Oakland Zoo's ROAR

ISSUE 42

ROAR Winter 2011

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS GIRAFFE STORIES MEET SIMON THE WARTHOG

TIGERS ON A PLANE!

MESSAGE Joel J. Parrott, DVM Executive Director, Oakland Zoo

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rom building a new giraffe barn to constructing the new Veterinary Medical Hospital to expanding the elephant barn, many exciting things are happening right now at the Oakland Zoo. You’ve probably noticed the trucks, caution tape, and workers wearing hard hats. Thanks for your patience; once the dust settles, all of this construction will be well worth the wait. These projects directly benefit our animals and will help us provide better quality of care. However, the excitement doesn’t stop there. We had four tigers on a plane, (yes, you read that right), a puppy transported into the Zoo, and you’ll soon see holiday lights throughout the trees – for my favorite time of year, ZooLights.

“Thanks to the generosity of FedEx, the tigers and Oakland Zoo staff were flown free of charge from Fort Worth, Texas to Oakland.”

I bet you are still wondering about those tigers on a plane. In September, four staffers flew to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas to transport four female tigers to Oakland. You may not know it, but Texas is a hotbed for breeding big cats and it’s estimated more than 4,000 tigers live in the Lone Star State; that’s more than what live in the wild. Once tiger cubs get to be a year old, they are expensive, and many people don’t know what to do with them. Numerous calls come to the Gladys Porter Zoo, and the zoo is put in a real predicament to find the cats a home. Once Colleen Kinzley, Director of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research, and I found out the zoo had eleven tigers without the room to properly care for them, we felt we could do something to help: an act of compassion. Thanks to the generosity of FedEx, the tigers and Oakland Zoo staff were flown free of charge from Fort Worth, Texas to Oakland. You can read more about the journey, made possible in part by Leonard X. Bosack and Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation, on pages 18 and 19.

If you’ve recently visited the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children’s Zoo area, you may have spotted Lily Rae, a golden retriever puppy and one of the newest additions to the Zoo. A golden retriever dog may sound like an odd addition to the Zoo, but let me explain. She along with three rescue kittens are a way for the Oakland Zoo’s volunteers and zoo keepers to show children what it’s like to care for a pet. Many children that visit us do not have pets and a one-day visit to the Zoo may be their only exposure to a dog or a cat. Our goal is to give these children a positive experience with a pet and educate parents about adopting animals from a local rescue organization.

Besides shedding light on adopting animals, we are gearing up for ZooLights. This year, our holiday light display will run December 2, 2011 through January 1, 2012. Members, please help us spread the word and keep your fingers crossed it won’t rain! The event will be filled with lights, sights, and sounds of the season thanks to Impact Lighting, Sound on Stage, and KBLX. I hope you enjoy issue 42 of Roar. I thank you, Oakland Zoo Members, for your continued support and wish you and yours a happy holiday season.

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EAST BAY ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steven E. Kane President Thomas P. Britanik Vice President William L. Marchant Secretary James C. Johnston Treasurer Joel J. Parrott, DVM Executive Director Thomas J. Bjornson Daniel Boggan, Jr. Lewis E. Byrd Lawrence S. Cahn Sebastian DiGrande Jonathan M. Harris Cassady M. Hudson Justin J. Hurd Marianne Laouri, PhD Mark McClure Alison McDonald Robin B. Reynolds Steven Schwimmer Charles H. Seaman B. Reid Settlemier Lora R. Tabor Fong Wan John Woolard FOUNDATION BOARD Skip Rhodes President JoAnn Harley Vice President Stacey Barsema Peter Bernhard Kenneth R. Betts Warren A. “Chip” Brown Ginny L. Hair Jason M. Knight Greg Lassonde, CFRE Cornell C. Maier Jack McAboy Robert L. Montgomery Eleanor Moore Gerald D. Overaa Jon Q. Reynolds A. Horton Shapiro Phillip H. Tagami James A. Vohs Jim Wunderman George A. Zimmer

IN THIS ISSUE » DEPARTMENTS Director’s Message.............................................................................. 2 Zoo News......................................................................................... 4-5 Project Updates................................................................................... 6 Pet’s Page: Hello Kitties....................................................................... 7 What’s New at the Zoo.........................................................................8

OUR MISSION The Oakland Zoo’s mission is to inspire respect for and stewardship of the natural world, while providing a quality visitor experience.

Adventures in the Wild: A Long-necked Safari...................................... 9 Volunteer Spotlight: Elfie Larkin........................................................ 10 Board Spotlight: Mike O’Neill.............................................................. 11 Upcoming Events............................................................................... 12 Acorns to Oaks Program.................................................................... 12 Teen Travel: Into the Wild................................................................... 14 ROAR Travel: Uganda and Rwanda.....................................................15

ISSUE 42

FALL/WINTER 2011

STAFF Executive Editor Managing Editor Art Director

Nancy Filippi Nicky Mora Everard G. Strong

2011 Oakland Zoo Wish List............................................................... 20

CONTRIBUTORS

Holiday Gift Ideas.............................................................................. 20

Victor Alm

Lisa O’Dwyer

Erica Calcagno

Joel Parrott, DVM

Sarah Cramer

Moe Perez

Nik Dehejia

Amy Phelps

Adam Fink

Matt Rasmussen

Amber Frisbie

Margaret Rousser

Amy Gotliffe

Melinda Sievert

Cathy Keyes

Kevin Sparrow

Colleen Kinzley

Emma Lee Twitchell, CFRE

MEET Picture This: Friends of the Wild Event............................................... 21 ON THE M I S ZooCamp:...........................................................................................

