Imagine what the stewards of our organization must have felt in 1925, the year we first began caring for koalas in partnership with Taronga Conservation Society Australia, as they envisioned the next 100 years.
Imagine, too, what Dr. Kurt Benirschke would think of all the invaluable conservation progress made possible by our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank's Frozen Zoo®. "Dr. B" began cryopreserving living cell lines in 1975, knowing that they were irreplaceable and contained unrealized potential that would help secure the future for wildlife. Today our Frozen Zoo is the most extensive resource of its kind in the world and is fulfilling its promise. We're honored to celebrate 50 years of innovation and biobanking and look forward to sharing more about this anniversary in upcoming issues—especially with you, our 2116 Advisors, as we look to our next 100 years and fulfill our vision of a world where all life thrives.
Together for wildlife,
Shawn Dixon
Interim President and Chief Executive Officer San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
ANTARCTICA VOYAGE ANNOUNCED
Travel with our wildlife experts
ANTARCTICA DIRECT
November 26–
December 5, 2025
Limited to 14 San Diego Zoo
Wildlife Alliance travelers
More information and registration: (800) 543-8917
ANTARCTICA DIRECT: SAIL & FLY THE DRAKE PASSAGE
If you would love to get closer to stories such as those we bring you here, join us this year as we explore one of the most iconic landscapes on the planet aboard the flagship National Geographic Explorer.
Hosted by our own Nacho Vilchis, associate director of recovery ecology, we’ll traverse the Drake Passage to watch for whales off the bow, cruise
around colossal icebergs, and hop aboard motorized Zodiacs for a closer look at penguins, seals, and other Antarctic wildlife. The itinerary also affords onshore time for activities like hiking and cross-country skiing. The ship’s state-of-the-art video equipment enhances the journey, providing a unique window to the wonders of an underwater world.
Travel with top polar experts across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Then get close to Antarctic wildlife on motorized Zodiacs and walks ashore.
MEDIA REACH & HIGHLIGHTS IN THE NEWS
So far this year, we’ve garnered 207.5 million views across social media and over 26.77 billion views in earned media, representing nearly $259 million in media value. Here are some of our latest media highlights:
SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL
MARCH/APRIL 2025
SMALL STEPS FORWARD for the future of conservation
LESSER FLAMINGO ...........
Lesser Flamingo Chick at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Cared for by Same-Sex Foster Parents
Aardvark Calf Born at Safari Park for the First Time
BLUE-BILLED CURASSOW HATCHED 38
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Celebrates Its First Critically Endangered Blue-Billed Curassow Hatch
JUNGLE BELLS EVENT
Zoo Created Magical Holiday Memories with Family-Friendly Jungle Bells Event
WILD HOLIDAYS 42
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Brought Merry & Bright Family Traditions Back During Wild Holidays
FIVE ‘ALALĀ RELEASED ... 44
Five ‘Alalā Raised by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Released on Maui for the First Time Ever
PORCUPETTE BORN .......... 46
First-Ever North American
Porcupine C-Section Birth
Successfully Performed by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
HERE'S WHAT'S HAPPENING
ACROSS THE ALLIANCE
Allies in Conservation
When wildlife thrives, all life thrives
Two leading wildlife parks
As a global conservation organization uniquely positioned with two leading wildlife parks—the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—nearly six million guests from around the world join us each year to connect with wildlife and the natural world we share. It’s a life-changing experience that stays with each ally long after they leave, with our global reach touching one billion people in 150 countries each year through our social media and communication platforms.
Eight global hubs
As a conservation alliance, we partner with allies in eight strategic regions worldwide: our Conservation Hubs. By pooling our strengths, expertise, and resources, we have a greater impact as we work together to safeguard the future of the planet, its wildlife, and the natural world we all share. Because when wildlife thrives, all life thrives.
AFRICAN FOREST
AMAZONIA
ASIA
AUSTRALIAN FOREST
OCEANS
PACIFIC ISLANDS
SAVANNA
SOUTHWEST
Collaborate
BRIDGING THE BIOBANKING GAP
Our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research is known worldwide for its extensive genetic collections, including more than 11,000 individual living cell lines from 1,250+ species and subspecies. You may be surprised to learn that of those, only one is
a fish—the rainbow trout. That’s because fish cells are challenging to grow in vitro.
This was one of the topics of discussion during a visit we hosted with representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southwest Region to exchange information on
biobanking living cells. The meeting was driven by an earlier pilot program aimed at banking the cells of several mammalian species listed under the Endangered Species Act. Such collaborations help us bridge the biobanking gap for endangered species in the U.S. and beyond.
Of 1,250+ species in our Frozen Zoo, rainbow trout are the only fish.
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NEW CONSERVATION BIOLOGY TAKES FLIGHT
Towering around four feet tall and with a wingspan of nearly twice that, the North American whooping crane is magnificent to behold—if you are lucky enough to spot one, that is. That’s because it is also one of the most endangered birds in North America, with a total population estimated around 600 individuals.
Conservation biologists at the Frozen Zoo received genetic material from our partners in an effort to biobank
cells from seven whooping cranes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time viable cells of this species have been cryopreserved (frozen). In another first for this species, our teams used a process called immunostaining to understand and visualize the cells’ structure and function. This advanced technique effectively “labels” structures within cells for imaging, shedding new light on potential conservation solutions at a cellular level.
Immunostaining helps biologists visualize cell structure and function.
