San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal

JOURNAL INAUGURAL ISSUE

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together MARCH/APRIL 2021

March/April 2021

Vol. 1 No. 1

“We will work with allies around the world to protect Earth’s most endangered wildlife. We must work together and collaborate as never before to achieve our most far-reaching goals.”

Page 10

4

Contents 2 President/CEO’s Letter 3 By the Numbers 4 Findings 6 Meet Our Team 8 Hot Topics 42 Events 44 Kids Page 45 Last Look

Cover Story 10

8

New Vision, New Future With this new chapter, our organization takes an exciting and significant step forward in our mission to save wildlife: we are now San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. We will be building on the successes of our past alongside partners and allies that will aid us in creating a future where all life thrives.

Features 16

10

2021 Calendar Our calendar for this year celebrates San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s new identity and redefined conservation priorities. Each month highlights wildlife from the main conservation hubs around the world representing the evolving focus of our work.

40

Visualize It How well do you know small cats? Do you know how to tell an ocelot from a margay, or a serval from a fishing cat?

Find out in this handy infographic view of small felids.

On the Cover: African elephant Loxodonta africana. Photo by: Ken Bohn, SDZWA Photographer. Location: Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

LET TER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOURNAL

MANAGING EDITOR Erin Smith SENIOR EDITOR Peggy Scott STAFF WRITER Donna Parham COPY EDITOR Eston Ellis DESIGNER Kerri Abrams PHOTOGRAPHERS Ken Bohn Tammy Spratt DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Kim Turner Lisa Bissi Jennifer MacEwen PREPRESS AND PRINTING Quad Graphics

Let's Stay Connected Follow @sandiegozoo & @sdzsafaripark.

Share your #SanDiegoZoo & #SDZSafariPark memories on Twitter & Instagram.

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

The printed San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal (ISSN pending) is published bimonthly, in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, located at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, California, USA, and at additional mailing offices.

Copyright© 2021 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

All rights reserved. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

If your mailing address has changed: Please contact the Membership Department; by mail at P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112, or by phone at 619-231-0251 or 1-877-3MEMBER. For information about becoming a member of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, please visit our website at ZooMember.org for a complete list of membership levels, offers, and benefits.

Subscriptions to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal are $25 per year, $65 for 3 years.

Foreign, including Canada and Mexico, $30 per year, $81 for 3 years. Contact Membership Department for subscription information.

A New Adventure Begins Spring is an extraordinary time of year for wildlife. Warmer temperatures and an increase in daylight spur new plant growth and influence wildlife in big ways: some emerge from hibernation, many migrate, some breed. It’s nature’s celebration of life in many ways.

We’ve all faced unprecedented challenges in the last year, but I’m hopeful that we, too, can embrace the spirit of spring. As San Diego Zoo Global embarks on an exciting new adventure as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we’re all in for celebrating wildlife and furthering our efforts to save and protect endangered species around the world.

In this inaugural issue of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal, you’ll read about why San Diego Zoo Global is evolving to become San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This is not just in name. At its core, it is about focusing us all on reaching our true potential, assembling talents across the organization and partners around the world to lead together.

This change is centered around building an alliance, and in our efforts to save wildlife, you are one of our most important allies. We are grateful to have you on board as we begin the newest adventure in our nearly 105-year history. I hope that every time you look at this calendar throughout the year, you are reminded of the incredible difference your support makes for wildlife—both those in our care and around the world.

Onward Together,

As part of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s commitment to conservation, this magazine is printed on recycled paper that is at least 10% post-consumer waste, chlorine free, and is Forest Stewardship Council ® (FSC®) certified. FSC ® is not responsible for any calculations on saving resources by choosing this paper.

2 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

Paul A. Baribault President and Chief Executive Officer

BY THE NUMBERS

Meeting the Challenge The world’s wildlife is facing serious challenges, and there is greater urgency than ever to take action. That’s where conservation organizations like San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance come in. Through partnerships, innovation, and ingenuity, we are determined to find answers and create solutions.

Board of Trustees OFFICERS Steven G. Tappan, Chairman Javade Chaudhri, Vice Chairman Linda Lowenstine, DVM, Ph.D., Secretary Richard B. Gulley, Treasurer

5,760

TRUSTEES Rolf Benirschke Joye D. Blount Kathleen Cain Carrithers Clifford W. Hague Robert B. Horsman Steven S. Simpson Judith A. Wheatley

Approximate number of acres of wildlife habitat lost in the world each day.

RICHCAREY/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

39

Wildlife species in the United States that were once listed as endangered but have fully recovered.

30,178

Wildlife species listed by IUCN as threatened with extinction.

There has been a 60% overall decline in wildlife population sizes worldwide since 1970.

James Lauth, General Counsel to the Board TRUSTEES EMERITI Berit N. Durler Thompson Fetter George L. Gildred Yvonne W. Larsen John M. Thornton A. Eugene Trepte Betty Jo F. Williams

Executive Team Paul A. Baribault

President and Chief Executive Officer

Shawn Dixon

Chief Operating Officer

50

Number of species San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced to the wild.

David Franco Chief Financial Officer

Dwight Scott Executive Director, San Diego Zoo

Lisa Peterson Executive Director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Nadine Lamberski, DVM, DACZM, DECZM (ZHM) Chief Conservation and Wildlife Officer

772

Number of endangered plant species just in the United States.

Worldwide, plants are facing many complex threats to their survival.

