zoo connections - conservation in action
TRANSCRIPT
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Northern Elephant Seal Rescue
Zoo Gala! Donor Spotlight
96 ElephantsPPG Aquarium
Notes from the FieldFashion for the Wild
Galapagos Tortoises ArriveGrow Wild Society
ICC/Zoo Credit Card
pittsburghzoo.org
Development Department Janet RoseSenior Director of [email protected]
Lori ElderMembership [email protected]
Amy O’NeillFoundation and Grants [email protected]
Rachel KisicDevelopment [email protected]
Yasmeen HatcherDevelopment [email protected]
Emily BeyerSpecial Events [email protected]
Richard KalsonChair, Board of Directors
Dr. Barbara BakerPresident & CEO
In compiling this report, the development office has made every attempt to ensure that the information is accurate, complete, and all contributions are listed accurately. If there are omissions, misspellings, or other errors, please report them to the development office at 412-365-2541 and please accept our apologies.
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Coolio the Northern elephant seal has arrived. Flown from California to Pittsburgh, and then transported by truck from the airport to the Zoo, this almost 500 pound elephant seal is now adjusting to his new life at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Although he will not be on exhibit until next year, Coolio is still in quarantine and being is medically assessed by our veterinary sta!. With every passing day, as Coolio acclimates to his new life, he will undergo extensive rehabilitation and training that will help the animal sta! to understand his needs while he builds his trust in their care and attention.
A Northern elephant seal has not been seen at a zoo or aquarium in North America in more than 40 years. Coolio is a special case however, that exemplifies the mission of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Wildlife conservation, animal care, research, and science are all critical components of the Zoo’s work. Coolio was born in the wild and found stranded on a beach. A local marine mammal rescue group in northern California took him in and began a rehabilitation e!ort in the hope that he could survive. Coolio is not an endangered species but a unique and fascinating animal. When he reaches adulthood, his weight is expected to reach between 4,000 and 5,000 pounds. Not many institutions could house and feed such an animal. When the call went out for someone to take him, the sta! of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, after much analysis and consideration, responded to help. It was an opportunity to make a di!erence and bring something unique and wonderful to the Zoo.
Northern Elephant Seal Rescue 2014
Janet Rose, senior director of development
Coolio is on the mend– learning, acclimating, and getting used to the sounds and smells around him.
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Now this once stranded animal has a chance at a new life and a new home at the Water’s Edge holding area at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. While it is not known why or how he became stranded on the California coast, at the time of his rescue he weighed a mere 120 pounds. Tragically, as he lay starving and unable to move, the injuries that he sustained led to blindness. "is made his eventual release back into the wild impossible. A blind seal in the wild would never survive.
"is young elephant seal’s current weight is close to 500 pounds and he is growing quickly. He could reach over 1000 pounds by this time next year. "e next goal and challenge is raising approximately $15,000 to bring in a marine mammal eye specialist to examine Coolio’s eyes and consider whether restoration of any eyesight might be possible. At this point in time however, our highly trained veterinary sta! here at the Zoo is monitoring Coolio and working to fully assess him. Currently, it is uncertain whether Coolio is completely blind or some restoration of sight might be possible. "e Zoo’s own veterinary sta!, led by Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, has noticed some indications that Coolio might have limited eyesight or it might be
possible to restore limited sight. Only time and ongoing specialized examinations will tell for sure.In the meantime, Coolio is on the mend, learning, acclimating, and getting used to the sounds and smells around him. He is learning to recognize his keepers, using his senses other than eyesight. and beginning to feel his way around his environment.
"e rescue e!ort and new life for Coolio are historic. "is remarkable story will enable marine mammal experts an opportunity to observe, conduct research, train, and expand their scientific understanding of this species. Eventually, it is our hope that Coolio will become a regular part of the Zoo experience. "is incredible journey from California to the Zoo was partially underwritten by Dr. Terence & Mrs. Kim Krysinski of the Vien Institute of Pittsburgh who donated funding for Coolio’s trip.
If you are interested in helping to support Coolio through his care, feeding, ophthalmic exam, and veterinary treatment, please contact the Zoo’s Development Department by calling 412-365-2540 or by email at [email protected].
