VZL V28 8 - Indianapolis Zoo

AUGUST 2015
VOLUME 28•EDITION 8
Going Green at the Zoo
In the words of Zoo President and CEO Mike Crowther, “We're not a zoo doing conservation; we're a global conservation
organization that is a zoo." A key component of the Zoo's conservation mission is to promote sustainability. The Zoo tackles this
mission on multiple fronts, including initiating and maintaining green practices and encouraging others to adopt a "greener" way of
life.
Electric Car Recharging Stations
There are two stations in the Zoo's main parking lot where you can
recharge your electric car. Located near the picnic area, the recharging
stations are available for a nominal fee for either four or eight-hour time
blocks.
Energy Conservation
The Zoo was named a “Lugar Energy Patriot,” an honor bestowed on
organizations by former Indiana Senator Richard Lugar in 2011 in
recognition of ongoing support for fiscally responsible energy
conservation efforts. The Zoo’s efforts on this front have continued and
even expanded. Over the past few years, through careful planning and
research, the Zoo’s energy team has taken concrete action steps that have
saved hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Photo by Meg Magsamen
Electronics Recycling
Electronics waste is a growing challenge with more than 2.5 million
tons of electronic waste incinerated or placed into landfills in the United States each year. Many of these electronic devices contain
mercury and lead which could leach into the ground contaminating soil and water supplies. The Zoo takes a leadership role in this
challenge by hosting two Power Recycling weekends each year where, on average, 15-20 tons of electronics are recycled each day of
the event.
Green Power Option
Since 2008, the Indianapolis Zoo has been a 100 percent green user of electricity
through Indianapolis Power & Light Company's Green Power option. Green power
is an option provided by IPL that helps support the development of renewable
energy sources, which eventually helps reduce our reliance on fossil-fueled power.
Some sources of green power through IPL are wind facilities and biomass/landfill
gas facilities.
Green Business Initiative
As a member of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce's Green Business
initiative, the Zoo scores very high among local businesses in its programming and
commitment to environmentally safe and sustainable practices and operations.
Many different factors are considered to achieve this designation, including
reduction of paper usage, recycling, using eco-friendly products, reducing lighting,
unplugging unused appliances, rain recovery systems, water recovery systems in
our water facilities, and many more.
What's Old is New at the Zoo
The Zoo internally recycles all its recyclable paper, corrugated cardboard,
aluminum, newspaper and mulch thanks to our official recycling partner Ray's
Trash. Landscape and tree trimmings serve as enrichment for some of our animals.
The Zoo also has a herbivore manure recycling program. Partnering with Ray’s Trash Service, our manure is taken to a special
facility located in Indianapolis. There, the manure is composted and turned into fertilizer — completing the natural cycle.
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Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Volunteers are needed on Sunday, Sept. 20, to
assist with the Zoo’s Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
presented by Indiana Donor Network.
Two Naturalists are needed from 11:45am-2pm
and two from 2-4:30pm.
One Zoo Host is needed from 11am-2pm and one
Zoo Host is needed from 2-4:30pm to assist Zoo
Photo by Jason Wright
marketing staff and partner organizations with
event setup.
 Six Craft Attendants are needed from 11:30am-2pm and six Craft Attendants are needed from 2-4:30pm.
 Two Mascots and one Mascot Guide are needed from noon-4pm.
ZooBoo
Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, & 23-25
Mark your calendars and don’t forget to sign up for
ZooBoo presented by Central Indiana Honda Dealers.
Volunteers over the age of 17 are needed for a variety of
shift times. The event takes place outdoors in all weather
conditions.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear child-friendly
costumes, Zoo volunteer uniform or khaki-colored pants,
solid-color shirt and closed-toed shoes. Volunteer shifts
will be posted on Volgistics soon! Please contact Adam
Garrett at agarrett@indyzoo.com for more information.
Photo by Shannon Gaughan-Kelly
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While a few meerkats in the mob
keep watch, the rest of the group
stays busy finding food. They
New Faces in the Deserts regularly hunt together and
communicate with purring sounds
Dome!
to take down prey. Meerkats live in
extensive burrow systems that help
them stay cool under the hot
Photo by Melanie Laurendine
African sun. These burrows also act
as a safe place for females to give On June 26, at only 94.5 grams, a
birth to two to four young per year. little chick pecked its way into the
world – the very first Caribbean
flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
hatched from an egg laid at the
Indianapolis Zoo!
