safari! magazine • spring 2012
TRANSCRIPT
The Official Magazine of the Toledo Zoo • Volume 21 • Issue 1• Spring 2012
SAFARI!
TEMBO TRAIL Elephants of the Savanna
CONTENTS 2New Era for Elephants3Stars of the Stripes4What’s Your Favorite Animal?4Why Matt & Katie Yarder Contribute5Twiggy, Two Years Later6Meet Our Elephants7Membership Matters7New Zoo Residents8ZOOtoDo Celebrates 25 Years9Tembo Trail: Elephants of the Savanna11Spring 2012 CONSERVE-atory Classes12Spring: Dig in!13Tropical Landscape, Temperate Climate14Zoo to You15Volunteer Spotlight: Barb Myers15Summer Safari Camps16Beauty, Intrigue & Hope17Upcoming Events
2HippoWay P.O.Box140130 Toledo,Ohio43614-0130
419.385.5721419.389.8670fax
Catered Events Ext. 6001Concerts 419.389.6561 or Ext. 6003Corporate Gifts 419.724.0076 Development Ext. 2074Education Ext. 2042Visitor Services 419.389.6561 or Ext. 6003Group Sales Ext. 6001Library Ext. 2043Marketing Ext. 2159Membership Ext. 6002Public Relations Ext. 2098Special Events Ext. 2110Volunteers Ext. 2045Zoo PAL Ext. 2068Zoo Gift Shop Ext. 3111
Editor AssistantEditors
Designers
Contributors
Printer
The Official Magazine of the Toledo ZooVolume 21 • Issue 1 • Spring 2012
Inspiring others to join us in caring for animals and conserving the natural world.
TOLEDO ZOO'S MISSION
An accredited member of
CONTACT INFORMATIONQUESTIONS?COMMENTS? Contact the editor at 419.385.5721, ext. 2145 or [email protected]
toledozoo.org© 2012 by Toledo Zoo
Printed on recycled paper.
Kandace York
Andi NormanDr. Anne Baker
Vanessa SnyderTeri Reed
R. Andrew OdumTana BenfordRobin GuideraJay HemdalRandi MeyersonJosh MinorMary FedderkeRobert WebsterRob Winkle
Homewood Press
™
SAFARI!
Onthecover:“Renee” by R. Andrew Odum
Insidecover: “Lucas” by Lynn Lyons
Safari! Magazine • Spring 20121
CONTENTS 2New Era for Elephants3Stars of the Stripes4What’s Your Favorite Animal?4Why Matt & Katie Yarder Contribute5Twiggy, Two Years Later6Meet Our Elephants7Membership Matters7New Zoo Residents8ZOOtoDo Celebrates 25 Years9Tembo Trail: Elephants of the Savanna11Spring 2012 CONSERVE-atory Classes12Spring: Dig in!13Tropical Landscape, Temperate Climate14Zoo to You15Volunteer Spotlight: Barb Myers15Summer Safari Camps16Beauty, Intrigue & Hope17Upcoming Events
Executive Director/CEO Dr. Anne BakerDir. of Finance Sue BagdonasCurator of Horticulture Nancy A. Bucher Dir. of Visitor Services Dennis Schnurbusch Registrar Glenous Favata Dir. of Institutional Advancement Mary FedderkeDir. of Human Resources Nancy L. Foley
Deputy Director for Animals, Conservation & Education Ron Fricke Chief Veterinarian Dr. Chris Hanley Curator of Fishes & Invertebrates Jay Hemdal Curator of Education Mitchell MagdichCurator of Mammals Dr. Randi Meyerson Dir. of Marketing & Public Relations Andi Norman
Curator of Herpetology R. Andrew Odum Dir. of Facilities & Planning Rick PayeffCurator of Interpretive Services Vanessa Snyder Curator of Behavioral Husbandry & Research Beth PostaDir. of Conservation/Research Dr. Peter J. TolsonCurator of Birds Robert Webster
ZOO STAFF
New Era for
ELEPHANTSWe are excited to introduce Tembo Trail: Elephants of the Savanna, opening May 18. It marks the completion of a two-year project and the beginning of so much more.
In this innovative new exhibit, you’re surrounded by el-ephants on three sides, at one point even coming eye-to-eye with these majestic animals. Smart engineering has helped us remove the “indoor/outdoor” barrier of old-style exhibits, making you feel closer than perhaps you ever have before.
With these remarkable visitor experiences, we’ve blended nearly limitless enrichment opportunities for the elephants. Internationally recognized elephant expert Alan Roocroft, in reviewing Tembo Trail, says we have more “high” (vertical) enrichment than any other place he’s seen. That’s a pretty impressive statement, and one we’re especially proud of.
Just as important as the mental well-being that enrichment offers is our animals’ physi-cal health, and here, too, Tembo Trail shines. During a national body condition study of elephants, the researcher said our matriarch, 32-year-old Renee, is one of the best-conditioned elephants she’s seen in the country. Tembo Trail, with its fresh new design, offers our elephants even more opportunities to stay active – along with even more choices about how they spend their days.
We’re grateful to our 2006 Lucas County voters and our generous capital campaign donors who made Tembo Trail possible, and we can hardly wait for you to experience it for yourself. You’ll leave with a whole new perspective on our extraordinary elephants -- and an appreciation for the need to protect them worldwide.
