ZOONOOZ December 2015

inside december 2015 conservation Putting the Pieces Together for Owl Conservation Digging into burrowing owl conservation is a career dream come true for our research coordinator Colleen Wisinski.

A Mammal Like No “Otter�

Curious, dexterous, and graceful, otters seem to have it all! This endearing creature knows how to make a splash at the Zoo.

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explore Fur, Feathers, and a Fairy Tale: The Story of a Multi-species Exhibit Tapirs and capybaras and a goose, oh my!

They may be very different, but this assortment of animals embraces diversity.

From the Archives

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Strikingly Beautiful: The Ethiopian Viper Meet one of nature’s living jewels.

Ferns: Fronds of Distinction With roots reaching to the time of dinosaurs, ferns are more than just beautiful plants.

Through the Lens Homegrown Honeycomb: Sticky Enrichment When a beehive had to be relocated at the San Diego Zoo, the resulting honeycomb made a sweet treat for an Andean bear!

on the cover: Spotted-necked otter, Hydrictis maculicollis ©Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

Chairman’s Note You Said It

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

chairman’s note

OFFICERS

Robert B. Horsman, Chairman Sandra A. Brue, Vice Chairman Judith A. Wheatley, Secretary Steven G. Tappan, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Looking Forward to Our Centennial Celebration in 2016 IT BEGAN WITH A ROAR OF A LION IN 1916!

And the San Diego Zoo has been making history ever since that fateful day. We are now in the final stages of preparation for our centennial next year, a significant milestone for our organization. Looking back over our 100-year history, from where we started to where we are now, is an uplifting and humbling experience—one that gives us the opportunity to remember the many accomplishments of San Diego Zoo Global, celebrate where we are today, and look to our future endeavors with purpose and passion.

This is how our story begins: at the close of the 1915-1916 Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park, a group of animals remained from a small exhibit, including Rex, a male lion. When Dr. Harry Wegeforth and his brother were driving past the park one day, they heard Rex roar. Dr. Harry had long harbored the dream of a zoo in San Diego, and that roar was his inspiration to start what has become a much-loved San Diego institution.

Perhaps Dr. Harry could not have imagined what he and several other like-minded San Diego individuals were creating when they put together a charter for the Zoological Society of San Diego on October 6, 1916. But his love of animals was a lifelong passion, and he wanted everyone to share his devotion and concern for the plight of our planet’s wildlife. He faced doubts and criticism at many points in those early days, yet he had a vision for the mesas and canyons—and Dr. Harry was confident he could make it happen. And he did. In the last 100 years, the Zoo has grown significantly and has become a world-leading organization—a testament to the man and his dream.

Over the last 100 years, San Diego Zoo Global has led the way in the conservation of animals and plants of all kinds, and we work in collaboration with other wildlife organizations around the world.

From the rare collection of animals Dr. Harry gath-

ered in the early days, San Diego Zoo Global has taken on some of the most difficult conservation challenges: pioneering work with lowland gorillas and Galápagos tortoises, breeding success with southern white and Indian rhinos, and reintroductions of Arabian oryx, Przewalski’s horses, and California condors. Today, we continue to work on conservation solutions for a wide variety of species: saving rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and lions from extinction; solving the puzzles of giant panda reproduction and reintroduction; and studying the causes of the decline in songbird and amphibian species worldwide, among so many other projects.

And we have no intention of stopping there. The years ahead will reveal ever more vital conservation and wildlife work, and we will take on these challenges with the same dedication and energy that have always characterized our organization.

I think Dr. Harry would be amazed to witness how far we have come in turning his dreams into realities. As you visit us at the Zoo and the Safari Park during our centennial year in 2016, take a few moments to reflect upon your personal experiences and memories of the Zoo, the tremendous growth we have experienced over the years, the impact we are having on conservation around the world, and what the future holds for us. From our goal to end extinction to many other exciting projects, San Diego Zoo Global’s next 100 years promise to be most productive and impactful. As we celebrate this milestone year together, we extend to you a heartfelt thank you for your contributions and support, which will allow us to continue our story and carry the work of our founders still farther into the future.

Robert B. Horsman Chairman

M. Javade Chaudhri Berit N. Durler Richard B. Gulley Clifford W. Hague Linda Lowenstine, D.V.M., Ph.D. George A. Ramirez Patricia L. Roscoe

TRUSTEES EMERITI Frank C. Alexander Kurt Benirschke, M.D. Thompson Fetter Bill L. Fox Frederick A. Frye, M.D. George L. Gildred Yvonne W. Larsen John M. Thornton Albert Eugene Trepte Betty Jo F. Williams

James Lauth, General Counsel Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus

THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Murray H. Hutchison, Chair Maryanne C. Pfister, Vice Chair Susan N. McClellan, Secretary Richard M. Hills, Treasurer Mark A. Stuart, President Robert B. Horsman, Ex officio Douglas G. Myers, Ex officio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christine L. Andrews Joye D. Blount Rick Bregman Lisa S. Casey Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio U. Bertram Ellis, Jr. Arthur E. Engel Craig L. Grosvenor Michael Hammes Judith C. Harris Michael E. Kassan Susan B. Major Michael D. McKinnon Thomas Tull Margie Warner Ed Wilson

