The North Carolina Zoo's Conservation and Research Report!

North Carolina Zoo Conservation and Research

Saving Wildlife Around the World and in Our Own Backyard Welcome to the Each and every day your North Carolina Zoo is devoted North Carolina Zoo’s to protecting our natural world. From vultures and gorillas International in Africa to endangered plants and amphibians in our own 1 Conservation and Research Report! state, the North Carolina Zoo has been involved with the Conservation conservation of animals in the wild for over two decades. International Before you turn the page, please What began as a modest project focused on one country pause a minute and reflect with me. in Africa has grown into a leading program in zoo-based conservation. Our staff are active in conserving wildlife Remember the last time you were and their habitats in eight different African countries, the Regional surrounded by nature? Caribbean, the Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific, and Conservation 19 across our home state of North Carolina. We partner with a Conservation Remember how you felt? broad range of other zoos and conservation organizations to maximize our impact. Since conservation challenges cannot Remember the sounds you heard? be solved overnight, we purposely make significant, long term, strategic commitments to the projects we undertake. The fresh air on your skin? Over the next decade we will be increasing our Conservation That glint of sun on your face and conservation impact through new programs, engagement 27 the texture of the earth? of the public and new opportunities for education. We are Education envisioning an exciting new addition—an innovative center If you are anything like me, the natural focused on wildlife conservation, science, and education. This one-of-a-kind center will serve both as a training world is a place of joy, of calm and wonder. ground for the next generation of conservation biologists It is a place that creates intense curiosity and as an educational facility where guests become citizen and a sense of celebration. This is our scientists and get hands-on experience with the high-tech natural world and it is a part of us. solutions to conservation that the Zoo is using to save Research 31 animals in the wild. Through this report, I hope you enjoy learning about all the incredible work our Zoo team is doing to care for our world and the animals within it. And, please know that each time you visit your North Carolina Zoo, you can be assured that your visit supports the animals here at our Zoo and the Animal animals in the wild you may never meet or see. You are Welfare 37 making a difference with each visit. So next time you see our state frog, the Pine Barrens Tree Frog, or watch a program about animals in Africa, or visit the Zoo and see our animals roam in extraordinary spaces, you can know that your Zoo is working hard to ensure a future for wildlife. And a future for us all. We ask you to join Green us in these efforts to protect our natural world. Practices 41 L. Patricia Simmons Director, North Carolina Zoo people who live in communities near the these famous gorillas (they are the ones that The North Carolina Zoo is Saving Gorillas gorillas’ habitat, by providing them with were studied by Dian Fossey). The system we helping to save gorillas in the across Africa medical screening that they wouldn’t helped put in place was used by teams from wild. We equip rangers with the otherwise have access to. three different countries during the mountain tools they need to track and Critically Endangered Apes gorilla’s census and helped make this One of the main threats to the gorillas is enormous undertaking a success. reduce threats to gorillas as well Inhabiting the rugged highlands on the the loss of habitat. North Carolina Zoo is as count the gorillas themselves. Nigeria- Cameroon border, the Cross River working with the Aeronautical Engineering In addition, we are assessing gorilla is one of the most critically Department at NC State University to the potential risk of disease endangered primates in the world. The develop a drone for monitoring habitat loss. transmission between gorillas, survival of these gorillas is threatened by When completed, this drone will be able to livestock, and people. Finally we both hunting and habitat loss: only about fly over the forests of Cross River in Nigeria 300 Cross River gorillas remain. Due to are designing drones to better and help us identify when trees are being cut persecution by people, Cross River gorillas Society (WCS) to help save the Cross monitor and prevent habitat loss down, so that rangers can go in and stop the are found only in very remote and mountain- River gorilla. Together, the Zoo and WCS destruction of forests. in key forests across Nigeria. ous forests, where hunters are reluctant to are employing a range of cutting edge Project Partners go and where steep slopes prevent farming. technologies and approaches to conserve Expanding our Work to these unique animals. We have put a data Help Other Gorillas Wildlife Conservation Society Cutting-Edge Approaches collection system based on rugged The success of our Cross River gorilla Nigeria National Parks Service to Conservation tablets in the hands of rangers to better track illegal activities and the movements conservation work has attracted attention Cross River State Since 2007, the North Carolina Zoo has of the gorillas. from organizations involved with gorilla Forestry Commission been working with the Wildlife Conservation conservation in other parts of Africa. In The North Carolina Zoo is also conducting Rwanda, the International Gorilla Cameroon Ministry of Photo by WCS research on the threat posed by disease to Conservation Programme requested our Forests and Wildlife the gorillas. Working with Emory University, help in planning the Mountain gorilla census International Gorilla we are testing for disease agents in gorillas, that is conducted every five years. Using the Conservation Programme humans, and livestock populations to see if system we developed for Cross River diseases may be transmitted to the gorillas. gorillas as a template, we devised a digital North Carolina State University The results of this study will also benefit the data collection system to help them count Emory University

Location: I am proud to be part of the North Carolina Zoo’s Cameroon efforts to save species in the wild. Our work in Rangers use ruggedized tablets to Nigeria North Carolina and around the world is helping Rwanda collect information on gorillas and Uganda to secure the future of wildlife and wild places. signs of gorillas in the forest. Dr. Rich Bergl Director of Conservation, Education and Science 2 International Conservation International Conservation 3 A Safe Haven For Vultures monitoring program, we have trained tagged vultures and a major poisoning even Tracking Tanzania's Tanzanian National Park staff in how to that killed over 50 birds in recent years By better understanding the Vulture experts identified Southern Tanzania identify vultures and what to do in the case have highlighted that poisoning is occurring needs of and threats to Vultures as an area likely to be important for vultures, of a poisoning event. Such skills are critical in southern Tanzania. Working with rang- vultures, the North Carolina but where little was currently known about A Disappearing Bird for addressing the threat of poisoning. ers, Wildlife Conservation Society, and our Zoo staff are addressing the the status, population trends, or threats to partners from Ruaha Carnivore Project, Vultures are currently the fastest declining vultures. No systematic studies of vultures African Vulture Crisis. we can ensure rapid response to poisoning group of birds globally and recent work had been done in Tanzania. To address Using Vulture Movement On-going population events when they do occur and have worked has led to several African vulture species this gap in conservation effort, the North monitoring and conservation to Track Threats to ensure that sick birds are cared for and being up-listed to Critically Endangered. of this activity has been enormous. Vultures Carolina Zoo in collaboration with the efforts will ensure the We are using satellite telemetry to follow poisoned carcasses are properly disposed The primary threat to vultures is poisoning. play a critical role in disease control and the Wildlife Conservation Society began conservation of these critically White-backed and White-headed vultures of to prevent additional deaths. Through our People put poison, often in the form of pes- potential loss of these crucial scavengers conducting surveys of vultures in Ruaha and endangered scavengers. from Ruaha National Park and understand efforts, we are helping to protect one of the ticides, on carcasses or dead animals trying could have significant consequences for Katavi National Park in 2013. To establish how they use the landscape. Vultures can most important strongholds for these to kill lions and hyenas, which occasionally many species, who share their savannah a collaborative and sustainable vulture kill their livestock. Over 100 vultures can ecosystems. Finding solutions to vulture have huge ranges and it is important to critically endangered scavengers. be killed at just one carcass, so the impact declines in Africa is therefore critical. understand where they go and also what threats may be affecting them in Tanzania if we are going to protect them. Vultures can Project Partners also be sentinels for threats that may affect Wildlife Conservation Society many other species. Deaths of tagged vultures have highlighted areas where Ruaha Carnivore Project poisoning may be occurring. In addition, vulture movement can help us determine Tanzanian National Parks the presence of disease outbreaks as the birds will make use of the many dead animals Wildlife Connection during an epidemic. Sadly mortality of three

