SUMMER 2009
FEATURES
The Houston Zoo is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.
Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of Directors E. William Barnett Freda Wilkerson Bass Nandita Berry Jack S. Blanton, Sr. – Emeritus Winfield M. Campbell, Sr. Catherine Campbell Brock Michael Cordúa Jonathan Day Linnet Deily Anne Duncan Susan Ehrhardt James A. Elkins, III Martyn Goossen Robert Graham – Chair Don R. Kendall, Jr. Glenn L. Lowenstein
Cal McNair Stacy Methvin Stephen D. Newton Suzanne Paquin Nimocks Charles Onstead Courtney Lanier Sarofim Cathryn Selman Louis Sklar Herman L. Stude Shawn Taylor Lori Vetters Bonnie Weekley George R. Willy E. W. Bill Wright III Austin Young
On the cover: Miles Photo by: Stephanie Adams Wildlife Production Team Editor: Michael Reina Creative Director: Melanie Campbell-Tello Design: Melanie Campbell-Tello Photography by: Stephanie Adams, Dale Martin, Rick Barongi, Paul Swen, & Gerard Caddick Postmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 North MacGregor Houston, Texas 77030
How To Reach Us: Houston Zoo, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6500 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6739 Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6835 Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6726 Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6819 Public Relations/Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6531
www.houstonzoo.org
4 6 AFRICAN FOREST
ANIMAL ARRIVALS
8 PAUL SWEN:
IMAGES OF AFRICA
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HOUSTON ZOO LOCAL PROJECTS
DEPARTMENTS
Zoo Hours: March 8 through November 1 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.) November 2 through March 7 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.) The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 North MacGregor, Houston, Texas 77030. ©Houston Zoo, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Subscription by membership only.
DIRECTOR'S DEN 2 ANIMAL UPDATES 3 GLOBAL PROJECTS 14
ZOO TRAVEL PROGRAM 16 MEMBERSHIP 18
The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The official airline of the Houston Zoo Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks
EDUCATION 19 DEVELOPMENT 20
DIRE C T O R ' S D E N As we head into summer and begin construction on the most ambitious project in the history of the Zoo, The African Forest (page 6), we have cause to reflect and celebrate an extremely successful first half of 2009. Like everyone else, we were very concerned about the recession and its effect on several revenue-generating areas of our business. While we did experience declines in certain areas, we offset this with a proactive, expensecutting strategy of non-essential projects. In addition, gate fees, our primary source of earned revenue, did not decrease and are tracking slightly higher than last year. The “stay-cation” philosophy is holding true and more guests are visiting the Zoo this year than ever before, which will put us near the 1.7 million mark if this trend continues through June. We like to think this is not just because of the affordable price and free
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access programs, but because we have a much better Zoo.
The “stay-cation” philosophy is holding true and more guests are visiting the Zoo this year than ever before, which will put us near the 1.7 million mark if this trend continues through June. We like to think this is not just because of the affordable price and free access programs, but because we have a much better Zoo.
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This was validated in April, when we were named one of the 10 best zoos for kids by the prestigious Parents Magazine (page 17). With over 200 of the best zoos in the country considered for this award, we have reason to be proud. There are many activities that make our Zoo so kid-friendly, but without an incredible staff to greet and personalize every visit, we would not be receiving this type of national recognition. Increased attendance is also a reflection of great marketing promotions and facility improvements. Our cutest animal campaign, aka the red panda, was very popular and generated lots of press and good fun around town. When Toby, our male red panda, was finally revealed to the public, he did not disappoint and lived up to his billing. I should also mention that the red panda exhibit was a complete renovation of our old koala exhibit and was done entirely in-house with our talented facility, horticulture, and graphics teams leading the way. Another significant exhibit improvement was the wire replacement at leopards and small cats (page 11). The old obtrusive wire was replaced with thinner (but stronger) woven stainless steel mesh for much better public viewing. The animal habitats were also given a facelift with more climbing structures, shade, and landscaping. This area of the Zoo has never looked better. Also on the animal front, we opened a new cassowary exhibit (a large flightless bird from New Guinea and Australia) and added shoebill storks and a new female Malayan tiger. Having several important animal births (pages 4 and 5) also adds to the total Zoo experience as well as reinforcing our self-sustaining captive wildlife populations. We also have some pregnant animals due this summer, so keep an eye out for another giraffe calf, along with some birds, reptiles, and fish. It is easy to take all these changes for granted, but without such a dedicated and committed staff of 325 full-time employees, along with several hundred incredible volunteers, we would never be seeing such amazing progress on all fronts. I encourage you to visit the Zoo this summer and see for yourself all the changes – many of which would never have been possible without your continued support.