For San Diego Zoo Global’s centennial in 2016, we have an exciting change for ZOONOOZ! We are discontinuing our iPad ZOONOOZ app—this is the last issue—and switching to a beautiful new digital ZOONOOZ site that you can access on any device at any time. All you need is a web browser, and it’s mobile friendly. Choose from story categories like Animals, Plants, Keeper Notes, Saving Species, and Wild and Fun, and new posts are published every week. The new digital ZOONOOZ site goes live December 1, 2015. It’s a wild new world—we hope you’ll join us there!

VISIT ZOONOOZ.SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

you said it

Balloon Safari is awesome! s.mueller17 Had such a blast on the Caravan Safari at @sdzsafaripark !! I got to pet a rhino and a giraffe and feed them! @sarasawesome22 I may have burnt out my camera on my visit today! Thank you so much to all the staff and volunteers myself and my family met on our visit today! Our only regret is living all the way back in Ireland that we can’t do a yearly pass!!! Can’t wait to get through the photos! Thank you SDZSP, we made lifetime memories with a cast of thousands today! Austin Levins

Thank you @sdzsafaripark for our private tour and my new giraffe best friends #pumprules @kristendoute

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Face/Off @sandiegozoo @therealbigbacon

Cautiously making friends at the Safari Park ohheyitsbae

Backstage Pass @sandiegozoo meant we got to feed flamingos! Amazing! emma_l_blackwell

We have just had the most amazing and unforgettable day with you. We did the Caravan Safari and my dream came true by getting up close and feeding a giraffe. We also got to hand feed the rhino. It truly was incredible. Thanks to our guide and driver, Ashley and Barbra for an unforgettable day. Gillian Culley

Just me and a polar bear... shanthidawg

Kids having a blast at the San Diego Safari Park. migueldelamora80

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through the lens Photo by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

Giraffe youngsters Giraffa camelopardalis

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By Karyl Carmignani

Photos by Ken Bohn

STAFF WRITER

SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

DECEMBER 2015

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A delicious snack of fresh smelt is a sure way to an otter’s heart!

Who can stay underwater for eight minutes, share a den with the local beavers, dive deep and gamely float in equal measure, eat fish and other invertebrates at every meal, and look positively adorable while doing it? The sleek and irresistible otter! Aside from its Olympic-caliber talents in lakes, rivers, and oceans, the otter also maintains a robust fan base on YouTube, with videos showing two “holding hands” while sleepily bobbing on the waves, a busy otter adroitly manipulating objects, energetic bathing, and devoted mothers ferrying their pups on their belly.

Much of the photogenic attention is lavished on sea otters, but there are also 12 other otter species splashing around every continent except Antarctica and Australia.

Otters range in size from the endangered giant otter of South America, which can top 70 pounds and reach nearly 6 feet in length, to the Asian small-clawed otter, which is 2 to 3 feet long and weighs about 11 pounds. Sea otters are the smallest marine mammals, reaching up to five feet in length. Regardless of size, these charismatic carnivores belong to the Mustelidae family, which includes weasels, ferrets, martens, minks, badgers, and wolverines—but otters are, paws down, the best swimmers in the group. They are broadly characterized by long, streamlined bodies; fine, dense fur; and scent glands at the base of the tail. The San Diego Zoo is pleased to feature two otter species: the Cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis capensis and the spotted-necked otter Hydrictis maculiocollis.

Swimming is a way of life for otters.

Otters are able to eat on the move!

“OTTERLY” FASCINATING

Otters are fast, fun-loving, clever creatures that never journey far from water. Sea otters are the only species that spends practically its entire life in water; other types are semi-aquatic. Sea otters are the only marine mammals that don’t rely on blubber to stay warm. Instead, they stay busy hunting to feed their rapid metabolism, and they have the densest fur of any creature on the planet. A sea otter’s impenetrable under-fur has about 1 million hairs per square inch; a dog’s coat, in comparison, has about 60,000 hairs in the same space, and a human has about 2,200 strands. Other otter species’ fur

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The spotted-necked otters at the Zoo are great pals...and great swimmers!

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Otters are curious, energetic animals so enrichment items, like this flotation device, are well used and enjoyed.

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This Cape clawless otter swims effortlessly (and gracefully!) above and below the surface.

A long, somewhat flattened tail is an excellent adaptation for a semiaquatic animal as it helps propel them through the water.

The otters in Ituri Forest at the Zoo are acrobatic swimmers. Look for the bubbles rising to the surface to help spot them.

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Monkey lifeguard?

No, this pint-sized primate is just teasing its spottednecked otter friend!

is only slightly less dense. A topcoat of long, waterproofing guard hairs keeps the undercoat dry and gives the otter a spikey, endearing appearance out of the water. Self-grooming against rocks and logs is important to keeping their coat healthy—water pollution, like oil, is life-threatening, as it can prevent otters from hunting and staying insulated.