They may not be the most attractive creatures, but vultures are critical to the health of our environment. Without them, carcasses would be left to rot and diseases would spread. Corinne and Msafiri Mgumba (WCS) Location: The Zoo’s efforts to save vultures in Tanzania attach a satellite tag to a White- backed vulture. These solar-powered Tanzania have been crucial not just for conserving vultures themselves, but for protecting the telemetry units can last for over two years and provide valuable information entire ecosystem. about the threats to this critically Corinne Kendall endangered species. Rangers learn how to provide veterinary care for sick vultures in case of poisoning. Associate Curator of Conservation and Research 4 International Conservation International Conservation 5 cloud-based version of the software and In partnership with conservation Using SMART new apps for mobile devices to meet the leaders around the world, the North Technology to demands of an increasingly connected global Carolina Zoo is empowering law conservation community. enforcement officials with SMART Defend Wildlife (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool). This software package allows The Front Lines of rangers to more easily collect Wildlife Protection information on threats to wildlife Wildlife poaching is reaching epidemic and allows protected area man- proportions in some parts of the world. agers to make informed decisions Driven by a lucrative black market for about how best to protect wildlife wildlife products and expanding human from illegal activities, like poaching. populations, illegal hunting threatens iconic species like Project Partners rhinos, elephants and SMART Partnership gorillas. Rangers and other law Wildlife Conservation Society enforcement staff are the critical first line World Wildlife Fund of defense against illegal animal killing, Frankfurt Zoological Society but in the developing plan, evaluate and implement their activities. SMART gives rangers the advantage they world they are often SMART puts cutting edge technology in the need to combat poaching in a serious and Zoological Society of London under-trained and poorly equipped, hands of rangers and other law enforcement decisive manner. especially when confronting increasingly staff. Using SMART, conservation agencies Peace Parks Foundation sophisticated poachers. can better understand patterns of wildlife Global Impact Panthera distribution and illegal activity, and use this SMART has become the global standard for A New Approach information to better target their actions. monitoring conservation law enforcement. Location: to Anti-Poaching The sophisticated technology that underlies There are currently over 200 sites in more than 30 countries using SMART to better In partnership with some of the world’s Global manage national parks and other reserves. Mapping of data collected on patrols largest conservation organizations, the Eight countries have even adopted SMART about illegal activities and wildlife can North Carolina Zoo has helped to develop as their official monitoring system for all help to inform future patrol efforts. By NC Zoo staff train rangers in the use of a brand new tool to support rangers around their protected areas! The software is now knowing where the problems and critical mobile devices for collecting data about the world. SMART (Spatial Monitoring and available in over ten different languages and illegal activities, like snaring, and wild- Reporting Tool) is a software package that species are, managers can ensure that thousands of people have been trained in its life sightings. Here rangers from Yankari allows national parks and other protected rangers target the most important sites use. Despite its success, SMART is continuing Game Reserve learn how to use SMART areas to be more strategic in their each month. to grow. We are currently developing a to improve their patrols. conservation work, allowing them to better 6 International Conservation International Conservation 7 from reductions in prey populations, mortality in snares and direct persecution. Lions and other African So far we have set up SMART-based carnivores are threatened monitoring in four different national parks by poaching. By equipping and advised several other areas on their rangers with the latest own SMART deployments. We are already technology, the North Carolina seeing improvements in the success and Zoo staff can ensure that they motivation of ranger patrols. can more effectively protect threatened carnivores and their Saving West Africa’s Last Lions prey in key protected areas One of the places where the North Carolina across Africa, including major Zoo is helping to protect carnivores is projects in Zambia, Nigeria’s Yankari Game Reserve. Yankari is Zimbabwe, and Nigeria. home to Nigeria’s last population of lions, Protecting Africa’s Carnivores in addition to elephants, hippo and other wildlife. The Zoo has been working in Yankari, Project Partners Helping Rangers Stop Poaching providing training, equipment and support Wildlife Conservation Society Across Africa, populations of large rainforests of Africa. However, we have to over 100 park rangers, for several years. carnivores like cheetahs, lions and recently expanded our work to the savannas We have conducted wildlife surveys, trained Panthera leopards are declining. Lion of southern Africa in order to help secure rangers in data collection and analysis, and provided Conservation Lower Zambezi populations have been reduced critical carnivore populations there. by almost 50% in the last 20 uniforms in Game Rangers International years and the extinction of many Lion populations have been reduced by almost 50% in the last 20 years and the order to extinction of many of these species is possible if declines are not reversed. increase the Conservation South Luangwa of these species is possible if declines are not reversed. These amazing effectiveness