The chick is a healthy baby boy
and growing every day. These
bright pink birds are native to the
Caribbean and Galapagos regions
and get their color from eating
Photo by Rachael Goniu
shrimp. But don't worry, when our
Next time you visit the Deserts
feathered flamboyance (yes, that's
Dome, you may spot some new
what a group of flamingos is called)
faces. We recently welcomed a new
makes room for one more this fall,
group of meerkats and bearded
you'll still be able to tell the chick
dragons. The three female meerkats
Photo by Kristy Lawson
apart from the rest. Born with
(Suricata suricatta) are named
Plus, you can find the new bearded white-gray plumage, the chick
Katniss, Rue and Prim. Katniss just dragons (Pogona vitticeps) in the
won't be fully pink until 9 months
turned one year old on May 23,
exhibit closest to the snake area.
old and will reach full plumage by
while Rue and Prim will celebrate They're easily identifiable by the
age 4.
their first birthdays on Aug. 10.
spikes on their chins and throats
Make sure to check out the
Sticking true to her name inspired that give the appearance of a beard. flamingo exhibit to see this
by the heroine of "The Hunger
When these reptiles get agitated or beautiful new Zoo baby! Plus, you
Games," our Zookeepers believe
stressed, their beards turn black,
might even see our chicks from last
Katniss is the dominant female at
which is why they were
year now participating in our
this time. The new girls are getting appropriately named bearded
Flamingo Mingle!
along great with the males in our
dragons.
mob, Otavi and Huambo.
Meerkats are native to the southern
plains of Africa where they live in
large communities. These squirrelsized mammals often sit upright on New Caribbean Flamingo
their rear legs gazing over the area
and looking out for danger. If they Chick in Encounters!
We're tickled pink over our newest
see a predator, the sentry will alert
addition
to Flights of Fancy.
the rest of the group to take cover
Photo by Randy Miller
with a bark or whistle.
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Preventing and Reporting
Accidents and Injuries
Close calls happen when you have
a narrow escape from getting hurt.
While you may feel lucky about
walking away uninjured, these
incidents can show us what
measures should be taken now to
prevent future incidents.
There are several reasons why
people choose not to report close
calls. One is that they don't want to
get into trouble with a supervisor or
fellow worker. Another reason
might be embarrassment; nobody
likes to admit to being part of an
accident or close call. Or, they
might find it’s too much trouble to
report it — forms to complete,
questions to answer, etc.
If you do end up in a situation in
which you are injured, no matter
how slight, you must immediately
report any injury you have on the
job or on Zoo property, or while
conducting Zoo business to your
area liaison, Security staff or
Volunteer Services so that you may
receive prompt and proper medical
attention. You may be required to
go to the Zoo’s occupational
healthcare provider. If the Zoo’s
Safety and Security Department
management determines that you
need medical attention, you must
comply with that directive.
At the Zoo, safety is our number
one priority. Every employee and
volunteer is responsible for safety.
Work in a safe manner, and
encourage your co-workers and
fellow volunteers to do the same.
Volunteer Zoosletter
Take Time to Play!
The Association of Zoos and
Aquariums recently launched a new
app to help connect with nature. It’s
called TailsUp! The app is a fun
way for kids (and adults) of all ages
to learn more about many types of
animals. This free app is available
on the App Store and Google Play.
When playing, you can choose
from several different decks and
use verbal and physical clues to
help choose the correct animal. As
you play the different levels – from
easy to medium to hard – you’ll get
to know more about hundreds of
species of animals! There’s also a
gallery to flip through and learn
more fun facts you can share with
your friends and family.
Photo by Don Reynolds
Pack your lunch and join fellow
Zoo staff, donors and volunteers to
hear our own Marine Mammal
trainer, Alicia McCarthy, discuss
her recent trip to Fort MacArthur,
Calif., to assist with the mass
California sea lion strandings.
While she was in California, Alicia
spent time in-taking, rehabilitating
and releasing marine mammals
back into the wild. At the brown
bag, she will discuss dangers facing
California sea lions, why strandings
occur and the rescue efforts that are
in place.
