ZLD and ZLF - Kansas City Zoo

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September, October
9:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. Monday–Friday
9:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. Saturday–Sunday
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132
816.595.1234 | www.KansasCityZoo.org
KANSAS CITY, MO
#4831
November–February
9:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. Daily
Expeditions
A quarterly publication of the Kansas City Zoo
Let’s Get Social!
ZLD and ZLF —
LOOK
INSIDE!
Behind the scenes animals are vital to the Zoo’s success
Wyoming
Toads
Zoo animals — they’re everywhere! Of course you are familiar with the ones you see in our exhibits each time you visit: elephants,
penguins, sea lions, giraffes and so many more. But we have many other animals that aren’t “officially” on display. We have
animals that are seen in our bird show, animals that visit with a Zookeeper at some of our Zoo events, animals that visit many of
our birthday parties and many, many more. They are called our “program” animals.
See page 3
Zoo Mission: The Kansas City Zoo connects people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.
African Plains Baby Boom!
The African Plains exhibit at the KCZoo is home to more than
50 animals, representing seven species of African hoofstock.
From the diminutive springbok to the 17-foot-tall Masai giraffe,
is a vital partner in conservation for many species. The scimitarhorned oryx, a white antelope with long, backwards-pointing
horns reminiscent of scimitar swords, is listed as extinct in the
wild because of overhunting. The KCZoo is currently home to
28 oryx, including six calves born this summer, five females and
one male. In the past, we have sent oryx to Africa to be part of
reintroduction programs.
It’s also an exciting time of year for our lesser kudu. One male
calf has been born so far, and we are anticipating two more this
year. These calves join their older siblings, two males and one
female born last year, as well as four older females and one
adult male.
hundreds of hoof prints can be found daily. But did you know
there’s a lot happening with our hoofed animals?
By participating in Species Survival Plans (SSP), managed by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Kansas City Zoo
In addition, we are hopeful about breeding our springbok and
addax. The SSP made recommendations and sent new animals
to KC from other zoos and we are working to grow their numbers
as well. If addax breeding is successful, it will be a first for that
species at our Zoo!
Kristin Rydziel, Zookeeper, Savannah
These are crucial to the work we do to support our mission
and vision. If you don’t see them, where do they live? The
birds that show off in WOW, our Wings of Wonder bird
show, live in a specially designed area behind the bird
show stage. On good weather days they spread their wings
outside in more specially designed areas. What about the
frogs, turtles, snakes, insects, tarantulas, hedgehogs,
singing dogs, chinchillas, and birds who travel in the fancy
Zoomobile to schools, events and neighborhood events?
Where do they live?
Our Zoo Learning Den, known as ZLD, is located behind
the scenes in the southwest corner of the Zoo. This
important structure, built in the early 1990s, has served for
over 20 years as home to our animals that help educate
nearly half a million zoo enthusiasts each year. As our Zoo
and our programming have grown, our ZLD has reached
capacity. Thanks to our ZLF our “animal inn” has almost
doubled in size.
The Zoo Learning Fund (ZLF) was established many years ago as a way to distribute proceeds from our annual JAZZOO fundraiser
to the Zoo’s educational activities. The Junior League, responsible for developing JAZZOO, realized the need for designated
education funds in a Zoo operated by the City. ZLF trustees were put in place to oversee the collection and proper distribution of
these funds. Over the years this dedicated group granted funds to the Zoo’s education department to provide programs that would
have otherwise been impossible to deliver.
The need for an expanded education space was identified in 2008 and ZLF responded with a $1.5 million grant to remodel the
south entry complex building into classrooms, education offices and a library. When the need for an expanded ZLD was on the top
of the “must have” list, ZLF responded again with a $1 million gift.
Continued on page 2
3RD QTR : 2016
OPEN
DAILY!
ZLD and ZLF — Continued from page 1
The addition of 1,700 square feet including outdoor space plus climate controlled zones
allows for ideal temperatures and conditions to accommodate the 41 species used in
our education programs. Animals that like hot and dry, specifically reptiles and birds,
have their own desert rooms. Amphibians and insects have the rainforest rooms, which
are hot and humid. The cool and dry areas are great environments for many of our
mammals. Natural daylight in the outdoor bay allows space for animals to exercise and
soak up the sun.
One of the most exciting spaces in this new building is what we are calling the Zoo
Learning Incubator. This is where students and groups can explore and learn what it is
like to work at a zoo. They can see how food and enrichment are prepared, find out how
animals are trained to be in front of crowds, and learn about the rules staff must follow
in caring for and presenting program animals to the public.
All of this is very exciting for us! We are grateful for ZLF’s continuous support of our
growing needs and are inspired by the number of guests we are able to touch through
these programs. Thank you, ZLF, for stepping up again and helping us build our great
Zoo here in a great city. We couldn’t do it without you.
FOTZ Annual
Board Meeting
Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members are invited to the FOTZ annual board meeting on
Wednesday, Oct. 26. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., and will honor outgoing Board
members and vote in the new Board members and slate of officers.
Following the business meeting, Mark Reed, Director of the Sedgwick County Zoo in
Wichita, Kansas, will share his passionate story of bringing elephants from Swaziland to
his zoo. After witnessing first-hand the plight of elephants in the wild, Mark was inspired
to create the third largest elephant area in the country. With more than five sprawling
acres plus the world’s largest elephant pool at 550,000 gallons, the Reed Family
Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley exhibit became a sanctuary for six elephants
imported from Swaziland. Controversial since the moment the plane took off, this effect
is and will continue to be significant to the survival of the species.
Swaziland, a small landlocked country in southern Africa roughly the size of New
Jersey, has no space for the elephants. Elephants were destroying ancient trees and
brush as they ate their way across the plains faster than the vegetation could naturally
regenerate. This altered the land and threw resources out of balance, which negatively
affected other mammal and bird species in the parks. In came three zoos, Dallas,
Omaha and Sedgwick County, to bring hope back for these gentle giants. Seventeen
elephants made this journey and will be conservation icons for years to come.
A thank you reception will follow the presentation. Please RSVP for this event by
emailing DonnaRowell@fotzkc.org.
