For Members of Lincoln Park Zoo • A Magazine of Conservation and Education • Summer 2011
Swing into Summer A Season of Fun at Lincoln Park Zoo
DEPARTMENTS
iN THiS iSSUE Volume 11 Number 1 • For Members of Lincoln Park Zoo
1 Perspective Lincoln Park Zoo President and CEO Kevin J. Bell shares his favorite sights of summer.
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The Wild File
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News of the Zoo
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Your Story
Icy enrichment, sunny sightings and new neighbors for lovebirds.
Announcing a new general curator and kicking off a summer of learning and fun.
Visitors share their favorite summer memories.
INSERT Annual Report The unveiling of Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo highlights an amazing year of wildlife and wonder.
FEATURES
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Swing into Summer
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Learn in a Living Classroom
Swinging gibbons, lynx on the prowl—this overview of what’s new at the zoo will help you make the most of your summer visits.
Looking to track turtles at Nature Boardwalk or feed the cows at the Farm? See the full slate of daily activities!
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Amazing Adaptations: Living Underwater
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Brick-and-Mortar History
From polar bears to playful otters, this special tour will highlight what to see beneath the surface.
Enjoy an insider’s view of the zoo’s architecture, from landmark buildings to family favorites.
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Elder Statesmen
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Amazing Adaptations: Tall Tails
Drop in on the zoo’s geriatric animals and see how special care extends healthy lives.
A special overview of the zoo’s tails, from prehensile helpers to sheddable decoys.
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Zoo in Bloom
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Zoo in View
Director of Horticulture Brian Houck guides us to the most spectacular views on zoo grounds.
From conservation status to continent of origin, see a visual breakdown of the zoo’s world of wildlife.
Continue Your Visit online Visit www.lpzoo.org for Lincoln Park Zoo photos, videos and up-to-date info on events and animals. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter! We’d Like to Hear from You! Send your feedback on this issue of Lincoln Park Zoo magazine to magazine@lpzoo.org. Cover photo: Mother and offspring Hoffman’s two-toed sloths. Above: Red kangaroo and cotton-top tamarin.
QUESTIONS? Contact the Membership Department. Staff are on hand during normal business hours— phone 312-742-2322 or visit us online at www.lpzoo.org.
LINCoLN ParK Zoo MagaZINe President and CEO Kevin J. Bell
Editor James Seidler
Art Director Peggy Martin
Staff Writer Chris McNamara
Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614, 312-742-2000, www.lpzoo.org. Lincoln Park Zoo is supported through a public/private partnership between the Chicago Park District and The Lincoln Park Zoological Society. The only privately managed free zoo in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo relies on membership, individual, foundation and corporate support as well as earned revenue.
perspective
A Letter From President and CEO Kevin J. Bell
Swing into Summer Every season is special at Lincoln Park Zoo. Fall has white-lipped deer rustling through the leaves. Winter sees Amur tigers perching on snow-covered logs. Spring brings breeding plumage and nest building to the McCormick Bird House. But summer is the busiest season of all. The excitement isn’t limited to visitors who flock to the zoo for day camps and summer outings, family picnics and afternoon jogs. It’s also visible in lesser green broadbills breaking out of their shells or a baby gibbon starting to swing through its exhibit on its own. Every day at Chicago’s zoo offers something new to experience. I can trade the latest sightings with my fellow birders at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo before taking in a pondside meal at the Patio at Café Brauer. I’m able to drop in on daily chats to hear about scientists tracking painted turtles or keepers doing daily check-ups with our apes. And after every long winter it’s a relief to witness the gardens bursting into bloom and watch the warthog return to his mud wallow. Those are some of my favorite sights of summer. You surely have your own. But whether you enjoy watching the polar bear dive through the water or seeing red kangaroos leap through the air, this summer guide will help you make the most of each visit. So come to Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy the excitement of the season. As you do so, keep in mind that everything you see is possible only with your support. As you enjoy the crowds, the animals, the gardens, you should also enjoy our appreciation for everything you do for the zoo. Members and donors are the ones who keep Lincoln Park Zoo free and open in every season. We appreciate your commitment, as do all the visitors taking part in summer fun. Thank you for your support—and enjoy a wild summer! Kevin J. Bell President and CEO
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t’s summer at Lincoln Park Zoo. Gorillas gather a green buffet outside Regenstein Center for African Apes. Friends grab a meal of their own at the Patio at Café Brauer. Dragonflies sweep the water at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo as prairie plants bloom along the shore. There’s always something to see—and something for everyone. Hit these highlights to make the most of your summer visits!
growing gibbon Born in January, our juvenile white-cheeked gibbon spent most of spring swinging through the treetops with mom. But with maturity comes independence, and the young ape is now eager to explore on his own. Having mastered the ropes and vines at the Helen Brach Primate House, Sai (“son” in Burmese) is working on the acrobatic arm-over-arm swings that define his species. He’s also found a ready playmate in dad Caruso, who enjoys tickling matches with the youngster. Summer weather often finds the gibbons outdoors, where guests can see the little one soaking up the world around him. “Sun and shade, wind, noises—he’s exploring everything,” says Curator of Primates Maureen Leahy.
Swing into Summer What’s New at Lincoln Park Zoo BY jAMES SEidLER
Lynx on the Prowl New paws are on the prowl at the Kovler Lion House, where two Eurasian lynx have taken up residence at the southwest end. Strong climbers, these 2-year-old siblings—both female—often inhabit the upper reaches of their exhibit. The largest lynx species, Eurasian lynx used to roam widely across Europe and Asia but now primarily inhabit remaining forests and mountainous terrain. In the wild they prey primarily on small mammals and the occasional bird, but here the carnivores receive a balanced meat diet, with the occasional rib for enrichment. “They’re younger, so they’re very energetic,” says Zoological Manager Mark Kamhout. “They love playing with enrichment—paper mache, food items in a bag—they just rip it apart.” Left: The juvenile white-cheeked gibbon is growing quickly at the Helen Brach Primate House. Right: Two Eurasian lynx are on the prowl at the Kovler Lion House, and visitors are enjoying summer fun at the Patio at Café Brauer.
