Summer 2014 ZooTracks by Sedgwick County Zoo

MEMBER’S MAGAZINE

JUNE · JULY

INSIDE

The Mighty Little Farmer with Big Trouble International Elephant Foundation

SUMMER 2014

FEATURE STORY

The Mighty Little Farmer with Big Trouble Schaneé Anderson, Curator of Education and Children's Farms

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mark C. Reed Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. PRESIDENT Scott Ochs TRUSTEES Stanley G. Andeel Jeff Bloomer William P. Buchanan Martha C. Buford Cindy Burgess Kelly E. Callen Mark C. DeVries Allan Dunne Genevieve Farha Rhonda Fullerton Michael Herbert Ronald Holt Steven A. Houlik Dale Hoyer Dirk Jones Don J. Knappenberger Gary Kohn Dave Larson Marvin Long Buz Lukens Gayle Malone Sam Marnick Mary Lynn Oliver Martin W. Park Scott Redler Albert R. Sanchez Don Sherman Collin Stieben Jay Smith Paul Truitt David M. Unruh Marty Wells Sheryl Wohlford MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Schanee Anderson Melissa Graham Ryan Gulker Scott Newland Steven Onken Jonathan Rold ON THE COVER— African Elephant

If you eat, you should appreciate honeybees. One out of every three bites of food in the United States depends on pollination by honeybees. Crops from nuts to vegetables and fruits all require pollination by honeybees. In fact, honeybees are vital to the multibillion dollar agriculture industry. Honeybees also pollinate 16 percent of the flowering plants in your home gardens. Honeybees are the newest addition to the Children’s Farms and are probably the most important agricultural animal in our daily lives because they pollinate so many different agricultural crops and they make the delicious honey that so many of us enjoy. However, none of this is done for us.

It is all done for the survival of the hive. THE HIVE AT WORK The honeybees going in and out of the hive are females called worker honeybees. Their job is to find nectar and pollen on plants and bring it to the hive. Nectar is a liquid made by plants to attract honeybees and other animals. Pollen is a powdery substance that plants need to reproduce. A plant entices a honeybee to land on it by giving it a drink of yummy nectar. Although a honeybee may collect pollen for its own use, the plant needs the honeybee to get covered with pollen and to unknowingly drop it off at the next flower. Most plants do not reproduce unless pollen from one plant is delivered to another plant. If pollination doesn’t happen, no fruit or vegetables are created.

Many of the foods you eat are possible because a honeybee delivered pollen from one plant to another.

A honeybee will carry nectar back to the hive in a special stomach (it has two) that adds enzymes to the nectar, the first stage in turning the nectar into honey. Pollen is also carried back to the hive in specialized pollen sacks on the worker honeybees’ back legs. Both pollen and nectar are important food sources for honeybees. Each honeybee has a specific job in the hive: queen, worker or drone. All female baby honeybees, called larvae, start out the same. Worker honeybees make and feed the larvae “royal jelly.” If a larva is fed royal jelly after its third day, it is destined to become a queen. Hives are organized around one queen who is the heart and soul of the hive. The survival of the hive depends on the queen because she is the only honeybee that lays eggs. She also produces a variety of scents that help keep the colony happy.

Although she leads the colony, she is relatively helpless, depending on workers to take care of all her needs. In its short life, a worker’s job changes several times. First, it is a housekeeper in charge of cleaning out used egg cells. Next, it takes care of its baby sisters by caring for eggs and feeding the larvae. Before workers are able to scout for food, they must take care of the nectar brought back by scout honeybees in the field. Enzymes are added to nectar from the honeybee’s stomach and the mixture is placed into honeycomb cells. To turn the nectar mixture into honey, the nectar must be continually fanned to remove moisture. This requires lots of honeybees moving their wings at the same time. The next chore is either to develop more honeycombs or guard the entrance of the hive. At last, workers are scout honeybees flying up to four miles away to find nectar and pollen to bring back to the hive.