2
Expeditions — 3rd Quarter 2016
2016 Friends of the Zoo
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Caisley, Chairperson – KCP&L
Todd LaSala, Secretary
Stinson, Leonard, Street LLP
Sal Montalbano, Treasurer
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Karen Begelfer, Sprint
Sharon Cleaver, Boys & Girls Clubs
of Greater Kansas City
Rod Crawford, Glazer’s
Wes Dixon, Keywest Technologies
Chris Egan, SMG Services
Wesley Fields, Bryan Cave LLP
Hayley Hanson, Husch Blackwell
Howard Jacobson, Paragon Capital Mgmt, LLC
Mark Killen, American Century Investments
Gayle Krigel, Community Volunteer
Yvette Miceli, Construction Broker, Inc.
Pat Murphy, Robert E. Miller Group
Johnathon Myers, Research Medical Center
Jim Rine, UMB Bank
Dean Rodenbough, Hallmark Cards
Melissa Roe, Community Volunteer
CiCi Rojas, Central Exchange
Mary Sallee, Community Volunteer
Carla Sanders, AMC Theatres
Trish Sexton, Polsinelli
Kathy Smith, Community Volunteer
Tom Waggoner, HOK
Tom Wright, EPR Properties
David Yeamans, Burns & McDonnell
Representing the City of Kansas City
Allen Dillingham, Commissioner,
Board of Parks and Recreation
Alissia Canady, City Council
Mark McHenry, Director Parks and Recreation
Kevin McManus, City Council
Troy Schulte, City Manager
Zoological District Commissioners
Ray Brock, Clay County
Mark McHenry, KC Parks and Recreation
Representative
Jerry Nolte, Clay County
Kevin Pistilli, Jackson County
Dan Tarwater III, Jackson County
Randy Wisthoff, KC Zoo Representative
Open daily, year round, closed only on
Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
www.KansasCityZoo.org
816.595.1234
The Kansas City Zoo is a non-smoking environment
except in designated areas which are indicated on the
Zoo Map and on grounds with signs and ash trays.
Zoo Calendar
October – Continued
Sat/Sun, Oct
22 & 23
Every month there are activities for all age groups.
Penguin March Our birds will parade around the
Sat/Sun, Nov
5&6
Great Pumpkin Smash Post-Halloween
11 a.m.
Helzberg Penguin Plaza, enjoying the fresh outdoor air.
Get an up-close encounter with penguins as they strut
their stuff for all Zoo guests to see.
10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
enrichment for the animals! Watch them crush, kick,
bounce and play with big orange pumpkins.
FOTZ Annual Board Meeting Friends Of The Zoo
Sat/Sun, Nov
Wed, Oct
12 & 13
Zootastik Learning Fest: Red Panda Pandas
Boo at the Zoo Skip, hop, crawl or waddle to trick-
19 & 20
26
5:30 p.m.
Sat/Sun, Oct
29 & 30
9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
members are invited to the FOTZ Annual Board meeting.
See the article on page 2 for details.
or-treat stations with the zooiest gooiest treats in town.
Put on your favorite costume and join the Zoo animals
for a trumpeting great day of not-so-spooky activities.
FOTZ Exclusive Hour Boo at the Zoo
8:30–9:30 a.m. FOTZ members, join us an hour before
the Zoo opens to the general public to exclusively trickor-treat at the Zoo!
Zoo Visa
Commerce Bank and the
Kansas City Zoo have partnered
to provide Zoo fans such
as you the opportunity to
support the Zoo with each of
your purchases. When you
apply online for a Kansas
City Zoo Visa® Credit Card
and make your first purchase within 90 days of opening your
account, the Zoo will earn $35.00 and you will receive a
Zany Zoo Packet containing:
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat/Sun, Nov
10:30 a.m.
Wed, Nov
23
Noon
(1) Coupon for one free child admission with the purchase
of two regular adult admissions when paying with
your Kansas City Zoo Visa card
(1) $5 in Zoo Bucks valid anywhere in the Zoo
(1) Coupon for 10% off a one-time shopping spree in the
Zoo’s gift shop
(1) $5 off a FOTZ membership when paying with your
Kansas City Zoo Visa card
do come in red. Find out more about these elusive
animals and why they are so picky about their food.
Cheetah Run Cheetahs are the fastest land animal
and Gigi our resident feline will give chase to a lure at
our monthly cheetah run. Join us at the cheetah exhibit
to see one of the world’s top athletes demonstrate what
makes her the world champ. (weather permitting)
Ice Age: Collision Course Scrat and the rest
of the Ice Age herd are up to their zany antics once
again in this all-ages animated comedy. Join us for this
complimentary showing. Seating is limited and first
come, first served.
Fri–Sun, Nov
25–27
FOTZ Members Bring a Friend FREE! Bring
the extended family to the Zoo as we give thanks for
FOTZ members!
Fri–Sun, Nov
Penguin March Get to Helzberg Penguin Plaza to
25–27
11 a.m.
Fri–Sun, Nov
25–27
Noon
Fri–Sun, Nov
25–27
2 p.m.
(2) Round-trip tickets to ride the African Sky Safari
(1) Sumatran tiger photo with an invitation to an exclusive
“Meet the Zookeeper” presentation
The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization
is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO
Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially
funded by t he Zoological District in Jackson and Clay
Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums.
November
Sat/Sun, Nov
26 & 27
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
see our cold-weather birds parade from the back of
the exhibit outside and then back inside the building.
See King and Gentoo penguins up close. (weather
permitting)
Ice Age: Collision Course Scrat and the rest
of the Ice Age herd are up to their zany antics once
again in this all-ages animated comedy. Join us for this
complimentary showing. Seating is limited and first
come, first served.
Santa Dives What’s red and white and swimming
with the penguins at Helzberg Penguin Plaza? Santa!
Get a one-of-a-kind photo of Santa as penguins torpedo
around him. Watch the penguin bubbles trail the man in
the red suit, and hear the children giggle.
Species Spotlight: Tigers and Cheetahs
It’s a weekend highlighting two of our famous felines.
Get your species trading cards, learn more about these
felines and give high paws to the Zookeepers who care
for them.
December Events Sneak Peek
Dec 3 & 4
Dec 10 & 11
Dec 11
Dec 31
Holiday Wild
Winter Wonderland
Berlin’s Birthday
Zoo Year’s Eve
Check out our calendar of events online at KansasCityZoo.org to find out more information and to make reservations or call 816.595.1234 for more assistance.
www.kansascityzoo.org
15
Zoo Calendar
September
Sat/Sun, Sept
3&4
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Every month there are activities for all age groups.
October
Superhero Weekend Meet and take your picture
with incredible superheroes. Ant-Man, Spider-Man, the
Hulk and Black Widow will make a grand appearance at
our Tropics Tent.