Pittsburgh’s Wildest Gala is Coming Up
Friday, June 13
Tickets are going fast, so get yours now!Elegance and excitement collide at Imagination Untamed, the Gala of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, on Friday, June 13. Be dazzled by delicious, delectable delights provided by Pittsburgh’s finest restaurants, indulge in luscious libations, and see stripes, spots and enjoy all kinds of wild encounters as you wander through throughout the Zoo.
Unleash your inner animal with heart-pumping entertainment, all against the wildest backdrop in the city. "is non-stop black-tie event, begins at 7:00 p.m. and continues until 11:30 in the evening. PNC is the presenting sponsor of the 2014 Zoo Gala, Imagination Untamed.
Please visit http://pghzoo.me/1d2KY0K for more information or to get your tickets today. If you have any questions or would like to order your tickets by phone, call us at 412-365-2541.
$50,000 and abovePNC BankPPG Industries PPG Industries Foundation
$25,000 to 49,999Carolyn & James BouchardVein Institute of Pittsburgh
$5,000 to 9,999Nancy & Maurice NernbergPatsy & Don McKinneySandra & Henry* Mordoh
$2,500 to 4,999Robert KozelJennifer & Michael* LaRoccoRita* & Robert Randall
$1,000 to 2,499Barbara* & Dayton BakerSusan & David BrownleeMary & Dave DeFideJudi & Gary DivenColette* & John DuganSharon & Je!rey EvansAnna & J. W. Futrell
Judy & George GruneDarlene & Andrew* Hasley Michele & Robert HowlandStephanie Schneck-Jacob & Timothy JacobPeggy* & Steve McKnightShirley & H. W. OlanderCynthia & Todd Sha!erBelinda & Mike TerzichTracey & Carey Vinson
$500 to 999Valentina & John Barsom Gail & H. W. DoringJune & Hans JonasNan & David* NewellSara* & David Scaife Susan Weigold & Robert Butella
$100 to 499Christine & Patrick OsborneNancy & Bernard PicchiDonna & James HudsonPhyllis & Mark HogeAmshel Charitable FoundationAlison & Timothy GrayMelissa & David SurvinskiPaula & John LockhartMary & John DeGeorgePatricia & James CairnsPaula & Francis GesselbertyEllen & "omas SmithMary & Henry SnyderJack & Jean Ann Jones Fund of the Pittsburgh FoundationRobin Ziegler & Cli!ord ChenMaureen & David McBrideLaura & Don AlbensiSusan & Timothy VismorJoanne & William* FallonStephanie & David BriggsDenise Letcher & Joseph McDonoughBarbara & David BurstinDanyele & Craig BernickShirley & David FlemingDavid LilienthalCatherine & Donald* RhotenLinda & Donald EwingJudy & Glenn Gates
Irwin DobrushinRoberta & John MatherLisa Conard & Mare IvrichCarol & Michael AzarPerri & "omas SchelatMary & Raymond TomaselloClaudia & Raymond SteebSue & Wayne SloanMary Lang & "omas CummingsMary & Timothy Ottie
*Indicates board member
Please be aware that we have recently transitioned to a new database in order to better serve our supporters. While we make every attempt to accurately recognize the generous support of our donors, some data inconsistencies may have occurred in our transition. If you notice an error, please contact the Development department by calling 412-365-2541 or by email at [email protected].!ank you for your understanding.
2014 Individual Donors (Annual gifts received from January 1, 2014 – April 30, 2014)
The Value of Annual Giving
Annual giving is vital tothe successful operation ofthe Pittsburgh Zoo andPPG Aquarium. Membership and ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of all that we offer in sustaining our mission. Annual giving helps to fill this gap. Contributing to the Zoo plays an important role in providing care for our animals, supporting our educational programs, and aiding in our on-site and international conservation efforts. Thank you to the individuals on the following pages for being a part of our donor family.
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We have two very di!erent types of donors to highlight, because each supports the mission of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in di!erent yet vital ways. Giving or donating to the mission of the Zoo is always very personal, but the act of giving and the resources provided by that generosity really make a di!erence.
Donor Spotlight: !e Vein Institute, Dr. Terence Krysinski As a member of the Zoo’s Grow Wild Society, Terry Krysinski is not new to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. As his involvement has grown, so has his support for many important Zoo projects. As founder of Pittsburgh’s Vein Institute and the Laser Center, Dr. Krysinski has created a huge following of passionate animal lovers who work with him and follow the Zoo’s e!orts with interest and a deep and abiding commitment to conservation. He supports special events too, such as the Zoo Gala with sponsorship.
