SAFARI The Official Magazine of the Toledo Zoo • Volume 26 • Issue 1• Spring 2017
Alternative Beauties
Staying CONNECTED SAFARI
The Official Magazine of the Toledo Zoo Volume 26 • Issue 1 • Spring 2017
OUR MISSION Inspiring others to join us in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. Cover photo: Cinereous vulture
Safari is an exclusive benefit to Toledo Zoo members. Membership also includes free, unlimited, year-round admission and parking during regular Zoo hours; a subscription to Safar-E-mail, the Zoo’s weekly e-newsletter; early access to Summer Concert Series tickets; discounts on Zoo merchandise, classes, programs and more; and discounted admission to 150+ zoos and aquariums nationwide. toledozoo.org/membership
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MEMBERSHIP Questions
Email membership@toledozoo.org or call 419-385-5721 ext. 6002.
CONTACT INFORMATION
2 Hippo Way • P.O. Box 140130 Toledo, Ohio 43614-0130 419-385-5721 • fax 419-389-8670 Catered Events Development Education Group Sales Library Membership Public Relations Visitor Services Volunteers Zoo PAL Zoo Gift Shop Kim Haddix
Designer
Katherine Ritz
Contributors
Kent Bekker Monica Blackwell Jen Brassil Nancy Bucher Chuck Cerbini Bill Davis Mary Fedderke
Printer
In that spirit, we have decided to shine the spotlight on some of those snubbed, yet still spectacular residents. Flip through to learn more about the Australian lungfish, warthogs, naked mole rats and vultures. You also don’t want to miss the much-anticipated update on our conservation work with Tasmanian devils Down Under!
All my best,
Jeff Sailer executive director
Wyn Hall Jay Hemdal Mitch Magdich Randi Meyerson Josh Minor Terry Webb
Purchase a limited edition Toledo Zoo commemorative starfish! They are the perfect way to celebrate an occasion, memorialize a life, honor an individual or group or simply be a part of Zoo history.
Homewood Press
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
• These starfish, available in 6 colors, will be displayed along the Aquarium Adventure Trail wall for all visitors to admire and enjoy.
Contact the editor at 419-385-5721, ext. 2145 or kim.haddix@toledozoo.org
Connect with us!
• Starfish can be purchased for $250 each and can be personalized with up to four lines of text (26 characters per line).
toledozoo.org
Only 200 commemorative starfish will be available. Purchase yours today!
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Safari is published quarterly by the Toledo Zoo, P.O. Box 140130, Toledo, OH 43614-0130. Second-class postage paid at Toledo, Ohio and at additional mailing offices. Printed on recycled paper. © 2017 by Toledo Zoo.
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While all of those animals are amazing, some of our other residents get overlooked because they aren’t the cutest or cuddliest. However, just because an animal isn’t attractive doesn’t mean they don’t have fascinating features, unique adaptations and incredibly important roles within the ecosystem.
Thank you for being equal animal attractiveness supporters of the Toledo Zoo and we hope to see you visiting all of our residents soon! It is with your support that we can continue our mission of inspiring others to join us in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. Together we truly are making a beautiful difference!
ext. 6001 ext. 2074 ext. 2042 ext. 6001 ext. 2043 ext. 6002 ext. 2098 ext. 6003 ext. 2045 ext. 2068 ext. 3111
Editor
Within the Zoo’s 70+ acres reside 9,700 animals representing more than 700 species. Seemingly each guest that walks through our gates has their personal favorite. When asked, many will cite the baby polar bear for her perceived cuddliness, others are mesmerized by the acrobatics and entertaining antics of our primates and great apes, while some just want to pet a penguin.
Safari Magazine • Spring 2017
For more information or to purchase a starfish, please contact Robin Guidera at robin.guidera@toledozoo.org or 419-385-5721 ext. 2091.
toledozoo.org/starfish
ZOO OUR ILY OVE M WE L MITH FA JOSH D S THE HRIS AN C IE, JAM 2016
Fun Facts about NAKED MOLE RATS with Terry Webb, director of animal programs
Naked Mole Rats (Heterocephalus glaber) now is that an interesting name or what? Let’s take a moment to break it down. Naked: These animals are hairless because they live in a veritable environmental chamber of underground tunnels that maintains a constant temperature making there no need for hair or fur to protect against temperature fluctuations or sunburn. However, if you look closely at a naked mole rat, they do have about 100 fine hairs, singularly placed on their translucent skin, to help them feel their way through tunnels. Mole: While they do live in underground burrows like moles, they are not actually a mole or even closely related. Rat: Once again, while they have a similar feature, in this case a skinny tail, they are not rats or even closely related. In terms of looks, naked mole rats, also known as sand-puppies, have been compared to tiny walruses. They have round bodies with wrinkly skin that changes from translucent to bright red depending on body temperature, tiny eyes and two large buck teeth. Interestingly, they are able to move each tooth independently to aid in digging soil and eating tubers and tree roots. Against common belief, naked mole rats are not blind. They can see a bit out of their tiny eyes; however, they rely more on hearing, smelling and their sense of touch.