Sat/Sun, Oct
1&2
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
FOTZ EXCLUSIVE hour with the
superheroes! 9–10 a.m. FOTZ members get to meet
FOTZ EXCLUSIVE hour with superheroes
8:30–9:30 a.m. FOTZ members be sure to bring your
cameras for this amazing FOTZ benefit. You’ll get to
meet and greet your favorite caped superheroes before
the general public.
and greet our favorite superheroes before the general
public. Be sure to bring your camera for this amazing
FOTZ benefit.
Sat, Sept
10
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat/Sun, Sept
10 & 11
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat/Sun, Sept
17 & 18
10:30 a.m.
Sat, Sept
24
8:30 a.m.
Sat/Sun Sept
24 & 25
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat/Sun, Sept
24 & 25
11 a.m.
Chiefs Day at the Zoo Before the Kansas City
Chiefs take the field for their first regular season
game, our animals will enjoy a sea of enrichment items
donated by the Chiefs. Chiefs cheerleaders, KC Wolf and
more will make an appearance at the Zoo!
Zootastik Learning Fest: Butterfly Bonanza
Protecting and helping these pollinators is vital to the
environment. Find out more about what you can do in
your own backyards.
Cheetah Run Go, Gigi, go! Watch as our feline
Sat/Sun, Oct
1&2
8&9
15 & 16
22 & 23
10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sat, Oct
15
9 a.m.–11 a.m.
track star zips around her exhibit while chasing a lure.
Cheetahs are known for being the fastest land animals.
(weather permitting)
Zoo Run for the Gorillas The 4-mile timed event
starts at 8:30 a.m. and the Family Fun Run starts at 9:45
a.m. Both events are open to runners and walkers. All
participants receive this year’s featured species T-shirt
and a finisher’s medal, along with free race-day entry
into the Zoo. Register at KansasCityZooRun.org
Sat, Oct
15
6:30–9:30 p.m.
Species Spotlight: Pachyderms The spotlight is
on our pachyderms: hippos, rhinos and elephants! Hear
the inside scoop during Zookeeper chats and be sure
to visit the lobby to learn more about our pachyderm
friends and collect your very own pachyderm trading
card. Collect them all year at Species Spotlight.
Penguin March Our warm-weather birds will
parade around the Helzberg Penguin Plaza enjoying the
fresh, outdoor air. Get an up-close encounter with the
Humboldt penguins as they strut their stuff.
Sat/Sun, Oct
15 & 16
10:30 a.m.
Sat/Sun, Oct
15 & 16
11:30 a.m.
The
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Watch or DVR
The KCZoo Show
every Saturday at
10 a.m. on KCTV5!
Batman and Superman Batman and Superman
are taking a day off from fighting crime and courageous
feats to greet you. Bring your camera, and take a photo
with these superheroes.
Kudos
For many years in a row, the Kansas City
Zoo has been proud to be a KCParent
Family Favorite Award winner. In 2016,
the Zoo was honored as
the Favorite Outdoor
Family Destination
and the Favorite
Animal Attraction.
2016 WINNER
Thank you for
your support!
family faves
Hoots & Howls Each weekend brings a howling Zootime! You can cruise around on a pedal tractor, navigate
a hay bale maze and have your face painted like your
favorite animal. Sing along with our interactive DJ, and
take a ride on the Scare-o-cel. Visit the Slitherin Snake
Shed, enjoy a hayride around the Zoo, create a wild craft
and hear a spooky tale. Each weekend a chosen animal
will join the fun by smashing pumpkins.
Zoo Manoo Sale Help save the planet one shovelfull
of Zoo Manoo at a time! Zoo Manoo is an all-purpose
soil conditioner (composted animal manure) brought to
you by the plant-eating animals at the Kansas City Zoo.
Zoo Manoo has diverted 75 percent of animal wastes
at the Zoo from landfills and equals about 70 tons of
manure on an annual basis. Order and pay online at
kansascityzoo.org, and pick up your order on Saturday,
Oct 15 in the Cheetah Parking Lot.
Brew At The Zoo & Wine Too Join us for the
fourth annual Brew At The Zoo & Wine Too! It’s an
evening of live music, delicious bites and a variety of
beers and wines from local breweries and vineyards.
This event is for ages 21 and over. Appetizers, music,
beer & wine samples as well as two drink tickets
are included with your ticket. The last three years’
events have sold out, so don’t delay! Register today at
kansascityzoo.org/events.
Cheetah Run Gigi, the Zoo’s resident feline
Olympian, loves to stretch her legs at the Cheetah
Run. This enriching activity allows her to gain valuable
exercise. Join us at the cheetah exhibit to watch one of
nature’s fastest animals in action. (weather permitting)
Birthday Parties
Looking for a hassle-free, fun venue for
your child’s birthday party? Have it at the
Zoo! Two new, great birthday options will
make that special day ZOO-rific. Each
party includes a private room, cupcakes,
ice cream and lemonade or water for up to
24 guests. Your Zoo host will take care of
all the preparations and cleanup — all you
have to do is invite your guests and have
FUN! Additional food and entertainment
options can be added to your party for an
extra fee.
These Zoo-rific birthday parties are
available most Saturdays and Sundays
starting at 9:30 a.m., noon or 2:30 p.m.
Purr-fect for children ages 3 and older,
parties last 1 ½ hours. For children under
age 3, we offer a Tiny Tykes one-hour
birthday option. Call today to schedule
your customized party as dates fill quickly,
816.595.1765.
Tamani’s Birthday Party We’re throwing a BIG
birthday party for Tamani the elephant’s 11th birthday.
Watch him enjoy a birthday cake fit for an elephant and
his favorite enrichment items.
The KCZoo is hiring, see available positions
and apply online at KansasCityZoo.org
Wyoming Toad—
Return to the Wild
In July three members of the KC
Zoo staff traveled to Wyoming with
1,000 Wyoming toadlets to help
conserve the species. Bred and
hatched at the Zoo earlier this year,
they are important to the population
of Wyoming toads, which have been
classified as extinct in the wild.
This means that the only sustained
populations exist in captivity.
The toadlets were released in the Laramie Basin,
their only known habitat. Through these efforts,
Wyoming toads are starting to make a comeback
in the wild with numbers increasing but not yet
self-sustaining. Next time you are at the Zoo,
stop by the Discovery Barn to get up close with
a Wyoming toad. You can help the Wyoming
Toad (and other animals) by “rounding-up for
conservation” at one of our gift shops or food
locations.
