Largenonruminant microbial digestion.Cecalfermentersincluderabbits,guinea to whethertheydependprimarilyonthececumorcolonfor Hindgut fermenters: Split intotwoclassificationsaccording camels, alpacas,llamas,wildebeest,antelope,andpronghorn. American bison,European bison,yaks,waterbuffalo,deer, Ruminating mammalsincludecattle,goats,sheep, giraffes, these chambersby microbes (bacteria,protozoa, andfungi). size. Plantthe particle fibers,isprimarilybroken down in slowly tocompletelymixitwithsaliva andtobreak down form thecud(orbolus). The cudisthenregurgitated, chewed layers ofsolidandliquidmaterial.Solids clumptogetherto reticulum, thefoodismixed withsaliva andseparatesinto abomasum. Inrumen andthe thefirsttwochambers, chambers. These are reticulum, therumen, omasum,and Ruminants: Ruminants have afore-stomach withfour ingested afterbeingexpelled. of vitaminKandBvitaminsare usuallyimmediately the typicalhard fecalpellet. They alsocontainhighlevels soft pelletshave twicetheprotein, andhalfofthefiber cecum, whichmaintainscultures ofbeneficialbacteria. These it involves theproduction ofspecial“soft pellets” inthe “feces ingestion.”However, inthespeciesmentionedabove 69 70 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 students totoucharhino(iftheisinmood). forthe with arhino,typicallyincludingopportunities Caution: within thezoo included. at aseparatelocationssharingrhinobiofacts,travel time The lesson,rhinobarnvisit,andthree 30-minutestations Each docentleadshalfofaclass,orupto15students. with theotherdocents.)One ortwoclassesparticipate. 1 p.m. (Docents shouldarrive at12:30p.m. toprepare This lessonisscheduledforaboutonehourbeginningat THE ENCOUNTER endangered, poaching Adaptation, herbivore, keratin,prehensile, wallow, KEYWORDS improve thesituation • Identify concernsandactionstakento conservation rhino exhibitatPotter Park • Identify features (indoorandoutdoor)oftheblack prehensile lip;horn;teeth;wallowing) • Identify stoutlimbs; adaptations(senses;short, OBJECTIVES visit behind-the-scenes. exhibit, andconservation. This lessonincludesaspecial wild andinthezoo: adaptations,therenovation ofthe Students meetourrhinoandlearnaboutlifeinthe Logistics andbeflexible. Follow butexpect delays areimportant. youcan, closelyas timesas 1( CLASS 1:10 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 1:40 p.m. 1:30 p.m. TIME 1 p.m. 2 p.m. The rhinobarnvisitincludesanup-close areas A &Bseparate A &Btogether A &Btogether areas A &Bswitch next location A &Btravel to A &Btogether A &Btogether GROUPS Groups A&B) BIG ZOO RHINOENCOUNTER LESSON: Rhino barn Rhino barn penguins. through thegateby the Groups enterrhinoarea Rhino barn Groups travel within zoo Biofact site or VEZU, asassigned) biofact site(Safari Room Groups leave and travel to LOCATION

Keeper gives briefintroduction towholeclass. animals. to bequietandcalmwhileinthebuildingsoasnotstartle and inpocketsorbin.Inform studentsoffootbathastheyenterandtheneed and pencilsbefore theyenter. No photographsintherhinobarn. Gloves off Each group hasabinoutsidetherhinobarndoorinwhichtoplacejournals busy atthesqueeze cageandrefrigerator whileasmallgroup is visiting therhino. interaction. The docentinchargeoftherhinogroup keepstherest oftheir group the rhinoandbackinatimelyfashion. The keeperisinchargeoftherhino coordinator orassigneddocentwillmove groups ofabout4–5peopleto One group visitsrhinowhiletheothergroup visitskitchenarea. BZL site Lesson isdone.Both groups travel tonextBZLactivity(asassigned). present thebiofacts. groupsBoth gathertogetherin front oftheirtwo docentsasthe Travel time both groups enterthesqueeze cagetogetagroup weight. and therhinogroup moves tothekitchenarea. Before leavingthebuilding, The groups switch: With theirdocent, the kitchengroup moves tothe rhino WHAT ISGOINGON? explained below. The order andspecificsoftheabove elementsare further be offered handsanitizer whenleavingtherhinobarn. visited andthosethathave notyet visited.Students will thathave already the rest ofhis/hergroup—those therhinoexperience. supervises The docentsupervises goings ofthesmallgroups totherhino. The keeper keeps trackofthetimeandmonitorscomings time. The BZLsitecoordinator (oranassigneddocent) A handfulofstudentsandadultswillvisitarhinoat shower ofurine. likelytobehitwitha behind theanimal,oreveryone QUICKLY soyou andyour studentsare notdirectly OR YOUR GROUP ANDRAISEITS TAIL, MOVE And IF YOU SEEARHINOBACK UP TO YOU by therhinocandogreat damagetousmere humans. there isarhinointhestall.Acareless move orstartled They shouldnotmove insidethebarsatanytimewhen rhino andthebarsorplacetheirheadabove therhino’s. behaviors. No oneshouldplacetheirhandsbetween the close rhinovisit. They know theanimal’s moodsand gentle theyseem. The keepersare incharge oftheup- Rhinos are big,dangerous animals,nomatterhow and noisedown. It iscritical fordocentstokeeptheirgroups together 71 72 BIG ZOO LESSON: RHINO ENCOUNTER

CLASS 2 (Groups C & D) Keep to your schedule but expect delays, especially when you arrive at the rhino barn. Try some of the debriefs suggested below if you need to keep students occupied while you wait. Safari Room or VEZU, as Both groups gather together in front of their two docents as the docents present 1 p.m. C & D together assigned the biofacts. 1:20 p.m. C & D together Groups travel within zoo Both groups travel to the Rhino Barn. Each group has a bin outside the Rhino Barn door in which to place journals Groups enter rhino area and pencils before they enter. No photographs in the Rhino Barn. Gloves off 1:30 p.m. C & D together through the gate by the and in pockets or bin. Inform students of footbath as they enter and the need penguins. to be quiet and calm while in the building so as not to startle animals. 1:35 p.m. C & D together Rhino barn Keeper gives brief introduction to whole class. One group visits rhino while the other group visits kitchen area. BZL Site Coordinator or assigned docent will move groups of about 4–5 people to C & D separate 1:40 p.m. Rhino barn the rhino and back in a timely fashion. The keeper is in charge of the rhino areas interaction. The docent in charge of the rhino group keeps the rest of their group busy at the squeeze cage and refrigerator while a small group is visiting the rhino. The groups switch: With their docent, the kitchen group moves to the rhino C & D switch Rhino barn and the rhino group moves to the kitchen area. Before leaving the building, areas both groups enter the squeeze cage to get a group weight. C & D travel to 2:00 Groups travel within zoo Lesson is done. Both groups travel to next activity (as assigned). next location

