Spring 2013 ZooExplorer

A DIGITAL PUBLICATION FOR THE MEMBERS OF

THE PIT TSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM

No Excuses! A Non-Coastal Institution’s Approach to Sea Turtle Conservation

Love is in the Air The Magic of SSP Pairings

S P R I N G

2 0 1 3

WILD IMAGINATION.

For nearly 130 years, PPG has been bringing great things to the Pittsburgh region, such as funding to help sustain our world-class zoo and aquarium. In fact, this year we’re celebrating more than 10 years of making a splash together and we’re looking forward to many more!

To learn more wild stuff about our company, visit ppg.com.

PAINTS - COATINGS - OPTICAL PRODUCTS - SILICAS - GLASS - FIBER GLASS

Operated by the Zoological Society of Pittsburgh Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO

Photo By Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Board of Directors Richard Kalson, Chair Edward Goncz, Vice Chair William Fallon, Treasurer Jill Sandilla, Secretary

Caribbean flamingo

Leonard F. Bach Deborah Bergren Courtney Borntraeger Glenn E. Bost, II Dorothy Boyer Louise Brown Howard Bruschi Tacy M. Byham, Ph.D. Carol B. Caroselli Gary Claus G. Henry Cook Jack Demos Patrick Dowd, Ph.D. Colette Dugan Joan Ellenbogen Beverlynn Elliott Jack Friedman Karen Roche Galey, M.D. Andrew Hasley Frank Horrigan Lorna H. Irvin Julius Jones Justin Kaufman Rebecca Keevican Thomas Kublack Michael LaRocco Susan Pressly Lephart, Ph.D. Patrick Loughney Kenneth McCrory Kristine McGinley Peggy McKnight Leslie Merrill John Miclot Henry Mordoh Melissa Murphy David Newell John Payne, DVM, MS Rita Randall Mayor Luke Ravenstahl J. Eric Renner Donald Rhoten F. Brooks Robinson, Jr. Cynthia Dear Russell Sara Scaife James C. Stalder Geoffrey Stillson Douglas Stirling Susette Stone Becky Torbin Gregory Weingart Sally Wiggin Stuart Wise Robert T. Woodings, III

Baby ring-tailed lemurs are born with the same colorations as adults.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

W

ith spring on our doorstep, people and animals alike are welcoming the warm weather and all of the wonderful and exciting things that come along with it. In this edition of ZooExplorer, we’ll take a look at new

beginnings, budding romances, new residents at the Zoo, and much more.

In our feature story, No Excuses! A Non-Coastal Institution’s Approach to Sea Turtle Conservation, dive into the world of saving endangered sea turtles who are in need of rehabilitation. As one of the largest inland sea turtle conservation programs, our Sea Turtle Second Chance Program is blazing new ground in this field, and saving some very special animals along the way.

Explore the meticulous process of matching up dynamic duos in Love is in the Air: The Magic of SSP Pairings. The Species Survival Plan programs play matchmaker to a variety of endangered species, and from their ongoing breeding initiatives to the successful birth of a valuable offspring, the results of SSP’s efforts for continuing some of the world’s most endangered species are vitally important.

Some new members just joined our Zoo family and they have us singing the blues.

Well, not literally, but they are blue monkeys and gorgeous animals. With only eleven blue monkeys in zoos in the United States and three of them being right here at our Zoo, this story takes an intriguing look at these incredible primates.

From eye-popping cuttlefish to awe-inspiring events, there’s much, much more to read about in this first edition of 2013. As the weather heats up, so does the action at our Zoo, so break out your tennis shoes, check out the articles in the following pages,

Photo By ©2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

and get ready to visit your zoo. We hope to see you around the park soon!

Dr. Barbara Baker President & CEO

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 05

Contents

Volume 16 Number 1 pittsburghzoo.org

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium One Wild Place Pittsburgh, PA 15206

COVER STORY

pittsburghzoo.org Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO

Published by the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Editor: Laura Gething Creative Director: Paul A. Selvaggio Design & Production: Lauren Armstrong Contributing Photographer: Paul A. Selvaggio

08 No Excuses!

A Non-Coastal Institution’s Approach to Sea Turtle Conservation

ZOO EXPLORER Review Committee Raymond E Bamrick, Lead Keeper Lori Elder, Membership Services Manager Michelle Farmerie, Keeper Tricia Hartnett, Keeper Henry Kacprzyk, Curator, Reptiles & Kids Kingdom Rich Terrell, Amazon Forest Aquarist

FEATURED ARTICLE

26

Sarah Poweska, Asst. Director of Development Mark Reardon, Asst. Curator of Conservation Education

Love is in the Air

The Magic of SSP Pairings

Kathy Suthard, Lead Keeper Jaime Szoszorek, Director of Marketing & PR Karen Vacco, Asst. Curator of Mammals Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Docent Council

ARTICLES

President: Deneen Beatty Vice President: Karen Tritten Secretary: Marlene Goldstein

14

Awe-Inspiring Events

22

UFOs on Exhibit?