Otters have webbed feet (some species’ toes are more webbed than others) and powerful hind limbs that are ideal for swimming.

They can see just as well underwater as on

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the surface. All otter species except sea otters have long, muscular tails to help propel them through the water. Part of the otter’s charm and skill come from the opposable “thumbs” on its front paws, enabling it to manipulate objects much like humans do—including using specially chosen rocks to smack shells on, to get the food inside. Some types of otters catch their prey with their dexterous hands, while others use their mouths to capture a meal. They use their whiskers, called vibrissae, located above the lips, to sense changes

in the water current and detect prey or predators nearby. The otter’s small, rounded ears and nostrils can close off like valves when diving underwater.

OTHER WORD-LY

As if keen intelligence, beguiling personalities, devoted maternal behavior, and arresting good looks aren’t enough, otters are also shrouded in cool species-specific vocabulary.

For instance, an otter den is called a holt.

When a female is raising pups, her home is

OTTER SPECIES AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

Like other otter species, this Cape clawless otter can remain underwater for up to eight minutes.

Spotted-necked otters are aptly named.

ters are called kawauso, meaning fox—and they often outsmart humans, like the fox in American stories.

AT THE ZOO

called a natal holt. Multiple animals hanging out together is called a raft or a lodge of otters. Even the otter’s scat has a special name: spraint. Social signals can be shared through urine sprayed on spraint sites. Even nicknames for otters are poetic: the marine otter of South America is also called the sea cat, giant otters are sometimes called river wolves, and the spotted-necked otter of Africa is called fisi maji, which means water hyena in Swahili. In Japanese folklore, ot-

While noisy monkey chases take place through the trees, a pair of spotted-necked otters scampers and glides over land and water in the Ituri Forest exhibit at the Zoo. Pori, the grande dame at 17 years old, and Mzee, the food-motivated male at 19 years old, don’t seem to have slowed down an iota in their old otter ages. Jackie Jella, senior keeper, lobs a smelt, and Mzee bolts after it. Then she drops another fish to Pori, waiting patiently below. She distracts Mzee with his fish first, so Pori can eat hers in peace. Jackie said that Mzee will even dive into the honeysuckle bushes to nab the monkeys’ food, but “his food motivation pays off during training sessions to take his blood pressure.” Veterinarians diagnosed Mzee with heart disease, so keepers are training him to accept a blood pressure cuff on his tail. The otter is willing to go along with this, for a tasty price! Each of the otters is trained in basic husbandry behaviors—like placing its nose on a target, opening its mouth, presenting a paw, and

rolling over—so that keepers can keep a close eye on their well-being.

On the other side of the Ituri experience, where red river hogs and forest buffalo reside, is a young pair of otters: eight-year-old Mugo and her rambunctious, one-year-old pal Heri, who is originally from Toronto. Jackie beckoned the animals with her whistle, followed by thrown fish. Mugo grasped her snack on her chest, floating on her back, and then chomped it down. Moments later, Heri was playing with a rock, dropping it underwater and diving after it. Jackie said to watch for the bubbles, and soon an otter would emerge. It seems that otter life is downright fun! Jackie explained that, compared to other otter species, spotted-necked otters are much quieter than the chattier species and less hyperactive.

They are even “moody sometimes and less cooperative, and go from energetic to aloof.”

She described their overall behavior as being a cross between that of a cat and a dog.

While otters may not be megafauna, they are still fascinating creatures that deserve our respect and admiration. “People may walk by them on their way to see something else,” said Jackie. “But I hope visitors will take a moment to find them and enjoy them!” They are sure to be enjoying themselves! n

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Fur, Feathers, and Fairy Tale: The Story of a Multi-species Exhibit

By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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The residents of the multispecies exhibit generally get along “swimmingly.”

uttercup would like to eat her Bermuda hay breakfast, but first the capybara must wait for G, the African spurwinged goose, to get up from sleeping in it. It’s just another day in this multi-species exhibit in the San Diego Zoo’s Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey—but there’s no such thing as typical. “Everyone pretty much does their own thing,” says senior keeper Julie Anderson. “But when the different species int eract, it can be so cute.”

With the arrival of three baby capybaras in August 2015, the cute factor increased exponentially.

The docile, mild-mannered capybaras enjoy interacting with their keepers.

NOT-SO-STRANGE BEDFELLOWS

It might seem odd at first to see capybaras, the world’s largest rodent, rooming with tapirs, whose closest relatives are horses and rhinos.

But in the wild, both species inhabit ranges in South America, so it’s not unusual for them to be neighbors— even neighborly—and that is the concept behind this type of exhibit.

“Typically, a mixed-species exhibit is one that has a variety of animals from the same habitat living together without conf lict,” explains Carmi Penny, director of the Collections Husbandry Services department and curator of mammals.