22 WARTHOG! Giving Back: ......................................................................................

23 page 5

see

» FEATURE STORIES

Eric Maul

Tall Tails: Behind the Scenes with the Zoo’s Giraffe Keepers........ 16-17 Tigers on a Plane.......................................................................... 18-19

» Follow the Oakland Zoo Online

Sara Mellard Beth Needel

ROAR is the official publication of the Oakland Zoo. Published three times per year, it is exclusively made available to the Zoo’s members. For more information on becoming a member or on this magazine, contact the Zoo at (510) 632-9525 or visit us online at www.oaklandzoo.org. All content property of the Oakland Zoo. No part of this publication may be reproduced without express permission of the Oakland Zoo.

ROAR ISSUE 42

Find us on facebook

twitter.com/oakzoo

www.oaklandzoo.org

www.oaklandzoo.org/blog If you have a smart phone, scan in the QR code and you will be taken to the web site.

Volunteer, Stephen Woo

Winter 2011

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS GIRAFFE STORIES MEET SIMON THE WARTHOG

TIGERS ON A PLANE!

Cover Photo: Grace, one of the four new tigers brought to the Oakland Zoo. Photo credit: Nancy Filippi For more on our tigers, turn to page 18.

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NEWS Erica Calcagno : Animal Keeper III Colorado River toad (Bufo alvarius) Photo credit: Adam Fink

» Bigger Digs for a Big Bull

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sh, the Oakland Zoo’s seventeenyear-old African elephant, currently tips the scales at just over 11,000 pounds, a little more than half of what he will weigh when he is full-grown.

Male elephants are big, and they need a big space – which is why we are building Osh a new stall at the Zoo. Although the elephants spend almost nine months of the year outside in their six-acre habitat both night and day, during the winter months they need the protection of a dry, heated stall at night. Osh’s new room will be three times the size of his old room and will feature sky lights, a heater, and a sandy floor. The natural sand substrate is a new concept: the softer surface should be gentle on his joints and limbs. In order to keep it dry, it will be three feet deep, so urine drains away naturally.

At the Oakland Zoo we are always striving for optimal animal welfare: in addition to the improvements you see on your visits, many improvements happen behind-the-scenes that directly benefit the animals’ health and well-being.

» Warts and All…

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f that phrase describes your devotion to your Zoo, then you will be in “Hog Heaven.” Simon, our new one-year-old male warthog, arrived this summer and is already getting comfortable with our older female (see photo opposite page). In late summer he weighed about 100 pounds, about half his predicted adult weight.

These large, flat-faced, grazing pigs are known for the wart-like protrusions on their heads and prominent tusks. The bulges are not exactly warts, but are protective bumps that aid in defense when males fight. Their large tusks are used for digging, in combat with other hogs, and in defense against predators.

Warts are also a distinguishing feature of our Colorado River toads, (also known as Sonoran Desert toads, shown above). Native to California, Arizona, and Mexico, this nocturnal, desert-adapted toad is the largest native toad in the United States.

You can find our pair in the “Desert Exhibit” in the Reptile and Amphibian House; they are estimated to be eleven years old, much older than their wild counterparts which live only four to five years. A regular diet of crickets, mealworms, and mice approximates their wild carnivorous diet. These toads have extremely potent defensive toxins that are released from several glands (primarily the paratoids) in the skin. This toxin is strong enough to kill a full-grown dog.

The fall season is the perfect time to come out and enjoy your Zoo. The weather is cool and the animals, even cooler!

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Osh, the African elephant Photo credit: Oakland Zoo Archive

» Simon Says Hello!

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eet Simon, Oakland Zoo’s newest warthog.

The one-year old arrived at the Zoo in May of this year, and was under medical quarantine for about one month. Simon was released into his exhibit in mid-July. Part of a litter of three male piglets, Simon is currently in the process of being introduced to the Zoo’s twelve-year old female warthog, Emma. Photo credit: Victor Alm

CT: FUN FA born

was Simon ey’s at Disn dom King Animal 1, 2010 On July

www.oaklandzoo.org

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UPDATES

Amy Phelps with Tiki the giraffe.

» Raise the Roof is a success

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Thank you to the following individuals and companies who generously donated items for our Raise the Roof campaign (as of August 19, 2011): Irene Adcock Anonymous Kenneth R. Betts Thomas P. Britanik Lewis Byrd Ross J. Cadenasso Tom Cebulski Jay B. Cochran J. Robert Coleman Helen Crothers Richard W. Davis EBG Consulting Christopher Foard Linda H. Huber Theodore W. Kirsch Sonya H. Lee Cornell C. Maier Laurie D. Martellacci Jack McAboy Robert L. McKeown

Margie Mendez Louise I. Morgan Beth Needel The Oakland Athletics Community Fund Geneva L. Purvis Marilyn J. Rasmussen John Q. Reynolds Robin Reynolds Skip Rhodes Barbara F. Roach S.K. Seymour, LLC Reuben Sandler Donna Sexton A. H. Shapiro Anne Siglin Carey M. Starn Walter R. Turner Janet R. Williams George Zimmer

he Oakland Zoo’s “Raise the Roof” campaign to provide our growing giraffe herd with a new barn got off to a rousing start at the nineteenth annual Walk in the Wild Patron Party.

Foundation Board Member George Zimmer and Trustee Robin Reynolds each provided a challenge towards raising the final $100,000 toward our goal of $400,000. Since our kick-off, THE ROOF7/5/2011 other#1donors have given over $54,000 for the construction of a Proof YOU CAN safe and comfortable home for these gentle, graceful animals. Thank you for your STILL GIVE donations: the new facility will contribute to the giraffes’ health and well-being for www.oaklandzoo.org/giraffebarn years to come.

RAISE

» Veterinary Medical Hospital Update Size: 48” x 96”

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onstruction crews are actively working on the new LEED-certified Veterinary Medical Hospital that is situated adjacent to the Zoo’s main, upper parking lot and projected to open in Summer 2012. The site has been graded; walls and building foundations are being constructed; and recycled and renewable materials are being ordered.

We appreciate your patience as you and your loved ones drive through the upper parking lot, and look forward to sharing more about this new facility with you in 2012.

