ZOONOOZ January 2014 by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 2014 6 p.m. Reception with animal ambassadors in the Treetops Banquet Room 6:45 p.m. Dinner in Albert’s Restaurant Join Founder Jeff Trevaskis and Head Brewer Matt Patterson to “Taste Our Passion” with a pairing menu designed by Executive Chef Chris Mirguet and Albert’s Chef Charles Boukas. $69 per person, plus tax and gratuity; nonmembers add Zoo admission. Guests will be seated at tables of 8. Must be at least 21 years of age to attend.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY—CALL 619-557-3964, 10 A.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY Visit sandiegozoo.org/zoo/alberts for more information and complete menu.

inside january 2014

wildlife 8 Rewriting the Spin on Tasmanian Devils We’re having a devil of a good time with some charismatic critters from the Land Down Under! BY PEGGY SCOTT

11 Life after Five: How Is Frank Doing? Frank the gorilla is thriving at the Safari Park! BY KARYL CARMIGNANI

12 Looking at Lynx From tassel-tipped ears to powerful paws to legendary vision, these cats are full of fascination. BY WENDY PERKINS

explore 18 Animal Anesthesia: Managing Deep Sleeps Great care is taken when animals need to be anesthetized for medical procedures. BY KARYL CARMIGNANI

conservation 22 Hatching Success for Jamaican Iguanas He may be small in size, but the latest iguana hatchling represents a big moment in our efforts on behalf of endangered iguanas. BY WENDY PERKINS

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Chairman’s Note Through the Lens Save the Date You Said It What’s in Store Support From the Archives

on the cover: Tasmanian devil Sarcophilus harrisii Photo created at Australian Reptile Park on this page: Western lowland gorilla Gorilla gorilla gorilla Photos by Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

Take our ZOONOOZ survey and enter to win one of six iPad Minis! Fill out the mailer in this issue or take the survey online at sandiegozoo.org/zoonoozsurvey. Thank you!

FREE! Download the ZOONOOZ App for your iPad, and see this month’s video of our amazing Tasmanian devils! sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz

chairman’s note

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Richard B. Gulley, Chairman William H. May, Vice Chairman Sandra A. Brue, Secretary Robert B. Horsman, Treasurer

WELCOME TO 2014!

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rick Gulley Chairman

ZOONOOZ

JANUARY 2014

PHOTO BY RON GARRISON, SDZG

e’ve turned the calendar page to a new year, and I’d like to send my best wishes to all of San Diego Zoo Global’s members, donors, partners, and supporters. I know it will be a great year ahead, with continued success at the Safari Park and the opening of the Park’s new Tull Family Tiger Trail in May; new and updated experiences at the Zoo; and the ongoing accomplishments of our worldwide conIone and Paul Harter, who had a passion servation projects, which continue to for wildlife and loved visiting the Zoo and make a difference in saving endangered Safari Park, generously included San Diego Zoo Global in their estate plans. species. It will be a busy and exciting time, and we are ready to dive right in. As we begin 2014, I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge all of the individuals who have included the Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research in their estate plans. I continue to be thankful for and inspired by their generosity and desire to make a difference for our organization and the animals in our care. One such couple, Paul and Ione Harter, made significant estate plans during their lifetime to ensure that their goals would be achieved after their passing. Paul Harter passed away in September 2013, joining his late wife, Ione. For years, they were regular Zoo and Safari Park visitors and attended our R•I•T•Z gala annually. They loved the animals, and two of our gorillas are named in their honor. Paul and Ione were thrilled to be able to commit to funding the Harter Veterinary Medical Center at the Safari Park, making it the largest zoo veterinary facility in the country. They were also instrumental in helping build Gorilla Tropics and Polar Bear Plunge at the Zoo. The Harters exemplified philanthropy in San Diego for many years: they were named the Outstanding Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in 1993, and as our longtime friends, they will be missed but not forgotten. As we end one year and begin another, we should consider, as the Harters did, how we can leave the world a better place. Whether it’s the Zoo, the Safari Park, our conservation efforts, helping endangered species, or education, we can all make a difference. I look forward to sharing news and updates of all that will be happening in our organization in 2014, and I wish you a very Happy New Year.

M. Javade Chaudhri Berit N. Durler Clifford W. Hague Nan C. Katona Patricia L. Roscoe Steven G. Tappan Judith A. Wheatley David S. Woodruff, Ph.D., D.Sc.

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

William E. Beamer, General Counsel Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus

THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

John E. Gartman, Chair Murray H. Hutchison, Vice Chair Margie Warner, Secretary Maryanne C. Pfister, Treasurer Mark A. Stuart, President Richard B. Gulley, Ex officio Douglas G. Myers, Ex officio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christine L. Andrews Joye D. Blount Rick Bregman Lisa S. Casey Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio U. Bertram Ellis, Jr. Arthur E. Engel Craig L. Grosvenor Judith C. Harris Richard M. Hills Craig A. Irving Susan B. Major Susan N. McClellan Michael D. McKinnon George A. Ramirez Thomas Tull

ALBERTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CELEBRATION OF LOVE Seating begins at 5 p.m., maximum party size is 8 people. Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15, 2014 $99 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Includes a bottle of house wine. For reservations, call 619-557-3964 daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. For complete menu, visit sandiegozoo.org/zoo/alberts.

HUNTE NAIROBI PAVILION Reception with animal ambassadors, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, and no-host full bar from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Seated dinner beginning at 6 p.m. $99 per couple for members, $123 per couple for nonmembers. Cost includes dinner and one bottle of house wine or champagne. Tax and gratuity not included. Please call 619-718-3000 for reservations. Want to spend a wild night at the Safari Park with your Valentine? Join our special Roar & Snore Valentine Safari following dinner!

through the lens

Ornate hawk-eagle Spizaetus ornatus Photo by Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

It’s never too early to start thinking about summer in San Diego—your kids will discover an adventure like no other during Summer Camp at the Zoo and Safari Park! There may be many types of summer camps for kids, but few will give campers opportunities to discover wildlife wonders the way our camps do. This is hands-on, join-in, be-a-part-of-it fun with options for kids ages 2 through 17, including day- and overnight-camp options. If your children love animals, the Zoo and Safari Park are the place for them this summer. Jump in and make your plans—camps will be offered from June 16 through August 30, 2014. Check sandiegozoo.org and sdzsafaripark.org for details.

Call 619-718-3000 or book online!

ZOONOOZ

PUBLISHED SINCE 1926

save the date

JANUARY 2014 VOL.LXXXVINO.1 MANAGING EDITOR KAREN E. WORLEY ASSOCIATE EDITORS PEGGY SCOTT DEBBIE ANDREEN STAFF WRITERS WENDY PERKINS KARYL CARMIGNANI SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHER KEN BOHN DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN TAMMY SPRATT DESIGN AND PRODUCTION DAMIEN LASATER • CHRIS MARTIN HEIDI SCHMID • LISA BISSI JENNIFER MACEWEN PREPRESS AND PRINTING BROWN PRINTING COMPANY

The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in October 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation. The Zoological Society of San Diego does business as San Diego Zoo Global. ZOONOOZ® (ISSN 0044-5282) is currently published bimonthly. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, California, U.S.A., and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Membership Department, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112. Copyright® 2014 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. Office. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global. Annual Memberships: Dual $119, new; $104, renewal. Single $98, new; $86, renewal. Each membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. ZOONOOZ subscription: $25 per year, $65 for 3 years. Foreign, including Canada and Mexico, $30 per year, $81 for 3 years. Contact Membership Department, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112. As part of San Diego Zoo Global’s commitment to conservation, ZOONOOZ is printed on recycled paper that is 30% post-consumer waste, chlorine free, and is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified. Using this paper for a year will save approximately 200 tons of wood, or 1,400 trees; 965 million BTUs of energy, enough to run 10 homes for a year; 155,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent, the amount produced by 14 cars during a year; and 84,000 pounds of solid waste (estimates made using the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator). FSC® is not responsible for any calculations on saving resources by choosing this paper.