Naked mole rats are three to four inch long mammals that live in large social groups (between 20 and 300 individuals) under the desert ground in the Horn of Africa. One group’s elaborate tunnel system can be the size of six football fields and studies have shown that specific rooms within the tunnel system have designated purposes, including a nursery, restrooms and food storage. Like bees and other insects, naked mole rats live in a colony that supports one queen. The queen is the dominant female who has beaten out all others for the sole breeding right of the group. She is also by far the largest animal of the group. All other naked mole rats within the group have a specific role in the caste system: workers that gather food, nurses that help raise pups and soldiers that defend against predators. As a parting thought, while naked mole rats feed on and get water from underground tubers and plants, they have also been known to eat and roll in their own poop. While this may seem disgusting, it is actually quite practical. Because the plant material they feed on is quite hard to digest, pieces pass through that don’t get broken down and the animal can simply feed again. Additionally, as they have specific rooms for defecating, all members of the group can roll around in it to smell the same and help to quickly identify intruders. Now that you know the whole story, don’t be a rat- come visit our naked mole rat colony consisting of 40 individuals, 20 males and 20 females, residing in the indoor elephant viewing of Tembo Trail.
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TASMANIAN DEVIL Conservation Update As you hopefully remember, in the fall of 2015 Toledo Zoo became home to three Tasmanian devils as part of a new partnership with the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program and their multi-faceted re-introduction program to save this iconic species. Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrissi) are the largest living carnivorous marsupial. They are black all over with white marks on their chest and sometimes on their rumps. Tasmanian devils eat small mammals and birds and are only found on the island of Tasmania, not mainland Australia. Their foreboding expression, black color and terrible scream helped earn the “devil” nickname. In recent years, Tasmanian devils have seen a rapid decline in wild populations due to Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD). These tumors are spread through infected cells dropping from one devil into an open wound of another during shared, ferocious feeding on a carcass. Like cancer cells in humans, the immune system does not recognize the cells as foreign and does not fight them off. Amazingly, through testing it has been determined that all of the tumors have the same DNA and can all be traced back to the original host, or first infected devil! It is estimated that 90% of wild devils have died from DFTD, causing Tasmanian devils to be listed as an endangered species. The following are excerpts from recent press releases sent to program partners and media outlets by Save the Tasmanian Devil Program. Recently, the eyes of the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program’s (STDP) resident data mapper have been firmly focused on a 15 kilometer radius Dr. Sam Fox, Murray Mitchell and Dr. Judy in Tasmania’s north-east. Clarke outside a wombat hole used as a den Wildlife biologist Drew by one of the devils. Lee has spent hours collating the data pinged to him from GPS satellite linked collars to pinpoint the movements of Tasmanian devils recently released at Stony Head as part of the Wild Devil Recovery Project. Of the 33 devils released on the Stony Head Military Training Area on a cool and overcast day at the end of winter, all but eight were fitted with the collars. The immunized devils were introduced to live with the existing population of devils, as increasing devil numbers in the wild aims to restore the natural 4
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balance. One of the aims of the Wild Devil Recovery Project is to develop techniques to successfully reintroduce devils into the wild. STDP Program Manager, Dr. David Pemberton, says the collar technology gives the Program the ability to remotely observe the devils and plot their movements into a real-time graph. Drew Lee, STDP Wildlife Biologist expanded: “I have really enjoyed living real time with the collared devils, each of which have their own characteristics and personalities shown through their movements and dispersal patterns. The data has also provided a fascinating insight into the activities of the individual devils. While some devils are content with staying in the one spot, others are dispersing far and wide, then returning to the release sites. Animation of data collected from five particular devils shows a rare snapshot of their movements. We can see the extent of area they are traversing (up to 20km in one night) and how they can live in local communities without people actually knowing they are there, with some devils preferring to set up home in nearby townships. “ STDP Wild Devil Recovery Project Manager and adjunct Toledo Zoo staff member, Dr. Sam Fox, participated in post-release trapping and monitoring, with an aim to catch the devils for collar and welfare checks. “After our Wild Devil Recovery release at Narawntapu National Park (NNP) last year, we did not find many of the released devils during monitoring trips and we didn’t know if this was a survival or dispersal issue, or if they had died or moved well away from the release site,” Fox said. “The information from the collars suggests that this is a dispersal issue – not a survival issue – and this is helping us to adapt our mitigation and monitoring response. Interestingly, the subsequent mapping of the data is also showing us that there is a clear use of forest edge and of the beach. One devil has been using a local creek to navigate through Stony Head and nearby Beechford. It shows the animals are really capable of moving large distances. The devils have a way of moving that’s like a rocking horse and this allows them to move for hours on end at a speed of four to five kilometers an hour.” Fox says the collars help the STDP to monitor key behaviors post-release such as the dispersal distance of released devils; the length of time it takes a devil to settle and locate safe dens; the contribution a released individual makes to an incumbent population - including whether they go on to breed; the effectiveness of a trial immunization protocol – as the collars help biologists trap the devils and provide health checks and; potential welfare issues - by being able to track the animals through the period of possible acclimatization to the wild.
