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2013 Annual Report
2013 City Commissioners Dan Fankhauser, Mayor Roy Cessna
Lee Richardson Zoo Advisory Board
Melvin Dale Janet Doll
Evelyn Bowman
Chris Law
Becky Clark Jimmy Deal Taylor Freburg
City Manager
Elaine Lo,
Ma, Allen
Tammy Reith Debbie Reynolds
Mission
Kathy Sexson Zoo Director
EMPLOYEES Misty Ayers
Kris Newland
Greg Bordewick
Bernie Overbeck
Candace Brawner
Dave Ozburn
Caitlin Bregitzer
Bri,any Paddock
Whitney Buchman
Jordan Piha
Chance Davison
Kathy Sexson
Audrey DeBey
Jeremy Smith
Candi Dillon
Jakob Stegman
Lou Elchuck
Shannon Tegge
Stephanie Fontenot
Hiram Thoman
Sara Hamlin
Ka6 Thoman
Angela Herman
Tarra Tyson
Tony Herman
Donna Wohler
Sarah Higgerson
Janice Coleman
Pablo Holguin
Donna Price
Dan McFee
Judy Richardson
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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.
World Elephant Day
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR The year 2013 was a banner year for the Lee Richardson Zoo The long awaited Cat Canyon opened with an overwhelmingly positive reception from the public. With three special debuts for Donors and Dignitaries, Members and Media, and the Grand Opening for the public which welcomed 1,500 eager guests in just 3 hours, this new exhibit for our American cats is a hit. Kids of all ages love the interaction they experience with just an inch of glass between themselves and one of nature’s stealthiest predators. The large, natural yards are also popular with the cats themselves, with more opportunities for natural behaviors like climbing, swimming and interacting with each other. The exhibit was the result of many years of hard work and collaborative planning by all zoo divisions and the Friends of Lee Richardson Zoo, and it will set the standard for many years to come as we strive to create exhibits that comfortably house and display our animals, and engage and educate our guests, inspiring them to appreciate and conserve our natural world. The Animal Division reveled in successful efforts to breed a number of species for the first time in our history, including Red pandas, North American river otters, Hamerkops, and Trumpeter swans. I attribute these successes to the talents and dedication of our animal care staff, and their attention to the smallest of details while observing and caring for their animal charges. The debut of a new species for the zoo, the Sichuan takin, late in the year, met with wonder from our winter guests, and will surely delight the masses as we get into our busy season in the year to come. Humorously described as the “Arnold Schwarzenegger of the sheep family”, these stout, golden-fleeced, Asian hoofed stock more greatly resemble a cross between a wildebeest and a goat. Mere words cannot describe them. An in-person visit is a must! The zoo continued to support global and local conservation initiatives with the help of our visitors. Donating one quarter at a time as they enjoyed family time while feeding the zoo’s fish and waterfowl, guests contribute to projects that help support conservation and field studies of rare species. Close to home, conservation dollars helped to fund exhibit improvements to encourage the successful hatching of Trumpeter swans, which were subsequently released into the wild on a national wildlife refuge in Oregon, thereby helping to re-establish this species to former areas of its native range. The Education Division saw another record setting year, serving nearly 40,000 program recipients and offering new and exciting opportunities for guests. From giraffe feedings to Earth Day’s “Party for the Planet,” to celebrations of elephants, red pandas, and our very own felines, the community is always anxious and excited to learn about and observe these amazing species. Our talented Maintenance Division worked diligently year round to support all these achievements, renovating two Wild Asia exhibits for the pandas and takin, accommodating keeper requests to support breeding programs, and all the while maintaining a fabulous physical plant that attracted well over 35,000 additional visitors over 2012. From the installation of directional signage sporting our new “hidden treasures” logo to other improvements featuring path lighting, new pergolas, great support for fundraising and educational events, and assistance to FOLRZ for new and ongoing revenue enhancing initiatives, the zoo saw many improvements large and small. All in all, it was a year we will look back upon with fond memories, pride, and a true sense of accomplishment Page 3
Total attendance for 2013: 190,833
Attendance
Attendance 1997-2013 300,000 250,000 200,000
150,000 100,000 50,000 0 19 97
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
Long a favorite destination of local residents, the Lee Richardson Zoo also draws visitors from across the nation, impressing them with close encounters with awe-inspiring animals, spacious, natural exhibits, beautifully manicured grounds, and conservation inspired educational programming. 2013 saw an impressive rebound in attendance, with gate vehicle surveys documenting vehicles from 39 states as well as Canada and Mexico. Thanks to increasingly complete data from trail and vehicle counters installed at entry and exit gates for the majority of the year, combined with actual comparative counts by staff and volunteers to corroborate accuracy, we are pleased to be able to get a better idea of our attendance and the impact it has on our community. The total of 190,833 visitors is attributed to more moderate summer temperatures, the allure of several significant animal births throughout the year, and the grand opening of the long awaited Cat Canyon exhibit. The zoo continues to rank as one of the top public attractions in Kansas, and is an important tourism destination for Garden City. 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
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
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
Species/ Specimens 36/104 45/102 14/19 6/11 5/69 106/305
$2,855.00
$2,800.00
$3,313.00
$9,000.00
$6,800.00
1212
1290
787
675
797
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
Participants/ Programs 7,577/427 6,178/151 16,327/596 6,742/111 3,159/160 39,983/1,445
198,731 168,438
182,137 149,906
183,130 163,314
155,549 136,305
190,833 162,463
SA Pampas bldg & maned wolf exhibit
"My Visit to a Zoo" video released
Cat Canyon Construction begun
Finalizing plans for Elephant yard expansion
Lion fence enhancements
Remodeled Asia Kitchen
2 Goeldis monkeys born
Cat Canyon opened
Significant Giant Anteater Improvements Wetland at Duckpond
Construction Siamang barn Automatic gate African Spurred begun at FCCE, Finnup Center installed at Tortoise Exhibit SAP, siamang addition shop Built Pygmy slow loris
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Sail shades installed
New logo signage installed
Accreditation granted
Aviary flight cage rebuilt
Sichuan takin debut
Secondary generator completed at elephants, giraffes, aviary
Lion yard improvements (rock, native grass)
New Red Panda pair moved into renovated Macaque exhibit
Educa on STUDENTS
PROGRAMS
7,577
Onsite Formal Programs
6,178
Distance Learning Programs
16,327
Offsite Formal Programs
5,769
Onsite Informal Programs
973
Offsite Informal Programs
3,159
Discovery Box Checkouts
Total
39,983
Number of Education Programs 1992-2013 1600 1,445 1400 1,269 1,204 1200 1,030
1,015 955
1000
916 896
797 821 800 800
749
709 622 639
600 391 357 382
400
438 445 330
294 200
0 1992
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1994
1996
1998
2000
2002
2004
2006
2008
2010
2012
2013 EDUCATION DIVISION YEAR IN REVIEW
The division was busy setting records again this year, serving 39,983 people through 1,445 programs and 160 loans of educational materials. Distance Learning programs served an additional 323 students over 2012, while Zoomobiles saw a significant jump of 101 programs reaching 1,810 additional people. Staff and volunteers facilitated six summer camp sessions serving children in grades 1-8, plus two shorter winter break camps for grades 1-5. The division coordinated public giraffe feedings, which were well received by both the public and the giraffes. Staff trained volunteers with input from animal staff, and scheduled feedings every Saturday and Sunday during the summer months. Funds raised exceeded $2,300, supplementing the animal feed budget and the project provided a new and exciting opportunity for guests. Demand for Zoomobiles continues to grow, prompting staff to implement program limits to more fairly distribute staff resources to more classrooms. An increasing number of programs are being requested by nonscience teachers who recognize that our presentations support learning across many curriculums. Homeschool groups visited the regularly for presentations as a way to provide greater interaction for their students. Birthday package offerings are also increasing in popularity, and revenue raised cover the cost of contract staff to oversee these weekend events. The new volunteer training format was very successful, attracting many additional volunteers across the three tier system, and doubling our volunteer roster to fifty. The Cell Phone Safari tour switched providers, cutting costs for this popular program while increasing options available to our guests. A new Finnup Center display featuring carnivorous plants was added with help from a local enthusiast. The eye-catching display, featuring fly traps, pitcher plants and other unique species, involved generous donations of time and materials. Staff designed new directional signage that now greets visitors at our entryways. Events through the year were many and varied, and ranged from the popular Earth Day (1,400 students and teachers), to World Elephant Day, International Red Panda Day, the Junior Duck Stamp Art Display, an animal painting demonstration, an “appropriate pets� booth at the Pet Expo, and Discovery Carts at Tumbleweed, Cat Canyon Openings, Wild Affair, and BOO! The education team honed their knowledge and skills at workshops and conferences and served on city committees including Safety and CMISC. 2012/2013 Comparison Total Programs
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Total People
Programs Ed Center Programs
+5
+330
Distance Learning
+11
+323
Zoomobiles
+101
+1810
Zoo Edventures
+12
+137
Informal Programs & Special Events
+18
-473
Material Loans to Teachers
+29
+403
Total Change
+176
+2530
ANIMAL DIVISION THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME
There were changes in the facilities, the animal collection, and the staff but our commitment to the animals and the community remains the same. Our most notable change for 2013 was the opening of Cat Canyon. An exhibit under development for seven years (from conceptual design though construction) joyfully came to fruition. Inhabited by three jaguars, three bobcats and three mountain lions, the exhibit has quickly become a favorite of visitors to the zoo. A young pair of red pandas also found themselves in a new exhibit in 2013. After much hard work modifying the lion-tailed macaque yard for the enjoyment of red pandas, the pair was released to frolic in the yard and soon after delighted us with the addition of our first red panda cubs. Other firsts for the zoo collection included the birth of a litter of North American river otters and the hatching of a clutch of hamerkop chicks and trumpeter swan cygnets. Sichuan takin and Chinese hwameis made their first appearances at the zoo, arriving from San Diego Zoo and Sedgwick County Zoo respectively. The ranks of the keeper staff increased by two positions during 2013 in order to continue the quality care given the animals at the zoo. An elephant seasonal position was initiated to help cover duties in that area as well as groom newcomers in the industry for the ever-challenging work of caring for elephants and other animals. Staff visited other zoos, gathering more knowledge of animal exhibits and animal care, while picking up animals destined for our facility. Other staff attended various professional conferences to hone their animal husbandry skills and knowledge. Of course everything doesn’t always go as we’d like it to. We were saddened by the death of our male roadrunner. His euthanasia was necessitated by injuries caused by a member of the public. We were heartened by the upwelling of indignation from our supporters. The addition of security cameras (funded by zoo supporters) throughout the zoo will make it harder for such an incident to ever happen again. Not all departures are so heart wrenching. The departure of our trumpeter swans cygnets, while bittersweet, was a perfect example of what our work is about. The staff worked over the years to tweak the care of the pair of adults to encourage breeding, achieving success in 2013. Two cygnets were released into the wilds of Oregon just prior to fledging to help re-establish wild populations of this recovering species into their former range. All the while, visitors to Lee Richardson Zoo are educated about the birds. As we looked to the future when Cat Canyon was planned, we continue to do so with the development of other conceptual plans and improvements. The ones slated for priority are an expansion of the elephant yard and a new exhibit for the spider monkeys and red ruffed lemurs. Page 8
Collec on Chart 1.2.3=1 male, 2 female, 3 unknown
Common Name
Beginning Status
December 31, 2013
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
Recluse spider
0.0.1
Black widow spider
0.0.1
Madagascar hissing cockroach
1.5.0
Praying man s
10.12.22
0.0.1
0.0.1
0.0.1
0.0.1
0.0.24
6.11.0
27.23.15
0.1.0
0.1.0
Barred ger salamander
0.0.2
Woodhouse’s toad
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
Bearded dragon
0.0.1
0.0.1
Great plains skink
0.0.2
0.0.2
Boa constrictor
1.1.1
1.1.1
Rosy boa
0.0.1
0.0.1
Green tree python
0.0.1
0.0.1
Royal/ball python
0.0.1
0.0.1
Bullsnake
0.1.0
0.1.0
Gartersnake
0.0.2 0.0.1
0.0.1
1.1.0
0.0.1
0.0.1
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
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Common Name
Beginning Status
Births
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
Ending Status
BIRDS Greater rhea
1.1.0
1.1.0
Emu
1.2.0
1.2.0
Temminck’s tragopan
0.1.0
0.1.0
Japanese silkie chicken
1.1.2
0.0.1
Golden pheasant
0.0.1
0.0.1
Bar-headed goose
1.0.0
Trumpeter swan
1.1.0
Mandarin duck
1.0.0
1.0.0
North American ruddy duck
4.0.0
4.0.0
Chilean flamingo
7.1.0
Abdim’s stork
0.4.0
0.4.0
White stork
1.0.0
1.0.0
Li,le blue heron
2.2.0
Hamerkop
1.1.0
Turkey vulture
1.0.1
0.0.1
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
0.3.0
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
Cocka el
0.2.0
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
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1.1.1
1.2.0 0.2.1
2.2.0 0.0.1
0.2.0
0.4.0
1.1.0
7.5.0
0.1.0
2.1.0
1.2.0
2.3.0 1.0.0
0.1.0
0.2.0
0.1.0
1.0.0
0.1.0
Common Name
Beginning Status
Births
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
Ending Status
Barn owl
0.0.1
0.0.1
Burrowing owl
2.0.0
2.0.0
Eastern screech owl
0.0.1
0.0.1
Laughing kookaburra
1.1.0
1.1.0
Bearded barbet
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
3.0.0
Fairy bluebird
1.0.0
1.0.0
Emerald starling
1.0.0
1.0.0
Bali mynah
1.0.0
1.0.0
Superb starling
0.1.0
0.1.0
0.1.0
1.0.0
1.0.0
Chinese hwamei
2.0.0
2.0.0
2.0.0
Taveta golden weaver
2.0.0
2.0.0
Yellow-billed cardinal
0.1.0
0.1.0
Red kangaroo
6.7.0
1.2.0
African elephant
0.2.0
0.2.0
Giant anteater
1.0.0
1.0.0
Red rued lemur
0.1.0
Pygmy slow loris
2.3.0
Goeldi’s monkey
1.3.0
Spider monkey
1.1.0
1.1.0
Siamang
0.2.0
0.2.0
Chinchilla
0.4.0
Patagonian cavy
1.0.0
Hedgehog
0.2.0
Bobcat
1.1.0
MAMMALS
Puma 1.1.0
Jaguar
0.2.0
Amur leopard
1.1.0
Snow leopard
1.0.0
Maned wolf
2.0.0
SwiJ fox
1.0.0
Sloth bear
2.0.0
0.1.0
0.1.0
1.0.0
1.0.0
3.5.0
4.0.0 0.2.0
2.1.0 0.4.0
0.2.0
1.2.0
1.0.0 0.2.0 0.1.0 1.3.0
African lion
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4.0.0
2.0.0
1.2.0 0.1.0
1.2.0 1.1.0
0.1.0
0.3.0 1.1.0
1.0.0
1.0.0
1.0.0 2.0.0
1.1.0
1.0.0
1.1.0 2.0.0
Beginning Status
Births
North American river o,er
1.1.0
2.1.0
Black-footed ferret
1.0.0
Red panda
2.1.0
Baird’s tapir
1.0.0
1.0.0
Black rhinoceros
1.0.0
1.0.0
Bactrian camel
1.2.0
Alpaca
4.3.0
4.3.0
Elk
1.3.0
1.3.0
Chinese muntjac
4.0.0
4.0.0
Pere David’s deer
0.1.0
Pronghorn
1.1.0
Re culated giraffe
2.0.0
American bison
1.1.0
Gaur
1.1.0
Common Name
Acquisi ons
Deaths
Disposi ons
Ending Status 3.2.0
2.0.0 2.0.0
2.0.0
1.0.0
1.0.0
3.1.0
0.1.0
1.1.0
0.1.0 0.3.0
1.4.0 2.0.0
1.1.0