Dr. Anne BakerExecutive Director
Dr. Baker pauses by the popular elephant mask at our award-winning children’s zoo, Nature’s Neighborhood.
Photo: Alex DeBeukelaer
Safari! Magazine • Spring 20122
Proudparents
The male and female cubs, named Vik-tor and Talya, arrived to first-time mother Marta after a normal pregnancy of around 108 days. Her mate, eight-year-old Stran-nik, arrived in 2011 on loan from the Erie (Penn.) Zoo.
Trudy Kuhrt is one of Marta’s keepers and was there the day Marta gave birth. “I came in a little bit early that day and Randi [Meyerson, curator of mammals] told me we had one cub,” she says. Together she and Randi watched, through a camera mounted in Marta’s den, as the second cub was born.
Marta’smothering
Although the Zoo’s first choice is always to let mothers raise their own offspring, animal care staff was ready to intervene if needed. That’s because first-time mothers often have poor mothering skills that lead to the deaths of their cubs.
Keepers worked hard to keep Marta comfortable and stress-free while she bonded with her cubs. Much like their domestic counterparts, tiger cubs are born blind and completely dependent upon their mothers, so good maternal care is important.
Marta proved an attentive mother right from the start, and she has remained calm and patient ever since – even when the cubs pounce on her tail or climb on top of her while she’s trying to sleep.
TigerTerrace
You can see Marta, Viktor and Talya in Tiger Terrace. Keepers continue to monitor all three, though, and will take them off exhibit if necessary to ensure their well-being. If you miss seeing Marta and the cubs, you may still be able to see the “proud papa,” Strannik.
Tigers may be one of the biggest hunters on Earth, but on September 26, people at the Zoo weren’t talking size or ferocity. Instead, it was all about the “adorability” of two little Amur tiger cubs born that cool, rainy autumn morning.
Stars of the
STRIPESZoo welcomes tiger cubsBy Kandace York, communications coordinatorCub photo by Trudy Kuhrt Marta photo by Kandace York
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Photo by Andi Norman
WhyMatt&KatieYarderContributeIf it’s possible to inherit enthusiasm for the Toledo Zoo, Katie Yarder did. Her mother and aunt are both longtime volunteers.
When Katie finished college, she put her design skills to work at the Zoo’s ZOOtoDO fundraiser. “I love how sophistication merges with fun,” she laughs, referring to the “black tie and tennis shoes” dress code. “No kids are involved, but you get to act like a kid.”
Katie’s talents have helped make ZOOtoDO the striking event it is; her husband, Matt, volunteers as well. But behind the fun lies a serious purpose -- raising money to keep the Toledo Zoo a world-class attraction and conservation organization.
Katie talks about her decision to join the Silverback Society with that same seriousness. “My husband and I decided to put together wills a couple years ago, and we were thinking of the major places that have made a difference in our lives and a difference in the community.”
One of those places is the Toledo Zoo. “The Zoo has so much to offer,” she says. “There’s no reason for that to ever go away.”
To learn more, contact Mary Fedderke at [email protected] or (419) 385-5721, Ext. 2074. toledozoo.org/ foundation
Matt and Katie Yarder share a moment with their daughter Amelia at the Zoo.Photo: Kandace York
What’s your favorite
ANIMAL?Are you wild about our tiger cubs, Viktor and Talya, or our baby giraffe, Tuli? Our “quarter ton of fun,” Lucas the elephant? Maybe it’s the Victoria crowned pigeon in our award-winning Aviary or the poison dart frog in our Museum of Science.
Through our Zoo PAL program, for as little as $20 you can become personally involved in the care and feeding of that animal. This includes: • A Zoo PAL certificate • Additional premiums (like pins, decals and more) • Acknowledgement on our Zoo PAL recognition board in the Zoo’s Main Plaza • An invitation to visit your animal at Zoo PAL Night at the Zoo in MayHigher levels of donation offer even more benefits. Zoo PAL sponsorships can be in your name or through your business, scout troop, school class or community organization. They make great gifts, too.
Learn more at toledozoo.org/zoopals or call (419) 385-5721,ext. 2068.
Our visitors talk about … Being Zoo PALs
“My fiance surprised me with the adoption of the sloth bears, Hans and Kara, as a Christmas present three years ago and we have been renewing it ever since. We loved the way that Hans would push his nose into the glass or run over to see us when we walked up. My fiance and I feel that the Zoo PAL program is very important and we enjoy playing a part in the care of the animals that we have come to love so much.”
-- Megan Juday, Belleville, Mich.
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TWIGGY, Two Years LaterBy Ben Whitebread, interim elephant manager
On February 10, 2010, I had just returned from a long vacation, expecting a non-eventful week to ease back into the swing of things. But that was not to be the case. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had just entrusted the elephant care staff here with Twiggy, a 25-year-old African elephant whose former owner could no longer provide the care she needed.
Twiggy then …Twiggy came to us underweight at a slim 5,700 pounds with very little muscle tone. She was covered in layers of old skin and filth, and the pads and nails on her feet had not been trimmed for quite a long time.
It took months of soapy baths to scrub off the layers of filth and give her body and skin a clean feeling she had not felt for a long time. She seemed to really enjoy those baths, as she would lie down and roll around while we hosed her down, even splashing herself with soapy water. Her foot care took about two hours for each foot pad, divided into many sessions to keep her comfortable.
