2012 Annual Report
Page 1
2012 City Commissioners David Crase, Mayor Roy Cessna
Lee Richardson Zoo Advisory Board
John Doll Dan Fankhauser
Evelyn Bowman
Chris Law
Della Brandenburger Becky Clark
City Manager
Elaine Lo)
Ma) Allen
Cathy McKinley Tammy Reith Debbie Reynolds
Mission To ins ll apprecia on and encourage stewardship of the Earth’s natural treasures through the exhibi on, conserva on and interpreta on of wildlife.
Kathy Sexson Zoo Director
EMPLOYEES Dennis Asper
Dave Ozburn
Misty Ayers
Jordan Piha
Greg Bordewick
Stacy Plocher
Candace Brawner
Kathy Sexson
Whitney Buchman
Jeremy Smith
Audrey DeBey
Tim Singiser
Lou Elchuck
Jakob Stegman
Stephanie Fontenot
Shannon Tegge
Kyla Go)gatreu
Hiram Thoman
Angela Herman
Ka6 Thoman
Tony Herman
Tarra Tyson
Sarah Higgerson
Donna Wohler
Pablo Holguin
Donna Price
Kris Newland
Judy Richardson
Sara Niemczyk
Page 2
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR As the zoo concludes a celebration of its 85th anniversary, it is fitting to reflect on the important role it has played in our community, and how far we have come in those 85 years. From a tiny collection of local wildlife to an impressive collection of exotic wildlife from around the globe, the zoo has become an integral compoment of Garden City‘s culture. True to its history, 2012 was a whirlwind of projects and improvements at the Lee Richardson Zoo, both large and small, but all advancements were of significant value to our guests, staff, animals and our mission. Our younger guests and their parents will appreciate some new additions to the playground, including a memorial Bumblebee spring-rider, a brightly colored spiral slide, and some new memorial benches. Improvements to the west lion yard included the addition of a large basking rock and the establishment of native grass. Site preparation for Cat Canyon morphed into full blown construction of this long anticipated exhibit for our American cats. On a smaller scale, two local donors expedited the timeline for a new exhibit for our African Spurred tortoises. This involved the razing of the old hawk and vulture cages and site prep prior to the contractor stepping in to complete a building that enables the public to enjoy these popular reptiles year round. The 26 year-old aviary flight cage got a major facelift with sturdy new corner poles, some new line poles, and replacement of the aging vinyl-coated chicken wire with a coil mesh that will deflect build up of damaging snow and ice. We are revamping the former macaque exhibit to create a more spacious exhibit for our new breeding pair of Red pandas. Our talented maintenance crew is working on adapting the exhibit to the special needs of this rare species, and the new pair has been introduced and already occupies the updated night quarters. We are still enjoying Firecracker, who at 21 years enjoys his designation as the oldest red panda ever in the SSP records. In other animal news, a popular snake exhibit debuted in the Wild Asia Nocturnal building featuring a Green Tree Python, a new species for the zoo. This exhibit was the result of the combined efforts of all zoo divisions, and enables our visitors to experience another snake species up close. Love 'em or hate 'em, snakes are one of the animals most requested by the public. Another first for the zoo was the breeding of our Goeldi's monkey pair, resulting in the birth of two tiny infants that weighed only 1-2 ounces at birth. This successful outcome of an SSP breeding recommendation was the result of hard work and excellent staff husbandry efforts. Behind the scenes, that professional care is supported by the efforts of our veterinary and office staff, and one significant change in that arena was the switch from our old animal inventory system (ARKS—Animal Record Keeping System) to a new international web-based software that has been many years in development. The ZIMS (Zoological Information Management System) software will hopefully further streamline husbandry and conservation efforts among our zoo colleagues around the world. Other achievements this year included the support of numerous conservation projects ranging from elephants in Africa to Snow and Amur leopards in Asia. Such projects are a vital part of our mission, and are