CONTENT • More movement: Inside there are more stalls, allowing The objectives above are provided to help you structure Doppsee more movement and the keepers the ability to shift your presentation. The information below is provided as rhinos inside in winter. background. You are not expected to, nor should you, try • The squeeze cage has a built-in scale (Weight records to use all of this information in a presentation. Also, consult are kept nearby.) The sides of the squeeze cage can pull in the rhino data sheet recently provided to you in your docent together enough to gently prevent Doppsee from moving training or in subsequent handouts for additional rhino around much while keepers and medical staff can get a better information. If you do not have it in your docent manual, look at her and conduct target training to better care for her. check the files in the docent lounge for a copy. • Target training: Keepers target train the Doppsee. Among the behaviors she has mastered are “target,” “poke,” “foot,” Timing and logistics are important to the success of this and “open.” These behaviors allow keepers and medical program. Please be prepared to deliver your information in personnel to give shots, draw blood, check feet, give oral chunks so that you may break away when necessary to move medications, etc. on. • Large, thick, vertical bars allow keepers improved access to the animals. GETTING STARTED • Showers: Look for a showerhead in the ceiling of the stalls. Foster a discussion with your audience. Ask your audience Doppsee gets cold-water showers to help with dry skin, questions. especially in winter. Keepers also have the capability to hook up hoses to give warm showers, if needed. Also, in the winter RHINO BARN LESSON keepers bring in a bucket of mud to put on Doppsee to create • Recent renovation and expansion completed in 2011. mini mud baths. • Keepers had input in design of building renovation. • Enrichment placement: There is an I-beam along the ceiling • Building was originally an elephant barn, converted to in the building that allows keepers to attach enrichment items rhinos in early 1990s. along a line in the stalls. • New rhinos arrived in June 2011. Doppsee, the female, • Viewing: There is a large window in the east end of the was born in July 2007. Jello, the male, was born in January building for viewing when Doppsee is in the stall facing the 2004. Jello had seizures and took a lot of medications daily to window. control them. He died in October 2015. • Getting outdoors in winter: Rhinos can tolerate some cold • More space: The recent renovation involved gutting the old weather. In Africa. it can get below freezing at night. Doppsee exhibit and adding indoor space (from the squeeze cage west). is allowed outside in temperatures of 25˚F (-4˚C) and above • Outdoor features: More space, shade “trees,” mud if it’s not too slippery. She does enjoy the snow. The third potter park zoo docent manual 2017 orderly. Hand sanitize after. jaw andthehair onthetail.Students mustbe gentleand can file by thebiofacts andtouchtheitemsexcept thelower encourage discussion.At theendof presentation, students photographs available onthetable(s).Askquestionsand work togetherlikean encountertodiscussthebiofactsand discussion “light” forgrades3andbelow. Two docents Docents and (3)conservation. shouldkeeptheconservation addressing (1)feedingadaptations,(2)other One ortwotablesare setupwithbiofactsandphotographs BIOFACTS LESSON • Kitchenarea: an animalperday. morning. Rhinosproduce aLOT of feces, easily100pounds • Cleaning:It takesalongtimeforkeeperstocleaninthe when slippery. outdoor yard, whichisoffexhibit,flatandsaferforher weight historiesfortheindividualanimals)are keptnearby. rhinos. Asmentionedabove, theweight cards (thatis,the reminder tokeepersaboutenrichmentoptionsforthe is alsoasheetpostedwithapproved enrichments,aneasy other animalsinkeeperareas throughout thezoo. There animal issupposedtoeatdaily. These formsare usedfor the dietformonwall. These formsdocumentwhateach balls andgreen AmazingGraze devices. kept inbalesnearby. may findabucketprepared for Doppsee’s dailyfeed. Hay is peanuts, peanutbutter, molasses limes, cucumbers,scratchgrain,cereal, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, pineapple,raspberries,lemons, grapefruit, green beans,cornonthecob, turnips,asparagus, tomatoes, pears, cherries(nopits),peachesplums cantaloupe, grapes,blueberries,strawberries,watermelon, Kool-Aid, spices,pasta,bread, applesauce,pumpkins, Food items:Greens, icetreats, bananas,unsweetened juice/ bags allowed onaweekly basisbutnocardboard boxes. woodchips,hangbranchesonlines,paper with brush, do notgetheadsstuck),grainbagsorpaperbags,scratching large plasticspool-shapedtoy, plasticbarrels (mustturnso      Counter area: There isascaleforweighing food.Note Storage forlargeenrichmentdevices,suchasBoomer The refrigerator containsproduce thatDoppsee eats. You Approved enrichment:Boomerballs,AmazingGraze, Doppsee’s dailydiet • Browse • Vitamin Esupplement • Flaxseed oil • Grass hay:About ½baleofhay • Produce: Usually 2apples,carrots, 1sweet potato; • Grain: 8.8pounds (containssaltrequirement) may vary, perhapsusingturnipsorbananas BIG ZOO RHINOENCOUNTER LESSON: lowering thehead. the whiterhino, becauseitdoesnotneedallthe musclesfor the browse andtrees. onshrubs It hasafarsmallerheadthan browser andhasaprehensile upper liptofindandcutoff • Black rhinoprehensile lip:Theblackrhinoceros isa Illustrations Note thelistingof“rhino horn” asaningredient onthebox • Rhinomedicinebox (forusewith4thgradersandup): ear fringesandtailbristles. not touchthisitem.):Most ofthebodyhairisfoundon • Tail a fullcharge. cushions therhino’s up to35mphat weight. Arhinocan run weight. padthat The soleislikeasmooth,tough,rubbery sturdy hoof-likenail. The middletoebearsmostoftherhino’s • Foot: Rhinoshave three toesoneachfoot,witha attached tothefemurssothatlegsare abletomove. is designedtoprovide totheleg. support Various musclesare it joinsthetibia(shinbone)andfibulainlower leg. It body.) It connectsfrom thehipsockettokneearea, where it tohumans.Rhinofemursare inthehauncharea ofthe • Femur: Thefemuristhelargeboneinthigh.(Compare astheanimalmoves.skin surfaces inside thefoldsissmooth,whichreduces frictionbetween has sparsehairsthatcannotbeseenfrom adistance. The skin thorns andsharpgrassesintheAfricansavannah. The skin inches thickandisrough tothetouch.It protects rhinosfrom with itbeingthickestaround themiddle.It canbe1to3 • Skin: Thethicknessofrhinoskinvaries across thebody anyfunctionalpurposetoday.horn doesnotappeartoserve licks, andremove branchesandbark from trees. The second to pushandturnover mudinawallow, excavate soilatsalt used tofendoffotherrhinos. They alsousethehornasatool used asaweapon tostabatpredators, thoughmostoftenitis was mostlikelyforimpressing theoppositesex. The hornis the hornsthatresemble coarsehair. The evolution ofthehorn compressed hair, even thoughyou mayseefibersatthebaseof fingernails are madefrom. Rhinohorn,however, isnotsimply made ofkeratin,whichisthesamematerialthathairand to theirmaximumlength,even ifbroken off. The hornis to theskullastheyare inantelopeandwillcontinuetogrow oftheirskull.Hornsplate ontherostrum are notattached • Horn: Black rhinoshave twohorns thatrest onabony jaws. These are forgrindingupvegetation. only have largepremolars andmolarsonthesidesoftheir are herbivores. They donothave incisorsorcanines. They • Lower jaw(Students donottouchthisitem.):Black rhinos Biofacts died in2008. All ofthebiofactscamefrom aprevious male,Spike, who (There are(There notmanyhairslefton thistail;studentsdo 73 74 BIG ZOO LESSON: RHINO ENCOUNTER

• Black rhino vs. white rhino mouth: The white rhinoceros management; (2) establishing new protected areas; (3) in Africa is the species with the wide upper lip. It is the improving security monitoring to protect rhinos from rhinoceros that spends much of its time grazing for which poaching; (4) improving local and international law reason it has developed this wide lip to help in cutting off the enforcement to stop the flow of rhino horn and other illegal sharp grass. Therefore, it has far more muscles in the neck wildlife trade items from Africa to other regions of the world; area, which are necessary to lift the heavy head because it has and (5) promoting well-managed wildlife-based tourism to lower the head for the grazing. The hind-head of the skull experiences that will also provide additional funding for is much larger than in other rhinos to give an attachment for conservation efforts. the muscles. • Species Survival Plan (SSP) sign: Zoos are helping black • Black rhino habitat: Black rhinos are mainly found in rhinos with scientific captive breeding. (BZL students have transitional zones between grassland and forest, in thick thorn probably already learned about SSP during their week before bush or acacia scrub. their rhino lesson.) • Black rhino habitat with birds: Birds (oxpeckers and • Black rhino mother and baby: Offspring of former PPZ egrets) eat ticks and other parasites they find on the rhino male, Jemma, who reproduced at the Cleveland Zoo. Baby and noisily warn the rhino of danger. Although the birds also rhinos range from 75–100 pounds (34–45 kgs) at birth. eat blood from sores on the rhino’s skin and thus obstruct healing, they are still tolerated. DEBRIEFS • Geographic distribution of black rhinos: Map of Africa Debriefs are techniques used to review and reinforce learning illustrating historic and current ranges that has just occurred. They are great ideas for keeping your • Wallow: Rhinos often wallow in mud holes, covering group engaged if you must wait at some point in your lesson. themselves with mud to cool off and to protect themselves • Ask review questions about things your group has already from flies. They often sleep in mud holes too. Doppsee likes seen. to create her own wallows when it rains and there are good • Have kids pair up. Each student states a rhino fact and puddles in the yard. compares that to their observation animal. • For use with 4th graders and up: Endangered due to poaching for (1) traditional Asian medicine (horn ground CONCLUSION into powder and dissolved in boiling water); and (2) Once all of the students have seen the artifacts and been in the dagger handles in the Middle East. Habitat change has also rhino barn, the lesson is over and will often move on to other contributed as a secondary cause. activities in the zoo. Many conservation organizations are (1) working to expand existing protected areas and improving their potter park zoo docent manual 2017 as theyused tobe(extirpation). Range: Throughout North America,butnot inasmanyplaces also spendalot oftimeonthelandeatingand sleeping. a lotoftimeinthewaterswimming andhunting,butthey Habitat: Throughout North Americanearrivers. They