inside october 2015
All in the Herd Get the inside scoop on what’s new with the Zoo’s elephants, from new friendships to innovative health care.
wildlife ave Pouch, H Will Travel: the Koala Loan Program
Hail to the Hornbill! Hornbills not only look incredible but have amazing behaviors, as well. Discover the bird behind the beak.
Koala conservation takes a lot of dedication, and when it comes to these marvelous marsupials, the San Diego Zoo believes in sharing the love!
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conservation Habitat Conservation Starts with a Seed San Diego Zoo Global researchers are actively conserving key parts of Southern California’s habitat.
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Giant Panda Update: Wonderful “Wu” Three-year-old Xiao Liwu is a “thoughtful daredevil,” according to sources close to him. Get the latest on this now not-so-little black-and-white bear.
Through the Lens Chairman’s Note You Said It
on the cover: Asian elephant Elephas maximus ©Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
chairman’s note
OFFICERS
Robert B. Horsman, Chairman Sandra A. Brue, Vice Chairman Judith A. Wheatley, Secretary Steven G. Tappan, Treasurer
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Inspiring the Conservationists of Tomorrow SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ARE A VITAL PART OF OUR MISSION AND VISION. At the Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute, we offer more than 135 programs that are designed to inspire and empower young people to become conservation stewards and lifelong learners. Kids are so passionate about animals—and our programs encourage that curiosity and enthusiasm through exploration and personal experiences. The connections often lead to a lifetime of caring about wildlife conservation. Our youth are our future, they will steward our planet forward and take the lead with our goal to end extinction. Therefore, it is particularly gratifying to witness lifelong learning in action—among some families we have had up to four generations who have participated in these programs. The Zoo’s impact is demonstrable; some of our programs have run continuously for more than 60 years. In 2014, more than 350,000 students visited us or attended our programs, from Secondgrade Field Trips to Zoo Summer Camp. Our exhibits at the Zoo and Park provide rich learning opportunities where visitors can experience animal presentations, interpretive demonstrations, tours, safaris, sleepovers, shows, classes, and camps. Each year, more than 3,500 children in grades 1 through 12 take part in our Summer Camps, engaging in fun activities while they discover animals and conservation. For those that are not able to visit us, we can bring the Zoo to them. We offer assembly and classroom programs that feature animal ambassadors, and our videoconference studio in the Zoo’s Price Learning Center bridges the distance for students who live out of the area. This two-way videoconferencing technology brings
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our “virtual zoo” to more than 5,000 students at schools around the world each year. As we work to heal and protect animals and their natural habitats, animals have the power to help us heal, too. San Diego Zoo Global’s Zoo Express and Animal Express programs are therapy outreach programs that bring our animal ambassadors and their keepers to people in hospitals, health-care centers, community centers, and retirement homes. These heartwarming visits awaken memories, help relieve stress, and bring family members of all ages together. In 2014, thanks to the generosity of donor T. Denny Sanford, San Diego Zoo Global took this effort to a new level with the San Diego Zoo Kids Network, a closed-circuit television channel for children’s hospitals and Ronald McDonald Houses. This channel combines videos from the Zoo and Safari Park, keeper interviews, conservation fieldwork, and our live animal cams. The result is enjoyable stories that children and their families can watch in patient rooms and waiting areas during a hospital stay. Wherever they take place, our education programs provide a dynamic way to reach a significant audience: kids, our conservation leaders of tomorrow. As my eight-year-old daughter Sophia always says, “We are a zoo family.” Let’s all be “zoo families” and ignite a passion for nature in our children, grandchildren, and all future generations to protect wildlife and wild places so extinction becomes a thing of the past.
Robert B. Horsman Chairman
M. Javade Chaudhri Berit N. Durler Richard B. Gulley Clifford W. Hague Linda Lowenstine, D.V.M., Ph.D. George A. Ramirez Patricia L. Roscoe
TRUSTEES EMERITI Frank C. Alexander Kurt Benirschke, M.D. Thompson Fetter Bill L. Fox Frederick A. Frye, M.D. George L. Gildred Yvonne W. Larsen John M. Thornton Albert Eugene Trepte Betty Jo F. Williams
James Lauth, General Counsel Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus
THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS
Murray H. Hutchison, Chair Maryanne C. Pfister, Vice Chair Susan N. McClellan, Secretary Richard M. Hills, Treasurer Mark A. Stuart, President Robert B. Horsman, Ex officio Douglas G. Myers, Ex officio
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christine L. Andrews Joye D. Blount Rick Bregman Lisa S. Casey Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio U. Bertram Ellis, Jr. Arthur E. Engel Craig L. Grosvenor Michael Hammes Judith C. Harris Michael E. Kassan Susan B. Major Michael D. McKinnon Thomas Tull Margie Warner Ed Wilson
Members get up close FREE all year long! Start your membership today. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sandiegozoo.org SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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you said it
This is the first time @CeceTheMamacita has ever held a snake in her life!! @935KDAY
Taking advantage of the #sdzsafaripark’s late hours with stroller-free Fox (who also FINALLY fits into shoes - small victory YAY) creativegifter
@sandiegozoo I had an amazing time at your beautiful Zoo! Simply amazing. Thank you Paulo @paulodetarso24
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We have just had the most amazing and unforgettable day with you. We did the caravan safari and my dream came true by getting up close and feeding a giraffe. We also got to hand feed the rhino. It truly was incredible. Thanks to our guide and driver, Ashley and Barbra for an unforgettable day. Gillian Culley
Finally got to take my little girl to see one of her favorite animals today! Can you tell she was excited? Breonna Eubanks
#gorilla #safaribax #sdzsafaripark kbpeanut
Too much fun at the #sandiegozoo today with the lil homies! @JHarden13
The Caravan Safari was amazing! We have been members for three years, but this was our first safari. Lulu and Leroy have been added to our list of favorites — with Randy Kuta. Wendy Mal
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through the lens Photo by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
Snow leopard Uncia uncia
sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz
ALL IN THE HERD By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER
Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
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M
Mary (left) was the first elephant Mila (right) met when she joined the herd.