David Gillig Chief Philanthropy Officer

David Miller Chief Marketing Officer

Wendy Bulger

General Counsel

Aida Rosa

Chief Human Resources Officer SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 3

FINDINGS

200 MOUNTAIN YELLOW-LEGGED FROGS REINTRODUCED

Solar Lights Employed to Deter Leopard Livestock Attacks The Uhifadhi Wa Chui (Leopard Conservation) team finished the latest setup of solar lights at local community livestock bomas in northern Kenya. The lights are a predator deterrent, aimed at discouraging large carnivores from visiting bomas at night. The LED lights solarcharge during the day and blink automatically at night, suggesting the presence of human activity. The Leopard Conservation Program is analyzing the effectiveness of the lights in reducing livestock attacks, which can prevent leopards Panthera pardus from being killed, and the impact on community tolerance for coexisting with leopards.

The mountain yellowlegged frog team reintroduced one- and two-year-old frogs Rana muscosa into a new field site in Southern California’s San Jacinto Mountains. No frogs had been documented at this location since 2013, when a devastating fire and erosion and flooding altered the habitat.

Reintroduction sites were located in early 2020, and the frogs were successfully transported and released into a high-elevation stream habitat. The frog team will continue to regularly monitor these reintroduced frogs.

Growth and Flowering of Rare Orcutt’s Bird’s-beak Plants San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s Plant Conservation department is conducting a propagation experiment to determine the best conditions for growing this rare San Diego native species Dicranostegia orcuttiana, which has proven difficult to cultivate. Thanks go to our Plant Conservation volunteer, Tish Wussler, for braving the heat last summer to conduct biweekly measurement of growth and floral production in the Beckman Center shade house.

4 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

Polar Bear Pathogen Surveillance Project San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s polar bear team met with collaborators from Environment and Climate Change Canada, the University of Saskatchewan, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to review recent findings from the polar bear pathogen surveillance project. The longterm study (1986-2017) correlates changing climate patterns with changes in the exposure of polar bears Ursus maritimus to zoonotic pathogens. The findings were met with broad agreement, and the next stage is to begin outreach to stakeholders.

RESULTS OF ‘ALALĀ ANTI-PREDATOR TRAINING

At last year’s Animal Behavior Society’s annual conference (held virtually), Alison Greggor, Ph.D., Bryce Masuda, and Ron Swaisgood, Ph.D. shared a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance project that measured the effectiveness of anti-predator training for ‘Alalā (Hawaiian crow Corvus hawaiiensis) to help them better respond to a natural predator, the ‘io (Hawaiian hawk Buteo solitarius), in the wild. The work demonstrated how to improve this survival-relevant training in the future for ‘Alalā and other species bred in human care.

PHOTOS BY: (TOP, LEFT) ISAAC LIMO; PROGRAM SUPPORT: LOISABA CONSERVANCY, MPALA RESEARCH CENTRE, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY, KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICES, AND LAIKIPIA COUNTY GOVERNMENT; (BOTTOM, LEFT) ANNA LEAVITT.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance pursues wildlife protection strategically by focusing on eight conservation hub regions on six continents.

Below are recent discoveries and progress updates across our priority species.

When wildlife thrives, all life thrives.

Wildlife is disappearing at an alarming rate. We are committed to saving endangered wildlife worldwide, but we can’t do it without you.

Your monthly gift will rescue and protect vulnerable species around the globe, and your tax-deductible support will ensure their survival for generations to come.

Monthly donations are the heartbeat of everything we do.

Become a hero for wildlife today at sdzwa.org/hero

MEET OUR TEAM

Q

Q

that connecting to wildlife generates caring and can lead to behavior change.

What is the coolest thing about your job?

As a zoo and wildlife veterinarian, I have had many amazing and exciting opportunities in my career. The best part of my job today is being a connector: connecting wildlife health, human health, and ecosystem health to the health of our planet. I have the opportunity to bring teams together to address conservation challenges. These internal connections are extremely powerful, and when coupled with the energy of our external partners, they maximize conservation impact.

Q

Q

The James Herriot books, of course! While an undergraduate in college, I was also introduced to A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, and it changed the course of my career. The resiliency and connectedness of nature and ecosystems continues to amaze me. But the impacts of humans expose nature’s fragility—ecosystems are out of balance, to a point where they might not recover. The health of our planet, of wildlife, and people is at risk. The recent pandemic is a wake-up call—what better time than now to commit to helping secure a future for a world where all life can thrive.

Nadine Lamberski, DVM Leads the Wildlife Health and Conservation Science Team, a large and diverse group responsible for the health and welfare of the wildlife at the Zoo and Safari Park, which uses science to advance conservation initiatives.

Why did you become a veterinarian? What drew you to this field?

A lifelong sense of awe for animals, and a strong desire to help those in need drew me to veterinary medicine.

Respect and wonder of nature, coupled with a desire to make a difference, drew me to zoo and wildlife medicine.

I carry with me a deep sense of duty and responsibility to contribute to a larger vision, regardless of the role I play.

Q

What is your favorite animal? Why?

All of them, from ants to zebras! I have a fondness for things that fly. I admire the small and the mighty, the majestic and strong, animals that are clever, those that are beautiful, and ones with special skills. If I had to pick just one, it would be my cat, Monkey. He’s my proof point

“

The future of wildlife conservation is strong leadership—authentic, transparent, empathetic, nimble, resilient, and resourceful leadership that makes space for all voices to be heard.

6 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

”

What book or film influenced you or made a strong impression?

What inspires you?

The colleagues who have come before me and laid the groundwork that I benefitted from throughout my career.