32

Rhapsody in Blue

Treasurer: Louis Bruno Memberships and Subscriptions: Subscription to ZooExplorer is included in every Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Membership.

Memberships begin at $60.

An accredited institution of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.

The Pittsburgh Zoo is supported in part through funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District and PPG Industries.

A copy of the official registration and financial information

FEATURED DEPARTMENTS 05

From the President

12

News & Views

19

Calendar of Events

20

Kid’s Page

Fun & Games Hey Henry!

may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.

Registration does not imply endorsement.

ZooExplorer is the online magazine of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, published biannually for Members free of charge.

ZooExplorer Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium One Wild Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 © 2013 Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

WEB FEATURE Apple a Day Click here to read this online-only bonus article.

06 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

08

26

pg.

pg.

Icon Guide

Embedded caption or additional information

Bonus media feature, such as a photo slideshow or video

Interactive opportunity

32

pg.

14

pg.

22

pg.

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 07

A NON-COASTAL INSTITUTION’S APPROACH TO SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION Story By Josie Romasco Marine Aquarist Photography by Paul A. Selvaggio

T

he Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has not had sea turtles on the premises since the early

1990s; that is until we decided to bring them back in a big way! After visiting with several coastal institutions to evaluate how they manage their sea turtle collections, our mission was seemingly written in the sand: we wanted to show our visitors “conservation in motion,” giving the public a behind-the-scenes look into sea turtle rehabilitation while releasing as many sea turtles back into the wild as possible.

the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores (NCA), where we are now assisting in Atlantic loggerhead (Caretta caretta) sea turtle hatchling rescue efforts. As delicate

In the summer of 2009, the Pittsburgh

little hatchlings, sea turtles are challenged by

Zoo & PPG Aquarium's Sea Turtle Second

land predators, climate change, and habitat

Chance Program (STSCP) was established

destruction. Sea turtle nesting season runs

with one overarching goal in mind: to rescue

May through October, which marks the only

those sea turtles who otherwise would have

time of the year mature females will haul out

been left for dead, giving them a second

onto the beach to lay their eggs. Nests that

chance to survive.

have been located will be staked and roped

Hatchling Rescue Project To begin this new initiative, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium developed the

08 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

“Hatchling Rescue Project” partnership with

off to warn beachcombers that they are not to tamper with that area. The NCA works with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, volunteers, and other agencies

to monitor turtle nests, excavate nests when necessary, and rescue imperiled hatchlings. Once our institution is notified of these rescued hatchlings, a transport trip is arranged to bring the North Carolina turtles to the PPG Aquarium where they may stay for up to three years until they are ready to be released into the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, off the shores of the North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

The Hatchling Rescue Project partnership has been a

Our Resident Sea Turtle: Look who just moved in!

The STSCP continues to evolve in its multifaceted approach to the conservation of marine turtles—which always keeps things interesting! While there are countless sea turtles who can be rescued and released back into the wild, there remains a large number of sea turtles who have sustained injuries so significant

tremendous success since its inception in 2009; to date, the

that they may never thrive in their natural habitat, and thus, need

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has rehabilitated eight loggerhead

a place to “reside” where they can be safe and happy, often for

sea turtle hatchlings and

several decades. Last June, this exact need is what prompted the

released five back into

PPG Aquarium to open its doors (and tanks) to welcome Sunburst,

the ocean—two of whom

our new resident green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) into our

were outfitted with satellite

animal collection.

transmitters.