Lee says the data also highlights how devils can live in communities without people actually seeing them. “We have had a couple of animals in and out of the Bell Bay, Lulworth and Weymouth townships over the first two weeks. By constantly tracking the devils’ movements we can provide updates to local communities and businesses and we are asking them to keep a look out and be careful. Their responses have been fantastic. Everyone has been very positive.” As of the press time, all of the collars have been removed by biologists during post-release monitoring and trapping. Fox says all of the animals trapped and released have been very healthy and the majority have put on weight. Because of this growth, Fox says some of the collars had become a bit tight and had to be removed. “We didn’t anticipate that the devils would put on weight so quickly. The only data we had previously was from Maria Island and in that case the devils lost a bit of weight initially after their release into the wild. There is a lot of food in the Stony Head environment and the animals have been foraging very successfully. We have also set up and maintained a number of feed stations onsite. These are being gradually reduced as the week’s progress and we will continue to reduce
the food up until the 12 week post-release trapping mark when they will be stopped altogether.” She says the GPS data, surveillance cameras and trapping and welfare checks have so far revealed that individual devils do their own thing. “Some settle quickly into a home range and don’t move much at all while others are still moving and trying to work out their home range. Some of the older, larger males quickly established a base near the feed stations and have dominated those areas. Others found a den and went back and forth between the feed stations, while others are still roaming so it is hard to tell if there is any pattern.” As we receive updates from the Program, we will pass them along to enable you to track the progress of our conservation efforts in support of the wild counterparts of our resident devils: Tatiana, Orchid and Nugget. For more information about the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program, please visit their website at http://www.tassiedevil.com.au/ tasdevil.nsf or follow them on Facebook.
Female - Maria Island population Male - Maria Island population
The Save the Tasmanian Devil Program has developed an animation of the data collected from the satellite collars worn by some of the devils released into the wild at Stony Head. The animation is based on GPS data showing five (5) individual devils’ generalised movements. The use of the collars allowed the Save the Tasmanian Devil Program to follow the devils’ journey like never before as they settle into their new environment. It is the first time a large number of released devils have been fitted with these types of collars and they are designed to help the STDP assess, measure and understand how translocated devils fare in the Tasmanian wild. To view the animation, go to the STDP website. http://www.tassiedevil.com. au/tasdevil.nsf/news/3C8FBF109924109ACA258043001D218E
Female - Insurance population Male - Maria Island population Male - Maria Island population
Wild Devil Recovery Project - Stony Head Follow the movements of 5 Tasmanian devils as they settle into their new home.
www.thelist.tas.gov.au Safari Magazine • Spring 2017
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WARTHOGS: Beasts of Beauty with Terry Webb, director of animal programs Recent generations have come to know and love warthogs because of the humorous and musical Pumba character in The Lion King movies. However, there is much more to these marvelous creatures than just their movie personas and the ongoing debate of beauty or beast. Warthogs (Phacocheorus africanus) are highly adaptable, unique creatures that graze upon grasses, plants, roots and bulbs across central and southern Africa. The creature, which is in the same family as domestic pigs, is gray in color, stands about 30 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 120 and 205 lbs. Warthogs get their name from the protective bumps on their over-sized flat heads that resemble warts. They are mostly bald except for a sparse mane on their backs and a tuft of hair on their tail. Uniquely, warthogs have four sharp tusks, two semi-circle shaped upper tusks and two lower tusks with sharp edges. Each tusk can grow to be 10 inches long! To beat the extreme temperature fluctuations in their native range, warthogs can often be found burrowing underground for warmth or wallowing in water or mud to cool off and seek relief from insects. They can also go long periods, up to several months during the dry season, without water and when frightened can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Warthogs are often seen knee-walking, which is exactly what it sounds like; their front hooves tucked under their bodies and motivating on their knees. According to Terry Webb, director of animal programs, this adaptation gives the piglike creature more power and makes it closer to the ground to dig up food or wallow. Additionally, warthogs are social beasts that travel the African savanna with migratory hoof animals. Webb describes warthogs as the lawn mowers of the plains: “They help control the grasses, aid in seed dispersal and are some of nature’s recyclers. As omnivores they will eat anything from browse and fruits to bones and decaying carcasses.” While they serve as predators to smaller animals, warthogs are also preyed upon by larger mammals like leopards, hyenas and lions. To avoid predation, warthogs burrow underground, sometimes utilizing holes abandoned by other animals. Warthogs will enter the burrow backwards to keep their foreboding tusks at the entrance in an effort to deter predators. However, as Webb detailed, when confronted with danger a warthog’s natural first response is to flee. “With their impressive speed, warthogs can out run and evade many predators. When a warthog is fleeing it will snort, grunt and run with its tail up in the air like a flag as a sign of alarm. If it must, a warthog can head butt predators and use its sharp tusks to puncture enemies.” Last fall the Zoo became the new home of two female warthogs. Rebecca is almost 12 years old and her niece, Violet, who is almost four, will be in the multi-species Africa! exhibit when it reopens in the spring. Regardless of whether you consider these animals beasts or beauties, warthogs are amazing creatures that play a vital role, not only in the movies but more importantly in the African ecosystem.