Sara Pittman,
Community Outreach Manager
What to Do with
Fall Leaves
Leaves create valuable compost and mulch. By shredding your leaves with
a mulching mower, it will reduce their volume and speed up decomposition
time. Decaying leaves use up soil nitrogen, so add an organic source of slowrelease nitrogen, like composted animal manure, before planting. Please do
not burn your
leaves. Smoke from
burning leaves
contains dangerous
compounds and
can spark an
accidental brush,
forest or house fire.
Check out our calendar of events online at KansasCityZoo.org to find out more information and to make reservations or call 816.595.1234 for more assistance.
14
Expeditions — 3rd Quarter 2016
www.kansascityzoo.org
3
Why Care About Sea Ice?
Zoo Education Events
Posted in June by “Polar Bears International” for Arctic Sea Ice Day
Arctic Sea Ice Day on July 15 was founded to draw attention to
sea ice loss in the Arctic, why it matters and how you can help.
This summer, the sea ice retreat could break records, which
would impact polar bears, people and other wildlife.
6. Despite year-to-year variation, satellite data show that
the September sea ice extent has declined more than
13.4 percent per decade since the satellite record began
in 1979.
1. Sea ice is as important to the Arctic ecosystem as soil is
to a forest. The food chain begins with algae and other tiny
organisms that live on and within the ice. Arctic cod feed on
those organisms. Seals eat Arctic cod. Polar bears prey on
seals.
Pre-School Programs
Children Ages 3-5 are welcome!
Science Adventure Club
Wednesdays and Thursdays,
Sept 7–Dec 15 11 a.m.–Noon
Cost: $5 per child
With themes showcasing the natural world,
this preschool programming hour is geared to
the youngest Zoo fans. Laugh, learn and play.
Each week has a different theme so be sure to
catch them all.
2. Polar bears rely on sea ice to efficiently catch their seal prey.
The polar bear’s main prey, the ringed seal, relies on sea ice
too for giving birth to and raising pups.
3. Arctic sea ice is important to people living in the north and
to our global climate. In fact, the Arctic is sometimes called
the earth’s air conditioner because the sea ice helps cool the
planet by reflecting some of the sun’s light and heat back into
space.
4. Arctic sea ice is declining in both extent and thickness
because of human-caused climate change. Just as a warm
summer day melts the ice in a glass of water, a warming
planet causes Arctic sea ice to melt.
5. Declines in the amount of sea ice mean less heat is reflected
away from the earth. Instead the more exposed ocean
absorbs additional heat which further warms the planet
and disrupts the climate.
7. Scientists say we have entered a new era with sea ice. Today,
there is thinner, seasonal ice in some parts of the Arctic,
rather than thicker, multi-year ice. This young ice is much
more vulnerable to rapid melting.
8. Without action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the
probability of ice-free summers in the Arctic increases
significantly from the middle to the end of this century. This
will greatly reduce the polar bear’s ability to hunt during the
summer months, reduce ice seal abundance, and impact
people and wildlife around the world.
Goodnight Zoo
Friday, Oct 14 Bone BOO-gie 6–8 p.m.
Friday, Nov 18 Feather Frenzy 6–8 p.m.
Cost: $20 per child; $5 per adult
Wear your jammies and bring your favorite
stuffed animal to share a night of exploration
stations, songs, educational games and
activities. Themed lessons, crafts, a snack,
and an animal encounter will entertain and
enlighten. Children, please bring your parents,
as they are required to have fun, too!
Dynamic Day Camps
Hurry to register for the best camps on your
days off from school. Kids ages 6 to 12 can
expect animal encounters, tours, and other great
age-appropriate activities during their camp
adventure. Book now before they are full. Camps
begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 3:30 p.m. and cost
$50 per child. After camp care is available until
5:30 p.m. for $15.
School’s Out Camps
Help Clean Up Our Water
Friday, Oct 14 Koala Kraze
Meet our cute marsupial friends while you still
have a chance, and explore life in the trees.
Clean water is a precious and vital resource for life. With only one percent of water on
Earth deemed usable, conserving water and keeping waterways clean benefits everyone.
By reducing the energy needed to treat water and the contamination from polluted
runoff, and preserving wetlands that naturally clean water, you can lower water and
sewer bills and can be assured access to clean water.
Friday, Oct 21 Micro Monsters
Did you know that there is a whole other world
out there that we can’t see? Learn about the
MICROSCOPIC CREATURES that live all
around you.
Wednesday, Nov 23 Food-wise
Ever wonder where your food comes from? All
of our food can be traced back to a plant or an
animal, but you might be surprised which.
Easy tips for cleaning up your waters include installing aerators on faucets, low-flow
shower heads and toilets. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, 73
percent of the water used at home is either flushed down the toilet or washed down
the shower drain. Plant native grasses, flowers, bushes and trees as they rarely require
watering and chemical fertilizing. And properly dispose of prescription drugs, harsh
chemicals and paints to prevent seepage into your water system.
4
Most education events require a reservation. To register, please visit kansascityzoo.org/education or call 816.595.1723.
Wednesday, Dec 21 No Bone Zone
Skeletons and creepy-crawlies go hand-inhand—but not in the world of INVERTEBRATES.
Take a look at these spineless creatures, and
discover how awesome boneless can be.
Expeditions — 3rd Quarter 2016
www.kansascityzoo.org
Thursday, Dec 22 Bear Necessities
Bears live on just about every continent, but
they are as different as they are the same.
Discover what it takes to be a bear in each type
of habitat.
Friday, Dec 23 Penguin Plunge
It’s all things penguin! Check out what all
penguins have in common, who lives in the cold
and who does not.
Tuesday, Dec 27 Arctic Antics
Find out what it takes to live in the extreme cold
of the North Pole.
Girl Scout Workshops
Attention all Scout Leaders: leave the scouting
to us. Earn requirements toward badges or
journeys by scheduling a Zoo Scout Workshop.
Workshops are available for Daisies, Brownies,
and Juniors. Make it a really wild scouting
adventure by turning your workshop into a
sleepover.
Cost: $15 per scout
Time: 10 a.m.–Noon
Daisies: Sep 10, Oct 8, Nov 12 and Dec 10
Brownies: Oct 1 and Dec 3
Juniors: Nov 5
Overnights
Winter Break Camp
Cost: $150 per child
Open to Enthusiasts Ages 6 and up
Wednesday–Friday, Dec 28–30
On the Defense
Explore the awesome ways animals protect
themselves.