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HANA
M A L AYA N T I G E R
Hana is nine years old and comes to us from California's Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Zoos routinely exchange animals between institutions in order to meet the needs of their respective display and breeding programs. AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) zoos work cooperatively to manage individual species as single populations across multiple institutions. This ensures that zoo animal populations are genetically and demographically healthy and sustainable so that visitors can enjoy the diversity of wildlife presented at their zoos for generations to come. The Houston Zoo collaborates with other AZA-accredited zoos in order to ensure that we are only sending animals to or receiving animals from facilities that meet the rigorous standards for animal care required of the AZA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Animals coming into our collection receive complete physical exams before being introduced to their new families and neighbors as part of a lifetime of exemplary medical care provided here at the Houston Zoo. We hope you enjoy our new additions.
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MILES, THE GIRAFFE Miles, the latest addition to the Houston Zoo giraffe herd, is growing like a weed. Actually, to be more accurate, Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern says he’s growing more like kudzu. Miles arrived early in the morning on January 30 and has since gained over 160 pounds and has grown over 20 inches. Not bad for a bottle-raised giraffe! His mother, Noel, is gentle
ARRIV
her calves, so keepers have been bottle-feeding him since birth.
OSCAR, TH E P O R C U P I N E The latest arrival at the McGovern Children’s Zoo is Oscar, the North American porcupine. Born March 9 to mom Kendall and dad Cody, his keepers settled on his name after noticing that his personality was almost as prickly as his coat of quills. He’s a little on the grumpy side, so we thought naming him after Sesame Street’s resident grumpy guy was appropriate. Oscar is thriving and can be seen daily with his mom and dad in the forest
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and attentive, but doesn’t make enough milk to nurse and raise
area of the Children’s Zoo.
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KELY, T H E S I F A KA
On January 6, our primate keepers witnessed a first for the Houston Zoo – the birth of a rare Coquerel’s sifaka. It was also the first birth for the proud parents, mom Zenobia and father Dean. The baby boy, named Kelyfamata (it means small but mighty), can be seen daily with his mom and dad at Wortham World of Primates. We are now one of only eight zoos in the U.S. that are home to sifaka.
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ANIMAL VALS PEN E L O P E , T H E B O N G O Over a span of six weeks, from mid-February to mid-March we welcomed three bongos, a type of antelope native to Kenya and western Africa. Penelope was the first to arrive on February 12. On March 10, 14-year-old Laura delivered Linus, the first male bongo born at the Houston Zoo in 10 years. Then, on March 18, 12year-old DJ gave birth to Dylan.
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AFRICAN W
hen the Zoo was privatized in 2002, the final report that went to the Mayor and City Council was titled: “Building a Premier Zoo for Houston.” In short, we promised that in return for entrusting the operation of the Zoo to a private volunteer Board of Directors, we would develop the Houston Zoo into one of the best in the country. A long-term business plan was developed with a bold new vision and master plan at the heart of this transformation.
Now, after almost six years of planning and fundraising, we are ready to begin construction; we will break ground on the first phase of The African Forest this summer. Why did it take so long? The Zoo had many other critical needs to address before we could put all our efforts into The African Forest; we simply could not ignore the rest of the Zoo to devote all our resources into only building new exhibits. As a result, we have greatly improved the Zoo in recent years and are now ready to embark on the most ambitious undertaking in its 87-year history. The African Forest is too big and too expensive to build all at once, so the first phase will redevelop about six of the nearly 13 acres we have set aside in the eastern section of the Zoo for the site of The African Forest. This area was the original site of the first Children’s Zoo, the old gorilla building, and large cat exhibits. All of these old exhibits were demolished in 2006, but we saved most of the big healthy oak trees on the site to preserve a real forest environment. We are now ready to add new animal habitats and naturalistic walkways to create an immersion experience like no other at the Zoo.
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The African Forest will focus primarily on the topography and habitat of western and central equatorial Africa, and will also have savannah woodland areas that help transition the visitor into the very heart of Africa. The entire exhibit is designed to create the most realistic visual and sensory experience possible, short of actually going on an African safari. This first phase of The African Forest will create a new giraffe habitat and bring white rhinos and chimpanzees back to the Zoo. The giraffes will be moved from their existing exhibit into a larger area with a new barn and an elevated platform where guests can experience feeding a giraffe. The chimps will have climbing structures, termite mounds, and cooling elements for the hot summer months that will encourage creative play. The rhinos will have a mud wallow and many other enrichment items to keep them (and the guests) entertained. Other animals you will find in this part of The African Forest will include greater kudu and African ground hornbills. Additionally, there will be face-to-face animal keeper demonstrations using animals trained to safely interact with the public.
sures lush green vegetation that typifies tropical forest ecosystems.
Other features in The African Forest will include a trading post, a spacious new restaurant, a gift shop, and a replica of a pygmy village with an area for overnight camping. The restaurant will have beautiful outdoor patios overlooking both the giraffe and rhino exhibits. Everything will be themed in African-style architecture and complemented with colorful and interactive signage. Our year-round temperate climate lends itself very well to an open-air African experience and en-
Even more interactive will be a state-ofthe art video camera system which will capture all the animal activities that go on behind the scenes and after hours at the Zoo along with keeper talks. The cameras will have pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities that will allow designated users to control the cameras and even communicate with the keepers. We will develop the first phase of this unique distance learning video system with our Texas Medical center neighbors and the young patients that are not able to visit the Zoo in person.