Whooping cranes are among the most endangered birds in North America.
AT THE SAFARI PARK
Innovate
AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO PROTECTING POLAR BEAR DEN SITES
Bears are known for their keen sense of smell. In fact, their survival depends on it. Able to smell food from as much as 20 miles away, bears also follow their noses to locate mates.
But just how sharp is their sense of hearing? And how does industrial noise affect them? That’s the question we set out to answer at the request of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Our goal was to better understand the impact of oil and gas activities on denning polar bear families on Alaska’s North Slope.
This work started with an innovative approach to studying polar bear hearing capacity, with help from the bears at the Zoo. We then integrated field data to understand how much industrial noise reaches polar bear dens and what the bears would actually hear. The USFWS has shared that the results from our noise studies are now regularly used to help maintain protective buffer zones around known den sites. This is a great example of how zoo-based
conservation science, and a bit of innovative thinking, play a key role in protecting species and ecosystem variety.
Innovative studies help maintain protective buffer zones around known den sites.
CAREER AWARD FOR DR. RONALD SWAISGOOD
We are proud to congratulate Ron Swaisgood, Ph.D., our Brown Endowed Director of Recovery Ecology, who was selected to receive the Animal Behavior Society’s Richard Buchholz Conservation Behavior Award. This career award, given to one recipient per year, recognizes researchers who have made outstanding contributions to the field of conservation behavior.
Ron was nominated and selected for his significant contributions to developing and applying behavioral tools and research to address conservation challenges across a wide range of wildlife. Over his
nearly 30 years with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Ron has played a key role in conservation efforts for species such as giant pandas, California condors, Hawaiian forest birds, and mountain yellow-legged frogs.
Throughout his storied career, Ron’s main focus has been applying ecological and behavioral knowledge in practical ways to solve conservation challenges. It's a passion that has reached from monitoring burrowing owls in their grassland habitats in greater San Diego County to conservation breeding of Hawaiian forest birds. It also supports his personal passion: reconnecting society and nature.
Ron leads our Recovery Ecology team, whose role is to leverage ecological research and combine behavioral, population, and spatial ecology to develop effective conservation strategies. These include techniques such as conservation breeding, reintroduction, and translocation, as well as monitoring and managing species recovery. Ron and his team are also involved in population estimation and modeling, adaptive species management, ecological risk assessments, and conservation planning. These projects all involve extensive collaboration and partnerships to ensure all life thrives.
Ron’s works extends from giant pandas to Pacific pocket mice.
Ron leads our Recovery Ecology team, adaptively managing and restoring species to native habitats.
AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO
Inspire
SAFARI EXCURSIONS DEBUTS
The guest experience at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park got even better recently with the opening of Safari Excursions. This centralized depot is now the departure point for safari adventures and special experiences. The new hub, located next to Thorntree Terrace, is part of the Master Planning work shared at our semiannual Leadership Forum.
Lisa Peterson, Safari Park senior
vice president and executive director, spoke to the importance of innovation and creativity—giving leaders the space to create new opportunities for the organization. She then invited Jaime Yablonicky, director of safari experiences, and Chris Brezezicki, director of facilities, to speak about their journey developing Safari Excursions and repurposing an existing
building into a more functional and accessible loading dock for premium experiences.
Innovative ideas such as these help us create engaging, repeatable experiences that nurture our guests’ connection with wildlife and the world we share.
Safari Excursions represents innovative thinking in action.
AT THE SAFARI PARK
COLORS
WE LOVE A PARADE— AND AN ENCORE AWARD
This year began with an encore. Our float took top honors at the 136th annual Rose Parade®, winning the Sweepstakes Award for the second year in a row. The award recognized the most beautiful entry, which included float design, floral presentation, and entertainment.
This year’s inspiring float, “Friendship Across the Earth,” celebrated the historic arrival of Yun Chuan and
Xin Bao at the San Diego Zoo, where they brought the world together after becoming the first giant pandas to enter the U.S. in 21 years. The float also showcased Asia’s diverse ecosystems, represented by Connor the Malayan tiger and red pandas Lucas and Adira frolicking above cascading waterfalls. Hundreds of thousands of people gathered along the parade route, with millions more watching from around the world.
The 2025 Rose Parade theme, “Best Day Ever,” highlighted life’s most memorable moments. As joyous an occasion as it was, our hearts remain with those in Pasadena and the Los Angeles area who lost their homes in the tragic fires just days later.
theme of our float was “Friendship Across the Earth.”
Thrive
GRAMMA TURNS 140 YEARS YOUNG
If only tortoises could talk! We bet Gramma would have some stories to tell. Having hatched long before the arrival of automobiles, airplanes, radios, or televisions, she reminds us of the remarkable longevity of some of the world’s oldest species. Sometimes referred to as “living fossils,” the Galápagos tortoise has remained relatively unchanged for tens of millions of years. The fact that their ancestors roamed Earth alongside dinosaurs makes them a direct link to a distant past we can only imagine.
We have been caring for Gramma since 1928, when she and seven other tortoises arrived from the Galápagos Islands. While she may be the oldest individual we care for at the Zoo, we like to think she is still in her prime, as she continues to thrive.
The oldest recorded age for a Galápagos tortoise is 175 years.
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A BABY AARDVARK?
WE’RE ALL EARS
Padawan, an aardvark calf born at the Safari Park to first-time mom Padmae, took social media by storm with his curious snout, confident strut, and impossibly big ears.