Family Programs
FREE Family Science Night
5:30–7:30 p.m.
We’re all about science at the Kansas City
Zoo and we want to share it with the whole
family! The first Thursday of each month,
join us for intriguing science investigations
and a spectacular scientific adventure. No
registration necessary.
Sept 1 It All Matters
Matter makes up all things. Whether liquid,
solid or gas, we will explore it all and maybe
even discover that not all matter plays by the
same rules.
Oct 6 Candy Chemistry
Sugar sweetness! It’s all about the candy this
month. Become a scientific detective and
explore some tasty experiments.
Nov 3 Awesome Astronomy
Planets, suns, and stars, OH MY! Experience
and enjoy some out-of-this-world science.
Dec 1 Science is Cool
The best of the best is here! Check out some
science experiments the whole family can enjoy.
ACA certification means the
Zoo’s camps have met or
exceeded industry
standards of excellence
in over 300 categories.
Cost: Ranges from $30–$40
depending on program
After the sun sets and the lights go out, where
do the animals go? Attend a Zoo Overnight and
experience the Zoo after dark. Learn about
animals and have fun in the starlight with great
activities, an animal encounter and a late-night
hike. Breakfast is included. Space is limited so
reserve your overnight spot today.
6 p.m.–8:30 a.m.
Sept 2 Slumber Down Under
(tent camping)
Oct 28 Spooktacular Zoofari
6 p.m.–10 a.m.
Oct 1
Nocturnal Safari (tent camping)
7 p.m.–8:30 a.m.
Sep 9
Penguin Pole-ooza
Oct 7
Polar Bear PJ Party
Nov 5
Penguin Pole-ooza
Nov 11 Girl Scout–
Brownies & Juniors only
Dec 2
Polar Bear PJ Party
Homeschool Programs
K–2, 3–5 and 6–8
Wednesday Classes 10:30 a.m.–Noon
Thursday Classes 1–2:30 p.m.
Whether it’s exploring the weather or
playing with power, these classes are an
excellent education! Parents are encouraged
to participate in the classroom with their
students. Classes meet every other week
from Aug 24 to Dec 1 and are open to FOTZ
members for $8 per student. Register today
for several classes and save!
13
2017 FOTZ
Membership
Available Nov 1
Thank You
FOTZ Members!
Please consider giving the gift of a FOTZ membership this year; 2017
memberships will be available starting Nov 1, 2016. Renewing members
will receive a $5 discount with purchase before March 31, 2017 when
all 2016 memberships expire.
FOTZ memberships have great benefits. One benefit is this “Expeditions”
newsletter. This free quarterly publication is designed to inform and
educate you — our most dedicated fans. Thank you for your continued
support!
Makes
fantastic
GIFTS
ADMISSION
until March 31, 2018
20% Discount
on Food & Beverage and Gift Shop for
Rides Level; 10% discount for Basic Level
ZLD Animal Spotlight:
Smaug the Green Iguana
Scientific Name: Iguana iguana
Conservation Status: Threatened
Pays
for
itself
in
Habitat: In the wild, you can find green iguanas in trees. Their long toes
help them explore the canopies of Central and South America.
2
VISITS
FOTZ only
events & hours
Discounted, reciprocal
admission to over
150
accredited
Zoos and Aquariums
Z
OO
Purchase your
FOTZ Membership Today!
CLICK
or
CALL
12
www.kansascityzoo.org
816.595.1234
Appearance: Although the name “green iguana” might suggest that they
are only green, these iguanas are rather colorful, with blues, browns and
many shades of green. Green iguanas are large lizards and can reach 7 feet
in length and 18 pounds!
What’s on the Menu? Green iguanas eat mostly fruits and vegetables,
both in the wild and at the KCZoo. Smaug has a sweet tooth and prefers to
eat her fruits, rather than her veggies — but she isn’t very picky.
Staying Safe: Green iguanas spend most of their days resting,
camouflaged among the brush and branches.
However, they are capable of running extremely
fast and use their long tails to defend
themselves from predators. They are also
excellent swimmers and can stay underwater
for up to 30 minutes.
It’s the
Bee’s Knees!
Honey bees are the most important
insect pollinators in North America.
Our agricultural system is so dependent
on these tiny wonders that bees are
transported commercially all over the
continent to pollinate crops such as
almonds and apples. It is estimated
that honey bees add roughly $15 billion
annually to our agricultural system
through increased crop production.
However, bees face mounting pressure
from parasites, pests, pathogens, poor
nutrition, exposure to pesticides and
colony collapse disorder (CCD). Imagine a
Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie!
Recognizing the importance of bees in
our environment and to our agricultural
system, we have placed a honey bee
“Haven Hive” designed by Jarrett
Mellenbruch of Kansas City near the
Discovery Barn. A Charlotte Street
Foundation “Rocket Grant” winner,
Mr. Mellenbruch designed these “Haven
Hives” to replicate natural tree hollows
for wild bees to colonize. This hive is
technologically advanced and is equipped
with sensors that remotely track colony
data and wirelessly report critical
information about the hive. Blending
art and
science,
this hive
will be the
first of its
kind and
we’re proud
the KCZoo
was chosen
to take
part.
Reproduction: During the dry season,
a female will lay a clutch of 17 to
76 eggs in a nest that she
digs in soft ground.
Status of Wild
Orangutans
According to the IUCN (International Union on the
Conservation of Nature), Bornean orangutan populations
have decreased by nearly two-thirds since the early
1970s and will further decline to an estimated 47,000
animals by 2025. This would represent a decline of
more than 86 percent in 75 years. Sumatran orangutan
populations have also decreased dramatically in the past
century, with fewer than 7,300 individuals in the wild
today.
Orangutans live exclusively on the Indonesian island of
Sumatra and the island of Borneo, which is shared by
Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Experts have pinpointed the destruction of Sumatran
and Bornean rainforests in order to produce palm oil as
one of the greatest threats to orangutan survival. The widely used commodity
is the top cause of forest loss in Indonesia, and it accounts for 75 percent of
deforestation in some areas of Borneo, according to a 2013 Greenpeace study.
The forests of Indonesia and Malaysia are projected to disappear completely in
20 years if deforestation is not curbed.
Though the orangutans’ future appears hopelessly grim, orangutans are adaptable.
