ZooExplorer Winter 2012

A DIGITAL PUBLICATION FOR THE MEMBERS OF

THE PIT TSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM

Bouncing Baby Rhino Coral Conservation in Curaรงao WINTER 2012

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 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.

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

Photo By Š2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

Board of Directors Beverlynn Elliott, Chair Richard Kalson, Vice Chair Geoffrey Stillson, Secretary Leonard F. Bach 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 William Fallon Jack Friedman Karen Roche Galey, M.D. Edward Goncz Frank Horrigan Lorna H. Irvin Julius Jones Rebecca Keevican Thomas Kublack Michael LaRocco Patrick Loughney Kenneth McCrory Kristine McGinley Peggy McKnight Leslie Merrill John Miclot Henry Mordoh Melissa Murphy David Newell John Payne, DVM, MS David Porges Rita Randall Mayor Luke Ravenstahl J. Eric Renner Donald Rhoten F. Brooks Robinson, Jr. Jill Sandilla Sara Scaife James C. Stalder Douglas Stirling Susette Stone Becky Torbin Gregory Weingart Sally Wiggin Stuart Wise Robert T. Woodings, III

The number of healthy, thriving reefs like this one is decreasing around the world.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

A

s we enter the new year, we tend to think of new beginnings. Right now at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, we have many new babies who are just beginning to explore their worlds. We bring you the stories of their new

beginnings in this edition of ZooExplorer.

Our black rhino, Azizi, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in mid-September. The heartwarming interactions between mom and baby show us the amazing ways in which wild animals have incredible dynamics with one another. They help us to appreciate the magic of early life and the bonds they share, as well as our special connection with them.

Lead Keeper Kathy Suthard has worked with Azizi for years and cared for this pair since the day the baby was born. She provides a first-hand look at the baby’s first few months.

From African natives to Antarctic inhabitants, babies of all shapes and sizes highlight how amazing new life can be. Earlier this year, gentoo penguin chicks were hatched at the PPG Aquarium. These adorable babies are learning more about life every day and watching them interact with the rest of the colony is nothing short of extraordinary.

Aquarist and Penguin Keeper Katy Wozniak takes us inside the world of these penguin chicks and their adventures thus far.

New beginnings come in many forms and sometimes it takes the help of dedicated people to get things started. In late summer, Aquarist Bob Snowden of the PPG Aquarium and Creative Services Director and Photographer Paul Selvaggio joined marine experts from around the world, in Curaçao to perform vital research about endangered elkhorn coral. As part of their research, they also collected samples from coral spawning which were used to breed coral in the lab. These samples will eventually be released into the wild where they will hopefully start entire new coral colonies – the beginning to rebuilding the endangered coral population.

These are just a few of the new beginnings with which our Zoo is playing a critical role. In this issue, you’ll also read about new beginnings for pine snakes who were hatched at the Zoo. Additionally, you’ll discover new and exciting programs with which we are involved, like the new One Degree of Change Initiative.

We hope you enjoy the many stories of new beginnings in this edition of ZooExplorer.

Photo By ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

Join us at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and help us to explore our natural world.

Dr. Barbara Baker President & CEO

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 05

Contents

Volume 15 Number 2 pittsburghzoo.org

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium One Wild Place Pittsburgh, PA 15206-1178

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 Photographers: Dorothy Boyer,

08 Bouncing Baby Rhino

An inside look at the world of our newest bundle of joy

Jaqi Conomikes, Paul A. Selvaggio 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 Paul Moylett, Asst. Curator of Aquatic Life Sarah Poweska, Asst. Director of Development

FEATURED ARTICLE

24

Mark Reardon, Asst. Curator of Conservation Education Kathy Suthard, Lead Keeper Jaime Szoszorek, Director of Marketing & PR Karen Vacco, Asst. Curator of Mammals

Coral Conservation in Curaçao

How our Zoo is helping to save a vital underwater treasure

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Docent Council President: Deneen Beatty

ARTICLES

Vice President: Karen Tritten Secretary: Marlene Goldstein 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

16

Tipping the Scales: Saving the Louisiana Pine Snake

46

Destination Churchill: The Land of the White Bear

53

One Degree of Change

54

Chic Penguin Chicks

FEATURED DEPARTMENTS

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

Registration does not imply endorsement.

05

From the President

14

News & Views

23

Calendar of Events

44

Kid’s Page

Fun & Games Hey Henry!

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 15206-1178 © 2012 Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

06 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

08

54

pg.

pg.

Icon Guide

Embedded caption or additional information

Bonus media feature, such as a photo slideshow or video

Interactive opportunity

16

pg.

46

pg.

24

pg.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 07

Bouncing Baby Rhino Story By Kathy Suthard Lead Keeper, Carnivores and Rhinos

A

An inside look at the world of our newest bundle of joy

s zookeepers, we have the wonderful opportunity

chasing, and snorting are some of the behaviors seen during

to spend our days around some of the most exotic,

the pre-mating ritual. Once the battling is over then the mating

endangered, and magnificent animals on the planet.

can begin.

Our time is spent caring for these animals to the best of our ability.

On June 4, 2011 our rhinos were put together on exhibit and

It is truly rewarding when the animals become comfortable enough

following their natural instincts they battled aggressively and then

with their humans and their surroundings that they reproduce.

settled down to mate. Rhino gestation has a wide range and can

Jomo, our male rhino, and Azizi, our female rhino, are our eastern

last anywhere between 427-552 days. Being optimistic that the

black rhinoceroses. Critically endangered in their native Africa,

mating was successful, we counted the months of gestation and

we were hopeful to have them reproduce here at the Pittsburgh

calculated that a calf would be born sometime between August

Zoo & PPG Aquarium. With this in mind, we began the careful

and December of 2012.

monitoring of the female’s reproductive cycle. After many months

The last black rhino births at our Zoo occurred in the 1960’s so

of observation we felt we knew the most opportune time to put the

the anticipation of this upcoming birth was huge. No immediate

rhinos together for mating. Rhino mating by nature is as big and

pregnancy tests exist for rhinos, so we had to wait for the fetus to

bold as the animals themselves. Aggressive sparring, charging,

be large enough to be viewed by ultrasound. Blood tests showing

a rising progesterone level also indicate pregnancy, but it takes

the birth sac, slid to the floor. The sac opened and within seconds

months of blood collection and analysis to see the rising trend. After

the new little rhino breathed her first breath. Azizi immediately went

months of analysis and waiting, the pregnancy was confirmed and

over to sniff and nuzzle her new baby. The baby quickly was able

the excitement mounted. We kept watching Azizi as the size of her

to maneuver herself upright. The keepers arrived and spread fresh

stomach increased. Like doting parents we would massage Azizi’s

straw and pine shavings throughout the birthing room to give mom

stomach and talk encouragingly to the baby within. Frequently this

and calf a warm dry cushion to rest on. Then we saw that the little

was met with the baby moving or kicking. We were ecstatic!

calf was a girl. Azizi had a daughter.