Happy New Year! WELCOME TO 2014! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends and that you have had a chance to join us for some holiday cheer at the Zoo during Jungle Bells. If not, we’re carrying on the winter revelry for a few more days, through Sunday, January 5, if you’d like to take a break and have some fun after the often-hectic weeks that close out the year. It’s exciting to kick off a new year, especially with all we have to look forward to. We will be opening the Tull Family Tiger Trail exhibit at the Safari Park on Memorial Day, and I can’t wait for you to experience this wonderful new home for the Park’s Sumatran tigers. We are also well underway with planning for the Zoo’s centennial in 2016 and the Africa Rocks exhibit, due to open in 2017, that will transform one of the oldest sections of the Zoo, and our planning and fund-raising will continue to be an important focus during 2014. As always, thank you for your continued support of San Diego Zoo Global and for your passion and enthusiasm for making a difference for wildlife. Here’s to wonderful adventures ahead in this New Year!

Douglas G. Myers President/CEO 14, 15, 16, 17 Crazy about Cats Tour, Zoo

JANUARY 1–5 Jungle Bells, Zoo 11, 18, 25 KinderTots program, Zoo 12, 19, 26 Art of Seeing Wild Photography program, Zoo 17, 24, 25 KinderNights program, Zoo 25 Albert’s Winter Brewmaster Dinner, Zoo

FEBRUARY SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS January 1–5: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. January 6–31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 1–28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS January 1–31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 1–14: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 15–17: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. February 18–28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WEBSITE

sandiegozoo.org

SAN DIEGO ZOO PHONE 619-231-1515

14 Valentine’s Day Dinner, Zoo and Park 14

Roar & Snore Sleepover with Valentine’s Day Dinner, Park

15 Roar & Snore Sleepover: Animal Amore, Park 15 Valentine’s Day Dinner, Zoo

Send a Bear Hug to Your Valentine! Adopt a polar bear for your Valentine and be the coolest romantic around! Visit endextinction. org/adopt or call 619-557-3914 and order your polar bear adoption package by February 4 for delivery by Valentine’s Day. All proceeds support our global wildlife conservation efforts.

November corrections: The photo on the cover of our November issue was created at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. The photo of Sandra Brue in her workshop on page 42 was taken by Georgeanne Irvine, SDZG, and the group photo on page 43 by Suzy Schaefer.

ZOONOOZ® SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

you said it It’s always such a delight to read about the special things all of you at the Safari Park do for those animals under your care! I took a behind-the-scenes tour a couple of weeks ago and learned a lot about how carefully you prepare just the right food for all the animals there. Thanks for all you do—I think you have a tough but rewarding job that must give you a lot of joy. Deborah (No. Calif.)

This world can be so harsh and cruel, I love the escape of the gentle, sweet zoo panda families. The pandas and panda people, thank you! Michele<3

Given the state of orangutans in the wild, it’s good that there are zoos and other organizations that take care to preserve the species. Thank you for that. barbara r.

Love the birds at the Zoo: the peacock who was in love with the duck and spread his tail and shook it for I just made friends with this the duck (male peacocks rhino! We fed her apples & are so beautiful they don’t pet her. AMAZING!! @sdzsafaripark have to be smart), the #animals #sdzsafaripark kookaburas I watched @akangaru having their breakfast of mice one morning by hitting the mice against a tree limb many times–to soften them, I guess. The screamers who scream at the keepers, and the flamboyance of flamingos running together for no obvious reason. Nancy

Hello! I just want to say your Tumblr is really amazing! I love all kinds of animals, and your Tumblr is excellent to share photos of them. soinlovewithpandas

One of my favorite projects in 4th grade was researching and writing about gravely threatened California condors. Now—35 years later—I am grateful for your good work that strengthens the condor population. Please continue the Condor Cam and the great blog posts! It is very much appreciated! Julie I know you probably get a lot of messages on a daily basis, but I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed my time at the San Diego Zoo. I went my sophomore year of high school with my JROTC unit (all the way from Tampa, Florida). I felt my visit to the zoo was one of the best memories from that trip. It was a once in a lifetime kind of thing. The zoo was amazing; I only wish I could go back. :) I will never forget my time at the San Diego Zoo. thats-that-stress Had a great time at the Rio 4D Experience Preview Tweet-up! Thanks to the @sandiegozoo team for including us tweeters. #Rio4D @PeterCsanadi Thanks @sdzsafaripark for the amazing experience at camp! I now know what I want to do career wise: work there! @roniin 6

ZOONOOZ

JANUARY 2014

Your Instagram is soooo fun to follow. Especially love all the #panda videos! @marfission

Rewriting the Spin on

Tasmanian Devils By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

ZOONOOZ

JANUARY 2014

hey may not spin like motorized tops or terrorize cartoon rabbits, but real-life Tasmanian devils do share a few characteristics with their animated alter ego. These meat-eating marsupials are feisty, frequently misunderstood, and, fortunately, have loyal fans dedicated to their survival. The best way to do that, notes Katie Tooker, a senior keeper at the Zoo, is to start with the basics. “A lot of people don’t even know they’re real animals,” Katie explains. “They’ve only seen the cartoons but are fascinated when they see the real thing.”