animals are targeted by poachers, caught of their Painted Dog Conservation Working with our partner Panthera (the unintentionally in snares meant for other actions. world’s largest big cat conservation animals, and persecuted in retaliation for This year organization) we have been training staff Location: livestock predation. By helping conservation we trained and deploying SMART in national parks in Namibia staff working on the ground to introduce Yankari staff Zambia and Zimbabwe to improve anti- Zambia SMART, the North Carolina Zoo is working in the use of poaching efforts. Improving conservation- Zimbabwe in several countries across Africa to help SMART in order to increase their focused law enforcement is key because Nigeria protect carnivores and the national parks on effectiveness even further. We are confident wildlife in Zambia and Zimbabwe is under which they depend. that a new SMART-based ranger program unprecedented pressure from poachers. Park administrators learn how to use will turn the tide against poaching once Carnivores of Southern Africa Wildlife species are being hunted for an and for all. SMART software to map data collected increasingly commercialized trade in game For some time the North Carolina Zoo’s from ranger patrols during NC Zoo meat and body parts. Large carnivores are conservation work has focused on the training sessions. particularly affected because they suffer 8 International Conservation International Conservation 9 now retired General Curator Ken Reininger upon release. Birds were then crated up into North Carolina Zoo is helping Creating Safe Havens for and Bird Curator Debbie Zombeck have transport containers and secured in a boat to save Mariana Islands Endangered Pacific Birds flown out to participate in the project and in with several MAC Program staff members. endemic birds. Introduced 2017 Steph Krueger, an Aviary Keeper, had The selected MAC Program staff made the brown tree snakes threaten Working with MAC her first opportunity to join the team. long 13 hour boat ride to Guguan. Once at the relocation site, staff strapped the Mariana Island’s small bird The Mariana Avifauna Conservation (MAC) Mariana Islands (CNMI) from the threat of an In 2017, the project involved capturing two transport boxes and birds into modified Program’s primary objective is to preserve accidentally introduced predator—the brown populations. Zoo staff are bird species on Saipan and relocating them backpacks and hiked them in to the release the native endemic population of birds on tree snake. Native to Australia and some of helping to translocate birds to to the neighboring island of Guguan. A team site. All birds were successfully released, and the Commonwealth of the Northern the surrounding islands, it is believed that snake-free islands, where the of over 20 bird staff from 10 AZA institutions Fish and Wildlife will return to monitor how the brown tree snake was introduced to the birds can thrive. trapped 24 the birds do in their new home! neighboring island of Guam in the 1950’s Mariana fruit doves when it stowed away on cargo ships. By the and 54 rufous Project Partners mid 1980’s, nearly all of the birds native to Birds are housed temporarily as they fantails using mist Commonwealth of the Northern Guam had become extinct in the wild due to net techniques. prepare for transit to a snake-free island, Islands’ Division of Fish predation from this snake. Captured birds and Wildlife where their chances of survival are were housed Captive Breeding of much improved. individually in a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endemic Birds at the Zoo climate controlled bird room where To prevent the same fate for the birds of the Translocation as a Pacific Bird Conservation keepers weighed, CNMI, the MAC Program, founded in 2004, Conservation Tool monitored, and feed works with AZA The Zoo has also participated by sending all the birds up to Zoos, the staff out to the islands to help with the four times a day. Department of capture of target bird species found on After a thorough health exam from vet staff, Fish and Wildlife, islands with records of the brown tree snake all birds were banded with aluminum Fish Location: and US Fish and and relocating them to “snake free” islands and Wildlife bands and color bands which Wildlife (USFWS) Mariana Islands farther up the archipelago. In previous years, will help USFWS staff monitor individual birds to help monitor, translocate, and establish captive What excites me most about this conservation breeding programs Ken Reininger, retired General Curator project is that we are assisting in translocating for these of NC Zoo, carefully removes a bird endangered birds. birds to snake free islands in the same from a mist net. Birds are marked and The NC Zoo has been a long time participate archipelago. This will help to insure the future monitored until they are ready to be of the MAC Program by participating in the survival of these endemic species as they transported to a new island, free of captive breeding program for the golden invasive snakes. white-eye, a bird native to Saipan. The NC become established on the new islands. Steph Krueger handles a bird recently Zoo was the first institution to breed the Debbie Zombeck removed from a mist net. golden white-eye in captivity! Curator of Birds 10 International Conservation International Conservation 11 safe from native and invasive predators, the Habitat loss and climate Breeding and Release of the ponds are surrounded by a mesh enclosure. change threaten the Puerto Puerto Rican Crested Toads There is also an ongoing invasive species Rican Crested Toad. Through removal program in the area, primarily for Over 30% of amphibian species worldwide with the goal of breeding them to send back Indian mongoose and marine toads. captive breeding and are experiencing declines and the Puerto and reintroduce in Puerto Rico. Most of the reintroduction efforts, the Zoo Rican Crested Toad has suffered severe tadpoles produced at North Carolina Zoo The Puerto Rican is able to supplement the population declines since the 1980s. It is and at the other AZA facilities, will be Crested Toad Recovery existing wild population. In endemic to the island of Puerto Rico, returned to Puerto Rico and addition, a wetland restoration meaning it is found released in man-made ponds. The North Carolina Zoo has many partners project will ensure safe habitat nowhere else in These ponds were designed and in Puerto Rico who focus on education and for the threatened toads. the world. built by staff from zoos in the outreach. In addition to raising awareness Currently, there US and partners in Puerto Rico about the toad, we are also teaching the are only two as reintroduction ponds, which public about the impacts they have on the Project Partners natural breeding include man-made breeding ponds for future environment, which directly affect the toads and species endemic to Puerto Rico. US Fish and Wildlife Service sites left, both of reproduction. To ensure that the tadpoles are which are at risk The largest remaining breeding pond known Puerto Rican Department because of in Puerto Rico is under threat from rising sea of Natural Resources climate change. level and thus potential salt intrusion. Para la Naturaleza The North Carolina Zoo is working with other Currently we are in the process of planning Citizens of the Karst AZA facilities, United States Fish and Wildlife a wetland to be constructed by members of Service, and many partners in Puerto Rico the recovery group, to replace this critical Puerto Rican Crested Toad SSP on a recovery program for the Puerto Rican breeding site. This pond will be constructed Man-made ponds are installed at release sites for Puerto Rican Crested Toads to breed. Crested Toad (locally known as Sapo near the current pond, but at a higher There is also an adjacent release pond which is covered by mesh to protect the tadpoles. Concho). The recovery program has been elevation, which should allow the species Location: going on for decades and has experienced to reproduce safely for decades. Puerto Rico numerous successes. There are many components, including captive breeding and reintroduction, man-made breeding The Puerto Rican Crested Toad recovery program and head-starting ponds, invasive species encompasses many aspects to aid in its recovery, removal, education and outreach, and we are including education/outreach, research, planning a wetland restoration project in the near future. collaboration and headstarting. Being able to send tadpoles back to the wild and watch them Captive breeding for reintroduction has eventually return to their ponds to breed is occurred in AZA facilities since the late 1980s, but has had more success over the motivation to continue our conservation efforts. last decade. The North Carolina Zoo recently Zookeepers counting and bagging tadpoles Dustin Smith finished building a room to house the toads for release in Puerto Rico. Curator of Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, & Invertebrates 12 International Conservation International Conservation 13 Looking After Protecting Uganda’s The Hicatee is a critically North Carolina Zoo is endangered turtle threatened Belize’s Endangered supporting efforts to save National Bird by hunting for consumption. cranes in the wild. By monitoring Though once a common resident species, The North Carolina Zoo is Fresh Water Turtle key crane populations, the Grey Crowned Crane has declined working with partners to The Central American River Turtle, or known conservation efforts can be significantly through its range. Causes of expand education and research in Belize as the Hicatee, is a critically carefully directed to ensure decline include habitat degradation, trade endangered turtle which is listed as one of initiatives to protect this turtle. a safe future for Uganda’s in chicks, and disruption of breeding the top 25 most endangered turtles in the threatened cranes. activity. Uganda represents an important world. This unique turtle is found in Mexico, area for the species but little is known about Project Partners Guatemala, and Belize, but has disappeared Pictured above is a critically endangered its status there. The North Carolina Zoo from most of the rivers in which it was Zoo Miami male Hicatee turtle. Once mature, the supports the International Crane Foundation historically found. The primary cause for its males have a bright yellow-orange head. and Endangered Wildlife Trust in conducting University of Florida decline has been human consumption. Project Partners surveys for the species as well as habitat Belize Fisheries Zoo staff participated in a workshop in throughout local communities could be the International Crane Foundation assessments. Previously the Zoo has funded Belize to discuss what is known about the only way to stop the unsustainable use. surveys to assess the population status and Belize Foundation for Research Endangered Wildlife distribution throughout the eastern region species and determine the next steps to aid This is done through billboards, radio Trust of South Africa and Environmental Education of Uganda. Recently these surveys have (BFREE) in its recovery. Some of the goals for the advertisements and popular media future of the program are to increase interviews, school visits, and creation of Nature Uganda extended to key sites in wetlands around Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) awareness, expand standardized research educational materials. The same partners Kampala. On-going research efforts inform programs, support a captive breeding participating in the education and outreach conservation planning for the species to help Location: population in Belize and continue the programs are also conducting a variety secure its future. Belize partnership to save this rare turtle. Because of field studies on the Hicatee, including the main cause for decline is human mark-recapture studies and radio-tracking. Location: consumption, education and outreach Uganda