spend North American river otters listed, butmakesure you includeanimalsfrom several habitats. asappropriate. information You animal donothave tovisitevery is includedbelow foreachanimal. You mayincludeother Information thatmustbeincludedtofulfillthebadge requirement touch it. to nevera wildanimal,donotapproach try itandcertainly can befoundinMichigan. Remind themthatiftheyever see Tell thegroup thattheywillbevisitingsomeanimals ON-GROUNDS TOUR ocean,beach,meadow,desert, savannah, plains,etc. habitats where theyare found.River, forest, rainforest/jungle, There are manydifferent kindsofanimals,andmanydifferent 3. What are someexamples of different habitats? Food, water, shelter, space,air, sun What are2. theneedsof living things? to provide thethingstheyneedtolive. andbesuccessful,theirhabitatneeds for ananimaltosurvive Habitats are theplaceswhere plantsandanimalslive. In order 1. What isahabitat? ASK THEGROUP 4. Remember, thezoo ishometomanyanimals.Do notyell aheadofthegroup.3. Please donotrun Stay nexttoor 2. If thedocentistalkingoraskingquestions,it’s important 1. Stay togetherasagroup. If we alwayshave towaitfor followeveryone therules: in thetimewe have together, soit’s that important very about inorder forthemtocompletetheirbadgerequirements them tothezoo andexplainthatwe have alottoseeandtalk Meet thetroop attheEducational Programs gate. Welcome INTRODUCTION 5. Animal Habitats badge.Scoutwillcompletesteps1through This tourisdesignedtohelpJunior Girl Scoutsearntheir at them,chaseorbangontheglassoftheirexhibits. behind thedocent. andlisten. courteous someone asksoranswers aquestion,we be shouldlikewise canhear. listenquietlysoeveryone that everyone If looking attheanimals. people tocatchup, we won’t have asmuchtimetospend GIRL SCOUTSTOUR: ANIMALHABITATS Cleaning behavior:Clean by licking. up andwraptheir tailaround theirfacetokeep warm. Adaptations: Thick furkeepsthemwarm,and they cancurl Range: Nepal totheSichaun province inChina Himalayas Habitat: Bamboo andtemperatemixed forests ofthe Red panda Shelter: Dens larger thantheyare. They huntinpackssotheyare abletotakedown prey much Michigan, theyeatdeer, moose,and occasionallivestock. Food: Anyanimals,andoccasionalberriesgrasses.In Locomotion: Wolves walkonallfours andtravel inpacks pond. might alsoroll around insnow, orgointoariver, lakeor Cleaning behavior:Groom themselves by licking. They also and cover their facewiththeirtailtostaywarm. Adaptations: Thick furkeepsthemwarm. They cancurlup Range: Majority oftheNorthern hemisphere (forests inMichigan) Habitat: Forests, plains,andmountains taiga,tundra,deserts, Gray wolves following year. on theirown (12–16weeks), thenestisabandoneduntil and chicksinthenest.Once thechicksare oldenoughtolive to iteachseason. They onlyusethenestwhilethere are eggs platforms. Eaglepairsusethesamenestyear afteryear, adding branches onhigh,craggycliffsandhilltops,tree topsor Shelter: largenestsoutofsticksand They buildtheirvery near water. Food: Primary foodsource isalsofish,sotheytendtolive Locomotion: Fly intheairandhop/walkonland. Cleaning behavior:Preening wind andsoar;largetalonsstrong feetsforcatchingprey Adaptations: Flight feathers are whatallow birds tocatchthe Range: North America Habitat: andrivers. Lakes,seacoast,reservoirs, Bald eagles Shelter: PPZ’s sleepinhollowed outlogs. Food: fish,frogs, mice,crayfish and are fairlyfastonfourlegsland(upto18mph). Locomotion: Are great swimmersinthewater(upto7mph), the damagingeffectsofbeinginwatersomuch. gland andtheyspread theoilover theirfurtoprotect itfrom themselves withtheirtongue. They alsohave aspecialoil Cleaning behaviors:Keep themselves cleanby grooming warm. Their dark coloractsascamouflage(countershading). near theirskinandactsasaninsulatinglayer tokeepthem keep themwarm. densefurthattrapsair They alsohave very Adaptations: Have layer offatjustundertheskinthathelps 75 76 GIRL SCOUTS TOUR: ANIMAL HABITATS

Locomotion: Walk on all fours, very agile climbers. BIRD & REPTILE HOUSE Food: Mostly bamboo, some berries, mushrooms, grasses and Discuss the following before going in: bark. Will also eat birds, eggs, insects and small rodents. There are some habitats across the globe which are Shelter: Tend to sleep in trees with their legs straddling endangered. What does endangered mean? One of the branches. habitats that conservationists and scientists are concerned about is the Amazon rainforest. The Amazon is home to Bongos many, many different forms of life- plants, animals, birds, Habitat: Ground-level shrublands in rainforests; forests and reptiles, insects, even people. The rainforest is threatened bamboo zones in mountains because people are cutting down the trees for lumber and Range: Central Congo, Africa to clear the way for farms and grazing animals like . Adaptations: Fur coloring is great camouflage. Their fur also is When the trees are cut down, that can take away the food, said to drip red when wet, which native villagers believed was water, and shelter that the animals that live there need to a sign of magic. survive. The animals then have to move to a new area and Cleaning behavior: Licking; may also roll in dirt to remove compete with the animals that are already there for food, parasites, or go in the water. water, shelter, and space. If there are enough resources, the Locomotion: Run on all fours and are quite swift, prefers to animals can adapt and survive. If not, not all of the animals go under or around obstacles rather than over them. may make it. The animals also face another threat. They are Food: Browser; eating tips, shoots, and tender bushes illegally collected for the pet trade and sold. Population threat: Habitat destruction and poaching Conservationists are trying to help. One way is to teach the people who live in the Amazon rain forest how to farm Amur tigers