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Don’t Miss the AUSTRALIAN LUNGFISH with Jay Hemdal, Aquarium curator
When walking through our recently renovated Aquarium, it is easy to get caught up in the beautiful array of colors and patterns of the tropical fish or the whirring of the schooling fish and miss some incredible exhibits. One exhibit you certainly don’t want to miss is the Australian lungfish in the Ancient Fishes tank. Australian lungfish (Neoceratodus forsteri) are long-lived and slow- growing carnivorous fish found in the slow-flowing waterways of the Burnett and Mary Rivers in Australia. The fish belong to an ancient order of fishes with fossil records dating back more than 400 million years! The current oldest living lungfish in captivity is 83 years old! Fully grown, Australian lungfish are about 36 inches long and eight inches in diameter with heavy overlapping scales, small eyes and limb-like pectoral and pelvic fins. Interestingly, in their first ten years of life lungfish grow quickly to about 24 inches in length and throughout the remainder of their lives growth is virtually unnoticeable. Aquarium curator, Jay Hemdal, says this type of growth is purely a survival mechanism. “It is indicative of needing to be too big to be eaten, but once that stage is reached they no longer waste the incredible amount of energy required to continue growing.” In fact, adult lungfish conserve energy by not moving much. As they live in vegetation along the banks of the waterways and are not strong swimmers, lungfish are olive green or brown in color to blend in with the muddy habitat.
Of course we can’t miss the obvious and most interesting fact about this fish… its name sake lungs! Yes, this fish can get oxygen through its gills but it also has lungs to breathe air from the surface. While how they are able to breathe is still relatively unknown, lungfish usually reside in shallow water levels and stay within five feet of the surface to enable easy access to oxygen. Hemdal explained the significance of being able to breathe air for the ancient fish: “With their natural longevity, lungfish seem to be very hearty and disease resistant. They are able to keep living and overcome environmental problems that could take out other fish.” According to Australia’s Native Fish website, these fish can survive drought conditions, very little water with very low dissolved oxygen levels, by taking a breath at the surface every half hour or so. The Zoo is home to two captive-raised lungfish. According to Hemdal, both specimen were originally acquired from Australia in 2004 when one was five to six inches long and the other about 15 inches. “I used to be able to tell them apart by size but they are essentially the same size now at between 28-30 inches long and six inches in diameter. However, it is hard to tell that from the visitor’s side of the glass as water magnifies everything by approximately 30%.” Regardless of the size perception, this fish’s claim to fame is the number of years provided by its lungs. Don’t miss seeing the magnificence of nature in action for yourself!
This exhibit is supported by Welltower, Inc.
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WHO’S NEW? Addra gazelle Nanger dama
Date of Arrival: September 2016- not on exhibit until Spring Endangered Status: Critically endangered On Exhibit: Africa! 80% of the wild population of Addra gazelles has died in last decade due to habitat destruction and hunting in its native range of the Sahara desert and the Sahel transect of Africa.
Deepwater carrier crab
Paromola japonica Date of Arrival: July 2016 On Exhibit: “The Twilight Zone” The Deepwater carrier crab’s back pair of legs have hooked ends, allowing it to hold sponges or seaweed over its back to serve as camouflage and protect it from predators.
Spotted Whistling-duck
Dendrocygna guttata Date of Arrival: July 2016 Endangered Status: Least Concern On Exhibit: Aviary The Spotted Whistling-duck is likely more closely related to geese and swans than it is to other “true” ducks. Spotted Whistling-ducks are also known as Spotted Tree-ducks due to their great ability and propensity to perch on tree limbs.
Mindanao Lorikeet
Trichoglossus johnstoniae Date of Arrival: July 2016 Endangered Status: Near Threatened On Exhibit: Aviary The diet of the Mindanao Lorikeet has been little studied in the wild, but they have been observed feeding on nectar in trees with scarlet flowers. 8
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Wild Toledo: SKINKS
with Kent Bekker, director of conservation and research
In addition to the Zoo’s resident animals, we also have many native animals that call Zoo grounds home. One of the most prevalent and distinct is the Eastern five line skink (Eumeces fasciatus), also known as the Blue-tailed skink. To learn more about this incredible native reptile, we sat down with the director of conservation and research, Kent Bekker. Eastern five line skinks are native not only to Ohio but throughout the eastern half of the US and Canada. They are approximately seven inches long with striking shiny, dark-colored bodies, short legs and their name sake stripes running horizontally. Juveniles are the easiest to spot because of their bright blue tail. Upon reaching maturity, males become tan with an orange throat during breeding season and lose their stripes, while females also turn tan but retain their stripes. Regardless of age or color, all skinks can drop their tail as a defense mechanism to buy time to escape predation. While the tail will regenerate, it takes a lot of energy which requires adequate food availability for the skink. Luckily, skinks are a beneficial, if not all that appreciated, player in the food web. They eat a variety of insects and small garden creatures, many of which we consider pests. “Ironically, everything they eat goes to getting bigger, which in turn makes them better prey for larger predators, including raccoons, snakes and birds. Basically, they are efficient little packages of bugs for other animals to eat,” said Bekker. According to Bekker, looking for skinks on Zoo grounds (or elsewhere in our area) is a fun, citizen science activity. “We didn’t put skinks here, they occur naturally but have adapted well to the animal exhibits.” He offered a few tips for spotting them on Zoo grounds: Look near rocks or decomposing logs. Skinks have often been spotted in Eagle Point and along the many rocks of Tembo Trail but most specifically the elephant exhibit. The native lizards are also often found in Wild Toledo’s native prairies. While the Eastern five line skinks’ range can be spotty, they are well represented in Lucas County. Now that you know what to look for, grab the crew and head out. Open eyes and quick reflexes are key to spotting these alternative beauties!