Finally August came and cameras were mounted in the rhino barn.

One of the most amazing things about the baby was that within

These allowed the animal care staff to watch

moments of her birth she was alert and

Azizi 24-hours a day from our computers

looking around. As we spoke quietly to her,

- and of course that is what we did. We had

her ears perked up listening and looking

staff viewing every few hours throughout the

intently at us. It certainly appeared that she

night. We took turns setting our alarm clocks

knew our voices!

for midnight, 2 a.m., 4 a.m. and then rushing

We stayed with Azizi throughout the day

to the computer screen only to see Azizi

and into the evening, watching all of the

peacefully dozing or munching on a bit of hay.

milestones that were taking place. Within an

Saturday, September 8 was a rainy

hour of being born the baby got to her feet and

dreary day but it was soon to become a

began learning to walk. As another hour went

beautiful day. Something was definitely different with Azizi. She was

by we saw the baby find her mother’s udder and begin to take her

especially restless and wanted to walk. She tried to lie down but

first sips of milk.

was uncomfortable and kept getting back up. She would press her

It was not easy leaving the barn that night and heading for home!

head toward the wall and then press her tail against the wall. Staff

We all went straight to our computers to continue our nightly vigils

throughout the zoo and at home that day constantly checked the

and this would continue for the entire month of September. When

camera view. A little while after 1p.m., Azizi sat down and her water

the baby was a day old the veterinary staff came and conducted the

broke. She then got up and walked around the room and we could

first “well baby exam”. She was quickly examined and weighed

see the telltale bulge of an emerging calf. The calf, still contained in

70 pounds.

Photography by ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

continued on next page

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 09

Since the baby’s birth we have seen so many developments. The calf has gone from taking careful and clumsy footsteps to running full speed from room to room.

She has tried her first tastes of solid food and looks like she will become a great eater like her mom! She loves soft cooked sweet potatoes as well as crunchy honeysuckle shrub branches. Alfalfa hay is quite a treat when Azizi allows her calf to share.

When the weather is mild, mom and baby venture out into the exhibit for some fresh air and exercise. At first the calf was quite shy about the wide open spaces and unfamiliar voices she heard while outside. If Azizi wasn’t close by, the calf would squeak an alarmed cry and Azizi would come charging to defend her baby. Now that the pair has been able to spend a lot more time outside, the calf has become more independent and bold.

Sometimes she even charges things she sees outside and snorts her own warning,

Photography by ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

continued on next page

Our baby rhino loves to climb under her mom, Azizi, for fun during outings.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 11

mimicking her mother. Indoors she will leave her mother and come

180 pounds she still is nursing and very dependent upon her mother.

into the room with us while we are cleaning. She wanders around

In the next few months we can expect her to gain hundreds of

and investigates what her human friends are doing. Occasionally

pounds, eventually reaching an adult weight of about 2,800 pounds.

she will challenge the broom by head butting it with her tiny nub of

As the weather gets warmer next spring you can expect to see

a horn. All of these “rhino games” are behaviors she will fine tune as

Azizi and her calf on exhibit more and more. In the meantime, keep

she becomes an adult.

an eye on the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s social media and

We have taught her to voluntarily get onto a scale for her weekly weigh-ins. This will be a valuable behavior that we can use throughout her lifetime. Though she already weighs over

website, as updates will regularly be posted. It will be fun to watch her grow up.

Photography by Š2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

News & Views Sea Lion Naming Contest The sea lion family continues to grow at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium and this September visitors and fans were asked to contribute by helping to name a pup! Thousands of name suggestions were received from September 10 through 12, at which time keepers carefully and thoughtfully narrowed down the options to five: Bailey, Sasha, Aurora, Piper, and Keiko. Social media followers were asked to vote for their favorite

February. The walks are included with general Zoo admission. Be sure to watch the Zoo’s website and Facebook page for more details.

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

Aldabra Tortoises

The Calendar is Back The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium printed calendar is back for 2013 and it’s better than ever.

This year’s calendar features 13 stunning months highlighting the theme of Color in Nature. All of the animals featured in the calendar are residents of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium with all of the breathtaking photographs having been captured at the Zoo. Each featured animal was selected based on brilliant colorations and patterns and the unique ways in which they are represented and interact with the world around them. This calendar begins with December 2012 and offers information about the colorations of each animal every month, making the calendar both aesthetically astonishing and educational.

As an added benefit of membership, Zoo Members receive one free calendar which can be picked up at the Safari Outfitters Gift Shop at the top of the Zoo’s front entrance escalator with a membership postcard voucher or membership card. Copies are also available for purchase for non-members, and additional copies are available at a discount for members. Supplies are limited, so don’t delay in getting your Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Color in Nature 2013 calendar.

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

14 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

of the five names between September 14 and 20, and on the 22 a Sea Lion Naming Celebration was held to honor Piper, the newly-named baby sea lion, as well as Summer Davis, who submitted the name. The celebration itself featured a live band, crafts, and activities, as well as an informational presentation about our sea lions and a display of their enrichment activities.

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

Penguin Walks As temperatures drop and the snow begins to fall, PPG Aquarium staff gear up for another winter and all that entails, including Penguin Walks. Introduced in January 2012, each Penguin Walk draws crowds of guests every chilly Saturday and Sunday outside PPG Aquarium to watch king, gentoo, and macaroni penguins excitedly waddle down and back up the hill by the PPG Aquarium. Visitors will again have this unique opportunity to be up-close to the cheerful creatures beginning in January. Weather permitting, the penguins will march like celebrities on the red carpet every Saturday and Sunday in January and

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium received four baby Aldabra tortoises on September 13 from the Tulsa Zoo & Living Museum. The tortoises were hatched on February 4, 2012. They are currently being raised in an off-exhibit area at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. There are no current plans for exhibition, as the tortoises need time to grow. They enjoy a herbivorous diet six days a week consisting of grasses, plants, and leaves.