ary is munching a mouthful of hay. Even as she chews—and chews, and chews—she reaches into the feeder to grab a fresh trunkful. Shaba approaches slowly, trunk extended, then stops and waits. Mary shifts slightly, and Shaba moves forward to feed beside the leader of the herd, touching her gently with her trunk before reaching for the feeder. The subtle social structure of the San Diego Zoo’s elephant herd is strong and healthy. The Harry and Grace Steele Elephant Odyssey is currently home to seven elephants: six females and one male. Females Sumithi, Devi, and Tembo have been together for 33 years, and the other 3 ladies have joined them over the past 6 years. One of the newcomers, Mary, claims the dominant position, while Sumithi (known to her keepers as Smitty) is second in command. When Shaba joined the herd in 2012 and Mila came in 2013, they met Mary first. The acceptance of the dominant elephant gave them the benefit of a “friend in high places” and helped them ease into the social structure. Today, Mila searches Mary out whenever the group is interacting. Her attachment is understandable. Mary wasn’t just the first San Diego Zoo herd member Mila met—she was the first elephant Mila had met in approximately 35 years! SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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When it came to pool time over the summer, Ranchipur was “all in.”
WHEN MILA MET MARY…AND FRIENDS
Ranchi’s frequent summer splashes revealed his gorgeous coloring. Usually, he keeps his skin covered with dust, as all elephants do.
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Mila came to the San Diego Zoo from the Franklin Zoo and Wildlife Sanctuary in New Zealand. She had never been part of a herd. The key reason Mila came to San Diego was because the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust wanted to find her a home where she could be with others of her kind and where she would be well cared for. The Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Elephant Care Center and program for managing older elephants was their first choice. After months of careful planning, the 7,700-pound pachyderm traveled halfway around the world to her new home. Once Mila had settled into a routine and trusted relationships with her new caretakers in San Diego, it was time for her to begin meeting the herd. When she was in quarantine, she had been able to hear and smell the other elephants, but she hadn’t seen them yet. Mary was chosen
MEET THE HERD MARY SPECIES: Asian Elephant BORN: 1964 TRAITS: At 51, Mary is the oldest elephant in our herd.
You might see her gently tapping her trunk on the side of her cheek, as if in deep thought.
SUMITHI SPECIES: Asian Elephant BORN: 1967 TRAITS: Called “Smitty” for short, she loves to carry sticks
for scratching herself. She also plays with small rocks, rolling them around in the end of her trunk.
TEMBO SPECIES: African Elephant BORN: 1971
During training sessions or when drinking, Tembo likes to suck in her cheeks and make a “purring” sound. She also enjoys mud baths. TRAITS:
DEVI SPECIES: Asian Elephant
1977 TRAITS: When it’s warm, little Devi likes frolicking in the pool and will even plunge underwater. She is an expert at solving puzzle feeders to get a treat. BORN:
SHABA SPECIES: African Elephant BORN:
1980
TRAITS: Sweet Shaba shares a strong bond with dominant cow
Mary, who was the first elephant she met when she came to live here. Keepers say she learns quickly during training.
MILA African Elephant 1973 TRAITS: Mila is learning to live around other females after being by herself for more than 35 years. She occasionally makes an unusual, loud “honking” sound. SPECIES: BORN:
RANCHIPUR Asian Elephant 1966 TRAITS: Like many older male elephants, “Ranchi” isn’t usually involved with the female herd. He spends most of his time on his own in his private yard, and he seems to enjoy watching the camels and pronghorn. SPECIES: BORN:
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PHOTO BY ROBBIE CLARK, SDZG
Top: We celebrate all the Zoo’s elephants’ birthdays in January with an enrichment “cake” created by staff and volunteers. Right: Keepers granted Shaba “first dibs”— and she made short work of it!
to be Mila’s welcoming committee because of her role as the dominant cow. She also has a great track record with welcoming newcomers. When Mila first saw Mary, she was startled: she flared her ears and became agitated. Yet, she quickly discovered that this “big creature” was not a threat. She gradually developed a strong relationship with Mary, and over a period of months, she was slowly introduced to each member of the herd. “With her history, we had no way of gauging how Mila would do with the herd,” said Robbie Clark, lead keeper. As it turns out, Mila is socially savvy despite her lack of experience with other elephants. “She is comfortable with the exhibit space; she knows where she feels comfortable, and how to get there when she needs to,” explained Robbie. “She really exceeded our expectations!” Mila is now fully integrated into the herd. She enjoys branches of leafy browse, intriguing enrichment opportunities the keepers create, and, on especially warm days, Mila frequents the mud wallows and shaded areas of the yards.