Furthermore, we’ve been

Sunburst was rescued in the summer of 2010 from Fort George River Inlet, Florida after being hit by a boat. Immediately after she

able to generate a lot of

was rescued, Sunburst was transported to the Georgia Sea Turtle

anticipation and excitement

Center on Jekyll Island, GA where she underwent the majority of

around our sea turtle releases because we are now outfitting at

her rehabilitation until the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium received

least one turtle each year with a satellite transmitter, or platform

her last summer. The boat propeller left significant damage to her

terminal transmitter (PTT) prior to their release in the Gulf Stream.

carapace (top part of shell). There is actually a large shell fracture

This years’ turtle to wear the PTT was named Ghostbuster, and

that runs parallel to her spine that has required bone cement for

anyone interested in following Ghostbuster’s turtle tracks can go to

repair and has healed nicely, although still ongoing. In addition

seaturtle.org/tracking/index.shtml?tag_id=122027. Not only does

to the shell fracture, she sustained a fracture to one of her front

tracking sea turtles provide an engaging educational opportunity for

flippers which, in turn, developed into a secondary bone infection

the public, but the data also help husbandry teams understand how

which was successfully treated during her stay at the Georgia

these turtles are moving within their habitats following rehabilitation.

Sea Turtle Center. So while her shell fracture is the injury that

continued on next page

immediately catches one’s eye and looks worse in appearance, the reason Sunburst is considered to be “non-releasable” is actually because she has very limited range of mobility in her front two flippers.

This is where a sea turtle’s propulsion strength originates, so officials believe that she would not fare well in the wild if she needed to scurry to protect herself.

While we do have to monitor her shell for continued healing, the vast majority of her rehabilitation with us is to try to get her to regain strength in her front flippers—and to continually challenge her with greater depths and distances to see what her physical limitations are. She has only been in about three feet of water since she was rescued so we are anxious to move her into our Little Ocean exhibit this spring to see how she handles new challenges and to watch how Sunburst explores her new home. Because she was rescued from the wild, we do not know her exact age.

However, based on her measurements, we can approximate her to be between 5-10 years old. Green sea turtles typically have a life span of nearly 80 years, so we’re preparing to have Sunburst for many years to come.

Improvements in sea turtle care The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium opened its 20,000-square-foot Animal Health and Education Center this spring, which vastly improves the type of care we can offer incoming sea turtle patients. While we continue to conduct weekly weight and measurement monitoring for each of

10 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

our sea turtles, just having the ability to utilize new technology, such as the digital radiology, expedites the diagnosis and treatment process.

In 2012 we also shifted our focus to establishing “best husbandry practices” by investigating the ways we can improve sea turtle care through daily enrichment activities. By beginning to offer a consistent schedule of enrichment, we are attempting to either elicit natural behaviors that some of our turtles have never had the opportunity to express in the wild, or hone

by providing excellent rehabilitative care.

doing it. Sea turtles are being rehabilitated

the behaviors a rescued sea turtle has

Next, we are partnering with institutions

all over the world, but the Pittsburgh

become accustomed to using while in

outside of our area, while striving for the

Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s Sea Turtle

the wild. Examples of current enrichment

same conservation goal.

Second Chance Program is committed

include, but are not limited to, ice treats,

And finally, there are the added benefits

to demonstrating that even non-coastal,

mirrors, hide-n-seek tubes, various bottom

of spreading awareness to large numbers

inland institutions can play a significant role

feeders, live feeds, puzzle feeders, and sea

of people, and the expansion of our

in protecting our ocean’s marine turtles.

grass beds.

own educational and in-house research

Whether rescuing hatchlings, rehabilitating

programs. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG

injured turtles, or just giving them a safe

Aquarium has set out to do exactly that,

place to grow old, we will ensure their

with the installments of new sea turtle

species’ survival for generations to come.

It’s great to be in the ‘Burgh There have been many positive outcomes from bringing a program of this

overnights, educational programming, and

nature to our facility. First and foremost, we

the new Wild Encounters guest experience.

are doing our part to help re-establish wild

It is important to remember that what we

populations of sea turtles over the long term

are doing is not unique; it’s where we are

News & Views Welcoming Candy

of the animal in the wild or in zoos, and if the project is short or long term. We also look at projects that involve animals who are represented here at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. For instance, this year, we are supporting a red panda project in Nepal.” The 2013 awards total $44,000.

In October of 2012 we were fortunate to acquire a new 9-year-old Amur leopard from the El Paso Zoo in Texas. This petite female named Candy is a member of a critically endangered species of leopard found in far eastern Asia. Their current population in the wild is around 30-40 individuals which makes our Zoo pair very valuable.

With a range that is similar to that of the Amur tiger, this cat thrives in cold temperate climates.