… and Twiggy nowTwiggy has gained almost 1,000 pounds and her overall body shape has improved. Her foot pads and nails are in great shape, too, now that we’ve trimmed them to a nice, healthy level.
Twiggy still is not as toned as Renee and Louie, but we have to remember that she never had the same exercise opportunities they did. She had to learn how to work for her food through reaching and stretching – just some of the innovative ways we feed and stimu-late our elephants. By hanging food-filled nets and barrels overhead, we’re encouraging her to strengthen her muscles while she eats.
It’s been a privilege for our elephant staff to work with Twiggy. We are continuously trying to improve her knowledge and understanding of our training methods while we learn more of her likes and dislikes. It’s taken a lot of time and patience for us to build a trusting relationship with her that will continue throughout her time at the Toledo Zoo.
Now: By hanging food overhead, keepers encourage Twiggy to move, stretch and figure out how to reach items high off the ground.Photo by Maureen Miller
Then: when Twiggy arrived at the Zoo, she
was thin, dirty and neglected. Under the
care of the Zoo’s elephant keepers, she’s come a long way since then.
Photo by Alex DeBeukelaer
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Lucas: Photo by Lynn Lyons
RENEERenee is the oldest and largest of our elephants, at 32 years old and 7,900 pounds; she’s also been here the longest, since 1982. She stands 8’6” tall at the shoulder and has short tusks that are around eight inches long. She is the mother of both Louie and Lucas and is the matriarch, or leader, of our herd. She’s also the most highly trained of our elephants – especially when food is involved.
LUCASLucas is the youngest and smallest member of the herd, born here in June, 2011 and weighing about 800 lbs. He is 3’7” at his shoulder and has yet to develop any tusks. He is our little wild man, and when not sleeping or nursing from Mom, he plays with anything and everything that he can move! From clowning around in wood shavings to kicking his ball around, he’s a thrill to watch.
LOUIELouie is Lucas’ big brother and was born here in April, 2003. He’s been averaging around 4,690 lbs. Louie stands 7’4” at the shoulder and has the larg-est tusks of our four elephants (20 inches long and growing!). He’s incredibly active and really enjoys playing with his new swivel log and root ball. Despite his size, he can still walk along the top of a log as if it was a balance beam.
TWIGGYAt 27 years old, Twiggy, our other adult female, is second in age only to Renee. Twiggy weighs about 6,670 pounds and is 8’2” tall at the shoul-der, with very short, hard-to-see tusks. Although the shiest of our elephants, she is becoming more comfortable within the herd. Since her arrival here in 2010, she has developed a strong rela-tionship with Louie, and you may even see them taking food out of each other’s mouths.
Meet Our
ELEPHANTSBy Ben Whitebread, interim elephant manager
Louie: Photo by Andi Norman
Twiggy: Photo by Alex DeBeukelaer
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Renee: Photo by Lynn Lyons
Sept. 1 – Nov. 30, 2011
Fishes & Invertebrates 0.0.7 Acropora coral0.0.22 Leaf insect*0.0.19 Macleay’s spectre stick insect*0.0.2 Mint coral0.0.5 Orchid mantis0.0.6 Queensland titan stick insect*0.0.3 Tiger eye coral0.0.2 War coral
Amphibians & Reptiles 0.0.2 Dwarf siren0.0.12 Lemur tree frog0.0.6 Marbled salamander0.0.2 Northern banana salamander*0.0.6 Rain frog1.1.2 Spine-headed tree frog0.0.1985 Kihansi spray toad*1.0.5 Wyoming toad+1.1.0 Aruba Island rattlesnake+0.0.1 Corn snake/red rat snake0.0.1 Eastern fox snake0.0.2 Henkel’s leaf-tailed gecko*0.0.1 Midland painted turtle
Mammals1.1.0 Amur tiger*+1.0.0 Ring-tailed lemur
Birds1.1.0 Andean Cock-of-the-rock0.1.0 Black crake4.2.0 Blue-crowned hanging parrot0.0.1 Blue-faced parrot finch*1.1.0 Diamond firetail finch0.0.2 Goldie’s lorikeet*0.2.0 Goldie’s lorikeet2.0.0 Gouldian finch0.0.1 Grey-cheeked thrush0.1.0 House finch0.0.2 Jambu fruit dove+*1.0.0 Lesser green broadbill2.0.0 Madagascar buttonquail1.1.0 Melodious laughing thrush0.0.1 Owl finch*1.0.0 Paradise tanager0.0.1 Plum-headed finch*1.2.0 Shama thrush0.1.0 Silky dove*0.1.0 Spangled cotinga0.0.6 Star finch*0.0.1 Tufted titmouse0.0.1 Turquoise tanager+*1.0.0 White-headed buffalo weaver+
To learn more about our Species Survival Plan (SSP) animals, visit toledozoo.org/ssp
LEGEND*=Born here +=SSP species0.0.0
# of males# of females# of undetermined sex
New Zoo
RESIDENTS
MEMBERSHIP MATTERSRenew nowBy renewing or upgrading yourmembership before it expires, you’ll get a renewal discount, plus you’ll save the expense and resources of a paper notice.
Renew quickly and securely onlineat toledozoo.org/memberships. Your printed confirmation receipt is a temporary membership card for free parking and admission until your permanent card arrives.
Renewing early does not mean you lose any time on your membership; your current membership expiration date is simply extended for another year. We’ll send first renewal notices by email if we have your email address on file.