Takin
0.1.0
2.1.0
1.0.0
0.1.0
2.0.0
2.0.0
Central Chinese goral
1.3.0
1.3.0
Karakul sheep
2.0.0
2.0.0
Addax
2.1.0
1.0.0
0.1.0
TOTAL
99.104.41
4.6.4
10.11.7
3.2.0 11.17.5
5.2.0
98.108.29
Addax
North American River o4ers
Notable New Arrivals
Goeldi’s monkey
Red Pandas Trumpeter swans Page 12
Hamerkops
MAINTENANCE DIVISION A major focus of the year was support for Cat Canyon construction, first for the General Contractor, followed by in-house finishing touches including the installation of public fences, service area and secondary containment fencing and gates, graphics, exhibit furniture and plant material (ornamental and native turf grass) as well as many post construction details inside the animal holding areas to support safety and keeper efficiency. The crew provided varying levels of support to post-construction subcontractors and city staff during the installation of irrigation systems, landscaping, and concrete sidewalks. New plant care continued throughout the fall and winter to ensure the survival of hundreds of shrubs, trees and native grasses. The crew was instrumental in the conversion of the former macaque exhibit to house a new pair of breeding red pandas and eventually display them with an anticipated litter of cubs. This involved the installation of a climb-proof barrier inside the lower four feet of the exhibit, refurbishing the pond and its waterfall and circulation system, the construction of several nest boxes and feeding stations, and the addition of numerous climbing and shade structures. A scale was installed in the Elephant Restraint Device so that the elephants and rhino could be weighed more regularly and easily each time they passed through the ERD to their yards. This improvement helps to fulfill elephant husbandry standards, and provides critical information to better monitor and thus manage the health of these large mammals. Additional improvements were made in the former Pere David deer yard in Wild Asia to accommodate the exhibition of Sichuan takin, including shade umbrellas, a new water system to support a stock tank for summer cooling of this cold climate species, and many fence and door reinforcements to withstand the damage likely to be inflicted by these sturdy hoofed animals. All of the directional signage for the facility was updated, and eleven path lighting fixtures were installed along the central pathway running south from the Exit Gate parking area to the primate exhibit. This permanent LED lighting will be a great asset for enhancement of public safety during evening events like A Wild Affair and BOO! Smaller projects also enhanced the guest experience with the addition of three new shade pergolas, five memorial benches, superb event support, conversion of the West Green irrigation system to a city water source so that watering can be done more efficiently at night, conserving water resources and lessening the impact on public use during the daytime hours. All of these projects were in addition to the day to day tasks that the Maintenance Crew tends to so well, from fence, gate, and cage repair, to locks, utility and building maintenance, irrigation operations and grounds care, assisting with animal transfers, specialized shipping crate construction, overseeing the zoo’s Weapons Team training and practices, and staying on top of many maintenance requests to keep our staff and visitors safe. 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”
Red Panda Network Interna;onal Elephant Founda;on
Black-footed Ferrets
The Na;onal Elephant Center Florida
Lion Guardians
Interna;onal Rhino Founda;on
Mee;ng Our Conserva;on Mission In 2013, Lee Richardson Zoo was able to donate $6,800 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 by providing 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. 2013 funds supported in-situ field research and conserva on ini a ves for African elephants, rhinos, red pandas, African lions, and black-footed ferrets, as well as support for The Na onal Elephant Center and construc on of natural and ar ficial rocks in the new puma yard. 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 conserva;on one quarter at a ;me Page 14