Still Hanging on Born in February, the juvenile Hoffman’s two-toed sloth is still hitching a ride with mom at Regenstein Small Mammal–Reptile House. This rate of development isn’t particularly slow for the poky species. Infant sloths typically spend at least six months clinging to mom before making their own deliberate way into the world. Visitors do have a better chance of spotting the little one now that it’s grown. Mom and baby can typically be seen in the Ecosystem, on a shelf under the thatched hut. There they both snooze and share a solid diet of fruits and leaves.
Birds Bursting out of Their Shells—and into Song Summer at the McCormick Bird House is filled with new calls and new arrivals. Nests of all shapes and sizes yield chicks. Guests can hear hatchlings squawk for food—and watch winged parents hustle to keep hungry mouths well fed (with an assist from Animal Care staff, of course). Green woodhoopoe chicks were the first arrival of the year, breaking out in January. They’ve been joined by a lesser green broadbill and sunbittern, contributing to a Bird House that’s always lively…and always worth visiting.
Park Yourself at the Patio Looking for a perfect oasis on the way home from work? Stop for a drink at the Patio at Café Brauer. Enjoy a rich menu—and a relaxing view of wildlife on display at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. The first full spring at Nature Boardwalk inspired plenty of local wildlife to make their own visits to the urban oasis. Eastern phoebes, fox sparrows, golden-crowned kinglets and yellowrumped warblers all passed through during migration. Blackcrowned night herons, endangered in Illinois, have returned to raise chicks at their pond refuge. And the painted turtles introduced last fall have resurfaced after a winter’s hibernation—a visible sign of the site’s renewal.
More for Members Members will enjoy an exclusive look at the zoo as it comes to life with our first-ever Members-Only Morning, taking place August 13. From 8–10 a.m., the zoo’s north end will be open only to members for this free event. See how animals start their day, view enrichment exercises and discover how we encourage natural behaviors. You’ll also learn about zoo nutrition, enjoy fun family activities and receive firsthand updates from zoo scientists. It’s appropriate for all ages!
See Our Latest Arrivals Keep track of new animals as they arrive at the zoo. Visit www.lpzoo.org/magazine for real-time updates on the latest births and hatches.
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Learn in a Living Classroom How do seals cooperate in their own care? How do scientists follow painted turtles through the water at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo? Which wildlife is making its way through your backyard? Answers to these questions and more can be found in the zoo’s daily chats. Guest Engagement Leaders stationed throughout the zoo are ready to answer questions and translate animal encounters into larger lessons on conservation and care.
Daily Activities 10 a.m. & 3 p.m. Cow Milking Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by John Deere See how a typical family farm combines rural life with modern technology to milk its Holstein dairy cows. 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. Feed the Cows Farm-in-the-Zoo Presented by John Deere Step outside Chicago and into rural farm life by coming nose-to-nose with Holstein dairy cows.
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10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. Seal Training and Feeding Kovler Sea Lion Pool
1:30 p.m. great ape Training Session regenstein Center for african apes
Looking to connect to the aquatic world? Watch keepers as they train and care for the zoo’s gray seals.
Join us at Regenstein Center for African Apes for a window into the world of animal care.
11 a.m. Meet an animal regenstein Small Mammal-reptile House
2:30 p.m. Neighborhood Wildlife Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
From nose to tail, scales to fur, the zoo’s ambassador animals connect you to the natural world.
Birds, bunnies and more: discover which animals share your urban environment and get an inside look at how the zoo learns from our animal neighbors.
1 p.m. Turtle Tracking Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
3 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday) Nature Boardwalk, a Walk Through Time Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo
Painted turtles are key residents of the Nature Boardwalk ecosystem. Try tracking them with the real technology used by zoo scientists.
Step back in time as you stroll the boardwalk. Learn how science and culture have shaped this popular Chicago destination.
Save the Date! June–September Yoga at Lincoln Park Zoo Connect with nature while exercising the body and imagination at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo. July 9, august 13, September 10 Second Saturdays garden Tours Enjoy a free look at how the zoo’s gardeners keep the grounds beautiful. July 15, July 29, august 12 Sleep Under the Skyscrapers: Family Campout Grab your nighttime gear and join us for an outdoor overnight adventure! July 16 Intro to Native and Prairie Plants of the Midwest Learn how good plant choices and the right garden care can make each season spectacular.
July 22 Jammin’ at the Zoo Rock out with Sugar Ray at the wildest venue in town! July 23 Breakfast at the Zoo Curators’, Explorers’ and Ecologists’ Circle donors— join us for this exclusive breakfast. august 3, 10, 17 Native and Prairie Plants of the Midwest: advanced Class This three-part series offers a regional round-up that’s accessible, easy and useful. august 26 Jammin’ at the Zoo Bid a fun farewell to summer with Colbie Caillat on the South Lawn. august 27 Winning the Weed War Learn what really makes a weed as well as safe ways to gain control. September 1 Wine & Wildflowers Get an inside look at Lincoln Park Zoo’s lush landscapes with this green garden party. September 16 Bedtime Buddies in regenstein Small Mammal–reptile House Bring the whole family to learn about life after dark. September 24 Urban Wildlife Biologists Third–fourth graders can see if they have what it takes to be an urban wildlife biologist! Learn more about each program—and register— at www.lpzoo.org/calendar.
ambassadors for the animals guest engagement Leader (geL) Becky Brazzale loves to be a point person for zoo guests looking for info on animals. one of eight staff educators stationed throughout the zoo, she delivers daily chats on everything from seal feeding to painted turtle tracking. “It’s fantastic,” she says. “Not only do I get to work with the animals—I also get to let others know about the cool information I’m learning.” Brazzale’s affinity for animals led to her degrees in biology and environmental science. a recent graduate of North Central College in Naperville, the Bolingbrook native found the zoo job to be a perfect match for her interest in helping others learn about nature. “Much of the role is figuring how long people want to stay, what they want to hear about,” the educator says. “If you can give people one thing to take away, you’ve done your job.” By tailoring messages to each guest, Brazzale and her fellow geLs ensure that every visitor walks away with a greater appreciation for the zoo’s mission of conservation and care. They’re also able to make the learning fun, using animal sightings to connect the zoo’s collection to the wild. a chat about the adjustable yards at the Harris Family Foundation Black rhinoceros exhibit can segue into the threats facing the species in the wild. Questions about the red wolf pack at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo can prompt a realization of their fragile foothold in North Carolina’s alligator river National Wildlife refuge. “The job is fantastic,” Brazzale says. “Not many people can say they spend their day talking with people about black rhinos. No day is the same, and I really enjoy that.”