Out of Character Folks whose familiarity with Tasmanian devils No, his ears aren’t burning: a Tasmanian devil’s ears flush red when it is excited, begins and ends with the animated animal are hunting, or a bit too warm. surprised by the genuine article. While the cartoon character appeared in all sorts of settings, the It Sounds Worse Than It Is real animal is found only in Tasmania, an Australian island state The characteristic that is probably most responsible for the Tasmajust south of that continent. Tasmanian devils Sarcophilus harrisii nian devil’s reputed ferocity—and even its name—has to be heard measure from 22 to 26 inches in length (males are larger than feto be believed. It’s said that early European settlers, upon hearing males), plus another 9 or 10 inches of tail. Weighing between 13 and the eerie growl the animal made when searching for food, as well as 18 pounds, devils are the largest surviving carnivorous marsupial. the screeching and spine-chilling screams it emitted when feeding Solidly built, devils are thickset, with a relatively large, broad head. upon a carcass, proclaimed it had to be the devil himself. The creaTheir coat is mostly or all black, although some devils sport white ture’s black color only added to its dark reputation. “They do sound patches on the rump or chest. If there is a particular physical attriterrifying,” Katie admits. The animated character’s brown color and bute that gets people talking, it’s the devil’s mouth. When opened in comedic snarls seem practically angelic in comparison! the animal’s characteristic yawn, the unusually wide gape exposes rows of small-but-sharp teeth. While this may look ferocious, the Fact Is More Interesting Than Fiction gesture is more likely an expression of fear or uncertainty than agWhile the cartoon character spent most of his time pursuing a meal, gression. “That reputation, of being fierce and mean, is not fair,” real Tasmanian devils usually prefer their dinners already dead. Katie says. “If you encounter a wild devil, it’s actually shy and will “Tasmanian devils are mainly scavengers,” Katie says. “But they will probably retreat rather than attack.” hunt small mammals and birds if they have to.” And because their Along with their yawning habit, other behaviors help cause jaw pressure is one of the strongest (pound for pound, relative to the Tasmanian devil to be the most misunderstood marsupial. A their size), devils can pulverize the whole carcass, bones and all, and stressed devil tends to emit a shockingly foul odor, pungent enough they digest everything—even the fur. to discourage any predator. And these animals know that their nose When devils do hunt live food, they do so at night. They use their is the source of one of the Animal Kingdom’s greatest bluffs. When it keen senses of hearing and smell to find prey in the forests, woodlooks like a fight is brewing between devils, one of the potential pulands, and agricultural areas of Tasmania. Those senses also help gilists will challenge the other with a sneeze, which may intimidate them locate carrion. While devils are solitary by nature, they will the other devil and prevent a fight that could lead to serious injuries. come together to feed on a carcass, and that’s when much of their After a nose-to-nose “sneeze down,” during which the devils’ ears characteristic screeching and growling occurs. Gorge feeders, devils flush red, one or both of the cranky critters will usually back off. SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

PHOTO CREATED AT TARONGA WESTERN PLAINS ZOO

Tasmanian devils may have a fearsome reputation, but they are really just misunderstood.

gobble down large amounts of food at one time. They are even the sanitation engineers of their habitats, tidying up the place by eating carcasses—no matter how old or rotten. During the day, they find shelter in caves, hollow logs, bushes, or, as Katie points out, their favorite digs: an abandoned wombat burrow.

Survival of the Fastest Tasmanian devil reproduction takes “sibling rivalry” to a whole new level. About a month after the breeding season in March, a mother devil gives birth to anywhere from 20 to 30 joeys—each the size of a grain of rice. These joeys must “race” a distance of about three inches from the birth canal to the mother’s rear-facing pouch, where they compete to attach themselves to one of only four available teats. Only the four that attach will then have a chance to survive. When the wee winners of this race emerge from the pouch, they often ride on Mom’s back (like koala joeys) or are dragged along underneath her, still attached to her nipples. It’s not an easy trip for the mother devil or her offspring. Young devils are weaned at about six months of age, leaving the mother by late December (which is summer in Tasmania) to live alone in the bush. More agile than the grownups, young devils can climb trees, which helps them survive the numerous threats they face—domestic dogs, adult devils, loss of habitat, and cars—and possibly reach the ripe old age of seven or eight, the typical Tasmanian devil life span in the wild. The breeding window of time, Katie says, is only three to four years.

A Devil of a Disease Even if the devils manage to dodge these various dangers, a new predator is attacking them in startling numbers—and it’s coming from their own bodies. Devil facial tumor disease, a rare form of cancer that is contagious from one devil to another, has wiped out as much as 80 percent of the wild population, Katie says. “It spreads so easily. When the devils are eating or fighting, they bite each other, and the disease is transferred. Tumors grow and eventually block the animal’s throat, and it can’t eat. It starves,” she says. It’s believed that the disease kills its victims within a few months.

ZOONOOZ

JANUARY 2014

Faced with the possible extinction of the species, researchers and biologists have established a population of disease-free devils on the remote Maria Island, which is three miles off the coast of Tasmania. It’s hoped that this colony thrives. As an added measure, an additional healthy assurance population is being raised in managed care, an effort that appears to be paying off. “The assurance population is doing so well that it’s running out of space,” Katie says. “This presents a really good opportunity to expand the number of facilities that keep Tasmanian devils in their collections and educate people about the animals and this disease.”

The Next Chapter The animated character only appeared in a handful of cartoons back in the 1950s. Yet his popularity endured, and fans’ loyalty helped reignite his devilish “career” in the 1990s, when he was featured in a series of his own. It looks like his real-life counterparts also have a rooting section. As the population of healthy devils in managed care continues to grow, so does the chance to spread the word about these delightfully different creatures. At the San Diego Zoo, three males and one female now live in an exhibit in the Conrad Prebys Australian Outback. This little group already has keepers in a bit of a “spin” with their range of personalities. One of the males, Nick, is almost four years old and is reportedly all bark and no bite. A big fan of sunbathing, Nick has never met a meal he didn’t like. “A confident devil” is how Jake, an almostthree-year-old male, is described. This devilish little digger likes to supervise when keepers perform their duties around the exhibit. The last male, two-year-old Conrad, is a stocky little devil who is surprisingly agile but likely to err on the side of caution. Debbie, the only female and sister to Conrad, is a lady of mystery who does, on occasion, enjoy some time in the sun. Katie hopes visitors come see what a real Tasmanian devil looks—and acts—like. “They don’t spin,” she acknowledges, “but they’re awesome, amazing animals, and when people see them, they really like them.” Seems that stories based on either fact or fiction can have equally happy endings.

Frank makes a winsome sight as he hitches a ride with Imani.

Life After Five How Is Frank Doing? By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

A gorilla growing. Clockwise: hanging out with father Paul Donn; striking a pose; showing wrestling moves to Monroe.

BORN AT THE SAN DIEGO ZOO IN 2008, little lowland gorilla Frank captured the hearts of visitors and keepers with his impish antics and fearless frolicking with his gentle, gigantic dad, Paul Donn. Though Frank’s birth mother, Azizi, was not able to care for him properly, his aunties stepped in to help raise him while keepers bottle-fed him for the first several months. “Frank the Tank,” as he was affectionately known, flourished under all the attention. Adult female Imani developed a special bond with him, so when it came time to join the five-member troop at the Safari Park in early 2013, Frank and Imani moved together. The integration process took time, but after a few months, the newbies had the confidence to join the troop. The social dynamics have gone well, especially with Frank getting to play big brother to Monroe, the Park’s energetic two-yearold. “Having a broad range of ages in a troop is how gorillas live in the wild,” said Peggy Sexton, lead keeper at the Safari Park. “And Frank and Monroe play together a lot, which is great enrichment for everyone.” Imani is politically savvy with the troop’s social undercurrents and rarely starts a ruckus. “Imani is socially intelligent and remains calm and collected when things heat up,” said Danielle Leffler, keeper at the Safari Park. Frank still sleeps next to Imani in the bedrooms at night, but she is also giving him the freedom to find his own way in the group by day. Frank is gaining confidence and continues to test the waters with the silverback, Winston. Occasionally, Winston has to “let Frank know he’s still in charge,” said Danielle, “and Frank will tuck into a submissive posture,” which is how gorilla social order is maintained. Other aspects of growing up gorilla are much more nuanced. For instance, keepers noticed that all the gorillas stayed out of the moat while Monroe was a baby, but once he could climb in and out of the moat, the area was fair game for the rest of the troop again. “Gorilla behavior can be so subtle that sometimes we don’t realize they’re tending to the little ones, but they are,” Peggy explained. It would seem that youngsters bring out the best in everyone. As Frank matures and continues to show Monroe “the ropes,” we can all count ourselves lucky to have these glorious great apes in our midst. SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

LOOKING AT

LYNX By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

n the hillside at the eastern end of Big Cat Trail, golden eyes of a lynx watch toward the west. The cat doesn’t move, no muscles twitch; every bit of the animal’s essence is focused on catching and keeping sight of something “over there.” A human trying to follow the lynx’s gaze sees many trees, exhibits, and people moving, nothing really out of the ordinary for the San Diego Zoo. What is it that’s so eye catching? Only the lynx knows—and sees.