An animal keeper’s job entails many routine tasks, but caring for wild animals also holds a fair number of surprises. As the elephant keepers arrive each morning, they usually find the big male, Ranchipur, standing in one particular area. In fact, the sight of Ranchi (as his keepers call him) in his spot was so common that when he was not there one spring morning, it stopped Alan Van Luven, senior keeper, in his tracks. He walked quickly around the perimeter of the yard looking for Ranchi. He found the mighty bull standing on the side closest to the females. That was another surprise—ordinarily Ranchi not only doesn’t show an interest in the females, he deliberately stays away from where the two yards meet! To the keepers, this behavioral change was a sign that
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PHOTO BY ROBBIE CLARK, SDZG
THE BIG BULL SURPRISE
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Ranchi was in musth, a period of increased levels of testosterone, typically occurring when the males are ready to breed. “He really surprised us,” said Alan. “Males typically go into musth each year, but Ranchi hasn’t for the last few years.” At 49 years old, Ranchipur is the fifth-oldest male elephant in North America, and his keepers thought perhaps he had passed the point of regular musth. Bull elephants in musth can be extremely aggressive, but because of the strong foundation of trust and respect established through positive reinforcement training, Ranchi continued to interact well with his keepers. The big guy also got on well with the females during this time. “He was spending a lot of time in his pool,” said Alan. “He’d soak and splash around a bit, then head over to the
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Leafy branches are just the tip of the treats awaiting the elephants under a pile of snow. This kind of “cool” treasure hunt is one of many forms of enrichment that keepers create for the elephants.
Pool parties— complete with “beach balls”— are a popular summer delight.
fence to visit with the girls.” All in all, Ranchipur had a pretty pleasant summer!
AGING WELL Ranging in age from 35 years (Shaba) to 51 years (Mary), our herd is made up of older animals; and, as in humans, with advancing age comes a variety of wellness challenges. The Elephant Care Center was specifically designed to care for the needs of aging elephants. Last summer, as part of the Zoo’s efforts to keep the herd thriving, the veterinary staff took a close look at the females’ reproductive tract health. San Diego Zoo veterinarians invited a team of specialists with expertise in elephant reproductive physiology to perform thorough
assessments, including ultrasounds, in order to better understand the females’ current state of reproductive, urinary, and gastrointestinal health. Having this information as a baseline will allow veterinary staff to provide the highest quality of care and track any changes in the future. The Zoo’s nutrition team is also working to implement nutritional adjustments, and novel dietary items are being tried to improve the overall health of the herd in their advanced stage of life. The Elephant Care Center was designed to provide a high quality of life and outstanding care for elephants, and it is certainly fulfilling that role. Through the expertise of their caregivers and the Zoo’s commitment to their well-being, the elephant herd is enjoying their golden years. n SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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Now that’s a bold style! This female black-casqued hornbill Ceratogymna atrata shows off her impressive crown of feathers.
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HAIL TO THE HORNBILL!
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By Karen E. Worley MANAGING EDITOR
Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
n some cultures, hornbills are sacred. They are seen as messengers between humans and the spirit world, thought to be harbingers of rain, and considered a symbol of strength and success. They are an important part of community rituals and ceremonies, and they are depicted in art and heraldry. Whether it’s their prominent bills and crests, their colorful feathers and markings, their unique breeding strategy, or their noisy and active lifestyle, there is much about hornbills to inspire wonder, admiration, and respect.
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Like most hornbills, northern ground hornbills Bucorvus abyssinicus are monogamous and form bonded breeding pairs.
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Hornbill Habits Hornbills are a varied bunch of birds, with 54 species found in Africa and Asia. Most are forest dwellers, living in the tree canopy and feasting on many types of fruit. These birds play an important role in their ecosystem: they’ve been called the “farmers of the forest,” because they disperse seeds from the fruit they eat far and wide, which allows new trees to grow. And hornbills can eat a lot of fruit—the larger species consume nearly 1.5 pounds a day, which is 20 to 30 percent of their body weight! Some tropical forest hornbill species feed exclusively on fruit, while others enjoy some insect and small animal protein in their diet, as well. Like many forest-dwelling birds, hornbills have broad, rounded wings. They are noisy fliers, and because of the whooshing sound of their feathers, they are often heard before they are seen. Their wings aren’t the only thing that gives them away, though—they have a variety of loud calls they use to communicate with one another. The calls differ between the species, including whistles, raucous cackles, hooting and howling, and drawn-out roars that can be heard over long distances. Among these already exceptional birds, two species are further exceptions: the southern and northern ground hornbills. They are the largest hornbills, with males weighing from 8 to 13 pounds and measuring over 3 feet in length, and they spend their time on the ground, stalking through the African savanna. While they can fly, unlike their forest relatives they prefer to walk, and they have the long, strong legs, shorter toes, and padded feet to do it. The ground hornbills’ diet is quite different, as well: they are carnivores. They forage in the grass and vegetation, grabbing up animal prey like insects, snails, spiders, lizards, snakes, tortoises, and sometimes even squirrels and hares. They use their heavy, sharp bill to catch and kill their meal, and then use the forceps-like bill tips to toss the prey up and into their mouth—the “throw and gulp” method.
The Horn on Their Head It’s hard to miss it: the hornbill’s most distinctive feature is its large, curved beak and the ridge or crest that adorns it, known as a casque. It’s what these birds are named for, including the family name, Buceros, meaning “cow horn.” The casque runs along the top of the bill and often extends onto the skull. It is made of bony material covered in layers of keratin, which in some species form huge cylinders or impressive high crests that are mostly hollow but supported by a network of bony struts inside. One species takes that to the extreme: the helmeted hornbill’s casque is a solid block, about 10 percent of the bird’s weight, and males use it in bouts of aerial jousting, head-butting one another in flight to see which is more
Male black-casqued hornbill Ceratogymna atrata
dominant. For most species, though, the casque seems to serve as a social signal and sign of maturity, and it is usually larger in males than in females. As distinctive as the casque is, the bill itself is a versatile tool that the birds use for picking fruit or capturing prey—including small items like tiny figs or insects, which require dexterous manipulation—digging in leaf litter, bark, or soil; gathering nesting material; and preening their feathers. The bill is often marked with furrows, grooves, and serrations, and some are brightly colored. In fact, that’s another hornbill oddity: several species have a gland at the base of the tail that secretes colored oils, and as they preen, the color is transferred to and absorbed into the bill.