Deemed the most adorable aardvark in the galaxy, a few film-savvy fans recognized the name. Wrote one, “May the Force be with you, young Padawan.” Both mom and her adorable calf are doing well and bonding.
WE ARE ALL CONNECTED
The Stehlmars are generous supporters of Denny Sanford Elephant Valley and had the honor of naming a caracal kitten born at the Safari Park. They chose the name “Marula,” after a tree found in the caracal’s native range. In many African cultures, these trees are regarded as a symbol of the interconnectedness of all living things. A fun fact: many caracal mothers make a den in an abandoned aardvark or porcupine burrow— meaning even Marula and Padawan are interconnected. This curious kitten has been growing into those big paws and continues to thrive.
WELCOME, LUPE
Lupe (short for Guadalupe) is the newest river hippo to join the bloat (a term that gives “murder of crows” a run for its money). Her arrival is part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan Program to support her well-being following the recent passing of her companion at Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo, where she was previously.
The 24-year-old hippo joins new companions Funani and Amahle and is thriving in the amphibious habitat and underwater world they share at Hippo Trail.
AT THE SAFARI PARK
AT THE SAFARI PARK
AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO
CONSERVATION HUBS
AFRICAN FOREST
OCEANS PACIFIC ISLANDS
Click tile to jump to hub
AMAZONIA
ASIA
Eight Global Hubs
Our eight Conservation Hubs around the world represent biodiverse regions where we can best apply our expertise and are currently most invested, with the goal of making the greatest impact for wildlife, local communities, and ecosystems. With teams on the ground, these Hubs also help us build on new and existing alliances.
AUSTRALIAN FOREST
SOUTHWEST
SAVANNA
Mitigating Logging in a Biodiversity Hotspot
Protecting the forest’s unique wildlife while promoting sustainable resource use
For more than 20 years, our teams have worked to improve conservation outcomes for some of the most endangered species found in African forests. Cameroon’s Ebo forest is a biodiversity hotspot—home to endangered wildlife found nowhere else on Earth—and much of our work in the African Forest Conservation Hub is centered here.
Increasingly, this rich ecosystem faces significant threats from logging activities. Those threats accelerated when the government of Cameroon approved two logging concessions in the area. Our teams have proposed a set of recommendations to mitigate the impact of logging on this fragile environment. The recommendations, based on the 1994 Forestry and Wildlife Law of Cameroon and international conventions that Cameroon has previously endorsed, were presented to the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife.
The goal is to protect the forest’s unique wildlife while allowing sustainable resource use. Our teams will meet with key stakeholders, including logging companies, to discuss the implementation of these guidelines. They also plan to make the recommendations public to ensure transparency and encourage broader
adoption of practices that protect the forest's species and ecosystem variety. The hope is that by striking a balance between conservation and development, we can safeguard the Ebo forest for future generations of both wildlife and neighboring villagers.
The Ebo forest is home to one of the healthiest remaining populations of a highly endangered drill.
African forests face an increased threat from recently approved logging concessions.
Welcoming a Hatchling with a Curious Name
A crest and rocky habitat give this bird its unusual name
In flight from Venezuela to Bolivia in the tropical forests of the Andes Mountains, the striking Andean cock-of-the-rock is hard to miss.
Its vibrant plumage, particularly the brilliant orange-red color of the male, stands in stark contrast to the deep green backdrop of the mountainous cloud forests.
The chicks are quite undeveloped when they hatch and require the mother to feed and care for them for about 45 days. There are typically only one or two eggs in a clutch. Last year, a male Andean cock-ofthe-rock hatched and was reared at our Avian Propagation Center at the Safari Park. Celebrating its 45th
Creative Community Conservation
Students become teachers through the stories they share
There’s something powerful about a good story well told—especially when it comes from a child. The second edition of Voces de la Selva (Voices of the Jungle) brings together dozens of original short stories and drawings from children in four villages in
Peru—nearly three times the stories in our 2023 edition. Our team and partners printed and distributed copies for teachers and students in local communities for this creative example of grassroots community conservation.
anniversary this year, this behindthe-scenes area is where teams hatch, raise, and care for delicate species of birds or those who need a little extra care.
While the species is not currently listed as threatened, populations of Andean cock-of-the-rock are declining; however, they are rarely seen in zoos. In fact, only nine Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited zoos currently care for them, making the hatching of this male chick a joyful occasion.
Our second edition contains nearly three times as many stories as the first.
Only nine AZA-accredited zoos currently care for this species, making this male hatched here even more of a reason to celebrate.
AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO
A male Andean cock-of-the-rock shows off his vibrant plumage, with a fan-like crest so large it nearly obscures his bill.
Ecological Monitoring in the Annamite Mountains
Dramatic limestone formations, colossal caves, and rich species and ecosystem variety lie hidden in this dense jungle
The Annamite Mountains in Southeast Asia are among the most biodiverse areas in the world. The range is not a single chain, but a network of steep mountains and valleys forming a natural barrier between northern Vietnam and Laos and extending down into Cambodia. Because the dense tropical forests span elevations ranging from river valleys to steep cliffs soaring above 9,200 feet, they are rich in species and ecosystem variety.
The terrain in these isolated mountain ranges is often difficult to navigate due to thick vegetation, steep inclines, and unpredictable weather. What is harsh and often impassable to people can be a haven for wildlife. But how then do we monitor threats to their populations, like hunting and habitat destruction?