VOLUNTEER Spotlight with Bill Davis, volunteer manager Gloria Enk began her volunteer journey in February of 2015, simply looking for an opportunity to help out in an office with any of their clerical needs. As such, she settled into the marketing department and has not looked back. In fact, she has already made a large impact! The marketing office is fast-paced and has constantly shifting priorities, ranging from long-term projects to immediately developing opportunities. Enk responds to this chaos by being flexible, taking on new assignments and learning new skills as needed, shifting her schedule and even coming in extra days to help. Regardless of
the focus of the day, Enk is dependable and thorough, always showing up when expected and completing every task placed in front of her. Members of the marketing staff know that no matter what is going on around them, they can always count on their wonderful volunteer to help them through. Andi Norman, manager of public relations, is delighted to have such a hard-working individual as part of the marketing team. Norman noted: “Gloria is deeply committed to her volunteer position and to the Zoo. We love her and she definitely loves her Zoo!” Well, we love her too and are extremely pleased to recognize Gloria Enk as our Department Volunteer of the Year! Well done, ma’am!
SILVERBACK SOCIETY with Mary Fedderke, director of institutional advancement The Silverback Society was built on the principle that just as the silverback gorilla defends and provides for his family, the Society would preserve and protect the future of the Zoo through planned giving. For the uninitiated, planned giving is leaving money to a designated organization through a will or bequest, designating the organization as a beneficiary of a life insurance or retirement policy or establishing a gift annuity or charitable remainder trust. Simply put, it is having a plan in place to continue supporting the charities you cared most about after you pass. While we fully recommend consulting a tax professional to aid in your decision making process, we wanted to detail how the Zoo’s Silverback Society is an alternative way to beautify the Zoo’s future. Please know a few things: (1) There is no minimum amount of money required to join the Silverback Society. “The amount can be a percentage of your estate, the residual after all direct descendants have been taken care of or a specific amount. It all goes toward keeping the Zoo relevant and operating at the highest national standards,” said Mary Fedderke, director of institutional advancement. (2) This group is not simply for those in the twilight of life. “Currently the Silverback Society has 137 members, ranging from those in their 30s to those in their 90s who all share a passion for ensuring future generations come to know and love their Zoo.” (3) All of the money donated through the Silverback Society goes into an endowment that maintains the principle intact and returns 5% to the Zoo on an annual basis. “The fund is governed by the Zoo’s Foundation Board and was first used to enhance the Africa exhibit with the addition of zebras and the hand-built African animal carousel. It most recently helped with construction expenses for Penguin Beach and the Aquarium renovation. Other supported projects have included behind-the-scenes safety protocols and equipment.” (4) Donors can remain anonymous and can also stipulate a general area or animal species to benefit from their planned gift. (5) The Society has two annual gettogethers, a dinner in the fall and a holiday party, to share the significant happenings of the past year and help keep members engaged and connected to the Zoo’s vision. As Fedderke summed it up: “Planned giving through the Silverback Society is simply ‘paying it forward’ by making an investment in the Zoo that you won’t see but want to be there for others. You’re leaving a legacy that ensures future generations will have inspiring experiences that connect them to your beloved Zoo’s mission of caring for animals and conserving the natural world.” To learn more about or join the Silverback Society, please contact Mary Fedderke at 419-385-5721 ext. 2074 or mary.fedderke@toledozoo.org. Safari Safari Magazine Magazine •• Spring Spring 2017 2017
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CREEPY CRAWLIES with Mitch Magdich, curator of education Bugs can be some of the creepiest yet coolest and most under-appreciated animals. To help change that we sat down with the Zoo’s curator of education and one of our resident insect enthusiasts, Mitch Magdich, to learn about some of the best bugs! One of the first species Magdich mentioned was velvet ants, also known as cow killers. Magdich opened with the ants’ simple facts: 435 species of these fuzzy and colorful creatures are found in the United States, primarily in the deserts of the west. However, three species are found in Ohio, locally in the sandy portions of Oak Openings. The ants get their nickname from the wallop of their sting. “They have a if-you-mess-with-me-I’m-going-to-sting-your-butt-off look to them,” chuckled Magdich. Before delving into their story, he quickly gave away their first interesting fact. Velvet ants are not ants at all; they are actually wasps but named because the females resemble and are related to ants (albeit hairy ants) so closely. Females can be yellow, red, white, black or orange and do not have wings like males. However, the females have some of the best evolved defense systems of any animal ever, so much so that they don’t actually have many meaningful predators. In fact, studies have shown that female velvet ants almost always escape predation!
A line of leaf cutter ants carrying bits of leaves.