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Polar Bear Plunges The zoo’s polar bear may be a cold-weather creature, but much like the rest of us, she’d rather swim in summer. “She prefers to go in the water at Polar Bear Plaza when it’s a little warmer out,” says Zoological Manager Mark Kamhout. Webbed paws provide a powerful motor through the water. Be sure to stand in front of the lower viewing window for a great photo as the female makes her turn at the glass wall.
Amazing Adaptations:
BY jAMES SEidLER
Living Underwater Touring the zoo on a hot summer day, it’s easy to envy animals that can dodge the heat beneath the waves. Cool off vicariously by visiting these swimming species.
africa Underwater The dwarf crocodile’s water ways at Regenstein African Journey are generally confined to floating motionlessly at the surface. But the still life periodically gives way to an action shot as she snags one of the pool’s Mozambique tilapia, augmenting her already healthy diet. Further on in the building, it’s fitting that the pygmy hippopotamuses pinch nostrils shut beneath the surface as they use powerful tails to fan their feces through the water. Males make the mess to mark territory, while females do it to advertise their breeding status. Near the exit, a variety of Lake Malawi cichlids make micro territories of their own in the Great African Rift Valley Lakes exhibit. Join the crowd taking in the otherworldly colors and shapes before returning to land.
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Flying Through the Water They’re commonly associated with ice and snow, but the birds at the Blum-Kovler Penguin-Seabird House also enjoy water in its unfrozen form. Specially adapted wings help penguins and seabirds speed through the seas of their exhibit. Artificial kelp and plastic squid and octopi are occasionally added to enrich the birds’ dives. “It gives them something different to explore,” says Hope B. McCormick Curator of Birds Colleen Lynch. While the birds still take to the water in summer, much of their energy goes toward the season’s breeding activities. From collecting stones for nest building to incubating eggs and rearing chicks, the birds find plenty to engage them on shore.
Sunning on Shore The gray seals in the Kovler Sea Lion Pool are generally spotted by the wake they leave in the water. But summer warmth can entice these marine mammals onto shore to soak up sun. “If the weather’s 70–80 degrees, they really enjoy laying out,” says Kamhout. The sunbathing even brings a slight change in their appearance, as the sleek fur of winter becomes a little fuzzy during summer snoozes. See if you can spot the difference. Different Strokes When it comes to splashy styles, the American beavers and North American river otters are a study in contrasts. The beavers paddle patiently through the water at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo while the otters dive and dance, delighting visitors with split-second changes of direction. While the otters are active all year long, the beavers differ with the seasons. Summer heat can push back the beginning of their “busy” behavior to 3 p.m. But even with the late start, they still make short work of the willow, aspen or poplar trees provided by keepers twice a week. The beavers use part of the resulting mulch to line their
dens, along with leaves and straw. But summer showers can spur a bit of spring cleaning, Curator Diane Mulkerin reports. “After it rains, they dump everything in the lodge into the pool,” she says. “They want fresh bedding.” Last Splash Regenstein Small Mammal–Reptile House is a great place to wrap up your watery walk. Plenty of the building’s animals split time between the elements. Dyeing poison arrow frogs, Asian small-clawed otters, emperor newts, dwarf caimans, yellow-spotted Amazon River turtles and other semi-aquatic animals all swim, soak, splash and play. But one of the more unique water-dwellers can be spotted right by the building’s entrance. That would be the axolotl, native to Mexico’s Lake Xochimilco, where they are nearly extinct due to
drained waters and the introduction of predatory fish. Committed predators, axolotls eat whatever they can catch. But what really distinguishes them from their amphibian peers is their dedication to life in the water. “Most amphibians have a terrestrial portion of their life cycle, but axolotls never metamorphose into land salamanders,” says Mulkerin. They spend their lives beneath the surface, drawing oxygen through feathery gills that extend back behind their heads. As you finish your tour here, you can almost visualize the lacy projections waving goodbye. Solid swimmers, king penguins spend much of summer tending eggs above the surface. The polar bear uses massive paws to propel herself through the water at Polar Bear Plaza while the axolotl’s feathery gills indicate a permanent aquatic lifestyle.
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BY CHRiS MCNAMARA
Brick-and-Mortar History hroughout the years, Lincoln Park Zoo has exhibited animals that could be considered historic—the silverback gorilla Bushman, who was famous among Chicagoans, and the swans that were the first animals exhibited here back in 1868. But the buildings that have housed Lincoln Park Zoo’s animals for more than a century are legendary in their own right. Many have been named historic landmarks. others feature specific elements that have earned that honorary distinction. While still other buildings here are simply cherished by generations of Chicagoans who have toured them while being awed by their wild inhabitants. Here we provide an overview of the historic brick-and-mortar components of Lincoln Park Zoo, to educate yourself on the buildings you’ll enter this summer to escape the heat.