more sustainably and effectively, so they don’t have to cut Habitat: Mountainous forests down more trees for their farms. They are also finding ways Range: Primarily the Amur-Ussuri region of Siberia along the to harvest trees for lumber that remove only some of the west coast of Russia. trees from an area so that part of the forest isn’t completely Adaptations: Thick fur keeps them warm, orange and black destroyed. Organizations are also working with the native stripes are excellent camouflage. people to create a demand for their crafts so they can sell Cleaning behavior: They stay clean by licking themselves, them for money instead of collecting animals for the pet much like a house cat. They are also good swimmers and trade. Conservationists are also working to replant the enjoy taking a bath in ponds or rivers. rain forest wherever possible. What would you do to help Locomotion: Walk on all fours, are good climbers, and can protect the rainforest? cover large distances in just a few bounds. Food: Mainly deer, , and wild boar Troop assignment Shelter: Don’t really build homes. Instead, they have a home Send the troop into the Bird & Reptile House and have them range that can be up to 400 square miles. look for species that are native to the Amazon rainforest. Have Population threat: Habitat destruction and poaching them identify which species are common, threatened, and endangered. Mandrills Habitat: Dense primary rainforest floor, sometimes coastal Penguins 1 forest. Habitat: Sandy beach to wooded slopes, usually within ⁄3 mile Range: Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon of the sea (Africa) Range: Southern coasts of South America and Falkland Adaptations: Gray fur acts as camouflage, and the brightly Islands colored patches are used in communication Adaptations: Countershading coloration; torpedoe-shaped Cleaning behavior: Mutual grooming to remove parasites. body and flippers (modified wings) for swimming Locomotion: Walk on all fours, climbing, swinging, and Cleaning behavior: Preening to clean and spread oil from a jumping. gland near their tail (waterproofing). Food: Foragers; fruit, leaves, seeds, nuts, shoots, arthropods, Locomotion: Waddle on land, excellent swimmers. crabs, fish, small vertebrates, and cultivated crops. Food: Fish, krill, sometimes squid. Shelter: Live together in troops of about 20, with one Shelter: Live together in large colonies. During nesting season, dominant male, many females, and offspring. Once male they build shallow nests out of smooth pebbles and rocks. offspring get close to maturity, they leave the troop and form their own by raiding existing troops for females. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 5.Once completehave them puttheirbird feeders intheir 4. Once thelard orCrisco isapplied,have themcarefully roll 3. Have thescouts carefully spread lard orCrisco over the 2. Have thescouts tie apieceofyarntothetoppine- 1. Have thescouts label azip-topbagwithpermanentmarker. they don’t hangthebird feedertooclosetoabuilding.) (birdbath); shelter(escapecover/shrubs); space(makesure ask thescoutswhatelsetheirbackyard mightneed:(water birdfeeder comesin. To reinforce theneedsoflivingthings, needs tobepresent inahabitatisfoodandthatwhere the animals. Letthembrainstormideas.One ofthethingsthat if theycanthinkofawayhelpprovide habitatfor Pine-cone bird feeder:Refer backtoyour tour. Askthem Center These willtakeplaceinoneoftheclassrooms intheDiscovery Hands-on activities What canyou dotohelp? What happenstotheanimalsiftheirhabitatislost? What are somedifferent kindsofhabitats? What isahabitat? What are theneedsoflivingthings? Review (on your way back to theDiscovery Center) when you return totheDiscovery Center. school? Letthemknow thattheywillbe makingabird feeder Do someofthisatyour youhouseor thinkyou couldtry dead trees Shelter: trees, birdhouses, shrubs, nestingmaterial,standing butterflies drinkit) Water: river, bird collectsonrocks baths,puddler(dew and Food: bird feeders,plants(seeds,nectar),insects Gather thegroup andaskthemwhattheyfound. shelter. look forwaysbirds andbutterflieswouldfindfood,water, and food andshelterdotheyneed?Let’s explore thegarden and and butterflies. Thisarea hasalotofspace. Whatkindsof Even asmallbackyard canbecomeagreat habitatforbirds water, shelter, space) What are thefourthingsanimalsneedintheirhabitat?(food, You canhelplocalwildlifeby creating abackyard habitat. Backyard Gardens plastic bag. their handstomake sure theyget goodadhesion. their pineconeinaplatefulof seeds. They canpress with source forbirds, especially whenotherfoodisn’t plentiful. that thelard goodenergy orCrisco isfat,andthatavery pinecone, beingsure tofillthenooksandcrannies. Explain cone. GIRL SCOUTSTOUR: ANIMALHABITATS farewell from there. have themup tothefront toleave, gateandbidthem escort get toseeonthetour(unlesszoo isalready closed).If they are welcome tostayandvisitsomeoftheanimalswe didn’t only). Thank themforcomingandletknow thatthey extra incaseanadultwantstopurchase one($3,exactchange the counciloffice.) Pass out patchestothescouts. Have afew leader thattheywillneedtopurchase theactualbadgesfrom completing theiranimalhabitatsbadge(If asked,remind the Ask ifthere are anyquestions.Congratulatethegroup for CONCLUSION 5. Have thescoutsgatheruptheirnestmaterialandputit 4. Anotherwayanimalsstaywarmisthrough bodyfat 3. When theyare finishedwiththenest,have themputtheir 2. Askthemtosetthebagsoficeaside.Have themusethe 1. Hand outbagsofice(acouplescoutscanshare). Have your handatinsulatinga“nest”. mud, shedfurorfeathers,whatelse?) You are goingtotry can bealotofdifferent things(straw, grass,bitsofstring, heat, insulation)Insulation works totrapbodyheat,andit tokeepwarm?(body What are somewaysthattheycantry kinds of“houses” doanimalslive in?