14 International Conservation International Conservation 15 Zoo Staff Making a Difference Working with Ngogo Stopping Snaring, Chimpanzee Project the Zoo is Saving Chimps At the North Carolina Zoo, conservation is at the heart at what we do. We believe that the animals you see at the Zoo are ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild and that able to protect chimpanzees in Uganda’s Kibale National Park is home the wild. Snare removal teams to one of the largest populations of all our staff have a role to play in wildlife conservation. Here are a few examples of are trained in the use of new chimpanzees in the world, making it an ways our staff are making a difference for saving endangered species from extinction. technology to better catalogue important area for this threatened species. the snares they remove from The main threat to chimpanzees in Kibale is Kibale National Park in Uganda. poaching, particularly snaring. People set Arctic Ambassador Center Our support ensures that the snares trying to catch other animals for food, To protect chimps and other species in Our Polar Bear interpret climate science to friends, family, but chimpanzees often get caught as well. Kibale, the North Carolina Zoo works with and Zoo guests. Attendees are also park can be a safe haven for Connection chimpanzees and other One-third of the chimpanzees in the park Ngogo Chimpanzee Project and other empowered with the tools to make a big are missing body parts as a result of partners. Ngogo Chimpanzee Project threatened wildlife. The North Carolina Zoo is impact within their communities in ways snare-related injuries. employs two anti-poaching teams who among an elite group of that will have a local and global effect on work with Uganda Wildlife Authority law 40 Zoos, Aquariums, and our environment. Project Partners enforcement to patrol the park and remove Museums that are Arctic Ambassador snares. The North Carolina Zoo has provided Centers (AAC) through a partnership with Outreach On Sustainability Ngogo Chimpanzee Project these anti-poaching teams with mobile Polar Bears International (PBI). PBI is the As an AAC we participate in outreach devices to make for easy collection of data leading Polar Bear conservation group in programs that promote sustainable practices Kibale Chimp Project so the location of poaching activity can be the world that works to conserve polar bears within the Zoo and within local community documented and and the sea ice that they depend on. Since entities such as grade schools, community used to improve 2009, the Zoo has supported 4 keepers, Zookeepers celebrate International colleges, universities, local businesses, and Location: future patrolling 2 volunteers, and 1 Educator to attend PBI’S Polar Bear Day. the YMCA. These outreach programs consist Uganda efforts. The anti- Climate Alliance Workshop in Churchill, of reusable bag giveaways and recycling pre- poaching teams Manitoba. Churchill is considered the Polar population of people that live there year sentations, reusable water bottle giveaways also remove snares Bear capital of the world because the round (~800). While there, attendees and water conservation presentations, and which helps to population of bears that migrates through learn about polar bears in a warming energy efficiency campaigns that help reduce the the area (~1,000) outnumbers the Arctic, and how to effectively empower individuals to make a positive impact of hunting impact at home. We organize annual on chimpanzees and tree plantings that help us beautify other threatened wildlife living in the park. I’m committed to conserving all walks of life, but the community while educating In addition to supporting the patrols, Ngogo species in the Arctic hold a special place in my heart as participants about the important role Chimpanzee Project has worked with North a Rocky Coast keeper of 7 years. I greatly appreciate the that trees play in cleaning the air we Carolina Zoo’s UNITE for the Environment North Carolina Zoo’s support for our team, which strengthens breathe and reducing our carbon footprint. Snare removal team members from Ngogo conservation education program to our passion to preserve a future for Artic animals in the wild. We also strive to facilitate continual Chimpanzee Project learn how to use improve education in schools around Nicole Pepo improvement of environmental practices Kibale National Park. mobile devices to collect data on Rocky Coast Keeper; Arctic Ambassadors within the Zoo and within our own homes. presence of snares and chimpanzees. 16 International Conservation International Conservation 17 In 2016, keepers have From Behind the elected to sponsor Scenes into the Wild VulPro, a vulture conservation Regional Every year keepers work tirelessly not just to organization that care for the animals at the North Carolina rehabilitates and Zoo but to ensure fun and engaging visitor studies South experiences. As part of these efforts they work Africa’s vultures, closely with the NC Zoo Society to provide the Bongo Conservation incredible behind the scenes tours. Funds Surveillance from this work goes to support the Zoo’s Project, which uses the conservation programs and as part of this remaining bongo of Kenya’s forests, and keepers are asked to select conservation the Turtle Survival Alliance, which protects organizations they would like to support. endangered turtle species all over the world.

Zookeepers Help Wildlife Conservation The American Association of Zoo Keepers and Action for Cheetahs in Kenya. NCAAZK North Carolina Zoo is put on by the North (AAZK) is a non-profit, volunteer-led has hosted a BFR event every year since 1991 Carolina Chapter of the American Association organization made up of professional zoo and has raised over $166,000! Collectively, of Zookeepers to assist with providing funds keepers and other interested individuals. chapters like ours across the nation have for zoo keeper training and professional The mission of AAZK is to advance excellence raised over 6 million dollars since 1990! development, as well as local and global con- in the zoo keeping profession, foster servation like Bowling for Rhinos, The Kendall effective communication that is Chopsticks for Salamanders began in 2011 Project, Polar Bears International, and UNITE. beneficial to animal care, support to support salamanders living along the deserving conservation projects, Appalachian Mountain Range, from Alabama and promote the preservation of to Canada. This region has the highest natural resources and animal life. diversity of salamanders in the world, but A primary goal of the North Carolina each year 3 million trees are cut down across chapter (NCAAZK) is to raise money for con- the world to produce disposable chopsticks. servation programs we are passionate about. By raising awareness and encouraging the Some of these programs include Bowling for use of re-usable chopsticks, Chopsticks for Rhinos, Chopsticks for Salamanders, and the Salamanders is able to combat Run Wild 5K. deforestation and help save precious land for our small friends. Bowling for Rhinos (BRF) is an event that raises funds to support the Lewa Wildlife Run Wild 5K is a race through the Zoo held Conservancy, International Rhino Foundation, every year in June. The race, hosted by the