QTY: 1 6 Printed on 1/8” Dibond (non-glare clear coat) Wooden Easel Back

PETS

Colleen Kinzley : Director of Animal Care, Conservation, and Research

» Hello Kitties (and Puppy too)

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f you’ve recently visited the Children’s Zoo petting area, you might have seen several new animals children can pet: kittens and a puppy.

Many people have been fortunate to have dogs and or cats as part of their family. Growing up, relationships with family pets are meaningful and memorable. However, and particularly in an urban environment, many children may grow up without experiencing that special friendship that only a dog or cat can provide.

The kittens – Billy (the brother, orange-striped), Scarlet (the sister, tortoise-shelled) and Calliandra (also a sister, pale orange) – came from the East Bay Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (EBSPCA) Oakland Facility. As young kittens, they were found under a house and brought into the shelter.

An EBSPCA volunteer took care of them (also called fostering) because they were too young to survive on their own: this included bottle feeding and socializing them until they were old enough to be » puppy training tips put up for adoption. When they were nine weeks old, the Zoo One of the very first things I teach a reward with a treat. Make a game adopted them to become our Zoo pup or dog is to pay attention to me. of it – for a five minute period once a Cat Ambassadors.

While this may seem elementary, it is day, reward him every time he looks L ily of the Wayne and Gladys Valley Children’s Zoo (known to her Zoo family as Lily Rae) is a Golden Retriever puppy.

She has become our Zoo Dog Ambassador so she can help provide children visiting the Zoo the opportunity to meet and pet a dog.

actually one of the main difficulties for many of my clients. Teaching a pup/dog to focus on you is important because you will have far more success training your dog to do just about anything.

One simple exercise is to watch your pup, notice when s/he makes the decision to look at you, however slight it may be, say “YES” and

at you.

The point of this game is for your dog to learn that looking at you can produce a reward, now it will be easier to get your dog to pay attention when you need him to.

Sandi Thompson, CPDT, KA Founder, BRAVO!PUP Puppy and Dog Training.

Proudly Sponsors Roar’s Pet Page

www.oaklandzoo.org

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AT THE ZOO? » Sun bears receive a redesign

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f you haven’t been by the sun bear exhibit recently, you really need to come see the furnishings. Thanks to Natural Balance Pet Foods, Inc. and PETCO, we were able to bring in large logs, by crane, and rebuild the structures.

Our three bears are thoroughly enjoying their new digs: Ting is a little less enthusiastic than the younger girls, but she is making herself at home on the many level telephone pole structure. Come down and see the sun bears’ new digs on your next visit.

» See the Signs

Drivers on 580 headed west have been catching a glimpse of a giant tiger sitting atop the Oakland Zoo billboard. Designed by San Leandro’s Vision Isle, the tiger cutout was custom-mounted on a special frame. The unique visual has helped promote the four new tigers that recently arrived at the Zoo. Keep your eyes on that billboard for more fun and unique designs!

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IN THE WILD Amy Phelps : Primary Giraffe Keeper

» A Long-necked Safari

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n July 2011, I traveled to Etosha National Park in Namibia for the world’s first ever Wild Giraffe Indaba (Indaba is a Zulu word meaning meeting). Hosted by the Namibia Nature Foundation and organized by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, thirty giraffe experts and researchers from ten countries gathered to share information and initiate a longterm conservation and management strategy for giraffe throughout Africa. Giraffe populations have decreased by forty percent across the continent over the past ten years.

With the exception of the Angolan giraffe in Namibia, all other eight recognized subspecies are in decline, with two of them already classified as endangered.

After five inspiring days in Namibia, I traveled to Kenya to spend two weeks volunteering with friend Zoe Muller, principal researcher for the Rothschild’s Giraffe Project. The project’s main study site is the Soysambu Conservancy, located near Nakuru, in the Great Rift Valley.

There are less than 670 Rothschild’s giraffe remaining in the wild, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified them as endangered. Research has never been conducted on this subspecies, making Zoe’s work ground-breaking and crucial to the species’ survival.

The project examines the social organization, behavior, and ecology of these giraffe while also working closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service to develop a conservation strategy for the Rothschild’s giraffe.

Every morning, the team drove out into the conservancy in search of giraffe, coming across Cape buffalo, Plains zebra, waterbuck, eland, impala, jackals, and a slew of other amazing creatures along the way. We took photographs, identified which individuals in the giraffe herd were present, and estimated the distance between those individuals. While there are hyena and leopard, there are no lions on Soysambu, and the giraffe are conditioned to the site of the research truck, allowing for some amazing, up-close observations.

As a zookeeper, I spend every day examining the behavior of giraffe in captivity. But it brings new perspective to see www.oaklandzoo.org

these behaviors in the wild. I observed bulls necking (a “play fighting” ritual amongst young male giraffe that progresses to full-scale dominant matches as they mature), a newborn calf exploring its new world with its mother, a sleeping giraffe, and much more.

We also visited local schools and community groups, bringing donations from the Oakland Zoo, Union City Police Department, and St. Gabriel’s School with us, and spent some time talking with the students about the importance of giraffe conservation.

A herd of Rothschild’s giraffe at the Soysambu Conser vatory, Kenya Photo credit: Amy Phelps

July was a memorable month filled with amazing people and animals alike. We may not all be able to travel to Africa, but we are fortunate enough to have an amazing giraffe herd right here in Oakland. It’s my hope that the relationships we established will continue to grow and be a long lasting alliance for the Oakland Zoo. On your next trip to the Oakland Zoo, stop by and visit the giraffe. Have a seat on a bench nearby and do your own mini-safari. After all, there is plenty of remarkable behavior to see right here.

Amy Phelps is the primary giraffe keeper at the Oakland Zoo. For more information on Amy’s involvement in the Oakland Zoo’s giraffe program, turn to pages 16 and 17.