I am inspired by current colleagues who continue to advance animal health, welfare, and conservation science. I am inspired by the next generation of wildlife veterinarians and conservation scientists who are inquisitive, challenge the status quo, and want a better future. My wish for them is that they use lessons and wisdom from the past to create a better future.

Don’t let all that walking get the best of you!

Stay fueled up by visiting one of our branded concessions.

The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park thank our partners for their continued support!

HOT TOPICS

The Perils of Wildlife Suzanne Hall, conservation policy specialist for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, discusses the challenges conservationists face in working to prevent wildlife trafficking and reduce its devastating effects.

O

ne of the most serious threats to wildlife across the globe is the illegal trade in wildlife, also called wildlife trafficking. Wildlife trafficking is the illegal sale or trade of animals or plants, in

part or in whole. For some wildlife, trade is legal, such as harvesting fish from the sea to feed people. In the western world, it typically occurs in accordance with regulations and quotas to ensure that this commercial enterprise does not doom the fish to extinction. Similarly, your kitchen may contain mushrooms or morels that were harvested

8 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

from the wild for your consumption. Some medicinal plants harvested in the wild might infuse your cup of tea. These are legal examples of trade in wildlife and plants.

Illegal trade in wildlife occurs when local and international laws are broken for the purpose of commercial enterprise.

Often, the laws come about to support the

3 things to

Trafficking

think about

2. Wildlife Trafficking Threatens International Security The killing of animals for wildlife products is linked to organized crime and the funding of terrorist networks.

Areas controlled by militants are used as staging areas for smuggling products, and the profits from poaching are used to fund weapon purchases, drug smuggling, and even human trafficking.

3. Protecting Targeted Animals in the Wild Is Difficult Animals know no borders and don’t stay in a designated place. Plus, many species hunted by poachers live in remote and inaccessible habitats. Monitoring and defending these areas is challenging at best, and much trafficking activity happens outside patrolled areas. At worst, preventing trafficking is a deadly enterprise, with rangers facing well-equipped and heavily armed poachers and risking their lives.

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 9

PHOTO: ©JOEL SARTORE/ NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PHOTO ARK

merce proves exceptionally lucrative, as has proven to be the case for species like elephants and rhinos.

Unfortunately, elephant ivory and rhino horn can bring big financial returns for organized poaching groups and the extensive crime syndicates that fund them.

Ounce for ounce, rhino horn is worth more than drugs like cocaine on the black market, drawing as much as $60,000 per kilogram. And elephants are also victims of illegal trade, killed for their ivory tusks.

Species like Asian bears are exploited for bear bile, which can be found in a variety of products, and big cats are killed for their coats and claws, as well as their bones— which are ground into a powder for sale.

Wildlife trafficking is a serious conservation issue. It undermines the rule of law, fuels conflict in troubled regions of the world, degrades ecosystems, and decimates animal and plant populations. It’s time we all get serious about wildlife trafficking.

What can you do? Start by informing yourself. Although China is one of the primary destinations for trafficked goods, you might be surprised to learn that the US is the second leading recipient of illegal ivory and other wildlife products. Refuse to buy trafficked goods—like ivory statues or Pangolins jewelry, or rhino horn products and are the most powders. Tell those you know to trafficked mammals do the same. If you travel, be very in the world. All eight careful about the trinkets and souvenirs you may find for sale species in Asia and Convention on Inin markets, and do not purchase Africa are now ternational Trade in anything with questionable origins. under threat.

Endangered Species Ending the demand for these items is of Wild Fauna and Flora one of the most important ways to end (CITES), whose objective the killing of rare wildlife across the globe. is to prevent commerce from threatening the survival of plant and animal species.

You can take action against wildlife Typically, laws are broken when that comtrafficking. Visit sdzwa.org to learn more.

1. Wildlife Trafficking Takes Many Forms It can involve the transit of whole bodies, meat, horns, tusks, scales, skins, teeth, claws, and more. Live animals are sold for the pet trade, and when they are caught and shipped, few survive.

Trafficking also involves more than large animals: reptiles, plants, insects, and corals are also all heavily trafficked and often overlooked.

New Vision,

DID YOU KNOW? San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s ongoing work with partners in northern Kenya encompasses a full spectrum of conservation initiatives, including nutrition for orphaned elephant calves at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.

New Future Welcome to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. We are meeting the conservation challenges of today— and tomorrow.

S

ince 1916, our organization has created lifelong connections between people and wildlife. People of all ages and from all corners of the globe have visited the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park to experience powerful moments with wildlife, making memories and enhancing their appreciation for these extraordinary animals and plants. Along the way, we’ve also tackled conservation programs, fueling scientific initiatives and discoveries that have changed the world for endangered wildlife. Two paths—each essential, each a rich part of our history.

Now, we are at a pivotal time in that history. Our organization is evolving to address the needs of our changing world, and we have a new name: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. This new identity unites the guest experiences at the Zoo and Safari Park with our conservation efforts around the globe. As San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we will create allies for wildlife with every guest who visits, member who joins us, or donor who supports us. And we will work with allies around the world to protect Earth’s most endangered wildlife. We must work together and collaborate as never before to achieve our most far-reaching goals.