18 International Conservation International Conservation 19 Protecting North Giving Gopher Frogs North Carolina Zoo is helping to a Headstart save our state frog — the Pine Carolina’s Frogs Working in collaboration with North Barrens Treefrog. Using radio A Focus on our State Frog Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, telemetry and censuses, we are the North Carolina Zoo has recently begun learning more about what this The Pine Barrens Treefrog, North Carolina’s a new program with one of the state’s secretive species needs to state frog, can be found in portions of the rarest amphibians. The Carolina Gopher survive and flourish in the wild. Sandhills and the coastal plain. It has Frog primarily lives in long leaf pine forests disappeared from many parts of its historic using ephemeral wetlands for breeding. They The Zoo is also working to save range due to habitat loss and lack of fire on have disappeared from much of their range Gopher Frogs in the wild. the landscape, which is necessary to in North Carolina because of habitat loss, By raising tadpoles from wild maintain its habitat. These specialized frogs degradation, and poor fire management. Gopher frog tadpoles grow for eggs and releasing them back utilize the drains and seeps that are too approximately 4 months in these into the wild, the Zoo is acidic and temporary for many species to In response to their decline, “mesocosms” or ponds. Once they reach increasing the frog’s chance of successfully reproduce. we are collecting eggs from the wild and then raising metamorphosis, they are measured, survival and helping to grow Since 2014 tadpoles for release back to marked for identification and released and maintain wild populations the North where they were found. back where the eggs were collected. of this rare frog. Carolina Zoo The goal of this process, has partnered called head-starting, is to help boost the Project Partners with the North population by increasing the number of eggs Carolina Wildlife that survive to be tadpoles and froglets with- Zookeeper Chris Shupp collects eggs to North Carolina Wildlife Resource out altering the genetics of the population. Resource Commission Commission be hatched and headstarted at the Zoo. North Carolina Natural to learn more Heritage Program about this the most effective ways of ensuring this People that work at the North Carolina Zoo are doing so secretive spectacular frog remains part of the A tiny transmitter because they want to make a difference. For me that species. Through landscape. We have is used to track and means not only providing the best care for the animals at the use of radio also been able to Location: better understand the the Zoo, but just as importantly insuring the survival of telemetry we look at how the Sandhills region of North Carolina habitat use of their wild counterparts. When I am able to step into the were able to frogs respond to our state frog. diverse longleaf pine ecosystem of the North Carolina monitor their fire in their habitat. Sandhills (just an hour away from the Zoo) and release a Gopher frogs rely heavily on refugia movements and Finally, the telemetry group of headstarted Carolina gopher frogs after months get a clearer understanding of how and can give us a better such as stump holes for safety. When of care, it re-energizes me as it really makes a difference where they were moving as well as how they sense of how the making their long trek to the breeding were selecting and using habitat. Our goal is for their conservation. pond (and back), finding places to hide frogs disperse from Zoo staff carefully to continue to learn more about the one pond to another. Chris Shupp from predators and fire is key to population dynamics of the species measure a Pine Animal Management Supervisor; their survival. throughout North Carolina, and identify Barrens Treefrog. 20 Regional Conservation Cypress Swamp / Desert Regional Conservation 21 Wild Land Preservation in North Carolina Prescribed Burning at layer of pine needles and other leaves had North Carolina Zoo protects Nichols Preserve Improves choked out the diversity of grasses and wild native wildlife and habitat More Wildlife Habitat Protected flowers that charac- Plant Diversity terize a natural long- through management of over through Spalding Bequest leaf pine savanna. When the Zoo acquired the Margaret J. 2000 acres of undeveloped With roots from the The $1.2 million Juanita Spalding Wildlife Nichols Piedmont Longleaf Pine Forest, land around the Zoo. This land 100-300 year old Habitat bequest has provided funds to we knew restoration of the original pine provides a sanctuary for native pine trees growing in extend permanent protection of wildlife savanna would be a long process. After 100 mammal species, like this layer of semi- habitat to 102 acres near the Zoo, in years or more of fire suppression, oak trees bobcats, and is critical for decomposed pine addition to the 72 acres protected had grown up among the pines, and a thick endangered and rare plants, previously. Purchase of 65 acres of land needles, called “duff”, reintroduction of fire Wildflowers bloom in profusion like the Longleaf pine. south of the Zoo widens the connection to this forest is a tricky process. Too little fire following a prescribed burn. Above between Zoo natural areas and the Ward and no duff reduction takes place, too much are lobelia, goldenrod and grasses. Project Partners Preserve to the south. This land also provides or too hot and the tree roots are burned up, killing the valuable old trees. Piedmont Land Conservancy habitat for two rare plants. An additional 37 acre purchase protects a corridor between Land Trust for The site has now been burned three times, in forested lands adjacent to the Zoo and U.S. Central North Carolina March 2013, May 2015 and February 2017. Forest Service land at the top of Harvey’s A cricket frog found at the edge of a Bare mineral soil is already being exposed in Greater Uwharrie Ridge, a scenic mountain that is visible across recently-protected creek south of the Zoo. some places. So far we have lost fewer than Conservation Partnership from the Zoo’s main entrance. five longleaf pines. Grasses and wild flowers, US Fish and Wildlife Service once scattered wisps, are creating a carpet of green under the trees in some places, and The Nature Conservancy new seeds that were buried under the duff US Forest Service are sprouting and blooming. These changes also support more animal diversity, NC Wildlife Resources especially for grassland birds like bobwhite Commission NC Forest Service staff begins a quail, northern shrike and meadowlark. controlled burn at the Nichols Preserve. Location: Randolph County, North Carolina North Carolina has a surprising amount of biological diversity and the number of endemic species (those found nowhere else) is unusually high. I love sharing the discovery of our local plants and animals with people Young longleaf are surrounded by green of all ages. A hiker takes in the long view north from grasses where formerly the ground cover the top of Harvey’s Ridge. Little Pilot was pine needles and oak leaves. Mountain can be seen in the distance. Nell Allen Associate Curator of Conservation and Research 22 Regional Conservation Regional Conservation 23 Field Studies of Providing a Home for Hellbenders The North Carolina Zoo’s North Carolina Zoo is saving botanists provide valuable Rare Plants hellbenders in the wild. Zoo staff have also been collecting water insight for land preservation Conservation includes not just protecting Hellbenders are the largest samples to analyze for environmental DNA and management. Botanical animals and habitats, but also preserving species of salamander found in (eDNA). This non-invasive research technique surveys are just one way that plants. Nell Allen, the Zoo’s Associate Curator North America. Working to allows scientists to detect if hellbenders are found in a stream by looking for their DNA in North Carolina Zoo can help of Conservation and Research for regional survey populations and using water samples. In the future, we will survey partners determine what projects and Moni Bates, a contract botanist, nestboxes to mitigate habitat additional mountain streams for hellbenders areas are worthy of further provide botanical expertise for our partners damage, the Zoo has played and other public and private landowners. and will further investigate eDNA sampling conservation and thus Moni Bates, the Zoo’s contract botanist, a key role in conserving this techniques. ensure protection of Nell and Moni conduct botanical surveys documents yellow pitcherplants— important local species. that include a plant species list, a description endangered plants. another fire dependent plant now rarely Nest Boxes for Hellbenders of natural community types, and, if desired, seen in the Piedmont. An Endangered Salamander As we have come to a better understanding some recommendations for management, Project Partners of Eastern hellbender populations, some Project Partners for example how to care for any rare or found on site. These botanical surveys help North Carolina Wildlife Hellbenders are giant salamanders, growing conservation recommendations have been endangered plants or natural communities up to 30” long that live under rocks in clean, UNC Greensboro determine the biological importance of a site Resource Commission developed. One important step for hellbend- swift-flowing streams. Once widespread in (Tree Ring Lab) and if it is worthy of protection. er recovery is finding effective strategies to Western Carolina University the Eastern United States, they have become mitigate habitat degradation. Hellbenders NC Natural A botanical site survey of Faith Rock, a site University of North Carolina rare in much of their range due to habitat hide in holes underneath rocks. Unfortunately Heritage Program of Revolutionary War significance located Asheville loss and poor water quality. The mountains these holes can become filled with silt due to on the Deep River 12 miles north of the Zoo, of western North Carolina have some of the soil erosion. helped bring about the ultimate permanent North Carolina Natural best remaining habitat for this elusive, protection of the area. The survey indicated Heritage Program nocturnal salamander. To help hell- that the Faith Rock area contained a rare North Carolina State Park benders find Piedmont Acidic Cliff ecological community. The Search for Hellbender DNA a safe place Appalachian State This helped Piedmont Land Conservancy Since 2008, the Zoo has to live and University obtain an environmental grant for purchase been conducting hellbender breed, we Location: of the property from a private landowner, surveys in the North are testing Randolph County, North Carolina for transfer to the Town of Franklinville. Carolina mountains. In artificial nest These hellbender nest After the transfer is completed, the site will Location: partnership with the NC boxes, which boxes were designed to be managed as a public nature preserve. Western North Carolina Wildlife Resources are placed allow researchers to check under rocks Another recent survey of forested land, Commission, Zoo staff the nest boxes without Counting Schweinitz’s sunflowers at to ensure a this time in Montgomery County to the have gathered scientific data on the current disturbing the animals. Caraway Prairie. The Zoo manages this distribution and status of hellbenders, as well silt-free south, documented the beneficial effect of crevice in which hellbenders can hide. site for protection of this Federally prescribed fire. Populations of two species as health, reproductive success and habitat endangered plant species. Yearly requirements. This research has supported Finally we are continuing to investigate ways of pitcher plants are expanding following to restore hellbender habitat by reducing monitoring helps us track how the plants the development and implementation of several controlled burns and rare snakemouth siltation, caused by soil erosion. are doing. orchids are now being found there as well. conservation action plans for hellbenders. 24 Regional Conservation Regional Conservation 25 Expanding the The future of North Carolina Zoo helps the red wolf in breed red wolves to prevent Red Wolf Pack the wild is in question. That’s them from going extinct. Wild why the North Conservation Red Wolves red wolves have declined Carolina Zoo dramatically and the species North Carolina Zoo supports the along with 43 now depends on captive conservation of the threated red wolf and other American populations to maintain has since 1995. The current wild population zoos and genetic diversity. By housing has decreased to under 50 animals for the institutions are Education and breeding red wolves first time in many years. The increased helping to house behind the scenes at the Zoo, mortality of red wolves in the wild is due to and breed red wolves temporarily at the Zoo. many factors including gun shot, being hit by we are helping to ensure the There are currently 227 wolves in zoos cars and restricted management options. survival of this wolf, found only making the entire living population of red in North Carolina. wolves less than 300. Over the years the Zoo has contributed to breeding and reintroduction of red wolves to North Carolina. Recently, we had a successful Project Partners breeding with a surviving litter for the first US Fish and Wildlife Service time in 10 years. Although the litter was only one male pup, it represents an important contribution to this threatened species. In addition, we have begun new construction with the goal to expand our collection of red wolves that are housed at the grounds of the North Carolina Zoo. Thanks to $50,000 Location: from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Alligator River region, $15,000 from Emily Millis Hiatt Foundation North Carolina Fund, we have the funds needed to double our off exhibit holding space. This is exciting news for the red wolf population as space is the largest need and the biggest limiting factor to meeting Species Survival Plan goals intended to ensure the future of the species. These new habitats will put the North Carolina Zoo as housing the second largest group of red wolves in the world. Keepers care for new red wolf pups in our behind-the-scenes areas. 26 Regional Conservation While the program has been successful in in their community and planted over 2000 Helping Teachers Protect Uganda’s Forests creating changes in knowledge among trees to help reduce the impact on the forest. North Carolina Zoo believes in community find ways to reduce their the power of education both Our UNITEd Approach students and teachers and in improving impact on the neighboring National Park. teacher performance, home visits to evaluate We are continuing to build on the incredible for our visitors and abroad. The North Carolina Zoo’s UNITE for the This is done through teacher training, success of UNITE by focusing on an often Environment has been operating around behavior change conducted recently had Through our UNITE for the school field trips, work with head teachers demonstrated that sustainable activities overlooked problem—waste management. Environment program, the Zoo Uganda’s Kibale National Park for 15 years. (i.e. principals), and creation of conservation Plastic debris and its improper disposal pose Kibale National Park covered in trainings were not necessarily is training Ugandan teachers clubs. The program is carefully evaluated being used at schools and home. To address a threat to both human and environmental to be better environmental is a critical conser- through classroom observations, student health. Teachers and students have been vation area with the this challenge, UNITE is focusing all training educators and stewards of evaluations, and school and home visits. on a single sustainable activity and builds on coming up with creative solutions to this largest chimpanzee problem including constructing incinerators the natural world. With our population in East the initial training through follow ups, support, teachers, their Partnering in discussion of challenges, lesson plan to more efficiently burn plastic waste that Africa. UNITE are modelled of the fuel-efficient stoves they students, and wider employs three Gorilla Conservation development around the activity, and National Park, where the mountain gorillas problem-solving solutions. This allows for are already familiar with building. We believe communities can better protect Ugandan staff In 2015, UNITE joined Max Planck Institute reside. Work with these schools is done in our program to be truly collaborative with that when we work with communities we can the forest and chimpanzees members who run for Evolutionary Anthropology (MPI-EVAN) conjunction with MPI-EVAN’s existing work the teachers and communities as we work truly make a difference for conservation. or gorillas living nearby. the program year round. UNITE works in and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in a new with school children. Ensuring that teachers together to find solutions to problems partnership with schools that are within a 5 collaborative effort called Bwindi Apes and students understand environmental impacting both livelihoods and the km radius of Kibale National Park to improve Conservation Education Partnership science and providing them with ways to environment. In 2016, the program focused Project Partners teaching methods, enable teachers to (BACEP). BACEP is expanding on the work improve livelihoods and reduce their impact on building fuel efficient stoves and planting incorporate more environmental topics into UNITE does by conducting teacher training on the environment will ensure a safe future tree species that work best for these stoves. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo the classroom, and to help the local for schools around Bwindi Impenetrable for local communities and the critically Use of these stoves should reduce deforesta- Max Planck Institute for endangered gorillas. tion in Kibale National Park, an important Evolutionary Anthropology site for chimpanzees. Since the shift, UNITE A Sustainable Solution has had record attendance at teacher Location: UNITE for the Environment has always training with more than 80 teachers at each Uganda focused on sustainable activities and training. In less than one year, 10 UNITE incorporated these into existing trainings. schools built over 150 stoves at schools and