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PROFILE » Elfie Larkin Susan Gilbert : Docent Lisa O’Dwyer : Asst. Dir. of Conservation & Education

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lfie Larkin was born on December 7, 1911 in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. One of three daughters of Swedish immigrants, Elfie was a happy child and was close with her sisters Evelyn and Elodie. She dreamt of being a dancer and studied dance in high school and then in New York.

But, after going to a teachers’ school with a friend, she became a teacher and loved it. Her first job was at St. John the Baptist Church, where she had eleven students who were in four different grades. Their classroom was in a solarium.

ELFIE LARKIN

Elfie combined her love of animals and her love of teaching by becoming a docent at the Oakland Zoo in 1978.

World War II broke out and a friend showed Elfie a flier calling for women to join the Coast Guard in a program called SPAR – an acronym for semper paratus (“always ready”). She signed up and trained as a radio operator and decoder, serving in St. Louis and then Hawaii. It was in Hilo, Hawaii that she met Paul Larkin, a Naval Officer whom she married in Del Monte, California on June 26, 1953.

Elfie taught first grade and got her Master’s degree at Mills College. When Paul left the Navy, he too obtained a teaching degree and taught math and science. In addition to teaching, they also shared a love of travel. They

traveled all throughout Asia and Europe – it was a visit to the Tiger Preserve in Jaipur, India, that sparked her everlasting love of tigers.

Elfie combined her love of animals and her love of teaching by becoming a docent at the Oakland Zoo in 1978, graduating with the Zoo’s third docent class. She has done a variety of activities over the years for the Zoo, including tours, special events, Wildlife Theater, and Kinder Theater. She was the Education Co-Chair of the Docent Executive Board from 1978-1984; Elfie was honored as a Docent Life Member twenty years of service) in 1998. Elfie is still a passionate Zoo supporter today.

Once asked her secret for longevity, Elfie responded, “A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon with dinner and be happy.”

She spoke of her wonderful parents and sisters, the enjoyment of the jobs she held (some of her first grade students who are now in their sixties still visit Elfie), her wonderful husband, and her joy from the time she spent at the Zoo as all contributing to her happy life.

The Oakland Zoo and Docent Council would like to thank Elfie for all of her contributions and continued support, and wish her a Happy Birthday too!

» A Special Legacy A generous gift from the Estate of Joseph J. deOrnellas has made possible the addition to the elephant barn.

This expansion provides much needed space for Osh, our only male, as he continues to grow to full size, and makes room for a possible new addition in the future.

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Have you considered a legacy gift? A commitment in your will or trust for the Oakland Zoo will create your family legacy, and benefit the animals in our care and the community programs that count on us. Please contact Emma Lee Twitchell, Director of Development, at (510) 632-9525 ext 153 or etwitchell@oaklandzoo.org.

SPOTLIGHT » Mike O’Neill Chair, Capital Campaign Committee Kevin Sparrow : Grants & Major Gifts Associate As a former Member of the East Bay Zoological Society Board of Trustees, how are you continuing your service to the Zoo? I am currently Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee – what a great group of people. Our task is to raise money for the new Veterinary Medical Hospital and the upcoming California Trail Exhibit. With these new facilities, every child will be able to enjoy and learn about California’s native animals and their habitats. And, our animals will benefit from the world class care and our conservation projects. We are more than halfway there in our goals; the community will love the Zoo’s new facilities. I must thank the Oakland Zoo staff and our volunteer committee members for their dedication and hard work: they are truly special people.

What do you gain from being a part of the Zoo family?

Personally, I have benefitted immensely from being around such great people. Everyone is here to serve the children, the animals, and our community in a sustainable way.

How does your service, and the Board’s oversight of the organization, benefit the community?

Every decision the Board makes is governed by how this decision is going to affect the people of Oakland, the East Bay, the whole Bay Area, and our animals – both at the Zoo and in the wild. Knowing our mission makes our decisions easy.

Why do you think volunteering is so important?

Volunteering is a factor of being human. Volunteering is just another name for helping your community without monetary compensation. All people volunteer on some level; one of my places to help is the Oakland Zoo. What opportunities do you see for the Zoo? Opportunities are limited by lack of vision.

Our Zoo is blessed with so many things; with the vision of Dr. Parrott, our staff, and our dedicated volunteers, we are doing what some of people said we couldn’t: we are providing world-class learning opportunities to our children and community. Our new Veterinary Medical Hospital will provide world class care for our Zoo animals and wild animals in need; other opportunities exist to help conservation of endangered animals, including the California condor. www.oaklandzoo.org

MIKE O’NEILL

“Volunteering is a factor of being human.

Volunteering is just another name for helping your community without monetary compensation. All people volunteer on some level; one of my places to help is the Oakland Zoo.”

Meerkat

What is your favorite animal?

I have many favorites: I love watching children being fascinated by our animals. The children’s smiles – their laughter and conversations – are a gift to all of us. The child in me is especially fond of the meerkats. I was able help fund their habitat, and the first three were named after my children: Bridget, Betsy, and James.

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EVENTS » Fall-Winter 2011 November Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up Nov 19, 10:00am

Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up Feb 18, 10:00am Discovering Primates Day Feb 20, 10:00am – 3:00pm

Thanksgiving ZooCamp Nov 21 - 23

March Summer ZooCamp Online Registration Begins – Members Mar 12, 8:30am

Zoo Closed – Thanksgiving Nov 24 December ZooLights December 2 – January 1 Mon – Sun: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up Mar 17, 10:00am

CA Revels – Yule at the Zoo Dec 3, 1:00pm

Summer ZooCamp Online Registration Begins – Non-Members Mar 19, 8:30am

Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up Dec 17, 10:00am

Feast for the Beasts Mar 31, 9:00am – 3:00pm

Winter ZooCamp Dec 19 - 23 Register: www.oaklandzoo.org

April Walk in the Wild Reservations (Purchase Online) Apr 2

Zoo Closed – Christmas Day Dec 25

ights 1 L o o Z - Jan

Winter ZooCamp Dec 26 – 30 Register: www.oaklandzoo.org

Dec 2VE THE SA

January 2012 Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up Jan 21, 10:00am East Bay Zoological Society – Annual Membership Meeting Jan 25, 7:00pm – 9:30pm February For the Love of Primates Feb 10, 6:30pm

