San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal November 2023

JOURNAL

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Diving into Oceans and Our 2024 Calendar Issue

travel with us and experience the wonder of wildlife.

2025 TRIPS NOW AVAILABLE Which Adventure Will You Choose?

Kenya Migration & Reteti Adventure Classic Galápagos Experience 2 DATES IN 2025!

Monarch Butterfly Migration Adventure Great Amazon River Expedition

Botswana Explorer Journey to Antarctica

Patagonia Wilderness & Wildlife Explorer

For details about these trips and all our Adventures, visit Adventures.sdzwa.org Photos provided by Natural Habitat Adventures

Southern Africa Odyssey Jaguars & Wildlife of Brazil’s Pantanal Madagascar Wildlife Adventure Grand India Wildlife Adventure

November/December 2023

Vol. 3 No. 6

Photos by: (Top) Tammy Spratt/SDZWA, (Middle, Bottom) Ken Bohn/SDZWA

Journey Through Our Conservation Work This issue of the San Diego Zoo

Wildlife Alliance Journal focuses on the Oceans hub. To learn more about our collaborative conservation programs around the world, including our wildlife care at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, visit sdzwa.org.

African Forest Gorilla

Oceans Polar Bear & Penguin

Amazonia

Savanna

Jaguar

Elephant & Rhino

Southwest

Asian Rainforest

Desert Tortoise & Burrowing Owl

Australian Forest

Pacific Islands

Tiger

Platypus & Koala

‘Alalā

4

Contents

2 President/CEO’s Letter 3 By the Numbers 4 Findings 6 Meet Our Team 8 Hot Topics 46 Events 48 Wildlife Explorers Page 49 Last Look

Cover Story 10

8

Penguin Care It takes a team—and some careful observation—to keep the San Diego Zoo’s colony of 25 black-and-white African penguins in the pink. Find out what a day in the life of a penguin wildlife care specialist is like.

Features 18

2024 Calendar

10 On the Cover: African penguin Spheniscus demersus. Photo by: Ken Bohn, SDZWA photographer

Every birth (or hatching) at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park represents hope for the future.

Our 2024 calendar offers 12 examples of what conservaton success looks like.

44

Visualize It “Making waves” can be a good thing. The way water moves around the globe may not be something you think about often, but ocean currents play a crucial role in the aquatic health of our planet.

LET TER FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JOURNAL

SENIOR EDITOR Peggy Scott STAFF WRITERS Elyan Shor, Ph.D. Alyssa Leicht Arwen Neski COPY EDITOR Eston Ellis DESIGNER Christine Yetman 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 social media.

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 2767-7680) (Vol. 3, No. 6) 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 92101-1646. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, California, USA, and at additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112-0271.

Copyright© 2023 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.

Paid subscriptions to San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Journal are available. Contact Membership Department for subscription information.

‘Akikiki

‘Alalā

Reflecting on Conservation and Hope for Our Future Our conservation journey has been filled with hope and discovery as we’ve collaborated with partners worldwide and innovated to support the world’s wildlife. This year has reminded us that together we can create transformative change that ripples across the globe and helps create a world where all life thrives. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park are at the heart of everything we do, and every day, we share our expertise in wildlife care and wildlife health, and connect our allies with life-changing moments. We are fortunate to have the support of our community and millions of allies like you, and we celebrate our accomplishments as we look forward to the possibilities for conservation in the year ahead.

Every journey has hills and valleys, and our heart continues to be with the people, wildlife, and vibrant ecosystems of Maui. In this unimaginable moment, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance team members found themselves on the front lines as wildfires arrived at the doorstep of our Maui Bird Conservation Center—and they heroically protected its vulnerable inhabitants. At this one-of-a-kind sanctuary, our team of conservationists care for some of the most delicate and critically endangered species on the planet, including the last remaining 'alalā on Earth. We’re beyond grateful that all team members and all the birds we are caring for there are safe. As we have for more than 30 years, we will support our partners as we seek sustainable conservation solutions for wildlife and ecosystems in this critical moment. Sharing the stories of our journey worldwide helps strengthen our Alliance. It reminds everyone of the vital role that leading zoos play in conservation, and their importance to the well-being of wildlife in our own communities.

Our hope for tomorrow begins with all of you today. With the support of millions of people in our own backyard and billions around the world, we can make a difference that will be felt for generations. When you find yourself looking for your next moment of inspiration, we hope you find yourself at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park to experience the immersive conservation experiences illuminating how connected we all are.

Now, let’s wrap up this year’s journey as we explore nature, our Oceans Conservation Hub, and all that’s happening at our two “front doors.” Your 2024 calendar is also included in this issue, featuring the wildlife newcomers at the Zoo and Safari Park.

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Onward,

Paul A. Baribault President and Chief Executive Officer

PHOTOS BY: KEN BOHN/SDZWA

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.

Palila

BY THE NUMBERS

Deep Thoughts

In the world’s oceans, marine plants, invertebrates, fish, birds, and mammals all rely on each other in a complex and remarkable environment. Covering approximately 71 percent of the Earth’s surface, oceans are home to between 50 and 80 percent of all life on the planet, but only about 15 percent of the world’s species. More than 80 percent of the world’s oceans have never been mapped, and there is still much we do not know about this vast and important SDZWA conservation hub.

2,000

PHOTOS BY: (TOP LEFT) NOAA OFFICE OF OCEAN EXPLORATION AND RESEARCH, (TOP RIGHT) IRINA PISLARI/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS, (BOTTOM) KEN BOHN/SDZWA

OFFICERS Javade Chaudhri, Chair Steven G. Tappan, Vice Chair Gary E. Knell, Vice Chair Steven S. Simpson, Treasurer Richard B. Gulley, Secretary TRUSTEES Rolf Benirschke Kathleen Cain Carrithers E. Jane Finley Clifford W. Hague Linda J. Lowenstine, DVM, Ph.D. Bryan B. Min ‘Aulani Wilhelm

The average number of new marine species discovered and described by scientists each year.