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McCormick Bird House Designed by the zoo’s first director, Cyrus DeVry, and opened in 1904, this home for winged residents features 10 habitats that replicate the dense jungles, sandy coasts, running streams and grassy plains of the birds’ native homes. The tropical Free Flight Area enables guests to walk among fluttering birds. The McCormick Bird House was last renovated in 1991, a threeyear, $2.8 million process. eadie Levy’s Landmark Café This little building was originally built to display animals, but by 1899 the zoo began serving refreshments out of it. (There are stalls at the ground level, perhaps for hoofed animals, and smaller enclosures above for birds.) The Landmark Café, named in tribute to the matriarch of the restaurateur Levy family, has undergone a series of renovations. In 1988 its Victorian stained-glass windows were restored and the copper cupola topping the building was refurbished. The café was again refurbished in 1999, and a bright-red roof was added. While classic fare like popcorn is served, Eadie Levy’s Landmark Café also dishes out hot dogs and French fries. Helen Brach Primate House Originally built in 1927 as a small-mammal house, the
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Helen Brach Primate House is considered one of the major landmark buildings on zoo grounds. A two-year renovation was completed in 1992 at a cost of more than $2 million, creating more naturalistic exhibits with vines, trees and murals depicting the howler monkeys’, pied tamarins’ and white-cheeked gibbons’ native habitats. The oak tree across from the outdoor gibbon exhibit is two centuries old, making it one of the eldest oaks in the state. Kovler Sea Lion Pool This pool was built to accommodate Lincoln Park Zoo’s first pair of sea lions, which arrived in 1879. A 200,000gallon saltwater habitat, the pool features a pupping cove where animals can go to give birth. In the late 1990s, more than 4,000 Lincoln Park neighbors and friends contributed $1.4 million to the Kovler Sea Lion Pool’s renovation, improving among other things the underwater-viewing area where guests can marvel at the aquatic acrobatics of the seals that currently reside here. Park Pavilion / Park Place Café Now housing the zoo’s main restaurant, Park Place Café, Park Pavilion served as the city’s first aquarium from 1923–1937. It was transformed into the Reptile House, then closed again in 1994 for renovation, reopening as Park Pavilion in 1998. This building’s historic facade, which includes stone carvings of aquatic life, was preserved during the renovation. Also during the renovation, workers uncovered an intact snake skeleton and a time capsule from the 1930s that included coins, medals and printed materials.
Heavy Information Former Zoo Director Marlin Perkins had his office in the basement of the building. Perkins’ popular television program, Zoo Parade, was actually filmed in a studio that is now the café’s kitchen. Kovler Lion House This landmark, designed by Prairie School architect Dwight Perkins, featured two dozen exhibits when it was built in 1912. The interior of the Kovler Lion House was renovated in 1990, reducing the exhibits to 10 to create larger spaces for the residents. The building’s historic significance ensured the Great Hall was preserved during renovations. South outdoor exhibits were expanded in 2007, affording more space for the cats and red panda to prowl. Café Brauer Also designed by Dwight Perkins in 1908 and originally known as the South Pond Refectory, Café Brauer is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1987, The Lincoln Park Zoological Society became responsible for a full-scale restoration of Café Brauer, most of which hadn’t been used since the late 1930s. Many original details, including the entire tile roof, were re-created or restored, which attracts wedding parties who marvel at the beauty of this treasured building. Carlson Cottage Designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee in 1888, Carlson Cottage is one of the oldest buildings still standing at Lincoln Park Zoo. Its name is derived from the caretakers of the graveyard that once lay just steps from the building. This small, ornate building just south of Café Brauer was originally designed as a “comfort station,” a fancy name for a public restroom. The building was renovated in 2008, earning a Chicago Landmark Award for Preservation Excellence. Today the building serves as headquarters for the zoo’s volunteer gardeners, who lend their time to beautify the landscape that surrounds the cottage.
Chicago is a city crowded with architectural landmarks. And few vantage points are better than the Lester E. Fisher Bridge, which spans the pond within Nature Boardwalk and provides a south-looking view of the skyscrapers. To help those ogling the skyline, Lincoln Park Zoo included an interactive in the signage created for the opening of Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo in 2010. This print and tactile tutorial, which details the buildings’ names and locations, was generously donated by steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal. “The skyline interpretive demonstrates a balance between the urban city—many skyscrapers that are important to the architecture of this great city were built by our steel—and the natural environment such as the Nature Boardwalk restoration,” says ArcelorMittal’s Corporate Responsibility Manager Heather Loebner. “We believe the natural and urban coexist in balance with each other. Both are important to our sustainability of environmental resources and the fabric of the communities we live, work and play in each day.” Loebner explains the process behind creating the interactive. First, the Chicago Architecture Foundation helped identify and provide schematics for the skyline. Then ArcelorMittal fabricated the piece out of recycled steel, causing it to be a hefty piece of information. After initially being installed along the boardwalk, the sign was recently moved atop the Fisher Bridge, providing a miniature, touchable replica of the buildings that loom in the distance. “We are excited to help educate individuals about recycling (steel is virtually 100 percent recyclable) and the important architecture of Chicago, all while enjoying the native species at Nature Boardwalk,” says Loebner.
Elder Statesmen W hile it may not be as prominent as with humans, animals do develop gray hair. Their follicles stop producing pigment, just as ours do, replacing dark locks with faded strands. And just as our human elders require special attention to help them deal with the problems of aging, so too do the geriatric animals at Lincoln Park Zoo. Here we take a look at some of the animals in their golden years—as well as accommodations made by zoo staff to help them adjust to senior status. *our african lion, adelor, is 18 years old. As such, his oncemajestic mane is thinning a bit, his appetite isn’t what it used to be and his eyesight is fading. The big cat is also starting to experience kidney failure, a common development for elders of this species. Animal care staff carefully monitor his condittion, and keepers at the Kovler Lion House provide Adelor a few meals each day (rather than the normal single meal) to prompt him to eat more. A solution to the cat’s thinning hair—as any bald men out there know all too well—is elusive.
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BY CHRiS MCNAMARA
*Keo’s troop of chimpanzees is more aged than the other chimpanzee group at Regenstein Center for African Apes. All are in their senior years and deal with the arthritis that comes with that. Staff accommodate them by providing extra bedding to ensure comfortable nights. They cook harder foods, such as sweet potatoes, to make them easier to chew. Many of these apes receive medication for heart conditions as well. *The geriatric male dwarf mongoose at Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House hasn’t let the passage of time oust him from his spot as leader of the group. This alpha male has lost both eyes (an infection in one and a tumor in the other). A special ramp facilitates his arrival on exhibit each day, where he maintains order with the group, reprimands upstarts with the occasional nip and breeds with females, just as an alpha male should.
field note White-Lipped Deer Cervus albirostris It’s a common goal to lose a little weight for summer, but few take it to the extremes of the zoo’s male white-lipped deer. With breeding season behind him, this hoofed mammal sheds the winter weight of a full rack of antlers. It isn’t a small loss. The antlers can reach up to 4 feet in length and weigh as much as 15 pounds. Males use the impressive headgear to grapple with other males in their native Tibetan Plateau of western China, all part of the competition for mates. That’s not to say wild white-lipped deer spend all their time butting heads. The species spends much of the year traveling in single-sex herds. They come together only in late fall, during rut, when the antlers are put to energetic use. The calves are then born in summer—the best season to put on weight, when grasses are plentiful for nursing moms. The zoo’s male white-lipped deer doesn’t face any competition for mates, but he still grows the antlers like clockwork. Summer visitors can spot empty sockets on the male’s crown—or rapidly growing nubs as new antlers sprout again in September. Just in time for the male to exert his dominance over the balls and barrels keepers place in his exhibit for enrichment.