Time to Mud Up! When it comes to nesting and raising chicks, hornbills once again prove to be exceptional. Most species are monogamous, and bonded pairs defend their selected territory. During breeding season, the pair chooses an open cavity in a tree or cliff face, and they line it with a deep layer of nesting material. So far, pretty typical bird behavior. But then there’s the hornbill twist: they use a pungent mixture of mud, feces, and smashed food to create a plaster to close up the opening to the nest. When there’s just enough room for the female to get through, she enters the chamber for her confinement, which in some species can last up to five months. Once inside, the female finishes closing up the entrance until there is just a slit large enough for the male to pass food in to her. In the safety and security of the chamber, she lays her eggs—one or two for larger species, up to eight for smaller ones—incubates them, and raises the surviving offspring until they are ready to fledge. All the while, her loyal mate hunts for and brings her food, occasionally takes out soiled nesting material, and defends the nest site from any potential threats. For some species this is a family affair: they practice cooperative breeding, and the pair’s grown chicks from previous years help prepare the nest and provide food to their mother and new siblings. The only species that don’t “mud up” their nests are the African ground hornbills. All told, it’s a complex but effective strategy—one used only by these extraordinary birds!
Exceptional—and in Need of Protection Unfortunately, the unique characteristics of these striking birds have placed them in jeopardy. They are large, territorial birds that require appropriate foraging and nesting sites, and they have slow reproductive rates. Habitat loss and fragmentation caused by timber extraction, forest conversion to agriculture, and human development is affecting species throughout their ranges. In some places, they are hunted for food, for their feathers used in traditional ceremonies, or for the illegal wildlife trade. SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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Southern Sulawesi hornbill Penelopides exarhatus sanfordi
Yellow-casqued hornbill Ceratogymna elata
Great hornbill Buceros bicornis
In their forest habitat, these smaller hornbills eat mainly fruit, which makes up about 85 percent of their diet. They have been recorded feeding on at least 34 species of plants.
The distinctive, splashy crown of feathers, black in males and reddish in females, plus the dramatic spotted pattern on the neck make this African hornbill a standout.
One of the largest hornbill species, great hornbills usually feed in pairs or small family groups, but they have been observed roosting in groups of more than 100 outside of breeding season.
Wrinkled hornbill Aceros corrugatus
Northern ground hornbill Bucorvus abyssinicus
Knobbed hornbill Aceros cassidix
This Asian species will range long distances to find fruiting trees—it has even been known to cross open sea.
This African species spends most of its time on the ground rather than in the trees, foraging for food like lizards, tortoises, and insects in the grass and among rocks.
The bill and casque of male knobbed hornbills develop slowly and markings are added over time, typically one groove near the base of the bill or an extra tier to the casque.
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Southern ground hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri
Trumpeter hornbill Bycanistes bucinator
West African long-tailed hornbill Horizocerus albocristatus
This mostly ground-dwelling species lives in cooperative territorial groups, usually made up of a dominant pair and several of their adult offspring. The booming call of the males has been compared to the roar of a lion.
As you might guess, these hornbills are named for their trumpet-like call. Their large casque may help amplify the sound in their forest habitat.
Named for its elongated, white-tipped, graduated tail, these African hornbills have been observed following troops of monkeys to grab up insects disturbed along the way.
Black-casqued hornbill Ceratogymna atrata
Yellow-billed hornbill Tockus flavirostris
Rhinoceros hornbill Buceros rhinoceros
This species is highly sexually dimorphic: the males are black, with the large, black casque the species is named for, while the females have a reddish head and neck and a tan bill sporting a much smaller casque.
These African hornbills have been observed following dwarf mongooses and eating the insects that are stirred up from the grass.
This striking Indonesian species has one of the more elaborate and brightly colored casques among hornbills.