Efforts made by governments and corporations to curb deforestation could have a
major impact on the health of forests in Sumatra and Borneo.
What is the Kansas City Zoo doing to help?
In July at the Zoo, Richard Zimmerman, founding director of Orangutan
Outreach, updated the public and staff on efforts to save orangutans in the
wild. His organization had a close affiliation with the Animal Planet series,
“Orangutan Island.” Through his efforts, more than $2 million has been raised
for orangutan conservation. Through the new KC Zoo Conservation fund, $2,000
was donated to Orangutan Outreach.
Areas the size of 300 soccer fields are regularly being cleared for palm oil
production in orangutan native habitats. More than 40 percent of food products
contain palm oil. In 2015, the Zoo went palm oil-free and has since found
companies that are committed to using certified sustainable palm oil. From
pretzels and hamburger buns to soaps and window cleaners, the Zoo is clearing
items containing palm oil from its inventory and shopping only from companies
that provide alternatives or orangutan-friendly, sustainable palm oil products.
How can you help?
• Use Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s palm oil shopping guide app:
www.cmzoo.org/palmoil
Life Span: Green
iguanas can live
up to 20 years.
• Support companies that are members of the Roundtable on
Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO): www.rspo.org
• Encourage companies to be part of the RSPO.
Expeditions — 3rd Quarter 2016
www.kansascityzoo.org
5
Conservation
of Monarch
Butterflies
As one of the recipients of funding from
the Kansas City Zoo’s “Passion & Action
for Wildlife” (P.A.W.) initiative, the monarch
butterfly grant project aims to raise
awareness of one of the most recognizable
pollinators in the country. The monarch
butterfly faces an immediate threat of
the loss of its magnificent, 2,500-mile
migration from southern Canada to its
over-wintering site in central Mexico. The
monarch relies on a variety of milkweed
plants to raise its young caterpillars, and
those plants are rapidly becoming few and
far between. As part of a continental effort
to save this species and its migration,
we have partnered with community
organizations to do our part.
The Zoo is home to a recently remodeled
Pollinator Waystation located near the
Safari Landing stage in Africa. Visit later
this year to learn how you can build
your own butterfly garden at home and
help create a resting place for traveling
pollinators, including butterflies.
Additionally, the Zoo’s VolunTEENs have
become involved in this project, assisting
with care of the waystation, and soon
they will take part in a city-wide habitat
restoration with a few of the Zoo’s
partners. This project will grow as the Zoo
continues its commitment to conservation.
Join us at the Zoo on Sept 25 to help
celebrate monarchs and pollinators
and learn more about these important
creatures!
Zooper Snapshots
It’s time for you to submit your incredible images to the Zooper Snapshots
photo contest. The theme for 2016 is “A walk on the wild side.” Capture your
memorable Zoo moments to share with us. We want to see the Zoo through
your eyes.
FROM 1,700+ ANIMALS, 5,000+ JAZZOO GUESTS AND ALL OF OUR STAFF,
You may submit photos
beginning Sept 1, 2016.
There are two age
categories: adult (18+) and
youth (3–17). Photographs
must have been taken by
the photographer between
Sept 1, 2015 and the last
day for submission,
Oct 15, 2016. Photographs
should feature Kansas City
Zoo animals and guests
and therefore, must be
photographed at the Zoo.
THANK YOU to our sponsors.
435 Magazine
801 Fish
Acendas,
Formerly All About Travel
All Packaging Company
AMC Entertainment, Inc.
Cooper’s Hawk
Anheuser Busch/United Beverage
Cumulus Radio/95.7 The Vibe/
Magic 107.3 /Jack 105.1/
94.9 KCMO
Ash Grove Cement/
Charitable Foundation
AXA Advisors, LLC
Country Club Bank
Dairy Farmers of America
Danielle & Dean Rodenbough
Baked In Kansas City
David & Vicki Block and
Block and Company Inc. Realtors
BBN Architects, Inc.
Delta Innovative Services Inc.
Barley’s Brewhaus
Belfonte Ice Cream
& Dairy Foods Co.
Berry Plastics
Deanna & Greg Graves
Dentons
DesignHaus
Beth & David Hazels
Dr. Marc Taormina &
Ms. Stephanie Graham Esq.
BKD, LLP
Drug Free Sport
Black & Veatch
Edible Arrangements
Bizz & Weezy Confections
Black & McDonald
Blue Cross & Blue Shield
of Kansas City
Bonnie & Herb Buchbinder
Boulevard Brewing Company
Brancato’s Catering
Brasserie at the
Westin Crown Center
BRGR Kitchen + Bar
Drexel Technologies Inc.
ECCO Select
Electrical Corporation of America
Emily & Rick Boeshaar
Entercom Radio Kansas City/
99.7 The Point/98.1 KMBZ/
106.5 The Wolf
EPR Properties
Espirito do Sul
Euronet Worldwide Inc.
Burns & McDonnell
Falcon Financial Group at UBS
Capitol Federal
Francis Family Foundation
Candid KC Photobooth
Ford Motor Company
Carmen’s Café
Fry-Wagner Moving & Storage
Central States Beverage Company
Garmin International, Inc.
Charlie Hooper’s
Gates Bar-B-Q
CBC Real Estate Group, LLC
Centric Projects
Chuy’s
Please submit photos to: Photo
Contest, Kansas City Zoo, 6800
Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO 64132.
For additional information please
contact: Josh Hollingsworth,
Membership and Marketing
Manager, at 816.595.1205.
Commerce Bank
Cosentino’s Catering
Arvin Gottlieb
Charitable Foundation
On the back of each image
please tape a photo contest
entry form. There is no
charge for entries but there is
a limit of one photograph per
person. Images that do not
meet the rules of the contest
will not be eligible to win.
The photos will be on display
in November at the Zoo.
Prize-winning photos will be
chosen by the Kansas City
Zoo Photo Club and Zoo staff
and announced on Saturday, Nov 12, 2016 on Facebook and our website. Prizes
will be awarded in each age category.
Coco Bolo’s Wood Fired
Grill & Cantina
Americo Life, Inc.
Amigoni Urban Winery
Entries may be made in person or by mail. Entries must be 8x10 inches, must
be printed on photo paper and should not be matted or framed. All submissions
become the property of the Kansas City Zoo and may be used for promotional
purposes.
Cleaver & Cork
Clinical Reference Lab
Claridge Court
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Garozzo’s
Gayle & Bruce Krigel
Google Fiber
Hiland Dairy Co.