Males make up the last type of honeybee, the drones. Drones must be fed and cared for by the workers but are allowed to stay in the hive for their one job, to mate with the queen. Mating takes place in the spring outside the hive in a swarm. Swarms contain the queen and hundreds of drones bunched together on a branch or bush. Once a drone mates, it dies. Drones that do not mate get to live out the summer in the hive but are kicked out by the workers once the weather gets cold and they are no longer needed for mating.

OUR NEW FRIENDS The honeybees on exhibit in the Children’s Farms were from a wild hive that had to be moved. The Zoo worked with beekeepers to collect the hive and transfer the honeybees to their new home. It was no easy task moving thousands of bees. We wore more protective gear during this animal move than in any other animal move in the history of the Children’s Farms. However, in the end, the honeybees were very gentle and much of the work was done without the protective suits. The honeybees quickly settled in and started making new honeycomb.

BAD RAP Honeybees are blamed for a lot of pain that they do not create. Anytime someone is stung by a flying insect, they assume it is a honeybee.

FEATURE STORY You are actually more likely to be stung by a yellow jacket wasp.

JUNGLE UPDATE

They look similar but yellow jackets are much more aggressive and can sting you more than once. If a honeybee stings you, it dies. Your skin is too thick for it to pull its barbed stinger out and the honeybee ends up pulling most of its guts out trying to get away.

HONEYBEES IN CRISIS It is clear that we need the honeybee to help us produce the food we need. However, honeybees are in trouble. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), when honeybees suddenly disappear or die, decreases honeybee populations by as much as 30 percent each year. Scientists do not know why CCD happens but there is growing belief that a variety of issues are causing CCD including: parasites, diseases, nutrition, modern beekeeping practices, weather patterns, and genetics.

4-1-2014 Before demolition of the existing roof could begin, all of the animals need to be safely moved out of the building. One of the last animals to be moved was the broad-snouted caiman.

You can help honeybees! Learn more about honeybees so that you are not afraid when you do encounter a honeybee. Plant things that bees like in your yard. Provide bees a place to live. Eliminate garden pesticides. Put a small basin of fresh water out for the bees. If a honeybee lands on you, stay calm and simply blow it off. Thrashing your arms around and yelling only makes the honeybee fearful. If you have a hive take up residence in your backyard, rejoice. If that is not possible, please contact a beekeeper to come and remove the hive instead of terminating the bees. Remember, one out of every three bites of food you eat may come from that hive.

4-3-2014 The Zoo’s Maintenance Department began working on the demolition of the roof! Amazingly, it didn’t take long before all of the old roofing materials were removed.

5-3-2014 The weather has not been kind to the plant life in the Jungle. Between the sunburns, hail, snow, freezing temperatures and early warm temperatures the plants have taken a hit. Horticulture believes that some of the plants will come back from these extremes, but most will be lost. Though progress is moving along quite nicely and the Jungle renovations remain on schedule, the recent “wild” Kansas weather has set the plant life back a little further than we had anticipated. The damage to the plant life will cause the reopening of the Jungle to be pushed back until early 2015. This will give the Horticulture staff adequate time to rehabilitate those plants that can be saved and add new plants to fill in for those that were lost over the year. Though this is not ideal, we feel that the change in the timeline will benefit both animal and the guest experience.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Creature Campout June 28 : National Backyard Campout Night Join us for an overnight outdoor adventure. Each year’s theme is different for these exciting camping adventures. This year we will be camping with a Zoo in the Sky theme. We will be talking about constellations inspired by animals. We would like to thank our friends at Papa John’s for helping to sponsor these great overnights! All campouts begin at 5:30 p.m.