Although they are currently very small, they will grow to be very large as adults, as males reach an average of 400 pounds and females typically grow to be 300 pounds. Despite their reputation as being slow, they can actually move quite quickly and are even able to stand up and balance on their hind legs. Aldabra tortoises also enjoy longevity, typically living around 100 years with some reports of certain individuals living as long as 200 years.

Aldabra tortoises are the only remaining species of giant tortoises that originally inhabited Madagascar and in Seychelles off the coast of Africa. They were nearly extinct at the turn of the 20th century, but are now considered threatened, which is an improvement for the species. Conservation efforts and international trade regulations help to keep them protected.

Keep an eye on the Zoo’s website and social media for updates on these terrific little tortoises and when you might be able to see them on exhibit.

Photography by Š2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

The Aldabra giant tortoise Aldabrachelys gigantea, is the largest living tortoise in the world.

Adult males can weigh up to 550 pounds!

Tipping the Scales:

Saving the Louisiana Pine Snake Story By Raymond E. Bamrick Lead Reptile Keeper

16 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

The Louisiana pine snake is the rarest snake species in North America, inhabiting the upland pine forests of northwestern Louisiana and east Texas.

T

he Louisiana pine snake is the rarest snake species in North America, inhabiting the upland pine forests of northwestern Louisiana and east Texas. The survival of this species of snake is dependent on the cooperative efforts of governmental, private,

and zoological institutions. As a visitor, you would likely not know that the Zoo has Louisiana pine snakes, as these endangered creatures are not always on exhibit. However, the work currently going on at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium with Louisiana pine snakes is among our successful conservation programs and has produced valuable information while proving to be a prolific endeavor in breeding the snakes.

A bit of history is needed to understand the importance of this program at our Zoo. In March of 2004, a Candidate Conservation Agreement was developed and approved in order to identify and establish management protection for the pine snake on federal land by protecting known populations and habitats, reducing threats to its survival, maintaining its ecosystem, and restoring degraded habitat. Zoological institutions were asked to serve as breeding facilities in an effort to produce hatchlings who would be introduced to their native habitat once they were old enough and able to live on their own. A number of wild pine snakes were collected by the Memphis Zoo to begin the project. The early success of the program resulted in the release of hatchlings back into their native habitat and the program Photography by Š2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

has since grown to involve 23 zoos, including the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

The reproductive strategies of this snake are unusual. Most snakes produce a high number of eggs with only a few of the tiny hatchlings surviving to adulthood, whereas Louisiana pine snakes produce only three to five very large eggs. These larger eggs yield larger hatchlings, thus providing for greater odds of survival. Hatchlings can be 18 – 22 inches long and can reach 36 inches within one year. Adult Louisiana pine snakes can be five feet long.

After a year without successful breeding, our snakes mated this year in late May. I believe that the success of this year’s mating is related to the methods we used in their hibernation continued on next page

process over the winter, which were modified this year from the first two years that we participated in the program. After the standard 24-26 day gestation period, one of the female pine snakes laid three eggs. Then in early July, five more eggs were laid by another younger female pine snake. The group, or “clutch� as it is formally called, of five eggs appeared different from the three eggs found earlier. They were slightly larger, were shaped better, and looked spectacular! They were placed in the incubator near the other eggs.

Then the process of incubation began and we had to pay close attention to the temperature and humidity. We had to also monitor the health of the eggs. If there was too much moisture, the eggs would grow mold. With too little moisture the eggs would dry up.

were all infertile and were removed from the incubator. Of the remaining five eggs, three looked very healthy.

After daily monitoring, worrying about the eggs, and reflecting on

We also needed to monitor for eggs that are infertile. It can be

all the hard work and time that we put in up to this point, on the 4th

determined if an egg is infertile because the egg will turn to a dark

of September I found the first Louisiana pine snake hatchling in the

color and grow mold. The first three eggs from the older female

incubator. Finally, we had a successful hatching! I thought at this

This baby pine snake is enjoying a first slither around while the other eggs are still hatching.

moment that I couldn’t have been any happier - until I noticed that

I packed the three hatchlings in a shipping container and sent

the other two eggs had pipped and two more hatchlings were on

them off to Memphis. It was a bittersweet time, but I knew it was

their way. The hatchlings were separated and placed into holding

the best opportunity for their future and the survival of the species.

units. About one week

Two weeks later, a decision was made to “head start” all of the

later after each snake

hatchlings, so they were sent to the Ellen Trout Zoo in Lufkin, Texas.

shed, they were offered

A new release date for some time in April 2013 will be set. The

food and each snake ate

extra time will allow the snakes to grow and that will increase their

several pinkie mice over

chances of survival.

the next several weeks.

As part of the Louisiana

With no time to waste, we have already begun efforts to hibernate our adult snakes. They will enter hibernation in early December and

pine snake program,

remain there until March. Then the whole process of reintroduction

all hatchlings were sent

and breeding will begin again. My goal this time is to increase the

to the Memphis Zoo to

number of hatchlings. I think it would also be great to be present

begin final preparations

during the release in Louisiana, to complete the cycle.

for release into the wilds of Louisiana. In all, 21 hatchlings were produced by six participating zoos. So on the 28th of September,

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 19

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Well, thanks to #1 Cochran’s donation of a Zoomobile, they do.

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A place where

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CHIP, brought to you by UPMC for Kids, is pleased to support the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

www.upmchealthplan.com/upmcforkids

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

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 21

Photography by Š2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

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.

December 25

February 8 & 9

Tuesday

Friday & Saturday, 6 – 9 pm

Christmas Day

Valentine’s Day Dinner

The Zoo is closed today so our employees can enjoy the holiday with their families.

Bring your special someone to the Zoo for a romantic dinner to remember in Water’s Edge. Henry Kacprzyk will give a presentation focusing on animal mating, creature companionship, and the art of relationships in the animal kingdom. Registration required.