Liquid 9 Creative Boutique
Hopps Catering
Louie’s Wine Dive
Hilton Kansas City Airport/Asado
Hunt Family Foundation
Lockton Companies
Louisburg Cider Mill
Scratch Office Catering & Bakery
Sheri & John Olander
Sheridan’s Frozen Custard
Sheridan’s Unforked
Macs Sportswear
Shirley & Barnett Helzberg
Foundation
Ingrams Magazine
Major Brands Premium
Beverage Distributors
Spectators at the
Sheraton Crown Center
James Printing
McCownGordon Construction, LLC
St. James Winery
Jazz, a Louisiana Kitchen
Meierotto Jewelers
Husch Blackwell
Lynch Bryan Consulting
Illusions Unlimited
Productions, Inc.
Magnolia’s Modern
Southern Cuisine
Hy-Vee Catering
IMA-Kansas City
Isle of Capri/Calypso’s Buffet
Maxus Properties
Shook, Hardy & Bacon
Spaces Magazine
Sprint
Stacy & Paul Fischer
Jan Armstrong
McKinzie Contracting, LLC
Jean & Don Wagner
Charitable Foundation
MeMa’s Old-Fashioned Bakery
Steel City Media/KC 102.1/Q104/
KFKF/Mix 93.3
Missy & Jeff Roe
Stock Hill
Muriel McBrien Kauffman
Foundation
Sunflower Bank
Jeannette & Jerome Cohen
Foundation
JE Dunn Construction Company
Jill & Ray Kowalk
JMW & Associates
John A. Marshall
Jon Russell’s BBQ of Kansas City
Kaldi’s Coffee
MHC
Molly & Jared Lock
Nancy & David Yeamans
T-Rex Café
Nick & Jakes
Ted’s Cafe Escondido
Musselman & Hall
Contractors, LLC
Kansas City Restaurant Guide
O’Dowd’s Little Dublin
North
Kansas City Star
O’Neill’s Restaurant & Bar
KC Billboards
One North Interactive
KC Booth, LLC
Sunset Grill
Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant
Newmark Grubb Zimmer
KC Baby
Stroud’s
Murray’s Tables & Tap
Kansas City Homes & Style
Magazine
Kansas City Power & Light
Stinson Leonard Street LLP
Sybil & Greg Orman
Sysco
Taco Republic
Teocali Mexican
Restaurant & Cantina
TH Agriculture & Nutrition, LLC
Office Products Alliance
The Aladdin Hotel / Zebra Room
Outfront Media
The Funnel Cake Truck
The Blue Moose Bar & Grill
The George Family
Kansas City Chiefs
Paragon Capital Management LLC
Kansas City Royals
Paycor
The Kansas City Steak Company
KCTV5/ KSMO
Performance Contracting Group
The Oliver
Kendra Scott
Pinstripes
KC Parent
KC Studio Magazine
KCUR
Keywest Technology, Inc.
Kingswood Senior Living
Kris & Harry Campbell
Patty & Bill Whillhite
Pepsi
PGAV Architects
Pita Blu
pwc
Rally Point Capital
The Independent
The Melting Pot
The Pitch
The Roasterie Café
The Well Bar – Grill & Rooftop
Topgolf
Truss
Kristi & Denny Scott
Raphael Hotel Group
Twin Peaks
Gram & Dun
Lamar Advertising
Relish / Hopp’s Catering
Union Broadcasting
Halls Kansas City
Legacy Development
Ripple Glass
VanTrust Real Estate
Lew’s
Ryan W. Sayles Foundation
Walker’s Food Products Co.
Lifestyles Magazine: Johnson
County/Leawood/Lees Summit/
Northland
Seattle Fish
Gordon Biersch
Brewery Restaurant
Grant Thornton LLP
Hartsook Companies
Hayley Hanson & Todd McGuire
Helzberg Diamonds
Henderson Engineers
Henry Wurst, Inc.
HERLIFE Magazine
Lakeview Village
Lathrop & Gage
Les Bourgeois Vineyards
Liberty Fruit Company
RA Sushi
Residential.com
Robin & Frank Sterneck
Sarver Vrooman
Wealth Management
UMB Bank
Urban Table
Waldo Pizza
WireCo Worldgroup Inc.
Zocalo
Service Management Group
David Martinez,
School and Community Outreach Coordinator
6
Expeditions — 3rd Quarter 2016
www.kansascityzoo.org
11
Planned Giving
Minute
Are you older than 70 ½? Do you have an
IRA that the IRS is requiring you to take
a distribution from?
Did you know you can donate that
distribution directly from your IRA to
the KCZoo and avoid paying any taxes
on the distribution?
Call our Planned Giving Manager,
Dustin Prockish, at 816.595.1216 to
find out more.
Tamani’s
Birthday
It has been nearly a year since our big
gray guy arrived in Kansas City and we’re
celebrating his big one-one (11th) birthday
on Oct 17. Over the past year, Tamani
has become an important addition to our
elephant herd, energizing our older ladies
and making full use of our expansive
habitat. He is often found in the
elephant pool and likes his
new “hangout” at the shade
structures, where the
enrichment provides
hours of
amusement.
Please
join us at
11:30 a.m.
on October
15 and 16 as
we wish Tamani a
very happy day with
pachyderm-sized
enrichment and a
rousing chorus of
“Happy Birthday”!
10
Six Swans a Swimming!
Four trumpeter swan cygnets successfully hatched on May 26 near the entrance
of the Zoo in the North American Waterfowl exhibit. Young swans are called
cygnets after their scientific name Cygnus buccinators. The first-time parents,
Juliette and Cygmond, have done a wonderful job raising their fledglings.
Swan cygnets hatch within a few hours of one another. The female, called a pen,
incubates her eggs in a large nest for an average of 35 days. The male, called
a cob, spends his time on nest-protection duty, keeping the eggs safe from
predators. Swan cygnets are adorable and grow quickly. Within 10 weeks, they
have feathers, and begin to fly after 15 weeks. These siblings could stay with
their parents for up to three years.
In the wild, trumpeter swans search for
nesting areas on beaver and muskrat
dams or small islands in shallow water
with lots of plants. The nest itself is a
low mound of plant material that can
be several feet across with a depressed
bowl in the center. Trumpeter swans
form strong bonded pairs that often last
a lifetime. They can also become bonded
to a particular nest site, especially a
site that allowed them to raise cygnets
successfully in the past. At the KCZoo,
Zookeepers provided straw and grasses
as material for the swans to build their nest, and the island in the middle of the
exhibit is exactly the kind of nesting site trumpeter swans favor.