Nocturnal Adventures Are you looking for an exciting activity for your scout, church, or school group but do not want to mess with camping equipment? How about spending the night at the Zoo! Groups will meet education staff at 6:00 p.m. in the Cargill Learning Center and participate in an exciting evening of games, tours, and special animal visitors. Groups will sleep inside, so no tents are needed. You bring a sack dinner. An evening snack and morning juice are provided by the Zoo. These exciting overnights are only $25.00 per person.

The adventure includes dinner, a guided tour, activities, an animal encounter, a flashlight tour and a bedtime snack. In the morning, the excitement continues with continental breakfast and a 9:30 a.m. tram ride. All campers need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and flashlights. The campouts are designed for families with children ages 5 and older. Any youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $30 per person for members and $35 per person for nonmembers. Space is limited, so call soon to register. We must have your payment at registration to reserve your place. We can accept credit card payment at the time of your call, or you can come in person to register and pay by cash. No mail-in registrations will be accepted. For more information or to register, call the Education Department at 266-8213. Creature Campout Shirts will be for sale for $10 , plus tax, per shirt for those that camp out with us.

Participants sleep in the Cargill Learning Center, The Downing Gorilla Forest, the Slawson Family Tiger Trek or at the North American Prairie Overlook. There is a minimum of 15 participants. However, for reservations for fewer than 30 people, the education department reserves the right to combine groups similar in age and gender. A nonrefundable deposit of $150 is due at the time of booking. To schedule your Nocturnal Adventure, contact the Education Department at 266-8213 a minimum of two weeks in advance.

THDAYS R I B are a wild time at the Zoo You’re invited to celebrate with some real party animals! Let Sedgwick County Zoo staff help you choose a fun birthday party package for your child. We’ll provide all the party supplies. All you have to do is have fun! • Call 266-8252 252 to ppla 252 plan lan n a Jungle Jung Ju ngle le Birthday Bir B irth thda dayy Party in the Plaza za B Bea Beastro east stro ro ((al (all alll ag ages ages) es)) • Call 26 6 - 8213 8 213 2 1 3 to plan pla p lan n a Birthday Birt Bi rthd hday ayy Party in the Cargill rgil rg illl Learning Lear Le arni ning ng C Cen Center ente terr (ages 4–12)

Visit scz.org for more information on all birthday party packages! 4

DISCOVERY

Education Program Schedule All classes are held in the Cargill Learning Center unless otherwise noted. Please visit www.scz.org for program information and brief class descriptions of individual classes. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for classes. Please call 316-266-8213 to register. Classes take place rain or shine. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, no older or younger siblings, including infants, are allowed in age specific classes unless otherwise noted.

Class

Date

Wee Wigglers

Wed 6/4 Age: 12–23 mo. Wed 6/4 Members: $4 Thurs 6/5 Nonmembers: $6 Additional person: $2 Thurs 6/5 +Siblings up to five years of age may also attend these classes on Wednesdays at 11:00 only. An additional fee of $2 will be charged for any mobile child. *Class will meet inside the KOCH exhibit **Class will meet in the Veldt field

years of age may also attend these classes on Wednesdays at 11:00 only. An additional fee of $3 will be charged for any mobile child. *Class will meet inside the KOCH exhibit **Class will meet in the Veldt field

Date

Topic

Chimpanzee* 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Pajama Party

Sat 6/7

Family of up to 5 members, children Age: 0–1st grade

Wonderful Wings

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Chimpanzee*+ 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Fri 6/13

Wonderful Wings

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat 7/5

Terrific Tails

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fri 7/11

Terrific Tails

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat 8/2

Tasting Tongues

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fri 8/8

Tasting Tongues

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fri 9/12

Back to School 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Start–End Time

Chimpanzee* 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Chimpanzee* 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Tues 7/1 Giraffe**

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Tues 7/1 Giraffe**

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wed 7/2 Giraffe**

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Wed 7/2 Giraffe**+

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wed 8/6 Chicken

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Wed 8/6 Chicken+

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Thurs 8/7 Chicken

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Thurs 8/7 Chicken

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wed 9/3 Cat

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Wed 9/3 Cat+

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Thurs 9/4 Cat

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Thurs 9/4 Cat

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wed 6/18 Age: 2–3 Wed 6/18 Members: $6 Thurs 6/19 Nonmembers: $8 $ Additional person: 3 Thurs 6/19 Thurs 6/19 +Siblings up to five