We hope the excitement of sighting a rhino at the Safari Park will remind you of our work using living cell lines from our biobank to save the northern white rhino. When you visit the polar bears at the Zoo, we hope you’ll come away knowing about the work we’ve done for polar bears in the Arctic. We hope the energetic antics of one of our young elephants will inspire you to learn more about how we helped formulate milk for orphaned elephant calves at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya. In fact, we are in the business of hope—and we hope you’ll continue to be our allies in this mission.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, our expertise in caring for wildlife is our strength in the field of conservation. Our deep and extensive knowledge from more than a century of experience makes us invaluable in global efforts to save species. Our science-based approach leverages the diverse skills of our teams and partners, showcasing the limitless potential of how we can change outcomes for

PHOTO BY: KEN BOHN/SDZWA; LOCATION: RETETI ELEPHANT SANCTUARY.

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 11

KEN BOHN/SDZWA

DID YOU KNOW? Our scientists work to determine the energy requirements of polar bears, and what they need to raise their cubs.

Collaborative Conservation So All Life Thrives Our conservation work is anchored by eight hubs around the world and driving strategic outcomes for wildlife in these regions. These hubs represent areas where we are currently most invested, and therefore hope to have the greatest return on mission and vision. The hubs promote synergy and collaboration among partners and stakeholders and will help us have greater impact in a region.

Savanna Elephant & Rhino

African Forest

Southwest

Asian Rainforest Tiger

Amazonia Jaguar

Gorilla

Desert Tortoise & Burrowing Owl

Oceans Polar Bear & Penguin

Pacific Islands

Australian Forest

‘Alalā

Platypus & Koala

12 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

wildlife. And it all starts with the wildlife we support right here at home. This new chapter we are embarking on will transform the future of collaborative conservation, both here and around the world. It will provide hope for wildlife, for the world, and for all of us. We are building an alliance, and our alliance starts with you.

—Paul A. Baribault, President and Chief Executive Officer

Maximizing Impact for Wildlife Conservation Securing a future for threatened and endangered wildlife will require extraordinary conservation problem-solving and restoration efforts. To meet this challenge, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will now focus its efforts on the species, regions, and conservation issues for which we can make the greatest difference. We will apply innovative, science-based expertise to ensure that all wildlife in our care thrives, and we will use our reach to promote empathy and inspire people in ways that will cultivate a shared stewardship for nature.

We know we cannot do this alone. It is only by growing an alliance of passionate partners that we will have lasting influence. Working together, we will harness our strengths to focus where we can have maximum impact. In doing so, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will contribute to the larger, collective movement to restore biodiversity for a healthy, thriving planet.

Our organization has a long history of collaborating with zoos, aquariums, conservation organizations, governments, and communities. We have worked for decades with other zoos throughout North America and around the world to develop the best wildlife care and breeding programs, and we have expanded our reach into international communities working to save local wildlife.

Our early work with the From polar bears to white rhinos Northern Rangelands to Hawaiian birds, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is dedicated to Trust in Kenya is one saving species around the globe. example, as is our work in China, Southeast Asia, and Australia.

As we move forward, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will continue to grow our collaboration with aligned organizations. In order to be the best for wildlife, we are committed to building a strong and diverse alliance of partners to multiply our collective impact.

In addition, unifying our internal talents will allow us to mobilize skilled teams to address complex challenges. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has expert teams specializing in genetics, reproduction, disease investigations, population sustainability, recovery ecology, and community engagement for both animals and plants. Our most successful initiatives are those in which our scientists work closely with our wildlife care, nutrition, and veterinary teams, showing what can be achieved when diverse disciplines work together.

For each of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s priority regions and species going forward, our goal will be to implement a full-spectrum approach that ensures wild populations are healthy and thriving, critical habitats are protected, threats to species survival are reduced, conservation capacity in local communities is enhanced, and the public is engaged and inspired to help. Our approach will be to first identify the most significant problems for conservation and restoration of endangered species, and then to implement creative, collaborative, and, most importantly, lasting solutions.

—Nadine Lamberski, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Dipl. ECZM (ZHM) Chief Conservation and Wildlife Health Officer KEN BOHN/SDZWA SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 13

Our New Look Along with our new name, we have a new logo.

A good logo tells a story—and ours tells three. Blending three iconic images, the logo features symbols that uniquely reflect our story: The Lion represents the founding of our “World Famous” zoo more than a century ago— how it all started with a roar. The Rhino represents our park, known for its expansive savanna “unlike anywhere on earth” — and a growing symbol of our cutting-edge conservation work. The Bird represents our groundbreaking work to save the California Condor— firmly establishing our commitment to changing outcomes for wildlife. It is a logo that represents longterm achievement and our future as a collaborative force for conservation.

The main logo is paired with the names of our parks, representing our “two front doors.”

The logo for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s programs for kids.

A Conservation Organization with Two Front Doors Having two front doors gives San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance an opportunity unlike any other conservation organization in the world. The millions of guests coming through our doors every year provide us with an exciting and unique platform to tell our stories and share the work of our partners. No one knows better than you, our members, how transformational each visit to the Zoo or Park can be. We believe walking through our gates is also a step toward taking action to save species. As San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we can build on the successes we have had, and create an even brighter future for wildlife together.

At the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, some things are core to who we are and will never change, such as the significance of the San Diego community and our commitment to providing amazing care for wildlife. Our new identity challenges us to engage our guests in our conservation mission through the habitats we develop for animals, the experiences we offer visitors, and the stories we tell.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will continue to cultivate care and compassion for wildlife. Many of us can identify formative experiences with animals in our childhood that helped cultivate the appreciation for nature and wildlife that we have today. Perhaps some of your fondest memories were built here with us at the Zoo and the Safari Park over the years. We are honored to have played that role in your lives, and we are committed to providing those opportunities for future generations.