Please renew your membership before it expires; lapsed members will be chargedfor parking, and this fee is non-refundable.
Membership changesTo better serve you, two membership categories have new names. Support-ing Family is now Family Plus, and Contributor is now Family Deluxe. These names better reflect the benefits of each category.
Lucas County voters have generously supported the Zoo since 1982 through the Zoo’s operating levy. In apprecia-tion of this long-time support, we offer differential pricing for Lucas County members versus those who live outside Lucas County. Please know that we value all our members and continually strive to offer great benefits at an affordable price.
Questions? Contact the Membership Department at 419.385.5721, ext. 6002or email [email protected]. toledozoo.org/memberships
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Safari! Magazine • Spring 20127
ZOOtoDO
Party with a Purpose
Celebrates 25years
ZOOtoDO, on Friday, June 15, honors the elephant as this year’s animal. Tickets are available now. Learn more at toledozoo.org/zootodo
Questions? Contact the Membership Department at 419.385.5721, ext. 6002or email [email protected]. toledozoo.org/memberships
By Kandace York, communications coordinatorPhoto by Donna Knodle
The year was 1988. Doppler radar had just been invented. Bobby McFerrin’s song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” was one of the top tunes. Kaye Lani Rae Rafko, from Monroe, Mich., was crowned Miss America. Time Magazine named Earth the Planet of the Year.
And in one small corner of Planet Earth, someone at the Toledo Zoo had an idea for a new fundraiser. How about a chic, adults-only formal affair with great music and gourmet temptations, honoring a different Zoo animal each year?
First known as Savanna Soiree, the event then was much like other high-level fundrais-ers in the area, except for that fun animal twist. Animals honored at the event ranged from warthogs and rhinoceros hornbills to sharks and white alligators.
Savanna Soiree was a good event, but in 1992 it got even better. A “black tie and ten-nis shoes” dress code was introduced, along with the ZOOtoDO name, live music and restaurants that took over much of the Zoo’s grounds.
Today, ZOOtoDO is the Zoo’s biggest fundraiser, attracting more than 50 restaurants and nearly 2,000 guests from across four states. Some of those restaurants and spon-sors have long-standing relationships with the Zoo, like presenting sponsor PNC which first became affiliated with ZOOtoDO in 1993.
Although ZOOtoDO is one of the area’s premier social events, Mary Fedderke, the Zoo’s director of institutional advancement, emphasizes that it’s more than a fun night. “We call it ‘party with a purpose’ because it provides essential funding for many of the Zoo’s community and educational programs, along with state-of-the-art care and exhibits for our animals.”
In 2011, ZOOtoDO raised nearly $200,000 for Zoo operations. “One hundred percent of the net proceeds raised from this event support our daily operations,” she says. “Successful events like ZOOtoDO help ensure that children of all ages can enjoy one of Toledo region’s historic treasures for generations to come.”
Major Sponsors
KrogerNewfax CorprationRG DesignsRudolph LibbeToledo Tent & Party Rental
Presenting sponsor
Entertainment sponsor
8Safari! Magazine • Spring 2012
TEMBO TRAIL Elephants of the SavannaBy Kandace York, communications coordinator
May 18 marks a new era for the Toledo Zoo when Tembo Trail: Elephants of the Savanna opens. This exhibit blends ex-traordinary experiences for visitors with extraordinary care of our elephants – and we can’t wait to share it with you!
Visitors “Visitors will be closer to the elephants than they have been in years,” Dr. Randi Meyer-son, the Zoo’s curator of mammals, says.
Smart exhibit design brings you eye-to-eye with elephants at a covered overlook, al-lowing you to watch them eat, explore and engage in natural behaviors – without a fence blocking your view.
A winding trail leads you to their indoor quarters. This enclosure provides easy access to two outdoor yards, as well as a “porch” with shade for warm days and overhead heaters for cool days.
Inside the building, Randi says, you can watch the elephants’ training sessions, baths and everyday activities. The thought that went into this area shows in its natural daylighting and open-air structure, includ-ing a spacious “day room” of soft sand foot-ing and three elephant “bedrooms,” training area and bathing area.
Elephants The same considerations are clear in Tembo Trail’s outdoor areas. Designed around the belief that animals should have choices about how they spend their time, it encour-ages natural behaviors, herd dynamics and intelligence.
Natural behaviorsDeep sand provides a soft but firm foun-dation for the elephants, who can weigh 10,000 pounds or more; this invites them to move and explore. Live trees, scratching sur-faces, sand piles and mud wallows stimulate digging, dust-bathing and playing.
One thing you’ll notice is that the exhibit is not level; it slopes from the building to the overlook, with smaller scattered ridges along the way. This was intentional.
“Offering these hills and slopes for them to walk up and down is a good ‘physical fitness’ program,” Randi explains, adding that in the wild, elephants can walk long distances, if necessary, to find food.
Herd dynamicsElephants forge deep, meaningful bonds with their herdmates, and that’s something Tembo Trail welcomes. Both the outside yards and the indoor enclosure offer enough room for the animals to be together but also to have their own space.
Renee, for example, has made it clear that right now, she prefers some separation
from the others for herself and little Lucas. But she still “checks in” to
see what Louie and Twiggy are doing – and they do the same
with her.
Elephants, like Louie and Twiggy shown here, form deep bonds.