Since Candy was born and raised in the hot climate of Texas, she will need some time to acclimate to Pittsburgh’s frosty winters. She is being gradually introduced to the outdoor exhibit on days when the temperature is not too frigid.

You can differentiate her from Dima, our 8-yearold male, by her slender build and long neck. She has a secretive personality and you may have to observe the exhibit carefully before you will spot her camouflaged in the wheat colored grasses or peering out from beneath the basking log. As she gets more comfortable with her new surroundings she will venture out and do more exploring.

It has been 13 years since we have had leopard cubs born here. Ultimately, it is our hope that she and Dima will be introduced for mating and that we can look forward to future generations of Amur leopards.

- Kathy Suthard, Lead Mammal Keeper

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Donkey Walks It isn’t every day that you come across two donkeys strolling along a pathway! Then again, when you visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, 12 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

you never know what fun enrichment you may encounter. Mario and Luigi, our 4-year-old miniature Mediterranean donkeys, are exercising. Keepers walk the donkeys throughout the Kids Kingdom area dependent on staffing and weather. It is not just great enrichment for the pair as they explore and exhibit natural behaviors but the visitors love it as well. Guests join in the parade stopping to take pictures, asking questions, and getting to know the donkeys.

Enrichment is an important tool in the care the Zoo provides for our animals. Introducing animals to a new toy, smell, or food; changing their routine, or even taking them for a walk enhances and encourages their natural instincts. Plus, it's a great way for keepers to interact with their animals. There isn’t a set schedule for the donkey walks at this time; this adventure will be announced over the Zoo’s public address system so visitors can join in the fun.

Stop by Kids Kingdom and meet Mario and Luigi.

- Tracy Gray, Public & Media Relations Manager

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

PPG Conservation & Sustainability Grants The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has announced 16 awardees in the PPG Industries Sustainability & Conservation Fund.

This year, 75 projects were submitted for consideration by the 15-member committee. “We use a template to evaluate each proposal,” says Margie Marks, Curator of Conservation Education.

“The proposal should show us the nature of the project, what results are anticipated or expected, if the project will advance the care and conservation

The PPG Industries Conservation & Sustainability Fund was established as part of a long-term partnership between the Zoo, PPG Industries, and the PPG Foundation. The fund awards grants to help support a variety of field studies and projects with a multidisciplinary approach to conservation.

These projects enable the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to support research and conservation work around the world. In the past ten years, more than 100 projects in 40 countries and across two oceans have received grants ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.

- Tracy Gray, Public & Media Relations Manager

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Amazon Leaffish

Monocirrhus polyacanthus Amazon leaffish reside throughout the Amazon River basin, including Peru, Columbia, Brazil and Venezuela – and now we welcome them to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Their shape, coloration, and movement mimic fallen leaves in the water. They even have a small projection on their lower lip that looks like a small leaf stalk. They move through the water like a dead leaf, drifting in the current using small movements of their clear fins.

Leaffish are voracious ambush predators who feed on smaller fish by extending their protrusible mouth with lightning speed. They can consume their body weight in food daily. At the PPG Aquarium, we feed them frozen brine shrimp, frozen mysid shrimp, and bloodworms, along with live brine shrimp and live mysid shrimp. We are now exhibiting these fascinating camouflage artists in the “Freshwater Fortune” gallery next to the electric eel exhibit. You’ll have to take a minute to hunt for them in their exhibit because of their amazing ability to blend in, but seeing them will be worth the effort!

- Rich Terrell, Amazon Forest Aquarist

Photography by Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Leaffish are camouflaged to look like fallen leaves floating in the water.

Awe-Inspiring Events :

Transforming the Zoo for Private Parties and Happenings

14 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

Photo by Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Story By Gabriele Boldizar Group Sales & Rentals Manager

Photo by ©2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Photo courtesy of Weddings by Heather

H

ave you ever daydreamed of

variety of parties and events as diverse as

your first dance as a married

our collection of wildlife. With year round

couple being surrounded by

capability, indoor and outdoor spaces, and

tropical fish while the glow of soft moonlight

exotic animals at every turn, the sky is truly

illuminates the dance floor? Intrigued by

the limit when designing a memorable event

the menacing looks the sand tiger sharks

at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

could give guests as they fill up at the candy bar at your daughter’s bat mitzvah?