funded one quarter at a time by guests who enjoy feeding the ducks. Several new pergolas were erected for public shade, and will hopefully encourage future memorials of this nature. A beautiful new patio was completed behind the Finnup Center, increasing the functionality of this great public space. The year culminated with another record being set by the Education Division for people reached through our programs, and the debut of a new "hidden treasures" logo to crown our our 85th year! Enjoy reading about more of each division's successes on the following pages, along with news of special zoo events and the animal collection. Our professional staff is dedicated to the best possible care of our animal ambassadors, expert maintenance and development of our beautiful facility, and a fun mix of educational programming for all ages to inspire appreciation and stewardship of our natural world. Tremendous support from the community inspires us to keep improving and striving to give back to Garden City, Southwest Kansas, and the flora and fauna that enrich all of our lives. Page 3
Attendance
Total attendance for 2012: 155,549
Attendance 1997-2012 300,000
250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0
Lee Richardson Zoo continues to be one of the top family attractions in Kansas, with over 155,500 visitors in attendance during 2012. Our license plate survey recorded paid cars from 37 states plus Canada and Mexico, and it is likely that many of the remaining states were also in attendance but went unrecorded as they entered before 10 AM or parked and walked into the zoo. The decline from prior years’ attendance is likely attributed to several factors, including extremely hot weather experienced during the summer season, and a correction in actual attendance numbers as a result of more accurate data captured by pedestrian and vehicle counters installed for the majority of the year. The year was marked with extended spells of temperature extremes, with 37 days registering 98 degrees or higher, and 21 days reaching 100 degrees or hotter. Historical high temperature data for Garden City averages fourteen triple digit days annually, so 2012 was well above average for hot days. New vehicle and pedestrian counters were installed for most of the year, significantly changing how we count and calculate the interesting dynamics between vehicle and pedestrian traffic. As not all counters were installed for a complete year, and calibrations and locations were modified during the year to improve the accuracy of the tally, the data is still a bit complex to decipher, but should eventually level out and give us a more accurate count for annual attendance. Regardless of the challenges faced in counting free pedestrian traffic, the zoo is a tremendous draw for Garden City, and remains a favorite family destination for Southwest Kansas and the Midwest. Page 4
To instill appreciation and encourage stewardship of the Earth's natural treasures through the exhibition, conservation and interpretation of wildlife.
Animals in Collection Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Invertebrates Total Conservation Contributions Membership Households Education Formal Onsite Distance Learning Formal Offsite Informal Programs Loans Total Attendance Total Attendance Free Admissions
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Species/ Specimens 49/115 51/109 15/20 4/8 3/33 122/285
Species/ Specimens 47/112 49/106 14/21 5/10 4/16 119/265
Species/ Specimens 42/95 48/112 14/20 5/8 5/30 114/265
Species/ Specimens 39/93 47/100 15/20 6/12 4/21 111/246
Species/ Specimens 36/96 48/101 14/20 6/12 4/9 108/238
$2,223.00
$2,855.00
$2,800.00
$3,313.00
$9,000.00
1325
1212
1290
787
675
Participants/ Programs 7,606/364 6,779/221 7,279/218 7,622/74 610/19 29,896/896
Participants/ Programs 7,166/410 11,997/372 4,177/132 11,001/246 791/44 35,132/1,204
Participants/ Programs 5,862/274 6,892/187 7,564/235 10,919/29 525/24 31,762/749
Participants/ Programs 5,556/341 8,089/197 8,998/323 10,298/67 2,319/102 35,258/1,030
Participants/ Programs 7,110/410 5,855/140 14,517/495 7,215/93 2,756/131 37,493/1,269
181,559 154,508
198,731 168,438
182,137 149,906
183,130 163,314
155,549 136,305
Giant Anteater
SA Pampas bldg & maned wolf exhibit