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Just as important as the exhibits themselves is our commitment to wildlife conservation. Each exhibit will incorporate compelling conservation messages and updates on field projects that the Houston Zoo supports. We have projects in the field related to each of the animals we are bringing to the first phase of this project. Good things are worth waiting for, and our African Forest adventure is no exception. To date, we have raised just over $45 million for The African Forest and our overall Zoo master
plan. We have already used some of these funds to build the new McNair Elephant Habitat and a veterinary quarantine facility that is critical to our ability to safely care for all the new animals that will eventually make their homes in The African Forest. If all goes as planned, Phase One of The African Forest will open at the end of 2010. But, while we are committed to starting construction later this summer, we still need to raise another $5 million to complete the first phase of this project.
We urge you to be part of the most monumental project in the Houston Zoo's history. Please go to our website www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest to get details on the full scope of The African Forest. To find out how you can help, call Debbie Lackey, Vice President of Advancement at (713) 533-6718 or email dlackey@houstonzoo.org. Stay tuned for future updates as we welcome new animal ambassadors and create innovative and entertaining habitats that will surely enlighten and inspire millions of Houstonians for many generations. WILDLIFE
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Images of Africa
Very few can capture the essence of Africa and its incredible diversity as well as the award winning photographer, Paul Swen. So, it was with great pleasure that the Zoo hosted Paul and 200 invitees for an incredible evening of stunning images on May 7.
Just as inspiring as Paul’s images were the stories about how he obtained these unique works of art. Paul is a true adventurer and conservationist as well as a professional photographer. The audience was also treated to a special preview of the Zoo’s most ambitious project to date, The African Forest. The evening was dedicated to raising funds for The African Forest and the conservation programs it will support. The evening guests responded with over $15,000 in sales of Paul's images.
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Paul Swen
During the African-inspired evening, Paul shared some key photo tips with donors and admirers. Here are his top four tips for the aspiring wildlife photographer: 1. Know what you are going after. It is important to understand the animal and its behavior. 2. Familiarize yourself with the environment you are going into so you bring the right gear and clothing. 3. Befriend the locals. They know a lot more than you do about their home and should be treated with the utmost respect and care. 4. Be patient. You may have to be in the right place and wait several hours to ensure that the light and subject are in the perfect frame.
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2009 – 2 0 1 0 S e a s o n a t a G l a nce Through the Call of the Wild Lecture Series, the Houston Zoo seeks to inform the public about the need to preserve our planet’s rich biological diversity and to showcase the work of wildlife conservationists who are dedicated to this cause.
September 10, 2009 Dr. Michael Cranfield Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Rwanda Maryland Zoo
October 7, 2009 Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton Save the Elephants, Africa J a n u a r y 2 8 , 2 0 1 0 Dr. Susie Ellis International Rhino Foundation
M a r c h 2 5 , 2 0 1 0
Ms. Cristina Mittermeier International League of Conservation Photographers All lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. For more information about the Lecture Series and ticket prices, visit www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries. The Call of the Wild Lecture Series is supported by generous gifts from the Tapeats Fund and The Charles T. Bauer Foundation.
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SAVE THE ELEPHANTS
THE CALL OF THE WILD LECTURE SERIES
THE HOUSTON ZOO PRESENTS
The Second Annual Feed Your Wild Life Fall Luncheon Honoring Janice and Bob McNair Jeanie Kilroy, Chair Catherine Campbell Brock & Annie Graham, Honorary Chairs
Featuring Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton October 7, 2009 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton is a world-renowned author and acknowledged expert on African elephant conservation and is the Founder and Director of Save the Elephants. Proceeds from this intimate and elegant event will benefit Save the Elephants and the Zoo’s Naturally Wild Conservation Programs. For ticket and table information, contact (713) 533-6584.
Thanks to Nets Unlimited Inc. and months of collaboration among our facilities, horticulture, and carnivore teams, our improved cat exhibits get you closer to the wild than ever before. Before
After
CATTING AROUND Imagine having an unobstructed view of a black leopard intimidating a spotted leopard away from an early morning meal. Think of the rush you would get standing just feet from a clouded leopard or margay charging headfirst down a tree right toward your camera. Or – visualize yourself standing eye-to-eye with a deceptively fearsome cougar or fossa. These experiences are usually best left to animal experts – until now. Our new cat mesh fencing brings guests into the most natural wildlife setting the Zoo has offered to date. Now you can enjoy a more open, spacious, and photo-friendly perspective of our cats. Sometimes it seems as if there is almost no fencing at all. This is bar-none the most realistic and interactive way to get up-close-and-personal with these felines without crossing paths with them in the wild. And don’t forget the cats’ new points of view – they can see you better too. Keep your eyes peeled!
Puck, our 17-year-old male margay, is easier to see than ever.