We also want to tell the stories of the great work led by our team members and partners around the world, and we want that incredible work to inspire you as much as it does us. At the Zoo and Safari Park, our habitats and experiences will be designed for you to witness the conservation work happening around the globe for yourself. We also recognize that we cannot save species alone—we need you as part of our alliance. We want to offer you a place to learn more about the species we are trying to save, and how you can take action.

Sometimes it can feel like the actions of one individual cannot really make a difference. But, every individual can contribute, and as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we want to elevate the important actions you have taken on behalf of wildlife. We will leverage your individual actions for change at higher levels.

In partnership with other accredited zoos and aquariums and their communities, we can expand our collective reach across the globe.

—Lisa Peterson, Executive Director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and Dwight Scott, Executive Director, San Diego Zoo

Our Community, Our Future Our monthly donors are a special group of allies known as Wildlife Heroes! Their recurring and ongoing support fuels critical conservation in San Diego and worldwide. To join our Wildlife Heroes, visit sdzwa.org/hero.

Our new identity as San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance gives us an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a conservation organization, and to be agents of change in our communities on a local and global scale. Our potential rests in all of you who believe in our mission to save species, who work side by side with us to make the world a better place for people and wildlife. We are all a part of a global movement, and no one exemplifies that devotion more than our members. With you as our allies, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance will step forward to meet the conservation needs of the future.

14 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

Virtual Visits

Even when you can’t come to the Zoo and the Safari Park in person, you can still stay in touch with some of your favorite animals.

On our websites, you’ll find 12 Animal Cams that display a live feed of polar bears, penguins, orangutans, elephants, tigers, giraffes, and more going about their business during the day!

Watch mealtime, playtime, nap time, and activity time to get your fill of amazing animals—any time you want to!

Visit sdzwa.org/cams

January

African Elephant Loxodonta africana One of the many detrimental effects of elephant poaching is that young calves are left orphaned.

We are supporting our partners at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Kenya in efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and rewild these young elephants.

Sunday

Monday

December 2020 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

S 7 14 21 28

Tuesday 28

February M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 15 16 17 17 18 20 22 23 24 25 26 27

3

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday 1

2

7

8

9

13

14

15

16

20

21

22

23

28

29

30

4

5

6

29

30

New Year’s Day

4

5

6

Last Quarter Moon T

10

11

12

New Moon 0

17

18

19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

24

First Quarter Moon G

25

26

27

Full Moon @

31

1

2

3

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

Polar Bear Ursus maritimus With climate change having serious effects on polar bear populations, we are joining conservation allies to determine how much habitat the bears need, how far they travel, how they communicate, and what is needed to support denning mothers.

February

Sunday

Monday 31

Tuesday

Wednesday 2

1

Thursday

3

Friday

Saturday 5

6

12

13

19

20

4

Rosa Parks Day Groundhog Day

7

8

Last Quarter Moon T

9

10

11

Lunar New Year Lincoln’s Birthday

New Moon 0

14

15

16

17

18

Presidents’ Day Valentine’s Day

Ash Wednesday

Washington’s Birthday

21

22

23

First Quarter Moon G

24

25

Love Your Pet Day

27

26 International Polar Bear Day

Purim begins

28

1

2

3

Full Moon @

4

January S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

March S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

sdzwa.org

Jaguar Panthera onca Finding ways for jaguars and people to share their habitat will be key to the cats’ survival. We are working on deterrent systems to keep the jaguars away from livestock, and education efforts so people can understand and value the cats.

March

Sunday

Monday

28

Tuesday

Wednesday 2

1

Thursday

3

Friday

Saturday 6

5

4

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance launches.

Visit sdzwa.org to Join the Alliance World Wildlife Day

Dr. Seuss Day

7

8

9

International Women’s Day

14

10

Isra and Mi’raj begins

15

16

17

11

12

13

New Moon 0

Maha Shivaratri

18

20

19

Spring Safari proudly supported

by Wheelhouse Credit Union begins, through May 9 (Park)

Daylight Saving Time begins

St. Patrick’s Day

21

22

23

Spring Equinox

24

25

27

26

Mission: Spring Adventure begins, through May 9 (Zoo)

First Quarter Moon G

World Water Day

28

Passover begins

29

31

30

National Science Day Palm Sunday Holi begins Full Moon @

Last Quarter Moon T

1

February S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

April S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Cesar Chavez Day

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

April

‘Alalā

Corvus hawaiiensis Our work in the Hawaiian Islands continues to make strides in helping to recover Hawaiian birds like the ‘Alalā.

Restoring the unique avian wildlife of the islands is also likely to assist with the recovery of Hawaiian forests.

Sunday

Monday

March S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

May S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Tuesday 30

Wednesday

Thursday

31

Friday 1

April Fools’ Day

Saturday 2

3

Good Friday

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Easter Sunday Last Quarter Moon T

Ramadan begins

New Moon 0

18

Yom Ha’atzmaut begins

19

20

21

World Penguin Day (Zoo)

26

Full Moon @

23

24

29

30

1

Earth Day

First Quarter Moon G

25

22

27

28

Arbor Day

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

May

Gorilla Gorilla gorilla Living in the dense equatorial forests of Central Africa, lowland gorillas can be hard to track and protect. We are collaborating with allies in the region to locate established troops, determine their habitat and food needs, and find ways to save them from the illegal wildlife trade.