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JANUARY 2014

The Eye of the Lynx A lynx’s keen vision earns this cat legendary status in the myths of many cultures. In Greek, Norse, and North American myths, the lynx sees what others can’t, and its role is revealing hidden truths. Even the name lynx pays tribute to the cat’s eyes. It is believed to have come from the Greek word leukos meaning “white” or “bright,” possibly a reference to the way the lynx’s eyes shine in the dark due to a reflective structure, the tapetum lucidum. However, glowing eyes aren’t an exclusive trait of lynx—all cats, and many other animals, have them. So what sets this species apart?

Connecting Lynx When it comes to identifying a cat as a lynx, it’s not the eyes that have it, but the ears. When most people look at the lynx at the Zoo, the first thing they usually notice is the tuft of fur at the tip of each ear. All lynx have these tufts, but their purpose isn’t completely clear. Some scientists think a lynx uses them like whiskers to detect things above its head. Others think the cluster of hairs enhances the cat’s hearing. Long legs and a short tail are other traits that link a cat to the lynx group. Most lynx are found in areas that often have deep layers of snow for long periods of time, and their elongated limbs help them maneuver through the habitat. Hair on the underside of their broad paws provides traction on slippery surfaces. An exception is the bobcat Lynx rufus, which doesn’t have furry soles like other lynx and generally doesn’t live in areas of heavy snow. There are four lynx species, including the bobcat of North America. The Canadian lynx Lynx canadensis ranges from Newfoundland westward to Alaska and south into parts of the US. The Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus, the most rare species, is found only in isolated pockets of Spain and Portugal. The largest species, the Eurasian lynx Lynx lynx is found throughout northern Europe and much of northern Asia.

Stoli and Skyy At the Zoo, two Siberian lynx (a subspecies of Eurasian lynx) are quite at home in their exhibit along Big Cat Trail. Stoli, the male, and Skyy, the female, make good use of the “furniture” specifically chosen for them. Logs and palm stumps bear evidence of clawing behavior. A large honeysuckle plant has been pruned to create a shady nook underneath, and a fire-hose hammock in the front corner of the exhibit is covered with cat hair—a sure sign that it is a well-used lounging spot. Sturdy branches crisscross the open space, creating a choice of ways to get from one place to another, and a high stone ledge provides prime viewing of, well, just about anything a lynx would want to watch. One thing that is surely on Stoli and Skyy’s “must see” list is the approach of their keepers.

“Who is who?” Male lynx have a more pronounced facial ruff than females. That’s Stoli in front and the more petite but playful Skyy behind him.

“Stoli is outgoing and quite food driven,” says Todd Speis, a senior keeper. “He’ll rub against the mesh between us to get my attention (and food), but he’ll hiss at the same time.” Todd doesn’t take it personally: “It’s a small cat thing,” he explains. “They tend to be more cranky.” Skyy is more aloof toward her caregivers but is surprisingly playful when it comes to enrichment objects. Lynx are stalk-and-pounce predators, and Skyy frequently demonstrates her innate agility. “She bats around balls and gourds,” says Todd. “Most cats give that up when they reach maturity, but not Skyy.” Skyy is frisky when it comes to food, too. Once a week, in addition to their regular prepared diet, the lynx are given a thawed rabbit. Before she settles down to dine, Skyy tosses the rabbit into the air repeatedly, leaping to grab it in mid-air or swatting it with her powerful paws. At 16 years of age, Skyy and Stoli are considered senior citizens; the median life expectancy for lynx is 15.5 years. Like most cats, Skyy and Stoli are acutely aware of their surroundings, and with the comings and goings of Zoo guests, there is plenty to see, hear, and smell. Their keepers also rub spices and herbs on objects in their exhibit, such as mint, rosemary, cinnamon, and coriander. According to Todd, “The only thing they haven’t shown an interest in is catnip!” On your next visit to the Zoo, visit Skyy and Stoli on Big Cat Trail. Take time to look carefully, as the cats’ coloring provides exceptional camouflage. But if you have the patience, you won’t need the legendary vision of the lynx to see them—perhaps in a whole new way.

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MASTER THE MOVES OF EAC H DIDDY’ S JET PACK TO DIXIE KONG BUDDY, FROM ’ S SPINNING PONYTAIL.

2014 SAVING ENDANGERED SPECIES

Youth Art Contest CALLING ALL ARTISTS in grades kindergarten through 12! It’s time to help raise awareness about endangered species through your artwork and possibly win some great prizes. The 2014 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest is accepting original, hand-drawn works of art through March 15, 2014. This celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places draws thousands of entries from around the country each year. It is an opportunity for students to express their knowledge and support of endangered species through art. Artwork for the contest should highlight one or more land- or ocean-dwelling species currently listed as threatened or endangered and either resides in or migrates to the US. Students can depict mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, plants, or invertebrates in their art piece. Submissions will be judged on four primary artistic elements: Concept: How well the work relates to the endangered species theme Composition: How well the elements of line and form work together Color: How color enhances the artwork Expression: How imaginatively the work conveys an idea or emotion. Artists may wish to incorporate a specific “story” in their illustrations. For example, you could show the species in its habitat, with someone in the background helping to clean up the area. Winners will be chosen in four categories: Grades K–2, Grades 3–5, Grades 6–8, and Grades 9–12. Final winners will be chosen by a prestigious panel of judges, including artists, educators, photographers, and conservationists. Deadline for entries is March 15, 2014. For more information and inspiration, please visit the Endangered Species Day website at endangeredspeciesday.org.

2013 Contest WiNNers

AVA BRIBRIESCO

American Burying Beetle 1st Place Grades K–2 Grand Prize Winner

ANISHA KUNDU

Humpback Whale 1st Place Grades 3–5

KEVIN HUO

Albatross 1st Place Grades 6–8

MEMOREÉ PLAISANCE

This contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and the International Child Art Foundation. San Diego Zoo Global is a proud supporter of this event and other Endangered Species Day efforts.

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Jaguar 1st Place Grades 9–12

CONTESTANT ARTWORK COURTESY ENDANGERED SPECIES COALITION

2 0 1 3 C O N S E R VAT I O N A D V O C AT E AWA R D

San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Ambassador Joan Embery introduces kangaroo kisses to Betty White.

Betty White Lifelong Advocate for Wildlife By Mary Sekulovich SENIOR EDITOR, DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

ith her signature 1,000-watt smile and twinkle in her eyes, Betty White is one of today’s most recognizable and beloved television personalities. She also enjoys herself most when she’s in the company of animals. Betty has been called an animal magnet, never passing by an animal without stopping to greet it: “I can’t imagine life without them, they’re my passion!” That’s why longtime friend Joan Embery, our conservation ambassador, made sure to bring a few animal ambassadors to meet our celebrity guest at the San Diego Zoo’s Circle of Friends lunch on August 15, 2013, honoring Betty White as this year’s Conservation

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A fennec fox says hello to our 2013 Conservation Advocate.