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Yellow-billed hornbill Tockus flavirostris
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Even the mighty African ground hornbills are under pressure: it is estimated that there are only about 1,500 southern ground hornbills left in South Africa. The helmeted hornbill, in particular, is being decimated by wildlife trafficking. Its solid casque has been used for centuries as “hornbill ivory,” carved into figures and jewelry. Traditionally, the material was held in high regard and was known as “golden jade.” Recently, the demand for their casques has significantly increased; as rhinos and elephants are disappearing, traffickers are turning to other species, like the hornbills, for this type of material. Now, hunters are combing the forests killing as many helmeted hornbills as they can find. The bills and casques are then smuggled on the black market—recent confiscations have found as many as 250 helmeted hornbill bills and casques hidden in one individual’s luggage. But hornbills also have dedicated protectors, and there is increasing awareness of their plight. Government and legal agencies are apprehending wildlife traffickers, wildlife conservation organizations are spreading the word about saving hornbills through community education campaigns, and zoos are providing breeding and population management expertise. San Diego Zoo Global is partnering with the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project in South Africa for just such an effort. Our animal care personnel have worked with their staff on egg incubation and chick-rearing techniques to help increase the southern ground hornbill population, and we have provided tracking and photography equipment to enable researchers to keep an eye on birds once they have been introduced into the wild. San Diego Zoo Global also supports the Thailand Hornbill Project and their “Adopt a Hornbill” program, in which organizations and individuals can donate funds to protect a family of hornbills in the wild. The funds provide an income to local people who watch out for the hornbills, as well as supporting students who are conducting research on the biology and ecology of hornbills in the area. Bringing back the reverence and respect these remarkable birds have inspired for thousands of years will ensure that they are appreciated well into the future. All hail the extraordinary hornbill! n
Southern Sulawesi hornbill Penelopides exarhatus sanfordi
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Have Pouch, Will Travel: The Koala Loan Program
By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Photos by Ken Bohn
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SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
ne look at a koala’s fuzzy ears and teddy bear-esque physique, and its universal appeal is as plain as the gumdrop nose on its face. Since the early days of Cuddlepie and Snugglepot in the 1920s, the San Diego Zoo has had a great affection for these marvelous marsupials. Over the decades that followed, our relationship with the koala grew. By 1983, the Zoo was ready to spread the love! Through its koala education and conservation program, the Zoo has assisted other facilities all over the world in establishing their own koala colonies. This process involves education, cooperation, and more than just a “pouchful” of dedication!
The Queensland koala subspecies has been exhibited in North American zoos since 1976, when the San Diego Zoo’s Charles “Chuck” Bieler, then executive director, coordinated with the Lone Pine Sanctuary in Australia to import six koalas to form a new colony. The colony flourished, and in 1983, with protocols and husbandry practices in place, the San Diego Zoo launched its Koala Education and Conservation Program (KECP). The program’s mission is to integrate consistent—yet innovative—welfare, propagation practices, management, education, and research and conservation efforts into a single, holistic program dedicated to the koala’s survival and sustainability in both zoos and in the wild. KECP researchers have pinpointed pressures being faced by koalas, including habitat loss from deforestation and fragmentation; diseases such as chlamydia and metabolic bone loss; population diversity; and the effects of climate change like drought and bush fires. Information gathered benefits all koalas. “Zoo koalas and wild koalas can’t survive without each other,” explains Carmi Penny, director of the Collections Husbandry Services Department and curator of mammals at the Zoo. “Zoo animal husbandry techniques are now assisting with the survival of wild koalas.”
PHOTO BY SDZG
Sharing a Passion for Koalas
The San Diego Zoo’s Koala Education and Conservation Program began in 1983.
Prolific Pouches
One aspect of the program involves sending koalas to live, on a temporary basis, in zoos across the United States and around the world. “There are two types of koala loans: the short-term loan for conservation and educational purposes; and the long-term for breeding,” explains Chris Hamlin Andrus, whose duties at the Zoo include not only serving as an animal care manager but also as coordinator of both the Zoo’s KECP and its Species Survival Plan. Any resulting joeys are also Chris’ responsibility, as she is the keeper of the North America Regional Studbook, an exhaustive, 62-page document that is a combination “who’s who” directory and “little black book” for koalas. This playbook for the koala dating game keeps track of every birth, death, and animal transfer that occurs each year. Chris notes that despite all the intense study and science that goes into pairing koalas (there are even computer programs that match animals according to their DNA), it can all still come down to a different type of chemistry. “If the female doesn’t like the male—his smell or look or whatever—that’s that,” Chris says. “It’s ultimately a game of ‘ladies’ choice.’” SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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The San Diego Zoo has had more than 120 joeys born to the koalas in our extended colony since 1976.
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This collaborative system with other facilities has helped keep
PHOTO BY SDZG
the gene pool viable.
The first koala loan was to the Denver Zoo in 1983. Travelers were surprised to find the koala riding in the cabin of the plane!
Preflight Check
By traveling to other zoos, the stout little ambassadors for their species help raise awareness about koalas in the wild, and delight animal fans at the same time. This collaborative system with other facilities has helped
Senior keeper Susanne Wyatt from the Indianapolis Zoo trained here with our koala keepers prior to a loan.
PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG
Unpredictable variables such as koala kismet aside, the Zoo’s marsupial matchmaking has certainly paid off—we’ve had more than 120 joeys born to the koalas in our extended colony since 1976.
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Koalas are built to perch in the crooks of tree branches.
keep the gene pool viable. The current, formally managed population of San Diego Zoo Queensland koalas Phascolarctos cinereus adustus includes 44 animals in 13 other Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) institutions: 3 in the US and 10 in Europe. Some of our koalas have traveled as far as Ireland, France, Spain, and Belgium. As you might suspect, the logistics of koala “sleep-away camp” involve much more than packing some eucalyptus sack lunches. Preparation begins long before a koala boards a plane. “Keepers from the other facility come here to the San Diego Zoo for three weeks of training,” Chris says. “And their veterinarians come here to work with ours. They get handson experience with our veterinarians in koala medicine, and they complete required online courses.”
Travel Buddies
Once it’s time for a koala’s trip to begin, he or she boards a plane—with a companion. “Our keepers accompany the koalas to their temporary home, and stay for three weeks. The koalas fly in the passenger cabin of the
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plane. Other passengers are amazed.” Even after the tuft-eared travelers settle into their temporary accommodations, Chris doesn’t rely on the koalas to write home. “I get weekly reports from each institution that has our koalas,” she says. Those reports include “detailed information about their weight, breeding behaviors, browse consumption—everything. We keep close tabs on them.”
New Addition
Here at home, we’ve gained considerable koala expertise from years of research and animal care. The Zoo’s koala colony continues to thrive at Conrad Prebys Australian Outback, where 13 males and 8 females currently live. The most recent addition, a feisty young male, emerged from Cambee’s pouch in early July 2015. Robust and spirited, this joey is a poster boy for the success of our koala conservation program. And who knows? The future may find him winging his way to a colony at another zoo as part of the loan program. But that would be fine—his chaperone will be going, too, and they’ll spread the word about how amazing koalas are. n
Koala joeys develop in their mom’s pouch, where they stay for up to seven months.
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HABITAT STARTS WITH
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PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG
CONSERVATION A SEED By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER
Photos by Tammy Spratt SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
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PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG Above: Like the seeds processed within its walls, the Botanical Conservation Center building holds hope for the future of a number of rare plants. Below: A clever cutaway in one room reveals a bit of the straw bales used to construct the building.
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est led among modular office trailers at the back of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, one small, plaster-finished building is unique. Made of straw bales and solar powered, it is a green building—both outside and in. This is the Botanical Conservation Center, part of the Native Seed Bank program of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.
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Preserving the Rare and Endangered
Sorting the tiniest seeds requires tweezers, good light, and a steady hand!
The Native Seed Bank program has grown since it began in 2000. When the center’s straw-bale building was first built, the number of species collected could be counted on one hand. Today, seeds from more than 20 percent of San Diego County’s plant species have been cataloged and stored in special freezers to protect their viability. The program’s overall goal is to create a collection of seeds that represents the diversity of San Diego County’s plant communities. Currently, we’re working in partnership with local land managers and government agencies, as well as other gardens and institutions, to collect and preserve the seeds of the rarest native species within the California Floristic Province (CFP)—a geographic area that includes California west of the deserts, as well as small areas in Oregon and Baja California, Mexico. The area is a biodiversity hotspot, home to more than 3,500 plant species—including more than 2,300 that are rare, threatened, or endangered.
Some California native plants require fire to trigger seed germination. Our researchers are testing how smoke-infused water of varying concentrations affects the seeds.
Once the seeds soaked in “smoke-water” have sprouted, their progress is monitored as they grow under controlled lighting.
A Seek-andSave Mission “We are working together to identify and conserve these plants, and seed banking is an important part of that,” said Christa Horn, conservation program specialist at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. “Preserving seeds properly creates an insurance population,” she explained. These efforts also contribute to the California Rare Plant Rescue initiative, a collaborative effort with other seed banks and botanical gardens throughout the state. The goal is
These thriving seedlings are almost ready to be transplanted to bigger containers. SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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Along one wall, shelves hold bins of seed pods waiting to be processed.
To begin the preservation process, seeds are separated from their pods.
to bank 75 percent of the rarest species. Each organization focuses mainly on its specific geographic area. For the Institute’s team, that is San Diego County. “We work off of a master list that provides GPS points for plants that have already been discovered,” explained Stacy Anderson, senior research associate who coordinates the seed program. “It gives us a place to start, so we’re not just wandering.” That’s important, since finding the plants is done on foot. Stacy also pre-checks the site via Google Earth to determine the best way to access the area before hiking in. Yet she points out that even with all that preparation, the collection team may still come up empty-handed. “The GPS points are where the plants have been seen before—but that doesn’t mean they’re still there!” However, because the habitat has supported that species, patrolling the area can reveal new specimens that the team notes in order to begin the collection process.
In the Field These machines blow air to separate the seed from the chaff.
Cleaned seeds are placed in drying chambers and dehydrated to a 15-percent moisture content before they are placed in cold storage.
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The first step is creating a taxonomic record of the plant, called a voucher. A piece of the plant— preferably containing both leaves and f lowers—is clipped and placed in a plant press. Data on the soil, slope, and neighboring species, as well as the GPS coordinates, are recorded. Back at the Institute, the plant material is put in a freezer to destroy any pests or pathogens. It is then used along with the collected data to create a permanent record. Next comes seed collection. “Our minimum target is to collect a total of 2,500 seeds from 50 individual plants,” said Stacy. “We never take more than 10 percent of the seed from a population—5 percent if it is an endangered species—so reaching that goal may need to be
Sifting seeds through a screen helps speed the cleaning process.
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PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG
done over multiple years.” The seeds are carried back to the straw-bale building at the Safari Park for processing. The ultimate goal is to remove the seed from its protective covering, and the technique for accomplishing this varies among seed types, but it often involves rubbing the material over screens to sift seed from chaff. Clean seeds are then placed in drying chambers to reduce the moisture content before being placed in one of a number of freezers for preservation.
Seeds for Success Some samples are packaged for long-term storage. The hope is that these holdings won’t need to be accessed for a very long time; they would be the final hope if a species reaches the edge of extinction. Other seeds are kept in a freezer as an active collection. The “active” seeds are used to test viability of the batch, help researchers learn about that particular plant’s germination requirements, and augment restoration efforts. Plants generally produce a large number of seeds as a hedge against the reality that not all of these genetic packages will germinate, thrive, or reproduce. Germinating seeds and raising young plants under carefully managed conditions increases the odds that each plant will survive to help restore a damaged habitat. “While we’re collecting, preserving, and germinating seeds,” said Stacy, “we’re actively conserving a piece of the habitat for the future.” n Thank you to the following foundations for many years of investments in our seed banking efforts: Conrad Schlum Charitable Trust, Foundation for Su stainability and Innovation, and Strauss Family Foundation.
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Left: The collected seeds are stored in foil pouches in a freezer to maintain their quality. Above: For each set of seeds collected, the researchers gather and press a sample of the plant (containing leaf, flower, and fruit) for accurate identification.
PHOTO BY STACY ANDERSON, SDZG
Tecate cypress are found in chaparral and woodland habitats of Southern California and Baja California, Mexico at elevations of 1,000 to 8,000 feet.
Tecate Cypress: A Hot Topic
Around 20 Tecate cypress seedlings are being nurtured at the Botanical Conservation Center. The goal is to add these saplings to an existing stand of cypress in San Diego County.
The Tecate cypress Hesperocyparis forbsii is a tree found only in Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. It is fire dependent: To remove Tecate cypress seeds, the cones were its cones only open alternately soaked in hot water then heated to and release seeds in around 125 degrees Fahrenheit until they opened. response to fire. If fire occurs too frequently, however, young trees don’t have a chance to reproduce. That is what happened when wildfire swept through the cypress population in Otay Mesa in 2003. The Applied Plant Ecology Division at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is growing Tecate cypress from seed. The saplings will eventually be planted in Rancho Jamul, where we helped create a plantation of 500 cypress in 2013.
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Giant Panda Update:
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Wonderful “Wu”
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Little Xiao Liwu took to eating bamboo earlier than any of his siblings.
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By Karyl Carmignani
Photos by Ken Bohn
STAFF WRITER
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
hree years ago, Bai Yun gave birth to her sixth tiny, squawking cub. Barely the size of a Twinkie, Xiao Liwu (pronounced jhou lee woo), or “Mr. Wu,” as he was nicknamed, still exemplifies the meaning of his Chinese name: little gift. Now, as an adolescent bear, he tips the scale at about 134 pounds, which is a bit on the small side for a young male panda, but his father Gao Gao is also on the petite side. His legions of followers, admirers, and keepers are still charmed by Mr. Wu—and the “little” bear is a big hit on Panda Cam and in person.
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Special snow days make for endless fun! The giant pandas love to roll and slide in the snow provided as enrichment.
The Thinker While he continues to hit developmental milestones, he has proved to be much different from his five older siblings. “He is more physical and also more of a thinker than our previous cubs,” said Jennifer Becerra, senior keeper. And all those panda smarts make it “more challenging to enrich him” as he takes time to assess new situations, while most of the other cubs would dive in with nary a thought to the consequences. “He is much more patient and willing to sit still, unlike the previous cubs,” she added. “But if things don’t go his way, he can throw an impressive temper tantrum!”
Brave New World Xiao Liwu’s mom, Bai Yun, has intuitively provided the right balance of nurturing attention, affection, and instruction for all her cubs. With her sixth cub, “Wu Bear” (another fond nickname for Mr. Wu), she seemed to sense his independent nature and was content to let him figure things out on his own. Her “free-range parenting” has paid off, as Mr. Wu appears to be the smartest and easiest to train of all her offspring. For instance, he has already mastered the protocol for blood pressure checks. Keepers and veterinary staff from a few zoos around the country are collecting blood pressure readings on giant pandas to create baseline data. The
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process includes the bear putting his or her arm into a metal sleeve, which has a hole in the top through which the blood pressure cuff is secured around the animal’s forearm. The bear needs to remain calm during the strange squeezing sensation of the cuff and the jarring Velcro sound, so an accurate reading can be collected. Favorite treats like squirts of honey water (Xiao Liwu’s top pick), as well as pieces of apple, carrot, sweet potato, and soaked biscuits (not dry!) make the training more engaging for the bear. Mr. Wu is calm, confident, and relaxed throughout the process. Gao Gao also participates in this panda health study. “Hypertension has been noted in several older pandas,” explained Zoo veterinarian Meg Sutherland-Smith, DVM. “We have been monitoring Gao Gao’s blood pressure because of suspected hypertension. In order to get a better idea of normal blood pressure values, Xiao Liwu was trained for blood pressure monitoring to compare to Gao Gao’s.” This important health monitoring would not be possible without the dedication of our panda keepers and registered veterinary technicians.
Just Try It—You’ll Like It For all of his bravado about some things—like descending trees headfirst—other things were daunting for Mr. Wu early on. His keepers shared that for his first two years,
The collaborative giant panda breeding program at the Zoo has been successful, with Bai Yun raising six cubs since 1999.
the cub wanted nothing to do with water, “not even dipping a paw into the stuff.” Then one day, he warmed to water—and now he happily bobs for apple pieces in his pool, anoints his bamboo with it, and plays in it. Another surprising component to his personality has been his penchant for bamboo at an early age. From about 18 months of age, he showed a preference for bamboo, forgoing other calorie-dense food items like biscuits or fresh produce, even as he was nursing very infrequently. He even turned up his cute black nose at the usual fare of ruby-red apples, so keepers resorted to making a tasty puree with biscuits and apples. But one day, there was a surplus of organic Fuji apples in another Zoo area, and they were delivered to the panda exhibit. Mr. Wu took to this type of apple instantly and prefers it to this day.
He’s Got This
Like any curious youngster, Mr. Wu dove into the cake and gifts marking his third birthday.