Sunday

Monday

April S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

June S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

2

Tuesday

3

Last Quarter Moon T

9

17

Friday

Saturday

28

29

30

1

4

5

6

7

8 International Migratory Bird Day

Cinco de Mayo

11

12

13

14

Eid al-Fitr begins

New Moon 0

16

Thursday

27

Teacher Appreciation Day

10

Mission: Spring Adventure ends (Zoo) Spring Safari proudly supported by Wheelhouse Credit Union ends (Park) Mother’s Day

Wednesday

15

Armed Forces Day

18

19

20

21

22

28

29

Endangered Species Day First Quarter Moon G

23

24

26

25

Bike to Work Day

27

Summer Safari begins, through August 15 (Park)

Full Moon @ World Turtle Day

Total Lunar Eclipse

30

31

1

2

3

4

5

Memorial Day

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

June

Koala

Phascolarctos cinereus Our long-term collaboration with zoos and organizations in Australia continues to work on finding ways to protect and restore koalas in their woodland habitat. This is especially important now, given the damaging fires and droughts that are exacerbated by climate change.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

May S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

July S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Wednesday 1

Thursday

2

Friday

Saturday

R•I•T•Z: Rendezvous In The Zoo (Zoo) World Environment Day

Last Quarter Moon T

6

7

8

9

World Oceans Day

13

14

15

Father’s Day Summer Solstice

27

10

11

12

18

19

24

25

26

1

2

3

Nighttime Zoo begins, through September 6 (Zoo)

New Moon 0

16

17

First Quarter Moon G

Flag Day

20

5

4

3

21

22

23

World Giraffe Day (Zoo)

Full Moon @

28

29

30

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

Sumatran Tiger Panthera tigris sumatrae Asia’s tigers are among the most endangered animals on Earth, killed for their body parts and because they sometimes come into villages in search of food. We are allying with partners in the regions where tigers live to protect their habitat, and to share education with local communities.

July

Sunday

Monday

June S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

August S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Tuesday 29

Wednesday

Thursday

30

Friday 1

Saturday 2

3

9

10

16

17

Last Quarter Moon T

4

5

6

7

8

Independence Day

11

New Moon 0

12

13

14

15

First Quarter Moon G

World Snake Day

18

19

20

21

22

National Zookeeper Week begins

25

23

24

30

31

Full Moon @

26

27

29

28

Global Tiger Day (Park)

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

Last Quarter Moon T

sdzwa.org

August

Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia As an endangered population right in our own San Diego backyard, we are working with partners to determine where the best remaining habitat is for these owls, how they are affected by construction and noise levels, and what will help increase success in raising chicks.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

World Elephant Day (Park)

New Moon 0

15

16

17

18

Kenya Days (Park)

19

Kenya Days (Park)

20

21

27

28

Kenya Days (Park) Summer Safari ends (Park) First Quarter Moon G

World Orangutan Day

22

23

24

25

26

29

30

31

1

2

Full Moon @

July S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

September S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Last Quarter Moon T

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

Southern White Rhino Ceratotherium simum simum We are working with local community partners in Kenya to protect rhinos from poaching and wildlife trafficking, and at the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center here in San Diego, we are developing and applying the genetic science needed to save northern white rhinos from extinction.

September

Sunday

Monday

August S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

S 3 10 17 24 31

5

International Vulture Awareness Days (Park)

October M T W T F S 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30

13

14

20

Friday

2

Saturday 4

3

8

9

10

11

Patriots Day

15

16

17

21

18

Food, Wine & Brew Celebration (Zoo)

Yom Kippur begins

First Quarter Moon G

19

1

Thursday

International Vulture Awareness Days (Park)

7

6

Wednesday

31

Nighttime Zoo ends (Zoo) International Vulture Awareness Days (Park) Labor Day Rosh Hashanah begins New Moon 0

12

Grandparents Day

Tuesday

22

23

24

29

30

1

25

World Rhino Day Full Moon @

26

Fall Equinox

27

28

2

Last Quarter Moon T

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

October

Sumatran Orangutan Pongo abelii The forests that orangutans depend on for survival are rapidly disappearing, largely due to proliferation of palm oil plantations, putting these great apes in danger. Our experts work with partners in Asia to find ways to preserve habitat and protect orangutans from poachers, and we participate in the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil.

Sunday

Monday

September S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

November S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

3

Tuesday

Wednesday

28

29

Thursday 30

Saturday

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

1

5

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

6

7

11

12

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

8

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

New Moon 0

13

2

Kids Free begins, through October 31 (Zoo) Kids Free begins, through October 31 (Park)

4

10

Friday

14

9

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

15

16

Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Park) HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

17

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

24

18

First Quarter Moon G

19

Ellen Browning Scripps Day

20

26

27

28 Last Quarter Moon T

1

2

22

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

31

21

Full Moon @

25

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

3

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

29 HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

4

23

30 HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

5

6

HalGLOWeen (Zoo) Kids Free ends (Zoo) Kids Free ends (Park) Halloween

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

November

Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis We have an extensive and long-running collaboration with the Northern Rangelands Trust, a non-governmental conservation agency in northern Kenya, that supports and empowers community conservancies to protect Kenya’s iconic wildlife species, including the stately giraffes.