Trumpeter swans are part of a much larger conservation project. Trumpeter
swans are the largest and most impressive native waterfowl in North America.
When fully grown they weigh between 20 and 30 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan.
Their presence in a waterway indicates that it is a healthy ecosystem. In the late
19th and early 20th centuries, trumpeter swans were highly coveted for their
feathers and were hunted nearly to extinction. A continent-wide effort to restore
trumpeter swans to their historic ranges began in the 1960s and has been able
to bring them back to a stable population of around 46,000 birds. The work is
not done, however, as there are still many threats to trumpeter swans including
lead poisoning, climate change, and habitat destruction. Many wetlands and
waterways that traditionally had healthy populations of trumpeter swans
currently have none.
The Zoo’s cygnets are going to be part of this population restoration effort.
There are several conservation organizations that annually release captive-born
trumpeter swans into areas that will be able to maintain breeding populations
of adult swans. When they are ready, the Zoo’s cygnets will be moved to one of
these conservation organizations to
prepare them and cygnets from other
institutions for release
into the wild!
Species Support —
Did you know?
Polar Bears
2016 KANSAS CITY
ZOO RUN
SAT. SEPT. 24 2016
• The melting of sea ice in the polar bear’s native Arctic habitat causes polar
bears not to have as much food as they need.
4 MILE &
1 MILE
• You can help by planting and
caring for a tree, not idling your
car, and recycling.
• Currently, the Zoo is home to
Berlin, a female polar bear.
We celebrate her birthday in
December. Guests can find out
more information at the Polar
Bear Zookeeper chat at
noon daily.
• Run THRU the zoo
• Support an endangered species
• Collectible finisher medals
Penguins
8:30am - 4 Mile Walk/Run
9:45am - 1 Mile Walk/Run
• Ocean pollution, climate change, habitat loss and
competition for resources threaten penguins.
• You can help by not littering, by unplugging
appliances and power strips when not in use and
by choosing sustainable seafood.
REGISTER AT www.KansasCityZooRun.org
PRODUCED BY EVENT MIDWEST, LLC. | info@eventmidwest.com | 913-485-3254
SPONSORED BY
• The Zoo is helping in Peru, South America,
through the Humboldt Penguin Consortium.
• At the Zoo, Humboldt penguins are the indoor/
outdoor penguins in Helzberg Penguin Plaza.
Great Apes
(orangutans, gorillas,
bonobos and chimpanzees)
• Mining operations in the habitats where
great apes live are causing a great decline
in apes’ numbers.
• Cell phones use ores found only in great
ape habitats. Palm oil, a product in
many foods and household products, is
harvested from these rainforests.
• You can help by recycling your old cell
phones at the Zoo and spreading the word
about using only products made from
sustainable palm oil.
FlyerTall2016.indd 1
5/30/16 5:12 PM
Thank You!
Adopt a Wild Child 2015–2016
Corporate Sponsors
BluePearl Veterinary Partners
EPR Properties
Nabholz Construction
SocialHeart
SouthLaw, P.C.
Thomas McGee, L.C.
Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C
Rachel Peters,
Zookeeper, Water’s Edge
Expeditions — 3rd Quarter 2016
www.kansascityzoo.org
7
MASIKA
Masika, our playful gorilla, is getting braver and her Mom, Makari, is
allowing her to venture farther from her side. Masika can occasionally be
seen playing with her “aunt” Makena and her dad, Radi. These fun times
last only as long as Makari allows. Masika can still be seen catching a ride
on her Mom’s back or leg, but she often walks with the rest of the group.
Showing her budding personality, she often makes display charges just like
her dad, but at 15 pounds she is not as intimidating! One of her favorite
activities is climbing trees. She climbs high enough that Makari’s motherly
instincts prompt her to climb up and retrieve her. She is eating her own
diet now and enjoys broccoli just like Radi. She is fairly brave; on occasion
she will walk up to her dad and steal his fruit or enrichment items. Masika
understands her name and trains in front of Zookeepers working on some
basic husbandry behaviors, such as understanding how to be weighed on a
scale and presenting her hands and feet for examination.
DUST Y
On May 23, a male Bornean orangutan was born at the Zoo.
First-time mom Josie has strong motherly instincts and
has been taking great care of the little guy since his birth!
Orangutan youngsters have long, intense relationships with
their mothers, so Josie will spend the next several years
showing him vital orangutan skills such as how to build a nest,
where to find food, how to interact with others and how to
use tools to forage. A generous private donor has named this
youngster “Dusty.” You can see his handsome little face along
with Josie, Grandma Jill and Kalijon at Orangutan Canopy.
RUW
We are proud to say our 3-month-old chimpanzee is thriving under
Zookeeper care. A longtime supporter of the Zoo has chosen a
meaningful name for this little girl to symbolize the hard work and
dedication the staff has put forth to raise her in the absence of her
mother. She has been named Ruw (roo), short for Ruwenzori, the
nickname of the Zookeeper team that cares for our chimpanzee troop.
Ruwenzori is a mountain range and national park in Eastern Africa
where wild chimpanzees can be found. Ruw is growing quickly, weighs
more than eight pounds and has five teeth, with more on the way. She
drinks a bottle of formula every three hours and will soon be introduced
to solid foods such as mashed bananas. Now able to roll over and sit
up on her own, she is spending more time playing on the ground as she
learns to walk and climb; but she is never more than an arm’s reach from
her human caregivers. The process of reintroducing Ruw to the adult
chimpanzees will be meticulously thought-out and timed to ensure her
health and safety.
MILO
Milo, our 18-month-old chimpanzee, continues to grow and develop into a
rambunctious youngster. Every member of the troop helps care for Milo; his
older sisters, Teeoni and Teetoo, act as his guardians. They spend most of their
time with him, carrying him around on their backs and teaching him important
life skills. Other members of the troop can be seen chasing or wrestling with
Milo, especially his father Dekese and 8-year-old Cotu. Milo continues to learn
about new foods as Zookeepers expand his options. This summer, he has
learned the delicious taste of seasonal fruits such as strawberries, pineapples
and melons. The best time to see Milo — and the rest of the chimpanzee troop —
is at our daily keeper chat at 1:00 p.m.
Photo: Mike Perkins