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H O USTON ZOO' S L O C A L P R O J E C T S It’s a new Zoo every day. At the Houston Zoo, that’s more
Recently, the facilities department teamed up with Aquarium
than just a tag line to a TV commercial. For the Zoo employ-
Curator George Brandy and his keepers to transform the Hous-
ees who work hard every day creating and nurturing the
ton Zoo’s 1950s era Reflection Pool. After George and his keepers
environments where our animals live, it’s almost a mantra.
temporarily relocated the pool’s koi, the Facilities crew drained
The men and women of the Houston Zoo’s facilities depart-
and cleaned the pool and installed new electrical and plumbing
ment may not be as recognizable as our keepers and cura-
fixtures. Before the pool was refilled and the koi returned to their
tors (we haven’t yet talked Kyle Haley into doing a Meet
remodeled home, the facilities team returned the iconic sculptures
the Carpenter Talk), but their work speaks volumes about
Leap Frog and Brownie and added sculptor Robert Glen’s bronze
their skill and dedication to our animals and to the guest
A Close Shave, creating a unique image for one of the Zoo’s signa-
experience.
ture features.
This year, the Zoo’s facilities department wowed our guests
Some of the amenities installed by our facilities crew will never
with two new exhibits – converting the former koala habitat
be seen by the casual guest but are greatly appreciated by our
into a new home for Toby, the World’s Cutest Animal, and
keepers and the animals they lovingly care for every day – from
turning a field of grass into a field of dreams for Bird Cura-
improved behind-the-scenes pools for our sea lions to the new air
tor Hannah Bailey's newest arrival, Darwin the cassowary.
conditioning system for the orangutan exhibit at Wortham World of Primates.
Working in partnership, the Zoo’s horticulture experts and the facilities department turned what had been a mulched
On the facilities department’s ever-expanding “to do” list for the
area around a stately live oak tree into a “mini park” near
upcoming fiscal year – installing path and area lighting across the
Cypress Circle. The area was transformed in just a matter
Zoo landscape, a conservation kiosk near the new red panda ex-
of a few weeks with an assortment of tropical plants and
hibit to display information about the worldwide scope of the Zoo’s
strategically placed benches into a welcoming oasis and rest
Naturally Wild Conservation Program, and improved viewing for
area for our guests.
the Zoo’s cougar and jaguar exhibits.
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[ ] He's not doing it for popularity; he just wants to help the birds and give something back to the place that he loves.
Family Tradition In 1970, Mr. Joseph Heiser, a past director of the Zoological Society of Houston, established the Alban-Heiser fund through the Houston Zoo to honor a “Texas citizen, citizens, or organization in recognition of notable contributions to appreciation and preservation of the earth’s heritage of living creatures, their environment, their ecology, and their relation to human welfare.”
This year, one of the Houston Zoo’s Heiser Awards honors Chester Smith for his outstanding dedication and commitment to the protection and management of Sundown Island in Port O’ Connor, Texas. Chester, by the way, is the grandfather of Jeremy Cecil, a Houston Zoo facilities employee who has spent significant time improving the Houston Zoo and the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center in Panama. Chester Smith became warden of Sundown Island for the Audubon Society in 1986, many years after his retirement from Exxon. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Sundown Island has been transformed into a sanctuary for the brown pelican. When Chester Smith first came to Sundown Island, there were fewer than 10 breeding pairs of pelicans on the island. Chester set to the task of improving the island’s habitat. Today, as many as 2,000 nesting pairs of brown pelicans call Sundown Island home. All along the Texas Coast, this federally endangered species could have Chester to thank. Chester’s motives are simple. He's not doing it for popularity; he just wants to help the birds and give something back to the place that he loves. The Alban Heiser Award recognizes a notable contribution to the appreciation and preservation of the earth’s heritage by a Texas Citizen. We are very grateful for Chester, his family, and the work that they do to help keep Texas’ wildlife and habitat wild.
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HOUSTON ZO O ’ S G L O B A L P R O J E C T S
For many years, the El Nispero Zoo in El Valle de Anton has played host to visitors from the local community as well as tourists who visit this picturesque mountain town. The town itself, known simply as El Valle, has a unique geological setting; it sits within the second largest volcanic crater in the world. A 15-square-mile crater was created when a volcano erupted five million years ago. The result was a steep valley surrounded by mountain peaks and rich soil that gives way to never-ending flowers and a lush forest, home to a dizzying array of birds and amphibians. That was until 2004, when a fungal disease known as chytrid, which is exceptionally deadly to amphibians, began to wreak havoc. First identified moving west from Costa Rica in the late 1980s, the fungus has slowly moved eastward, reaching El Valle in 2004 and, by 2008, as far as Panama City and the Canal Zone. Today, the El Nispero Zoo not only hosts visitors, but it is also the site of the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, a last measure to save the region's amphibian populations. The El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center is a unique building designed to house local Panamanian amphibians for public viewing. Also, it serves as a conservation facility for reproduction of many species now extinct in the wild, research into the spread of the chytrid fungus, and educational initiatives for the local community. A second aspect of this building was the actual construction itself, which has seen facilities staff from the Houston Zoo and a number of U.S. institutions partnering with our colleagues in Panama’s Summit Municipal Parque and El Nispero Zoo. From electrical, A/C, carpentry, and exhibit construction, the roles played by Houston Zoo staff and partners have been very important to the development of the program. Managing a project of this scope comes with its own set of complexities and our Panamanian program managers in El Valle and Panama City have helped us keep the project focused and on track. Now open to the public, the amphibian center will be invaluable to the local community although the return of amphibians, including the culturally significant Panamanian Golden Frog, is far less certain at this time given the extent of the chytrid fungus in the region.