December 31 Monday, 11 am – 1 pm

Noon Year’s Eve Ring in the New Year at noon with your entire family and Radio Disney in the PPG Aquarium. Count down to a noon ball drop and celebrate with noisemakers and live entertainment. Sign the New Year’s ReZOOlution banner.

Brought to you by Radio Disney.

March 23, 24, & 30 Saturdays – Sunday

Breakfast or Lunch with the Easter Bunny The Easter Bunny is hopping by to make a special stop at the Zoo. Enjoy tasty food for either breakfast or lunch, create a craft, and decorate an edible egg-shaped masterpiece. Don’t delay in purchasing your tickets since this popular event is always a sell out! Tickets will be available at pittsburghzoo.org. Registration required.

January 1 Tuesday

New Year’s Day The Zoo is closed today so our employees can enjoy the holiday with their families.

March 30 Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm

ZooHop to Spring Hop into spring with a trip down the Zoo’s bunny trail. Get a passport and collect stamps at every stop as you explore animal activities, facts, and fun.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 23

24 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

Coral Conservation in Curaçao

Story & Photography by Paul A. Selvaggio Creative Director

How our Zoo is helping to save a vital underwater treasure Oceans are the blue heart of our planet, the part that makes the world work. It drives climate and weather, generates most of the oxygen that we breath, it drives the water cycle where 97% of the water cycle is; this is our life support system and unless we really understand it and appreciate it, we are not going to take care of it. Knowing is the key.�

-Dr. Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer & Aquanaut

continued on next page

W

ith the world’s oceans becoming more polluted and the delicate balance of aquatic life in jeopardy, there has never been a more crucial time to participate in conservation and preservation efforts to help underwater life. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is a participant in Project SECORE, a non-profit, collaborative Check dive

Reef visit

effort among scientists and aquariums to preserve, study, and restore endangered coral species that are threatened by rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, sedimentation, and deforestation. Project SECORE, which stands for SExual COral REproduction, aims to preserve endangered corals by assisting in the delicate coral reproduction process to help create new, genetically diverse coral populations. This improves the long-term survival prospects of this crucial ocean species that plays a vital role in ocean health and the life of countless other species. Bob Snowden, an Aquarist at the PPG Aquarium, has been involved with these efforts for the past six years. As the Zoo’s Creative Services Director and

Photographer, I have joined him for the last three years to visually document the important work that is being done.

SECORE is based in Curaçao, a tiny island next to Aruba and Bonaire, just off the coast of Venezuela. The primary focus of this year’s journey to the island was to breed and study Caribbean Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and to gather observations of another hard coral, Brain coral (Diploria Strigosa).

Bob Snowden and I spent 20 days on the island with an international team of coral professionals representing 10 U.S. aquariums, the Rotterdam Zoo, the University of Amsterdam, and CARMABI (Caribbean Research and Management of Biodiversity) along with SECORE staff, funders, supporters and volunteers. Bob Snowden explains, “Elkhorn corals are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning that they are both sexes at the same time.

Once a year, they release egg-sperm bundles called gametes into the water column in the hopes that they can cross-fertilize with neighboring colonies of the same species.” The main event of this trip was the release of the gametes during the mass spawning, which occurs just days after the first full moon in August.

Bob and I have very different assignments during the SECORE workshop. Bob is an organizer and leader.

He helps with logistics, coordination, and the execution of each day’s activities. He also instructs and teaches the workshop participants about many different topics related to coral.

Snowden lectures

My assignment is to document each day’s events on both video and with photography. In addition to capturing thousands of still images and video every day, I also download, import, process, select, edit, adjust and export that days captures so the images and media can be used online for both the SECORE and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium websites, blogs, social media, and the local newspapers and TV stations in Curaçao.

Coral reefs are such beautiful and colorful habitats to photograph. Their beauty first drew me to them, but learning about their plight has made me an advocate for their protection. Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, but are home to over a quarter of all the earth’s ocean species. It is estimated that over one million species live in and around coral reefs and only 30% of the species in these reefs have been identified. Coral reefs are one of the most important

ecosystems on earth. They generate a global economic value of approximately $375 billion per year by providing coastal protection from wave energy, fisheries and tourism.

Sadly, coral reefs are in trouble. They are disappearing four times faster than rainforests and rising ocean temperatures have claimed over 20% of the world’s reefs since the 1950’s. It is projected that the decline will be over 50% by the year 2030. The death or our coral reefs has been happening so rapidly in just a few short years despite the fact that they took thousands of years to grow. SECORE’s efforts may help with turning the corner in our understanding of corals and reestablishing reefs worldwide that are dying at an alarming rate.

During this year’s workshop both Bob and I dove 20 times with each dive having a distinct purpose towards the coral

Netting coral spawn

Photography by ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

continued on next page

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 31

The Spanish Waters team works on a park bench separating and fertilizing the collected spawn by moonlight and flashlights.

Labwork in the field

Separating eggs

spawning events. Our early dives during the trip were to evaluate the conditions of the reefs and familiarize the new divers with the dive sites. These “check dives� are done during the day. They give our new participants the chance to become familiarized with the reef locations during the light of day. Each new diver to the program also performs their scuba skills to make sure they are proficient in scuba.

After the dive sites have been visited we then return to add water bottles anchored with string to bare rocky surfaces. Glow sticks are added to each water bottle late in the afternoon. The glow sticks provide light for hours and are our trail markers that give us all a pathway to our reef

28 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

Cross-fertilization

destinations when we return during the dark of night when coral spawning occurs.

Elkhorn coral in this part of the Caribbean spawn for two to three days after the first full moon in August, each night spawning between 9:30pm to 10:15pm. SECORE has become very good at accurately predicting when the spawning will take place based on changing seasonal temperatures. When the sea surface temperatures of the year are at their warmest the corals spawn.

The amount of light reflected by the moon that is subsequently absorbed by the coral dictates the exact day of spawning.

The precise minute of spawning is

determined by the time of sunset that day.

This year it was predicted that the elkhorn corals would spawn between the third and sixth night after the first full moon in August. This year, the month of August had two full moons, a phenomenon that only occurs every two to three years. We did not know if the corals would spawn during the first full moon or if they would wait until the second full moon. We also had an approaching tropical storm that added factors that did affect the size and timing of the spawning event.