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IntelligenceWithout the right stimulation, elephants – who are remarkably intelligent -- can get bored. This is another area where Tembo Trail shines: its many flexible enrichment options. The Zoo’s elephant care staff have been cru-cial to this process.
It shows in the clever use of “vertical space,” or elevated feeders and hanging enrichment objects. Alan Roocroft, renowned elephant expert, rates Tembo Trail as one of the world’s top elephant exhibits in terms of its vertical space. The equipment is all changeable at the touch of a button, enabling keepers to make frequent changes.
Interim elephant manager Ben Whitebread says the elevated feeders have already been a big help with 27-year-old Twiggy; reaching and stretching for food have made her fitter and healthier. Having more of these feeders – 25 in all – is something he and the rest of the elephant care staff are looking forward to.
Another upgrade is two enrichment walls instead of one. You might have noticed the enrichment wall in the back of Phase 1 of the elephant exhibit. That wall is outfitted with holes at different heights and angles for the elephants to reach into. What you didn’t see before – but will now -- is the other side of the wall.
“We’re getting them to use their great sense of smell to find food on the other side of the wall and even put their trunks through tubes to get it,” Ben explains.
The sand piles and swivel logs (one of Louie’s favorite playthings) also have enrichment value. “They’re getting exercise and putting a little thought into it, too.”
A herd of helpFrom donor support to expert design and down-to-earth input from animal care staff, Tembo Trail promises an experience that is more engaging, more interactive and more meaningful than anything you’ve seen at the Zoo.
But don’t take our word for it. Come see Tembo Trail for yourself.
Facing page, top photo of Lucas: Lynn LyonsFacing page, bottom photo of Louie and Twiggy: Lynn LyonsThis page, top photo of Renee at enrichment wall: Lynn LyonsThis page, exhibit photos: Kandace York
Elephant play yard
Elephant “porch” near indoor viewing
Covered overlook with view of elephant yard
TEMBO is the Swahili word for elephant.
TEMBO TRAIL opens on Friday, May 18 at 10 a.m.Celebrate with us all weekend!
Renee at enrichment wall
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Spring 2012 CONSERVE-atoryClasses
KIDSAges 3 – 5
AnimalTalesEnjoy a charming animal tale and a wiggly animal tail, too! Each child must be accompanied by one adult only; please do not bring siblings.Zoo members: $24 Non-members: $28 Session 1 TUE • 6:45–7 p.m. • 4/3,10,17,24 Session 2 WED • 10:15 – 11 a.m. • 4/4,11,18,25 Session 3 THU • 10:15 – 11 a.m. • 4/5,12,19,26 Session 4 THU • 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. • 4/5,12,19,26
WhoKnowsaboutNoses?All people’s noses do is smell and breathe. Wait until you discover the amazing things animals’ noses can do! Zoo members: $8 Non-members: $10SAT • 4/21 • 10:30 -11:30 a.m. MON • 5/7 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
Ages 5 – 7
AfricanAnimals&AdventuresDestination – Africa! Visit the great animals of Africa and unlock the secrets of some of the people who live there, too!Zoo members: $8 Non-members: $10SAT • 4/21Session 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Session 2, 1 - 2 p.m.
BeeCurious,BeeCareful,BeeAmazedHard-working insects that live in commu-nities and make honey…what’s not to like? You can bee an expert!Zoo members: $10 Non-members: $12SAT • 5/19 Session 1, 10:30 a.m. • Session 2, 1 p.m.
Ages 6 – 12It’sAllaboutDartFrogsNEW!First, dash around the 1k kids’ route of our Dart Frog Dash. Then, after you catch your breath, learn all about real dart frogs face-to-face. Your fee includes race registration and the class afterward to meet and learn all about these dashing, brightly colored Amazon amphibians.Zoo members: $12 Non-members: $15SAT • 5/12 • 9:45–11 a.m.
Ages 8 – 10
Hippo-Plot-AmusSolve the mystery of the hippopotamus! Be forewarned, you can’t solve it unless you know a lot-amus about hippos.Zoo members: $12 Non-members: $15SAT • 4/14 Session 1, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Session 2, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
SkyAnimals: Beastly ConstellationsBefore people understood the mysteries of the universe, they made up marvelous myths to explain the groups of stars in the night skies. Learn about animal constella-tions, and create one of your own!Zoo members: $10 Non-members: $12SAT • 3/24 Session 1, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Session 2, 1:30 - 3 p.m.
Ages 11 – 13
TrackingAnimals- Old and New Once we relied on footprints and scat (which still works!), but today’s technology offers great new ways to monitor animals’ behaviors and locations. Learn the old and the new of what to do!Zoo members: $12 Non-members: $15SAT • 5/5 • 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
WildRodentsGnawers in water, in trees, on and under the earth...rodents make up a third of all living mammal species. What makes a ro-dent a rodent? How many kinds are there? Do you know Ohio’s 100-pound rodent? Sink your teeth into some great info!Zoo members: $12 Non-members: $15SAT • 3/31 • 10:30 a.m. -12 p.m.
FAMILIESAFree-for-all–ATreeforAllAges 6 and up only, please.Celebrate the wonders of trees in honor of Arbor Day. You’ll wonder about all the useful things you never knew trees do. After you know, you’ll take one home!Zoo members $20/family (4 ppl.) $4 ea. add’l child Non-members $25/family (4 ppl.) $5 ea. add’l childSAT • 4/28 Session 1, 10:30 -11:30 a.m. Session 2, 1:30 -2:30 p.m.