Sunday

Monday

31

Tuesday

Wednesday 2

1

Thursday

3

Friday

Saturday

4

5

6

11

12

13

19

20

26

27

Diwali Election Day

7

8

New Moon 0

One Health Day

9

10

Veterans Day

Daylight Saving Time ends

First Quarter Moon G

14

15

16

17

18

Full Moon @

21

22

23

24

25

Wild Holidays (Park) Thanksgiving Day

28

Wild Holidays (Park)

29

30

1

Wild Holidays (Park)

2

October S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Last Quarter Moon T

December S M T W T F 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 30 31

S 4 11 18 25

Hanukkah begins

Building a Better Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

African Penguin Spheniscus demersus Due to habitat loss, over-fishing, and coastal development, the population of African penguins has declined by 60 percent in less than 30 years. The black-and-white birds’ native range encompasses 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

December

Sunday

Monday

November S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

January 2022 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

5

Tuesday

Wednesday

30

Thursday

1

4

3

2

7

8

13

14

New Moon 0

Holiday Lounge (Zoo)

Total Solar Eclipse

Wild Holidays (Park)

9

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

12

Saturday

Holiday Lounge (Zoo)

6

Wild Holidays (Park)

Friday

15

10

11

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

First Quarter Moon G

Wild Holidays (Park)

16

18

17

Jungle Bells (Zoo) Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo) Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

19

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

20

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

21

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

22

Full Moon @

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

23

25

24

Jungle Bells (Zoo) Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Winter Solstice

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Holidays (Park)

26

27

30

29

28

Jungle Bells (Zoo) Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

31

1

Jungle Bells (Zoo) Wild Holidays (Park) Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Kwanzaa begins Last Quarter Moon T

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Holidays (Park)

New Year’s Eve

Building a Better

Future for Wildlife Together

sdzwa.org

VISUALIZE IT

Who’s Who: Small Cats

The cat family is large and varied, with all kinds of beautiful felines filling predatory niches in their habitats.

Taxonomically speaking, they are roughly divided into large cats—like lions, tigers, and leopards—and small cats, like those you see here. From their whiskers to their toe pads, small cats are a spectacular bunch!

Ocelot

Caracal

Leopardus pardalis

Caracal caracal FOUND

Africa, Middle East, Asia

North, Central, and South America

MARKINGS

MARKINGS

FOUND

Canada lynx

Serval

Leptailurus serval

Rosettes, spots, and stripes

SIZE

SIZE

Up to 3.5 feet long* 14–44 pounds

Up to 3.3 feet long* 15–34 pounds

FEATURES

FEATURES

Heavier body, longer legs, hair tufts on ears

Compact body, small ears, small rounded head

MARKINGS

Spots and some stripes SIZE

Up to 3 feet long* 15–30 pounds FEATURES

Slight body, long legs

* Body length, not including tail

40 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

Margay

Leopardus wiedii

FOUND

FOUND

North America

Central and South America

FOUND

Africa

Solid color except for face

Lynx canadensis

MARKINGS

Mottled, lighter in winter

MARKINGS

Rosettes, spots, and stripes

SIZE

Up to 3.5 feet long* 11–38 pounds

SIZE

Up to 2.6 feet long* 5–11 pounds

FEATURES

Heavier body, bobbed tail, ear hair tufts, long fur around face

FEATURES

Small and compact, long tail

Bobcat

Lynx rufus FOUND

North America MARKINGS

Spots and a little striping SIZE

Up to 3.4 feet long* 9–33 pounds

DID YOU KNOW?

FEATURES

One of the distinctions between large and small cats is that large cats can roar—their voice box is deep in their throat,

Heavier body, short tail

allowing them to make that deep, resounding call. Small cats can’t roar. But they have their own special characteristic: the vocal folds of their voice box twitch and vibrate with both in and out breaths—so they can purr, that continuous, soothing sound that humans love about small cats!

Pallas’s cat Otocolobus manul FOUND

Central Asia MARKINGS

Fishing cat Prionailurus viverrinus

Black-footed cat Felis nigripes

FOUND

FOUND

Southeast Asia

Southern Africa

European wild cat

Felis silvestris silvestris

Sand cat

Felis margarita

FOUND

FOUND

Europe

Africa and Asia

MARKINGS

MARKINGS

Stripes

Stripes

Mottled coloring and some striping

MARKINGS

MARKINGS

Spots and stripes

Spots and stripes

SIZE

SIZE

SIZE

SIZE

SIZE

Up to 2 feet long* 6–10 pounds

Up to 3.8 feet long* 11–35 pounds

Up to 1.7 feet long* 2–5 pounds

Up to 2 feet long* 5–16 pounds

Up to 1.7 feet long* 3–7 pounds

FEATURES

FEATURES

FEATURES

Heavier body, longer legs, large wedge-shaped head, small ears

Compact body, black feet, smallest cat in Africa

Compact body, looks like a domestic cat except usually a bit larger

FEATURES

Compact body, short legs, small “flattened” ears, long fur

FEATURES

Small body, larger head with large pointed ears, short legs

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 41

March & EVENTS

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Hours Because of circumstances due to COVID-19, hours and days of operation are subject to change.

Please check our website for the latest updates about starting and closing times and requirements for visiting.

San Diego Zoo March 1–12: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 13–26 and April 12–30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 27–31 and April 1–11: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Safari Park March 1–19: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

March 20–31 and April 1–30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SDZWA.org

619-231-1515

MARCH AND APRIL

Roar & Snore Safari

Campers of all ages can experience the Safari Park after hours and stay at the Roar & Snore campground during Roar & Snore Safari: Butterfly Jungle Access, offered March 20, 25, 26, 27; and April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, and 30.

Each guest will receive an enrichment feeding tool to attract the butterflies.

A single group photo per tent is included.

Adults Only, non-butterfly-themed Roar & Snore Safari programs are offered March 13 and April 17. Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P) MARCH 19

Butterfly Jungle Preview Dinner

Includes an exclusive viewing of the buttterflies in the Hidden Jungle followed by a delectable fourcourse dinner.

Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P) M A R C H 2 0 - M AY 9

Spring Safari proudly supported

by Wheelhouse Credit Union

What better way to kick off spring than spending time with family, creating new adventures, enjoying weekend entertainment, discovering amazing animals and gardens, and visiting our beautiful butterflies

at the Safari Park’s Hidden Jungle. (P) MARCH 20

Butterfly Jungle Breakfast

Start your day with an early viewing of the beautiful butterflies followed by a delicious breakfast in Mombasa Pavilion.

Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P) DA I LY M A R C H 27-APRIL 11; WE E KE N DS A P R I L 1 7 – M AY 9

Mission: Spring Adventure

Join us at the San Diego Zoo for a mission to explore the animal kingdom, a mission to learn about conservation, and a mission to enjoy some

42 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

well-earned family time! (Z) APRIL 14

Butterfly Jungle Breakfast Start your day with an early viewing of the beautiful butterflies followed

by a delicious breakfast in Mombasa Pavilion.

Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P) APRIL 17

Butterfly Jungle Dinner

Enjoy our amazing winged wonders in

April

Please note:

All programs and dates are subject to change.

O F F E R E D S E L E C T DAYS

Safari Cabanas

Up to six same-household members can relax in your private cabana and enjoy views of wide-open vistas with giraffes, rhinos, and other African wildlife. A dedicated host will be available throughout the day to assist you with lunch arrangements, share amazing conservation stories, and act as a resource in planning your special day at the Safari Park. Includes a brief exclusive visit with an animal ambassador accompanied by a wildlife care specialist. Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P) include Flamingos & Friends, and Baboons & Friends.

Book online or call 619-718-3000. (Z)

a variety of majestic wildlife in their savanna habitat—the only tour we currently offer that takes you

into the field in a safari truck to see the animals up close.

Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P)

OFFERED DA I LY

Busy Bee Oasis Lounge

the Hidden Jungle followed by a gourmet, four-course dinner. Book online or call 619-718-3000. (P) O F F E R E D DA I LY

Inside Look Tours Go on a two-hour adventure filled with experiences

and stories you can’t get anywhere else. Your private family or samehousehold group of up to six people will be escorted by a guide in a private cart outfitted with special screens for social distancing. New tours

Up to six samehousehold members can relax and unwind by reserving our new, exclusive lounge area on Front Street at the Zoo, furnished with umbrellas, lounge chairs, and high-top tables to enjoy lunch.

A family meal from the Busy Bee Café is included. Offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Book online or call 619-718-3000. (Z) O F F E R E D DA I LY

Wildlife Safari

This exclusive, private, one-hour tour takes your family or samehousehold group of up to six people on an adventure to see

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 43

Visit the San Diego Zoo Kids website to find out about these and other animals, plus videos, crafts, stories, games, and more! kids.sandiegozoo.org

A Safari on the Savanna For each blank space, ask a friend or family member to give you a word— an adjective or a noun or whatever the space calls for—and use it to fill in the space. When you get to the end, read the whole story aloud and see what kind of wild tale you come up with!

It was very early in the ____________ when we gathered at the truck for our African safari. We were NOUN

______________ as we took our seats and headed out along the _____________ dirt road. The _____________ ADJECTIVE

ADJECTIVE

NOUN

was just coming up, and the sky was ______________ and _____________. The first thing we saw was a COLOR

COLOR

warthog mother and her piglets _________________ across the road ahead of us. They all had their VERB ENDING IN -ING

_____________________ in the air and made a perfect line! We _______________ at how funny they were. Then ANIMAL BODY PART, PLURAL

VERB (PAST TENSE)

we came around a big clump of ________________, and nearby were three ______________ giraffes staring at PLURAL NOUN

ADJECTIVE

us. They were _________________ acacia leaves and just watched us go by. We _______________ about how VERB ENDING IN -ING

VERB (PAST TENSE)

well the giraffes blended into the trees. Then we were startled by a ____________ cracking sound down the SOUND

road. Our guide _______________ the truck and in a low voice said we should be ____________ . Our eyes VERB (PAST TENSE)

ADJECTIVE

widened as we saw a ___________ of elephants breaking the branches of small ______________ with their NOUN

PLURAL NOUN

trunks and ___________________ the leaves. It was an amazing sight! We moved on and saw a ______________ VERB ENDING IN -ING

ADJECTIVE

herd of gazelles ________________ the grasses in a large field. Their _______________________ popped up as VERB ENDING IN -ING

ANIMAL BODY PART, PLURAL

they heard us approach. But we stayed back so we wouldn’t ___________ them. As we started back toward VERB

the __________ , we heard what sounded like laughing. A hyena! She was ___________________ her den, NOUN

VERB ENDING IN -ING

where she probably had a __________. It was a ____________ way to end our safari!

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

44 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / MARCH/APRIL 2021

May I Have This Dance? East African gray crowned cranes Balearica regulorum gibbericeps are famous for the courtship display between male and female. The elegant dance consists of bobbing the head, diplaying and flapping the wings, and maneuvering in swooping, swinging circles around one another. Call it a bird ballet or an avian version of the 18th century allemande, it establishes a bond for these fancy-feathered cranes.

LAST LOOK

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 45

JOURNAL

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance P.O. Box 120551, San Diego, CA 92112

Give Them a Gift They’ll Love Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, anniversary, or special occasion, there’s no better gift to give than a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance membership. Not only will you create lifelong memories for your friends and family at the Zoo and Safari Park, your gift will support critical conservation efforts to save endangered species worldwide.

zoomember.org/gift