<20%

Less than 20 percent of the oceans have been mapped.

12K+

2023 Board of Trustees

TRUSTEES EMERITI Berit N. Durler Thompson Fetter Robert B. Horsman John M. Thornton

Executive Team Paul A. Baribault

President and Chief Executive Officer

The estimated average depth of the world’s ocean basins is 12,080 feet.

Shawn Dixon

Chief Operating Officer

David Franco Chief Financial Officer

Erika Kohler Executive Director, San Diego Zoo

97%

Scientists estimate that 97 percent of the water on Earth is in the world’s oceans.

Lisa Peterson Executive Director, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

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

Wendy Bulger

General Counsel

David Gillig

Chief Philanthropy Officer

450+

Aida Rosa

Chief Human Resources Officer

David Miller Chief Marketing Officer

More than 450 species of shark live in the world’s oceans.

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 3

FINDINGS

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) protects and restores nature in eight conservation hubs on six continents.

Below are recent discoveries and progress reports from around the world.

At the Wildlife Conservation Laboratory at Los Amigos Biological Station in Peru— operated by our partners at Conservación Amazónica (ACCA)—SDZWA and our partner Peruvian scientists recently sequenced the genomes of three Andean bears. Whole genome sequencing is critical to the development of advanced genotyping tools. Our team and partners will apply these tools for monitoring bears in the field, and the genomic data and tools will also be made freely available for use by researchers and communities in Peru and around the world. Our objective is to provide local scientists with tools to determine bears’ identity, sex, and geographical origin. This information will crucially support conservation action for this threatened bear across its range.

Studying Effects of DDT

In collaboration with San Diego State University’s School of Public Health and other partners, SDZWA recently received one of four California Sea Grant awards to address the role of deep ocean DDT contamination in Southern California. Hundreds of thousands of barrels of DDT were historically dumped in the waters off the coast of Southern California, and although DDT and related contaminants persist in the water today, scientists do not yet have a full understanding of their distribution and health effects. Our project will help fill in these data gaps by identifying which chemicals are present in marine animals, and the biological effects of these chemicals on wildlife and people.

Owl Rescue

Our Burrowing Owl Recovery Program team rescued three juvenile burrowing owls from two nests in Otay Mesa.

Following the disappearance of one of the parents, the remaining adult was unable to adequately care for the chicks.

We consulted with partners at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and together determined that headstarting would offer the best opportunity for survival. The three chicks were transferred to the Safari Park’s Bird Conservation Center for overwintering, and they will be reintroduced in early 2024 to help augment existing breeding nodes in San Diego County.

Working Toward Coexistence

SDZWA initiated a pilot project on human-elephant coexistence with Naibunga Lower Conservancy, a Northern Rangelands Trust community conservancy in Kenya. The project involves co-producing maps with community members to understand patterns of conflict and identify priority zones for mitigation techniques. Examples of conflict in pastoralist communities include damages to water infrastructure (such as tanks and pumps) and concerns around community member safety while walking to school or during livestock grazing. Our purpose is to integrate community knowledge into strategies that both address people’s well-being and reduce direct threats to elephants. The next steps will be to rank the highest-priority conflicts so that we can begin to trial mitigation strategies.

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PHOTOS BY: (TOP) TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA, (MIDDLE LEFT) KEN BOHN/SDZWA, (MIDDLE RIGHT) SDZWA, (BOTTOM) FRANCIS OMONDI

Andean Bear Genomics

© 2023 glacéau. “smartwater” is a registered trademark of glacéau.

Sip, Snack, Save Species Stay fueled up by enjoying a delicious treat at one of our specialty snack stands on your next visit. The San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park thank our partners for their continued support!

MEET OUR TEAM

Q

Q

Q

Q

How does wildlife nutrition differ from nutrition in people?

There are many parallels: wildlife nutrition goals for any individual are good health, well-being, reproductive success, and a long life.

Where it diverges from people is that we (people) are one species.

To serve an incredibly wide variety of wildlife species, we must be multidisciplinary, considering ecology, behavior, morphology, physiology, life history, and evolutionary biology in nutrition strategies.

What is the most unusual aspect of your job?

Having to be so multidisciplinary means this job isn’t for everyone; I describe my knowledge as a mile wide and an inch deep. All SDZWA wildlife are cared for by the Wildlife Nutrition team— that’s about 15,000 animals that need to eat, every day—so, a practical mindset is essential. The “best” diet has zero value if wildlife won’t eat it. You must consider food form, preferences, behavioral and social components, etc., to ensure the diet is consumed, and species-specific needs are supported.

Applying nondestructive food analysis methods developed for agriculture to wildlife nutrition could revolutionize how we approach caring for herbivorous species, especially those that eat “browse” or leafy plant material. Using portable near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) for nutritional analysis could help us create nutrient profiles of preferred foods according to location, stage of growth, and seasonal variation—without destroying the plant, like traditional methods do. Insight into the nutritional value of plants as they grow, coupled with observations of wildlife consuming those plants, could refine our understanding of species requirements, allowing for more tailored dietary plans.

Andrea Fidgett, Ph.D. As SDZWA’s director of Wildlife Nutrition, Andrea leads a team of specialists who plan, procure, store, prepare, and offer specialized diets for all wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, ensuring that each individual receives the nutrition they need to thrive.

What are the biggest challenges you face in your field, and how do you work to overcome them?