(nests,burrow, dens) colder climatesfaceishow tokeeptheir“house” warm. What Insulation activity:One ofthechallengesanimalsincooler/ 6. Instruct themtowipetheirhandsfirstatthetrashcanwith (we canreuse them). back inthebox. Dump iceinthesink,andsetbagstodry otters, penguins,whales) fat actsasaninsulator. What animalshave blubber?(river of usinganest,usezip-topbaglard orCrisco. The (blubber). You the sameexperiment,butinstead cantry bag oficeonthenest.Does ittakelonger tofeelthecold? nest ontheirhand. Then have themtaketurnsputtingthe better thanothers. ideas. Askthemwhytheythinksomematerialmightwork differentan animalwarm.Give minutes totry themafew materials provided tocreate anestthattheythinkwillkeep to raisetheirotherhandwhentheyfeelthecold. them putthebagoficeononetheirhandsandask better thanthebathroom soap). (sometimes dishsoapwillcleanthelard offtheirhands to touchanythingalongthewaywiththeirmessyhands the restroom careful not towashtheirhands,beingvery a papertowel togettheseedsofftheirhands,thenhead 77 78 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 who hasapet. can keepitfor theirown petorgive ittosomeone else for adogorcat(theyhave tochoose one). The scouts enrichment. We are goingtomakeanenrichment item would callthosethingstoys. Here at thezoo, we callit exercise For andkeepthembusy/entertained. pets,we Explain thatanimalsneedthings to helpthemget REQUIREMENT Make 4: apet feel loved our animalsby thezookeepers. them thatatthezoo, allofthose things are provided to exercise, toys, theymayhave otherideas.)Review with can behealthyandhappy?”(food,water, shelter/home, doyou needprovidethe scouts“What topetssothey with thesamethingswe wouldprovide topets.Ask and notpets,theystillneedpeopletoprovide them even thoughmostzoo animalsare stillwildanimals space, air, theymayalsoincludelove). Explain that animals, petsorwild,needtolive (food, water, shelter, if theyhave pets,andwhatkind.Askthemall be mostlyarecap oftheencounter. Askthescouts Begin intheclassroom. The following discussionshould HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES exhibits. yell atthem,chaseorbangontheglassoftheir 4. Remember, thezoo ishometo manyanimals.Do not behind thedocent. aheadofthegroup.3. Please donotrun Stay nexttoor andlisten. becourteous likewise hear. If someone asksoranswers aquestion,we should can listenquietlysoeveryone thateveryone important 2. If thedocentistalkingoraskingquestions,it’s spend lookingattheanimals. for peopletocatchup, we won’t have asmuchtimeto 1. Stay together asagroup. If we alwayshave towait follow thateveryone therules: important very badge requirements inthetimewe have together, soit’s to seeandtalkaboutinorder forthemtocompletetheir Welcome themtothezoo andexplainthatwe have alot Meet the troop attheEducational Programs gate. Introduction: animals inhumancare needtobehappyandhealthy. cared forjustasapetwould.Scoutswilllearnwhatall though zoo animalsare notpets,theyneedtobefedand context ofwhatwe dototakecare ofthem.Even This workshop willtakealookatzoo animalsinthe GIRL SCOUTSTOUR: PETSBADGE for treatment adrenal glands. You will have to taketheferret tothe vet commonforthemto develop problemsvery withtheir at thezoo.). When ferrets gettobe 4–6years old,it’s handle ferrets ifyou have acold (It’s here actually arule infectionfrom people. a respiratory You shouldnot Common gealthissues:Can easilycatchacoldorget Life expectancy:8–10years European ferret well asafewfunfacts.) cover thefollowing foreachanimalbelow, information as people keepassomeofthempets.(Make sure you show youofoureducationanimals,andsome afew type ofpetsoyou canlookoutforthem.I’m goingto also knowing whathealthissuesare commonforyour pet goestotheveterinarian forregular check-ups,and keeping themhealthy. Part ofthatismakingsure your health issues. our “pet store” educationanimalstoexplain someofthe explain healthissuesforthree pets,we are goingtouse For thisrequirement, insteadofhavingaveterinarian REQUIREMENT 3:Help keep apet healthy andsafe Step 5: Tie itclosed. Step 4:Add thescentedcottonball. all thewaytotoe. Step 3(fordogs):Have thegirlsputtennisballin, Step 8: Tie itclosed. Step 7:Add more stuffing. Step 6:Add thecatnip. Step 5:Add more stuffing. Step 4:Add thebell. amount ofstuffingin. You’ll wantittobefairlyfirm. Step 3(for cats):Have thegirlsputafistor2sized since we won’t beabletoseeitonceit’s tied. shouldn’t putwords ordetaileddrawingsonthatpart them thatwe’ll betyingitclosedatthetop, sothey (remind themtoshare!), andletthemdecorate.Remind Step 2: Give eachgirl1sock,putoutthemarkers Step 1: Make sure thetablesare covered! perfume/cologne. of thezoo animalslove different scents,likespicesand (dogs), thentiedatthetop. You canmentionthatmany catnip (cats)orascentedcottonballandtennis markers thenstuffedwithpolystuffing,abell,and The toy isgoingto be asockdecoratedwithSharpie Explain that part ofbeingaresponsibleExplain thatpart petowner is 79 80 GIRL SCOUTS TOUR: PETS BADGE

Other things to consider: 2. What are the costs associated with this animal? • They are nocturnal, so they can be very active while a. Veterinarian staff you are trying to sleep. b. Keeper staff • They are carnivores so when they bite, it hurts! c. Medicine • They have a scent gland (related to skunks!) which d. Food makes them kind of stinky, so they need regular baths. e. Enrichment • If a ferret escapes from its owner, it can revert back to a f. Transportation feral (wild) state in about two weeks. g. Habitat 3. How much space does this animal need? Chinchilla a. How active is it? Life expectancy: up to 20 years b. How big is it? Common health issues: Their fur is so dense that if it c. Does it live with other animals? gets wet, it may never dry completely. This can lead to 4. What kinds of things do we do to keep this animal skin rot, which is of course bad for the