Because Ugandan languages developed when there were very few people in the country, we do not even have a word for conservation. This makes it challenging for people to easily embrace conservation. I therefore feel is it very necessary to educate the young generation so that they can grow up with an understanding and appreciation of the benefits of nature. Fuel-efficient stoves, like the one pictured above, require less wood and cook faster. Ugandan students learn about the importance of plants and their medicinal values Tinka John on a field trip to the Tooro Botanical Gardens as part of the UNITE program. Director, UNITE for the Environment 28 Conservation Education Conservation Education 29 Inspiring the Next Generation of Wildlife Scientists Wild Animal Science Camps mist nets, using radio telemetry to track detect our resident bat populations using tagged individuals, and for studying local bat detectors. Conservation and research goes beyond Research amphibians. They get a chance to practice studying animals in the wild and has to setting up their own remote camera traps, involve engaging people in the importance of just like the Zoo uses on site to look at densi- protecting wildlife as well as training the next ties of local wildlife and in Africa to capture generation of conservation biologists. photos of rare and elusive gorillas. Campers As part of this effort, the North Carolina Zoo also work with the Zoo’s North Carolina State teaches the Wild University research interns to learn how to Animal Science collect behavioral data on animals and how Camp, a program this information can improve animals’ lives in for middle and high the zoo and in the wild. Best of all, students school students get to sleep over at the Zoo, after pitching focused on the field their tents, of course. An evening at the research that we do Zoo gives campers a special opportunity to at the Zoo. Campers practice using night vision to spot animals on learn skills the African grasslands, listen to the sounds of necessary for frogs, lemurs, lions, and elephants, and even catching birds in

Staff conservation biologists work closely with middle and high school students to give them unique experiences in relation to wildlife research as part of our summer camp program—a key step in building the next generation of field biologists.