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His keepers say “Wu Bear” has been a very independent, mellow cub, adding that he has a bit of a daredevil streak. “He goes down trees headfirst and has the little scrapes on his head to show for it,” said Kathy Hawk, senior keeper. But he is no worse for wear! The little bear also has a slight reddish brown hue to his signature black fur, with small white patches on his lower back legs. Now that our “little gift” has turned three years old, he may reveal “a new set of behaviors and energy bursts,” according to Anastasia Jonilionis, panda narrator and keeper at the Zoo. “Not much fazes him, and for the most part—from a keeper’s point of view—he has been the easiest cub to work with.” Like all of Bai Yun’s cubs, Xiao Liwu will go to China when he is four years old to contribute to the giant panda breeding program. For 20 years, San Diego Zoo Global has been working with Chinese collaborators to save this iconic species. “We are proud to be a part of this wonderful conservation project,” said Jennifer. “Our successful panda breeding at the Zoo is aiding genetic diversity and adding to the giant panda population in China.” And that’s no little gift! n
Mr. Wu is a thoughtful bear with a daredevil streak, always testing his climbing skills.
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support
Rescuing Gentle Giants
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By Justin Weber
Photos by Ken Bohn
DIGITAL FUNDRAISER, DEVELOPMENT
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
In 2014, more than 1,200 southern white rhinos were poached.
Nola is one of only four northern white rhinos left on Earth.
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hinos were once found across the savannas of Africa—but today, they are in terrible trouble. Rhinos are being killed at an alarming rate: an average of three rhinos are slaughtered every day. They are facing the worst poaching epidemic in history. Last year alone, more than 1,200 southern white rhinos were violently poached for their horns. The northern white rhino has suffered most of all. There are only four of these gentle giants left in the world, making it arguably the most critically endangered animal on Earth. Our beloved Nola, who lives at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, is one of them. Her beautiful brown eyes, gregarious personality, and undeniable love for a bucket of red apples captivate my heart every time I see her. Unfortunately, rampant poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horn have brought Nola’s species to the brink of extinction. As heartbreaking as this may seem, there is hope. San Diego Zoo Global is leading the fight to end extinction and save the white rhino. With support from friends like you, we are building a Rhino Rescue Center at the Safari Park, dedicated to the protection and preservation of white rhinos. At this one-of-a-kind
sanctuary, scientists and researchers from around IF WE DON’T SAVE the world will use cutTHEM, WHO WILL? ting-edge technology and You can help us build the Rhino work collaboratively with Rescue Center at the Safari Park our conservation partby clicking here. Your gift will ners to save white rhinos create a safe haven for rhinos, so from extinction. that Nola’s family will be here to Your generosity has meet your family for generations enabled us to save other to come. endangered species, like the giant panda and California condor. Bringing white rhinos back from the brink of extinction is our biggest project to date. Working together, we can make these life-saving efforts possible and create an oasis for rhinos like no other—a safe haven where they can reproduce, raise their young, and live free from the threat of poachers. n
You can help secure the future for wildlife!
Heritage Guild
By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or including the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information, please call 619-557-3947 or visit our website at zoolegacy.org.
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from the archives
The Squawk Heard ’Round the World In the summer of 1999, panda keepers and research-
ers had been on birth watch 24/7, as it was believed giant panda Bai Yun was pregnant. When observers noted what looked like signs of labor, word spread and everyone on the Giant Panda Team hurried to watch the female bear in her den via remote camera. It was standing room only, and so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Then Bai Yun moved, seeming to scoop something up, and sat back. There was a murmur of confusion and speculation—was this it? Had the birth happened? Then they heard the squawk, remarkably loud for such a tiny thing. The room erupted in applause and gasps of joy. The San Diego Zoo had its very first panda cub! The little cub—the first to survive in the US—became an international sensation, as the Zoo’s live-streaming camera allowed the public to watch her grow from a helpless white bundle into a playful, inquisitive youngster. Each week, the staff recorded her vitals, measurements, condition of eyes and ears, motor skills, and tooth de-
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velopment. Most of the time she was quiet and cooperative during these early exams, but occasionally she would make her opinion known with a squawk. Following Chinese tradition, she was named at 100 days old with a joyful celebration at the Zoo that included members of the Chinese Consulate. Our Chinese colleagues chose the name Hua Mei, which means “China USA,” to honor the important collaboration between the two countries to help save pandas. In 2004, it was time for the now full-grown panda to return to China. In her new home, Hua Mei was paired with a male, Ling Ling, for breeding, and she gave birth to twins in 2004. In September 2005, Hua Mei gave birth again— and had another set of twins, this time a male and a female. Over the years, Hua Mei has given birth to 11 cubs, including 3 sets of twins; she has also become a grandmother! From the excitement of her birth, to all the things she taught us, to her contribution to increasing the giant panda population, Hua Mei is one sensational panda. nw
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OCTOBER 2015 MANAGING EDITOR
KAREN E. WORLEY
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
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STAFF WRITERS COPY EDITOR
ESTON ELLIS KEN BOHN TAMMY SPRATT
DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN
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DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
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DAMIEN LASATER KERRI ABRAMS HEIDI SCHMID-ROMERO STEPHANIE BEVIL-PAGADUAN DENNIS CORBRAN KAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANI KRISTIN NIELSEN KIM TURNER LISA BISSI JENNIFER MACEWEN LEE RIEBER MARIA BERNAL-SILVA DUSTIN TRAYER
The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in October 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation that now does business as San Diego Zoo Global. This digital edition of ZOONOOZ® is currently published every month. Versions are available for download on iPads and a PDF version is available for viewing on Kindle Fire, desktops, Android devices, and smartphones. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515. Copyright® 2015 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. Office. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global. Annual Memberships: Dual $125, new; $110, renewal. Single $102, new; $90, renewal. Membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS: October 1–31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS: October 1–31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about our animals and events, visit sandiegozoo.org or call 619-231-1515.