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Q

What advice would you give to young people with similar career aspirations?

Be curious—I didn’t know I was interested in this discipline until I was asked to study the diet of a rare parrot and realized how little we knew, and the contribution my small project could make to its care. Be collaborative— my entire professional career is a series of wonderful, often serendipitous collaborations, creating this amazing network of knowledge I can call upon when a species’ diet has me stumped! And have fun— your best learning happens when you enjoy what you do and are in the flow.

PHOTO BY: TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA

The scarcity of data is significant—and because wildlife nutrition spans many scientific fields, it’s necessary to think creatively about who might have studied a particular aspect of nutritional care, or how information for a comparable species could be extrapolated. Also, supply chain disruptions are presenting logistical challenges more frequently, requiring exploration of how we can diversify the options available.

How do you see wildlife nutrition evolving in the future?

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

DECEMBER 9, 2023 THROUGH JANUARY 1, 2024 MEMBER PREVIEW DECEMBER 8!

The magic and the spirit of the holiday season return! The Zoo lights up the night with amazing entertainment featuring the spectacular show, Aurora. Bring the family, and enjoy some tasty treats and the warmth of the holidays.

Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells for exact dates and times.

Aurora Dining Package Enjoy a delicious pre-show dinner at Albert’s Restaurant and a reserved, priority viewing area to watch the magic of Aurora. $85 per adult, $40 per child ages 3 to 11; nonmembers add Zoo admission.

Call 619-718-3000, or book online.

HOT TOPICS

Fully Connected

Experiencing Nature Mindfully for the Long-term Sustainability of Our Planet

N

o matter how big or small, our actions have ripple effects on the world around us. The daily actions we take—how we eat, travel, work, and play—collectively add up to impact our ecosystems—for better or worse. To help create a world where all life truly thrives, becoming mindful about how we experience nature and the possible long-term effects our actions have on our planet is essential. When we do this, we can make a

world of difference together.

To start, reflect on how you experience nature. We can each make a big difference when we gain greater awareness and mindfulness of our choices.

As alluring as it may seem to explore uncharted areas, sticking to established trails, walkways, and waterways helps protect people and wildlife alike. Hiking off trails and pathways can harm native vegetation and lead to erosion. Over time, trampling can decrease plant cover—build-

8 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

ing a domino effect that results in biodiversity loss. In the water, anchoring boats or swimming too close to coral reefs can damage or even destroy them. Stay mindful not to touch or accidentally kick corals you see in the ocean. And whether hiking or boating, keep food to yourself. Feeding wildlife can create an association between food and people, drawing wildlife (including those that spread disease) too close to people and vehicles—a hazardous scenario for all.

PHOTOS BY: (LEFT, TOP RIGHT) TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA, (BOTTOM RIGHT) KEN BOHN/SDZWA

SDZWA Staff Writer Alyssa Leicht charts a course for experiencing nature in ways that support a bright future for all living things—for generations to come.

people to take photos while holding or petting wildlife may have unethical practices behind them. Wildlife may have been obtained illegally, be kept in poor conditions, and have unnatural and unrealistic living conditions. While there are many wildlife tourist experiences with ethical practices, it’s best to ask questions before participating. When in doubt, stick with experiences offered by Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities that meet the highest standards for wildlife care and welfare.

The good news is, when it comes to quantifying our experiences with nature, more is better! A 2021 international health

study found that increased time spent in nature is associated with greater perceived value for and connection to nature and, subsequently, greater pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. That means the more we get outside and experience nature, the more we’ll feel connected to and invested in the health of our planet. So, get out there and experience the incredible diversity of wildlife our world has to offer!

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 9

PHOTO BY: TAMMY SPRATT/SDZWA

When creating memories with wildlife, it’s possible to get too close. Remember the bigger picture when taking photographs in nature—we are each one part of a greater ecosystem. Especially when attempting to take selfies near wildlife in their native habitats, remember that you are a guest in their space. While it may seem tempting to inch a little closer for the perfect shot, you’re responsible for your safety and for the safety of wildlife around you. If you are close enough to take a selfie with wildlife in their native habitat, you are too close. Instead, maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens.

Some tourist attractions that allow

We can each make a big difference when we gain greater awareness and mindfulness of our choices.

PENGUIN CARE A Day in the Life with the Colony

BY DEBBIE DENTON | PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN

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ho doesn’t love a penguin? They’re cute and curious, and their antics can keep Zoo guests interested and engaged for hours. Penguins are colonial birds, meaning that they seek safety in a crowd, so that’s why you’ll see large numbers of them living or swimming together. Even though the 25 African penguins at the San Diego Zoo’s Dan and Vi McKinney Penguin Habitat at Africa Rocks usually gather in a big group, they each possess distinct personalities, and we treat them as individuals. A big part of our wildlife care specialists’ daily responsibilities is ensuring that each penguin stays healthy—and to do this, we must be familiar with what normal behavior is for each bird in the colony.

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 11

An early start: (Above) Each morning, team members like senior wildlife care specialist and article author Debbie Denton offer our penguins fish supplemented with vitamins and keep track of the appetites for all the birds in the colony. Opposite page, from top: Swimming in their pool helps keep our penguins in shape; Debbie Denton tests a prototype shoe on Lucas, a penguin being treated for bumblefoot.

Food for Thought

Penguins are predators (they hunt fish), but they are also prey. They will mask illness, acting as if nothing is wrong when they are sick, to avoid becoming an easy meal themselves. This makes our job challenging, because a healthy-looking bird could actually be ailing. Subtle changes in behavior and appetite can indicate they need medical attention.