30 Conservation Education Science of the Zoo Research Internship The North Carolina Zoo isn’t just a great welfare, health, evolution, diet, and behavior Program place for kids, it is also a learning laboratory that would be difficult or impossible to study for college students and universities. With in the wild. The North Carolina Zoo works closely with our diverse and unique collection of animals, many of the surrounding universities in the Zoo is an incredible place to answer all Recently the Zoo has worked with North Carolina to provide unique learning kinds of questions. Every year, the North researchers looking at everything from experiences for students as well as to answer Carolina Zoo partners with dozens of seabird cognition to red river hog important welfare questions about animals universities to help them collect data on reproduction to chimpanzee genetics. at the Zoo. Initiated in 2015, the Zoo exotic animals to address questions about The Zoo provides blood, tissue, and skeletal partnered with North Carolina State University on the North samples to universities studying genetics, Carolina Zoo Animal disease, and other health factors. Students Behavior and Welfare will spend weeks or months studying animal Internship program. Every behavior or conducting cognitive studies at semester two to four the Zoo. Finally, keepers and other staff work students work with the tirelessly with the Zoo’s own research staff to Zoo on various animal answer important and pressing questions to behavior studies including work on elephant improve welfare of animals at the Zoo. As a behavior and welfare, sand cat enrichment, Research interns get unique opportunities to learn how to study wildlife biology while result, the zoo is truly a living lab for and gorilla enrichment. Occasionally also providing valuable insights to the Zoo on animal welfare and management. exploration and discovery. students even stay on to complete honor’s theses at the Zoo, including a study of visitor perceptions on elephant behavior. to design studies on visitor education, bird additional insight on animal welfare. In addition, Master’s students from several behavior, and elephant diet and nutrition. For instance, the Zoo has recently shifted universities, including NCSU, East Data collected by interns is used by zoo elephants to a low-calorie grain and The North Carolina Zoo is Carolina University, and Winthrop College, keepers and curators to evaluate increased the amount of browse (i.e. tree a living laboratory, offering have worked closely with the zoo’s scientists management changes and helps to provide branches and leaves) that elephants get. Interns monitor elephant behavior to see unique opportunities to if the changes have also led to an increase This internship has been an amazing opportunity to in how much time elephants spend feeding better study wild animals. teach, learn, and apply myself in captive animal research. and a Master’s student takes samples of the It’s exciting to know that I will have contributed to the leaves to assess how this will impact the growing knowledge of animal welfare and made an nutrition elephants are receiving. impact on the North Carolina Zoo’s gorilla troop. Undergraduate students learn valuable skills on how to collect data about animal behavior at the Zoo. In turn, their findings help the Zoo provide the best welfare Kelly Kosco for our animals. Zoology Intern North Carolina State University 32 Research at the Zoo Research at the Zoo 33 Catching Native Wildlife on Camera Marking Snakes to Assess Population Status With over 1000 acres of forested natural Also seen are turkeys, coyotes, striped animal travel Zookeepers are studying wild snakes use the opportunity to educate Zoo guests areas, the Zoo is home to large variety of skunks and the occasional bobcat. corridors are encountered on the grounds of the North about the importance of snakes in the wildlife. Because the Zoo’s mission covers Sometimes the cameras even record between the Zoo Carolina Zoo by Zoo guests and employees. environment and dispel the many myths conservation of wildlife in the wild as well turtles, snakes and birds. and other wildlife When encountered and reported, we record surrounding them. as within the Zoo, staff use camera traps, habitats, so that the length, weight and the sex of the snake automated wildlife cameras, to monitor For our next project, Zoo staff will be we can protect as well as the GPS location and environmen- The goal of the study is to learn more about our wildlife. Photos from these cameras assisting the NC Museum of Natural these areas and tal data. Lastly, we insert a Passive Integrat- the wild populations of snakes at the Zoo show us which species we have and how Sciences with a state-wide wildlife study. keep our wildlife ed Transponder (PIT Tag) for future as well as any long-term trends that may be they use the site. Deer, gray foxes, raccoons, Long term, we would like to design a study populations identification purposes of each individual. ongoing. We would also like to learn more and opossums are especially common. to discover where the most important healthy. This works similar to about how they are utilizing the Zoo grounds the chips that can be and if there are any preferred areas. Since put into your dog so March 2015, we have encountered more than that if it gets lost, it 200 snakes and individually marked over can be scanned by 150 individuals. We have encountered 13 a vet to identify the different species, ranging from the tiny worm owner. When snake to the timber rattlesnake, which is a handling snakes, we species of special concern.

Snake research on site creates unique opportunities to teach guests about Cameras have detected the importance of these presence of unique wildlife misunderstood but species such as bobcat critical predators. that are still residing on Zoo property.

A photo from a Zoo wildlife camera shows wild turkeys foraging in the oak hickory A zookeeper scans the snake to determine if it has a PIT tag, which will inform us forest near Purgatory Mountain. Acorns are an important food for wild turkeys. whether or not this is a new individual or a snake that has not been captured before. 34 Research at the Zoo Research at the Zoo 35 Understanding Our Closest Relatives With Duke University The North Carolina Zoo is home to a thriving screen to choose between various images. troop of chimpanzees and gorillas. Working Once the chimps get used to the set-up, Animal Welfare with our closest relatives offers some unique it can safely and humanely be used opportunities to better understand human to assess the cognitive abilities of chimps. behavior, cognition, and evolution. Students For the chimps, this represents a unique from Brian Hare’s lab at Duke University enrichment opportunity where they can have been working with the Zoo’s “answer” questions to earn rewards like chimpanzees to assess how chimpanzees pieces of apple. For the students, it is a understand and make decisions about their chance to ask complex questions to assess social environment. Chimps are shown images how chimps use their intelligence to adapt on a video monitor and then use a touch- to their social world. Students from Daniel Schmidt’s lab also at Duke University are studying biomechanics or animal movement using our great apes. The Zoo’s gorilla and chimp infants (of which we have had several over the last few years) allow researchers to assess changes in how these large animals move as they grow up. With video images, they can look at how posture, use of hands and feet, and The Zoo offers unique stride change over time. In the near fu- opportunities to study ture, they also plan chimpanzees and gorillas that to use force plates— equipment that can would not be possible in the measure the amount of pressure an wild. Researchers from Duke animal’s foot or University are learning how hand creates while it walks. The force great apes think and move as plate study will offer they work to unravel the new opportunities for understanding how chimpanzees and gorillas move and perhaps mysteries of human evolution. even give some insights into how human bipedalism (walking on two feet) evolved. 36 Research at the Zoo wildlife medicine and care. Active members Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in both the International Wildlife The North Carolina Zoo’s Valerie H. Wildlife rehabilitation is the process of caring North Carolina Wildlife Resources Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and National Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for native wild animals affected by human Commission with Black Bear cubs, hand- Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), was established in impact (i.e. caught by pets, hit by cars, rearing orphans as well as contributing to the center strives to exceed the Minimum August 2001 to window strikes, etc) for the sole purpose of their ongoing research. Standards and Code provide veterinary return to the wild in a condition that is of Ethics for wildlife medical and husbandry optimal for survival. The center believes Every year, center staff participate in rehabilitators. care for sick, injured that compassion, civic responsibility and local and/or national symposia learning and Having taught and orphaned North environmental stewardship are lessons best teaching about innovations in the field of courses in wildlife Carolina native learned in the company of leaders who rehabilitation across wildlife. The center embody and practice these values. As a North America, and admits over 800 teaching facility, the center mentors students, recently in Costa Rica, animals each year volunteers and interns in responsible and Staff tube feed a the center mentors representing more respectful wildlife rehabilitation techniques sick frog. other wildlife caretakers in than 100 different Veterinary utilizing the most-up-to-date, evidence-based respectful and responsible practices. The species including small Technician Halley information. Scientific in the approach and center was the first facility in the United mammals, birds of Buckanoff holds a compassionate in the care, participants are States to have an internship accredited prey, songbirds, black bear cub for trained in all aspects of the wildlife by the IWRC, and has had over75 interns waterfowl, shorebirds, initial examination. rehabilitation process from triaging new reptiles and admissions, hand-rearing orphaned song- throughout North Carolina and the United amphibians from counties birds and small mammals to assisting the States complete the internship program. all over North Carolina. North Carolina Zoo’s veterinary team with As well, center staff authored a portion of Having just celebrated its 15 year anniversary support of its community. The center relies treatments and procedures. Wildlife Rehabilitation: A Comprehensive in 2016 with a Wings over Vines raptor on volunteers and donations to help support Approach, the only science-based, peer release event at a local vineyard in Randolph its mission to care for and educate about our The center provides critical The center not only promotes licensed and reviewed, reference for wildlife rehabilitators. County, the center could only exist with the North Carolina wildlife neighbors. veterinary and husbandry appropriate wildlife rehabilitation practices but participates in studies to advance knowledge within the field. Conducting innovative care to sick, injured, and The Valerie H Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at research for more than 5 years, the center the North Carolina Zoo admits approximately 800 sick, orphaned North Carolina has been on the forefront of post-release injured and/or orphaned North Carolina native wildlife survival studies, banding, mist-netting and wildlife as well as valuable every year. Working with volunteers, members of the radio-tracking songbirds. In addition, the public and a large variety of animals provides an training for students wishing center has participated in relevant research opportunity to constantly challenge ourselves, learn and in the field of wildlife rehabilitation, to pursue a career in grow, expanding our understanding of human-wildlife contributing to a cottontail nutrition study, interactions and wildlife conservation and medicine. wildlife science. a Canadian-based tick study, and wildlife Northern Mockingbird nestling gapes Eastern Cottontail with a leg bandage disease surveillance to name a few. Halley D. Buckanoff for food. recovers from a cat inflicted wound. Recently, the center began assisting the Lead Veterinary Technician 38 Animal Welfare Animal Welfare 39 Wild Welfare Zoos strive to maintain the highest standards of animal care and welfare and Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredits zoos Green Practices and aquariums to ensure that all member institutions are meeting these standards. However sadly, many captive facilities around the world have no organised ethical or welfare framework, resulting in poor standards of care and welfare for the animals. Wild Welfare is a captive wild animal welfare program conceived at the North Carolina Zoo, which is solely focused Wild welfare partners with zoos around the world to improve animal welfare. on improving welfare standards in sub- standard wild animal facilities. It facilitates Recently, in association with the Brazilian Zoo In addition, Wild Welfare visited Hanoi in animal welfare training and helps create a Association (SZB), Wild Welfare facilitated Vietnam to continue with their work towards positive international captive animal wel- a Welfare Assessment Training Workshop at developing Vietnam’s first ever national zoo fare movement through an informed expert Guarulhos Zoo, just outside Sao Paulo. animal welfare legislation. They co-hosted a approach, knowledge-based decisions and Thirty people from 19 facilities across Brazil workshop in conjunction with Animals Asia establishment of strong partnerships. attended. After an initial day of training in Foundation and Vietnam’s central govern- theory, day two saw attendees carrying out a ment where draft legislation was discussed. practical welfare assessment of the zoo itself. As a result, Vietnam is committed to devel- The North Carolina Zoo is oping this legislation further which will help Field Operations Director Dave Morgan oversee national management practices that committed to the highest was very pleased with how engaged and support higher standards of welfare with interested the attendees were on the issue Vietnam’s zoo and aquariums. standards of animal welfare of animal welfare and how well attendees at our own facility. By working used the assessment criteria. Wild Welfare will be continuing to assist SZB with a series closely with zoos in developing of welfare audits in at least five other zoos, helping each organisation stay committed countries, the Zoo is able to to making animal welfare improvements improve welfare for animals at wherever they can. other institutions as well.