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DATE

SpringBreak ZooCamp Apr 2 - 6; 9 - 13 Earth Day Apr 14, 10:00am – 3:00pm Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up Apr 21, 10:00am May Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Clean-up May 19, 10:00am Celebrating Elephants Day May 19, 10:00am - 3:00pm Celebrating Elephants Evening Reception May 26, 6:30pm - 9:00pm

» Acorns to Oaks

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corns to Oaks — an innovative pilot program funded by a grant from CALFIRE — is designed to engage and educate urban youth about the importance of urban forestry, urban greening, the ecosystem, and approaches to land management.

The program creates opportunities for students to participate in classes and workshops at the Zoo. In these sessions, the students gather acorns and plant trees to restore oaks to the Oakland hills.

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Working with Zoo staff, students will be a part of an important initiative that will repair and restore urban parkland, while at the same time fostering stewardship, understanding, interest, and appreciation of being part of their natural world.

December 2 – January 1 5:30pm – 9:00pm No celebration of the season is complete until you experience ZooLights at the Oakland Zoo: magical evenings filled with lights, sights, and sounds of the holiday season.

Find out more at www.oaklandzoo.org Exception: ZooLights will be closed December 24 and 25 so staff members may spend the holiday with family.

*Please note that Oakland Zoo animal residents will be in their night houses and not visible to the public.

Admission Prices:

Adult Members: $6.50 Senior/Child Members: $4.50 Adult Non-Members: $7.50 Child Non-Members: $5.50

www.oaklandzoo.org

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TRAVEL Melinda Sievert : Teen Program Coordinator

Teens Speak “Visiting the conservation projects was really interesting and inspiring. Being able to talk to the project leaders and seeing the good they were doing was a unique opportunity. I feel I learned valuable lessons about how to run successful conservation projects I hope to apply in my future.”

— Jennifer Ginsburg, 18 “Africa was an experience I’ll never forget.

Getting to know the children in Budongo was so inspiring and meaningful. It was interesting to see how they view the world and to listen to all the questions they had for us. You don’t realize how much you take for granted until you see how the rest of the world lives.”

— Kelsey Petersen, 18

Crossing the equator near Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda Photo credit: Margaret Rousser

“Getting up close to the animals was an experience that is hard to express in words. It was like being in the presence of something larger than myself, yet extremely fragile at the same time. “ — Theo Vorster, 18

» Into the Wild

Teens take a trip to Uganda and Rwanda

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n July 2011, along with Zoological Manager Margaret Rousser, I had the pleasure of taking sixteen of our teen volunteers on the ultimate adventure to Uganda and Rwanda. Our goals were to meet people working handson in conservation work; lend our own hands; spot some of the world’s most endangered animals; and have fun.

By all accounts, we succeeded. Our visits to the Budongo Snare Removal Project and Kibale Fuel Wood Project showed us how a few individuals can make a huge difference for their communities and environments. We also witnessed the warmth of the Ugandan people, who welcomed us with open arms. At Budongo, we

assisted with health check-ups and de-worming of goats given to villagers as part of the anti-poaching program – the process took all of our muscles and wrangling skills! In Kibale, we planted fast-growing indigenous trees, part of a sustainable firewood program designed to protect the surrounding forest, and made fuel briquettes out of organic trash.

Perhaps nothing could compare to the experiences we had out in the wild, watching chimps, hippos, elephants, and buffalo in their natural habitat, and an unforgettable hike we took to see one of the most endangered primates in the world. We were rewarded by being able to look at a mountain gorilla face-to-face.

Join Us On Our Next Conservation Adventure.

Stay tuned for details of our 2012 teen expedition, or contact Melinda Sievert at (510) 632-9525 ext. 201, or melinda@oaklandzoo.org.

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A homemade snare trap.

“The gorillas, the chimps, the jungle, the savannah, the people…everything was amazing.” — August Andrews, 16 “Visiting Africa and having the experience we had is a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

Seeing how excited just our presence made the kids was probably one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had.

It’s amazing how something so simple can be so memorable.” — Lara Slatoff, 17

TRAVEL

UGANDA & RWANDA » Oakland Zoo Uganda/Rwanda Conservation Expedition Jumps In Amy Gotliffe : Conservation Director

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n July of this year an Oakland Zoo conservation expedition set out for Uganda and Rwanda. We started at the Ugandan Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe with a hug and tour from Henry Opio, an animal keeper who spent time at the Zoo earlier this year. We brought Henry a much-needed gift: a primate net that could be used for emergency capture (apparently one monkey was quite an escape artist).

we saw, and gazed at a breath-taking pride of lions lounging in a tree. We spent time with Dr. Ludwig Seifert, lion conservation expert, giving us insight into issues facing all predators that live near pastoral communities.

Building arts and crafts with local tribes people. Photo credit: Margaret Rousser

We continued our adventures, crossing the border into Rwanda, shifting our focus to the endangered mountain gorilla. Trekking to see these majestic great apes was a once in a life time experience – and getting special time with the International Gorilla Conservation Project, the Mountain Gorilla Vet Project, and the Virunga Artisans offered us the big picture once again.