Currently there is not enough data to fully understand the scope of these issues and how to tackle them. To help bridge this gap, our team launched an ecological monitoring project that combines trail cameras with surveys
of local communities. This way, we can gather information on species behavior, how many animals are in the area, where they are, and how they interact.
Working alongside local Vietnamese agencies and partners, we have developed a survey questionnaire, interviewed nearly 250 people in the community, and tested a trail camera grid to collect vital data.
The plan is to keep gathering both survey responses and images, then share our findings and insights with local governments to help them create focused conservation strategies for coexistence. Such collaborations are strengthening our alliances while also providing valuable training for team members working in rugged protected wildlife areas.
Two Indochinese tigers play fight in a rocky crevasse.
An intraoperative CT scan brings innovative care need for follow-up operations, offering better outcomes. Affording the surgeon the potential for better precision can also translate to a faster recovery time.
This year marks a special occasion for us as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of caring for koalas at the Zoo. The arrival of the first pair of koalas in 1925 also marked the beginning of one of our longest-standing alliances with our colleagues in the Land Down Under, Taronga Conservation Society Australia in Sydney.
It is a unique privilege, as we are one of only a small number of zoos to care for koalas outside of their
native continent. It's also a great responsibility, and one we take seriously.
To help the wildlife we care for maintain their health and longevity, our veterinarians and wildlife care teams are vigilant about performing regular health exams. It was during one such exam that we discovered Moa, a two-year-old koala at the Zoo, had developed a rapidly enlarging mass in the right frontal sinus area of his nasal cavity. The mass was spotted during a routine computed tomography (CT) scan.
Our experienced team was able to surgically remove the mass with the help of an intraoperative CT. What makes an intraoperative CT different is that, rather than bringing Moa out of surgery to the CT unit, we were able to bring the CT unit to him during the procedure. It provides real-time images during surgery, helping the surgical team make informed decisions and adjustments. Real-time imaging can also help reduce the
As we hoped, the mass was diagnosed as a benign bone cyst. Moa is expected to make a full recovery thanks to the expertise of his dedicated team and a century of koala care.
The cyst successfully removed from Moa is circled in red.
Koalas spend much of their day napping in trees to give them time to digest eucalyptus leaves.
OCEANS CONSERVATION HUB
Seeing Whale Cells in a New Light
A historic first in cell imaging for this species
Gray whales are fascinating and highly intelligent mammals of the sea, known for their long migrations and impressive size. They can travel over 10,000 miles round trip from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to breeding lagoons in Baja California. Despite their massive size, they’re often seen near shore, feeding on worms and crustaceans on the ocean floor.
When a juvenile gray whale was found stranded in La Jolla, California, our allies at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reached out to our team. They sent us a skin biopsy from the whale and asked if we could grow and freeze cells from this important species to store in our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank’s Frozen Zoo®.
A dividing gray whale cell, with kinetochores stained in pink (NOAA permit #26245, photo credit Elena Ruggeri.)
Culturing cetacean cells is challenging, but we were able to establish a healthy cell line and successfully freeze it several times. This success offered a unique opportunity to explore the cells further using a technique called immunostaining.
Immunostaining helps us label different structures within the cells for imaging. For the first time ever, we used this method to examine
kinetochores in the whale’s cells. Kinetochores are proteins that help align and stabilize chromosomes during cell division, and they’re also markers of cell health. By studying them, we can improve how we grow these cells for future research and biobanking efforts.
This is only the third gray whale added to the Frozen Zoo. Species and ecosystem variety is crucial for saving
a species, even in vitro. That's why it's genetically valuable to cryopreserve cell lines from multiple individuals of a species. These cooperative efforts with our allies are inspiring examples of conservation genetics in action.
Gray whales migrate from feeding grounds in the Arctic to breeding grounds in Baja California.
History Takes Flight
The call of the ‘ alalā breaks a 20-year silence
It was a headline every conservation organization dreams of: a species extinct in the wild for more than 20 years is on the road to recovery. You can read more about the historic, first-time release of five ‘alalā in Maui in the Media section of this issue. The story has been years in the making— and one we were privileged to tell just before the new year.
Saving a species from the brink of extinction is an essential role conservation organizations such as ours strive to fulfill. But to native Hawaiians, this milestone meant much more.
“To me, and in my culture, the ‘alalā are like our ancestors—our kupuna,” said Keanini Aarona, avian
recovery specialist at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. “The forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.” While native to Hawaii, this effort marks the species’ first introduction to Maui.
The road leading to this historic release began in 1996, when we began breeding this endangered Hawaiian
‘Alalā hold significant cultural symbolism for Hawaiians.
crow species at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers. This milestone moment involved the work of countless teams and partners over nearly three decades.
In the 1990s, when few ‘alalā remained in the wild, our team monitored breeding activity using remote cameras, brought in eggs for artificial incubation, and hand-reared nestlings to ensure their survival. Removal of eggs for artificial incubation often triggers females to lay an additional clutch, in effect doubling the breeding potential.
Our Conservation Genetics team was the first to complete a population genetics study, examining nearly 20 years of ‘alalā breeding data. They determined inbreeding has a strong negative association with survival at the embryo and nesting stages, and the survival of offspring improves the longer the duration of parental incubation.
Our Reproductive Sciences team was also able to biobank semen samples from a single male at the Safari Park who is genetically valuable, yet unable to mate naturally. Through artificial insemination, this genetic diversity
Intensive breeding efforts began in 1996,
can help stabilize the population as it works to regain its place in its native landscape.