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Panamanian Golden Frogs: A Cultural Glance Pre-Colombian indigenous peoples revered the Panamanian Golden Frog. They crafted gold and clay talismans in a variety of forms (frogs, people, jaguar) known to contemporary Panamanians as huacas. A local legend holds that chieftains of the Guaymí tribe would ascend the Pacific slope to the mountains of Gaital, Pajita, and Caracoral (in El Valle de Antón) annually as a sacred rite. This legend evolved into the myth that the Golden Frog would transform into gold huacas upon death. Hence, anyone seeing or possessing the frog alive would have good fortune visited upon them. Literally known by all Panamanians, few have ever seen these living frogs in the wild or in a captive setting. Through its folklore and fame, the frog has become a national symbol of nature unique to Panama. Everything from t-shirts and ceramics to lottery tickets host the frog. Given the large number of environmental, habitat, and human-induced hurdles this species is facing today, it could be that Panamanians may never see their cultural icon alive in the wild again.
PA N A M A E D U C AT I O N PA RT N E R S H I P : C r e a t i n g t h e Fu t u r e S t e w a r d s o f O u r P l a n e t The Houston Zoo and the Municipal Summit Park, a growing botanical garden and zoo located on the outskirts of Panama City, have joined forces as international partners in an effort to save endangered Panamanian amphibians from a deadly fungus. With the arrival of a new amphibian captive breeding facility at the Summit Park and the opening of a visitors’ center at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center in Panama, now is the time to build and nurture partnerships in community education and outreach. A crucial component to the success of any conservation program is the education of children about the natural history of endangered animals and the issues they face in our world. The Houston Zoo’s conservation and education departments have collaborated to bring a new cross-cultural education program to both the children of Panama and to children here in the Houston area. This programming will encourage kids to learn about and explore endangered vertebrates in their own region and share their discoveries with children in another part of the world. Our hope is that more children will connect with nature and wild places and, in time, develop a lifelong passion for conserving natural environments and native wildlife. In March, the first steps of this program were taken by holding a capacity building workshop for the educators in Panama. Spanishspeaking educators from the Houston Zoo spent a week at the Panamanian Zoo to teach their staff the fundamentals of interpretation and how they can create more interactive tours and programming. We found that although this Panamanian facility has a lack of educational materials and resources, the staff encourages appreciation and conservation of the natural world in an enthusiastic and proactive way every day. Future plans for this program include “pen pal” type communication between students, where they will share information, activities, pictures, and crafts between both zoos in corresponding summer camp classes via webcasts and regular newsletters.
A crucial component to the success of any conservation program is the education of children about the natural history of endangered animals and the issues they face in our world. WILDLIFE
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HOUSTON Z O O T R AV E L P R O G R A M The Houston Zoo offers exciting and affordable opportunities to explore exotic destinations, observe wild creatures in their natural realms, and experience local cultures. Guided by local wildlife experts and experienced Zoo staff, our travelers are immersed in wilderness landscapes and introduced to individuals who have taken on the task of safeguarding our planet’s precious biological diversity. Our goal is to inspire through experience and education. So, please join us for an upcoming nature tour. It could very well turn out to the adventure of a lifetime.
Brazil’s Pantanal: August 23 - September 1, 2009
Ye l l o w s t o n e I n S p r i n g April/May 2010
The Pantanal is the largest inundated plain in the world
Spring is a very special time in Yellowstone as the park
and is a refuge for endangered species like the jaguar,
and wildlife awaken for the season. Our tour will focus on
hyacinth macaw, the giant anteater, and the giant otter.
Greater Yellowstone’s predators while keeping an eye out
There are an estimated 3,500 species of plants, 124
for elk, bison, moose, and deer. The Lamar and Hayden
species of mammals, 177 species of reptiles, 41 species of
Valleys, where bears hunt, are the same areas where the
amphibians, and at least 423 species of birds. Your travel
wolves den, centralizing predator activity. Participants
will help support important conservation efforts in the
travel to the best sites for viewing bears and reintroduced
area and you will have the opportunity to spot species like
wolves. In addition, the trip may include stops at Old
the marsh and pampas deer, capybara, caimans, howler
Faithful, the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone –
monkeys, tapir, peccaries, toucans, jabiru stork, both red
crowned by a waterfall more than twice as high as Niagara
and yellow macaws, and the stunning hyacinth macaw.