animal and very happy? stinky. Their teeth grow for their whole life, so they need a. Enrichment things to chew on to wear them down. Otherwise, it can b. Exhibit features become difficult for them to eat. 5. How much food does this animal need (in general)? Other things to consider: a. What do we feed it? • They need dust baths, which can create some mess. b. Carnivore, herbivore, omnivore • They are nocturnal, so they might want to play while c. Keepers monitor how much they eat. If there is a you need to sleep. change, it might mean that something is wrong. • They like to chew on things, and they have strong 6. What kind of human contact does this animal have? teeth. a. Not very much. We don’t snuggle or pet the zoo animals because they are still wild animals, even if Eastern box turtle they have lived their whole life in a zoo. Note: It is ILLEGAL to take a turtle (or any other animal) 7. How do we keep this animal “comfy”? from the wild and keep it as a pet. Almost all turtle species a. Cleaning exhibit in Michigan are threatened or endangered or special b. Beds or material to make their own bed concern. c. Things to keep them warm in winter and cool in Life expectancy: over 100 years (oldest known was 138, summer ours is 25) 8. How do we keep this animal healthy and safe? Common health issues: If turtles are not fed a proper a. Veterinarian staff diet, they can develop weak bones and a soft shell. It is b. Physicals once a year or every other year important to know what a particular kind of turtle eats, depending on the animal because different turtles eat different things. They also c. Medication if needed need to have a special light that simulates sunshine to d. Ways to get exercise (furniture, enrichment) help keep them healthy. Other things to consider: CONCLUSION • They aren’t cuddly or playful, so if you are looking for Ask if there are any questions. Congratulate the group a pet to cuddle and play with, a turtle might not be for completing their pets badge (if asked, remind the the best fit. leader that they will need to purchase the actual badges • Some turtle/tortoise species can grow to over 100 from the council office.) Pass out patches to the scouts. pounds! Have a few extra on hand in case an adult wants to • Turtles live a long time. You will have to make a purchase one ($3, exact change only). Thank them for commitment to it for pretty much the rest of your life. coming and let them know that they are welcome to stay and visit some of the animals we didn’t get to see on TOUR (45 MINUTES) the tour (unless the zoo is already closed). If they have Choose 4–5 animals and answer the following questions to leave, escort them up to the front gate and bid them through discussion with the girls. farewell from there. 1. Would this animal make a good pet? Why not? potter park zoo docent manual 2017 4. What kindsofthings dowe dotokeepthisanimal 3. How muchspacedoesthisanimalneed? 2. What are thecostsassociatedwiththisanimal? 1. Would thisanimalmakeagoodpet? Why not? costs, amountsoffood,dimensionsexhibits,etc. be ingeneralterms.Don’t toomuchaboutspecific worry young girls(3rd gradeoryounger) soyour discussioncan to helpguideyour discussion.Remember, theseare that animaltothetopicofpets.Use thequestionsbelow to thethree listedbelow (foratotalof6or7),buttie-in You mayincludeanyotheranimalsyou wishinaddition REQUIREMENT 1:Find outwhat care different pets need two ofthesethree animalsare included. Pleasechinchilla, andbox makesure turtle. thatatleast of whattocover isspecificinformationfortheferret, covered for2–3animals.Listedbelow theexplanations For thisbadge,there are thingsthatneedtobe certain ENCOUNTER by staffortraineddocents. Encounter withdocentsfollowed by hands-onactivities FORMAT information forrequirement 2. requirements 1,3,4,and5,give background Encounter, activity, anddiscussionwillfulfill happy andhealthy. scouts willlearnwhatallanimalsincaptivityneedtobe fill allthe requirements ofthe“Pets” badgeonthistour, cared forjustasapetwould. While itisnotpossibleto though zoo animalsare notpets,theyneedtobefedand context ofwhatwe dototakecare ofthem.Even This workshop willtakealookatzoo animalsinthe happy? c. Does itlive withother animals? b. How bigisit? a. How active isit? g. Exhibit andexhibitmaintenance f. Transportation e. Enrichment d. Food c. Medicine b. Keeper staff a. Veterinarianstaff b. Exhibit/enclosure features a. Enrichment BROWNIE BADGEWORKSHOP: PETS you are trying to sleep.you are trying • activeThey are while nocturnal, sotheycanbevery Other thingstoconsider: for treatment adrenal glands. You willhave totaketheferret tothevet commonforthemtodevelop problemsvery withtheir at thezoo.). When ferrets gettobe4–6years old,it’s handle ferrets ifyou have acold(It’s here actuallyarule infectionfrom people. a respiratory You shouldnot Common gealthissues:Caneasilycatchacoldorget Life expectancy:8–10years European ferret well asafewfunfacts.) cover thefollowing foreachanimalbelow, information as people keepassomeofthempets.(Make sure you show youofoureducationanimals,andsome afew type ofpetsoyou canlookoutforthem.I’m goingto also knowing whathealthissuesare commonforyour pet goestotheveterinarian forregular check-ups,and keeping themhealthy. Part ofthatismakingsure your health issues. our “pet store” educationanimalstoexplain someofthe explain healthissuesforthree pets,we are goingtouse For thisrequirement, insteadofhavingaveterinarian REQUIREMENT 3:Help keep apet healthy andsafe 5. How muchfooddoesthisanimalneed?(General 8. How dowe keepthisanimalhealthyandsafe? 7. How dowe keepthisanimal“comfy”? 6. What kindofhumancontactdoesthisanimalhave? terms) Explain that part ofbeingaresponsibleExplain thatpart petowner is c. Keepers monitorhow muchtheyeat.If there isa b. Carnivore, herbivore, omnivore a. What dowe feedit? d. Ways togetexercise (furniture, enrichment) c. Medication ifneeded b. otheryear Physicals onceayear orevery a. Veterinarianstaff c. Things tokeepthemwarminwinterandcool b. “beds” ormaterialtomaketheirown bed a. Cleaningexhibit a. Not much. very We don’t snuggleorpetthezoo change, itmightmeanthatsomethingiswrong. depending ontheanimal summer they have lived theirwholelifeinazoo. animals becausetheyare stillwildanimals,even if 81 82 BROWNIE BADGE WORKSHOP: PETS