The exhibit includes elements the animals would seek out in the wild, such as shady places for napping, sandy areas for sunbathing, and a pool for wading or swimming. The pool isn’t a luxury for the resident rodents.

Capybaras—found on riverbanks, beside ponds, and in marshes in Central America and east of the Andes in South America—have particularly dry skin and require a swimming hole to stay healthy. This regimen starts early, too, Julie notes. “The babies can swim almost immediately after they’re born,” she says.

All the female capybaras in a family group help take care of the babies.

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Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents.

G, the African spur-winged goose, likes to be “in charge” of the exhibit.

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RODENTS OF UNUSUAL SIZE (ROUS)

The three new babies sprouted from a family tree with names rooted in fantasy—and perhaps a fire swamp. Weighing up to 40 pounds, it’s fair to characterize capybaras as “rodents of unusual size,” or ROUS, the name given to those fanciful human-chomping, swamp-dwelling creatures in the book and film The Princess Bride. The young capybaras’ father and mother are named Wesley and Buttercup, the hero and heroine of that story, and it’s quite possible the pair shares “twoo wuv,” as their current litter brings their offspring count to 22! In keeping with the theme, earlier babies found themselves dubbed “Inigo” and “Valerie” (she still resides at the Zoo). But with the subsequent arrival of so many “kids,” the Princess Bride-themed name options dwindled pretty quickly.

“These three are all boys and are called Eenie, Miney, and Moe,” keeper Nicole Johnston says. “And because they look so much alike, we shave a little patch on a different spot on each one to identify them.”

Capybaras may be large like ROUSes, but you can’t judge a book (or movie) character by its cover. Unlike the fictional bloodthirsty, rapacious rodents, capybaras are mild-mannered and sociable. ”We handfeed ours, and they like petting and scratching,” Julie says. “When they really like it, they puff their little ears out.”

Capybaras also enjoy the company of other capybaras. They typically live in family groups of around 10 members, but groups of up to 100 have been reported. The three babies at the Zoo live with Buttercup and two other female capybaras, Valerie and Bristle, the latter of which is also Wesley’s daughter; and a trio of Baird’s tapirs, Rachel, Luna, and Felix. All the females in a capybara group help care for and nurse each other’s babies, so Buttercup has built-in sitters for her brood. Wesley rooms with Tatum, a male Baird’s tapir, and their ungulate pals, the guanacos—Gaby, Paz, Rosita, Muñeca, and Isabel—in an adjacent enclosure. Guanacos also hail from South America, inhabiting desert, savannas, scrubland, and forests. Guanacos count vicuñas, llamas, and alpacas among their relatives.

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“HORSE” (AND) FEATHERS!

The capybaras’ exhibit-mates may not be literary or cinematic figures, but their real-life story is an interesting one. Seemingly built by committee, Baird’s tapirs have stocky, almost hog-like bodies covered in dark, reddishbrown, short fur; hippo-esque toed feet; and a snout that could be mistaken for a small trunk. “People ask if they are pigs or anteaters,” says senior keeper Kimberly Hyde. “But they’re most closely related to horses and rhinos. They’re excellent swimmers and can stay underwater for several minutes.”

Two of the tapirs, Tatum and Rachel, have the amiable, mellow personality that often comes with maturity—Tatum is 31 and Rachel is 28. When the tapirs aren’t sunning or

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taking a dip in the pool, they are contentedly munching hay, ficus browse, or other greens.

They seem to be almost fond of their respective rodent roommates. “Rachel nuzzles the baby capybaras sometimes,” Julie says. “And the boys get along fine.”

If there is anyone in this micro-environment who might ruffle a few feathers, it’s G, the resident African spur-winged goose. As his name indicates, this large bird is found in the wetlands throughout sub-Saharan Africa—a long way from South America!

The relocation, Nicole explains, was the result of an in-flock flap. “G wasn’t fitting in with the birds in his other exhibit, so we put him here,” she says. “And he is sure he

is absolutely in charge of the whole exhibit.

He’s the boss.”

When the feisty feathered one isn’t napping in someone’s meal or sharing it (he helps himself to bits of the capybaras’ greens, veggies, and pellets), he’s riding herd on the other inhabitants. “He teases the baby capybaras before he settles in with them,” Nicole says.

“He likes to think he runs the place, and we let him think that.”

If there’s a moral to this story, it’s that being different doesn’t mean everyone can’t get along. Can visitors stop by to check out the latest chapter in this furry and feathered tale? As Wesley (The Princess Bride’s Wesley, not the capybara) would say: “As you wish.” n

Clockwise from top left: G the goose rides herd on his furry “flock”; The tapir’s distinctive snout is often mistaken for a trunk; Tapirs love the water and are excellent swimmers.

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STRIKINGLY BEAUTIFUL: THE ETHIOPIAN VIPER

By Brett Baldwin

ANIMAL CARE MANAGER,

HERPETOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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The large cheeks of a venomous snake hold venom sacs.

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A viper’s vertical pupil is an adaptation to the snake’s nocturnal, ambushstyle hunting strategy.