It takes us all—our biologists, our conservation scientists, our wildlife care specialists, our teams at our parks, and those lucky enough to have people on the ground and eyes on the sky the moment these birds take flight. It also takes you, and we thank everyone who helped make it possible for us to make history. We hope you will take a moment to celebrate this milestone victory with us.
Welina hou, ‘alalā. Our hearts are full as we welcome you home.
when the ‘alalā was trending toward extinction in the wild.
Second Annual Women’s Conservation Forum
Women’s conservation groups continue to empower community conservation
We were proud to host the second Women’s Conservation Forum in Samburu County, Northern Kenya, in collaboration with local partners. Following the success of our 2023 inaugural forum, this event brought together a diverse group of women-led conservation organizations from across the region to share ideas, build alliances, and tackle pressing conservation challenges.
This latest forum focused on human-elephant coexistence and strategies for peaceful cohabitation. Participants engaged in discussions about conflict de-escalation techniques, land use planning, and the management of safaris in the
nearby Samburu National Reserve.
The event also included a visit to the Save the Elephants research camp, where attendees learned about the organization’s innovative work in elephant conservation.
Around 30 women from Laikipia and Samburu Counties took part, representing a range of influential groups like the Chui Mamas, a local women’s conservation group focused on wildlife protection; Ewaso Lions, dedicated to lion conservation and community engagement; Grevy’s Zebra Trust, working to protect the endangered Grevy’s zebra; and the Northern Rangelands Trust, which fosters community-led wildlife
management efforts. Other partners included Save the Elephants, known for its groundbreaking research on elephants, and the Twala Centre, which supports conservation education and leadership training for women.
These gatherings play a key role in strengthening regional conservation efforts by empowering women and creating a platform for collaboratively supporting wildlife, local communities, and the shared natural resources they all depend on to survive and thrive.
Women from influential conservation groups attended this second annual forum.
Guest Lectures in Kenya
Scientists from our Zoo and Loisaba Conservancy hosted this latest series
A team of scientists from the Zoo joined allies from the Loisaba Conservancy in a visit to Kenya’s Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) to host a series of guest lectures for wildlife conservation diploma students. About 50 students attended the lectures,
which concentrated on field research techniques for observing and studying large carnivores, giraffes, and elephants.
Students in the WRTI’s diploma program complete 18 months of coursework, followed by field
attachments. These are practical, hands-on learning experiences where students are placed in real-world conservation settings, usually in the field, and given the chance to apply their academic knowledge on their way to becoming future conservation leaders.
Getting by with a Little Help from Grazers
A perplexing problem finds an old-school solution
While many of the most valuable tools used in conservation today are fueled by advancements in genomics and artificial intelligence, sometimes nature reminds us of solutions that are right under foot. Or perhaps munching the grass beside it.
Monitoring and managing vegetation around burrowing owl dens is emerging as a key factor to their nest success and occupancy rates. Yet the solution for how to accomplish this
across a dizzying patchwork of land ownership and management entities is an ongoing and complex challenge.
Unless you’re a goat.
Recently, our team decided to go old school, turning to tried-and-true tactics, including grazing, as an effective and underutilized tool. As we explore new regional partnerships to help us meet habitat targets for species of conservation concern
in Southern California, we turned to Good Shepherds Regenerative Land Management and their team of voracious grazers.
Together we visited sites to see how these small ruminant grazers (goats and sheep) reduce vegetation height and biomass while also lowering wildfire fuel loads and wildlife risks to neighboring communities. We also visited conserved sites within a complex urban/industrial matrix in Otay Mesa, California, to discuss the feasibility of using these four-legged field workers for grazing to help manage grasslands for wildlife and native plants.
As we watched the herds chomping away at a problem that had eluded us for so long, we were reminded that sometimes the “Greatest of All Time” achievements come from our fundamental alliance with nature itself.
Working alongside some of the greatest grazers of all time.
Torrey Pines Fire
Two endangered plants caught in the blaze
A small fire at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Extension last year affected two endangered plants that our team is working to protect: the Torrey pine and the short-leaved dudleya, a succulent native to the coastal regions of California.
Several Torrey pine trees were burned or scorched, and a population of blooming short-leaved dudleya was coated with fire retardant. Our team is working with the California State Parks staff on how to assess, mitigate, and study the effects of the fires on these two plants. While some adult pine trees might have been lost in the fire, we hope this work will stimulate new growth for this endangered species.
While fire plays a natural role in some pine forests regenerating, endangered Torrey pines are less fire-adapted.
A population of blooming short-leaved dudleya was coated with fire retardant.
MAKING HEADLINES
Seen Around the World
Stories highlighting extraordinary work
The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park make our mission, conservation work, and partnerships possible. In turn, our conservation work around the world demonstrates the importance and impact of saving wildlife, providing powerful stories to share with our audiences at the Zoo, the Safari Park, and across the globe.
Here are some of the top news releases making headlines around the world. These stories highlight the extraordinary work being done in San Diego and in native habitats worldwide by our teams of experts.
Lesser Flamingo Chick at San Diego Zoo Safari Park Cared
A lesser flamingo chick is thriving in the care of its same-sex foster parents at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The youngster’s parents are two males in their 40s, and each is a first-time dad. When the pair was sitting on a nest earlier this year, wildlife care specialists gave them a fake egg to keep them busy and prevent them from interfering with other nests. They immediately began caring for the fake egg, alternating
for by Same-Sex Foster
brooding responsibilities. Wildlife care specialists then gave the pair a fertile egg to foster.