Falls – and the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs.
For destinations in Kenya, Borneo, Panama, and Rwanda please go to www.houstonzoo.org/safari or e-mail conservation@houstonzoo.org.
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THE HOUSTON ZOO Parents Magazine Ten Best Zoos For Kids
HOUSTON ZOO NAMED TOP
it's far more memorable for them to watch it up close,” added Barongi.
10 ZOO IN THE COUNTRY
In April, families across the United States found out what Houston families have known for decades – that the Houston Zoo is one of the 10 best zoos in the nation for kids.
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On April 2, Parents magazine revealed the exclusive findings from its first-ever 10 Best Zoos for Kids Survey. The results are the culmination of a three-month study which examined zoos nationwide. “We are thrilled to be recognized by a publication of Parents stature as one of the 10 best zoos in the nation for children,” said Houston Zoo President Deborah Cannon. “The Houston Zoo has been a treasured community resource for more than 87 years. It’s quite an honor to see the hard work of our dedicated staff recognized in this manner,” added Cannon. Parents magazine focused on honoring zoos that offer a variety of hands-on, family-friendly activities while fostering appreciation, knowledge, and excitement for the natural world. “The editors of Parents magazine were particularly impressed with the interactive nature of a Houston Zoo visit,” said Zoo Director Rick Barongi. “As the magazine said in its write-up, trainers are the rock stars at the Houston Zoo. The most interesting activities here usually take place behind the scenes. It's one thing to tell kids about how these animals are taken care of –
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Parents magazine ranked the nation's zoos based on their responses to detailed questions about their facilities. The questions focused on a variety of criteria including accessibility of animal encounter exhibits for children, exclusivity of the exhibits, zoo shows, educational programs, staffing, zoo transportation, restaurant services, and admission prices. The results of the survey were published in the May 2009 issue of Parents magazine.
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In her review, Parents magazine editor Karen Cicero drew particular attention to two Houston Zoo exhibits – the piranha tunnel in the award-winning Natural Encounters Building and the McGovern Children’s Zoo. “(At the) Butterfly Stage, there’s a morning story time and a chance to touch small animals like chinchillas and snakes, as well as the Zooper Challenge, a game show that uses child volunteers," said Cicero. “Introducing children to nature at an early age is so important,” says Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. “It sparks their imagination, inspires appreciation of a world beyond their own backyard and helps teach conservation. All of the zoos on our list are dedicated to affordable family fun while ensuring that a day trip feels like a globetrotting adventure.”
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
We ’ve Increased Your Benefits!
D o Yo u K n o w Yo u r B e n e f i t s ?
Supporting level members now receive benefits for up to
Current members receive many useful benefits
10 individuals per visit. Any named member on the mem-
throughout the Zoo, including the Express Lane.
bership card can bring up to nine family members and/
Whether you’re entering the Zoo or making a pur-
or guests free each time they visit for one full year! Visit
chase at the gift shop, you will bypass normal lines
www.houstonzoo.org/membership to get more infor-
and go straight to the front. Additionally, when shop-
mation and to upgrade today.
ping at the gift shop, members receive 10% off purchases. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Wildlife car-
T h i nking About V isiting Another Zoo ? One of the many benefits that Houston Zoo members re-
ousel with your discount.
ceive is free or discounted admission to other zoos across
Membership Reminders
the country, including 11 right here in Texas. New zoos are
• The Houston Zoo requires all members listed on
added frequently, so please check www.houstonzoo.org/ reciprocity for the latest list. *Remember to take your membership card when traveling.
G o Behind the Scenes
membership cards to present photo ID upon entering the Zoo. • Now that the summer is in full swing, the best time to visit the Zoo is early in the morning or late
Members have a special oportunity to receive discounts on
in the afternoon. The animals are most active early,
behind-the-scene tours. Many members who have taken ad-
but the Zoo is less crowded later in the day.
vantage of these tours report that they experience the Zoo very differently and make memories that last a lifetime.
• Help the Houston Zoo Go Green! Visit www.
Visit www.houstonzoo.org/tours to book your behind-
houstonzoo.org/paperless to receive member
the-scenes tour today!
information only via e-mail.
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EDUCATION NEWS W i l d Wheels
Enjoy the wild outdoors with your infant or toddler! Join us on Tuesday and Thursday mornings as we explore a different part of the Zoo and meet a touchable animal. Individuals and mom groups welcome.
C o n s er vation Crew
Fall into FUN with exciting programs at the Houston Zoo!
Learn how to go green, help local wildlife and habitats, and earn service hours too! Teens will work with the Houston Zoo on conservationrelated projects that impact our community one Saturday a month. Sign up at www.houstonzoo.org/conservationcrew.
N E W Preschool Classes (Coming Soon)
Look for more information about this new, zoo-rific program for kids age 3-5 coming September 2009!
W i l d W inks Spend the night at the Zoo! See the dark side of the Zoo in this nocturnal adventure that includes fun, hands-on activities, a night hike around Zoo grounds, live touchable animals, and more! Tents and food provided. Programs are available for families, scouts, schools, home schools, and community groups. For dates and more information, visit www.houstonzoo.org/overnights.
N i g h t Prowls Don’t have time to spend the night but still want to see the dark side of the Zoo? Then check out our Night Prowls! Enjoy an evening walkabout on Zoo grounds with fun activities and unique nighttime animal viewing. Programs are available for scouts and other community youth groups. Check out details at www.houstonzoo.org/overnights.
S c o u t s and Scout Leaders Would your troop like to spend an evening at the Zoo? Need some help with environment, nature, or animalbased badge and patch requirements? Then we have the program for you! Programs are available for all Cub, Wolf, Bear, and Webelo Boy Scouts and Brownies, Daisy, Junior, Cadette, and Senior Girl Scouts. Visit our website at www.houstonzoo.org/scouts for a schedule of upcoming programs.
WILDLIFE
WILDLIFE
| SUMMER19 2009 | 19
The Zoo sincerely appreciates the Asante Society, whose members support the Zoo’s commitment to animal care, enrichment, wildlife conservation, education, and research initiatives with their generous annual gifts of $1,200 or more. From the Swahili language – "Asante", or thank you to our members. Ms. Linda Al-Alawi Mr. and Mrs. Stanford Alexander & The Stanford and Joan Alexander Foundation Mr. and Mrs. D. K. Anderson John & Lynne Averett Mr. and Mrs. Philip Bahr Dr. Carol J. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Baker Bill Barnett Rick Barongi and Diane Ledder Mr. and Mrs. J. Kirby Barry II Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Bass Mrs. Susan Bischoff and Mr. Jim B. Barlow Mr. and Mrs. Beau Bisso Mr. and Mrs. Eddy S. Blanton Mr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton, Sr. Mr. Ryan M. Boehner Ms. Anneliese Bosseler Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Bowles Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Bowman Mr. and Mrs. Francis R. Bradley Sara Lou Brown Dr. and Mrs. Louis J. Bujnoch Mr. C. Robert Bunch Mr. and Mrs. John D. Burns Sarah G. Burtram, Ph.D. Mallory & Tara Caldwell Janet and Richard Caldwell Ms. Catherine Campbell Brock and Dr. Gary T. Brock Win & Lynn Campbell Deborah and Gardner Cannon Ms. Claire Chamberlain Mr. and Mrs. John D. Chaney Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Chasen Mr. and Mrs. Stephen I. Chazen Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Colburn Mr. Daniel Mittleman and Ms. Vicki Colvin Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Compofelice Mr. and Mrs. Ray G. Cook Mr. and Mrs. Kevin R. Corken Mr. and Mrs. James W. Crownover Mr. and Mrs. Chris H. Cruger Mr. and Mrs. Rod K. Cutsinger Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Daly Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Davidson Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davis & The Charles and Melissa Davis Foundation Ms. Sue Davis Jonathan and Barbara Day Dr. and Mrs. S. Michael Dean Linnet F. Deily Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Delahoussaye Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Deskin Mr. John G. Dickerson Mr. and Mrs. Michael Dishberger Sara Dodd-Spickelmier and Keith Spickelmier Ms. Linda P. Dodge Mr. and Mrs. W. Leslie Doggett Mr. and Mrs. Ronald B. Dokell Anne and Charles Duncan Mr. and Mrs. James A. Elkins III Leslie and Shannon Sasser Mr. and Mrs. Doug Erwin Ms. Cynthia Everage Jerry and Nanette Finger Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Douglas L. Foshee Mr. and Mrs. R. Alan Fox Patricia Freeman and Bruce Patterson Ms. Jane Frost Kat Gallagher and Michael Rudelson Ms. Kerry A. Galvin Mr. and Mrs. Grant L. Gawronski
20 | HOUSTON ZOO | w w w. h o u s t o n z o o . o r g
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gee, Jr. Ms. Melissa Giles and Mr. Erik Hawes Mr. and Mrs. Julius Glickman Mr. and Mrs. Sean Golden Barbara Segal Goldfield Mr. and Mrs. Marty Goossen Mr. and Mrs. Fred Gorman Mr. and Mrs. R. R. Grace, Jr. & The Jean Lykes Grace Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Grace Mr. and Mrs. Anthony G. Gracely Annie and Bob Graham Debra and Mark Grierson Mr. and Mrs. David M. Grimes II Dr. Ellen R. Gritz and Mr. Milton D. Rosenau Mr. and Mrs. Scott G. Groben Dr. and Mrs. Stuart S. Grossman Merrill and Joe Hafner Ms. Helen Hager and Dr. Byron J. Bohnn Bob and Vicki Harvey Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Henry Ms. Karen D. Hinson Ms. Paula W. Hinton Christine and Michael Holland Mr. and Mrs. Bruce R. Hotze Ms. Jill Hutchison and Dr. Chris Buehler Dr. William W. Ishee, Jr. Ms. Jenna Jackson and Mr. Chip Lewis Mr. and Mrs. Eric Jansen Ann and Stephen Kaufman Donald R. and Diane S. Kendall, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Kettler Melissa and Bill King Mr. and Mrs. David Klingensmith Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Knudson Mr. and Mrs. Randall B. Lake Ms. Catherine Lamboley Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Lane Harriet and Truett