When Dr. Krysinski heard about the Zoo’s e!orts to bring zebras back and received the appeal for funding to not only acquire zebras, but to also provide a new shelter area, he stepped up. His $25,000 donation helps to underwrite much of the acquisition and shelter reconstruction. While additional funds are still needed to complete the zebra project, Dr. Krysinski’s generous contribution was significant. His support did not stop at zebras however.
Shortly after, the Zoo sent out an appeal for help with a wildlife rescue e!ort of a Northern elephant seal and Dr. Krysinki o!ered to help again. Transporting the elephant seal from California to
Donor SpotlightPittsburgh along with specially trained Zoo sta! is not a small undertaking. "e estimated cost of the trip was $20,000 and Dr. Krysinki donated fifty percent of that.
As the needs of the Zoo grow with exhibiting di!erent and important animals, and as Dr. Krysinki’s passion for all things wildlife become centered on the e!orts of the Zoo, so does his support. "is is the mission of the Grow Wild Society; a group of people who believe so passionately in the mission of the Zoo that they continually expand their support of the Zoo. In turn, he became more intimately involved and engaged with thePittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
"ank you again to Dr. Terence Krysinski and the Vein Institute and Laser Center of Pittsburgh.
Donor Spotlight II: Images by AntoniaAntonia Wolf is an award-winning artist, an international photographer, silk scarf, and jewelry designer. Her work features wildlife and her goal is to support wildlife conservation, especially conservation of elephants, through the sale and exhibits of her photography, hand-screened scarves, and jewelry. Antonia’s jewelry is made from local materials that she finds in the countries she visits. Images by Antonia has been featured in many magazines, including the New York Times Magazine. Her scarf and jewelry pieces adorn women all over the world. Many are also in private collections and international exhibits. Each a work of art, her pieces typically feature an endangered species, such as the cheetah, African elephant, zebra, or gira!e. Some pieces also feature flowers, hearts or saints. Her prices for photographs, scarves, and jewelry range from under $100 to $500+. Every piece is unique and beautiful with its own story to tell. Pictured here are a few of her pieces, with a percentage of proceeds going to support wildlife conservation.
Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving:A Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Membership
A Zoo Membership is a passport to family fun and adventure. Treat somebody you love to a gift Membership. It includes 12 months of unlimited free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, free parking, discounted admission to 130 other zoos, education and program discounts, exclusive access to events, and much more.
Click here for more information.
“I try to create jewelry that captures at once the
passion of stones and the fate of endangered
animals. Creating unusual pieces in the quiet of my studio is
peaceful work.”–A!"#!$% W#&'
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Meet Stanley, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s New Octopus
BNY Mellon, the corporate sponsor of the Zoo’s new octopus exhibit, helped to name one of the newest residents of the PPG Aquarium. PPG Aquarium sta! suggested four possible names and the BNY Mellon sta! got to vote on their favorite.
With contest votes counted, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has named its new baby giant Pacific octopus Stanley. "ank you to BNY Mellon employees who contributed their votes to make the selection. Stanley went on public display in early April and seems to be enjoying his new home. "is popular PPG Aquarium resident supports the Zoo’s overall mission to foster positive, lifelong connections between animals and people. BNY Mellon is proud to be a sponsor of this mission and to provide its Pittsburgh employees and their families with enhanced opportunities to make those connections.
New Conservation Collaborations with Far Reaching Potential"e Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has a truly international reach with its coral conservation e!orts and the outreach just continues to grow. Over the past two years, Zoo sta! members
PPG Aquarium Notes from the Field
Paul Selvaggio, Director of Creative Services, and Bob Snowden, Marine Aquarist, were on the road and on site for the first SECORE Foundation workshop in Mexico in collaboration with Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM), Parque Xcaret, Comision Nacional De Areas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), and the Instituto
Nacional de Pesca. "e group observed and collected reproductive spawn from three di!erent coral species in Mexico: the endangered elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, star coral, Montastraea (Orbicella) faveolata, and the grooved brain coral, Diploria labyrinthiformis. Once the spawn was collected, the group fertilized the egg/sperm bundles, known as gametes, and settled the larvae onto specially made tiles. Once the corals are settled, they will be used for restoration e!orts and research.