The chick hatched on August 25, 2024, and its sex is not yet known. At hatching, a flamingo chick has gray down feathers and is the size of a tennis ball. The chick is fed a type of “milk” called crop milk that comes from the parents’ upper digestive tract.
FEATURED MEDIA OUTLETS
Parents
Parents will begin to ween the chick at around two months of age. Chicks flock together in large groups called crèches, looked after by a few adults. Parents visit the crèche and continue to feed their chick with the milky secretion. Chicks and their parents recognize one another through their distinctive calls. Lesser flamingos are a species found in sub-Saharan African and western India.
AT THE ZOO
Aardvark Calf Born at San Diego Zoo Safari Park for the First Time
Historic Birth Will Help Scientists Better Understand This Elusive Species
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has welcomed the first aardvark calf ever born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The historic youngster was born in July to parents Padmae and Azaan. First-time mom Padmae is described by wildlife care specialists as intuitive, nurturing, and patient, and is often seen nursing and grooming her calf. Padmae and her calf—said to be strong, confident, and curious—are currently bonding in the privacy of their burrow and are not viewable to the public. In the future, they may be seen by guests during select behind-the-scenes tours as ambassadors of their species.
In their native habitat, aardvarks are solitary, and mothers typically raise their calves on their own. After a gestation of about seven months, female aardvarks give birth to one calf at a time. The mother provides care and protection for her young, nursing them until they are old enough to start foraging for food on their own at about six months old. As the calf continues to grow, the mother teaches them essential aardvark life skills, such as how to locate and dig for ants and termites, which make up the majority of their diet.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the aardvark is an extremely unique species of mammal. The name aardvark is derived from Afrikaans and translates to “earth pig.” Their strong front legs and long claws are adapted for digging burrows. Aardvarks are nocturnal, spending the daylight hours
in their dark burrows and coming out in the evening to feed on ants and termites, which they slurp up with their long, sticky tongue. An adult aardvark may eat up to 50,000 insects in a single evening.
Aardvarks are classified as a species of Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. However, they are currently at risk due to loss of habitat and hunting. As a nocturnal and elusive species, not much is known about their reproductive, birthing, and rearing behavior. Through behavioral observation and hormone analysis, Wildlife Care, Health, and Conservation Science teams at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance are gathering critical reproductive, sleep, nursing, weight, and growth data to better understand aardvark biology.
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park Celebrates Its First Critically Endangered Blue-Billed Curassow Hatch
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes its first hatch of a blue-billed curassow, a critically endangered species with under 1,500 remaining in native habitats. This resounding success reflects nine years of dedicated
work with this species by the avian team at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
The Safari Park is also home to the Bird Conservation Center. Spanning over four acres, it is one of the largest
off-habitat bird centers in North America. Housing up to 300 birds at one time, the center provides care for endangered and non-endangered birds from around the world, as well as birds that are extinct in native habitats.
Through advanced conservation programs, partnerships, and expertise, the Bird Conservation Center plays a crucial role in safeguarding bird species that might otherwise be lost forever, as well as offering a safe haven for confiscated or retired birds. Thanks to the efforts of this center, numerous bird species have made remarkable recoveries, including California condors, light-footed Ridgway’s rails, Western burrowing owls, and various species of hornbills, storks, and vultures.
A blue-billed curassow is a striking, medium-to-large bird with glossy black feathers covering most of its body. The most distinguishing feature is its blue beak (most noticeable in males), which gives it its name. The male has white belly feathers, while females display brownish belly
feathers and can sometimes have more muted tones. The blue-billed curassow also has a prominent, curled crest of feathers atop its head and often raises these feathers up when it’s feeling alert or excited or during social displays.
Blue-billed curassows once occupied vast areas of northern Colombia, but as a result of habitat loss (particularly due to the addition of palm oil plantations),
hunting, and wildlife trafficking, today these striking birds are located in only a handful of small areas of tropical lowland forest in Colombia.
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San Diego Zoo Created Magical Holiday Memories with Family-Friendly Jungle Bells Event
Kids of All Ages Could Enjoy Holiday Magic During Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo brought special holiday fun to families during Jungle Bells. Every night from December 14 through January 5 until 8 p.m., guests could experience the magic and spirit of the holiday season through festive live music, twinkling lights, and delicious seasonal food and drinks.
Jungle Bells returned to the San Diego Zoo with amazing entertainment,
shimmering lights, and merry experiences, including:
NEW! Holiday Light Discovery: Last year, guests could enjoy three all-new holiday lighting experiences from Lost Forest to Tiger Trail! Guests explored the Painted Jungle, Rainbow Forest, and Laser Trail, where sparkling paths of lights, special effects, and surprises awaited.
NEW! Holiday Light Celebration:
Guests could wander the interactive path adorned with treats, presents, and shimmering lights from Front Street to Outback.
NEW! Holiday Light Symphony:
Guests visited this interactive area between Upper Africa Rocks and Cactus Garden to direct colorful lights and a beautiful holiday orchestra.
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Live Music: Merry music filled the air from Jingle Brass, the Holiday Troubadour, and the Tinseltones!
Reindeer Games: On Front Street Stage, guests could take part in interactive holiday games and dances that surely got everyone in a jolly mood.