Advocate. A kangaroo, fennec fox, toucan, ball python, cockatoo, porcupine, and even a New Guinea singing dog all received lots of attention from Betty, including a big smooch for the kangaroo and a cuddle with the fox. After lunch, Betty and Doug Myers, president and CEO of San Diego Zoo Global, sat in zebra-striped chairs in the Sheraton Hotel’s ballroom among 750 guests and reminisced about her extraordinary television career—the longest on record! What many of us don’t know is how extensive Betty White’s career has been over seven decades, including roles as an actress, comedienne, singer, and author, as well as early roles in radio in the 1940s. From game shows to talk shows to incredible success starring in comedies like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “The Golden Girls,” and the current hit, “Hot in Cleveland,” her roles always revealed her diverse acting talent. When most actors are winding down their careers, Betty White has accelerated hers over the past decade. Whether she is playing a dramatic role or hosting “Saturday Night Live” and bringing the house down, Betty is always the consummate professional. Along the way, she has won more than two dozen awards, including Emmys and Grammys, and has been nominated for dozens more. We agree with a 2011 Reuters and Ipsos poll that revealed her to be the most popular and trusted celebrity among Americans. Betty White is also a great advocate for wildlife, including animal health, welfare, and conservation, as well as a pet enthusiast. She works with the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, the Morris Animal Foundation, and Actors & Others for Animals. When the U.S. Forest Service, along with Smokey Bear, made her an honorary forest ranger in 2010, Betty said it fulfilled her lifelong dream: she always wanted to be a forest ranger as a little girl, but women weren’t allowed to enter that profession in the 1920s. Her love of animals remained strong,

PHOTO BY TAD MOTOYAMA, LOS ANGELES ZOO

At left: Betty White, Joan Embery, President/ CEO Douglas Myers, and Foundation Chair John Gartman at the award presentation. Below: Betty visits with a nibbling giraffe.

however, fostered early in life by her parents. She still remembers her first childhood visit to the Los Angeles Zoo as well as her first visit to the San Diego Zoo, where she saw our two young gorillas and “really got hooked on animals.” During her illustrious career, Betty has worked tirelessly on behalf of animal welfare while also becoming known as a conservation champion. A short video during lunch gave a great overview of Betty’s work in television, with many tributes from friends. Jane Goodall declared that “she belongs to everyone, so when she talks about the value of zoos, everyone listens.” Betty also revealed that her career consists of “half animals and half show business, the two things I love most. I stayed in show business to pay for my animal business!” We’ll never forget that day or Betty’s comment, “You can’t lie to an animal, and they can’t lie to you, if you love them.” Her connection with animals is evident—she truly understands them. We believe there could be no better spokesperson for zoos, conservation, and the environment. For Betty White’s many efforts as a passionate advocate for wildlife everywhere, San Diego Zoo Global is truly honored to name her its 2013 Conservation Advocate. SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

Mega-vertebrates like elephants require much planning, collaboration, expertise, special equipment, and space when they are anesthetized. Safety and recovery for the animal is paramount.

Animal Anesthesia Managing Deep Sleeps By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

nesthesia is needed for many medical procedures that require the patient be immobile, unaware, and without pain. Practically every animal in San Diego Zoo Global’s collection is anesthetized at some time, either for a health exam or a medical procedure. Given the vast spectrum of animal anatomy, body size, physiological variation, innate behaviors, and individual idiosyncrasies, safely anesthetizing an animal requires a seamless blend of knowledge, teamwork, innovation, flexibility, and effective drugs. Animals at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park receive excellent healthcare from a compassionate, diligent staff dialed into the needs of their varied patients. One size does not fit all when it comes to animal anesthesia, and our staff are prepared to provide the safest, most effective anesthesia for all creatures great and small.

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Science of Sleep Sometimes a mixture of drugs, either inhaled, injected, or both, is used to instill deep sleep and relaxed muscles in the patient; this is called induction. To help the patient breathe properly, an endotracheal tube is inserted down the windpipe; this is called intubation. A reversal drug is sometimes used to help the patient regain consciousness. But how do veterinarians know what type and how much of a sedative to give to a ½-ounce hummingbird or a 6-ton elephant? The art and science of veterinary medicine must encompass these extremes and everything in between. Anesthesia monitoring—pulse rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc.—is an important piece of the process. “We always strive for induction that is fast, especially with hoofed animals and other animals that could injure themselves

A decade ago, Jeff Zuba, D.V.M., veterinarian at the Safari Park, was working in the field in Africa helping to provide vasectomies to bull elephants in areas where pachyderm populations were exceeding available resources. The procedure could take up to five hours, which is a long time for an elephant to be unconscious. Obviously, keeping large animals breathing and ventilated while under anesthesia has always been a top priority, but suitable equipment was limited. Veterinary hospitals tend to have large ventilators at the ready, but they are far too cumbersome to take out in the field. So Dr. Jeff and collaborators David Brunson, D.V.M., and Bob Pearson developed the Mega-vertebrate Demand Ventilator. Informally referred to as “The Elephant,” in honor of the mega-vertebrate that inspired it, the kit is “portable, affordable, and supports the respiration of animals,” explained Dr. Jeff. The ventilator can be used in both free-ranging elephants and those in managed care to ensure the safe delivery of oxygen to the anesthetized patient. Elephant-sized endotracheal tubes were also created by Dr. Jeff and are carried in a ski bag due to their six-foot length. The breathing tubes are inserted into the trachea of the elephant so the ventilator can provide supplemental oxygen to patients that weigh up to 15,000 pounds. “I think about this stuff all the time,” said Dr. Jeff. So developing this innovative “field kit” that will revolutionize wildlife anesthesia and medicine wasn’t too big of a stretch.

running around,” said Meg Sutherland-Smith, D.V.M., Zoo veterinarian. “Anesthesia is important to zoological medicine, as it is necessary for exams and collecting samples.” She explained other considerations: Can the animal be held? What is the size and demeanor of the animal? What is the likelihood that the animal might “break” if grabbed? For instance, a frantically fragile royal antelope needed a snug, specially made induction box to avoid injury. Great apes have been trained to present a shoulder for sedative injections, which revolutionized the anesthesia process. “We don’t have to use darts on the apes anymore!” said Dr. Meg, which makes it less stressful for all concerned. Veterinarians also consider the patient’s age, health, and history before any anesthesia procedure. When a 33-year-old siamang needed a checkup and her birth control implant changed out, Beth Bicknese, D.V.M., Zoo veterinarian, said the anesthetic dose was decreased due to the patient’s advanced age. Dr. Beth explained how vets learn to intubate on “long-necked animals” like dogs and horses, so when working with short-necked animals like primates, special care must be taken so that the tube doesn’t go down into one lung. Just past the siamang’s larynx and air sac (used to project its vocalizations) “you find the sweet spot,” said Dr. Beth. She used her stethoscope to confirm that air was filling both lungs of her patient. To the steady beat of the heart rate monitor, Dr. Beth did a quick dental exam, noting the patient’s teeth were worn down (“typical for an older folivore”), but there was no tartar. Jen Parsons, Ph.D., Zoo nutritionist, stepped in

Veterinary staff work together and combine medical procedures when possible to maximize the health benefits when an animal is anesthetized. The siamang above is getting a checkup while having blood samples taken and her birth control implant replaced.

to palpate the animal for a body score. She said it’s important to get hands on the primates, “especially the furry ones,” when they are anesthetized to make sure their diets are correct. This primate patient scored a perfect five.