SCOUT BADGE PROGRAMS
3in3New– 3 badges in 3 daysHere’s a great new way to earn badges plus have a great program at your Zoo. Visit toledozoo.org/scouts or call 419.385.5721, ext. 2034 for dates, times and prices.
Safari! Magazine • Spring 201211
SPRING: Dig In!By Linda Calcamuggio, education managerPhoto by Andi Norman
With longer days, warmer tempera-tures, buds and blossoms, spring is the perfect time to delve into the plant kingdom with children. Parents can guide children to a deeper understand-ing of plants as the foundation of life:
• Dig up a plant and examine its parts.• Together, plant seeds and discuss what a plant needs to survive. • Explore all the ways animals depend on plants (shelter, food, hiding from predators) and record observations in a journal. • Hunt for special kinds of plants and plant parts (fuzzy, red, yellow, big leaves, small leaves, etc.). • Make a plant map of your property. • Explore your cupboards for all the things that come from plants (spices, coffee, cereal, etc.). • Use natural items to create a craft. Buckeyes, acorns and twigs all work well.
Remember to visit your Zoo and explore the fantastic flora! Herb gardens, rose gardens and butterfly gardens are all here. The Conservatory and our animal exhibits display remarkable plants from many ecosystems – cacti to bromeliads and even a dinosaur cycad!
Learn more at toledozoo.org/gardens
Registration is easy! You can register by mail, fax or email; payment can be by check or credit card.
• Mail: Toledo Zoo EdZOOcation Department, PO Box 140130, Toledo OH 43614-0130.
• Fax: 419.389.8670, Attn.: Education Secretary.
• Email: [email protected]
Visit toledozoo.org/classes for more information, including a print-out enrollment form. Questions? Call Peggy Coutcher at 419.385.5721, ext. 2042.
MoonlightMeanderingsOur popular evening walkabout for families, friends and groups. Mean-der in the quiet moonlit beauty of an after-hours Zoo.Zoo members $10 adults (18+) $6 children (6-17 years old)Non-members $12 adults (18+) $8 children (6-17 years old)THU • 4/25 • 7 – 9 p.m.SAT • 5/5 • 7 – 9 p.m.
ADULTSGirls’NightsOut–Moonlight MeanderingsWith an Education tour guide, meander in the moonlit beauty of an after-hours Zoo; price includes dinner in our African Lodge. Dress for the weather!Zoo members: $20 Non-members: $25THU • 4/12 • 6–8 p.m. African LodgeSUN • 5/6 • 5–7 p.m. Arctic Encounter®
EnrichmentLab Ages 16 – adult. Discover all the ways your Zoo enriches and stimulates our ani-mals. Then put your knowledge into practice making enrichment objects of your own. Zoo members: $20 Non-members: $25SAT • 5/19 • 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m.SUN • 5/20 • 2 -3:30 p.m.
Safari! Magazine • Spring 2012 Safari! Magazine • Spring 201212
One of the goals we set when plan-ning a new exhibit is to simulate the landscape of each animal’s natural ecosystem. Climate differences al-ways make it challenging to create a naturalistic landscape, and this is especially true when you’re trying to simulate the East African plains.
Whether it’s our Africa! exhibit intro-duced in 2004 or our new Tembo Trail: Elephants of the Savanna exhibit, the idea is to use plants that are either native to the region or that closely resemble what might be found in the natural landscape.
Obviously, Ohio winters preclude us from using tropical plants in our perma-nent landscapes, so we grow and treat them as annuals. Some we start each year from seed or cutting, while others are brought back to the greenhouse to overwinter. During the winter
months we are always on the lookout for unusual plants to add to our annual repertoire, and over the years we have found a number of species that work well for African exhibits.
One of the more unusual plants is spiny eggplant, sometimes called purple devil or malevolence -- and once you see it you will understand why it has those names. In its native habitat, the plant is a short-lived perennial; we start it from seed and grow it as an annual. It gets 3 to 4 feet tall, produc-ing small yellow to white flowers which form small orange fruits. The most striking feature of this plant is its purple stems which are covered with large purple and green thorns.
Another plant we frequently use is leonotis or lions’ ears. It’s native to South Africa and provides a flush of color in late summer and early autumn. The tubular orange flowers grow in whorls along tall, stately stems which make for good background color late in the season.
Finding plants that fit an exhibit theme can be difficult, but not impossible. In most cases all it takes is some research and some planning.
Tropical Landscape, TEMPERATE CLIMATEStory and Photo by Alan Donges, assistant curator of horticulturePhoto: Spiny eggplant
Want to learn more about the plants at your Zoo? We’re offering garden tours all season long, free with regular Zoo admission. The first tour is on Wednesday, March 21. To learn more, visit toledozoo.org/gardentours
Safari! Magazine • Spring 201213
ZOOtoyouFunfactswebetyoudidn’tknowaboutyourfavoriteanimals
Naked mole rat photo: R. Andrew OdumKori bustard photo: Sara VorpahlLake Victoria cichlid photo: Jay HemdalRed spitting cobra photo: R. Andrew Odum
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In honor of
TEMBO TRAIL opening May 18, we celebrate animals of Africa.