"e Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is taking a leading role in this conservation e!ort and this important coral work is made possible through the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s Coral Conservation Fund. "is new exhibit, Coral Conservation, has been installed near the entrance of the PPG Aquarium and features coral collected during one of the conservation trips to the Florida Keys. "is new exhibit has been made possible with the support from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. If you would like to learn more about these e!orts or how to support future coral conservation projects, please visit the donate page at pittsburghzoo.org or contact our development sta!.
You can donate to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium with just one click of a button
By supporting the Zoo, you help save wildlife and wild places. Gifts to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium help us fulfill our mission to be a leader in zoological conservation, education, and research, while providing the region with exceptional exhibitry and unique family-centered recreation.
Visit our website for a fast, convienient, and secure way to support the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium at pittsburghzoo.org/donate.
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Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Zoo Board Members and sta!, and representatives from the community. Special appearances by Rianna, a prehensile tailed porcupine, and Squeeze, a boa constrictor, capped o! the evening in grand fashion. More than $40,000 was raised in support of wildlife conservation, conservation education, and special projects at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
If you missed the show, you can still get a glimpse of the evening with this video recap: http://vimeo.com/rpskk/fashionforthewildrecap.
It was fashion gone wild, or o#cially Fashion for the Wild, and the night lived up to its name. On April 3, a sold-out crowd gathered in the PPG Aquarium with emcees WTAE anchor Sally Wiggin and film and television actor, David Conrad to celebrate fashion and support a wonderful cause, the Zoo!
Guests sipped signature Zootini cocktails and shopped from specialty vendors while designs from Kiya Tomlin, Andrea Howell, Lana Neumeyer, Sandra Cadavid, Jazmin Jackson, Beth Shari, Lexi and Nancy Smith, and Kimberly Wilson graced the runway. Guest models included Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO of the
Fashion for the WildPresented by BNY Mellon
More than $40,000 was raised in support of wildlife conservation, conservation education, and special projects
Give a bear for a birthday, a tiger to your team, or a howler monkey for the holidays. Adopting an animal is a great gift for any occasion. When you adopt, your gift helps provide for the care, feeding, and enrichment of Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium animals. All resident animals are available for adoption with packages ranging from $30 to $500 per year, depending on the benefits you choose.
Visit our website at pittsburghzoo.org for special adoption packages. Please call 412-365-2542 to learn more about this rewarding gift idea.
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Key Dates for Membership & Development
June 11 – August 1312-2pmWild Wednesdays
June 14-2211am-3pmEat’n Park Family Week
June 13 7-11:30pmZoo Gala: Imagination Untamed Presented by PNC
June 15 11am-3pmFather’s Day Celebration Sponsored by First Commonwealth Bank
June 24 6:30-9pmMembers Night
Key Dates for Membership & Development continued
July 1211am – 3pmMacy’s Baby Day
July 2011am-3pmPPG Festival of Color
July 236:30-9pmMembers Night
July 256:30-11pmSummer Safari: Unmask the Wild Presented by BNY Mellon
August 216:30-9pmMembers Night
Don’t just make a purchase; make a di"erence for endangered species! We are excited to announce the launch of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and International Conservation Center Credit Card. Now, your everyday purchases can support wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species. 1% of each card transaction will be donated to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, with a special focus on support for the work of the Zoo’s International Conservation Center (ICC) in Somerset, PA.
"e ICC is North America’s premier conservation, research, education, and training facility, specializing in the care and breeding of African Elephants. “All of Somerset County is honored to have the ICC located here,” says G. Henry Cook, Somerset Trust Company President and CEO. “Somerset Trust is a proud supporter of the Pittsburgh Zoo. By actively using this credit card, people will be contributing to the Zoo and its mission too. Every time the card is used to make a purchase, the Zoo will benefit.” To apply for the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and International Conservation Center Credit Card, visit www.pittsburghzoocard.com
"e Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and International Conservation Center Credit Card is provided through the Somerset Trust Company.
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"ere is always a need for help to support the care, feeding, training and management of our animals here at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. If you would like to help with any of the following projects, any level of support is always very worthwhile and much appreciated. By supporting these projects, you really can make a real di!erence.
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To support or donate, please contact the Development Department by calling 412-365-2540 or, email at
and adventure. Treat somebody you love to a gift Membership. It includes 12 months of unlimited free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, free parking, discounted admission to 130 other zoos, education and program discounts, exclusive access to events, and much more. Click here for more information.
it’s just business as usual. First, in order to stand up, they have to use their short, powerful front legs to push their bodies up and then the back legs to thrust their bodies forward. "eir feet are turned inward to maintain balance, so of course they move at a snail’s pace with a lumbering side-to-side walk.