For starters, female velvet ants are able to mimic other species, thus creating strength in numbers to ward off predators. In addition, females have a very hard, slippery and rounded outer shell that most predators can’t crush. If that doesn’t save them, they can also elicit an alarm sound, called a stridulate. This noise is created by moving their abdomen in and out. The resulting noise is similar to a squeak. The noise and vibration of the ant usually causes a predator to drop or spit it out. If not, the ant can also secrete odorous chemicals to deter or manipulate the behavior of a predator. If that fails, the ant can still fall back on its painful sting that has been ranked as a 3 on a scientific sting pain index of 1 to 4. While studies show it is only mildly toxic, along with the sting comes an intense burning sensation that can last up to 30 minutes. With all of these defenses, research suggests that female velvet ants are actually left alone by predators in favor of easier prey. In fact it indicates that female velvet ants are usually only eaten by accident, when predators are going after the species the ant is mimicking! The second fascinating creature Magdich detailed was the leaf cutter ant (Atta cephalotes) which is found all over the neotropics, specifically on the rainforest floor marching in mass on well-defined trails with large chunks of leaves or flowers in its
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jaws. These ants only measure half an inch long but can carry pieces of plants that weigh three times as much as they do back to their underground colony that can contain thousands of chambers with hundreds of entrances. Magdich says these ants are amazing teeny-tiny gardeners. “They don’t actually eat the pieces of leaves they chew off of plants. They carry them back to the nest where they chew them into mulch, put a drop of poop on them and propagate a fungus that is only found in nature in their nests. They then feed upon this fungus which is a genetic clone of all fungi farmed by this species. Research indicates that this fungus is of the same lineage as that raised by A. cephalotes 25 million years ago!” In addition to their unique fungus, leaf cutter ants have quite the sophisticated caste system within their colonies. Magdich described it this way: “A new queen gathers some of the fungus from her familial colony, travels to find a new area, chews off her wings, burrows or finds an underground opening and regurgitates the fungus. She feeds her first eggs to the fungus to help it grow. The first ants to hatch from the garden are also fed with her eggs. The queen can live for up to 20 years and only mate once. She can keep the sperm forever and can choose what caste to produce.” There are seven castes of worker ants. The smallest ants in the colony are called minimas and are in charge of growing the fungus and babysitting the eggs. On the other hand, the largest ants, called majors or soldiers, defend the colony against vertebrate predators with their incredibly powerful bite. Unfortunately, Magdich describes the odds of the new colony succeeding as similar to winning the lottery. Despite that, these ants are very important to pruning and sustaining the rainforests. It is well documented that leaf cutter ants consume more vegetation than any other animal group. Luckily, they are also great sustainable farmers, as they gather plant material from multiple plants and areas so as not to deplete one source! The third and final incredible animal in our study quite literally jumps off the page: jumping spiders! While spiders are not insects, they are distantly related terrestrial invertebrates (animals with no backbone). A little research shows that there are about 5,000 different species of jumping spiders across the world, with about 300 calling the US home. These quick and hairy spiders are quite small with the largest of the species measuring only half an inch long! The species gets its name from their ability to leap more than 30 times its own length! Besides being known for their jumping ability, these spiders are also known for their good looks. Magdich described them as “very colorful with interesting color patterns.” He went on
A striking black and white jumping spider.
to say: “Males have bands of bright colors on their legs and jaws. Some are iridescent green with red chevrons. They are really remarkable.” Like all spiders, jumping spiders have eight eyes: two huge ones along with two tiny ones on their face and two tiny and two medium on the top of their heads. This distribution and their ability to move their eyes to focus provides jumping spiders with excellent all-around vision. In fact as Magdich relayed, jumping spiders will actually look back and interact with you. “If you put your finger in front of them, they will follow it and look up at you!” Unlike other spiders, jumping spiders don’t spin webs to catch prey, instead they are active hunters. Jumping spiders use their keen vision to spot prey and then stalk it and throw out a line of silk to pin it down, pounce on it and use their fangs to inject a paralyzing venom. They do, however, use their silk for a process called a dragline or ballooning, in which they throw out a thread of silk but remain attached in case when they jump they miss their mark. The attached strand keeps the spider from falling too far and also provides a way for it to easily climb back to its previous position. Overall, these little leapers have certainly captured our attention. The next time you visit The Crawlspace, we hope you have a new appreciation for its residents. Instead of being creeped out, let their cool factors win out!
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PAWPAW FRUIT with Nancy Bucher, curator of horticulture A pawpaw. A what what? No, it’s not your grandfather’s fruit and it’s not made up. A pawpaw is one of only a few large fruits native to the United States and it is found in Ohio and right here on Zoo grounds! Pawpaw fruits come from the pawpaw tree (Asimina triloba) that is native to the woodlands of the eastern United States. European settlers deemed the pawpaw the “Indiana Banana,” however, Native Americans are credited with spreading the fruit throughout the country. According to a NPR article, several towns and lakes are named after the fruit that was noted to be enjoyed by the likes of explorers Lewis and Clark and President Thomas Jefferson.
lump with green skin and brown spots. While it doesn’t sound appealing, the edible flesh inside more than makes up for it. The cream-colored flesh is custardy and sweet with hints of banana, mango and melon. However, it is interspersed with several large, dark and inedible seeds. While the fruit is quickly perishable, it can be frozen and deliciously substituted into any recipe calling for banana, such as bread, ice cream and even beer. The fruit is also quite good for you, as it is high in vitamins A & C, richer in Potassium and Magnesium than
The deciduous pawpaw tree is often found growing wild in moist habitats with deep, rich and slightly acidic soil. The tree, which can grow to approximately 20 feet tall, is easy to spot with its large (up to 12 inches long) droopy, dark green tropical-looking leaves. When first planted the tree requires a shady site; however, as it grows it can tolerate partial to full sun. Curator of horticulture, Nancy Bucher, praises the tree as easy to grow once established, virtually disease free, beautiful and fragrant. “A friend described the pawpaw tree as aromatic with a sweet and tart pleasant smell and I would certainly agree.” While the tree is beautiful, the pawpaw fruit leaves a lot to be desired in the looks department. The fruit, which ripens in late summer or early fall, has been described as a potato-shaped
Pawpaw fruit ripening on Zoo grounds.