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t’s said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, since beauty may manifest in any number of ways: appearance, behavior, or simply an air of mystery or a dash of danger. Having an appreciation for the Ethiopian mountain viper Bitis parviocula is one of those “in the eye of the beholder” situations— and this rare, venomous viper is worth careful scrutiny.

DECEMBER 2015

Rarely seen in the wild, some of the Ethiopian viper’s natural history remains unknown; we’ve learned a great deal by caring for them at the San Diego Zoo.

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Most vipers, including B. parviocoula, give birth to live young. In fact, the term “viper” comes from the Latin words vivo (“I live”) and pario (“birth”).

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Plump, black, green, and yellow, one of nature’s living jewels. This snake is found in just a handful of places in the cool, higher elevations of forests and grasslands in southern and southwestern Ethiopia, at altitudes of 5,600 to 9,200 feet, where temperatures range from 45 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Closely related to the puff adder, an Ethiopian mountain viper can reach a length of up to 3 1/2 feet. When agitated, it will “puff” up with air, doubling its body size. The exhalation of the extra air results in a loud, unmistakable hiss. If this tactic does not ward off potential danger, the snake will not hesitate to deliver a rapid, powerful strike.

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There is very little scientific documentation of this species, but wild individuals are reported to be more docile and less likely to strike than puff adders. Yet, the venom is reported to be similar to that of other large Bitis species, like Gaboon vipers and puff adders, a strong hemotoxic venom that destroys blood cells and affects organs. They have the same venom delivery system as their close relatives: two large, front-folding fangs that act as hypodermic needles to inject the toxic dose.

The real mystique behind this snake is that it was only recently described, in 1977, and has been in few US zoological institutions during the last seven years. Much of

A cryptic color pattern provides camouflage for the Ethiopian viper in grasslands and forest floors.

what we know about its biology and natural history has been gleaned from the last few years of managed care, including at the San Diego Zoo. That education has brought some pleasant surprises.

Last year, one of our large females began to bask daily under her heat lamp. Snakes are ectothermic, or “cold blooded”: they have no biological mechanism for controlling their own body heat, as mammals do. Rather, they need an external heat source in order to properly metabolize food and incubate young. Besides her basking behavior, we also noted the female began looking very plump—a trait we are familiar with in gravid, or pregnant, snakes. We had been

hoping for this, as we had been introducing males to the females periodically for several months.

Certain cues stimulate a male snake’s interest in mating, and on several occasions, we noted that everything seemed to be right: a male became very “interested” and courtship began.

On September 22, 2014, our largest female gave birth to six live babies. This was the first reproduction of this species in a US zoological institution, and we were (and are) extremely proud and excited. Then, on September 1, 2015, our excitement doubled as a different female gave birth to 12 young Ethiopian vipers. A remote data logger was placed in the enclosures of both females periodically throughout the year, and large amounts of data were captured: temperatures were recorded of the females’ bodies, as well as the basking site and the air. These data loggers were then plugged into a computer to download months of information. This new data will give us a greater understanding of the Ethiopian mountain viper, as well as the species’ probable habitat needs in its native range.

You don’t have to travel to Ethiopia and climb the rough and rugged terrain to see these gorgeous animals.

They are on exhibit at the Klauber-Shaw Reptile House at the Zoo. Come by soon and experience this beautiful and rare viper up close—and safely behind glass. n SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Homegrown Honeycomb: Sticky Enrichment

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By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

hen a 12-foot beehive was discovered on the edge of Zoo grounds, the adage “waste not, want not” came into play. The Zoo’s entomology team spent an entire day buzzing around removing the extensive hive and preparing the bees for their new home with a local beekeeper. Some of the honeycomb was collected and used as delicious enrichment for, in this case, Turbo, the Andean bear (gorillas and other primates also enjoy this tasty food). Turbo’s keepers placed the sweet pieces strategically throughout his enclosure, providing the curious and energetic bear opportunities to use his brawn and his smarts to extract the special treats.

“We strive to match our animals’ natural abilities to an appropriate challenge,” said Jessica Sheftel, animal care supervisor for enrichment. “We don’t want it to be too easy or too frustrating, but sometimes it can take multiple days for an animal to problem-solve a situation.” Especially a sticky situation! As visitors looked on, Turbo appeared to enjoy discovering the sweet surprises. The honey, as well as the activity of getting each honeycomb piece, kept Turbo stimulated and active, while allowing him to use his natural bear behaviors—which is the objective of animal enrichment.

With the bees appeased and the bear delighting in his golden treasure, two of our goals were met: conservation of pollinators and enhanced animal welfare through enrichment.

“Pollinators are in decline globally, and we are committed to their conservation here at the San Diego Zoo,” said Paige Howorth, animal care manager for invertebrates. “Honeybees are important pollinators, so whenever we encounter a swarm or colony in a questionable place on grounds, we do our best to relocate it.” What a sweet solution! n

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Turbo used many of his bear skills to find the hidden honey treasures.