Speaker: Alicia McCarthy,
Marine Mammal trainer
When: Tuesday Aug. 4,
noon-1pm
Where: Polly Horton Hix
Institute for Research and
Conservation
RSVP: Sally Zelonis at
szelonis@indyzoo.com or
317-630-2018
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ID Badge Stickers Now Available
The 2015B stickers for Volunteer ID Badges are available for pick up at the
Volunteer Office! Please update your ID Badge the next time you are in the area
so that you may qualify for admission to the Zoo, receive discounts at food
service locations and the Gift Shop, and most importantly, access to the Zoo
grounds for your volunteer shift.
Volunteer Absences
If you will be absent from your volunteer shift, please make sure you contact
both Volunteer Services and the Volunteer Liaison in the area you work. If you
can’t get in touch with either your Liaison or a Volunteer Services staff member,
please leave a voicemail message or send an email. Volunteer Services can be
contacted at volunteer@indyzoo.com or by calling 317-630-2041. If you need updated contact information for
your Volunteer Liaison, please stop by the Volunteer Services office.
Volunteer Admission Discount
As a volunteer, you are able to use your volunteer ID to obtain free
admission to the Zoo when you visit as a guest. Please take your ID
(with a valid A or B session sticker) to the Admissions Building to
acquire your complimentary ticket from a Guest Services staff member.
Additionally, Please make sure you have changed out of your volunteer
uniform before visiting.
Any guests you bring with you receive $2 off the admission price for
that day. Guest admission tickets can only be purchased the day of their
visit and you must be present with your guests during their visit. Again,
visit the Admissions Building to purchase your tickets.
Volunteer Program Introduction
If you know someone who is interested in volunteering, the volunteer
application is now available online. After completing the application,
potential volunteers can attend the last Volunteer Program Introduction
of the year at 10am on Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the Polly Horton Hix
Institute for Research and Conservation. Please contact Adam Garrett at
agarrett@indyzoo.com or 317-630-2041 if you have any questions.
Weekend and Holiday Parking and Hours Update
Operating hours for the Zoo staff shuttle have been updated. For the remainder of the summer, through
Sept. 7, shuttle hours of operation will be 6:45am–8pm, Friday-Sunday from the White River parking lot to the
main Zoo parking lot. Pick up locations include: near the island picnic tables between the west and east
parking lots, the west end of the west parking lot and on Market Street at the White River parking lot.
The Zoo will open at 8am on Sept. 5-6 to members as part of the summer holiday wake-up weekends
privilege. Members are invited to have exclusive access the Simon Skjodt International Orangutan Center and
new koala exhibit one hour early during summer holiday weekends.
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Naturally Inspired Paint Out
Did you experience the Zoo through the eyes of artists —
both human and animal — during Naturally Inspired Paint
Out Day? Zoo guests had a special opportunity to watch as
artists transformed a blank canvas or a hunk of clay into a
truly extraordinary work of art inspired by the natural
world, right here at the Indianapolis Zoo.
After the paintings dried and were professionally framed
by The Great Frame Up Downtown & Broad Ripple, they
have been on display for the summer in the Schaefer
Rotunda at White River Gardens. Also on display are the
works of some of our more artistically inclined animals!
See a painting or sculpture that you'd like to have at
home? Then don't miss the silent auction and artists'
reception Aug. 27 in the Hulman Riverhouse. Bid on your
favorite artwork or just enjoy the show! You'll also get to
mingle with artists and other Zoo patrons, get after-hours
access to the Hilbert Conservatory with its beautiful views
of downtown, and savor light hors d'oeuvres and wine.
Plus, one of the 15 talented artists will receive the
Members Choice award. Reservations are required for the
reception and silent auction, so contact the Membership
Department at membership@indyzoo.com or
317-630-2046 to RSVP.
Photo by Rachael Goniu
New Preschool Programs at the Zoo
Do you know a preschooler? This fall the Zoo will
introduce new preschool programs for 3 and 4 year olds.
Jungle Juniors will be a fun way for parents and
preschoolers to explore and discover the Zoo. Each
program includes hands-on activities, animal artifacts, a
Zoo walk and story and/or craft. Programs run from
9:30-11am. Cost: $15 for Zoo members and $20 for
non-members. Jungle Junior Topics:
 Flamingos (Aug. 20)
 Orangutans (Sep. 17)
 Tigers (Oct. 8)
 Turtles and Tortoises (Nov. 12)
 Penguin (Feb. 11)
For more information, contact the Education Department
at edustaff@indyzoo.com or call 317-630-2000
between the hours of 9am-3pm Monday-Friday.