Owlet

Class

Topic

Chimpanzee* 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Chimpanzee*+ 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Chimpanzee* 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Chimpanzee* 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Chimpanzee* 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Tues 7/15 Giraffe** 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Tues 7/15 Giraffe**

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Tues 7/15 Giraffe**

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Wed 7/16 Giraffe**

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Wed 7/16 Giraffe**+

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Wed 8/20 Chicken

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Wed 8/20 Chicken+

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Thurs 8/21 Chicken

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Thurs 8/21 Chicken

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Thurs 8/21 Chicken

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Members: $17 Nonmembers: $19 Additional person: $5

Start–End Time

Sat 9/20 Back to School 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sunset Safari

Tues 6/10 Chimpanzee 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Tues 7/8 Giraffe

Age: 12 mo.–6 years Members: $6 Tues 8/12 Chicken Nonmembers: $8 Additional person: $3 Tues 9/9 Cat

Tot Tuesdays Age: 3–5 siblings welcome

NO COST

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tues 6/24 Ape or Monkey 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Tues 7/22 Cooling Off 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Tues 8/26 Smell the Roses

10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Tues 9/23 Falling into Fall 10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. No advance registration required.

ZOOper Kids Grades: 1–5 Members: $8 Nonmembers: $10

Sat 6/14 Flocks of Fun 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sat 7/19 Water Worlds 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Sat 8/9

Dog Days of Summer

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sat 9/13 Back to School 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

"ZOO"per Stars Grades: 1–5 Members: $6 Nonmembers: $8

Sun 6/29 Chinese Alligator

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sun 7/27 Chacoan Peccary

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wed 9/17 Cat

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Sun 8/24 River Otter

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wed 9/17 Cat+

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Sun 9/28 Elephant

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Thurs 9/18 Cat

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Thurs 9/18 Cat

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Thurs 9/18 Cat

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Tues 9/9 What's for Lunch Age: 4 – kindergarten Tues 9/9 What’s for Members: $8 Lunch Non-members: $10 Additional person: $4 Wed 9/10 What’s for Lunch+

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

+ Younger siblings may also Wed 9/10 What’s for attend class on Wed. at Lunch 10:00 only. An additional fee of $4 will be charged for any mobile child.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Ewe & Me

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Homeschool Expeditions Grades: 1–5

Members: $15 Nonmembers: $17

Wed 8/20 The Bird is the 10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Word Wed 9/17 Amazing Amphibians

10:00 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

Includes up to five family members Additional person: $5

WOW grades 1–5

Check the Fall Newsletter for the next WOW

Class

So You Think You Want to Be a Zookeeper?

Date

Includes up to five family members, ages 5+ Members: $17 Nonmembers: $19 Additional people/ Individual fee: $8

Wheeling Wild Club Family—must be on bicycle or attached wagon. Members: $30 1 ride per month Nonmembers: $34 1 ride per month

Start–End Time

Thurs 6/19 Hedgehogs Thurs 8/21 Lizards

Teens Members: $10 Nonmembers: $12

Backstage Pass

Topic

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. 3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Class

Sat 9/13 Vet Hospital

10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Larksfield Place

Wed 9/10

Coffee Connections

Mon 6/2 Keith Gutierrez 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. Zoo Security

Mon 7/7 Kelly Moore

9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Bird Keeper

Mon 8/4 Peninnah Ziegler 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. Education

NO COST No advance registration required.