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG

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PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

Colleen Wisinski, research coordinator, gently handles a burrowing owl to gather data on it.

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER FOR OWL CONSERVATION

By Colleen Wisinski

RESEARCH COORDINATOR, APPLIED ANIMAL ECOLOGY, SAN DIEGO ZOO INSTITUTE FOR CONSERVATION RESEARCH

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

Tiny leg bands on the owls enable researchers to keep track of indiviual birds.

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Burrowing owls use ground squirrel dens for their underground nests.

hen I was a kid, I imagined I would grow up to be fighting extinction on the front lines in Africa or South America. I had romantic ideas of what it meant to work “in the field” and imagined bushwhacking my way through the jungle to reach an exotic study site. Little did I know that I would find my way to the concrete jungle of Southern California to study charming little owls. We hear a lot about endangered species and conservation in far-flung places, so it’s easy to overlook the conservation work happening in our own backyard.

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A camera trap is set up at a burrow while the team makes observations and records data.

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PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

Bingo! A burrowing owl is caught.

PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

A GPS datalogger is used to track the locations of an adult male owl.

A camera trap is set up at a burrow while the team makes observations and records data.

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Burrowing into Local Species

About five years ago, the Applied Animal Ecology Division of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research began a project to learn more about the nesting and spatial ecology of the last breeding population of western burrowing owls Athene cunicularia hypugaea in San Diego County.

These diminutive but charismatic birds can be found throughout the western United States in flat, grassy landscapes. They will use a variety of “grassland” habitats, from open prairies to empty suburban lots to airports. Even though they are very adaptable, populations are declining—due to loss of habitat, but also eradication of the fossorial (digging) animals that build burrows the owls use as nests. For instance, here in California, burrowing owls live in close association with California ground squirrels and use their burrows for nesting.

One solution to the loss of habitat and burrows has been the installation of artificial burrows. However, these are not selfsustaining like natural, animal-dug burrow systems. Artificial burrows require periodic maintenance by humans to ensure they remain accessible to the owls—which can be costly in the long run. While we know that burrowing owls will readily use artificial burrows, we don’t know how they compare to natural burrows. To examine this, we look at several different aspects of the owls’ ecology during the breeding season. The whole project is like a giant jigsaw puzzle— each piece is important, but we don’t get the full picture until we put them all together.

Family Matters

To answer questions about survival and reproductive success, we need to be able to identify individual owls. We collect as many of the owls as possible, put uniquely numbered ID leg bands on them, and take blood samples from each bird for DNA analysis. Through our banding and genetic work, we are able to look at which birds survive from year to year, whether they return to the same burrow each year, and how they are related to each other.

By working with our Genetics Division, we have been able to identify the sex of each bird (we can’t tell males from females when they are juveniles) and confirm the parentage of

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Researchers use a variety of techniques to learn about the owls’ habits. Camera trap images reveal the secrets of family life.

PHOTO BY COLLEEN WISINSKI

Once the eggs hatch, the owl parents will be busy hunting food for the hungry chicks. Below: The author is reaching into an artificial burrow to remove soil and debris, and to place a microclimate datalogger inside.

the juveniles. So far, all of our observations in the field regarding familial connections match the genetic data. We have even been able to positively identify some adults that we weren’t able to band in the early years of the project as individuals banded later. By using the genetic information about family relationships, we end up with a population-wide family tree.

the owls too, as some of them are hunting near busy roads and freeways.

Puzzle Pieces

Say Cheese

PHOTO BY SUSANNE MARCZAK

Camera traps placed at the burrow entrances help us keep track of the number of offspring each pair produces, as well as the type and quantity of prey the adults feed the young.

After the owlets grow up and leave the nest, we take habitat measurements. We combine that information with the data we gather from the camera traps to give us a better idea of what makes good habitat. The type of burrow doesn’t seem to matter, in regard to the amount or type of food the owls bring back, but the location of the burrow probably does.

To answer that question, we need to know where the owls hunt for food.

To do this, we outfit some of the adult male owls with small GPS backpacks during the period when they have owlets in the

nest. The males do most of the hunting during that time. The tiny backpacks record the owls’ locations at pre-programmed times.

Through this work, we have learned that the owls don’t travel very far from their burrows to find food for their chicks. This tells us that the location of the burrow is really important—not only for food, but for the safety of

We are putting all of the pieces together and using what we’ve learned to help land and wildlife managers determine optimal locations for burrowing owl conservation in San Diego County. Using the data we’ve gathered about habitat characteristics around nest burrows, and linking that to the information we’ve gathered about reproduction, food, and hunting, we can identify areas that fit best with the needs of the owls— and their ground squirrel neighbors. Some people save species in far-flung places, but sometimes the wildlife in our own backyard needs help, too. That’s why I love working on the front lines of the (sub)urban jungle. n San Diego Zoo Global would like to thank its valuable partners and supporters: The San Diego Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, County of San Diego, City of San Diego (Airports and Public Utilities Divisions), Caltrans, and Federal Aviation Administration.