When it comes to their love life and mating, males will square o! for the right to mate with a female by standing tall, facing each other with their mouths wide open, and stretching their necks as high as possible. "e highest head and neck wins and the loser waddles o! to find another female.
An endangered species, there are only about 20,000 Galapagos tortoises left in the wild. "is is the result of poaching, loss of habitat and the introduction of domestic animals to the Galápagos Islands, such as goats, pigs, and cattle, which destroy tortoise nests and prey on the tortoise eggs and young. Active conservation e!orts are underway however, working to build up and protect the remaining populations. We hope you’ll stop by soon and catch a glimpse of our young ones. "ey’ll be hard to miss, moving slowly, and soaking up the sun whenever possible.
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"e Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s two newest residents are taking life slow and easy in their new home at the Zoo. "e Galápagos tortoises have arrived and they’re in no rush to do anything but eat, sleep and just kind of stand around. "e species with the greatest longevity of any vertebrate, our two new tortoises, are still youngsters at the ripe young age of 20-something. On average, tortoises live to be approximately 100 years old with the oldest tortoise ever recorded reaching over 170. In terms of size, males are larger than females, and will reach at least 500 pounds.
Not too surprisingly, if you have ever watched tortoises moving about, they tend to do it very slowly, spending their days lying down, basking in the sun, munching on grass and leaves, and napping or wallowing in mud puddles. In the wild, tortoises will typically eat plants, grasses, and pear cactus, but at the Zoo, our tortoises will dine on timothy hay and enjoy a small amount of grain and produce.
"e brunt of many a joke, when tortoises move, it appears to be a gigantic e!ort but for the animal,
Gentle Giants Crawl Slowly into Their New Home
!e Galápagos tortoises have arrived!
Behind-the-scenes animal encounters,
a Grow Wild Society experience.
96 elephants are killed every day just for the ivory. “"at is a staggering and frightening number” says Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. “"is means that within ten years one of the world’s most majestic and well-known animals could be extinct. We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We all need to take action today to stop the illegal ivory trade and end this crisis.”
"is is why the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, a leader in conservation of African elephants, is proud to support the Wildlife Conservation Society’s 96 Elephants Campaign. "e campaign is named for the average number of elephants killed throughout the world every day. Compare that to the number of elephants living in AZA-accredited zoos; currently there are 166 African elephants and 142 Asian elephants in zoos within the United States. "at means that in just four days, there are more elephants killed worldwide than there are elephants living in our zoos.
"e 96 Elephants Campaign is working to secure a moratorium on illegal ivory sales and to reinforce the protection of all elephants. "is organization provides supporters with information about the link between the elephant poaching crisis and the consumption of ivory, and the resources to make a di!erence.
In addition to the U.S. ban on ivory, the 96 Elephants Campaign is working to supply more park rangers to protect elephants in the wild. "ey also participate in the development of intelligence networks and government operations in the Congo Basin and East Africa, which are the last protected areas for elephants.
96 elephants Let your voice be heard. Contact your state Senators and members of Congress and tell them you want to ban the sale of ivory and ivory products throughout the United States. Go online and sign the petition at 96elephants.org.
Coming together as one voice sends a powerful message. We can make a di!erence.
Grow Wild SocietyA Great Reason to Join!Members of the Grow Wild Society are more than just donors, they are conservators. For this exclusive group, protecting wildlife and promoting conservation and education is a hands-on experience. From behind-the-scenes animal encounters, to members-only events with Zoo veterinarians, curators and keepers; special lectures, dinners and other events; plus complimentary family Zoo memberships, the Grow Wild Society is an experience like none other.
“Joining the Grow Wild Society is a legacy gift to your children and grandchildren,” says Society member Patrick Loughney. “Introduce your family to the animal kingdom and ensure a world class zoo for future generations. "ank you!”
Start your family tradition today with a gift of $1,000 or more to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Learn more at pittsburghzoo.org/Donate/GrowWildSociety. For questions, please contact our Development Coordinator, Rachel Kisic by calling 412-365-2541 or [email protected].
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One Wild PlacePittsburgh, PA 15206412-665-3640
Zoo Connections is a newsletter for the valued supporters of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
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