Jack Frost Juggler: The prince of winter brought a magical chill to the air as he showed off his amazing juggling skills at Wildlife Explorers Basecamp.
Dr. Harry & His Holiday Friends: Guests met Santa’s favorite helpers near Koalafornia Boardwalk! Dr. Harry Lion, Churchill Polar Bear, Sydney Koala, and all their friends were dressed in their holiday finest as they posed for photos and spread festive cheer.
Toy Shop Hop: At Sydney’s Grill, Santa’s acrobatic elves showed off their bouncing, high-flying holiday magic in this amazing display of skill and athleticism.
Santa’s Factory: Holiday wishes are for everyone! Guests of all ages
could stop by Santa’s Factory on select dates during Jungle Bells and have their photo taken with the jolly ol’ elf himself.
Dr. Zoolittle’s One Wild Night Before Christmas: The inimitable Dr. Zoolittle got into the holiday spirit by telling his own zany, interactive version of this Christmas tale.
Festive Food and Drinks: Guests could enjoy deliciously festive specialty food and drink options, including Chocolate Peppermint Churros, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Winter Egg Drop Soup, Mistletoe Martinis, and more!
This festive holiday fun was available in addition to the one-of-a-kind experiences offered at the San Diego Zoo year-round, including the chance to see wildlife up close. With each visit to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, wildlife allies help support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in its mission to save wildlife worldwide and help create a world where all life thrives.
*Jungle Bells did not operate on December 24, 2024.
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park Brought Merry & Bright Family Traditions Back During Wild Holidays
Families Enjoyed Live Entertainment, Festive Food, and More During Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Safari Park brought special festive fun to families during Wild Holidays. From 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on select dates starting November 29, Wild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park transformed the Safari Park into a place that sparkled, glowed, and shone with holiday lights and music. Located about 30 minutes north of the San Diego Zoo in Escondido, the San
Diego Zoo Safari Park is the perfect place for families to make magical holiday memories while experiencing incredible wildlife up close.
Guests found festive treats around every corner of the park on select dates (November 29 through December 1, December 7 and 8, December 14 and 15, December 21 through 23, and
December 26 through January 5) including:
Merry Music: The sounds of the season filled the air with music from Safari Park Radio 197.2 and live performances from the Holiday Troubadour, the Turtle Doves, and Sweater Weather.
Wild Holidays Celebration Tree: Guests experienced the fun of the giant Safari Park-themed tree with wildlife decorations and beautiful holiday lighting at Safari Base Camp.
Light Up the Holidays: Safari Base Camp came to life as the Village lit up in a choreographed display to a holiday soundtrack.
Photos with Santa: On select Wild Holidays dates, guests could have their photos taken with Santa at Safari Base Camp before he traveled back to the North Pole.
Bridge of Lights: Guests could walk across Safari Walk Bridge as it transformed into a musical and magical tunnel of light!
‘Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays: Guests joined Safari Parker, adventurer extraordinaire, for interactive fun and surprises as he read the original holiday story, ‘Twas the Night Before Wild Holidays, which ended in a wintery finale.
Nairobi Lantern Walk: Guests could journey down Nairobi Walk and experience the lanterns as they lit and changed to a musical soundtrack.
Enchanted Lagoon: Mombasa Lagoon became even more enchanted and came to life with sparkling, flickering, floating holiday lights that added a seasonal ambience to the beauty of the lighted waterfall.
The Spirit of the Season: Locations around Tiger Trail were dusted with magical touches, including holiday décor and lighted trees that made for the perfect family holiday photo opportunity.
Forest of Color: The Arbor Walk and Baja Garden were illuminated in beautiful holiday light as Condor Valley glistened with seasonal magic.
Festive Food and Drinks: Delicious holiday specialty items could be found around every corner, including Festive Fresh Fudge, Cinnamon Apple Mules, Irish Cream Nitro Brew, Peppermint Bark, and more!
This festive holiday fun was available in addition to the one-of-a-kind experiences offered at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park year-round, including the chance to see wildlife up close. With each visit to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the San Diego Zoo, wildlife allies help support San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in its mission to save wildlife worldwide and help create a world where all life thrives.
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Five ‘Alalā Raised by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Released on Maui for the First Time Ever
This Charismatic and Intelligent Species Has Been Extinct in the Wild Since 2002
Five ‘alalā (also called the Hawaiian crow), a corvid species native to Hawaii Island, entered the forests of Maui for the first time. The birds were hatched and prepared for release under the care of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at Keauhou Bird Conservation Center in
Volcano and Maui Bird Conservation Center in Makawao. The release of ‘alalā on Maui is a significant milestone in a longstanding conservation program underway for the purpose of returning this intelligent and charismatic species to its forest home.
It is the result of a highly collaborative partnership between U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (State of Hawai‘i DLNR DOFAW), San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and University of Hawai‘i. The National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy are active partners in the introduction of ‘alalā on Maui.
Extinct in the wild since 2002, ‘alalā are the last survivor of all the Hawaiian crow species and were historically found on Hawai‘i Island. Threats to their survival include habitat loss and fragmentation, and predation and disease by introduced species, among other factors. The world’s only remaining individuals are found at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers operated by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and at the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens, where they are granted respite from these challenges. The five ‘alalā that were released—two females and three males—spent several months in a social group at Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers to establish strong bonds. San Diego Zoo Wildlife
Alliance evaluated each bird for the release based on their behaviors, including their success when foraging for food and how they responded to predators. The birds were also assessed by veterinarians.