I find the science behind coral spawning to be fascinating. To predict how an animal with no brain will release

their egg-sperm bundles into the water column while other neighboring colonies do the same in the hopes that they will cross-fertilize with the same species is truly amazing.

Unfortunately, this year I did not get the chance to photograph any spawning. Every night the seas were rough with waves of 10 to 12 feet from the passing tropical storm. However, during the past two spawning seasons (2010 and 2011), I had the opportunity to witness and capture the wonder of Elkhorn coral colonies spawn. The event only lasted about 15 minutes when the corals released their buoyant bundles.

Thousands of gametes fill the water and rise upwards like a symphonic upside down snow globe. The small bundles have a difficult trip to the surface. Hundreds of aquatic creatures swim in to feed on the fatty nutritious lipids. Still, many gametes make it to the surface where the sea’s waves break them apart and separate the egg and the sperm from each gamete, which cross-fertilizes each gamete with other coral colonies’ eggs and sperm.

SECORE collects the gametes that are released during the spawning using large soft cloth bags that have synch strings on the bottom and a funnel top with a collection cup attached along with a floating device that keeps the entire net assembly floating. The rising gametes are captured into the collection cups, which are changed when they fill up. Each cup is marked with a number that represents the actual coral colony. What nature would perform in the shallows of this reef is replicated under laboratory conditions back at the SECORE nursery to ensure successful fertilization and creation of new coral. Each step of this natural process is understood by the scientists and they are able to cross-fertilize the coral gametes with great success.

For the next week the scientists and participants oversee the fertilized gametes, which have now become coral larvae.

The first few days require 24/7 attention.

The larvae need to be in constant water circulation and cannot clump together with other larvae. Any contact between larvae can cause them to die. SECORE’s research efforts in this area have led to the creation of a specialized water system that aids in coral reproduction.

Despite the rough weather that deterred us from diving at one of the collection sites this year, we were able to collect gametes that yielded great production of viable and diverse coral babies.

Year old elkhorn corals

Over the course of the next two weeks, I documented every step in the coral rearing process. SECORE’s methods have improved over the years and our 2012 workshop had approximately 4,000 successful coral recruits settle to start their life cycle of dividing asexually to become a new healthy coral colony.

During my 20 days on the island this year I captured over 15,000 photos documenting all angles of the trip, including the island, its culture, both land and sea animals, and reef habitats.

These images, along with the video I also shot, helps to not only document the important work that we are doing along with SECORE, but it also helps to spread awareness and education about how beautiful and intriguing coral is. I hope everyone who reads this article and looks over my photographs will become inspired to learn more about our oceans and coral reefs and to join efforts or make simple lifestyle changes that will benefit our coral reefs. You can help support the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s coral efforts by donating to our Coral Conservation Fund.

Outplanting 1 year old corals

Mounting with epoxy

Mapping outplanting

Curaçao Reefscapes 2012 Photography by Paul A. Selvaggio

The following pages contain a

Hopefully this gallery of photographs

collection of brilliant photographs

will inspire individuals to respect the

that were captured during the

world’s coral reefs, which deserve

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s

our respect and need our attention.

most recent coral conservation trip

Although these vibrantly healthy

to Curaçao in August 2012. These

reefs are endangered, they are also

images illustrate the diversity of

vital to sustaining the overall

corals and the wide array of aquatic

well-being of the Earth’s seas and

wildlife who depend on these corals

oceans, and the various species who

for their survival. Every underwater

call them home.

moment captured here depicts the veritable plethora of shapes, sizes, colors, textures, and types of coral that exist harmoniously, creating the reefs of the Caribbean Seas.

30 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012

Caribbean Elkhorn Coral Sea Aquarium Reef

Elkhorn colony thrives in the turbulent shallows near the Sea Aquarium’s break wall.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 31

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012

City of Pillars Sea Aquarium Saba Reef

Towering skyline of pillar corals with patrolling sergeant majors.

Coral in Motion Spanish Waters Reef

Gorgonian soft corals gently sway in the ocean’s surge.

CURAร AO REEFSCAPES | 2012 Leaning Sea Fan Curaรงao Sea Aquarium Reef

Common sea fan leans from the current with a pair of foureye butterflyfish, a French grunt, and large school of brown chromis.

Purple Curls Eagle Ray Alley, Oostpunt

Curling purple sponge along the reef wall.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 35

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012

Elkhorn Stand Spanish Waters Reef

A trumpetfish hangs diagonally mimicking the angled coral and gently moving with the surf, waiting for unsuspecting prey.

Elkhorn Colony Spanish Waters Reef

Caribbean elkhorn colony reaches upward.

36 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012

Branching Rays Spanish Waters Reef

Late afternoon sun streaks through the surf and dapples the branching elkhorn coral.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 37

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012

Shades of Blue Eagle Ray Alley, Eastpoint

A large school of tangs passes over a group of sea fans.

The fish demonstrate their ability to change their skin tones as protection from predators.

Pillar Tip Oostpunt Reef, Eastpoint

A tall pillar coral with it’s extended furry-looking tentacles moving with the current.

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012 Sea Fan Ledge Eagle Ray Alley, Eastpoint

A large healthy sea fan growing on a diverse fringing reef.

Spine of Pillar Oostpunt Reef, Eastpoint

Pillar corals along the edge of the reef wall.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 41

CURAÇAO REEFSCAPES | 2012

Coral Brain Ridge Holiday Beach Reef

Late evening sun silhouettes brain corals and soft gorgonians.

Butterfly Feast Holiday Beach Reef

Buttlerflyfish gather to feast on the brain corals’ spawn.

42 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

Oostpunt Valley Oostpunt Reef, Eastpoint

Giant brain coral grows at the base of a diverse healthy valley of corals covering much of the sea floor.

CREATED BY THE CONSERVATION EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Can you find the five differences?

Answers: Ear, Horn, Leg, Cloud, Shadow

Who am I? I love to play in the mud.

I am a …

1. T A H I A T B 2. U B Y S 3. U H G O R 4. F A C A R I

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

5. R S O N T __ __ __ __ __

1. Habitat 2. Busy 3. Rough 4. Africa 5. Snort • Answer: Baby Rhino 44 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

Photography by ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

Hey Henry, What exactly are corals?