EDUCATION with Josh Minor, assistant curator of education
One of the goals of a Zoo educator is to help our audience explore the world, especially in ways that they would not be able to on their own. Of all of the ways that we can achieve this, our ambassador animal collection delivers the strongest and most memorable impact. This collection of about 100 animals travels to schools and community centers around the area, is featured in shows and performances at the Zoo and meet guests during animal demonstrations in Nature’s Neighborhood. While all of the animals in this collection have their fans, it is the alternative beauties, or ones with the strangest looks, that often steal the show. Of all of our unique animals, two rainforest animals stand out among the rest. Three-banded armadillo
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grapes and apples and has about the same amount of antioxidants as cranberries. However, as the fruit remains relatively unknown, is only available for a few weeks each year and is thoroughly enjoyed by local woodland creatures including foxes, opossums, raccoons and squirrels, it is not readily available commercially. Bucher suggests checking local farmers markets, as it is becoming more prevalent. Now that you know what to look for, Bucher challenges each reader to find the pawpaw trees scattered throughout the Zoo grounds. “We placed them in several exhibits where we were looking for a more tropical aesthetic, such as in Flamingo Key, Gorilla Meadow and around the Aquarium Adventure Trail playground. As the tree is native though, we also used it in the Broadway Pavilion and Nature’s Neighborhood.” She went on to say that the trees were not just for the eye though, they were also for food. “We used them in Cassowary Crossing because the birds like fruit and we grow several in our Butterfly gardens and feed the fruit to the animals, while also allowing guests to sample them on our garden tours.”
A pawpaw flower.
Bucher seemingly summed up the entire life story of pawpaws with this final statement, “They are a little bit of work but they are really worth it!”
The first alternative beauty is our little armored one, the Threebanded armadillo. We have two armadillos at the Zoo, Kris and Marilyn, and both are favorites with younger audiences. Often when first brought out for a group to see, they look more like a cantaloupe or ball than an animal. The hard shell seals itself tightly with the head and tail interlocking perfectly to protect the animal from predators. When the opportunity allows for the armadillo to be set down, a whole new set of characteristics stand out. When an armadillo emerges from its shell, we finally see all of the hairs that work like whiskers on the underside of this mammal. Almost immediately an armadillo will get to work scurrying around on the tips of its front claws while sniffing at the ground. Those long claws and nose might seem odd, but they are the perfect equipment for finding and digging up insects. Also an insect-eater is the equally peculiar tamandua or lesser anteater. Our tamandua, Cindy Lou, lives on exhibit in
Nature’s Neighborhood and is also often featured in shows and performances. Although related to the giant anteater, the lesser anteater’s strange appearance seems to showcase features of many animals. The head, nose and long tongue are smaller versions of its giant relative adapted for the insectivore lifestyle. The tail is monkey-like with a prehensile ability that allows it to be used to grip branches while climbing. The large claws, also climbing aids, bring to mind a sloth, however, the tamandua also uses those claws to tear open logs in the search for food. All of these weird features together make an animal that is an excellent climber and predator of insects. When visiting Cindy Lou, guests are often impressed with her frequent and agile patrols throughout her enclosure. Having the opportunity to see all of our amazing ambassador animals up close while learning and exploring helps all of our guests to better understand and appreciate all of the wonder and varying degrees of beauty in nature.
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VULTURES:
A Creature Lesson in Recycling with Monica Blackwell, associate curator of birds
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Whether being used to describe ravenous co-workers around a box of fresh donuts or referring to the bird itself, the term vulture usually has a negative connotation. However, after speaking with the Zoo’s bird department, one quickly gains a new appreciation of the amazing creatures. Truthfully, vultures are nature’s garbage disposal and recycling bin all rolled into one impressive bird!
Vultures are scavengers that feed on the carrion, or decaying flesh, of large mammals, fish and reptiles. As such, vultures play an extremely important role in all ecosystems as they are helping to recycle nutrients and speed decomposition. While that in and of itself is impressive, if not a little off-putting, delving deeper into the life of vultures one can’t help but be captivated by their intricacies!
There are 23 species of vultures across the globe ranging in size from three and a half pounds and about 24 inches to 31 pounds and 48 inches with wingspans of more than 10 feet! Many species are imperiled due to hunting, poisoning from eating drug-infected carcasses and power line collisions. According to associate curator of birds, Monica Blackwell, the Zoo is home to four species of vultures. “We have Cinereous Vultures on display by Primate Forest, White-headed and Cape Griffin Vultures currently off exhibit and a native Black Vulture.”