1.Royalratrace Naked mole rat colonies are ruled by a queen who breeds with a few select males; the rest of the colony defends and serves her. This behavior, called eusociality, is rare among mammals. You can see our naked mole rats in their new home, at the indoor elephant facility of Tembo Trail.
2.Thesetoesaremadeforrunning Kojo the kori bustard, shown here snacking on bugs, can fly. He can run. But he can’t perch. That’s because his species has only three front toes -- no hind toe. Without a hind toe, he has no way to stay on a branch without falling off it.
3.A“mouthy”mom The eggs of the Lake Victoria cichlid develop right in the female’s mouth. This mouth brooding is thought to offer an extra level of protection in Africa’s crowded Lake Victoria. Eggs laid “in the open” are more likely to be eaten by predators.
4.Fireinyoureye Herd animals often trample snakes to death on sight. But the red spitting cobra has a great defense. From about six feet away, it can spray a painful, sometimes blinding venom at its predators – and it aims for the eyes. Animals soon learn to watch out for the snake and leave it alone.
Safari! Magazine • Spring 2012 Safari! Magazine • Spring 201214
by Josh Minor, education program manager
Summer Safari Camp is a great chance to explore your Zoo in wild ways. Whether you travel Tembo Trail, paint a picture with your favorite animal or care for animals alongside a keeper, it’s a summer of fun! All camps run 5 days, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Ages 4 - 5These three camps run 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., June through August.• Animal Olympics • Cool Cats and Dashing Dogs•Color It Wild
Ages 6 - 7• Silly, Strange, Wacky & Weird: June, Aug.• Travel the Tembo Trail: June, July• Predator Pursuits: June, July, Aug.• Wild Artist: June, July, Aug.• Scales and Slime: July, Aug.
Ages 8 - 9• Enrichment & Exploration: June, Aug.• Travel the Tembo Trail: June, Aug.• Animal Theater: July• Wild Artist: July• Wild Zoo Photography: July, Aug.• World Travelers: July, Aug.
Ages 10 - 11• Wild Zoo Photography: June, July, Aug.• If I Ran the Zoo: June, July, Aug.• Enrichment & Exploration: July, Aug.
Ages 11 to 14These camps run 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.• Junior Zookeeper: June, July, August• Junior Field Researcher: July
Off-grounds Experiences• Fishing camp Ages 8 to 11: June, July, August• Survival for the Fittest Ages 12 to 14: June, July
Barb MyersBy Bill Davis, volunteer managerPhoto: Vanessa Snyder
The Zoo relies on a great crew of volunteers – we couldn’t run the Zoo without you!
Beginning in this issue, we recognize one of our four 2011 volunteers of the year.
Barb Myers has been a Zoo volunteer since March, 2003. She started as an elephant interpreter for Louie, educating the visitors who
came to see him and keeping that long line of visitors flowing. When that summer ended, she embraced the opportunity to stay around the elephants as a department volunteer, doing all of the boring, dirty and really dirty stuff. However, she tackles all of these jobs with enthusiasm.
In 2011, she added elephant watch to her resumè, keeping an eye on Renee before Lucas was born. Barb is kind of like the grandma of the elephant area, with her kind disposition, warm smile and regular stream of baked goods.
We thank Barb for her hard work and effort, for the joy she brings and the love of animals that motivates her.
To learn more about the Zoo’s volunteer opportunities, visit toledozoo.org/volunteers or call 419.385.5721, ext. 2045.
Summer SAFARI CAMP
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
Zoo member discounts apply!Get complete details at toledozoo.org/camps
Safari! Magazine • Spring 201215
Story and photo by Tim Herman, herpetologist
In a country smaller than Ohio, Guatemala – wedged between two oceans and in the middle of the Americas – is a natural world unlike anything I’ve seen.
Because of Guatemala’s violent 30-year civil war, however, few biologists have worked there, and we have much to learn about its plants and animals. Of particular interest are its 43 known spe-cies of salamanders. Although Guate-mala has the world’s greatest diversity of salamanders relative to its land area, over half its amphibians face extinction. Because of your Zoo’s reproductive suc-cess with U.S. plethodontid (lungless) salamanders, we were recently asked to help survey Guatemalan salamanders.
The projectBy using temperature data loggers and direct field observations, herpetologists from your Zoo and the University of Cali-fornia have been collecting information about Guatemalan salamander habitat. We’re also attempting to maintain and breed some representative salamander species in the Amazing Amphibians exhibit’s biosecure facilities here at your zoo.
We hope these techniques will transfer to a future breeding center in Guate-mala. Assurance populations could help save the rarest species from extinction – just as we’ve done with Tanzania’s Kihansi spray toads.
ReflectionsMy main focus has been on Huehuetenango, in Guatemala’s northwest corner.
This area, smaller than Northwest Ohio, climbs from 1,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level. Its Sierra de los Cuchumatanes mountains both dominate and divide, creating diverse, isolated communities of people and animals. Habitats range from lowland rainforest and mid-eleva-tion cloud forest to cool pine-fir forests and alpine páramo grasslands.
ResultsWe’ve seen spectacular amphibians in Huehuetenango. These include the rare and exquisite salamander Nyctanolis pernix, along with what is either a huge range extension for the endangered fringe-limbed treefrog (Ecnomiohyla minera) or a new species!
Early information tells us that despite Guatemala’s tropical location and varied temperatures, the microhabitat of many of its salamanders is much like U.S. plethodontid salamander habitat.