Each day, we start with a walkthrough of the penguins’ habitat, noting where each bird is resting and where they might have spent the night. Are they with their mate, or are they with a new member of the flock? Are they alone and away from the group? How do the penguins respond to wildlife care specialists’ presence? Each of these questions is important for us to consider; and what is normal for one penguin can be something that is abnormal

for another.

The most important part of the day for wildlife care specialists is feeding time.

Hand-feeding our flock gives us a chance to evaluate each of our penguins up close, and gives us the opportunity to check the brightness of their eyes, the pinkness of their dermal patches, and the condition of their feathers. We can see the inside of their mouth when they reach for a fish, and observe their gait as they walk toward the bucket. We’ll evaluate their appetites, and how eager they are for food. We count every fish that each bird is offered, so we can determine the appetite and feeding routine for each penguin. Appetites will fluctuate with the seasons. Hungry birds preparing for molt will eat just about anything offered to them, but if there’s a very hungry bird who isn’t putting on weight, something may be wrong.

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Along with our morning observations of physical activity and food drive, we’ll note whether an animal is acting normally, or if something is different and a vet exam might be necesssary. But what do we see that could tell us a penguin is not at their best? And what could possibly be bothering them?

An Abundance of Caution

People in North America don’t normally think much about malaria, but as penguin care specialists, it’s something we consider every day. Avian malaria can be transmitted through a mosquito bite, and although humans can’t contract this particular type of malaria, it can be serious for penguins, which are highly susceptible.

We do our best to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed, and surround the habitat with insect-repelling plants. We

DID YOU KNOW? Male African penguins are larger than females, with larger beaks.

administer medication to the colony every other day to prevent them from contracting malaria, but it’s not 100-percent foolproof— we’ll still get cases in our penguins. Some cases are acute—it can be fatal within 24 hours of being bitten—so, if we believe that one of our penguins isn’t feeling well, we’ll get a blood sample to screen for the parasite. We’re very successful at treating our malaria cases to a full recovery with medications, fluid therapy, and TLC—but the parasite can stay in their system for years, and something as stressful as a molt can activate the parasite again, even if the bird hasn’t recently been bitten.

Steps to Prevent Bumblefoot

Penguins spend most of their life at sea, so their bodies aren’t built to stand for long periods of time. We do all we can to encourage our birds to swim, but we know they will be standing more than they would in their native ranges. We offer engaging

opportunities for active swimming and diving, but penguins also choose to stand on the beach. Our cobble beach was a conscious decision in the habitat; its irregular surface distributes weight across their feet every time they take a step, and this is vital to their overall health. Standing on a flat surface for extended periods of time can cause pressure sores to form on their footpads and toes: a condition called “bumblefoot.” Bumblefoot is a common problem across penguin populations, and can be treated in a variety of ways. Foot cream, pain medication, laser therapy, and even custom-made shoes have helped alleviate the discomfort associated with the condition.

Alleviating Aspergillosis, and Preventative Care

If we hear one of our penguins coughing or sneezing, we know it’s not a common cold like we might get. It could be an indication of a fungal respiratory infection called

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 13

aspergillosis. This spore is abundant in the environment and is usually noninvasive.

We do our best to ensure each of our birds stays healthy throughout the year. Each spring, we gather the entire colony to be checked by our veterinarians. They administer a vaccine booster to everyone to prevent West Nile virus, another mosquitoborne illness. We check their weights and collect a small blood sample from their foot to screen for avian malaria.

Ten pre-selected birds will be transported to the hospital for a preventative medical exam, or PME. This detailed exam includes a CT scan. We can evaluate any changes to their bones or overall skeleton. The veterinarians will also take a close look at the condition of their eyes, to detect any abnormalities or the beginning of cataracts; and will test flexibility in their joints to see if they still have the full range of motion. Finally, we take a picture of the bottoms of both feet, to see if there has been any change to their footpads. With a clean bill of health, the birds will pass their physical and will get their next PME again in three years.

Just as you provide daily care to keep your family healthy, we are taking the necessary steps each day to keep our active colony of penguins healthy, too!

Debbie Denton is a senior wildlife care specialist at the San Diego Zoo.

Bill of health: Our penguins’ regular checkups ensure they are the (black-and-white) picture of health.

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HOPE & INSPIRATION Stories of Resilience and Love for Wildlife

PHOTO BY: KEN BOHN/SDZWA

Sloth superstar: Author Georgeanne Irvine, who has written about countless wildlife subjects during her 45 years with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, hangs out with superstar wildlife ambassador Tornero the two-toed sloth.

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T

Give Hope This Holiday Season

T FRONT

Your purchases support our conservation efforts around the world

SHIR

ake a journey with a tiger cub rescued from wildlife traffickers. Get to know a baby tapir who overcame a rocky start to life, and meet a remarkable baby monkey raised by his grandma. While fictional creatures often inhabit children’s literature, the contemporary tales of author Georgeanne Irvine’s Hope & Inspiration book collection present something different: amazing, true stories about wildlife at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Published by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Press, the collection shares unforgettable tales of animals who overcame major challenges— showing young readers how they, too, can overcome challenges in their own lives, and thrive. These books reveal the power of perseverance, compassion, and believing in yourself.

The collection has garnered a Silver and four Gold Benjamin Franklin Awards for Best Non-fiction Children’s Books from the Independent Book Publishers Association, and Best Children’s Book Collection honors from the National Parenting Product Awards. However, some of the most memorable tributes are messages Georgeanne has received from parents and teachers of young readers. One told of a courageous boy from Fort Worth, Texas, who found comfort reading Karen’s Heart: The True Story of a Brave Baby Orangutan— about an orangutan who underwent history-making open-heart surgery—while recovering from his own heart surgery. And another described how at Bourne Primary School in Eastbourne, England, students learned about the power of resilience by reading Fabulous Floyd, the True Story of a Flamingo Who Never Gave Up—the tale of a bird who overcame many obstacles in his life, including an unprecedented series of operations to straighten his crooked legs.