First, let’s look at the physical characteristics of vultures. In relativity to their body size, vultures have giant beaks. These beaks help them to easily tear through tough material, such as skin and muscle. Most vultures also have very short feathers on their heads: so short they often appear bald. This adaptation is actually for hygiene purposes, the short feathers don’t collect blood and guts while the bird is feeding. Vultures also have extremely keen long distance vision, to aid in spotting carcasses from high above ground. In fact, to help eliminate
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glare vultures have prominent eye brows and long eye lashes. Finally, with their enormous wingspans, vultures are known for soaring at high altitudes for extended periods of time and covering long distances. In fact, Cinereous Vultures have even been seen on Mount Everest and another species in Africa was recorded flying at 37,000 feet! Now that we can better appreciate the physical attractiveness of vultures, let’s discuss their role in the animal kingdom. As we have mentioned, vultures feed on the dead remains of other animals. According to Blackwell, vultures’ stomachs are very high in acid which allows them to neutralize deadly diseases that would kill other animals. “Vultures are actually helping us. By consuming rotting flesh, they are keeping many flies and other animals from feeding on it and spreading diseases, which is vital to human health, especially in developing countries.” Interestingly, in the Tibetan culture, vultures are an integral part of ceremonial sky burials in which the deceased’s body is offered to the birds to feast upon. The vultures are viewed as angels which escort the deceased to their next life. Basically, this ancient yet still practiced religious ceremony is viewed as positively sustaining one life with the unnecessary remains of another. Despite all the good that vultures are doing, there are several very serious issues facing the spectacular scavengers. The first is a species-wide crisis happening in Asia. Farmers in India, China and other Asian nations have begun treating their livestock with deworming and anti-inflammatory drugs that have proven deadly to vultures that have ingested it through feasting on felled livestock. As Blackwell detailed, the subsequent pile up of rotting carcasses then causes its own set of problems. “When there are not enough scavengers to clean up dead animals, the remains are left near or in watering holes and diseases spread quickly to the other animals and humans utilizing that same water supply.” She went on to add that Africa has been experiencing that very issue, albeit selfinflicted, for years. “In Africa poisoning is a huge problem. Poachers are poisoning their prized carcasses to keep scavengers like vultures away and it is causing a chain reaction that just continues to snowball.”
cylindrical pellets which are contained within a plastic shell that disperse in a wide pattern upon release from the barrel of a shotgun. The pellets can vary in size from comparable to a pinhead for hunting small birds to marble sized to takedown larger game. The problem is two-fold: vultures can ingest the pellets which can wreak havoc on their insides but if the pellets are made from lead they can die from lead-poisoning. As Blackwell explained: “Lead is good for nobody. It is important for all parties involved to choose non-lead pellets for all of your hunting expeditions.” If some of this information has made your stomach turn, you are not alone. As Blackwell tells it, vultures actually vomit regularly. “When a vulture feeds, it often gorges itself and has to vomit to lighten its load to take flight. While vultures can’t take off quickly anyway, after a particularly heavy meal they often have to purge to get off the ground. They also use vomiting as a way to repulse and deter predators!” Overall, it seems vultures have simply gotten an undeserved bad rap. “Vultures are doing so much good. There is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. They are not aggressive toward people and generally don’t kill anything themselves. Cinereous Vultures are my favorite animal. Our two, Alice and Eddie, are very mischievous. They can be a challenge to work with but I love it! If I can get anyone excited about vultures, I would love to,” gushed Blackwell. Mission accomplished, ma’am!
Another issue impacting vultures is lead-shot hunting. Lead shot is small,
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Toledo, OH Permit No. 707
P.O. Box 140130 Toledo, OH 43614-0130 The Toledo Zoo is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. January through April: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. May & September: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weekends, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. October 1 – November 16: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. November 17 – December 31: Daytime hours, 10 a.m. - 2:59 p.m. Lights Before Christmas hours, Sunday - Thursday: 3 - 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 3 - 9 p.m. All Lucas County residents receive free Zoo admission every non-holiday Monday 10 a.m. - noon. (Must show valid proof of residency.) The Zoo remains open for one additional hour after gates close to allow visitors to complete their visit. However, many animals may be off exhibit during the last hour.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
11
Vanimal-tine’s Day toledozoo.org/valentine
10
Kids’ Night Out toledozoo.org/camps
4-6
Spring Break Camp toledozoo.org/camps
11
Wine Tasting: Aquarium toledozoo.org/wine
17
Wine Tasting: Museum of Science toledozoo.org/wine
14
Animal Egg Hunt toledozoo.org/egghunt
25
Teddy Bear Care Fair toledozoo.org/teddybear
14&15 Breakfast with the Bunny toledozoo.org/bunny
18-20 Free Lucas County Weekend toledozoo.org/events 20
Camp for a Day toledozoo.org/camps
24
Once Upon a Vine presented by Lexus of Toledo toledozoo.org/vine
28-30 Spring Break Camp toledozoo.org/camps
For more information on these and all events at the Toledo Zoo, please visit toledozoo.org/events
at the Toledo Zoo!
18-20 Spring Break Camp toledozoo.org/camps 22
Party for the Planet toledozoo.org/planet
22
Wine Tasting: Arctic Encounter® toledozoo.org/wine
29
Louie’s 14th Birthday Celebration toledozoo.org/louie
Presented by
HAVING AN EVENT? Newly renovated NAIROBI reopens Summer 2017!