“It means a lot to me to care for the ‘alalā,” said Keanini Aarona, avian recovery specialist at Maui Bird Conservation Center. “To me, and in my culture, the ‘alalā are like our ancestors—our kūpuna. The forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.”
Species recovery includes a healthy and robust population in human care, and reintroductions in suitable habitat. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s approach to conservation breeding incorporates monitoring ‘alalā breeding activity in human care using remote cameras, and an emphasis on allowing parent birds to breed completely on their own. Scientists also process and analyze biological samples from ‘alalā. By understanding the challenges faced by ‘alalā, the hope is to prevent and treat diseases and other health issues. This intensive management has resulted in an
increase in the population from fewer than 20 birds in the late 1990s to more than 110 ‘alalā today. ‘Alalā conservation is complex, and many partner organizations are working to keep the recovery momentum going.
Between 2016 and 2020, a total of 30 ‘alalā were reintroduced into the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve on Hawai‘i Island. After several successful years of flying free, ‘alalā numbers began to decline once more and reintroduction efforts were paused. The remaining ‘alalā were returned to human care. The insights gained from the previous release effort on Hawai‘i Island will be essential to this next phase on Maui.
“The translocation of ‘alalā to Maui is a monumental step forward in conserving the species and a testament to the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss,” said Megan Owen, Ph.D., vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “It is the result of years of preparation involving San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, USFWS, State of Hawai‘i DLNR DOFAW,
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University of Hawai‘i, and other NGOs, all of which have brought together a diverse range of skills and expertise to support the recovery of this species— one that is vital to the forests and people of Hawai‘i.”
Like all native Hawaiian birds, ‘alalā face challenges to their survival in the wild, so it is essential to understand how to help ‘alalā thrive in their forest home. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance scientists most recently evaluated nest quality and how it correlates to probability of egg loss in the ‘alalā; their findings were published in the journal Zoo Biology. They also looked at how personality traits may impact mate selection, publishing the study in Animal Conservation. A related paper published in Frontiers in Conservation Science revealed that it's not the duration of the relationship that counts, but the age of the birds that determines breeding success. Another paper published in Conservation Science and Practice investigated ways to better manage ‘alalā after release by changing where biologists provide additional food.
First-Ever North American Porcupine C-Section Birth Successfully Performed by San Diego Zoo
Wildlife Alliance
Veterinary Teams Played a Crucial Role in the Procedure, Showcasing Their Dedication to Wildlife Conservation and Animal Well-Being
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s veterinarians successfully performed the first-ever cesarean section (C-section) birth for a North American porcupine, marking a pioneering achievement in veterinary science. This procedure was instrumental in saving both the mother, Maizey, and her male porcupette (baby porcupine), illustrating the essential contributions of veterinary teams to wildlife conservation and their commitment to safeguarding animal health and vitality.
“This landmark procedure highlights the critical role that our veterinary teams play in species conservation, not just in emergencies, but as part of a legacy of leadership in wildlife care,” said Greg Vicino, vice president of wildlife care with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “The success of Maizey’s C-section is another example of our veterinarians’ unwavering commitment to preserving the health and longevity of wildlife.”
The Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp wildlife care specialists meticulously prepared for Maizey's pregnancy, working closely with her
and allowing for voluntary radiographs and veterinary examinations. When Maizey went into labor, wildlife care specialists provided around-the-clock
monitoring and consulting with the veterinary team. Once it became evident that Maizey required further assistance with her pregnancy, the
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team decided to proceed with a C-section. Due to the complex medical procedure, the wildlife care specialists decided to hand-rear the youngster. This decision also allowed Maizey time to properly heal from the operation.
“This groundbreaking surgery emphasizes the integral role of expert veterinary medical care in zoological facilities and highlights the advantages of innovative approaches to save species in need of conservation,” said Dr. Michele Goodman, director of animal care with Elmwood Park Zoo and veterinary advisor for the North American porcupine Species Survival Plan (SSP). “For the North American porcupine, this procedure represents a significant step forward to improve long-term survival rates and contributes to broader conservation efforts aimed at securing its future in the wild.”
Multiple teams across the organization—from the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp wildlife care specialists with their extensive
expertise in natural history and husbandry of Maizey, to the veterinary technicians and hospital care specialists who kept Maizey and baby safe during their surgery, to the neonatal assisted care unit specialists who attended to the porcupette in the critical period after birth—were fundamental to the success and well-being of both individuals.
“It can take a village to raise a child, and sometimes this is true even if they have quills,” said Dr. Garrett Fraess, clinical veterinarian with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “Seeing both Maizey and her baby healthy and thriving is a testament to the exceptional care and teamwork at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.”
Today both Maizey and her porcupette are doing well. Maizey is back to her normal self, nicely healed from the C-section. Her easygoing nature makes her an excellent wildlife ambassador, having educated guests for many years. The porcupette is also healthy and getting bigger every day. He is very playful, often spinning quickly in circles and flaring up his quills, which
simultaneously serves as practice for defending against predators.
Wildlife ambassadors such as Maizey play an important role by connecting guests with wildlife, showcasing natural behaviors and adaptations up close and personal. Maizey also helps guests understand the ecological role wild porcupines play and inspires people of all ages to appreciate the wonder of nature.
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San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 2116 Advisors is an exclusive group of philanthropists, conservation leaders, and conservation scientists providing counsel and support to help us fulfill our vision of a world where all life thrives.