Back “home” at your Zoo, we’ve achieved the first known captive breeding of Guatemala’s northern banana salaman-der (Bolitoglossa rufescens). Stay tuned for updates!
Beauty, Intrigue and Hope Helping GUATEMALAN
SALAMANDERS
Nimble long-limbed salamander(Nictamolis pernix)
Safari! Magazine • Spring 2012 Safari! Magazine • Spring 201216
March 1Spring/summer admission rates take effect.
March 17TEDDY BEAR CARE FAIRGet a check-up for your favorite stuffed pal, or adopt a cat or dog through the Toledo Area Human Society. Keeper talks, puppet shows and more round out a day that’s stuffed with fun. Free with Zoo admission.toledozoo.org/teddybear
March 21, 10:30 a.m.GREENHOUSE TOURTo get more information or reserve your spot, visit toledozoo.org/gardentoursFree with Zoo admission.
March 24, 7 – 9 p.m.VINEYARD ADVENTURE Mediterranean AdventureAge 21 & up. Enjoy wine-tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music and socializing in our African Lodge. Bring a friend for a fun evening or make it a romantic couple’snight out. Advance tickets required. Separate fee; Zoo member discount applies.toledozoo.org/vineyards
April 6ANIMAL EGG HUNTSome of your favorite Zoo animals find Easter treats in their habitats! It’s an enrich-ing experience for animals and visitors alike. Free with Zoo admission.toledozoo.org/egghunt
April 21PARTY FOR THE PLANETCelebrate Mother Earth and learn how to “go green” – plus get a sneak preview of the season’s animal feeds and enrichment. Free with Zoo admission.toledozoo.org/planet
April 27VINEYARD ADVENTURE Sake & SushiAge 21 & up. Enjoy wine-tasting, hors d’oeuvres, live music and socializing in our Nairobi Pavilion. Bring a friend for a fun evening or make it a romantic couple’s night out. Advance tickets required. Separate fee; Zoo member discount applies.toledozoo.org/vineyards
April 28LOUIE TURNS 9!Join us for Louie’s ninth birthday celebration -- you never know what he’ll do with his cake and presents. Free with Zoo admission.toledozoo.org/louie
SPRING EVENTS
Your Toledo Zoo MEMBERSHIP:A Great Family ValueWith free admission all year long, free parking, education and gift shop discounts, reciprocal zoo privileges and a free visit to the Lights Before Christmas, a Zoo membership
pays for itself in just two visits. And you can visit whenever you want, for as long as you want – a whole day or just an hour!
In today’s tight economy, we encourage you to take full advantage of your
many member benefits, including:
• Half-price admission to 140+ reciprocal zoos. Get the full list at toledozoo.org/membership.
• Special events all year long. Every day offers something
new -- including Tembo Trail, opening May 18! Visit toledozoo.org/
events for more information.
If you’d like a 2012 calendar of eventsor a reciprical zoo list, contact the Membership Department at 419.385.5721, ext. 6002, or email [email protected].
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SPRING EVENTS
Our camp families talk about ...
Summer
SAFARI CAMPKiki Haney, age 9 -- “I have been coming to zoo camps since I was 4 years old. The Zoo camps are super fun because you get to do activities and you get to learnabout animals and their habitats. I also learned aboutanimal photography. My favorite part was making animal treats and hiding them so the animals could find them. You should come to Zoo camp too!”
Kiki’s mom, Jodi -- “The Zoo’s Summer Camps are phenomenal experiences. When I pick my daughter up from camp, I regularly see her campmates smiling and literally jumping up and down with excitement, eager to share what they learned. My daughter is no exception ... I truly wish that she would end each school day with this same intensity, passion and joy!”
Learn more on page 15 or at toledozoo.org/camps
May 5WEEKEND HOURS BEGINThe Zoo stays open an hour later on the weekends – from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 6, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.CINCO DE MAYO Celebrate Mexican culture with music, dancing, performances, crafts and activities. Free with regular Zoo admission. toledozoo.org/cinco
May 12
DART FROG DASHRunners compete in a challenging 5K race / walk (kids can compete in the 1K version!). Separate fee.toledozoo.org/dartfrog Presented by:
Additional support provided by
May 13MOTHER'S DAYMom, you get free admission when your kids bring you to the Zoo. Looking for something extra-special? We’re offering a gourmet Mother’s Day brunch at a separate charge – make your reservation today! toledozoo.org/mothersdayMajor Sponsor:
May 18 - 20TEMBO TRAIL Elephants of the Savanna Grand opening weekend.Get an elephant-eye view of how these majestic animals eat, play and interact. Free with regular Zoo admission.toledozoo.org/tembotrail
May 19, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. AROUND THE WORLD IN A DAYEnjoy games, crafts and activities that bring the cultures of Africa, the Arctic and more. Free with regular Zoo admission. toledozoo.org/world
May 26 – Sept. 3SUMMER FEEDSHow does a polar bear play? What does a shark eat? Learn more about your favorite Zoo animals with summer feeding demos.Fee with regular Zoo admission.toledozoo.org/feedings
May 26 – Sept. 3ARCTIC TO AFRICA Animal Encounters BeginGo behind the scenes to our animal care areas from the Arctic to Africa. Separate fee; Zoo member discount applies.toledozoo.org/tours
May 28 – Sept. 3SUMMER HOURSThe Zoo is open 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Labor Day Weekend.
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