Onward we bumped to the jungles of the Budongo, to visit with members of the Snare Removal Project. We walked through the forest with the snare removal team, searching for wire snares set by poachers. We visited a school and exchanged a few songs and dances, and listened to poetry written by their conservation club. Our team also participated in an eye-opening meeting of ex-hunters who were given goats to raise once they renounced poaching; and, we set up a goat clinic for participating villages. Under the leadership of the Oakland Zoo’s Dr. Goodnight, and the Budongo project’s Dr. Carol, we de-wormed over 300 goats!

visited the Kibale Community Fuel Wood Project and their dynamic leader, Margaret Kemigisa. We engaged in the discussions of their solutions to deforestation by planting fast-growing trees, making a fuelefficient stove for a family, and learning We returned with how to create ecomore than art and briquettes. Highlights wildlife photos, of the visit included but with deeper Ex-poachers. attending their connections, outdoor nature movie Photo credit: Margaret Rousser and greater night, visiting their insight and science center, dancing along with understanding their talented dancers, and learning how that can only be gained when you to make colorful paper Kibale Beads. jump in.

The Kibale forest was our next conservation destination – and after enjoying chimp and bird treks, we

At Queen Elizabeth Park, our next stop, we lost count of the number of elephants, hippopotamuses, and birds

For more information on how you can join the next Eco-travel trip, go to www. oaklandzoo.org.

Proudly Sponsors ROAR’s Travel Page www.oaklandzoo.org

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Tall Tails Photos by Stephen Woo

Mabusu and Tiki

A peek inside the lives of Amy Phelps and Sara Mellard, Oakland Zoo’s giraffe keepers

How many volunteers work with the giraffe keepers, and what are their typical duties?

We have about twenty-five volunteers working on the African Veldt. Volunteers assist keepers with routine cleaning, feeding, and basic animal husbandry procedures. They also prepare enrichment activities and assist with positive reinforcement training programs.

What is the most difficult thing giraffe volunteers have to do?

Giraffe are tall, so volunteers must hang their food high off the ground, at tree height. This allows giraffe to use natural feeding behaviors, providing them with the opportunity to stretch and reach for their food as they would in the wild.

Caring for geriatric or ill giraffe is also difficult: volunteers play an important role in assisting keepers and veterinarians with special care and medical procedures.

What does it take to be a giraffe keeper?

Being a top-notch giraffe keeper is more difficult than you might think. Zoo-keeping is a very specific skill set and it requires a certain personality type and training. The job is physically difficult: it involves heavy labor — keepers have to be physically fit. Keepers also need education in

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Amy Phelps, Sara Mellard, and Benghazi biology, zoology, or a related field with specific knowledge and expertise surrounding ungulate natural history, behavior, and physiology. Keepers have to be passionate about what they do and have a strong commitment to their animals to be successful. Caring for giraffe can sometimes require long or abnormal work hours.

Is it dangerous to be a giraffe keeper?

Working around any wild animal that is significantly larger than you is potentially dangerous. However, giraffe can be managed safely with appropriate protocols. If you are kind to the giraffe, the giraffe will most likely be relaxed and calm around you. If you do not give them a reason to feel like they need to defend themselves, they should not feel the need to run, jump, or kick, in your presence.

What is the oddest thing that giraffe do that the public may not know?

To rest or sleep, giraffe lay down. They often lay down in the exhibit during the day. Sometimes standing giraffe stretch their legs on those giraffe that are lying down. They will extend their leg over the back of the giraffe that is lying down and lean back, stretching the muscles up the back of their leg and through their shoulder.

Some of our giraffe like to “groom” the eyes and ears of their herd mates.

Several of our giraffe will lick and suck on the eyeballs of the other giraffe, cleaning the dirt and debris from their eyelashes and the corners of their eyes. The one whose eye is being cleaned never seems to mind. Mabusu, our young bull, likes to stick his tongue into the females’ ears. It tickles them as they always shake their ears and heads when he does this.

Schoolchildren enjoying the African veldt (with Balthazar in the foreground)

CT: FUN FA ils

How unique is the Oakland Zoo’s approach to caring for giraffe?

The Oakland Zoo giraffe are managed using positive reinforcement based management and training methods. This means that the giraffe are active participants in their own care, voluntarily participating in medical procedures and other daily activities in exchange for a reward (usually food treats like bananas and carrots). Our program is known around the world as one of the most advanced and progressive training programs and has been recognized with many awards.

ta Giraffe llent e c x e e ar tters! a w s y fl

For the whole interview, go to www.oaklandzoo.org/blog

Amy Phelps, Sara Mellard, and Mabusu

Keepers Sara and Amy, why do you love caring for giraffe?

Amy Phelps: I have loved giraffe my entire life, making my job a dream job. I enjoy so much about them, they are gorgeous. They have the most beautiful eyes of any animal, a deep chocolate brown eye surrounded by long, glamorous eyelashes.

www.oaklandzoo.org

Sara Mellard: I have always enjoyed working with large animals (particularly ungulates), and giraffe have a certain magical charm all their own. No one can deny that giraffe are elegant, majestic, and strikingly beautiful creatures. However, what I really love is the surprising amount of personality that underlies their outwardly quiet and seemingly aloof nature –each is endearingly quirky and endlessly curious.

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Tigers on a Plane

Story by Erica Calcagno, Keeper III Photos: Nancy Filippi, Nicky Mora,

Erica Calcagno

Precious cargo comes to the Zoo

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our female, six-year-old tigers were fostered for the last four years by the Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ) in Brownsville, Texas before finding themselves on a FedEx plane bound for Oakland, California, and their new forever home at the Oakland Zoo. In December of 2006, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) intervened when a divorcing couple neglected their four 21-month-old female tiger cubs. He got the house; she got the tigers, but moved to Las Vegas, leaving the defenseless cubs with him. The USDA confiscated the animals when he refused to care for them. The GPZ agreed to help and foster them while the USDA attempted to find permanent homes for them. They couldn’t. It wasn’t a problem for GPZ until they were asked two years ago to foster another six confiscated tiger cubs. For the first year, while the six were still small, all was well; but as they grew, so did the need to find permanent homes for some of these tigers. With eleven tigers (they also had an older, resident female tiger), GPZ was forced to house the four girls inside a building with no outside yard or exhibit. That is where they have lived for the last year.

The four tigers are sisters from Texas

Enter the Oakland Zoo: Having lost our older tiger, Suma, last year to kidney failure, we thought our last tiger, Torako, would benefit from some tiger company. While we weren’t looking for four, we couldn’t overlook the opportunity to provide a safe, permanent home for the four indoor tigers. We also feel that the story of the tigers is important, shedding light on a desperate, dangerous, and deplorable situation of exotic animals in private ownership and the entertainment field.

DEPARTURE

Molly, Milou, Grace, and Ginger had no idea their lives would be changing. It must have been terrifying for them. They lived their entire lives together and now they could only

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DEPARTURE

1. Tigers in the Night House at the Gladys Porter Zoo. Brownsville,Texas 2. Milou, tranquilized while being moved into her shipping container.

Brownsville,Texas 3. Awaiting being loaded into truck for drive to airport.

Brownsville,Texas 4. A lot of logistics were involved in moving the tigers.

Brownsville,Texas 5. Grace nervously awaits her first airline flight to her new Oakland home.

Fort Worths,Texas 6. Four tigers are very carefully loaded onto the Oakland-bound FedEx plane.

Fort Worth,Texas

Meet the Four Sisters

ARRIVAL

1. Nancy Filippi, Managing Director, Marketing and Operations at the Zoo, gives water to a tiger. Oakland

Grace

Milou

2. Dr. Parrott and zookeepers introduce the tigers to their new home at the Zoo. Oakland 3. Molly takes her first steps outside of the night house at the Oakland Zoo. Oakland

Molly

4. Ginger apprehensively sets out to explore her new home.

Oakland

Ginger

hear each other through the walls of their individual crates. That is, if they could hear over the unfamiliar roar of jet engines. We knew this journey would have a great ending, but could not effectively communicate that to them. We introduced them to the wonders of Meyenberg Condensed Goat Milk while we sat on the tarmac waiting for our 3:30am flight. They immediately seemed to enjoy that, lapping it up readily. Delivered via spray bottle onto their tongues, perhaps it was reminiscent of a quieter time as nursing cubs.

5. Taking a muchneeded stroll after a very long flight.

Oakland 6. Molly, feeling more at home in her new home at the Oakland Zoo. Oakland

It is estimated that there are more tigers in Texas than left in the wild.

As they adjust to their new surroundings, new neighbors, new keepers, and new experiences here at the Oakland Zoo, we are anxious to share more of their story with our members, and we are sure you will fall in love with them as we already have.

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» MAKE A WISH COME TRUE 2011 Oakland Zoo Wish List

Holiday Gift Ideas Surprise your family or friends with some truly unique gift ideas available at the Oakland Zoo gift shop!

You may donate wish list items to the Oakland Zoo by calling (510) 632-9525, ext. 100. Please drop off items at the Oakland Zoo’s administration building.

» THE GREEN MOTHER GOOSE Old, beloved nursery rhymes receive a new eco-friendly twist in this new book from Jan Peck and David Davis. The inventive, catchy rhymes offer positive, approachable messages about making eco-friendly choices and how kids can help Mother Earth.

Adding to the book’s appeal are Carin Berger’s fanciful illustrations, which are composed from scraps of newspapers and other recycled materials.

New or gently-used household items: Perfumes (esp. Obsession) Plastic garden toys Spices Pet toys Extracts (coconut, berry, Coconut shells (nonvanilla, etc.) finished, non-painted, Raffia non-polished) Large nuts in the shell Baby or infant toys Cardboard baby books Plastic cat litter containers Large plastic children’s Colored blocks toys (no metal parts) Items that can be purchased at most pet stores: Kongs (any size; red, black, Rawhide rolls (hyenas) floating) Ferret toys or sleepers Manufactured parrot toys (ferrets, small primates) (birds, primates, small Squeaky toys (birds, small mammals) primates) Parrot toy parts and pieces Bells (birds, small (birds, primates, small primates; medium and mammals) large) Wood beads and blocks Coconut toys (birds, Jolly balls (lots of species) primates) Large catnip cat toys Cat or dog toys (various (bobcat, small primates) species, depending on Bird kabob (birds, small size and durability) and medium primates) Pig ears (sun bears) Any horse toy or treat Large dog biscuits (hoofstock: zebra, Mrs. Pasture’s Horse giraffe, camel, Sika deer, Cookies goats, etc.)

» CLOUD 9 WORLD Cloud 9 World matches animal illustrations with a positive character trait, such as integrity, compassion, or courage, to help kids age 4 to 11 feel good about themselves. Animals are our kindred spirits so their images are easy for kids to understand.

» GIVE THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP Items that can be purchased at most craft stores: Raffia (natural or colorful) non-polished; wooden Vine balls (non-finished, shapes, boxes, bird non-painted, nonboxes, vine shapes, vine polished) bunches, stalks, etc.)

Vine/wooden items (nonFake plants (silk plants, finished, non-painted, plastic plants) For more ideas click on the QR codes for a wish list from Amazon and Sanctuary Supplies: Amazon

Sanctuary

Share the joy of the Oakland Zoo this holiday season and give someone you love a year of wild adventure! Warm the hearts of friends and family with the gift of an Oakland Zoo membership.

Every membership comes with personalized membership cards, free or discounted admission to more than 125 zoos and aquariums, ride coupons, guest passes, and free admission to the Oakland Zoo for a full year.

To purchase a gift membership online, visit www.oaklandzoo.org.

To order over the phone, call (510) 632-9525 ext 154 or 150. You may also order gift memberships at our Membership Booth, located at the main entrance, or by contacting us at membership@oaklandzoo.org.

Last day to order is December 16, 2011.

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CAPTIONS 1 Zoo supporter Gaile Russ gets an up-close view of some of Zoo’s animal ambassadors.

2 Guests peruse the Zoo’s Conservation Fund, Quarters for Conservation booth.

3 Dr. Joel Parrott with guests Foundation Board Member JoAnn and Alan Harley.

4 Dr. Joel Parrott with Zoo supporters Dick and Suzie Rahl.

5 The Oakland Zoo’s Board of Trustees President Steve Kane addresses guests in beautiful Flamingo Plaza.

6 Guest Linda Huber converses with Eric Maul, Deputy Director of Membership at the Oakland Zoo. 7 Zoo supporter Reid Settlemier, Board of Trustees Vice President Tom Britanik, and new board member Marianne Laouri.

8 Dr. Joel Parrott with guests John and Barbara Moore.

9 Jackie Kane with Foundation Board Member Hort Shapiro enjoy the evening’s entertainment.

10 A member of a Chinese Instrumental Ensemble, a Better Chinatown Tomorrow, the evening’s featured entertainment.

11 Guests enjoy a sunset train ride through the Zoo’s Wild Australia exhibit.

» Friends of the Wild

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n September 21, 2011, the Oakland Zoo hosted over 100 community leaders and philanthropists at our annual Friends of the Wild donor reception. The Asian tiger-themed event featured a Chinese musical ensemble and dancer, and Asian-inspired appetizers. The evening highlighted the generous contributions of our guests in support of the new Veterinary Medical Hospital, exhibit improvements, including those to our giraffe and elephant facilities, and the work our innovative staff has completed in our tiger exhibit. Guests were treated to a sunset train ride through the Wild Australia exhibit and a special behind-the-scenes viewing of our tiger habitat. Photos by Kevin Bartram

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CAMP

Sarah Cramer: Director, ZooCamp

Costume fun in the Discovery Room Photo by Danielle DeMotto

Singing silly songs in Tiger Timbers picnic area.

Photo by Danielle DeMotto

Nature Play campers explore Arroyo Viejo Creek Photo by Danielle DeMotto

Thanks for the Memories!

Thanks for a great 2011 summer of ZooCamp! Over 800 children joined us to learn, play, and connect with nature.

ZooCamp Test Drive Not sure if your child would enjoy ZooCamp? Test drive the program with our one-day ZooCamp workshops over Thanksgiving and Winter break!

Members receive $5 off per day registration fees. • Thanksgiving Break ZooCamp: M-W, Nov 21-23 • Winter Break ZooCamp: M-F, Dec 19-23 and Dec 26-30

We Did It! Each year, ZooCamp partners with a conservation organization working in the field to save wild animals and wild places. The Zoo donates $1 per camper registration and participants also contribute individually. We are extremely excited to announce that in four summers we have raised over $10,000 for conservation!

Children enjoying a sunny day at ZooCamp Photo: Oakland Zoo archive

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Total raised: $1,418 Proyecto Titi (2008); $2,995 Hornbill Research Foundation (2009); $2,805 ARCAS (2010); $3,030 Budongo Conservation Field Station (2010) = $10,248 total!

BACK » ADOPT A GIRAFFE

Adopt one of our giraffe, or any of our animals, and help provide important funds for animal care, conservation programs, education, and research. Adoptions also make perfect gifts for the holidays.

Until December 16, 2011 you can adopt an animal for just $35.

All animal adoptions include a personalized certificate, photo, and fun fact sheet. For just $10 more, we’ll include a soft animal plush. All 2011 holiday orders at the $45 level will be fulfilled with a giraffe plush.

For a complete list of our animals, visit www.oaklandzoo.org.

Visit our website to adopt an animal, or mail this form along with your payment to: Oakland Zoo, Adopt an Animal, 9777 Golf Links Road, P.O. Box 5238, Oakland, CA 94605. You may also take advantage of this offer by calling (510) 632-9525, ext 154.

Mail this form with your payment to: Oakland Zoo, Adopt an Animal, 9777 Golf Links Road, P.O. Box 5238, Oakland, CA 94605.

Send package directly to: Me __ Gift Recipient __ Payment Information ($35) Check __ MasterCard __ Visa __ AMEX __ Card Number _________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date______________________________________________________________________ Name on Card ________________________________________________________________________

You can also take advantage of this offer by calling (510) 632-9525 ext.

154, or by visiting www.oaklandzoo.org/adopt and selecting ‘Giraffe’ as your adopted animal.

Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip ____________________________________________________________________________________ Animal _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Is this a gift adoption?

Yes __ No __

(If yes, please fill out the form below) Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature___________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please make check payable to: East Bay Zoological Society

City / State / Zip _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

» SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFERS

• Free child admission • $2.00 off food • Free ICEE® Scan in the QR code to download a coupon with great savings!

www.oaklandzoo.org

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NON PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE PAID WOODSTOCK, IL PERMIT #663

Celebrating 75 Years of Animal Care Conservation & Community

Oakland Zoo 9777 Golf Links Rd. Oakland, CA 94605

Please remember Oakland Zoo in your will and trusts

» Begin a Holiday Tradition During the evenings of December 2 — January 1, the Oakland Zoo morphs into a magical wonderland filled with lights, sights, and sounds of the Holiday season.

Thousands of LED lights will light up the night in shapes of animals, candy canes, and lollipops!

Celebrate the season and come see the ZooLights at the Oakland Zoo. For more information, go to www.oaklandzoo.org

» Help Support the Zoo’s Annual Fund

Contributions to the Oakland Zoo’s Annual Fund provide year-round ongoing financial support to ensure the health and well-being of all the animals at the Zoo. Annual Fund contributions also provide for education and outreach, conservation, and animal welfare programs. Consider making a gift to the Zoo’s Annual Fund, and add your name to the list of friends and families that we count as our closest partners.

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The Oakland Zoo welcomes contributions of any size. Gifts greater than $100 will appear in the Zoo’s Annual Report. Donors who give $1,000 during the year are recognized as Friends of the Wild and enjoy additional benefits available only to our closest supporters.

For more information about making a gift to the Zoo, visit our website or contact Matt Rasmussen: (510) 632-9525 ext 154 or mrasmussen@oaklandzoo.org.