-Ben Schulman

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

Dear Ben, Corals are made up of many smaller animals called polyps. Polyps begin as larvae and latch onto existing reefs, rocks, and other underwater surfaces. Once they latch on, the young polyps stay connected in the same location for the rest of their lives.

They are colonial organisms and live together in large groups ranging from colonies of a few hundred to larger colonies of hundreds of thousands of polyps, resulting in corals. Although sometimes mistaken for plants, corals are in fact animals. Part of this confusion comes from the fact that algae live in the coral’s tissues. These algae, known as zooxanthellae, produce oxygen for the coral, remove waste, and are an essential part of the coral’s health.

Henry

Destination Churchill Land of the White Bear Story By Henry Kacprzyk Curator of Kids Kingdom & Reptiles Photo courtesy of Dorothy Boyer

46 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

I

just returned from one of the best animal experiences someone could hope to have, seeing Polar Bears on the Subarctic tundra of Churchill Manitoba, Canada. Having worked with polar bears at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, I have always been fascinated with their beauty, strength, and immense size. This trip allowed me to get up close to these Kings of the Tundra in a very unique way.

But I am getting ahead of myself. When planning a trip to Churchill, a small town of less than 800 residents situated on the Hudson Bay, you realize there is no easy way to get there. No roads go into the town. A train can be caught from Winnipeg, Manitoba, but we decided instead to fly in by charter plane. Sixteen people from the Pittsburgh area coordinated their trip through the Pittsburgh Zoo and Frontier North Travel. Our two-hour flight from Winnipeg had us landing in the Churchill airport on Sunday, exposing us to our first real taste of winter for the season. We were all prepared for the elements because if you hope to see snow bears, you better expect a little snow. Our expectations of seeing polar bears were quickly realized when we

boarded a retired school bus to take a tour of the town Churchill. We never made the tour because we came upon three polar bears within a five-minute drive from the airport! Two of the bears were playfully wrestling, while the other walked in from the shoreline. At first, we were over 100 yards away, but soon enough they were within several feet of our bus, putting on a show that none of us could have imagined.

At times, it seemed as if the one bear was going to climb up the side of the bus, but our diver quickly turned on the bus ignition to deter the bear. As you can imagine, we managed to take some fantastic photos of the bears, as well as pictures of ravens and the elusive snowy owl. The whole event lasted for about two and a half hours and for most people, this itself would have been worth the trip. But we had much more to come.

The next day had us scheduled for something I have always fantasized about: dog sledding on the tundra. Most people are familiar with the Iditarod, the 1,049 mile dog sled race that lasts 10 to 17 days. We participated in the slightly shorter “Idimile”.

A team of dogs pulled us around a snow

covered course, beginning and ending at a warm cabin. The experience catapulted us into the Arctic experience. Before snow mobiles, dogs were the lifeline for transportation, hunting, and survival. We now all had a better understanding of what that meant to the Northern inhabitants of the tundra.

Monday afternoon had us preparing for the main event, a trip on the Tundra Buggy to the Tundra Buggy Lodge. Through the efforts of Margie Marks, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s Curator of Conservation Education, arrangements were made for our group to be chaperoned by Carolyn Buchanan, wife of Robert Buchanan, the CEO of Polar Bears International. Her experience, coupled with that of our guide David Reid, gave us a unique view into the world of the tundra. David Reid has been living in the Far North since 1989, having arrived in Canada as an employee of the Hudson Bay Company. Since then, he has established his own company Polar Sea Adventures, taking small groups on tour of the extremes of the Arctic. His company was instrumental in the production of the award winning television series Frozen

Photos courtesy of Jaqi Conomikes

continued on next page

Planet, helping plan the travel logistics in both the Antarctic and Arctic. We were most definitely travelling with experts of the Arctic, helping us understand the interconnection of life in this harsh environment.

Our hour and a half ride in the Tundra Buggy, a kind of Winnebago on steroids, gave us an idea what our next few days would be like. A propane fired furnace heated the bus cabin, large windows could be opened for picture taking, and the huge tires (costing $7,000 per tire) lifted us just out of reach of inquisitive bears.

We docked with the Tundra Buggy Lodge and were welcomed to individual sleeping berths, which included the wonderfully warm wool Hudson Bay Blankets. Besides the sleeping areas, the lodge had a dining area and a lounge. Like the Tundra Buggy, the entire lodge was settled on huge tires.

This allowed the lodge to be relocated at different times, to minimized tundra impact.

Our days on the tundra provided us with many polar bear encounters, including a mother and cub. In all, we saw at least 50 polar bears over three days. These bears gather outside of Churchill in anticipation of ice formation on the Hudson Bay. The fresh water of the Hudson River empties into the Bay and freezes before the sea water, giving the polar bears the earliest opportunity to feed on ringed seals, their main diet. The bears haven’t eaten seal since late June and they are quite hungry

by November. Amazingly they wait patiently, wrestling and playing while awaiting the big freeze. In time, the entire Hudson Bay will freeze, serving as a hunting platform for the bears as well as a breeding habitat come

March. Without sea ice, polar bears cannot survive. The locals agree that the ice is forming later and later possibly reflecting the trends of global warming (or, to be more politically correct, climate change).

Of the entire list of things that really make a trip enjoyable, at the very top must be your companions. We had a great group of people, each unique and all bringing out the best in everyone else. There was much discussion of where “we” can go next. Stay tuned. With this trip being such a success, another Zoo-sponsored trip will surely be planned.

If you have any ideas where you would like the Zoo to lead a trip, please let us know. We would be happy to be part of your next adventure.

For those of you who cannot make a trip in the foreseeable future, make a trip to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Travel arrangements are easy (and parking is free). We have it all - polar bears of the Arctic to elephants of the African Savanna.

We hope to see you soon. Stop in and say hello.

Photo courtesy of Jaqi Conomikes

The meals were welcoming after a day on the tundra, served hot and delicious.