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This page: The blades—what many people think of as leaves—on a fern frond may be solid or finely divided, depending on the species.

Opposite page: The shady path through Fern Canyon leads through a sublime collection of lush ferns.

FERNS: FRONDS OF DISTINCTION SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Ferns are often thought of as understory plants, but tree ferns can tower upwards of 40 feet.

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By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Tammy Spratt SDZG PHOTOGRPAHER

erns are one of Earth’s ancient wonders.

Their unfurling fronds have marked the planet since before the time of the dinosaurs. From location to lifestyle, from the pots of lacy fronds we keep in our homes to varieties that grow as tall as trees, the realm of ferns is fascinating.

There are more than 12,000 species of ferns today, varying in size from tiny, hair-like stems with miniscule, mossy leaves to giants that tower over 40 feet in height. Although they can be found on almost all continents, most are found in tropical and subtropical areas.

A few hardy species even have a foothold in the Arctic.

F

As epiphytes that derive nutrition and moisture from the air rather than roots, staghorn ferns grow on the trunks and branches of trees. They get their name from the long fronds that bear spores; the shield-shaped fronds (below) that anchor them to the tree are sterile.

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Clockwise from top left: Staghorn fern Platcerium superbum; maidenhair fern Adiantum raddianum; holly fern Cyrtomium falcatum; mother fern Asplenium bulbiferum.

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PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG

Beginning as coiled fiddleheads, young blades on a a fern frond uncurl and spread to gather sunlight.

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Ripe spores of Phelbodium sp.

The kidney-shaped indusia that cover the sporangia of the sword fern give this plant its botanical name Nephrolepsis cordifolia.a

A TWO-STEP LIFE Ferns are pteridophytes, a group of nonflowering plants. Roots called rhizomes, stem, leaves—they have all the common features of seed-bearing flora, but ferns don’t produce seeds. Instead, they reproduce by spores, an ancient strategy that predates seed-producing plants. There are two alternating and very different-looking phases in a fern’s life cycle: sporophyte and gametophyte.

The sporophyte phase is what most humans experience: lacy fronds that spread

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The broad blades of a bird’s nest fern Asplenuim bulbiferum provide plenty of room for agents of reproductive potential.

from the plant’s center, gathering sunlight to create energy. A look at the underside of a frond may reveal dark-colored bumps called sporangia, which are spore-containing sacs. When the sporangia burst open, mature spores fall to the ground. If the substrate is moist enough, the spore germinates and produces a prothallium, a one-half-inch, heart-shaped structure often described as a shield.

The underside of the shield contains both sperm and egg. A droplet of moisture

triggers fertilization, and a new sporophyte develops. Yet, spores don’t always land in a prime location. Wind, fur, or feathers may carry and deposit them in a parched, unsuitable spot. Or they may be swallowed by a herbivore feeding on fronds, never to realize their potential.

FER N FANCY Many people appreciate ferns for the verdant lushness they bring indoors as houseplants. Boston ferns Nephrolepsis exaltata

White indusium surrounded by sporangia cover the underside of a holly fern blade.

‘Bostoniensis’ and maidenhair ferns Adiantum are two popular examples. Yet, for centuries, humans valued ferns for nondecorative reasons. Gathered and eventually cultivated, different types and parts of ferns were used for a variety of medicinal purposes, as a fragrance, and for food. The unfurled frond, called a croizer or fiddlehead, of a number of fern species remains a savored, seasonal ingredient in East Asian, Indian, Nepalese, and North American cooking.

Sporangia of Blechnum sp. are organized in neat, compact rows.

People have collected and raised ferns for hundreds of years. Indeed, the “Fern Craze” of the Victorian era created a niche for fern hunters. And “fern fever” ushered in the popularity of the small, personal greenhouse as a way for hobbyists to increase their collection. These days, one specific fern is gaining attention as a way to clean up polluted lots. When planted on plots of land that contain high levels of arsenic, brake ferns Pteris vittata draw the toxic chemicals out of the soil, stor-

ing it in their leaves. When the plants are pulled up and disposed of, the arsenic goes with them.

Today’s fern enthusiasts use the Internet to communicate and learn about these ancient plants. If your interest in ferns has been tickled by these fronds, be sure to make a visit to the San Diego Zoo. There, in aptly named Fern Canyon, a flush of ferns and other plants creates a serene, green setting that is sure to bring out the pteridologist—one who studies ferns—in anyone. n

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support

FIRST-PLACE WINNER: Animals in their Native Habitats by William Kolb

PRESIDENT’S CLUBS: PHILANTHROPIC FRIENDS AND FABULOUS PHOTOS

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hen people become members of our President’s Clubs, they enjoy greater involvement with the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, as well as our animals. “Inspirational,” “rewarding,” and “fun” are words we often hear from these members when describing what President’s Clubs mean to them. Through four levels of annual giving— Ambassadors, Patrons, Partners, and Associates—President’s Clubs members are philanthropic friends who share our commitment to conservation and wildlife.