Latimer Ms. Patsy Lesley Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levine Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. Lieder Mr. and Mrs. John H. Lindsey Mr. and Mrs. E. David Lopez The Lowenstein Family Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Loyd, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James R. Lykes Mr. and Mrs. Steve Mach & The Mach Family Fund Mr. Neal S. Manne and Ms. Nancy D. McGregor Mr. and Mrs. Gary Margolis Mr. and Mrs. George Martinez Mr. and Mrs. Brian McCabe Ms. Deborah L. McCoy Mr. and Mrs. R. M. McDannald, Jr. Ms. Mary Lou McElligott Mr. and Mrs. Mike A. McGinnis Mrs. Kathrine G. McGovern D. Cal McNair Mr. Timothy D. Mercer Mr. and Mrs. DeWitt T. Methvin III Mr. and Mrs. Steven Miller Mr. Alfred C. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Richard K. Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Richard W. Mithoff, Jr. Mr. Arthur J. Moore Mr. and Mrs. R. Robert Mullins Mr. and Mrs. David A. Mundy & The Mundy Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. John L. Nau III Mrs. Linwood D. Newman & The Denman/Newman Foundation
Betty and Stephen Newton Mr. and Mrs. Michael Nicol Mr. and Mrs. Tim J. Nielsen Suzanne and Bob Nimocks Toni and Noel Noble Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Oliver Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Onstead Mr. Joel Oppenheim and Ms. Bobbi Kirlin Mr. and Mrs. O. K. Owen III Ms. Annise Parker Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Parker, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan E. Parker, Sr. Mr. W. Daniel Parsons Ms. Dee Ann Pederson Mr. and Mrs. Robert Penshorn Dr. Lavinia P. Middleton and Dr. George H. Perkins Ms. Tess K. Peterson Mrs. Janet M. Pfeiffer & The Pfeiffer Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Willem Plegt Mr. and Mrs. David Pursell Nancy and David Pustka Mr. and Mrs. Roger A. Ramsey Ms. Deree A. Reagan Harry and Macey Reasoner Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Redden, Jr. Dr. Gayle M. Rettig Mr. and Mrs. Paul F. Rizza Wilhelmina E. (Beth) Robertson Mr. and Mrs. David Rockecharlie Mr. and Mrs. James O. Roeder Mrs. Sybil F. Roos Mr. and Mrs. Chris Roth Terry and Mona Rouk Vic and Barbara Samuels Ms. Gwen D. Sargent Ms. Allison Sarofim Mr. and Mrs. Christopher B. Sarofim Mr. and Mrs. Marc Schindler Cathryn and Doug Selman Mr. Herbert D. Simons, CPA Barbara and Louis Sklar Mr. and Mrs. William F. Smith Aimee and Wynne Snoots Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Sparks Dr. Jeanne Spedale and Mr. Gerald Spedale Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Stagg Paula and David Steakley Liz and Andy Stepanian Aliyya and Herman L. Stude Mr. and Mrs. James M. Tidwell Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Tink Mr. Damon Tompkins Ms. Kathy Welch and Mr. John T. Unger Mr. and Mrs. Timothy J. Unger Mr. and Mrs. Gene Van Dyke Helen R. Viereck Mr. and Mrs. John Vogel Dr. Suzanne Bruce and Mr. John M. Waddell Mr. and Mrs. Larry Walters & the Atlantis Plastics Company David Weekley Family Foundation Randa and K.C. Weiner Dan and Mary Whiteman Mr. and Mrs. Fred Williamette Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams Ms. Kendall Woods E. W. Bill Wright III Mr. and Mrs. Austin P. Young III Katherine and Mark Yzaguirre Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Zinn
IT'S A POSTER! Photographer Paul Swen captures a group of zebras in the African savanna. One of the few wild horses left in the world, zebras are best known for their stripes, which come in different patterns unique to each individual. Zebras graze for many hours each day. They are usually the first animals to enter tall pastures. Wildebeest and gazelles follow once the zebras have trampled and clipped the vegetation so they may feed on the shorter grasses and tender new shoots.
CALL OF THE WILD LECTURE SERIES M o u n t a i n G or i l l a Ve t e r i n a r y P r o j e c t: R w a n d a September 10, 2009 Enjoy an evening of hors d'oeuvres, breathtaking photographs, and firsthand stories from conservationists on the frontlines in the battle to help save the world’s wildlife. There are approximately 740 mountain gorillas left on earth; living only in two small parks, one in Uganda and one that includes a corner of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. In order to ensure a healthy future for this special animal, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project monitors the gorillas on a regular basis, provides lifesaving medical care if needed, conducts health studies, and does all it can to build local capacity in veterinary medicine and ecosystem health. www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries
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Visit online at www.houstonzoo.org
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