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sponsored by House of Schwann and Glazer's

Senior Wednesdays

Geared towards adults but all ages welcome

Start–End Time

Fri 6/13 Beastly Beers 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

NO COST

3rd Wed each month

Topic

Social Hour

* closed-toe shoes required

Sat 7/12 Horticulture

Date

Mon 9/1 No Class due to holiday Sponsored by Spice Merchant

Registration Information: 1. Preregister by calling the Learning Center at 266-8213. 2. Pay over the phone by credit card OR fill out the form completely and mail with payment to 5555 Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212-1698. Registration is not complete until payment is received. 3. Payment must be postmarked no later than seven days after preregistration. We reserve the right to cancel any preregistration or to charge a $2 late fee to individuals whose payment is not received on time. NOTE: If a refund is needed, contact the education department by 4 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled class. After contact, we will be happy to refund a maximum of 75% of the original program fee. If we need to cancel class, we will notify registrants 48 hours in advance. For the safety and comfort of other participants, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone with a fever or who is noticeably sick.

Education Registration Form Please enclose form with payment and mail after you have preregistered. Student Name & Age

Class Title

Date

Membership No:

Total Fees:

Parent's Name:

Phone:

Address:

City:

Time

Fee

Zip:

CONSERVATION

Conservation Partner Spotlight: International Elephant Foundation Deborah Olson, Executive Director, International Elephant Foundation

Elephants are greatly loved by many for their numerous behaviors that seem so human, as well as their uniquely beautiful appearance. Unfortunately, one of their most distinctive features, the tusks, have been the cause of the decimation of entire populations in some areas of Africa. The tusk is a multi-purpose too—growing almost 7 inches a year and used to dig for water, salt, and roots, debark a tree, and defense or competing for mates. Elephants have been killed for their tusks for many generations but the current explosive, illegal, worldwide demand for ivory has caused an uncontrolled slaughter, the like of which never before has been seen. Poachers have become better equipped with high-powered rifles, immediate communication and improved transport. In addition, these illegal operations are often funded by organized crime or rogue military forces. After many years of fighting this war with ivory poachers, many of the giant bulls of Africa, and now entire family groups of elephants, lie dead or are dying daily because their incisor teeth are coveted by humans for decorative pieces and jewelry. The world is finally beginning to pay attention to this tragedy and individuals, conservation groups, politicians and governments are working together to stop the demand, eliminate the killing, and prosecute the offenders. The fight to protect elephants continues to be an uphill battle because the story about conserving elephants for future generations is not just about poaching; not all elephants are impacted by that threat. The Asian elephant, which has more than ten times fewer individuals (30,000 – 40,000 Asian elephants worldwide compared to 400,000 – 500,000 African elephants), are seldom poached. The majority of Asian elephants are tuskless as only male Asian elephants have tusks and many males are actually born tuskless. For the Asian elephant, poaching for ivory is not the major concern.

The major threat to Asian elephants and many populations of African elephants as well, is actually habitat loss. Every day, Asian elephants are shot, poisoned, snared, electrocuted, hit by trains, and blown-up because their habitat is being taken by large-scale plantations, development concessions for logging/mining/road construction; and altered by dams, small-scale farmers and rural villages. We all must take responsibility in this loss of habitat as we buy food and beauty aids produced from oil palm as well as cell phones that require rare metals. The list goes on. Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is threatening both economic development and environmental sustainability in many areas in Africa and Asia. Collaborating with those living and working closest to elephants is a key factor in the success of the International Elephant Foundation's (IEF) in country, or in situ, conservation programs. IEF is funding conservation efforts in Africa and Asia and our partnership approach results in a higher degree of local “ownership” which makes

the projects more effective and sustainable. In addition to mitigating conflicts between elephants and the people that share the land, projects in Laos, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Zambia have improved natural resource management, supported actions to eliminate the illegal killing and trafficking of elephants, protected elephant habitat through forest patrol and monitoring, and built up the capacity of elephant conservationists.