"My Visit to a Zoo" video released
Cat Canyon Construction begun
Wetland at Duckpond
Lion fence enhancements
Remodeled Asia Kitchen
2 Goeldis monkeys born
Significant Strategic Plan Completed Improvements Cell Phone Tour Initiated
Sloth Construction Siamang barn Automatic gate African Spurred Bears/Red begun at FCCE, Finnup Center installed at Tortoise Exhibit addition shop Built Ruffed Lemurs SAP, siamang Rubber Floor in Elephant Barn
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Pygmy slow loris
Sail shades installed
Accreditation granted
Aviary flight cage rebuilt
Secondary generator completed at elephants, giraffes, aviary
Lion yard improvements (rock, native grass)
Educa on STUDENTS
PROGRAMS
7,110
Onsite Formal Programs
5,855
Distance Learning Programs
14,517
Offsite Formal Programs
4,900
Onsite Informal Programs
2,315
Offsite Informal Programs
2,756
Discovery Box Checkouts
Total
37,453
Number of Education Programs 1992-2012 1400 1,269 1,204 1200 1030
1,015 955
1000 797
916 896
821 800
800
749
709 622 6 39
600 438 445 357
400
382 391 330
294 200
0 1992
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1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2012 EDUCATION DIVISION YEAR IN REVIEW
Programs, Projects and Events The Division set a record once again in 2012 for programs provided and people served, reaching a total of 37,453 people through 1138 programs and 131 material loans. This was an increase of 239 programs and 2,195 people from 2011. In addition to on- and offsite programs, the division offered six summer camps, and hosted a number of events, including Earth Day, four seasonal events celebrating the zoo’s 85th birthday, photography classes, and presented Discovery Carts and/or animal ambassadors at A Wild Affair, BOO! At the Zoo, the Tortoise exhibit grand opening, Tumbleweed Festival, and Downtown Vision’s Zoo-themed Third Thursday. Special presentations were provided at the Ark River Water Festival, Pet Expo, and various other community events. Zoo staff completed the overhaul of the website, launching the new version in February. The cell phone tour enjoyed higher usage this year after considerable updating by staff, and enjoyed sponsorship from Sam’s Club and Finnup Foundation, as well as a new sponsor, AT&T. Concurrent with the unveiling of a new zoo logo in December, staff updated graphics for directional signage and the web site to incorporate the “hidden treasures” logo. The volunteer program was redesigned to expand opportunities and better meet zoo and volunteer needs. The three tier system will be implemented in 2013 with appropriate training levels for increasing levels of responsibility. Zoo Ambassadors will help with special events and office work. Enrichment Specialists will create and provide enrichment for zoo animals and handle program animals to keep them tractable, but won’t present programs. Docents will continue to assist with presenting formal and informal educational programs. USD 457 introduced new science curricula for K-4 resulting in the need for a new series of zoo programs. Science teachers at five local elementary schools scheduled programs for all students in their building. We also provided monthly programs for all Early Childhood and Early Learning Four year olds (ELF) classes at the Garfield Early Childhood Center, as well as monthly programs for regional homeschool students. Staff Staff served on various city committees, from CMISC and the Safety Committee to the City Website Redesign Committee and United Way Pacesetters. They took advantage of a number of professional development opportunities including AZA conferences, KACEE facilitator training, Zoo Educator meetings and Nature Start Early Childhood training. Our video conferencing system was utilized by staff to participate in several webinars on a variety of zoo occupational topics. 2011/2012 Comparison Total Programs
Page 7
Total People
Programs Onsite Formal Programs
+71
+1524
Distance Learning
-57
-2264
Zoomobiles
+176
+5316
Informal Programs & Special Events
+20
-2818
Material Loans to Teachers
+29
+437
Total
+239
+2195
ANIMAL DIVISION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR OUR EFFORTS REVOLVE AROUND OUR MISSION OF CONSERVATION, RESEARCH, AND EDUCATION.
This year brought great excitement with the onset of Cat Canyon construction. Thanks to the generosity of two local donors, we completed a new exhibit for our African spurred tortoises a year earlier than planned. These half-grown 90 pound chelonians can now be viewed year round thanks to the generosity of the Clifford family and the Finnup Foundation. Animal collection moves kept us busy. Our last lion-tailed macaque returned to the St. Louis Zoo, allowing staff to modify that exhibit for red pandas. We now house three pandas, including the oldest male in the country, and a new young pair, who we hope to reproduce. Firecracker, our ranking senior panda, surpassed his 21st birthday, and continues each day to break the previous species longevity record of 19 years, 4 months. Another of our elder statesman is Shingo, a 26 year old male giraffe. While there are a few older females at other zoos, he is the oldest male Reticulated giraffe within AZA facilities. These seniors of the animal world are a testament to the professional and dedicated care provided by our staff, helping them to achieve these milestones. The second Goeldi’s monkey birth of 2012 began normally, but caused concern when the infant required a few days of around the clock keeper care. With great critical care from staff she pulled through and is now thriving. The birth of these two popular Goeldi’s babies at the zoo represents a new species bred at LRZ. Addax, Bactrian camel, red kangaroo and alpaca births also occurred. New species joining the zoo included cockatiels, a barn owl and a young female green tree python, now on exhibit in Wild Asia. Professional development this year saw Pablo Holguin attend Principles of Elephant Management, an intense week of everything elephant. Many staff members spent the year collecting samples, filming and GPS tracking the elephants for a national study, Using Science to Understand Zoo Elephant Welfare. Greg Bordewick and Sara Niemczyk trained our mountain lion to accept hand-injections to simplify veterinary procedures. This strategy reduces stress on the animal during anesthesia procedures, reduces the required drug dosage, thereby reducing risk to the animal and drug related expense; as well as saving time during veterinary procedures. Stephanie Fontenot, registrar, and Greg Bordewick were recognized for 10 years of service, while I completed six years on AZA’s Honors and Awards committee, and received the City’s Annual Safety Award. Page 8
Collec on Chart 1.2.3=1 male, 2 female, 3 unknown
Common Name
Beginning Status
December 31, 2012
Births
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
Ending Status
INVERTEBRATES, REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS Brown tarantula
0.1.0
0.1.0
Chilean rose tarantula
0.0.1
0.0.1
Black widow spider
0.0.1
0.0.1
Madagascar hissing cockroach
0.0.18
Sonoran cen pede
0.0.1
0.0.1
0.0.2
Barred ger salamander
0.1.1
0.0.1
0.1.0
Woodhouse’s toad
0.0.2
0.0.2
Oriental fire-bellied toad
0.0.3
0.0.3
White’s tree frog
0.0.1
0.0.1
Plains spadefoot toad
0.0.2
0.0.2
Northern leopard frog
0.0.2
0.0.2
Ornate box turtle
1.0.1
1.0.1
African spurred tortoise
1.1.0
1.1.0
Desert tortoise
1.1.0
1.1.0
Bearded dragon
1.0.0
Guichenot’s giant gecko
0.1.0
Great plains skink
0.0.1
Boa constrictor
1.1.1
1.1.1
Rosy boa
0.0.1
0.0.1
Green tree python
0.0.12
0.0.1
1.0.0
1.5.0
0.0.2
0.0.1
0.1.0 0.0.1
0.0.2
0.0.1
0.0.1
Royal/ball python
0.0.1
0.0.1
Bullsnake
0.1.0
0.1.0
Plains gartersnake
1.0.0
Racer
0.1.0
0.1.0
Western hognose snake
0.0.1
0.0.1
California kingsnake
0.1.0
0.1.0
Milksnake
0.0.1
0.0.1
Page 9
1.0.0
Common Name
Beginning Status
Births
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
Ending Status
BIRDS Greater rhea
0.1.0
Emu
1.3.0
Temminck’s tragopan
0.1.0
0.1.0
Japanese silkie chicken
1.1.2
1.1.2
Golden pheasant
1.0.0
1.0.0
Bar-headed goose
1.1.0
Trumpeter swan
1.1.0
1.1.0
Mandarin duck
1.0.0
1.0.0
North American ruddy duck
4.0.0
4.0.0
Chilean flamingo
8.1.0
Abdim’s stork
0.4.0
0.4.0
White stork
1.0.0
1.0.0
Li)le blue heron
2.2.0
2.2.0
Hamerkop
1.1.0
Turkey vulture
1.0.1
1.0.1
Red-tailed hawk
0.0.1
0.0.1
Northern bald eagle
0.1.0
0.1.0
Mississippi Kite
0.1.0
0.1.0
East African crowned crane
1.0.0
1.0.0
Indian sarus crane
1.1.0
1.1.0
Hooded crane
1.1.0
1.1.0
Demoiselle crane
1.0.0
1.0.0
Stanley crane
0.1.0
Nicobar pigeon
1.2.0
1.2.0
Speckled pigeon
3.3.0
3.3.0
Bleeding-heart dove
0.2.0
0.2.0
Crested quail dove
1.0.0
1.0.0
Ringed turtle dove
0.1.1
0.1.1
Fischer’s lovebird
0.1.0
0.1.0
Cocka el
1.0.0
1.1.0 0.1.0
0.1.0
1.0.0
0.1.0
0.2.0
0.2.0
0.1.0
1.2.0
1.0.0
7.1.0
1.1.0
0.3.0
0.2.0
Guinea turaco
1.0.0
1.0.0
Lady Ross’ turaco
1.1.0
1.1.0
Guira cuckoo
0.4.0
0.4.0
Roadrunner
1.1.0
1.1.0
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Common Name
Beginning Status
Births
Barn owl
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
0.0.1
Ending Status 0.0.1
Short-eared owl
1.0.0
1.0.0
Burrowing owl
1.0.0
Eastern screech owl
0.0.1
Laughing kookaburra
1.1.0
0.1.0
0.1.0
1.1.0
Bearded barbet
1.1.0
1.0.0
1.0.0
1.1.0
Blue-faced honeyeater
0.3.0
0.3.0
Red-billed blue magpie
0.2.0
0.2.0
Collared Finch-billed bulbul
1.0.0
Fairy bluebird
1.0.0
1.0.0
Emerald starling
1.0.0
1.0.0
Bali mynah
2.2.0
0.1.0
Superb starling
1.1.0
1.0.0
Taveta golden weaver
2.0.0
2.0.0
Yellow-billed cardinal
0.1.0
0.1.0
1.0.0
2.0.0 0.0.1
2.0.0
3.0.0
1.1.0
1.0.0 0.1.0
MAMMALS Red kangaroo
7.8.0
African elephant
0.2.0
0.2.0
Giant anteater
1.0.0
1.0.0
Red rued lemur
1.1.0
Pygmy slow loris
2.3.0
Goeldi’s monkey
1.1.0
Spider monkey
1.1.0
Lion-tailed macaque
0.1.0
Siamang
0.2.0
Chinchilla
0.3.0
Patagonian cavy
1.0.0
Hedgehog
1.0.0
Bobcat
1.1.0
Puma
1.0.0
1.0.0
African lion
1.2.0
0.1.0
Jaguar
0.2.0
0.2.0
Amur leopard
1.1.0
1.1.0
Snow leopard
1.0.0
1.0.0
Maned wolf
2.0.0
2.0.0
SwiI fox
1.0.0
1.0.0
Sloth bear
2.0.0
2.0.0
Page 11
1.1.2
1.0.0
1.1.1
3.0.0
1.0.0
5.8.1
0.1.0 2.3.0
0.2.0
1.3.0 1.1.0 0.1.0 0.2.0 0.1.0
0.4.0 1.0.0
0.2.0
1.0.0
0.2.0 1.1.0
1.1.0
Beginning Status
Births
North American river o)er
1.1.0
1.1.2
Black-footed ferret
1.0.0
Red panda
1.1.0
Baird’s tapir
1.0.0
1.0.0
Black rhinoceros
1.0.0
1.0.0
Bactrian camel
1.1.0
0.1.0
Alpaca
3.3.0
1.1.0
Elk
1.3.0
Chinese muntjac
4.1.0
Pere David’s deer
0.1.0
Pronghorn
1.3.0
Re culated giraffe
2.0.0
2.0.0
American bison
1.1.0
1.1.0
Gaur
1.1.0
1.1.0
Domes c yak
0.1.0
Central Chinese goral
0.1.0
1.2.0
Karakul sheep
0.1.0
2.0.0
Addax
2.1.0
1.0.0
TOTAL
99.104.41
4.6.4
Common Name
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
1.1.2
Ending Status 1.1.0 1.0.0
1.0.0
2.1.0
1.2.0 0.1.0
4.3.0 1.3.0
0.1.0
4.0.0 0.1.0
0.2.0
1.1.0
0.1.0
10.11.7
1.3.0 0.1.0
11.17.5
2.0.0 1.0.0
2.1.0
5.2.0
98.108.29
Bactrian Camel
Notable Births Photo Gallery Red Kangaroo
Addax Page 12
Goeldi’s monkey
Alpaca
MAINTENANCE DIVISION Many large projects dominated the Maintenance crew's efforts this year, including preparation and contractor support for the reconstruction of the aviary flight cage, Cat Canyon, and the African Spurred tortoise exhibit. The crew removed hardware from donated utility poles for aviary and Cat Canyon use, and removed, relocated or rerouted irrigation systems, trees, shrubs and fences as necessary. Contractor access routes were provided for all projects. The old raptor cages were razed to make room for the new tortoise exhibit, and a new sewer line and manhole were added to serve the tortoise building and elephant pool. Post-construction projects included replacement of sidewalks, public fences, irrigation and dripline systems, plant replacement, and numerous other details. The crew also installed animal fencing in the tortoise barn and yard, and framed and mounted graphics. Cat Canyon preparation included tree relocation, removal of the boardwalk ramp at the fox exhibit, and modifications to secondary containment fences in the Pampas service area, including an access gate for Cat Canyon. Irrigation improvements this year included automation of the butterfly garden south of the Tortoise exhibit, and relocation of a system under the duck pond road to inside the curb. The new line was then connected to city water to allow for more efficient night watering. Sprinklers were modified around the new Finnup Center patio. Drip line systems were replaced in Wild Asia and the tree nursery due to damage caused by age, root and rodent damage. Other improvements around the zoo included new steel countertops in the commissary to improve durability and sanitation, widening of the giraffe sidewalk and a new cargo fence there to increase safety zones between visitors and giraffes, and the addition of one single and one double pergola to shade public sidewalks. A large french drain was constructed along the West Green Road to address a drainage issue, and staff assisted the Water Department with installation of a tap to supply a new drinking fountain along the North American Plains exhibit. Thatch panels were replaced on most of the umbrellas in Wild Asia (providing human and animal shade) and new sail shades were installed in the gaur and camel yards. The playground gained a bumblebee spring-rider as a memorial for a young boy, and a custom crawl-through turtle shell was delivered for installation in 2013. Staff provided support before, during and after special events hosted by FOLRZ and the Education Division, as well as for compost sales, Tumbleweed Festival, runs, swim meets, and more. These special projects were in addition to the daily work that the crew handles to keep our multitude of buildings, fences, equipment, vehicles, and grounds safe, functional, and code or regulation compliant. Grounds care entails planting, watering, mowing, pest and weed control, and trimming. The foreman oversees the zoo's Weapons Team training and practice sessions, and actively participates in safety drills and enforcement of safety protocols. Page 13
CONSERVATION “If the biota, in the course of aeons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering.” Aldo Leopold, from “The Round River”
Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance Red Panda Network Interna7onal Elephant Founda7on
Turtle Survival Alliance
The Na7onal Elephant Center Florida
Okapi Conserva7on Project Interna7onal Rhino Founda7on
Madagascar Fauna Group
Mee7ng Our Conserva7on Mission In 2012, Lee Richardson Zoo donated $9,000 to conserva on programs around the world. The Lee Richardson Zoo strives to be the best possible steward of the animals in our care as they serve as ambassadors for their counterparts in wild. The zoo supports the advancement of conserva on and research for the long and shortterm benefit of the species in our care by collabora ng on coopera ve programs with other zoological parks and scienfic and veterinary en es, we provide funding, personnel, and biological materials to further our collec ve knowledge to benefit rare and endangered wildlife. Funds raised through the sale of duck food from dispensers at various loca ons in the zoo enable our visitors to make a difference with their change. In addi on to the family fun experienced while feeding waterfowl in the zoo, our guests know that they are suppor ng wildlife conservaon efforts around the globe. From Kansas to the African island of Madagascar, to the northern realms of Eurasia, LRZ’s conserva on funds have benefited species ranging from the rare Amur leopard (of which only fiIy are thought to remain in the wild), to gers, African elephants, okapi, rhinos, black footed ferrets and a variety of turtle species. We take our conserva on responsibility to heart, sharing our passion for the Earth’s flora and fauna with others, and doing our part, day to day, to inspire others to be good stewards as well.
Our visitors support conserva7on one quarter at a 7me Page 14