Give a young reader a gift of inspiration while fostering a love for wildlife. The Hope & Inspiration book collection is available for purchase at ShopZoo.com.

JUST PUBLISHED Amazing Omeo: A Baby Koala’s True Story of Survival is now available!

Shop now at ShopZoo.com Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive weekly emails with special offers and new arrivals!

Hope for Tomorrow Is

Growing Today

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE 2024 CALENDAR

F

BY PEGGY SCOTT | PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN

uzzy little faces with bright eyes.

Gangly legs and adorably oversized feet. Downy feathers and tiny wings.

Sleek skin and iridescent color. The appeal of baby animals is undeniable.

But the arrival of every new bundle— furry, plumed, scaly, or otherwise—is also a living, breathing beacon of hope for the future of all species. For some, the addition helps keep its numbers steady. For endangered species, however, each newcomer represents a brighter tomorrow, as there are often so few individuals left in the native range.

From cubs and foals to chicks and hatchlings, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance celebrates all young wildlife wonders, including some you’ll meet on the pages of our 2024 calendar. Despite early complications, Kaja the Sumatran orangutan infant overcame issues and—with help from wildlife care specialists—has bonded with his mother and his primate family at the San Diego Zoo. Also at the Zoo, the world’s Amur leopard population got a wonderful boost—two, actually—when mother Satka gave birth to twins. Another precious pair— Andean bear cubs—were born to Alba, whose maternal habits provide clues as to how this notably secretive species cares for its young in its South

American native range. In the Zoo’s Asian Passage, Adira had guests seeing red (in a good way) for the first time in almost two decades: the red panda gave birth to a cub!

The Safari Park experienced a baby boom of its own, welcoming births such as that of Msituni the giraffe calf, who didn’t let a bone issue slow her down. With the guidance of our veterinary and wildlife care teams—and the temporary help of orthotic leg braces—Msituni was up and running with the herd in no time. There was some “kidding” around the Safari Park’s African Plains with the addition of a baby Nubian ibex; and the birth of Neville, a southern white rhino calf at the Nikita Kahn Rhino Rescue Center, brought us one step closer to saving the northern white rhino. Neville has much in common with another arrival at the Safari Park, Ollie the Przewalski’s horse colt. They represent some of the most recent progress being made by our Wildlife Biodiversity Bank and assisted reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination and in vitro fertilization.

Babies of all kinds are a promise for the future, and our 2024 calendar is a good place to start planning a good one. Here’s to starting tomorrow— and next year—by engaging with wildlife today.

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January

Rose Parade

Wild Holidays ends (Park)

22

29

28

15

8

21

14

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

New Year’s Day

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

7

1

Jungle Bells ends (Zoo)

February S M T W T F S 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

December S M T W T F S 26 27 28 29 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6

31

Monday

Sunday

30

23

16

9

3

31

24

First Quarter Moon G

17

10

Last Quarter Moon T

Wild Holidays (Park)

2

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

27

Wednesday

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

26

Tuesday

Full Moon @

New Moon 0

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

1

25

18

11

4

28

Thursday

Plant Day (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Friday

Koala joeys spend their first six months in their mother’s pouch. When they grow too large, they climb onto her back to travel from place to place.

2

26

19

12

5

29 Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

3

27

20

13

6

30

Saturday

sdzwa.org

February

Rosa Parks Day

19

26

4

3

Washington’s Birthday

Presidents’ Day

Lincoln’s Birthday

12

5

25

18

11

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

March S M T W T F S 25 26 27 28 29 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 1 2 3 4 5 6

January S M T W T F S 31 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 1 1 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4

Monday

Sunday

International Polar Bear Day

Love Your Pet Day

5

27

20

13

6

30

Tuesday

Valentine’s Day

6

28

21

14

7

31

Wednesday

Seniors Free Month (Park)

7

29

22

15

8

1

Thursday 2

16

8

1

23

First Quarter Moon G

Plant Day (Zoo)

New Moon 0

9

Last Quarter Moon T

Groundhog Day

Friday

At birth, red panda cubs aren’t red—their fur is buff and gray. They develop their characteristic hue at about three months of age.

Full Moon @

Lunar New Year

9

2

24

17

10

3

Saturday

sdzwa.org

March

Easter Sunday

Palm Sunday

St. Patrick’s Day

Plant Day (Zoo)

Daylight Saving Time begins

31

24

17

Full Moon @

1

25

18 Spring Equinox

2

26

19

3

27

20

4

28

21

14

7

Plant Day (Zoo)

International Women’s Day

Friday

Good Friday

World Water Day

5

29

22

15

8

1 Dr. Seuss Day

16

9

2

Saturday

Purim

6

30

23

First Quarter Moon G

13

6

29

Thursday

New Moon 0

12

5

28

Wednesday

Spring Safari featuring Butterfly Jungle begins, through May 12 (Park)

11

4

27

Tuesday

sdzwa.org

Ramadan begins

10

Last Quarter Moon T

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

April S M T W T F S 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

February S M T W T F S 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

3

Monday

Sunday

Reaching reproductive maturity at three to four months of age, female Fiji iguanas typically lay a clutch of about five eggs, which incubate for seven to nine months.

April

1

29

6

5

22

28

Earth Day

Early Member Hours (Park)

8

15

First Quarter Moon G

New Moon 0

Last Quarter Moon T

April Fools’ Day

Spring Safari feat.

Butterfly Jungle, continues through May 12 (Park)

Passover begins

21

14

7

31

Monday

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

Wild Weekend (Zoo)

Sunday

Full Moon @

Eid al-Fitr begins

9

2

7

30

23

16

Tuesday

8

1

24

17

10

3

Wednesday

World Penguin Day

4

9

2

25

18

11

Thursday 5

3

26

19

12

March S M T W T F S 25 26 27 28 29 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 1 2 3 4 5 6

Arbor Day

Plant Day (Zoo)

Friday

The only bear species found in South America, Andean (or spectacled) bear cubs stay with their mother for a year or more.

4

27

May S M T W T F S 28 29 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Wild Weekend (Zoo)

20

Nativescapes Garden Tour (Park)

13

6

Saturday

sdzwa.org

May

Mother’s Day

2

3

27

26

Memorial Day

20

19

Spring Safari feat. Butterfly Jungle ends (Park)

13

6

5

12

29

Monday

28

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

Cinco de Mayo

Epiphyllum Show and Sale (Park)

Sunday

New Moon 0

4

28

21

14

7

30

Tuesday

8

5

29

22

First Quarter Moon G

15

Member Appreciation Event (Park)

Last Quarter Moon T

Spring Safari feat.

Butterfly Jungle, continues through May 12 (Park)

1

Wednesday

6

30

23

Last Quarter Moon T

World Turtle Day

Full Moon @

9

2

16

Thursday

17

10

3

April S M T W T F S 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

31

Nighttime Zoo begins, through September 2 (Zoo)

24

Plant Day (Zoo) Endangered Species Day Bike to Work Day

Friday

Female bat-eared foxes (or vixens) give birth to up to five kits, which are about the size of a domestic kitten. Both mother and father fox care for the litter.

1

25

18

11

June S M T W T F S 26 27 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6

Armed Forces Day

World Migratory Bird Day

Epiphyllum Show and Sale (Park)

4

Saturday

sdzwa.org

June

24

1

23

30

2

3

26

Summer Solstice

4

27

20 Plant Day (Zoo)

Flag Day

Friday

5

28

21

14

7

31

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

25

13 First Quarter Moon G

New Moon 0

6

30

Thursday

World Giraffe Day Juneteenth

19

12

World Environment Day

5

29

Wednesday

Eid al-Adha begins

18

11

4

28

Tuesday

Father’s Day

16

Early Member Hours (Park)

17

10

9

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

3

July S M T W T F S 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

May S M T W T F S 28 29 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

2

Monday

Sunday

Male jacanas do most of the nest building for upcoming offspring. After the female has laid a clutch of four eggs, the male takes over the parenting responsibilities.

15

6

29

22

R•I•T•Z: Rendezvous In The Zoo (Zoo)

World Oceans Day

8

Nighttime Zoo continues, through September 2 (Zoo)

1

Saturday

sdzwa.org

July

4

Early Member Hours (Park)

Global Tiger Day

22

21

5

29

15

14

28

8

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

Full Moon @

1

Nighttime Zoo continues, through September 2 (Zoo)

Monday

7

30

Sunday

World Snake Day

9

2

6

30

23

16

Tuesday

7

31

24

17

10

3

Wednesday

Independence Day

4

8

1

25

18

11

Thursday 5

2

26

19

12

June S M T W T F S 26 27 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6

Plant Day (Zoo)

New Moon 0

Friday

Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the aardvark is a unique species of mammal.

The name aardvark is derived from Afrikaans, and is literally translated to mean “earth pig.” Their strong front legs and long claws are adapted for digging burrows.

August S M T W T F S 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

3

Last Quarter Moon T

27

20

First Quarter Moon G

13

6

Saturday

sdzwa.org

August

11

Wild Weekend (Park)

1

25

18

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

New Moon 0

5

2

26

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

19

First Quarter Moon G

12

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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

July S M T W T F S 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4

Monday

Sunday

3

27

20

13

6

30

Tuesday

4

28

21

14

7

31

Wednesday

5

29

22

15

8

Nighttime Zoo continues, through September 2 (Zoo)

1

Thursday

Plant Day (Zoo)

Friday

Measuring about six feet tall at birth, giraffe calves grow one inch each day during their first week, and double their height in their first year.

6

30

23

16

9

2

17

7

31

24

Wild Weekend (Park)

10

3

Saturday

sdzwa.org

September

8

1

Fall Equinox

Wild Weekend (Zoo)

Plant Day (Zoo)

Grandparents’ Day

2

7

6

23

16

9

30

New Moon 0

Labor Day

Nighttime Zoo ends (Zoo)

Monday

29

22

15

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

Sunday

Last Quarter Moon T

8

1

24

17

First Quarter Moon G

Full Moon @

3

10

Tuesday

9

2

25

18

Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

11

4

Wednesday 5

10

3

26

19

12

Thursday 6

4

27

20

13

August S M T W T F S 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Plant Day (Zoo)

Friday

Following a gestation of up to 16 months, newborn southern white rhino calves are soon able to stand on their own feet and start to nurse 2 to 3 hours after birth.

5

28

October S M T W T F S 29 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Wild Weekend (Zoo)

Food, Wine, and Brew Celebration (Zoo)

21

14

7

Saturday

sdzwa.org

October

Autumn Festival (Park)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

3

27

4

28

5

29

6

30

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

Halloween

7

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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

1

25

Ellen Browning Scripps Day

Plant Day (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

18

26

Autumn Festival (Park)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

19

November S M T W T F S 27 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

2

Autumn Festival (Park)

24 Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

17

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

23

16

Autumn Festival (Park)

22

15

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

21

Wild Weekend (Park)

20

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Autumn Festival (Park)

14

Indigenous Peoples’ Celebration (Park)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

13

Wild Weekend (Park)

Autumn Festival (Park)

12 Yom Kippur begins

11

Autumn Festival (Park)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

5

HalGLOWeen (Zoo) First Quarter Moon G

10

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

4

Saturday

Early Member Hours (Park)

9

3

Friday

Autumn Festival (Park)

8

New Moon 0

2

Thursday

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

7

6

Rosh Hashanah begins

Kids Free Month (Park)

1

Wednesday

Kids Free Month (Zoo)

Tuesday

sdzwa.org

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

30

Monday

29

Sunday

The world’s rarest leopard, Amur leopard cubs weigh less than two pounds at birth. By the time they’re a few weeks old, they’re already eating meat, but still stay with their mother until age two.

November

18

25

2

24

1

Veterans Day

11

4

17

10

Daylight Saving Time ends

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

3

December 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

October S M T W T F S 29 30 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Wild Weekend (Zoo)

Monday

Sunday

Election Day

3

26

19

12

5

29

Tuesday

4

27

20

13

6

30

Wednesday

Thanksgiving Day

5

28

21

14

7

31

Thursday

22

Wild Holidays (Park)

6

29

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

Plant Day (Zoo)

8

1

15

First Quarter Moon G

New Moon 0

Friday

Female orangutans usually give birth to their first infant at age 12 to 15. For its first few weeks of life, the baby holds tight to its mother’s belly as she moves around. Later, it rides “piggyback.”

New Moon 0

Wild Holidays (Park)

Wild Weekend (Zoo)

7

30

23

16

9

2

Saturday

sdzwa.org

December

8

1

Wild Holidays ends (Park)

Jungle Bells ends (Zoo)

New Moon 0

Wild Holidays (Park)

5

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

29

6

30 New Year’s Eve

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

7

31

Wild Holidays (Park)

Last Quarter Moon T

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Hanukkah begins

Christmas Day Christmas Eve

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

24

Wild Holidays (Park)

23

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Full Moon @

22

17

10

8

1

25

18

11

4

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

5

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Kwanzaa begins

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

9

2

26

19

12

Thursday

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Friday

November S M T W T F S 27 28 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Plant Day (Zoo)

3

27

20

13

6

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Wild Holidays (Park)

4

28

January S M T W T F S 29 30 31 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 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Winter Solstice

21

14

7

Saturday

Wild Holidays (Park)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Giving Tuesday

3

Wednesday

Wild Holidays (Park)

16

9

2

Tuesday

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

Monday

sdzwa.org

Jungle Bells (Zoo)

15

First Quarter Moon G

Wild Holidays (Park)

Early Member Hours (Park)

Early Member Hours (Zoo)

Wild Holidays (Park)

Sunday

Przewalski’s horse foals are born after an 11-month gestation period, and are up and moving with the herd about 30 minutes after birth. By one week of age, they can eat grass and start practicing their kicking skills.

SURFACE CURRENTS Think of surface currents as nature’s climate control system. Driven by wind, they’re constantly moving the top 10 percent of ocean water around, helping to keep our global climate in check.

You can help by using fewer plastic bags and bottles, recycling plastic packaging, and participating in beach cleanups.

TINY TROUBLE: MICROPLASTICS Plastic particles, many of them smaller than a sesame seed, are causing major problems in our oceans. Each year, millions of tons of plastic trash enter the ocean, are broken down, and are dispersed widely by currents. Marine wildlife consume these toxic plastics, mistaking them for food, which can injure or kill them.

Illustration by Amy Blandford

Have you ever wondered how the oceans move? It’s all due to currents. The way water moves around the globe may not be something you think about often, but ocean currents play a crucial role in the aquatic health of our planet. They affect climate, ecosystems, and marine life. These currents are like rivers in the sea, moved by wind, tides, differences in water temperature and density, and even the spinning of the Earth.

The Impact of Ocean Currents

The Ocean’s Dance

VISUALIZE IT

STRATIFICATION Just as cakes have layers, the ocean does too. Currents separate ocean water into horizontal layers based on density, in a process called stratification. Cold, nutrient-rich water moves to the surface mix layer through upwelling, and warm surface water moves downward to take its place through downwelling. But while currents naturally help create smoother transitions between these layers, climate change has increased ocean stratification, impacting marine life by making it harder for nutrients to reach the surface and for oxygen to reach deeper water. These changes in nutrient and oxygen distribution threaten wildlife by disrupting the balance of both the food web and ocean habitats.

Differences in water density propel this movement thousands of meters below the ocean’s surface—as colder, saltier water near the poles sinks, surface water flows in to replace it, beginning its 1,000-year journey around the globe.

thermo = temperature haline = salinity

DEEP CURRENTS Deep currents are like the unseen engines of the ocean, driving 90 percent of its water in a dance known as thermohaline circulation.

November EVENTS

November and December Hours

SAN DIEGO ZOO

San Diego Zoo*

Tour at 11 a.m., and check out the Carnivorous Plant Greenhouse from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A variety of plants grown by Horticulture staff will be available at the Plant Sale, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Orchid Greenhouse entrance. (Z)

O F F E R E D DA I LY Wildlife Wonders At the Zoo’s Wegeforth Bowl amphitheater, wildlife care specialists will introduce you to wildlife ambassadors representing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s conservation work around the world in Wildlife Wonders, presented daily at 2 p.m. Learn about amazing wildlife—from the Amazon to right here in our own backyard in San Diego—and find out what everyone can do to help conserve wildlife and the world we all share. Presentation runs 15 to 20 minutes. (Z)

9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Extended Hours During Jungle Bells

9 a.m.–8 p.m.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park* 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Extended Hours During Wild Holidays

9 a.m.–8 p.m.