IEF PROJECTS IN AFRICA In the remote, underdeveloped area of the Lower Zambezi region, entire villages rely on subsistence crops (maize, tomatoes, and onions) which are very attractive to elephants and an entire harvest can be lost in one night, along with food storage buildings and housing. HEC leads to huge economic losses through property damage and even human fatalities in the local communities, which in turn result in elephant mortalities through “problem animal control” and

by keeping watch on these animals on a consistent basis via light aircraft. The Mounted Horse Patrol Anti-poaching Unit for Mount Kenya enhances the capacity of law enforcement to decrease the level of poaching and other illegal activities in the high altitude areas of the northern section of the Mount Kenya using the Horse Patrol Team.

IEF PROJECTS IN INDONESIA

in the general negative view of wildlife in the communities living on the border of the National Park. The Village Scout offers support for local communities suffering from human/elephant conflict, Lower Zambezi, Zambia project encourages people to share their land with elephants and to protect this national treasure. Rigorously selected and intensively trained, the Village Scout (VS) unit conducts patrols in HEC affected areas. Trained not just in wildlife law enforcement but also in elephant behavior, these teams help farmers avoid property and physical damage. This project is already seeing success as the communities have let us know that, so far, 2014 has been the best harvest in years due to the presence of Village Scout patrols made possible due to IEF funding. Some other projects include the Conservation of Elephants in Southern Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Uganda which is building the Bulya Ranger Post to create a permanent hub of anti-poaching rangers in the core area of Bulya, and to effectively block poachers operating in the region from the east. The Large Elephant Monitoring Project, Kenya protects Tsavo’s last surviving “hundred pounder” tuskers (elephant bulls bearing ivory weighing over 100 lbs. per side)

The IEF project Sumatra Elephant Conservation Response Units (CRU), Indonesia supports the conservation of wild elephants and habitat and creates opportunities for local communities to protect their property and support wildlife conservation, achieving positive outcomes for both elephants and people. Employing elephants and mahouts (elephant keepers) for forest patrols and human-elephant conflict mitigation and management, has started to effectively address the issues of HEC and land encroachment around protected areas. Asian elephants are trained for forest patrol, carrying their mahout and forest rangers to address forest crime, monitor wildlife, herd wild elephants away from human settlements, and provide community outreach. Through this program, captive elephants are perceived as partners instead of burdens and their management standards have been raised. The mahouts have gained self-respect through training in conservation techniques, and have become highly motivated conservationists. Based on IEF’s successful Sumatran Elephant CRU project, IEF is developing a long-term relationship with Myanmar Timber Enterprise to assist in developing uses for out-of-work elephants such as eco-tourism and conservation patrols in Myanmar. This center will also be a base for mahout training and an elephant hospital. Elephants in the care of institutions like Sedgwick County Zoo are unique ambassadors for those in range countries, attracting direct and substantial public and private support for elephant conservation. Conservation is demonstrably more effective when partnerships are formed, thereby enlarging the project’s financial base as well as increasing the number of research and conservation professionals engaged in seeking solutions to the most pressing issues. With the assistance of more than half of the institutions managing elephants in the United States, including the Sedgwick County Zoo, IEF has contributed over 3 million dollars to elephant conservation and research since 1999. For more information about IEF's many elephant conservation and research projects visit www.elephantconservation.org. 8

ADVENTURE

Wet-n-Wild Days

Due to the continued drought-like conditions our community has been facing and the need to conserve water, the Zoo has made the difficult decision to once again postpone Wet-n-Wild Days for the summer.

Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. If you are looking for a cool activity this summer, think about joining us for Ape Awareness! Come learn more about the three types of apes living at Sedgwick County Zoo: gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.

Sunday, June 15 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dads, grab your crew, put the pedal to the metal and cruise on out to the Sedgwick County Zoo for Father’s Day. See cool classic cars, antique autos and vintage hot rods while exploring your favorite animal exhibits at the Zoo. DADS ARE ADMITTED FREE when accompanied by a paying child. 2014 event sponsored by:

Activities for all age groups will include participating in keeper chats, learning about ape enrichment, discovering recycling opportunities, and investigating the struggles that apes face. There will also be ape merchandise available to purchase, with proceeds going toward ape conservation projects.