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Mammals at a Zoo or Wildlife Park

by James R. Milne

They are provided with many benefits, including an insider’s perspective of the work we do, special events, trips, unique animal encounters, and activities that feature engaging speakers such as keepers, veterinarians, curators, and researchers.

One of our recent activities was the annual Wildlife Wonders Photo Con-

FIRST-PLACE WINNER: Plants at a Zoo or Botanical Garden

by Karen Ladner

test, which included publishing the first-place photos in this digital edition of ZOONOOZ. Please enjoy these winning photos and consider joining a President’s Club, so you can experience a deeper relationship with the Zoo— and perhaps even enter the photo contest in 2016. n

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Reptiles or Amphibians at a Zoo or Wildlife Park

by Richard Watson

BECOME A MEMBER To join one of the President’s Clubs or to receive more information, please contact Nancy Howard at 619-685-3219 or nhoward@sandiegozoo.org, or visit sandiegozoo.org/presidentsclubs.

FIRST PLACE WINNER: Birds at a Zoo or Wildlife Park

by James Fullmer SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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support

Need a WILD Holiday Gift Idea?

I

f you’re searching for a unique gift for the holidays, the wild world of animals might be the perfect present for friends and family. With $100 a gift membership, your recipient can visit giant pandas, polar R bears, koalas, elephants, tigers, and other amazing animals at the $85 MEMBE L San Diego Zoo and Safari Park every day of the year. Also, our SPECIDA USE CO E Adopt-an-Animal holiday special provides plush critters to snuggle, ASZW1215 a colorful tote bag, and more.

MEMBERSHIP: GIVE YOUR ZOO TO THE ONES YOU LOVE! For an imaginative, affordable gift that keeps on giving all year long and includes animal adventures and fun, a Zoo membership is ideal for the animal aficionados in your life. Membership benefits include unlimited entrance to the Zoo and Safari Park for an entire year—and you are directly helping all the precious animals in our care. To purchase your gift membership today, click here to visit zoomember.com or call 619-231-0251.

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LIONS, RHINOS, AND MORE: ADOPT AN ANIMAL To celebrate the holidays, we’re offering an Adopt-an-Animal special that’s a charming and cuddly gift for any age!

Our $100 adoption special includes: ■ Plush animal toy ■ Reusable tote bag ■ Adoption certificate and fact sheet ■ Window decal Your tax-deductible adoption benefits San Diego Zoo Global’s wildlife conservation efforts, as well as provides toys and treats for our Zoo and Safari Park animals. To order, visit sandiegozoo.org/ adopt or call 619-557-3914. Quantities are limited. Orders must be placed by December 11 to ensure delivery by December 25 (US only).

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from the archives

Otter Brilliance Olive and Otto were two North American river otters that lived at the San Diego Zoo in the 1950s and ‘60s. They made quite a splash in the Children’s Zoo, where visitors enjoyed watching the agile and adorable antics of this active pair. In the pool, they swam right-side-up, upside-down, and on their sides, twisting and turning with the greatest of ease. They were equally impressive when they weren’t swimming…

When they heard a human voice, the pair would stop whatever they were doing, stand on their hind legs, and wriggle their faces at the greeter. It became known as their trademark “otter salute.” And they never seemed too busy to answer a friendly “hello” from a Zoo visitor. Yet, their frequent targets were the keepers. Otters are known to be intelligent, and Olive and Otto were no exception. They quickly learned that the otter salute, given to the right person, would result in an immediate extra bit of mackerel. The keepers found it hard to ignore Olive and Otto’s brilliant ploy. n

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PUBLISHED SINCE 1926

DECEMBER 2015 MANAGING EDITOR

KAREN E. WORLEY

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

PEGGY SCOTT

STAFF WRITERS COPY EDITOR

ESTON ELLIS KEN BOHN TAMMY SPRATT

DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN

TAMMY SPRATT

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL™ VIDEOGRAPHERS

LXXXVIII–NO. 12

WENDY PERKINS KARYL CARMIGNANI

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL™ PHOTOGRAPHER

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

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DAMIEN LASATER KERRI ABRAMS HEIDI SCHMID-ROMERO STEPHANIE BEVIL-PAGADUAN DENNIS CORBRAN KAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANI KRISTIN NIELSEN KIM TURNER LISA BISSI JENNIFER MACEWEN LEE RIEBER MARIA BERNAL-SILVA DUSTIN TRAYER

The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in Octo­ber 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation that now does business as San Diego Zoo Global.

This digital edition of ZOONOOZ® is currently published every month. Versions are available for download on iPads and a PDF version is available for viewing on Kindle Fire, desktops, Android devices, and smartphones. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515.

Copyright® 2015 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. Office. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global. Annual Memberships: Dual $125, new; $110, renewal. Single $102, new; $90, renewal. Membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS:

December 1–10 and 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; December 11–23 and 25–31: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS: December 1–25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; December 26–31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about our animals and events, visit sandiegozoo.org or call 619-231-1515.