How about the thought of throwing your dedicated employees and their families a delicious barbeque to celebrate all of their hard work, but not having to worry about the responsibility of the preparation and planning?

Although many think of the Pittsburgh

We have staff on hand year-round in our Group Sales & Rentals department as well as our catering department who work hard to ensure every event has the right character, every request is addressed, and every expectation is exceeded. One of the challenges that our team embraces is transforming spaces to fit the needs of a party or event. One space that might hold a

Zoo & PPG Aquarium as a place to visit

public children’s event can be reinvented to

with family and friends, it is also one of

host a private picnic where guests can enjoy

Pittsburgh’s most popular destinations for

each other’s company and great food in the

private parties, including picnics, weddings,

middle of the Zoo. Other entire portions of

birthdays, bar and bat mitzvahs,

the Zoo can be reserved, so where families

anniversaries, family reunions, and corporate

and friends walked through as part of

events. Rated as one of Pittsburgh’s

their casual daytime visit can quickly and

premier venues, the Zoo has 12 versatile

elegantly become stunning formal settings

facilities available to accommodate a

for weddings or black tie events.

continued on next page

Taste of the Wild Catering, the exclusive caterer of the Zoo, assists guests in creating a menu that can satiate any appetite, big or small. Our executive chef can wow any palate with a miso arctic char in carrot ginger sauce and sake reduction, or a delicious grilled NY strip au poivre. For more classic fare, our American picnic packages are very appealing with freshly grilled quarter pound hamburgers and jumbo hot dogs complimented by potato salad, flame roasted corn, cookies, and chips. Add-ons like the ice cream sundae bar, popcorn cart, or Dippin’ Dots are always a real treat for guests.

To give your guests an even wilder experience, we offer docent appearances featuring one of our trained volunteers. These skilled individuals bring small animals to events and entertain with fun facts about a ball python snake, chinchilla, blue tongue skink, or one of the other animals available for visits. Prepurchased train and carousel tickets complete the excitement of a Zoo visit.

retirement, the Zoo is a one-stop-shop for the wildest events around. Don’t take our word for it, though – give it a try for yourself and consider the Zoo for your next special event!

16 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

Photos by ©2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Black-tie or dress-down, birthday or

Summer

ZOO CAMP Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Summer Zoo Camp for ages 2–13 entertains with live animals while educating about wildlife conservation. Programs start the week of June 3.

Register Online:

pittsburghzoo.org/Education/SummerPrograms

Allegheny Regional Asset District

Photography by Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

The royal azalea blooms in the spring and has large, fragrant flowers.

Calendar of Events For event updates and information, visit our website at pittsburghzoo.org, check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/pghzoo, or call the Special Events Hotline at 412-665-3640, and press 4.

April 20

May 12

June 16

Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm

Sunday

Sunday

PPG Party for the Planet

Mother’s Day Celebration

Father’s Day Celebration

May 23

June 25

Thursday, 6 – 9 pm

Tuesday

Facebook Fan Night

Member’s Night

Celebrate Earth Day with recycling games, eco-crafts, and other fun activities. Meet with local organizations that will show you ways that you can help protect the environment.

All moms get in free when accompanied by their children, and enjoy free chair massages and healthy living information.

After closing for the day, the Zoo will reopen in the evening exclusively for our social media followers to allow them to enjoy the Zoo and the animals all to themselves.

Bring Dad to the Zoo for a wild Father's Day! All dads receive free admission when accompanied by a child.

Members enjoy an exclusive evening with $1 food specials, free train rides, and additional discounts at the Zoo's gift shops.

June 29 - July 7 Friday – Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm

Eat’n Park Family Week

Enjoy some family time at Eat'n Park Family Week. Each day will feature a new theme with lots of fun activities, special animal encounters, mascot appearances, live entertainment, and more.

May 5 Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm

Cinco de Rhino

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with our Rhinos! Make a craft, watch our baby rhino play with a piñata, and enjoy live music.

May 11 Saturday, 11 am – 1 pm

Brunch with Mom

Enjoy a beautiful Mother’s Day brunch filled with great food, calypso music, face painting, and an animal presentation with the Zoo’s own Henry Kacprzyk.

Each family will receive a special AdoptAn-Animal package. Register now at pittsburghzoo.org.

June 15 & 16 Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm

Dragon Renaissance Festival

Go back in time to experience the Renaissance era alongside a real inland bearded dragon and Komodo dragons. Enjoy fire-breathers, jousting demonstrations, and period music with authentic Renaissance characters.