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Amazing Adaptations: Tall Tails
BY CHRiS MCNAMARA
he tails curl and coil like slithering snakes. They blindly seek out tree branches to use as braces when the animals bend down to grab pieces of fruit. The howler monkeys might be known for their titular bellows, but their coolest feature might be the ones that hang behind them, those thick, muscular prehensile tails that move with such dexterity you’d swear they were puppets. of course, howler monkeys aren’t alone in possessing these awesome appendages. Most species at Lincoln Park Zoo have tails, and they employ them in ways that range from mundane (shoo fly!) to marvelous (see above). “Just as there is incredible variance in terms of physiology among animals, so too is there great diversity among animal tails,” says Vice President of animal Care Megan ross, Ph.D. “From size to shape to appearance to functionality, tails are often as awe inspiring as the animals they’re attached to.”
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Scaled Tails Lose your tail, save your life. That’s the physiological logic behind autotomy—the ability for lizards to shed their tails to evade hungry hunters. “Some lizards have fracture planes in their tails that enable them to detach them if they get grabbed or bitten by a predator,” explains Curator of Small Mammals and Reptiles Diane Mulkerin. “Standing’s day geckos, for example, can contract muscles in their tails, causing them to be released with minimal damage to the animal. The detached tail will continue to wiggle for several minutes, keeping the predator occupied and enabling the gecko to escape.” It’s not just primates who claim ownership to prehensile tails—those with the ability to grasp. Some arboreal snakes and lizards can cling with their handy backsides, too. “The prehensile-tailed skinks may not have tails as dexterous as howler monkeys’,” says Mulkerin, “but their fifth limb is a big help in grabbing onto and moving around the branches of trees.”
Flippers & Feathers The tilapia that inhabit the pools at Regenstein African Journey employ their tails to scoot through the water, following their exhibit mates, the pygmy hippos, which spin their tails while defecating, breaking up their poop to mark territory—and giving the fish a handy meal. A far less disgusting example of tail use can be found among Lincoln Park Zoo’s birds. Birds do have small, rounded tails from which their tail feathers grow. These are employed like rudders, used for balance during flight (particularly during…ahem…tailwinds).
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MR JAMSEY
GUENTHER GUNI
Standing’s day geckos, red kangaroos, Baringo giraffes, African wild dogs and northern cardinals all employ different tails for the task.
Many Styles, Many Uses While we discussed prehensile tails in the introduction, mammals use their “fifth limb” in a host of other fascinating ways. Tails’ location at the rear of animals enables them to shoo pesky flies attracted to dung. Long tails adorned with hair also help spread cooling, cleansing dust around hooved animals’ bodies. The zoo’s red kangaroos use their tails in locomotion, pressing the powerful appendages into the ground, which enables them to lift their hind legs and move them forward. They also rock back on their tails when boxing one another with their limbs. Some creatures employ their tails like paddles or rudders. The beavers at the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo leisurely pump their tails while swimming, just as they vigorously use those flat-paddles when packing mud into their watery homes. On the flipside are the high-energy North American river otters, which whip their tails through the water to facilitate their underwater ballets.
In addition to other uses, dogs and wolves communicate with their flyswatters. “Watch the red wolves at the Children’s Zoo,” advises Mulkerin. “The animal carrying his tail high over his back is our dominant male. The three females may occasionally carry their tails high but never when approaching the dominant male.” The white tips on African wild dogs’ tails serve as flags— not communicating surrender, mind you, but rather alerting pack mates to the presence of danger or food. Those white tips also shoot up and wag when the wild dogs get excited about something, which shouldn’t surprise anyone who has ever owned a pooch. The cutest “tails” on any Lincoln Park Zoo animals aren’t technically tails at all. Like all apes, chimpanzees and gorillas don’t have tails, but youngsters do have white tufts of hair on their rumps for the first few years of their lives. These don’t swat flies or grasp branches, but they’re a hairy form of backside communication that says to elder group members, “I’m just a rambunctious youngster. If I cause a little trouble, you can’t kick my tail.”
Tails for the Tasks Want to explore everything tails can do? Visit www.lpzoo.org/magazine for Tails for the Tasks, a matching game that highlights animals’ rear adaptations.
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Zoo in Bloom
BY CHRiS MCNAMARA
A
nthesis. That’s the term horticulturists use when a plant reaches its peak maturity, fully developed, in all of its glory. “That is what you’ve planned for each flower and plant. What you’ve worked for during the previous year,” says Lincoln Park Zoo’s resident green thumb Brian Houck. As director of horticulture, Houck dreams about anthesis during the dead of winter, when only snow banks and complaints about the cold are at their peaks. He notes anthesis on his mental calendar—some nebulous point around Labor Day that serves as inspiration for the 364 days that precede it. Anthesis is like a beauty pageant, when the lookers—those sweet coneflowers and oakleaf hydrangeas and September charm anemones— stand tallest, bloom brightest and, here at the zoo at least, are best capable of luring visitors’ eyes and admiration away from the awesome animals. “We have a tapestry of herbaceous perennials that blossom throughout the summer,” explains Houck. “We plan it so things are blooming at different points in the summer.”