Model Patient To determine correct dosages, veterinarians refer to established prototypes. Does the patient resemble a human, cow, horse, pig, cat, or dog? Exotic species may have a similar response to drugs, so models based on domesticated animals can be useful. Another trick is to look at digits and toes. Jeff Zuba, D.V.M., a veterinarian at the Safari Park, shared an example from a few years back. He got a phone call from someone in Vietnam who had discovered an unknown animal species in the bush with a respiratory infection. Dr. Jeff’s first question was: “How many toes does it have?” This was met with dead silence, then nervous laughter. But the information was important, because even-toed ungulates (deer and antelope) don’t get oral antibiotics, as they have a rumen (and chew their cud), which will hinder the efficacy of the medication. However, odd-toed ungulates, like horses and tapirs, can be treated with oral medication. Five digits and an upright posture means the animal will probably respond well to human medication. “Despite the diversity of animals, we are able to narrow it down,” said Dr. Jeff. Fortunately, there are now tomes written on the topic, which can be helpful.

Size Them Up Tiny animals like rodents and birds can pose some hefty anesthesia challenges. Small body size and a hyped-up metabolism mean they cannot fast for long before a procedure. Animals that store food in cheek pouches must have their mouths swabbed out carefully to SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

if males are injured during rut (when their antlers are hard, and they are testosterone-driven), they quit eating, so keepers cannot administer oral medications. This patient will have to get his antibiotics injected. As the drug took effect, the animal got loopy, then high stepped “like a Lipizzan,” and finally laid down. Wapiti have a huge, sacculated stomach, and to keep the airway clear “we keep the head up to avoid sloshing the stomach contents around and the nose down to keep drool out of the airway,” said Dr. Beth. A towel was placed over his eyes, and a keeper held his antlers off the ground. Dr. Beth expertly felt along the animal’s mending wounds to make sure they were healing from the inside and not becoming abscessed. She detected a deep wound contaminated with hair and bone fragments that required repeated flushing. Animals that “ball up,” like this armadillo, are placed in an induction box to relax before anesthesia can be administered. Right: Male Bactrian wapiti often spar during the rutting season, which can result in injuries that require medical intervention.

minimize the risk of aspiration. It can also be tricky to find a vein to insert a catheter to administer fluids and medication. Keeping the creature warm throughout the process is also vital. Brian Opitz, an experienced veterinary technician at the Zoo, had a drowsy, nonvenomous rosy boa draped over his hand after placing a little mask over the 50-year-old snake’s head to administer desflurane gas. “She’s the sweetest snake ever,” he said, “and today she needs a radiograph.” Anesthesia will ensure she remains still for the images. Some little guys, like hummingbirds, can fit completely inside a mask for induction. Other species with a penchant for balling up, like armadillos and hedgehogs, are placed in an induction box, with anesthesia piped in to relax the animal until it unfurls: anesthesia can then be administered through a modified mask. The downside to using gas for anesthesia is that it cannot be reversed, like injections, but it is also easy to control. As the procedure winds down, the gas is decreased, which helps the patient recover.

Safety for the patient is always paramount, and for hoofed animals in field exhibits, added precautions are necessary. For a 390-pound Bactrian wapiti recovering from wounds sustained from other males, Dr. Beth’s expertise was about to save his life. Wearing a protective mask, she prepared a potent narcotic—a tiny amount in the syringe, but still deadly to humans—into a dart. A vet tech was standing by with two reversal medications (in case a human should come in contact with the elixir) and a special plastic tube to place the dart in after it is retrieved from the patient. The narcotic lasts for up to 90 minutes. Dr. Beth headed to the enclosure while the staff quietly hung back to keep the animal calm. She took aim with the dart pistol through a small opening in the gate, aiming for big muscle groups in the rump or neck. The dart found its target. Dr. Beth explained that

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PHOTO BY KEN KELLEY, SDZG

Field of Dreams

Once cleaned out, she packed the area with iodine-soaked gauze. “His body seems to want to take care of it,” she said. And with a little medical intervention, he will! Once all the equipment was packed up, the reversal drug was given. Within moments the regal animal was up on his feet shaking his massive antlers about. He will make a full recovery, thanks to amazing teamwork and a great HMO.

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any thanks to all the sponsors, food and beverage vendors, volunteers, auction donors, entertainers, and event guests who helped make the 2013 San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration a success! With your help, we were able to raise awareness and much-needed funds to support our conservation and research efforts. On behalf of everyone at the Zoo and endangered critters around the world, we thank you so much for your continued generosity and support!

PRESENTING SPONSOR

CYMER, Inc. EVENT SPONSORS

EDCO Disposal Corporation SAN DIEGO METROPOLITAN CREDIT UNION UNION BANK

Aurora World

KyXy 96.5

FOOD VENDORS

BICE San Diego

Mintz Levin

Bridges DMC

Neyenesch Printing

Aladdin Hillcrest Albert’s Restaurant Babycakes Big Front Door Blue Point Coastal Cuisine Brazen BBQ C-Level/Island Prime Café Coyote Café Moto Casa de Bandini Casa de Pico Casa Guadalajara Restaurant

Classic Party Rentals

Nishioka Family

Etching Expressions

Peterson Lighting

Hay Foundation

Silk Screen Shirts

JACK FM Jersey Mike’s KUSI TV

Riviera Magazine Sony Electronics, Inc.

Chipotle Mexican Grill Corner Bakery Café The Cravory Chocolate Fountains of San Diego Chuao Chocolatier D Bar Restaurant Dave and Buster’s San Diego Eclipse Chocolate El Indio Mexican Catering Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa Fish Market Restaurant Flavors of East Africa Fresh & Easy The Gossip Grill Great Maple Hash House Hornblower Cruises & Events Hot Licks Sauces Il Fornaio Coronado Indigo Grill InterAmerican Coffee, Inc. Intoxicated Desserts

It’s A Piece A Cake Jake’s Del Mar Jimbo’s ... Naturally! Julian Pie Company KIND Snacks Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge Luna Grill Mimi’s Cafe Muzita Bistro Nicolosi’s Italian Restaurant Nobu San Diego Nothing Bundt Cakes Oceanaire Seafood Room Old Venice Restaurant Olivos Del Mar The Palm Resturant San Diego Peet’s Coffee Peohe’s Restaurant The Prado at Balboa Park PURE Cupcakes RAMA Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

Rotisserie Affair Catering Royal India Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sadie Rose Baking Co. San Diego Coffee, Tea & Spice San Luis Sourdough Sea Salt Candy Company Sensational Treats Slater’s 50/50 So Rich Chocolates!!! Solare Ristorante Italiano Bar Lounge Solterra Winery & Kitchen Sprinkles Cupcakes Sushi On a Roll Tavern + Bowl Temecula Olive Oil Co. Vintana Wine + Dine The World Famous Corvette Diner & Gamers Garage Tractor Room Viva Pops

HATCHING

SUCCESS

By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Tammy Spratt SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

easuring just three-and-a-half inches from snout to vent—plus a tail about five inches long—the bright-eyed iguana hatchling skitters around and up and down the sides of his enclosure, unaware he’s a really big deal. He is the first Jamaican iguana Cyclura collei bred at the Anne and Kenneth Griffin Reptile Conservation Center, and his hatching made San Diego Zoo Global the first facility in the world to successfully reproduce the three most endangered lizards in the world: the Grand Cayman blue iguana, the Jamaican iguana, and the Anegada Island iguana, all in the rock iguana Cyclura group. Our work with all three species shores up our efforts in the field to help hold these reptiles back from the brink of extinction.