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 19

CREATED BY THE CREATED BYEDUCATION THE CONSERVATION DEPARTMENT CONSERVATION EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

tape here

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1. Take a tripaoutside and and findfind a rock thatthat reminds you ofof 1. Take trip outside a rock reminds you a turtle’s shell.shell.

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4. Color and cut andand fourfour flippers onon this page.

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20 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

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Be sure to ask an adult for permission and help before starting!

Be sure to ask an adult for permission and help before starting!

Photography by Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Hey Henry, Why do snakes shed their skin?

-Christian Hicks

Got a question? E-mail it to: Hey, Henry! heyhenry@pittsburghzoo.org

Dear Christian, As snakes grow, their skin does not grow along with them. When they’re young they grow very quickly so they shed their skin to make room for new, larger skin very frequently. As they get older, they shed a few times a year to keep themselves healthy and to prevent the skin from getting old, damaged, or worn out.

Henry

UFO’s on Exhibit?

Dwarf Cuttlefish

22 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

Photography by ©2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Story By Eric Kellar Marine Aquarist

T

hey have been here since July of

Dwarf cuttlefish (Sepia bandensis) are

When the offer came from Mote Marine

2012 but some guests still do a

cephalopods. They are in the same class

Laboratory in Sarasota to send us twelve,

double take when walking past

(Cephalopoda) as octopus, squid, and

I knew that we had the perfect exhibit in

the dwarf cuttlefish tank. “They look like

chambered nautilus. While these creatures

which to display them. The exhibit that

submarines” one guest says. “No, they

lack backbones, they are some of the

previously housed our venomous fish

look like little UFO’s” says another. “UFO’s?

most advanced animals on Earth in that

closely resembled the underwater habitat

I think they look like aliens” says the last in

they have highly developed brains, nervous

of the islands around the Philippines where

the group.

systems, and eyes. Unfortunately they

the dwarf cuttlefish are naturally found.

share another characteristic, a short life

Unlike larger species of cuttlefish, dwarf

span. The life span of the dwarf cuttlefish

cuttlefish can be kept in groups without

is a short eight months to one year. In that

showing aggression toward each other.

time they grow from the size of a grain of

After a month of living in their new home

rice to three to four inches. Females can

I came in to find a cluster of eggs. Over

lay up to 50 eggs at a time in a clutch. The

the next month I removed over 100 eggs.

eggs resemble small purple grapes in a

Not all were viable but we were able to

cluster because the female adds a drop

raise fourteen to juvenile size and moved

of ink to each one to camouflage it. Dwarf

them onto exhibit after our first group of

cuttlefish have only been bred in captivity

adults came to the end of their life cycle.

since 2009 and we are still learning about

The juveniles are doing great and will

their behavior. It can take up to four weeks

be greeting our guests throughout the

for the baby cuttlefish to emerge as exact

summer, so please stop by and see one of

replicas of the adults except for their size.

the most unusual underwater creatures on

The engaging nature of these animals is one of the reasons that I love displaying them. Guests stop to watch them interact with each other as they flash their color changing cells called chromataphores.

Some of the most dramatic color changes occur while pursuing prey or when they are old enough to breed. The cuttlefish also interact with people, much to the delight of our guests. During feeding time, two feeding tentacles fire out from the middle of their eight arms as they grab their prey, sometimes catching our guests by surprise.

display in the PPG Aquarium.

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 23

It’s time to discover the zoo.

From the towering heights of the giraffes to the deep and cozy waters of the sea lion, the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium is a land of exploration and discovery.

We are happy to support our local zoo.

It’s time to discover.

FCB Member FDIC.

PEPSI IS A PROUD PARTNER OF THE

PITTSBURGH ZOO PEPSI, the Pepsi Globe and LIVE FOR NOW are registered trademarks of PepsiCo, Inc. ZGE164204

24 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

Building a healthy future UPMC Health Plan proudly supports the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

UNBOUND Creative • PR • Digital • Social • Brand Planning • Account Service • 412.402.0200

mullen.com/pittsburgh

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 25

Love is in the Air

: The Magic of SSP Pairings Story By Laura Gething Communications Manager

26 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

continued on next page

Photography by Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Szenja

was a spunky and beautiful California girl based out of San Diego.