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everybody’s garden Early in the season, astilbe dominates. Pink, feathery plumes pop up throughout the zoo, providing a joyful welcome to the throngs of visitors that pour through the gates. By mid-summer, Russian sage takes center stage. Houck advises flower fans to check out the garden near the staircase beside the Wild Things! gift shop, which should be crowded with the small lavender petals and silver foliage. As summer begins to wane, hardy hibiscus will bloom just beyond the fence surrounding the tiger yard. The white-andpink, dinner-plate-sized flowers complement the orangeand-black-striped residents. Meanwhile, black-and-yellow striped visitors to the zoo—bees—help pollinate the hibiscus. “Summer is a great time to admire plant life,” says the director. Summer carries with it challenges, naturally. Extra irrigation is needed to quench thirsty plants, and foot traffic tramples grass. The blistering sun can wilt more delicate species. But others love the intense heat, particularly the prairie plants at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, where rosin weed and prairie dock sunbathe like Floridians. While every summer is special for plant lovers, this one will particularly wow at Lincoln Park Zoo. All annuals in containers around zoo grounds will follow a color scheme. “They’ll match for the first time,” beams Houck. “They will all be a combination of red, orange and purple.” This planned palette— like summer itself—is fleeting. All good things come to an end. But Houck notes that next year he will change things up, perhaps go with a pastel theme. In addition to the matching hues this summer, the continually maturing Nature Boardwalk boasts black-eyed susans, milkweed, cardinal and hyssop flowering in more abundance than last year. Pollinating many plants at Nature Boardwalk are butterflies, which horticulturists use as barometers. Houck details how green thumbs use the winged set to inform them how well they’ve done. “An abundance of butterflies means we’ve used the right flowers for them to feed and the right plants for their larvae to eat. Where there are a lot of butterflies, you have a good garden.” The director expects a bevy of butterflies on zoo grounds this summer—monarchs, eastern tiger swallowtails and painted ladies. Look for them during anthesis.
“Lincoln Park Zoo is unique in that it’s a large space so close to downtown that’s accessible, safe, pleasant and has good plants to show people,” replied Director of Horticulture Brian Houck when asked why the zoo is a good venue for flowery classes and events. “The zoo’s garden is everybody’s garden. Chicagoans can take ownership of it and not have to maintain it themselves.” It’s no coincidence that the Wine & Wildflowers event was scheduled to coincide with anthesis. The inaugural program, to be held September 1, invites attendees to get an inside look at the zoo’s lush landscapes during this green garden party. garden classes, such as introductory and advanced programs focusing on species native to the Midwest, run throughout the summer. and free Second Saturdays garden Tours happen July 9, august 13 and September 10. To learn more or register for any zoo programs, visit www.lpzoo.org. as always, zoo members receive a discount.
Clockwise: Astilbe, hibiscus, milkweed, and Russian sage will be some of the summer highlights of Lincoln Park Zoo’s living garden.
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Zoo in View 3 Spiders
THOMAS BEDENK
Whether you’re into water dwellers or tall tails, new arrivals or elder statesmen, Swing into Summer has given you several views of the zoo’s world of wildlife. But what’s the big picture? Enjoy a better understanding of the zoo as a whole with these breakdowns of our amazing animals.
3 Insects
5 Amphibians
11 Fish
Top of the Class
MICHEALOFIACHRA
Is Lincoln Park Zoo a world of wings or are mammals most numerous? When the species at the zoo are broken down into their different classes, these two groups stand out in numbers. But the zoo has representatives across the world of wildlife, from ostriches to giant baboon spiders.
21 Reptiles
From ostriches to kikuyu white-eyes, birds are the most numerous species at the zoo.
62 Mammals
65 Birds
A World of Wildlife
Continents of Origin
While Lincoln Park Zoo houses animals from across the globe, some continents are more common than others. At that, a number of the zoo’s species can’t be confined to one landmass. Ocean dwellers, such as gray seals and tufted puffins, make up a large part of the “Multiple” category. Others—jaguars, snowy egrets and American kestrels— Chinstrap penguins span the land bridge between the Americas. are the only species making their home in Antarctica.
Least Concern 92
The zoo has species from across the conservation spectrum, from backyard dwellers to birds that can no longer be found in the wild. Here’s the rarity of each Lincoln Park Zoo species, as determined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Vulnerable 20 Near Threatened 17
Across the Conservation Spectrum
Endangered 17
• Lincoln Park Zoo participates in 83 Species Survival Plans®, collaborating with zoos across the country in breeding and transfer plans to ensure long-term health for zoo populations. Two residents of the
• The designations aren’t uniform Critically across each species’ range. While Not Listed Endangered 10 eastern massasauga rattlesnakes 12 and piping plovers are globally considered species of least concern, Extinct in both are endangered in Illinois. the Wild
2
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McCormick Bird House— the Guam rail and Guam Micronesian kingfisher (pictured)—represent the rarest species at the zoo.
Africa 51 Asia 28 Multiple 27 North America 24 South America 24 Australia/Oceania 14 Antarctica 1 Europe 1
wild file Summer Enrichment—Cool Stuff While children flock to Lincoln Park Zoo to attend Summer Conservation Camp and adults register for gardening classes, the animals at the zoo are also enriched during summer months. Just as they do throughout the year, species from small mammals to large birds engage in enrichment that stimulates their minds and prompts them to use their bodies as they would in the wild. Ice is a favorite tool used by keepers when it gets hot. Fish frozen into ice blocks prompt the polar bear to lick its way to a snack. Popsicles studded with fruits and veggies trigger the great apes to use their large minds and dexterous fingers to get at the goodies. And the warm weather prompts more animals to explore their outdoor exhibits, which are populated in summer months by the occasional butterfly or bird or flower—all items that prompt curious animals to investigate. Of course, when the heat becomes uncomfortable, guests and animals can always find comfort inside, where in Regenstein Center for African Apes the gorillas perform touchscreen enrichment within public view throughout the week.