Lost and Found Islands, by their physical nature, leave many animals with nowhere to go when conditions change for the worse. A healthy population can often bounce back after destruction from a natural disaster such as a hurricane, because habitat can grow back and recover. But human activities like land development, hunting, and the introduction of nonnative predators exert more relentless pressures. It was this kind of force that took an immense toll on Jamaican iguanas. In 1990, a pig hunter’s dog brought an adult iguana back in its jaws. The man took the reptile to conservation researchers at the Hope Zoo in Kingston, Jamaica, who identified it as a Jamaican iguana—believed to be extinct since the 1940s. The discovery sparked a search, and a tiny population of fewer than 100 Jamaican iguanas was discovered in a remote area. A conservation plan was implemented, protecting the area and guarding iguana hatchlings from their primary predator, the nonnative mongoose. The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research joined the recovery effort in 1993, collaborating with the Hope Zoo and others to help “headstart” iguana hatchlings—raising them in on the island until they were large enough to defend themselves against predators. When it was decided that assurance populations were needed off the island, the Institute was one of the facilities chosen to nurture and breed the iguanas and, in the process, learn more about their physical and social needs.

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Rock On The first rock iguanas came to the Institute in 1994; at the time, Jamaican iguana husbandry was in its infancy. Studying the reptiles and sharing information with other zoos involved in the effort helped the learning curve. The aggregate knowledge was put to use in 2006, when the current conservation center was designed. “It’s up to us to give the iguanas the correct conditions to make them successful,” says Jeff Lemm, senior research coordinator at the Institute. Today, each iguana at the facility has its own living space with both an outside yard and a temperature-controlled inner sanctum. Skylights line the ceiling, allowing the iguanas natural ultraviolet light and light cycles that play a role in triggering breeding behavior. Another key reproductive factor lies beneath the reptile’s feet. “With these iguanas, it’s all about the nesting,” says Jeff. A female Jamaican iguana digs a deep nesting burrow where she deposits a clutch of eggs, so each indoor enclosure has a four-footdeep layer of substrate. This allows females to dig to a level that feels safe for them to lay eggs and provides the correct temperature and humidity for incubation. While the burrow opening is obvious to the Bottom left: Reptile Conservation Center staff, the exact loThe incubation cation of the eggs takes some searching; someperiod for times the females start a tunnel, then stop and Jamaican begin again in a different place.

Meet the Parents Over the years, the Jamaican iguanas brought in from the wild have laid many eggs, but they were all infertile. In 2009, two females that had been hatched and raised at the Indianapolis Zoo joined our colony, raising hopes for the skitter-skatter of little scaly feet in the future. “First-generation babies tend to reproduce better than wild-hatched babies,” says Jeff. “That

could be because they are extremely well acclimated to a managed environment.” Both females dug burrows and laid eggs. One deposited a clutch of 22 eggs, which were all infertile. What turned out to be the “golden egg” was one of eight laid by the other female—the only fertile one in the bunch. It was a good start, but that old adage about not counting eggs before they hatch applies to iguanas as well as chickens. The fertile egg was placed in an incubation unit in which temperature and humidity were carefully controlled. The staff waited patiently as the nearly 100-day incubation period for Jamaican iguanas clicked by. On August 29, 2013, Jeff was set to officiate his nephew’s wedding. Just before the ceremony began, he received a text message from the Institute: “The baby collei just hatched!” The news made a great day even better. San Diego Zoo Global is grateful to Anne and Kenneth Griffin for their generous support of our iguana conservation program.

iguanas is about 100 days; in this case, the happy hatch day occurred on Day 81. Right: Sizewise, the hatchling is not much of a handful, but give him time; as an adult he could measure about three feet in length, including his powerful tail. As he matures, he’ll also develop dorsal scales and a dewlap, like the female pictured below.

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

what’s in store

CoLORful cREATIONS

In India, old saris are cut and repurposed into Chindi rope. Artisans use the cords to weave textiles and add color and character to sculptures and other objects. Each piece is one of a kind.

Visit our shops at the Zoo and Safari Park to purchase these featured items. Items and prices may vary based on availability. Available in select stores.

1. 16” Elephant $68 2. Handbag $29.95

3. 18” Pillow $48 4. 21” Goat $98

JANUARY–APRIL 2014 MEMBER SPECIALS JANUARY–FEBRUARY 2014

JANUARY 2–MARCH 31, 2014

ONE-TIME FREE PARKING AT SAFARI PARK

SAVE $10 PER PERSON ON BACKSTAGE PASS

to the parking attendant to receive ONE-TIME FREE PARKING for one vehicle at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. (Preferred parking not included.) Offer valid January 1–February 28, 2014. One coupon per membership. Original coupon only, no reproductions accepted. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Show valid San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase. Supporting ID may be required. Members of Diamond, Keeper’s, Curator’s, Director’s, President’s, and Circle Clubs receive free parking all year long as a part of their membership benefits.

Enjoy access to some amazing encounters with our animal ambassadors and their trainers at the San Diego Zoo. You’ll be invited to experience many up-close opportunities with some unbelievable critters. Call 619718-3000 to confirm space now. Provide membership number and code 212051 at time of reservation. Offer valid January 2–March 31, 2014. (Discount not available February 15–17, 2014.) Space is limited. Prices, hours, and schedules are subject to change without notice. San Diego Zoo admission is not included. Not valid for prior reservations. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Offer valid only through advance phone reservations. Customer must provide membership number and promotion code 212051 at time of booking. Limit 4 per membership number. Other restrictions may apply.

JANUARY 2–APRIL 4, 2014

JANUARY 2014

SAVE $10 PER PERSON ON FLIGHTLINE SAFARI

$5 COUPON FOR SAN DIEGO ZOO AND SAFARI PARK GIFT SHOPS

Soar from a ridgetop along a zip-line cable, gliding about 2/3 of a mile over exotic animals and field exhibits on a Flightline Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Call 619-718-3000 and confirm space now. Provide promotion code 212102 at time of reservation. Offer valid January 2–April 4, 2014. (Discount not available February 15–17, 2014.) Space is limited. Age and weight restrictions apply. Prices, hours, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Safari Park admission and parking are not included. Not valid for prior reservations. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Offer valid only through advance phone reservations. Customer must provide membership number and promotion code 212102 at time of booking. Limit 4 per membership number. Other restrictions may apply.

Members save $5 on your next purchase of $35 or more (before tax) at San Diego Zoo and Safari Park gift shops. Coupon must be redeemed at the time of purchase, one coupon per membership. Offer valid January 1–31, 2014. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Show valid San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase.