In her younger days she didn’t care much for long and involved courtship with those of the opposite sex. Much more excited about having fun and enjoying the finer things in life, she was now more mature and ready to take on the responsibility of raising a little one of her own. After all, there weren’t many others out there like her these days and she needed to focus her energy on future generations instead of filling her days with playing, swimming, and trivial fun. She hadn’t found the right suitor for her yet, that special someone with whom she would want to have a baby. However, there was a promising individual awaiting her in Pittsburgh who just might have what she desired.

With that, Szenja hopped on board a plane and headed east in search of the strong, burly male known as Koda.

Meanwhile,

Candy

, a quiet and reserved lady, was getting ready to head

out on her own. She had always lived with her parents in El Paso, Texas and she enjoyed the tranquility that came along with staying in her comfort zone. However, she couldn’t live like this forever. She knew she should make the most of her life and start a family of her own. It was also hard to find to find the right one for her. There was a handsome male named Dima in Pittsburgh who, with some time and effort, could make her dreams come true. It would be quite the adjustment, but it would certainly be worth the effort. For the first time, Candy went out on her own all the way to Pittsburgh in search of love.

T

hese are the stories of Szenja, the

certified related facilities like conservation

healthy while boosting animal populations

18-year-old female polar bear and

centers, and approved non-member

in the best way possible.

Candy, the 9-year-old female Amur

participants which include places like

leopard who both came to the Pittsburgh

wildlife refuges, rehabilitation centers, and

Zoo & PPG Aquarium in late 2012. They

sanctuaries. The SSP analyzes all of the

arrived here as a result of the matchmaking

potential matches and makes suggestions

wisdom of the animal world’s version of

to facilities about which animals would

eHarmony - the Species Survival Plan,

make the best matches. The organizations

commonly referred to as the SSP. The SSP

then transport (when necessary), introduce,

works with zoos around the country to

and mate the animals specifically outlined

determine which animals would make the

by the SSP. Breeding done in accredited

best genetic matches to mate in order to

facilities is done through the SSP, as this

strengthen animal populations. Records

takes into consideration the best possible

and studbooks are kept about all animals

health, welfare, and genetics for the animals

in AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums,

to ensure all participants can be happy and

28 | Zoo Explorer Spring 2013

When it comes to endangered species, SSP plays a critical role. There are many species that are struggling in the wild but are doing well in zoos and aquariums.

The SSP makes suggestions for ways that animals should be paired up based on their bloodlines to result in strong and genetically-diverse offspring, making the continuation of each species more probable. Amur leopards are a prime example of the importance of the SSP. There are currently only around 40 Amur

leopards left in the wild and when left to themselves, they face a very high likelihood of extinction. However, there are several hundred Amur leopards in zoos and with the help of the SSP those numbers are growing.

SSP pairing recommendations can involve temporary relocation of an animal, a permanent move to another location, or they can involve animals who are already living together. There is an Amur

The SSP even takes into consideration

three times in Sausalito, California and after

tiger pair, Toma and Taiga, who have

an organization’s capacity to appropriately

being rescued and released the first two

been together at the Pittsburgh Zoo &

host a breeding program. The Pittsburgh

times, he was deemed to be unreleasable

PPG Aquarium for years now. They have

Zoo & PPG Aquarium recently welcomed

again because he was a danger to himself

previously had a successful litter of cubs,

a female red panda from Fargo, North

and others. Being a brand new bloodline

but they are both still young, vibrant, and

Dakota. She is the first red panda to ever

in the captive population, he was a

biologically underrepresented in the Amur

call the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

perfect participant for the SSP and he has

tiger population. In recent months the

home. Once she is established in her

successfully fathered several sea lions over

SSP contacted the Pittsburgh Zoo and

new exhibit, the SSP has suggested that

the years, making the sea lion breeding

suggested that they should be paired

other red pandas come to the Zoo and

program at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG

up again in the hopes that they will have

our facility could become a leader in red

Aquarium one of the most successful inland

another litter of cubs. This has been

panda breeding. Similarly, this was the case

sea lion breeding initiatives.

deemed by the SSP to be an appropriate

with our sea lions. With the large exhibit

amount of representation of these tigers

in Kids Kingdom and capacity to house

into the population. Our teams are keeping

several sea lions, we were able to accept

their fingers crossed that this dynamic duo

Seahawk, our make sea lion. Seahawk,

will again be successful in their efforts and

often known as “Hawk”, was a wild sea lion

welcome another litter later this year.

in the Pacific Ocean. He beached himself

As of right now, the SSP has recommended that our Zoo pair up our polar bears, Amur tigers, Amur leopards, bigtooth river stingrays, and western lowland gorillas in 2013. As the year progresses it is possible more recommendations could be made. With so much love in the air, everyone is hopeful to soon hear the pitter-patter of little paws, claws, hooves, flippers, and feet on Zoo grounds. These little ones might not know it, but they and their parents are playing a very important role in the survival of their species and thanks to the SSP, they have a great shot a bright future.