Sunny Sightings at Nature Boardwalk Summer is a time of intense activity at Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo, as many bird species’ young are developing and fledging from their nests. Case in point: the black-crowned night herons, which have nested near Nature Boardwalk for several years. Likewise, waterfowl youngsters, such as wood duck and mallard chicks, will be paddling around and learning to forage, while in the air butterflies and dragonflies are out in full force. “All these flying creatures make it a great time to come out to Nature Boardwalk with binoculars ready,” advises Coordinator of Wildlife Management Vicky Hunt, who is ramping up wildlife monitoring this summer. “We know what to look for this year, so where we only assessed species’ presence or absence last year, this year we will be looking at finding out in more detail how these species use the site.” For example, Hunt will be tracking the painted turtles, which were equipped with radio transmitters last fall. While they overwintered at the bottom of the pond, this summer they are basking on logs and rocks, making them easier to spot for both scientists and those simply strolling around the waters’ edge.
Nature Boardwalk in Bloom A year of sunshine, water and tender care from zoo horticulturists have made the vegetation—and the ecosystem—at Nature Boardwalk more vibrant than ever. Director of Horticulture Brian Houck identifies some summer highlights. Blue Giant Hyssop This 2–4-foot flowering plant draws butterflies and bees. The lavender “spike” at its tip supplies nectar while the species’ boxy stem offers a living botany lesson. “The square stem is typical of the mint family—you can identify it by gently holding the stem,” says Houck. “It should smell a bit like anise.”
Touch-screen sessions at Regenstein Center for African Apes are part of the summer enrichment on display. Red-billed hornbills are now sharing space with the masked lovebirds at Regenstein African Journey.
Spiderwort These blue blossoms brighten the boardwalk landscape from May–July. While the 3-feet-tall stalks can produce multiple flowers, each blooms for only a day. Be sure to enjoy them while they’re here.
New Exhibitmates for the Lovebirds Just as new life can be found at Nature Boardwalk, new (and newly grown) winged residents are on display around the zoo. Red-billed hornbills recently joined the lovebirds within Regenstein African Journey. When these birds lays eggs, the female incubates them in a tree cavity, which the male plugs up with mud, droppings and fruit pulp. He leaves only a tiny hole, through which he can pass food to his mate and her newly hatched chicks.
Storks Out Nearby at the Regenstein Birds of Prey Exhibit, the three European white storks hatched last spring are already full grown, and two of them have been transferred to other Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities. The third has moved off exhibit as mom and dad try for another clutch.
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news of the zoo
Dave Bernier is the zoo’s new general curator. Director of Horticulture Brian Houck helps green thumbs bloom with gardening classes. The Seventh Annual Science Celebration let budding scientists share work conducted through the Young Researchers Collaborative.
Advancing Animal Care Two recent changes reflect the zoo’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the best possible care for its animals. In February, Dave Bernier was promoted to general curator of Lincoln Park Zoo. The 20-year zoo veteran will use knowledge gained in nearly every corner of zoo grounds to oversee the day-to-day care of Lincoln Park Zoo’s amazing animals. Near the same time, Laura Lickel was hired as the nutrition manager at the Nutrition Center. The Bronx Zoo transplant will be responsible for planning healthful diets for the zoo’s many appetites. Her meal planning will be enhanced by a recently received Master of Science in Animal Science. Her study of comparative nutrition culminated in a thesis investigating the impact of feeding schedule on tortoise growth and digestion.
Green and Growing Animal lovers can now exercise their green thumbs with the zoo’s new series of gardening classes. The educational offerings, developed in tandem with Director of Horticulture Brian Houck, reflect the zoo’s status as one of the city’s most-visited gardens. Participants have already embarked on Second Saturdays Garden Tours and IDed Plentiful Perennials, but there are plenty of classes ahead. Visit www.lpzoo.org/education to learn more!
Starting a Lifetime of Learning Zoo educators have had a busy summer introducing eager pupils to the wonders of wildlife. The learning season kicked off with the Seventh Annual Science Celebration. Hosted at Café Brauer by the Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Science Celebration was the culminating event for participants in the zoo’s Young Researchers Collaborative. Many thanks to sponsors University
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of Phoenix, Polk Bros. Foundation, Chase, JPMorgan and UBS. With school out of session, learning has continued with the zoo’s Summer Conservation Camp and Zoo Crew. The former helps 4-year-olds–fourth graders appreciate animal diversity, conservation and care with a week (or two) of hands-on fun. The new Zoo Crew program provides fifth–eighth graders a platform for bringing environmental change into their communities. “We want to give these kids the tools they need to be wildlife ambassadors in their neighborhoods,” says Director of Public Programs and Guest Engagement Jessica Monahan. “At this point in their lives, they have the ability to really be stewards for change, and that’s something we want to encourage.”
A Flurry of Support From dancing the night away to running in the morning sun, friends of the zoo have been active in showing their support. The Auxiliary Board kicked off the fun with their spring fundraiser, Zoo-ologie, on May 21. The lively gala was co-chaired by Erin O’Brien, Daniel Silverfield and Annessa Staab and supported by contributing sponsor Mercedes-Benz Chicagoland Dealers and additional sponsors including Chicago Social Magazine and Rockit Ranch Productions. More than 600 guests joined the fun, helping to raise vital funds for the zoo’s global conservation efforts. On June 5, runners turned the zoo into their own raceway, jogging alongside African lions and Amur tigers as they vied for a personal best in the United Run for the Zoo. Adults took part in a 5k run, 10k run and 5k fun walk while kids showed their best burst with a free Zebra Zip. All the motion—boosted by dedicated fundraising by participants—added up to marathon support for the zoo’s animals. Special thanks to sponsors United Airlines, New Balance Chicago, Lifeway Foods, Startfruit and ArcelorMittal.
field note Red Kangaroo Macropus rufus
CRAIG DINGLE
Ask any child how kangaroos get around and they’re quick to respond with “hop!” The marsupial’s unique style of locomotion is widely known, but the physics of the movement—the nuts and bolts of getting around—are worth analysis. First, the morphology. The largest marsupial, red kangaroos can reach up to 4 feet tall and weigh up to 120 pounds. They have small forelimbs, strong hind legs and powerful tails, which they employ in a variety of ways when moving. Walking isn’t one of them. They can’t walk. Kangaroos’ hind legs don’t move independently of one another, which makes it impossible for them to stroll around their native Australia. But as we know, they’re expert hoppers. The powerful red kangaroo can travel 30 feet in one leap. They can clock in at 35 mph when being chased by hungry dingoes. When kangaroos hop, they push off with hind legs boosted by long paws. The tail is used like a rudder, bobbing up and down to maintain balance. The forelimbs dangle comically, awaiting employment during landing. A kangaroo’s slow method of movement is much more complicated. The process is called pentapedal locomotion. With the head tilted downward, the forelimbs stretch out and plant on the ground before the tail is pushed into the soil, enabling the hind legs to scoot forward in tandem. When those hind legs plant down, they stretch past the front paws. Plant. Push. Scoot. Repeat. It’s an ungainly, unusual motion. Of course, this is an ungainly, unusual animal. (The famous hopping is much more graceful.) But keep in mind that kangaroo mothers might have offspring in their pouches while hopping or crawling around. Joeys can hide out in pouches for as long as a year after birth, nursing and seeking comfort from mom. You try being graceful with a 1-year-old hidden in your belly.
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Your Story Summer is the highlight of the zoo’s calendar, when special events and sunshine and breaks from school lure crowds to see the animals, educate themselves and marvel at the natural wonder that is this world of wildlife. We solicited summer stories from visitors.
Hanah Festa My boyfriend and I are from Durham, North Carolina, and we went to Chicago with his mom for a business trip in June 2008. He and I went to the zoo early in the morning as it was opening and watched the keeper prep the enclosures and let the animals out. We also watched as the zoo quickly filled up with people. I am a zoology major and have always loved animals and visiting zoos. It was very interesting to compare this zoo to the one we have in Asheboro. Lincoln Park is so historic and shows how zoos have changed over time. I also loved how the zoo was more like a park in that it was free. This makes it more accessible to people and will hopefully be more successful in educating people about the animals, conservation and what is needed to keep our world natural! Overall, it was a great experience and a way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city that we were not very used to.
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Jennet Conly Tempone My husband took a job in Chicago over the summer. We (our three sons and I) weren’t ready to join him with school, a house to sell, etc. So when we went out there to find a studio apartment for him in July, we took the boys to the zoo. They fell in love! Every trip out to visit daddy has involved the zoo. We went to the zoo so much that I actually learned my way around and found a place I felt comfortable in a strange city. Every talk about nerves and not wanting to move includes a mention of how cool it will be to go to the zoo any time we want. We will be moving this summer, finally, to be a family again, and I know one of our first outings will be the zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo was a nice stepping stone for my boys.
Jerry ostergaard When I have out-of-town guests come to visit Chicago in the hot summer months, I always take them to the lakefront, and of course, that includes a stop at Lincoln Park Zoo. A friend from California was in town, and as we walked into the zoo, her head was swiveling around frantically. I asked what was the matter. “Where’s the ticket booth?” she queried. The look on her face when I told her the zoo was free was priceless.
We Want to Hear Your Zoo Stories! Visit www.lpzoo.org/stories to share your favorite Lincoln Park Zoo memories.
membership matters
NEW!
Programs for Zoo Members
Members-Only Morning—August 13, 8-10 a.m. The north end of Lincoln Park Zoo will be open only to members during our first-ever Members-Only Morning! Get a sneak peek at how keepers and animals start their day, including introducing animals to their exhibits and much more. View enrichment exercises, participate in fun family activities and see how we encourage natural behaviors. Learn about zoo nutrition and enjoy dynamic demonstrations from Lincoln Park Zoo scientists. This is a free, all-ages event for members at any level. No reservations are required. Just show up, enjoy the fun—and accept our thanks for your support!
aDoPT an animal This Summer Looking for a birthday gift this summer? Or do you simply want to forge a closer bond to your favorite species? ADOPT an Animal from Lincoln Park Zoo. Consider a rhinoceros, giraffe or jaguar in your gift that gives twice—once to the recipient and once to the animals at the zoo. To learn more, visit www.lpzoo.org/support.
Wish List Love the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo? Love buying gifts? Browse our Wish List to purchase something special for your favorite species. Zookeepers and curators have compiled a range of items that will enrich animals’ lives. The Wish List can be found at www.lpzoo.org/support.
Experience the Ecologists’ Circle Members of our newest donor club enjoy unique encounters with the zoo's curators, keepers and animals. enjoy VIP benefits such as the after-hours Night Hike while providing vital funding for Lincoln Park Zoo’s mission of conservation, education and care. Learn more about donor clubs at www.lpzoo.org/annualfund.
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Your membership supports everything we do, from animal care to publishing Lincoln Park Zoo magazine. Thank you. Po Box 14903 Chicago, IL 60614 www.lpzoo.org
Non-profit organization U.S. Postage PaID Lincoln Park Zoo
ZooMail Shares What’s New
Stay Connected! Lincoln Park Zoo magazine is the best source for in-depth updates on the zoo’s mission of conservation and care. But it’s not the only way to learn about the zoo’s world of wildlife. Discover what’s new at the zoo—and what your support makes possible.
More from the Magazine Want a map of the zoo’s newest arrivals? Eager to help your kids (or yourself) explore the right tail for the job? See these supplements and more at www.lpzoo.org/magazine.
See It all at Lpzoo.org How does vaccinating dogs protect African lions in Serengeti National Park? Which parent provides the bulk of the care for baby pied tamarins? Browse www.lpzoo.org to experience the zoo’s full world of wildlife.
Join the Fun What’s on the menu for the latest Diet Snapshot? Which wild behavior is being shared in the latest Post from a Curator? Follow Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the zoo blogs to experience We Want To Hear each day at the zoo From You! Send your as it’s happening! feedback on Lincoln Park Zoo magazine to magazine@lpzoo.org
Members Benefit Want to see which zoos offer free admission to Lincoln Park Zoo members? Looking to make the most of your discounts? Visit www.lpzoo.org/support to see how your support benefits you as well as the zoo.
Who’s the newest baby to emerge from the den? When’s the next opportunity to Sleep Under the Skyscrapers? Subscribe to our ZooMail digest to receive the latest animal updates, program offerings and more in your inbox! Visit www.lpzoo.org today to start receiving ZooMail.