40 Animal Welfare Our Green Approach  The Zoo has reduced its water consumption The North Carolina Zoo is by 37% on a 2003 baseline using meters to The North Carolina Zoo is committed to Here is a summary of Zoo green practices: committed to sustainability and detect leaks, making upgrades in filtration sustainability and began improving efforts to systems and practicing more efficient cleaning  In 2015 the Zoo composted 1834 tons of has an extensive green practices procedures. Also non-potable water from the reduce, reuse, and recycle materials on Zoo animal and plant material, saving $129,000 program. Our efforts include Zoo’s lakes is used for irrigation and a grounds as early as 1989. Such efforts are in waste disposal. Since 1996, the total Master Irrigation Control System determines waste composting, recycling, monitored by an employee group called the composted is 34,600 tons saving the amount of water needed for plants based solar panels around the Zoo to Conservation Captains. $2,600,000. meet energy demands, and the on rainfall and evapotranspiration data.  Beginning in 2006, the Zoo has partnered use of a constructed wetland  Stormwater from the North America Parking with Carolina Solar Energy and Randolph Lot is filtered via a constructed wetland at to filter stormwater. Electric on a 104kw solar project involving Dragonfly Pointe picnic area and a biocell at solar panels on three donated picnic pavilions the Solar Pointe parking lot. that generate around 130,000 kW hours Project Partners (about 13 average homes) per year.  The Zoo buys goods made from recycled materials such as recycling containers, Carolina Solar Energy  The Zoo has reduced its energy use by 26% on decking, mulch and picnic tables. Also the Zoo a 2003 baseline with energy updates at the Randolph Electric repurposes used steel, signs, and other Aviary, Rocky Coast, and Desert as well as new Membership Corporation construction materials. glazing and shade system at the NC Green Power Even with successes with composting, water two main Greenhouses. Also the Zoo has  The Zoo has led the local NC Big Sweep converted 2,000 T-12 fluorescent bulbs to cleanups since 2004 and now is the only BB&T Bank conservation and energy controls, the Zoo decided to pursue a more holistic approach the more efficient T-8s and installed new LED Zoo based Keep America Beautiful affiliate. NC Department to sustainability called ISO 14001 lighting donated by Cree and the NC Green In 2015, Big Sweep had 1904 volunteers who Building Council in the Stedman Education of Transportation Environmental Management System. With covered 59.5 miles of roads and streams and Center Multi-Purpose Room. picked up nearly 38,000 lbs. of trash. DENR Environmental EMS the Zoo identifies its significant impacts Stewardship Initiative on the environment and addresses those  The Zoo recycles paper, newspaper, impacts through objectives, targets and an cardboard, used oil, filters, tires, batteries, NC Clean Water action plan. As of 2011, the entire zoo is ISO pallets, wood, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, Management Trust Fund 14001 certified. glass and recently polystyrene foam cups becoming 83% waste to landfill free.

 Conservation events include Earth Day, Use Less Stuff Sale, How to Recycle signage, Drink Machine Graphics and Conservation Reminders. 42 Green Practices Green Practices 43 Wildlife conservation is at the heart of what we do at the North Carolina Zoo. Zoo staff work across North Carolina and around the world to protect animals in the wild from extinction. These initiatives take Zoo staff to remote parts of the globe, from the mountains of North Carolina to the jungles of Africa. In North Carolina, we are helping to protect some of our state’s most iconic amphibians, including hellbender salamanders and Pine Barrens tree frogs. Zoo staff spend hundreds of hours each year studying and monitoring these species in order to better conserve them. The North Carolina Zoo also manages over 2,000 acres of forest in central North Carolina. These forests protect rare and unusual plant communities like long-leaf pine, along with habitat for wildlife like bobcats. In Africa, from the rainforests of Cameroon to the savannas of Tanzania, Zoo staff work with some of the world’s most endangered species. We place satellite tracking devices on elephants and vultures, use DNA to monitor gorillas, count lions with smartphones and work on the frontlines of the battle against the international wildlife trade, providing rangers with high-tech tools to stop poachers. We also work closely with people, helping to teach rural communities about the importance of conserving the environment.

By visiting the North Carolina Zoo you are helping to save animals across the state and around the world!

Richard A. Bergl, Ph.D. Director of Conservation, Education and Science Your visit supports the North Carolina Zoo’s efforts to save endangered species from extinction. Thanks for helping us protect wildlife here in North Carolina and around the world!

To help our efforts please visit: www.NCZoo.com

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