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 29

KEEPER NOTES African elephants

the Natasha “Tash" is hants largest of the elep has tusks at the Zoo and rt and that are very sho not visible.

Use these keeper notes as a guide for your trip to the zoo. Become an expert in telling our animals apart.

Savannah “Nan” is the only elephant in the herd who has one tusk.

s to stay r fe e r p ja o M way by herself a ther from the o he is the elephants. S h o h as only adult w tusks. two visible

Zuri is the smallest elephant. Her ears curl forward and there is a recognizable fold on the outside of both ears.

Angeline is on e of the two smallest, youn gest elephants but she is slig htly bigger than her siste r, Zuri.

Celebrate your child’s special day with a

Bi r thday party at! the Zoo

Victoria is larg er than the youn ger elephants, bu t is not yet as big as the adults. She ha s long legs, a flat he ad, and thin tusk s.

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Pau

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This • • • • • • • •

roari ng good time includes:

Admission and parking for the day for all guests A reserved area to host your party Lunch, snacks, and beverages Paperware, condiments, cups, tablecloths, and utensils Zoo-themed cake and vanilla ice-cream A favor bag and safari hat for each child A special gift for the birthday child Staff to set up and serve your party Birthday party packages are available year-round. Go to pittsburghzoo.org/ planaparty/birthdayparties or call 412-365-6006 for more information. pittsburghzoo.org

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 31

Photography by Š2013 Paul A. Selvaggio

Blue monkey

Rhapsody in Blue Story By Karen Vacco Assistant Mammal Curator

P

The Zoo Welcomes Blue Monkeys

ittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium visitors will get a rare

facilities, the captive population has become too small to sustain

opportunity to visit one of the new additions to the Tropical

itself. Therefore, these blue monkeys will live out their natural lives

Forest Complex. A lively trio of Blue monkeys arrived from

without future generations being born at our Zoo.

Omaha in October and has settled in nicely to their new home in the mandrill habitat. Blue monkeys are considered to be rare, but not because their numbers are vastly dwindling in the wild. They are unusual because of their numbers in zoos. In the wild, they are not endangered, but the destruction of tropical rainforests continues to threaten their habitat. They are native to south, east and central Africa.

To date, there are only 11 blue monkeys at four different zoos with

Blue monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis) are not actually blue—they are more gray-colored, or olive. The blue in their name might come from the slight blue hue in the hair of their faces. They are considered a medium size monkey, weighing up to 18 pounds and living 20 years in the wild. Blue monkeys live in the tree tops of evergreen forests and bamboo forests, rarely coming down to the ground. They can be found cohabitating with other species of monkeys. These “alliances� are added protection against predators

three of them residing here at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

like leopards and birds of prey. Because of their ability to play well

Blue monkeys used to be common in zoos but over the years many

with others, it is our hopes to create a mixed species exhibit with

facilities stopped taking them in to make room for endangered

a more endangered primate. This will allow the Pittsburgh Zoo the

primates. Zoos tend to focus their efforts on housing, breeding,

ability to continue their commitment to endangered species while

and preserving species that are more threatened in the wild than

giving visitors a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit these

the blue monkey. Because there are so few of them in zoological

beautiful primates.

Alicia Rich, a former intern of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, was fortunate enough to spend six months in the forests of western Kenya studying blue monkeys in the wild. She reported that they are very curious, vocal, active, and have a lot of facial expressions. Much of what Alicia observed in the wild holds true for our trio of blues. The next time you visit the zoo, take some time to visit the blue monkeys in the Tropical Forest. It may be the only chance you will get to see these fascinating, lively animals.

Zoo Explorer Spring 2013 | 33

Be sure to look for our next edition of ZooExplorer where you will get an inside look at the lives of our flamingos. Learn about their new adventures and how they’re settling in for their first full summer in their new home.

ONE WILD PLACE | PITTSBURGH, PA 15206 | PITTSBURGHZOO.ORG