S E L E C T DAT E S I N D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 A N D J A N U A RY 1 , 2 0 2 4

Jungle Bells sdzwa.org

619-231-1515

Proudly Supported by California Coast Credit Union

The magic and the spirit of the holiday season return!

The Zoo lights up the night with amazing entertainment featuring the spectacular show, Aurora. Bring the family, and enjoy some tasty treats and the warmth of the holidays.

On December 8, members are invited to join us for a Jungle Bells Member Preview. (Z) Visit sandiegozoo.org/junglebells for exact dates and times.

*Exceptions apply.

Please check our website daily for the latest updates on opening and closing times.

(Z) = San Diego Zoo (P) = Safari Park

N OV E M B E R 4 – 5 Wild Weekend: Oceans Learn more about the wildlife of our Oceans Conservation Hub, with special activities, wildlife care specialist talks, and more. (Z) N OV E M B E R 1 7 A N D D E C E M B E R 1 5 Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey On these special days, guests can take a rare look inside the Zoo’s Orchid Greenhouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., learn about the Zoo’s botanical collection from Horticulture staff on the Botanical Bus

46 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

FO R M E M B E RS N OV E M B E R 5 A N D DECEMBER 10 Member Exclusive Early Hours Rise and shine with the sights and sounds of the San Diego Zoo. Members can enter the Zoo one hour before the general public.

To join us, simply present your membership card at the main entrance beginning at 8 a.m. (Z) E V E RY DAY Wild PerksSM San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members are eligible for SM Wild Perks . Show your membership card each time you make an on-grounds purchase and save up to 20%, depending on your membership level. Some exclusions apply; for details, visit sdzwa.org/membership/ wild-perks. (Z)

& December SAFARI PARK

S E L E C T DAT E S I N N OV E M B E R A N D D E C E M B E R

Wild Holidays Spend evenings at the Safari Park until 8 p.m., go on a holiday expedition of light, and travel through places that twinkle and glow with holiday cheer. Fanciful characters, musical entertainment, storytelling, and culinary treats round out the seasonal festivities. On November 24, members are invited to join us for a Wild Holidays Member Preview. (P)

FO R M E M B E RS N OV E M B E R 5 A N D DECEMBER 10 Member Exclusive Early Hours Rise and shine with the sights and sounds of the Safari Park. Members can enter the Safari Park one hour before the general public. To join us, simply present your membership card at the main entrance beginning at 8 a.m. (P)

O F F E R E D DA I LY Journey into the Wild Join our wildlife care specialist team as they introduce you to wildlife ambassadors representing SDZWA’s conservation work in our Amazonia Conservation Hub in South America, and right here in the Southwest. This new conservation presentation begins at 2 p.m. daily, at Benbough Amphitheater. (P) N OV E M B E R A N D D E C E M B E R , S E L E C T E D DAT E S All Ages Holly Jolly Jungle Roar & Snore Safari Enjoy a holiday-themed Safari Park sleepover for the whole family! Call 619-718-3000 to make your reservations. (P)

E V E RY DAY Wild PerksSM San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance members are eligible for Wild SM Perks . Show your membership card each time you make an on-grounds purchase and save up to 20%, depending on your membership level. Some exclusions apply; for details, visit sdzwa.org/ membership/wild-perks. (P)

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 47

Visit the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers website to find out about these and other animals, plus videos, crafts, stories, games, and more!

SDZWildlifeExplorers.org

A Cool Bear Tale 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 came up with!

It was very early in the

on the tundra. The mother polar bear TIME OF DAY

VERB, PAST TENSE

out of the den. The snow was

. It had been ADJECTIVE

was

BODY PART

hard for two days. Mother bear

VERB, ENDING IN ING

and she needed to find ADJECTIVE

her

for herself and her cubs. Her two cubs were very

TYPE OF FOOD

. Mother bear and her cubs ADJECTIVE

across the snow and came to the edge of a VERB, PAST TENSE

.

PLACE

The bears did not slip on the ice because of the

on the bottom of their NOUN

. It BODY PART

was cold, but the bears were warm enough because of their thick

. The bears came NOUN

to a hole in the

. Soon, a

popped up through the ANIMAL

NOUN

to

it, but the VERB

was too fast and SAME ANIMAL

back into the

VERB, PAST TENSE

Mother bear was patient and above the surface. Mother bear

it and she and her cubs

full, mother bear and her cubs

. With their

VERB, PAST TENSE

BODY PART

back to their cozy

VERB, PAST TENSE

and

appeared

DIFFERENT ANIMAL

VERB, PAST TENSE

ADJECTIVE

water.

ADJECTIVE

for another chance. Soon, a VERB, PAST TENSE

up together,

. Mother bear tried NOUN

, and went to sleep, dreaming of ADJECTIVE

way to end the day.

48 / SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE JOURNAL / NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

. They curled PLACE

. It was a NOUN, PLURAL

ADJECTIVE

Also known as bush crickets, katydids are leggy, longantennaed insects related to grasshoppers. Some experts estimate that only 1 in about every 500 katydids are pink, and that people only have approximately a 1 percent chance of seeing one in their lifetime. Photographed by Ken Bohn, SDZWA photographer.

LAST LOOK

SAN DIEGO ZOO WILDLIFE ALLIANCE / SDZWA.ORG / 49

JOURNAL

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

Give a holiday gift membership by December 31 and save up to $10!

With the holidays approaching, now is a great time to consider your gift list. Give memories that last a lifetime with a gift membership where loved ones can experience priceless adventures while exploring our two incredible locations.

But more than that, your gift membership supports essential conservation efforts, and inspires moments that matter to wildlife and to your loved ones.

Give the gift that gives back!

Visit zoomember.org/gift

ORDER BY DECEMBER 6 for delivery by December 25