Our buggy drivers acted as our wait staff upon arrival. “Buggy Bob” our driver was

multitalented, having been a zoo keeper for many years at the Assiniboine Zoo in Winnipeg. Coincidentally, I recognized him from a cartoon strip that he was featured in back in the late 1980’s, when his zoo was planning to host an Animal Keeper Conference. He was very surprised that I made the connection as we have both aged. Buggy Bob rounded out our guide team, we were ready for the first day out on the tundra.

48 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

A Gift of

Discovery A GIFt FoR EvERy oCC ASIoN

Membership

Honorary

A Zoo Membership is a passport to family fun and adventure.

Treat somebody you love to a gift Membership, which includes 12 months of free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, free parking, discounted admission to 130 other zoos, education program discounts, exclusive access to events, and much more!

A gift in a friend’s or family member’s honor is a great way to show that their generous spirit has touched your life and you share and respect their love of wildlife and wild places.

Adopt an Animal

Poinsettias

Gift Certificates

The Adopt an Animal program lets animal lovers play an important part in promoting the comfort and growth of their favorite Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium residents.

The adoptive parent’s name will be posted on the Adopt an Animal board on Zoo grounds. Plus, he or she will receive: • • • • • •

Personalized adoption certificate Fact sheet about the animal Adopt an Animal decal and magnet Adopt an Animal activity page Zoo Insider Newsletter Z-mail monthly electronic newsletter

Education

Gift Certificates An education gift certificate lets the recipient attend Wildlife Academy classes or Zoo Summer Camp. Wildlife Academy classes are available for ages 2 through adult. They are offered September through April and range from $12 to $84.

Donations Polar Bear

Help save polar bears and receive a beautiful holiday inspired white polar bear poinsettia. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has partnered with the Drew Mathieson Center to offer these beautiful plants for a donation of $18.

Wild

Encounters Foster positive, lifelong connections to the natural world.

Each Wild Encounter provides an opportunity to learn about an animal in-depth and discover their world in a behind-the-scenes or beside-the-action experience. Gift certificates for tours are available.

unique

Merchandise

Peruse one-of-a-kind, fair-trade gifts for all tastes and price ranges at our gift shops. With many items unlike anything else in the city, you are sure to find something for everyone. Retail options are available without Zoo admission.

For more information or to order, please visit pittsburghzoo.org/donate/holidaygifts

KEEPER S FIELD NOTE

Celebrate your child’s special day with a

Bi r thday party at! the Zoo

This

Photography by ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

• • • • • • • •

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

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 51

Photography by Š2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

One Degree of Change ...Will Make a World of Difference Story By Mark Reardon Assistant Curator of Conservation Education

I

n response to the crisis of global warming, which includes rising water temperatures and shrinking polar ice caps that are drastically endangering the world’s wildlife, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has initiated a program called One Degree of Change. Sponsored by the EQT Foundation, the idea behind One Degree of Change is that we live in an interconnected world and small actions by individuals can add up to big changes in the fight to protect our planet.

Zoo education and conservation programs have incorporated these ideas and are continuing to integrate them into every aspect of our mission. From going out into the community with educational programs designed to foster an appreciation and awareness of our natural world, to the hands-on rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles and sea coral, the people of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium are actively involved in creating One Degree of Change.

In fact, everywhere you look at the Zoo, individuals are making a difference, causing our Zoo to become greener every day. It starts with an encompassing belief that we can all do a bit more for our planet, and that we have an obligation to do so.

The Zoo leads by example by composting animal and plant waste, paper recycling, and by constructing buildings that utilize green technologies and products. We have also started many other green initiatives to create our own one degree of change, including creation of a Green Team to oversee the Zoo’s green initiatives, use of rain barrels to assist with irrigation, and local support of more than 20 conservation projects worldwide. In an effort to “green up” our own neighborhood, we have joined in as active participants in Pennsylvania’s Adopt a Highway program. Zoo volunteers remove approximately 50 bags of garbage from public roads near the Zoo’s entrance annually, much of which would otherwise end up in the Allegheny River. Of course the Zoo generates some waste too, so development and implementation of a comprehensive recycling program for paper, plastics, glass, aluminum, light bulbs, batteries,

cardboard, cell phones, computers, printer cartridges and toners, and wooden pallets allows for a reduction of the environmental impact of Zoo operations. On Zoo grounds, we have replaced approximately 400 incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs and CFL bulbs. LED bulbs use about one-tenth the energy of incandescent bulbs. CFL bulbs use about one-fourth the energy of incandescent bulbs. In addition to green building practices, we built a rooftop garden on the Water’s Edge building, which helps to regulate the indoor temperature throughout the year. We also utilize a natural gas vehicle for some of our school and community outreaches.

Compared to gasoline powered vehicles, natural gas vehicles have 30 to 40 percent fewer carbon dioxide emissions and 90 percent less carbon monoxide emissions, both considered to be hazardous air pollutants.

It is up to each and every one of us to make the small changes to our lifestyles that are necessary to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. Here are just a few ideas to get you started on how you and your family can create One Degree of Change: • Use rechargeable batteries.

• Open a window instead of using air conditioning.

• Say no to plastic bags – carry goods in reusable cloth bags instead.

• Take public transportation, carpool, walk, or ride your bike whenever possible.

• Make sure your tires are fully inflated.

For more ideas on how you can make One Degree of Change, please visit onedegreeofchange.org.

If you have a story of how you or your family is involved in creating One Degree of Change, we’d love to hear from you. Please email your stories to onedegreeofchange@pittsburghzoo.org. Together, we can make a world of difference.

Winter 2012 Zoo Explorer | 53

Chic Penguin Chicks

Story By Keisha Lyle Contributing Writer

T

he Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium welcomed five new gentoo penguin chicks this spring, but according to keeper Katy Wozniak, this is not a rare occurrence. Penguin chicks have been born at the PPG Aquarium each of the past eight years, with each year bringing its own memories. “They’re so fun

to work with,” said Wozniak of the often daycare-like experiences of caring for young penguins. “You’re supplying enrichment items like bubbles and sprinklers for them to run through, but you also have to have eyes in the back of your head like a lot of childcare workers. You can be working with a few birds in front of you, feeding them or

54 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

Photography by ©2012 Paul A. Selvaggio

playing with enrichment items, and there will be two who are stealing something from behind you.”