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Photo by Elijah Cope
46
AUGUST
Flower: Gladiolus
Birthstone: Peridot
1
Heather Bates
Katherine Patterson
10 Lew Ann (f) Grand Cayman
iguana 1995
World Lion Day
Donna Wilken
11 Maxine Randolph
Tatlin Resetich
12 World Elephant Day
Ruthe Woods
Photo by Jackie Curts
20 Indy (f) Atlantic bottlenose
dolphin 2001
Alyssia Hill
Photo by Mark Kaser
2
Zuri (f) African lion 2006
Roberta Haynes
Mark Kleinschmidt
William Pfeiffer
3
4
Vickie Hite
5
6
Dawn Hagen
7
8
9
Chelsea LeBeau
Dawn McPike
22 Clyde (m) eastern yellowPhoto by Fred Kate
13 Chestnut (f) Eastern yellowbilled hornbill 2013
Bonnie Grimble
Ray Watkins
billed hornbill 2007
Jacquelyn Stantz
23 Kathy Lee
24 Beth Kingrey
Desirae Rhodes
26 Isabelle (f) Eastern white
bearded wildebeest 2005
National Dog Day
Joann Vigna
Robin Wilson
Barb Krahl
Mary Ann Shurig
14 World Lizard Day
Nova (f) Atlantic bottlenose
dolphin 1983
Sea Serpent Day
Lucy Harlan
Megan Ornellas
15 Trovan (f) radiated tortoise
27 Linda Crowe
1997
National Homeless Animal
Day
Patricia Scahill
16 Erica Millen
Brent DeWeese
Kathy Harris
31 Zahara (f) African elephant
2006
Andrew Cohee
17 Rainy (m) umbrella cockatoo
Animal Fact
Andrea (f) Amur tiger
Devon Collett
Michael Guest
Carol Abner
Betty Briggs
Christine Erlandson
Lois Haupt
Jeffrey Sorrell
Volunteer Zoosletter
Melissa Wooton
2000
Mindy Curtis
19 Peso (m) Speke’s gazelle
2009
World Orangutan Day
Susan Nicholls
Tony West
One of the most distinctive features of
birds of prey is the way they kill with
their feet, seizing prey from the ground,
water or air. Steller’s sea eagles use
their feet to catch Pacific salmon. They
also hunt geese, hares and young seals.
From “Smithsonian Animal: The
Definitive Guide” edited by David
Burnie and Don E. Wilson
7
Editor: Adam Garrett
Save The Dates
Reporters: Adam Garrett
Animals and All That Jazz — Aug. 6
Zoo Volunteer Trip to Louisville Zoo — Sept. 12
Hispanic Heritage Fiesta — Sept. 20
Photography: Fred Cate, Elijah Cope,
Jackie Curts, Shannon Gaughan-Kelly,
Rachael Goniu, Mark Kaser, Melanie
Laurendine, Kristy Lawson, Meg
Magsamen, Randy Miller, Don Reynolds,
Jason Wright
ZooBoo — Oct. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25
Summer Hours
To Contact the Volunteer Office:
Phone: 317-630-2041
Kristin Kraemer: 317-630-2193
Fax: 317-630-2031
E-mail: kkraemer@indyzoo.com
agarrett@indyzoo.com
volunteer@indyzoo.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Volunteer News ....................... 1
Your Chance to Help ............... 2
Collections News ...................... 3
May 22-Sept. 7: 9am-5pm, Monday-Thursday*
9am-7pm, Friday-Sunday and holidays
*Open until 7pm Aug. 6 for Animals and All That Jazz
Volunteer Winter Wear
Additional uniform pieces — Zoo-logoed fleece, sweatshirts and hats
to help stay warm during your volunteer shifts — are coming soon!
Information about ordering these optional items will be available in
next month’s issue.
Special Reports ...................... 4-6
Birthdays ................................... 7
Announcements ........................ 8
Volunteer Zoosletter
1200 West Washington Street
P.O. Box 22309
Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309