• They are carnivores so when they bite, it hurts! HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES • They have a scent gland (related to skunks!) which Move to the classroom. The following discussion should makes them kind of stinky, so they need regular baths. be mostly a recap of the encounter. Ask the scouts • If a ferret escapes from its owner, it can revert back to a if they have pets, and what kind. Ask them what all feral (wild) state in about two weeks. animals, pets or wild, need to live (food, water, shelter, space, air, they may also include love). Explain that Chinchilla even though most zoo animals are still wild animals Life expectancy: up to 20 years and not pets, they still need people to provide them Common health issues: Their fur is so dense that if it with the same things we would provide to pets. Ask gets wet, it may never dry completely. This can lead to the scouts “What do you need provide to pets so they skin rot, which is of course bad for the animal and very can be healthy and happy?” (food, water, shelter/home, stinky. Their teeth grow for their whole life, so they need exercise, toys, they may have other ideas.) Review with things to chew on to wear them down. Otherwise, it can them that at the zoo, all of those things are provided to become difficult for them to eat. our animals by the zookeepers. Other things to consider: • They need dust baths, which can create some mess. REQUIREMENT 4: Make a pet feel loved • They are nocturnal, so they might want to play while Explain that animals need things to help them get you need to sleep. exercise and keep them busy/entertained. For pets, we • They like to chew on things, and they have strong would call those things toys. Here at the zoo, we call it teeth. enrichment. We are going to make an enrichment item for a dog or a cat (they have to choose one). The scouts Eastern box turtle can keep it for their own pet or give it to someone else Note: It is ILLEGAL to take a turtle (or any other animal) who has a pet. from the wild and keep it as a pet. Almost all turtle species in Michigan are threatened or endangered or special The toy is going to be a sock decorated with Sharpie concern. markers then stuffed with poly stuffing, a bell, and Life expectancy: over 100 years (oldest known was 138, catnip (cats) or a scented cotton ball and tennis ball ours is 25) (dogs), then tied at the top. You can mention that many Common health issues: If turtles are not fed a proper of the zoo animals love different scents, like spices and diet, they can develop weak bones and a soft shell. It is perfume/cologne. important to know what a particular kind of turtle eats, because different turtles eat different things. They also Step 1: Make sure the tables are covered! need to have a special light that simulates sunshine to Step 2: Give each girl 1 sock, put out the markers help keep them healthy. (remind them to share!), and let them decorate. Remind Other things to consider: them that we’ll be tying it closed at the top, so they • They aren’t cuddly or playful, so if you are looking for shouldn’t put words or detailed drawings on that part a pet to cuddle and play with, a turtle might not be since we won’t be able to see it once it’s tied. the best fit. Step 3 (for cats): Have the girls put a fist or 2 sized • Some turtle/tortoise species can grow to over 100 amount of stuffing in. You’ll want it to be fairly firm. pounds! Step 4: Add the bell. • Turtles live a long time. You will have to make a Step 5: Add more stuffing. commitment to it for pretty much the rest of your life. Step 6: Add the catnip. Step 7: Add more stuffing. Step 8: Tie it closed.

Step 3 (for dogs): Have the girls put the tennis ball in, all the way to the toe. Step 4: Add the scented cotton ball. Step 5: Tie it closed. potter park zoo docent manual 2017 food Conversions: Approximately 4cupsineachpoundof pound (use$1.25asanaverage cost) Cost offood: Varies between 50centsand$2.22per Medium sized cat: ½cupperday House cat food Conversions: Approximately 4cupsineachpoundof (or more) perpound(Use $1.00asanaverage cost). Cost offood: Varies between 34centsand$2.22 Medium sized dog:2cupsperday Dog cat, dog,tiger, andpenguin. feeding ananimalforaday/week/year. We willincludea For thisrequirement, we are goingtogoover thecostof REQUIREMENT 5:Feed apet = $56.68peryear = $1.09perweek = 15.5centsperday = 31centspercup = $182peryear =$3.50 perweek = 50centsperday = 25centspercup BROWNIE BADGEWORKSHOP: PETS front desk. adults andchildren andleave itby thecomputerat for coming.Make sure towritedown aheadcountfor more questions,handouttheirpatches,andthankthem If thisisastand-aloneworkshop, askifthere are any hands andthenmove ontoicecream sundaes. ofanovernight,If thisispart have thescoutswashtheir CONCLUSION about twodays is alsofedtobirds ofprey.) A20-poundcaseoffishlasts Cost offood:PPZspends$12,000peryear onfish(fish Adult penguin:Average 20capelins,or4–5herrings Penguin Cost offood: Sivaki (adultmale):7lbsaday Tiger = $13,104peryear aweek, soit’s $42x6days) = $252perweek (heisfastedoneday = $42.00perday $6.00 perpound(Carnivore diet) a day(PPZhasabout20penguins) 83 84 potter park zoo docent manual 2017 ______NOTES 85 86 NOTES

______potter park zoo docent manual 2017 ______NOTES 87 88 NOTES

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