Before the gentoo chicks are born,

penguins, the term keepers use for the rare

there is a long breeding process each

occurrence when a penguin lays two eggs

year. Keepers set up platforms in early

despite the fact that they are not technically

spring and around April, small river rocks

twins. The parents kept kicking one of

are introduced into the penguins’ habitat.

the twin chicks out of the nest. Keepers

Both male and female penguins pick up

remained hopeful that they would take the

the rocks with their beaks and move them

Wozniak explains, “We check on the eggs

other chick back in but unfortunately that

to their own area on the platforms until

more frequently as they develop. It is the

didn’t happen. Often times penguin parents

they build up a rookery, or nest, in which

same way a pregnant woman has more

might kick a chick out because he or she is

they’ll lay their egg,” said Wozniak. Once

doctor’s appointments as she approaches

ill or because they simply cannot take care

the female lays her egg, she and the male

her due date.”

of two chicks. Keepers saw nothing wrong

take turns keeping it warm, allowing each a time to eat and swim. This incubation lasts about 36 days for gentoos. King penguins have a very different routine that lasts much longer, between 56 and 58 days.

Kings don’t actually build nests. They, like the Emperor penguins in Happy Feet and March of the Penguins, balance the egg on their feet, keeping it warm by covering it with a flap of skin and feathers on the front of their bodies known as a “brood patch”.

At the PPG Aquarium, however, there usually are no king chicks. According to Wozniak, a larger population is required for successful breeding. “With kings we only have four, and four is good for a group, but you usually need between six and eight to

In late May to early June the chicks begin to hatch. The proud parents take good care of the new chicks, and keepers make their first visual evaluation about seven to ten days after the hatching. “They’re very cute.

They fit in the palm of your hand and have not yet developed neck strength,” Wozniak describes. From there, keepers weigh the chicks each week to ensure that they are gaining the appropriate amount of weight, especially when a breeding pair has more than one chick at a time, as keepers want to make sure both chicks are growing at the same rate.

One touching story about a set of chicks stemmed from an inequality between “twin”

with the abandoned chick and conveniently had another pair of penguin parents who had a track record of being exceptionally good parents, but who had two infertile eggs at the time. Keepers nonchalantly grabbed the abandoned chick the other pair of parents had kicked out, took one of the infertile eggs out from under the pair of other parents, and quickly nestled the chick under the female penguin. When the chick started to move, the female penguin stood up and called to her mate.

He came running over and the penguin parents happily celebrated, as they believed their own egg hatched. The parents took excellent care of the chick and raised him to be a healthy adult penguin. Thankfully,

have successful breeding”.

The gentoos, who have had great success in the past several years, have between five and seven breeding pairs.

Each of these pairs go through the breeding behaviors, but sometimes it does not result in the birth of a chick.

“About seven to ten days after the egg is laid, we can perform a procedure called ‘candling’ in which we hold a light source up to the egg to see the vein structure of the developing chick,” said Wozniak.

“Sometimes the eggs are infertile, and this is the time when we find out if each egg is viable or not.” Keepers are diligent in monitoring the developing eggs, checking up on them again two weeks after the initial candling, and then weekly until they hatch. continued on next page

at the PPG Aquarium, keepers never have

parents hatched their second chick, their

care of each other quite well. The keepers

had to hand-rear a chick because so many

first having been born last year. When

are also there to step in whenever they

of the penguins are naturally such good

the new chicks were introduced into the

need to provide additional care for the

parents, whether the chicks they are raising

exhibit, the first born chick excitedly ran

animals. Wozniak says she and the other

are biologically theirs or not.

over to the new babies and went from

keepers feel very privileged to share

chick to chick, smelling and pecking at all

experiences with the penguins. “It’s so

of them until he found his sibling. When he

rewarding,” she explains. “The bond that

identified his sibling, he began calling and

you create with them is amazing, when they

enthusiastically jumping in and out of the

walk over to you in the exhibit, look up, and

water, trying to show the younger penguin

honk. You create lasting relationships and

what to do.

get very close.”

Once the eggs have all hatched, keepers need to monitor the exhibit very closely, putting up gates that separate chicks and their families from the other penguins. “We have really good parents who are protective of their chicks, and other penguins who are very curious about what’s going on. When

Parents exhibit similar behavior, showing

The five new gentoo chicks are doing

others get too close, it really stresses out

chicks how to swim and honking to let

well and can be seen in the PPG Aquarium

the parents,” said Wozniak. The gates are

them know everything is safe. These bonds

penguin habitat with their families,

also used to keep the chicks away from

between families are part of the penguins’

alongside the macaroni and king penguins.

the water before their fledging. Initially the

wild instincts, allowing the penguins take

chicks have down feathers that cannot insulate them in the 42-degree water, so the chicks need to be kept safe from the water until they are about 4-6 weeks old.

After they have their first molting, they are ready to be introduced into the main exhibit with the whole penguin population, which always proves to be an exciting day for the keepers. This year, a pair of penguin

56 | Zoo Explorer Winter 2012

Now settled in at his new home at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, he is thriving and happy. However, his diet alone costs over $400 per week. He also needs veterinary care, keeper supervision, a healthy and natural habitat, enrichment items, and toys. With over 4,000 animals all requiring specialized care the diverse costs of running a zoo add up to more than what can be financed through membership and ticket sales alone.

Your generosity through annual giving allows us to bridge the gap and provides a critical component to the success of our community, our animals, and our planet. As an individual donor, you will enjoy various benefits at many levels including family and adult-only VIP events.

You have the opportunity to meet our animals up close and be a part of an exclusive network of donors who also value wildlife, conservation, and education. Your contribution is deductible to the fullest extent of the law, which adds value to donating before the end of this calendar year.

Please consider making a generous contribution today, helping to ensure our Zoo’s vibrancy for our sea otter pup, our many diverse species, and our ongoing mission to improve our community and our planet.

Be sure to look for our next edition of ZooExplorer where you will get an inside look at our Sea Turtle Second Chance program and get to meet some of the special rescued and rehabilitated turtles who have received a second chance at life through our program.

Until then, follow our most recently released turtle, Ghostbuster, who was fitted with a tracking device prior to his return to the Atlantic Ocean. You can track Ghostbuster’s journey here: seaturtle.org/tracking/?tag_id=122027

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