FEBRUARY 2014

MARCH 2014

APRIL 2014

10% OFF IN GIFT SHOPS WITH RESTAURANT PURCHASE

20% OFF BREAKFAST MENU

$1 OFF COTTON CANDY

Join us at the Zoo’s Sandwich Company, 8:30 to 11 a.m., or the Safari Park’s Thorntree Terrace, 9 to 11 a.m., during the month of March and enjoy 20% off the breakfast menu.

During the month of April, receive $1 off cotton candy sold at food stands at the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park.

Members receive 10% off any purchase in San Diego Zoo and Safari Park gift shops when you spend $20 or more at any Zoo or Safari Park restaurant or food stand. Just present your receipt for same-day discount. Each $20 receipt is good for a one-time discount on your total purchase in a specific transaction. Offer valid February 1–28, 2014. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Show valid San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase.

Offer valid April 1–30, 2014. Offer valid March 1–31, 2014. Not valid with any other offer or discount. Alcoholic beverages not included. Show valid San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase.

Not valid with any other offer or discount. Show valid San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase.

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

support

Shades of Africa

Under the Forest Canopy at the San Diego Zoo

he mystique and magnificence of Africa’s wildlife and varied habitats will soon be showcased in the San Diego Zoo’s most impressive project to date—Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks, which will debut in 2017. The eight-acre exhibit complex replaces the antiquated grottos and cages in Dog and Cat Canyon with animal exhibits reminiscent of their homeland in Africa. We are filling in some areas to provide more acreage for the animals and creating an ADA-accessible path that meanders through the entire canyon. One of the many regions in Africa Rocks is the Africa Forest Canopy, which will be home to nearly 30 colorful and charismatic bird and mammal species. Guests—and the animals—will be immersed in a forested habitat with a sparkling stream weaving its way through the canyon.

Into the Forest: Pathway to Predators As the journey begins, you enter on an elevated walkway and are soon introduced to the wild world of two top predators: the African leopard and the spotted hyena. Each species will have its own wooded environment that will encourage natural behaviors, enrich the animals’ lives, and improve viewing for guests. Leopards are the most adaptable of the African cat species— they are the only cat that lives in both the rain forest and the arid

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desert, as well as habitats in between. Spotted, or laughing, hyenas are the strongest, most capable hunters of any animal their size. In reality, hyenas are captivating and highly intelligent mammals— they have just acquired a bad reputation by those who misunderstand them.

Monkey Business: Fast and Frisky Farther along the path, two energetic primates—patas and vervet monkeys—will each inhabit a spacious, environmentally rich hillside enclosure. The ground-dwelling patas monkeys are the fastest runners in the primate world, with speeds up to 34 miles per hour. Vervet monkeys are famous for their elaborate system of alarm calls, one of the most intricate in Africa. They have four distinct alarms calls for specific species: eagles, leopards, pythons, and baboons.

The Birds and the Bees

Fearless and Fascinating

Just up the trail is an aviary for one of the world’s great bird spectacles, a colony of carmine bee-eaters. In the wild, carmine bee-eaters nest in burrows they carve

Your last stop in the Africa Forest Canopy takes you over a wooden bridge to experience up-close views of the ratel, or honey badger, one of Africa’s most fearless, intriguing, and secretive mammals. They are in constant motion yet are one of the most difficult animals to see in the wild.

Under the Forest Canopy

at the San Diego Zoo

Help Us Meet the

Rady Challenge

Your Impact: It Takes a Village to Create a Forest! Dog and Cat Canyon is one of the few remaining places in the Zoo that needs a major remodel for our animals and for the benefit of our guests. With your heartfelt generosity, the Africa Forest

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

in cliffs and earthen riverbanks. Some colonies have used the same cliff face for many generations—up to 80 years! At the Zoo, our bee-eater colony will also have a mudbank nesting habitat.

Haven for Hornbills Nearby is an open forest habitat for a comical-looking bird with a booming voice: the southern ground hornbill. At 2½ feet tall, this bird, which can live up to 50 years in zoos, is the largest hornbill species in the world. Ground hornbills nest in hollow logs and tree cavities, so their new digs at the Zoo will provide them with those perfect places to raise their young.

Flying High in the Forest You will stroll beneath the wings of more than 20 bird species, with colors spanning the color spectrum, in a spacious walk-through aviary. One of the least colorful birds in the aviary is the most active and impressive: the sociable weaver. These diligent dynamos build the biggest nests in the world, some of which are a century old. The Zoo’s sociable weaver colony is one of just two outside Africa.

Canopy—as well as other regions within Africa Rocks—will transform our aging assortment of exhibits into a magical journey through a land of awe-inspiring wildlife.

For more information, visit sandiegozoo.org/africaforest

San Diego businessman and philanthropist Ernest Rady has stepped up with a significant gift to help us create Africa Rocks. He pledged a $10 million challenge grant if the Zoo can raise $20 million in matching funds. Any dollars you contribute to Africa Forest Canopy in Africa Rocks will take us one step closer to meeting this challenge and renewing one of the oldest areas of your San Diego Zoo.

SAVE THE DATE May 4, 2014

Safari Park Half Marathon and 10K safariparkhalf.com

June 21, 2014

Rendezvous In The Zoo Gala (R•I•T•Z) sandiegozoo.org/ritz

You can help secure the future for wildlife!

Heritage Guild By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or leaving the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information, please call 619-744-3352 or visit our website at zoolegacy.org.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

from the archives

A “Devil” of a Debut Conrad, Debbie, Nick, and Jake aren’t the first Tasmanian transplants to set up

housekeeping at the San Diego Zoo. Back in 1955, a plane landed at Los Angeles International Airport carrying two special envoys, male and female Tasmanian devils, the first of their species in our collection. The pair’s 6,000-mile journey was the result of many letters and cablegrams exchanged over the course of a year, for at the time all “traffic in the unique fauna of Tasmania” was prohibited. And what a journey it was! After flying first to Sydney, Australia, from Tasmania, the jetsetting marsupials enjoyed a quick bite to eat before boarding a Pan-American Clipper bound for Hawaii. Once in Honolulu, the devils were treated to another meal at the Honolulu Zoo. Then it was on to Los Angeles via plane, where a Zoo truck picked them up for the last leg of their trip. The devils’ arrival wasn’t the only milestone: the female devil had some undeclared items on her “person,” or, more accurately, in her person. She was harboring four little stowaways, making her the first Tasmanian devil to travel overseas with babies in her pouch.

ZOONOOZ

JANUARY 2014

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE ADDED A 10K!

ALL NEW THIS YEAR!

Earn a VIP Experience and free registration (see race website to learn about fundraising for cheetahs)

Scenic Course! This point-to-point course will give you scenic views of wine country, horse ranches, and golf courses as well as exclusive views inside the Safari Park!

Free shuttle service! Free admission on race day! Post-race breakfast for just $15!

619-557-3915 | safariparkhalf.com

ZOONOOZ

速

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

Box 120551, San Diego, California 92112

Look for your member coupons on page 24.

Have you seen our ZOONOOZ digital editions? Now available for your iPad, desktop computer, and Kindle Fire.

FREE! Download the ZOONOOZ App for your iPad. sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz