ISSUE41 41 ISSUE Summer / Fall 2011
WALK IN THE WILD VET PET TIPS UPCOMING EVENTS
TRIP TO KENYA OTTER PUPS
THE ZOO AFTER DARK
Director’s Message
75 YEARS
Joel J. Parrott, DVM
Executive Director, Oakland Zoo
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his issue, we have some exciting news to share with you: The Oakland Zoo’s expansion plans have been approved by the Oakland City Council! In July, we broke ground on a new Veterinary Medical Hospital, which we hope to have completed in the next eighteen months (on page 18, you can read a great article by Dr. Goodnight that explains more about this new facility). After the hospital is completed, we will move forward with building the California Trail, a wild animal park which, once completed, will make the Oakland Zoo one of the largest zoo’s in California. The California Trail exhibit — designed to promote conservation and environmental stewardship with exhibits underscoring the delicate balance among plants, animals, and humans and the impact of change on all three — will greatly expand the Zoo’s leadership role in urban-rim conservation and education. The exhibit — created to tell the story of California’s wild life — will feature once-native animals, including the grizzly and the black bear, the wolf, mountain lion, and bald eagle. Through expanded and enhanced education programming and exceptional animal and botanical exhibits, the California Trail will connect and inspire a new generation to care for their community.
STAFF
Executive Editor
Nancy Filippi
Managing Editor
Nicky Mora
Art Director
Brian Dennis
contributors Victor Alm Erica Calcagno Sarah Cramer Andrea Dougall Amber Frisbie Greg Gilbert Andrea Goodnight, DVM Amy Gotliffe Carey Hoffman Colleen Kinzley
Kelly McDonald Eric Maul Beth Needel Lisa O’Dwyer Joel Parrott, DVM Margaret Rousser Emma Lee Twitchell, CFRE
Cover photo: Annie, chimpanzee
Two projects — the California Trail, supported by Proposition 84, a Nature Education Facility Grant through California Parks and Recreation, and Acorns to Oaks, funded by a ‘Leafing Out’ grant from CAL FIRE — are aiding the Oakland Zoo’s mission of connecting our surrounding community to the natural world. The projects enable us to highlight the importance of the care of the natural environment both at the Zoo and in the surrounding Knowland Park. Acorns to Oaks addresses science education, urban ecology, and land management through active programs that actively engage students in activities with long-term horticultural, urban forestry, and environmental benefits. Gathering acorns and planting trees to restore oaks to the Oakland Hills tells a compelling story about the importance of these fire-resistant native trees. We believe that the outdoors belongs to everyone; however, getting children interested in being in the outdoors often requires mediated experiences as a gateway. Our goal is to break down barriers to the outdoors and create environments that are a welcoming experience for all children. New programs like Acorns to Oaks join ongoing programs here at the Zoo like Zoo-toCommunity, ZooMobile, Creek Keepers, and ZooCamp. Our programs support the promise of a future. We need to educate people about where they are, where they live, and with whom they share the world. The Zoo is a community resource; a place where people of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds can come together to understand, appreciate, and care for the native world.
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Photo credit: Nancy Filippi Board of Trustees Steven E. Kane President
Lora R. Tabor Fong Wan John Woolard
Foundation Board
Thomas P. Britanik Vice President
Skip Rhodes President
William L. Marchant Secretary
JoAnn Harley Vice President
James C. Johnston Treasurer
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
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 Mark McClure Alison McDonald Robin B. Reynolds Steven Schwimmer Charles H. Seaman B. Reid Settlemier
(IN THIS ISSUE)
The OAKLAND ZOO
is Home to Seven Chimpanzees
features
three males four females
Director’s Message 2 Chimpanzee Facts 3 What’s the News 4–5 Wallaroo Joeys 5 Celebrating Elephants Recap 6 The Zoo After Dark 8 Board Member Spotlight 9 Earth Day 2011: What an Adventure!
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Our Palm Trees
10–11
Walk in the Wild 2011
12–13
Saving Wildlife with Each Visit
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Otter Pups
16–17
ZooCamp Recap
16–17
Breaking Ground for Zoo Veterinary Care
18
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
21
Adopt a Chimpanzee
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Chimpanzee Facts • Due to poaching, the bushmeat trade, and destruction of their habitat, chimpanzees are endangered in the wild. Their only real predator is man.
• Chimpanzees communicate
with each other through gestures, facial expressions, and vocalizations. Humans can recognize about thirty-four of these vocalizations.
• Chimpanzees make and use a
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wide variety of tools, more than any other primate except for man.
• Chimpanzee’s arms are ten
percent longer than their legs.
• Like humans, an adult
chimpanzee has thirty-two teeth.
in every issue Book Page Travel Page Pet Page Upcoming Events and Summer Hours Game Page
• By about four years of age, 7 15 19 20 23
chimpanzees can recognize their own reflections.
• Because they have a larger proportion of muscle to fat, chimpanzees cannot swim.
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NEWS Erica Calcagno Animal Keeper
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ur newest babies, the otter pups (also called kits) and wallaroo joeys, are now exploring their world away from the protection of their mothers. In the wild, they might end up as food for raptors (birds of prey), foxes, coyotes, crocodiles, alligators, bobcats, or feral cats and dogs. Here at the Oakland Zoo, they can fearlessly investigate their environment in safety. In fact, their biggest danger may be the loss of their “cuteness” as it becomes difficult to tell the baby from the adult! Animal babies grow fast. While this is a critical survival strategy, especially in animals that may fall prey to hungry predators, it’s disappointing to those of us that may have been too busy to see them at the height of their charming and endearing baby stage. Fear not! There are many more opportunities to experience “Wow!” moments at the Zoo.
Otter pups take their first swim with their mother Photo credit: Adam Fink
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Habari Gani (What’s the News?)
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Wallaroo Joeys
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New joey makes an appearance Photo credit: Lorraine Levy
Baby Otters
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Wallaroos
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Summer
YEARS
ummer is the perfect time to come out and ride the Outback Express Adventure Train. Our two wallaroo joeys continue to thrive, and our older joey has now transitioned out of the pouch; he can be regularly seen throughout the exhibit. However, this doesn’t mean he is completely independent of his mother — he will continue to spend regular time nursing with his mom for another three to four months.
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Fall
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2011
Wake Up Zoo!
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nstead of coming just to look at our new animals, why not come to take a new look at all the animals. You may have missed something the last time you were here. Summer hours start early for members. Before the gates are officially opened, members are allowed to enter and be a part of our “Wake Up Zoo” experience. During the early hours of the day, keepers are busy checking animals and exhibits. We try to create new opportunities for the animals to explore and investigate their areas; think of it as redecorating your house. But, think twice about asking one of our zookeepers to do it for you: you might find them spreading elephant manure on your floor, hanging popcorn filled boxes from your chandelier, or dabbing peanut butter and mustard all over your furniture! However, if you were a lion, tamarin, or elephant you would think these are worthy and enriching activities. Keepers try to stimulate all the senses
of the animals, encouraging them to act naturally in their habitats. Elephant manure is like catnip to a lion: our elevenyear-old lions roll and roll in it, jump quickly up and flop down into it. They do this over and over again. Many of our primates large and small — including the cotton-top tamarins — forage through the branches, open and peel back layers of paper, and investigate boxes or toys, hoping to discover something edible. The elephants are highly motivated by their olfactory sense of smell. Peanut butter and mustard are just two of the many scents and tastes they look for throughout their exhibit. They just follow their nose; after all, it is pretty big! There is a lot of early morning activity at the Zoo. Come early, check in at the membership booth, and sneak around and watch the Zoo wake up. You’ll have a great time!
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Thanks for Your Support of Elephant Conservation Colleen Kinzley, Curator
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n May 14, 2011, Oakland Zoo guests participated in the Zoo’s annual Celebrating Elephants Day — visiting information stations, making treats for the elephants, enjoying the animal-free circus performers, and other fun activities. Many families also took advantage of the special behind-the-scenes tour of the elephant barn, with the rare opportunity to be face-to-face with an elephant! The keepers demonstrated how elephants are cared for, including the daily pachyderm pedicure. This year, our featured speaker at the evening event was Winnie Kiiru, a Kenyan-born, wildlife ecologist. She spoke passionately about her work in Kenya’s Amboseli National Park, supporting elephant conservation and managing human-
elephant conflict. Kiiru generously donated her time to speak to our audience, and we truly appreciate her taking the time to visit the Oakland Zoo.
Thank you to the following individuals and companies who generously donated items for our Silent Auction at Celebrating Elephants.
With the help of our Zoo members, volunteers, and community supporters, we raised more than $18,000 for elephants in the wild. All of the funds raised will be donated to the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. Find out more information online at www.elephanttrust.org. We would also like to thank the staff, docents, Zoo ambassadors, and volunteers who put in extra hours to plan and execute this very important annual event at the Zoo.
Elaine Geffen Mary Smithers Susan Gilbert Tana Montgomery Cheryl Matthews Sandy Malloy Lynn Johnson Laura Dougherty Genny and Bob Greene Jeff and Carolyn Bonzon Max and Doug Ashcraft Laura Dougherty Sharon Calcagno
Mark Your Calendar for Next Year’s Celebrating Elephants Events: • May 19, 2012: Celebrating Elephants Evening Reception with Cynthia Moss, world famous elephant researcher and founder of the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. • May 26, 2012: Celebrating Elephants Day at Oakland Zoo
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Petfood Express Folkmanis Puppets Phoenix Rising Salon and Day Spa Monterey Bay Aquarium Marine Mammal Center Commonwealth Club Membership Charles Schulz Museum UC Berkeley Hyena Project A Great Good Place for Books Montclair Sports Hula Clothing Store Crossroads Trading Mountain Yoga Southwest Airlines Healthy Life Vitamins Someone’s in the Kitchen Safari West The Tech Museum Aquarium of the Bay Elephant Bar San Francisco Zoo Healing Hut El Torito Restaurant Performing Animal Welfare Society
BOOKS
Verdi
by Janell Cannon / Children’s Book When Verdi’s Mother tell’s him to grow up big and green, Verdi can’t imagine why. All the big and green snakes seem lazy, boring, and rude. Besides, he really loves his bright yellow skin and sporty stripes. So Verdi decides he simply won’t turn Green, which is why he finds himself in a heap of trouble. Available in the Oakland Zoo Gift Shop
Proudly Sponsors ROAR’s Book Page
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After Dark The Zoo After Dark Greg Gilbert,
Primary Night Keeper
“The Oakland Zoo’s commitment to the welfare of our animals is an around-the-clock, seven-days-a-week endeavor.”
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everal years ago, a night keeper position was created to better meet the needs of the ever-growing collection of animals found at the Oakland Zoo. The original intent of the position was to make it possible for elephants to spend warm nights outside. Over the years, the night keeper duties have expanded: today, the night keeper is a parttime chef, part-time animal keeper, and part-time security officer. A typical night requires preparation for the next day’s meals, which include special diets for fifteen major species. Throughout the course of the evening, over three hours are spent solely preparing animal diets. The night keeper’s next major task is feeding and shifting animals from their “on exhibit” space to their “off exhibit” night areas. As the days grow longer, it is the Zoo’s intent to allow animals to have access to outdoor spaces for as long as possible. Both the giraffes and elands receive two evening feeds prior to settling into their barn for sleep. The same is true for the elephants, which are fed at 8:00pm and 11:00pm. As soon as the ground is dry enough and the overnight temperatures are accommodating, the elephants sleep outdoors. Typically, this averages about eight months out of the year.
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Greg Gilbert,
Primary Night Keeper Photo credit: Brian Dennis Throughout the course of the evening, several security rounds are scheduled to check on the well-being of the animals and general state of the facility. Sound carries extremely well at night and often tells the night keeper when something may be bothering animals—these vocalizations often trigger a visit to the affected area: our lemurs love to alert call to let us know there is a skunk somewhere near their exhibit! In most cases, the evening sounds are nothing more than what one would hear on safari: the howling hyena, the roar of lions, the trumpeting of elephants, and bugling of elk are just part of the nighttime symphony being played at the Zoo.
The night keeper position is unique and rewarding, as one gets to see things that seldom happens during daylight hours. Often times, the only display we witness at night are by animals who are simply enjoying the warm summer evenings.
Spotlight Spotlight
Justin Hurd,
East Bay Zoological Society Board of Trustees
”I hit a point in my life where I was ready and able to start helping others and do the clichéd ‘give something back’ on a larger and more meaningful scale than I had previously been doing.” Editor: What Made You Join the EBZS Board? Justin Hurd: I hit a point in my life where I was ready and able to start helping others and do the clichéd “give something back” on a larger and more meaningful scale than I had previously been doing. My friend and boss at the time, Riley (Etheridge Jr.) discussed options, and we chose the Zoo. I picked up the phone and called, found about the “California Trail” and instantly knew that I wanted to be a part of that upcoming project. The fact that we could help show California as it was, showcasing some of our native animals and an interpretive center — was a perfect fit for me. Editor: What do you gain from being a part of the Zoo Family? Justin Hurd: The Zoo family and its extended family allow me to interact with people whom I don’t necessarily meet on a regular basis. The Zoo professionals are in an area where their training and expertise levels and passions are dissimilar from mine in some ways. I can learn so much from them, as they approach the world from a point of view, which is scienceand-education driven. Most of us can read about conservation or zoology, but these people live it, practice it, and teach it, all first-hand. Editor: How does your service and the Board’s oversight of the organization benefit the community? Justin Hurd: We are beholden to a few different pools of interest here, as representatives of the East Bay
Justin Hurd,
East Bay Zoological Society Board of Trustees Photo credit: Brian Dennis Zoological Society. We represent over 25,000 member households, the public, our donors, and the recipients of the product itself, which includes school children, teachers, and moms and dads with their young children in strollers. We have public land, some public money, private donors, and member and visitor money. All of these people expect us to manage what we have in the interest of the public and the Zoo. Our job is to provide direction, and in some cases, levels of expertise that the Zoo staff does not have on its own, and complement or supplement what they do have.
revenue streams so that we could be financially very stable. We are well on the way to achieving all three of those objectives. For the future, we have to deliver on not only those three objectives, but provide an excellent product in all facets of the business here. We need to contribute to conservation worldwide, in a way that is consistent with our goals and mission. As we approach our building phases of both the new animal hospital, and the California Trail, we have an opportunity to be a world class zoo. That is certainly possible, and what this community deserves.
Editor: What opportunities do you see for the Zoo?
Editor: What is your favorite animal?
Justin Hurd: A few years ago, we had a strategy meeting in which we decided to be three things: A regional destination point, a place known for its animal care and policies, and achieving a goal of diversifying our
Justin Hurd: My first thought is the elephants, because they are so smart and so powerful and large. The space they have is incredible, and the care they have is world class, without question.
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Our Palm Trees Eric Maul,
Membership Manager
The Teen Wild Guides and the Bay Area Puma Project’s Mt. Lion have an Earth ball adventure at Earth Day 2011
Photo credit: Amy Gotliffe
EARTH DAY 2011 Amy Gotiffe
Canary Palms, like so many palm trees, are happy to be center stage or simply a part of the background landscape. Fortunately for the Oakland Zoo, we have the best of both worlds. When entering the Zoo, one of the first sights that welcome you is a long row of Canary Palms – many estimated to be approaching 100 years in age! These trees once lined a long driveway leading to the mansion of Frederick Talbot (Talbot and Pope Lumber Company) and later Cliff Durant (automobile manufacturer). The mansion was destroyed by fire in 1921.
You’ll find Canary Palms located throughout the Zoo – most notably across from the African Veldt. Learn more about the Zoo’s botanical holdings, you may purchase our Docent’s Guide to Oakland Zoo Plants, available for just $8. This is a simple field guide that is used by our docents to help identify and learn more about many of the common plants located on Zoo grounds. For additional information, including how to order your own Docent’s Guide to Oakland Zoo Plants, contact mygreenzoo@oaklandzoo.org.
Conservation Manager
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n April 17, 2011, the Oakland Zoo celebrated another fantastic Earth Day event. With over forty-five earth stations and a grand show by EarthCapades, everyone learned a lot and had a ball while doing so. We would like to thank the following groups for joining us: The House Rabbit Society, Berkeley East Bay Humane Society, Spreadkindess. org, Kids for the Bay, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, KQED’s QUEST, Bay Nature Magazine, Ventana Wildlife Society, Action for Animals, In Defense of Animals, Stopwaste.org, Marshall’s Farm Honey, Animals Asia, Roots & Shoots, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Bay Area Wilderness Training, Sulphur Creek Nature Center, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Green Tortoise Travel, Felidae Conservation Fund, the Mountain Lion Foundation, and KBLX.
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The Palm Oil Crisis Palm oil is an ingredient found in many products, from crackers to soap. The oil palm grows mainly in Borneo and Sumatra, home to tigers, sun bears, elephants, and orangutans. Sadly, the industry poses a threat to these species, as it uses deforestation practices that greatly threaten their delicate habitats. The oil palm can produce more oil per acre than any other plant; it’s therefore worth exploring sustainable means of growing it.
You can help by looking at labels when you shop: Choose products that don’t use palm oil, or opt for products that use sustainable “orangutan-friendly” palm oil. You can also support companies that are part of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). To learn more about this complicated conservation issue, check out the Oakland Zoo blog: www. oaklandzoo.org/blog.
California Fan Palm
Canary Palm
Chilean Wine Palm
Guadalupe Palm Photo credit: Eric Maul
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2011 Walk in the Wild Sponsors Veterinarian ($5,000)
Environmentalist ($500)
Carrie and Kelly Barlow Bay Alarm Company Bigge Crane & Rigging Co. Brown and Brown Insurance Merrill Lynch Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Aliquot & Associates, Inc., Planners, Civil Engineers, Surveyors Sue and Dick Bezman Sherri Stewart-Bunger and Brian Bunger Joseph M. Brajkovich, PLS Surveys, Inc. Carol Osterberg Chesnutt and Philip Chesnutt Jeanie and Dan Christopoulos Patricia Condran Richard and Vicki Davis Sebastian and Tanja DiGrande Sandy and Dick Drew William M. Eames Neil and Diane Goodhue Janet and Murray Gordon Jim and May Johnston Sue and Ted Kirsch Elfie Larkin Barbara and Lew Lippard Carole and Jack McAboy Judy Mears and Bart Lee Margo Murray Janet Y. Nakao The Oakland Athletics Susan and David Ogden Norman and Janet Pease PETCO Animal Supplies Maria Pracher Greg and Sonjia Redmond Nicholas and Margherita Sorci Sandy Spring, East Bay Sotheby’s International Realty Lora Tabor and Ron Johnson Walter R. Turner Emma Lee and Gary Twitchell San Leandro Mayor Emeritus Shelia Young Gene Zahas Frank Zimring and Michal Crawford-Zimring
Curator ($2,500) Alaska National Insurance Company Heather Bryant and Doug Jameson BrightSource Energy, Inc. California Capital & Investment Group Claremont Behavioral Services Barbara Snow Clark The Clorox Company Robert and Diane Coleman Kathy and Ed Deenihan McGuire and Hester Foundation Meyers Nave Reed Smith LLP Ann and Jon Reynolds Robin and Jake Reynolds Barbara Roach Safeway Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis, Inc. Top Grade Construction Townsend Public Affairs Turner Construction Company
Zoologist ($1,000) Ken and Carla Betts Daniel and Jacqueline Boggan Chain Link Fence & Supply, Inc. Mary and Philip Charvet Laura and Derek de Petra Great American Insurance-Specialty Human Services Division JoAnn and Alan Harley Linda Hart Huber Steve and Jackie Kane Marianne Laouri Jon and Megan Leuteneker Lew Edwards Group Bob and Joan Montgomery Morgan Stanley Noll & Tam Architects Pacific Bay Electric Peterson Sheetmetal Port of Oakland Reliable Tree Experts Skip and Frankie Rhodes Gaile and Bill Russ Hort and Betty Shapiro Barbara and Tom Skelly Eileen and Jim Vohs Mary A. Wade Wells Fargo Wendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP George and Lorri Zimmer
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Vendors BAKERIES, CATERERS, AND RESTAURANTS AIDELLS SAUSAGE COMPANY San Leandro ANGELA’S BISTRO AND BAR Alameda AROMA RESTAURANT & CATERING Alameda ASQEW GRILL CATERING San Francisco BREAD GARDEN BAKERY Berkeley CATERED TO YOU Oakland DICKSON NAPA RANCH Napa EL AGAVERO RESTAURANT & TEQUILA BAR Oakland ENGLANDER SPORTS PUB & RESTAURANT San Leandro FENTONS CREAMERY Oakland
FISCALINI CHEESE COMPANY Modesto GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO. Oakland GUADALAJARA RESTAURANT & TEQUILA BAR Oakland HAVANA CUBAN CUISINE Walnut Creek HOME OF CHICKEN AND WAFFLES Oakland HORATIO’S San Leandro JUST DESSERTS Oakland ITALIAN COLORS RISTORANTE Oakland KINCAID’S Oakland KINDER’S MEATS & CATERING Concord LA BOCCA FINA CATERING Hayward LADYFINGERS Oakland LAKE CHABOT GOLF COURSE Oakland LAVA PIT FIRE GRILL Orinda MONTIBELLA SAUSAGE COMPANY Orinda NOTHING BUNDT CAKES Dublin OAKLAND ZOO ISLAND CAFÉ Oakland OLD TOWNE DANVILLE BAKERY Danville OLIVETO CAFÉ & RESTAURANT Oakland OZUMO RESTAURANT Oakland PIE TISSERIE Oakland PLUM RESTAURANT Oakland SKATES ON THE BAY Berkeley SORELLA DI ZZA’S Oakland SYSCO San Francisco TACOS EL NOVILLO Oakland TACOS GUADALAJARA Oakland TRADER JOE’S, ROCKRIDGE Oakland U.S. FOODSERVICE Livermore WHOLE FOODS MARKET Oakland brewers ALE INDUSTRIES Concord ANDERSON VALLEY BREWING COMPANY Boonville BEAR REPUBLIC BREWING CO. Healdsburg BISON BREWING COMPANY Berkeley BUFFALO BILL’S BREWERY Hayward CRISPIN CIDER Minneapolis DRAKE’S BREWING COMPANY San Leandro FIRESTONE WALKER BREWING COMPANY Paso Robles FOX BARREL CIDER Minneapolis GREEN MOUNTAIN BEVERAGE – STRONGBOW CIDER Hereford, England WOODCHUCK DRAFT CIDER Middlebury, VT WYDER’S CIDER Middlebury, VT
LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY Petaluma LINDEN STREET BREWERY Oakland NEW BELGIUM BREWING COMPANY Ft. Collins, CO PACIFIC COAST BREWING CO. Oakland PHOENIX BEVERAGE MANAGEMENT – ASPALL CIDER Aspall, England DE PROEF Lochristi, Belgium BELLEGEM’S BREWERIES Bellegem, Belgium PYRAMID BREWERIES Berkeley SIERRA NEVADA BREWING COMPANY Roseville SPEAKEASY ALES & LAGERS San Francisco TRIPLE ROCK BREWERY Berkeley TRUMER BRAUEREI Berkeley WILLIAM’S BREWING San Leandro wineries BAREFOOT WINE & BUBBLY Modesto CONCANNON VINEYARD Livermore DASHE CELLARS Oakland ELLISTON VINEYARDS Sunol FENESTRA WINERY Livermore HOPPER CREEK WINERY Yountville IRISH MONKEY CELLARS Alameda JC CELLARS Oakland J. LOHR VINEYARDS & WINES San Jose LA ROCHELLE WINERY Livermore LITTLE VALLEY WINERY Sunol MERCY VINEYARDS Pebble Beach MILL CREEK VINEYARDS and WINERY Healdsburg MURRIETA’S WELL WINERY Livermore RETZLAFF VINEYARDS Livermore ROCK WALL WINE COMPANY Alameda ROSENBLUM CELLARS Alameda STEVEN KENT WINERY Livermore TAMAS ESTATES Livermore WENTE VINEYARDS Livermore WESTOVER WINERY Castro Valley non-alcoholic HONEST TEA Bethesda, MD NUMI TEAS Oakland REVIVE DRINKS Windsor S. MARTINELLI & COMPANY Watsonville WORLD GROUND CAFÉ Oakland
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The Oakland Zoo’s 19th Annual Fundraiser Walk in the Wild: An Epicurean Escapade Saturday, June 25, 2011
Pantone 286C
Thank you to all sponsors, patrons, guests and the ninety-three restaurants, bakeries, wineries, and breweries whose participation in the 2011 Walk in the Wild helped raise over $188,00o to help support the Zoo’s education, conservation, and animal enrichment programs. Special thanks to our volunteer leaders: Carla Betts, Walk in the Wild Event Chair, and Laura de Petra, Vendor Chair. The Board and Staff members of the East Bay Zoological Society would like to extend our gratitude to the corporate sponsors who provide the necessary support for Walk in the Wild. Their support has made Walk in the Wild a premiere event our patrons look forward to each year. a
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a) The patron party dancer entertains guests b) Roberta Gonzales, CBS5 Meteorologist, Glen and Linda Ellis c) Carla Betts, Dalton Fine D) Marlene Settlemier, Nancy Scott, Liz Sussman, Ann Reynolds E) Jo Hoffmeier, University of Phoenix, and Skip Rhodes F) Alicia Bert, PG&E, Barbara Kong-Brown, Fred Brown G) Jim Vohs and Dr. Joel Parrott H) Carrie Barlow, Carry Starn, Kelly Barlow Photo credits: Rick Camargo, Camargo Photo
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CONSERVATION Saving Wildlife with each Visit! Amy Gotliffe,
Conservation Manager
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his summer, each time you visit the beautiful animals and lush grounds of the Oakland Zoo, you will be helping animals in the wild. The Oakland Zoo is launching a new initiative we call Quarters for Conservation, which will dramatically enhance our ability to support wildlife conservation. You, our members and visitors, will be part of this exciting evolution in conservation. This is how it works: Each time you visit the zoo a twentyfive cent conservation donation will be contributed in support of several Oakland Zoo conservation projects. You will then receive a special voting token. This token can be taken to the conservation station in Flamingo Plaza and used to choose a conservation project that inspires you. This year, you can vote to: Help protect chimpanzees in Uganda through the Budongo Snare Removal Project. This project provides a
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solution to poaching by sponsoring forest guards, snare removers and educators, and by offering nanny goats to ex- poachers as an alternative source of food and income. Help conserve African elephants in Kenya, through the Amboseli Trust for Elephants. This renowned program is aimed at increasing our knowledge of African elephants and ensuring their
Wildlife Society Condor Project. This innovative project collects thinshelled eggs laid by ill condors, and replaces them with viable captive-bred eggs, treats lead-poisoned birds, and monitors the safety and health of each condor through radio telemetry. A remarkable shift in the role zoos play in the world of conservation is emerging as Quarters for Conservation
QUARTERS FOR CONSERVATION long-term conservation. Through their efforts, every elephant in Amboseli National Park has been identified, named, and studied. Help keep the California condor alive and in the wild through the Ventana
takes the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) by storm. With over fifteen zoos already in motion and many more planning to launch, saving wildlife is indeed possible!
TRAVEL
KENYA San Francisco Kenya Distance: 9,584.65 Flight Time: 18 hours and 53 min. Capital City: Nairobi Country Size: 4,336 sq. mi. Language: English (official) Swahili (national)
Tablets are a great way to view Safari photos!
Kenya Safari November 2011
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oin Oakland Zoo’s Senior Animal Keepers, Elizabeth Abram and Adam Fink, on a Kenyan safari! The safari will begin in the Amboseli Game Reserve, famous for its well-studied herds of African elephants. Next, you will travel to Northern Kenya, where you will stay in a luxury tented camp along the banks of the Vaso Nyiro River in Samburu, a unique acacia woodland well-known for their large herds of reticulated giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, leopards, and an overall abundance of wildlife. A special visit to a Samburu Village will allow you to observe the customs and traditions of a local tribe. Before leaving northern Kenya, you will travel into the deep forest of Mt. Kenya, and stay at the Mountain Lodge, home to many forest dwellers, including several rare species of birds. Your final days on safari will be spent in Masai Mara, the jewel of Kenya’s game reserves. The endless savannahs of Masai Mara are home to all of Kenya’s magnificent animals: lions, cheetahs, leopard, elephant, hippo, rhino, and many more. Your stay will coincide with the peak of the annual wildebeest migration, and you will witness large herds gathering on the vast plains preparing to cross the Masai River. For more information on this amazing journey, contact Oakland Zoo’s Curator, Colleen Kinzley, at colleen@oaklandzoo.org or call (510) 632-9525 ext 161. Reserve your spot now as space is limited!
Proudly Sponsors ROAR’s Travel Page 15
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OTTER TIMELINE Margaret Rousser Lead Keeper
WEEK 1 - 3 2/15: Two pups are born. Eyes and ears are closed but they are very mobile. /16: First veterinary check-up: we 2 have one male and one female. 3/7: During veterinary check-up, we notice the pups’ teeth are coming in. 3/17: Their eyes are starting to open. /21: They start playing. The male is 3 too heavy to be weighed on the 1kg scale.
Photo credits : Adam Fink
ZOOCAMP: 25 Years of Connecting Children with Wildlife Sarah Cramer, ZooCamp Director
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or twenty-five years, the Oakland Zoo’s ZooCamp has been teaching children about animals. Each summer, over one thousand Bay Area kids come to the Zoo and participate in our program, in the process, they gain a deeper understanding of animals, and how we can help protect wild things and wild places.
the organization’s logo on T-shirts, host an all-camp assembly to teach participants about the organization, and send letters home to parents explaining the partnership. The Zoo also donates one dollar per registration to the conservation organization; so far, we have raised over seven thousand dollars!
In 2008, we started selecting a specific conservation organization for ZooCamp to support. We put
This year, we hope to push the cumulative total above ten thousand as we raise awareness and money for
the Budongo Snare Removal Project. Located in a relatively untouched block of forest in Uganda, this program employs ex-poachers to remove illegal animal traps. The traps are meant to catch small antelope or wild pigs but instead often ensnare chimpanzees, resulting in them missing digits or limbs. For more than ten years, the Oakland Zoo has been the sole funder of the snare removal team, and ZooCamp is very excited to help support their efforts.
WEEK 4 - 6
WEEK 7 - 8
WEEK 9 -10
3/24: Eyes are fully open but not focus- ing. The female is too heavy to be weighed on the 1kg scale.
4/18: Female pup goes into the night house pool for the first time.
4/27: Pups enter exhibit for approximately one hour to explore and swim in the big pools. The adventure causes them to sleep the rest of the day.
3/31: Eyes are focusing.
4/19: Pups go into the exhibit for a few minutes.
4/3: They are seen out of the nest box and crawling on floor.
4/22: They are swimming with their heads underwater.
4/4: Pups are able to climb in and out of the nest box on their own.
4/27: Pups are able to get into night house pools on their own and are able to eat fish halves.
4/12: Pups are climbing in and out of the water tubs. Male is carried into larger night house pool to practice swimming.
4/28: Pups are outside again and able to dive to the bottom of the pools. 5/10:
The pups have continued to go on exhibit daily and are awake for more time each day. They are eating quite a bit of fish, although it appears that they have not been completely weaned yet.
4/14: They become interested in fish.
Register now for Zoocamp www.oaklandzoo.org
YEARS
25 Photo credit: Liz Low
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Breaking Ground For Zoo Veterinary Care Andrea L. Goodnight, DVM Associate Veterinarian
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s I began writing this, I couldn’t help but think back to some of my professors from veterinary school. They reminded me and my fellow students that as part of the privilege of being veterinarians, we were committing ourselves to a lifetime of learning in order to provide the best patient care possible. I thus anticipated reading about new medications, new treatments, different diseases — but architectural plans, D&D, and HVAC systems? Those and more buildingrelated terms have recently become standard vocabulary for the veterinary staff at the Oakland Zoo. After years of dreaming, drawing, and
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consulting, we broke ground on a state of the art, 17,000 square foot Veterinary Medical Hospital! The challenge was to design a hospital to treat and accommodate a variety of animals and their specific needs — from sun and humidity-loving reptiles, to tiny birds, to cold-adapted grizzly bears. Marathon brainstorming sessions ensued and no detail was considered too insignificant. We spent hours deciding such things as the best direction for doors to open, which size sinks are most appropriate, and which types of counter tops are most resistant to scratches and stains. One interesting find: Sharpie
brand pens make permanent marks on almost every surface. The immediate benefit to the healthcare of animals in the Zoo’s collection is only the beginning of the hospital’s applications. This facility will be utilized in fulfilling the Oakland Zoo’s mission — educating veterinary students and animal health professionals and supporting scientists in their conservation endeavors — and will truly be a center for lifelong learning.
The Veterinary Medical Hospital Executive Director Dr. Joel Parrott, surrounded by friends, supporters, volunteers, and staff hosted the long-awaited groundbreaking of the Zoo’s new 17,000 square-foot Veterinary Medical Hospital on July 13, 2011. The new hospital will become a model veterinary care center for best practices in animal care by incorporating green and sustainable construction.
PETS
YOUR DOG AND CAT’S ANNUAL VET EXAM You, as pet owners, are more like zookeepers than you may think! Here at the Oakland Zoo, the keepers are our “eyes and ears” for changes that may indicate health problems in the collection animals. Similarly, your pet’s veterinarian relies on YOU to be an integral part of your animals’ healthcare. We recommend that your pet visit a vet annually for a check-up and health review. Such an appointment establishes a bond between you, your pet, and the veterinarian, allowing your vet to create a healthcare plan to best fit your pet’s lifelong needs. – Dr. Andrea Goodnight, DVM, Associate Veterinarian
Below are some examples of services your vet may suggest during an annual exam for your cat or dog.
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Physical exam Dental exam and prophylaxis Heartworm testing (dogs) Vaccinations Fecal parasite exam Nutrition counseling Parasite control (example – fleas) Baseline bloodwork Urinalysis
A Michigan State University study concluded that people who own and walk dogs are
34% more HEALTHY
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Oakland Zoo’s Upcoming Events and Summer Hours August Family Sundown Safari August 6 5:00pm – 10:00pm Family Sundown Safari August 13 5:00pm – 10:00pm Second Annual Oakland Senior Summer Free Days August 15 10:00am – 4:00pm Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Workshop August 17 10:00am – 1:00pm Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Work Day August 20 10:00am – 1:00pm September Member “Wake up Zoo” Ends September 5 9:30am – 10:00am Summer Hours End September 5 10:00am – 5:30pm Grandparents Day Free Train Rides for Grandparents September 11 10:00am – 3:00pm Arroyo Viejo Creek Keeper Work Day September 17 10:00am – 1:00pm Second Annual Oakland Senior Summer Free Days September 19 10:00am – 4:00pm
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October Arroyo Viejo Creek Keeper Work Day October 15 10:00am – 1:00pm Boo at the Zoo October 29–30 10:00am – 3:00pm November Arroyo Viejo Creek Crew Work Day November 19 10:00am – 1:00pm Zoo Closed – Thanksgiving November 24 December ZooLights - Dates to Come CA Revels – Yule at the Zoo December 3 1:00pm Arroyo Viejo Creek Keeper Work Day December 17 10:00am - 1:00pm Zoo Closed – Christmas December 25 Oakland Zoo Summer Hours Now – September 5, 2011 Monday – Friday 10:00am – 4:00pm Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays 10:00am – 5:30pm
Photo credit: Chantal Burnett
L to R - Debbie Grace, Zoo Ambassador, Cassady Hudson, EBZS Board Delegate, Sidney Simpson, Docent, Loretta McRae, Docent President
Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Lisa O’Dwyer,
Volunteer Programs Manager/ Asst. Dir. of Education
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n April 23, the Oakland Zoo celebrated these volunteers at the 2011 Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. This year’s event — in which we formally thank them for all they do for the Zoo —included a catered dinner, flowers, live music, speeches, awards, gifts, and prizes. Over the last year, our programs and volunteers have shown growth, great enthusiasm, boundless energy, and amazing dedication. Our volunteer numbers reached 551, with eighty-two new volunteers added this year; through their service, an astounding 56,160 hours of service were donated to the Zoo. That is the equivalent of twenty-seven full-time employees. When we say we couldn’t do it without our volunteers … we really mean it. Their dedication and passion are an inspiration to us all. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community, share your knowledge with others, and make a difference. If you like helping people, working with animals, meeting new people, and having fun, the Oakland Zoo has a place for you. To learn more about our volunteer opportunities, visit our website at: www.oaklandzoo.org and click on “volunteer,” or send an e-mail to our Volunteer Programs Manager, Lisa O’Dwyer, at lisa@oaklandzoo.org.
The following awardwinning volunteers and docents were given special recognition at the event:
Docent of the Year: Cassady Hudson
First Year All Stars: Jay and Jonah Cochran
Volunteers of the Year: Maddy, Marlissa, and Sal Zamora
Lifetime Docents: JoAnn Harley, Vera Dickie, Bonnie Killip, Ernie Chann, Georgia Edlund, Elfie Larkin, Jean Mackenzie, Ruth Leth, Ruby Tilley, Barbara Greenwood, and Harry Santi.
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ADOPT A Chimpanzee
Adopt a Chimpanzee Adopt one of our chimpanzees – or any Oakland Zoo animal – and help provide funds for animal care, conservation programs, education, and research. For $40, you’ll receive a personalized certificate, fun animal fact sheet, and a small chimpanzee plush animal. For a complete list of our animals, visit: www.oaklandzoo.org/adopt. If you choose to adopt an animal other than a chimpanzee, your adoption will be fulfilled with an elephant plush. Please note: all adopted animals remain at the Zoo. Please mail this form 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. 152, or by visiting www.oaklandzoo.org/adopt and selecting ‘Chimpanzee’ as your adopted animal. Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip_________________________________________________ Animal ____________________________________________________________ No Is this a gift sponsorship? Yes (If yes, please fill out the form below) Name _____________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________ City / State / Zip ________________________________________________
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Send package directly to: Me Gift Recipient Payment Information ($40) MasterCard Visa AMEX Check Card Number____________________________________________________ Expiration Date__________________________________________________ Name on Card __________________________________________________
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Signature_________________________________________________________ Please make check payable to: East Bay Zoological Society
Don’t Forget to Follow the Oakland Zoo Online: Find us on facebook Follow tweets: twitter.com/oakzoo Read our blog: www.oaklandzoo.org/blog Check out our website: www.oaklandzoo.org
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GAMES
the banana MAZE Help the chimp find the banana
For more games and Animal Activities: http://interactive.apollogrp.edu/sites/oaklandzoo/explorersclub/first/activities.html
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NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID EAST BAY ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Oakland Zoo 9777 Golf Links Rd. Oakland, CA 94605
Please remember Oakland Zoo in your will and trusts.
Oakland Zoo is raising the roof We have a herd of eight gentle, graceful giraffes and a progressive, innovate, award-winning program. Our herd is growing and they need a new barn. Your gift will help our giraffes move into their much needed new home.
“We have a very serious responsibility to provide these animals with the best care in the best facility. It’s the least we can do to repay them for all they give to us every single day.” – Giraffe Keeper Amy Phelps
Make Your Gift Now and Help Us Raise the Roof RAISE THE ROOF
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• Mail: send a check to Giraffe Barn, the Oakland Zoo, P.O. Box 5238, Oakland, CA 94605 • Call: Emma Lee Twitchell, (510) 632-9525, ext. 153 • Text: Text “OZ” and your email address to 41519 and donate $10 right now. • Online: go to www.oaklandzoo.org/giraffe barn