Keeper Chat Schedule: 11:30 a.m. Gorilla 1:00 p.m. Orangutan 1:15 a.m.

Gorilla

1:45 p.m. Chimpanzee 2:15 p.m. Orangutan 2:30 p.m. Gorilla 2:45 p.m. Chimpanzee

Regular Zoo Admission applies. Members FREE with membership card and photo ID.

Take a sip on the WILD side! Friday, June 13 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Members $25 or nonmembers $30 Don't judge a book by its cover, but try judging a beer by its label! Take a sip on the wild side as we learn more about beer, cider, ale and the animals in their names! We will learn about the differences between beers, beer color, food pairing and more all while touring the Zoo in the twilight hours. Please call 266-8213 for reservations! Meet in the Cargill Learning enter and dress comfortably. Must be 21 to participate.

Children's Farms Festival:

COWabunga Day Saturday, July 12

Every Tuesday in July! 6 to 8:30 p.m.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Thank a cow for all it does for us! Try your hand at milking and learn how to rope a cow! Discover the cows of the Zoo and learn firsthand all the amazing things they do!

FREE ADMISSION with a Cox Voucher or Sedgwick County Zoo membership. Vouchers can be picked up at any area Cox Solutions Store after June 13.

Regular Zoo Admission applies. Members FREE with membership card and photo ID.

Admission is just $1 per person, members get in free with their membership card.

New Social Hour:

Drunken Botanist Friday, July 18: 6:00 p.m. Join us for a new installment of Social Hour! We are teaming up with our wonderful horticulture department ent in a class inspired by Amy Stewart’s, The Drunken Botanist. anist. We will explore the world of plants while sipping some me samples of plant-created beverages! Our friends from House of Schwan and Glazer’s will be offering their expertise e on spirits as we walk the Zoo! Please call 266-8213 for reservations! Must be 21 to participate. Members $25 or nonmembers $30 10

FRIENDS & FAMILY

2013 Volunteer of the Year Sedgwick County Zoo would like to recognize Lou Perrier with the 2013 Volunteer of the Year award.

With over 20 Zoo Pal animals to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one! The Zoo Pal program offers a unique way for people to support the Zoo’s efforts to enhance animal habitats and maintain the finest animal care possible. Your donation goes directly toward the care of Sedgwick County Zoo Animals.

ZOO PAL LEVELS • $25—Beastly Buddy • $50—Honorary Keeper • $75—Defender of Wildlife • $100—Protector of Nature • $250—Conservation Supporter All levels include recognition in the Zoo, Zoo Pal certificate and Zookeeper report. Additional benefits are added for Honorary Keeper level and above. Visit scz.org for a complete list of animals and benefits, call 316-266-8211 or stop by the Membership office to learn more!

Call 266.8211 Click scz.org Come by Membership office

Mr. Perrier has volunteered in the Veterinary Department since 2001 and has given a total of 2,092 hours of service. During his 13 years at the Zoo, Lou has worked on a multitude of different projects. He has shoveled snow, painted lines in the parking lot and emptied ashes from the incinerator. Most recently, Lou has worked on touching up and painting areas of quarantine, the tissues lab and the Vet Hospital. These painting projects have extended the use of the mesh and other areas in these buildings. Dr. William M. Bryant, Senior Veterinarian, said this about Mr. Perrier in his nomination, “If ever there was a person who put their expertise, talents, free time, great personality, and best foot forward to help, it is surely Lou Perrier.” Mr. Perrier has also volunteered his time to help out with many of the Zoo’s special events. His willingness to help out where ever he is needed and do any task that is asked of him has earned him the award of Volunteer of the year. Thank you Lou for you selfless dedication to the Zoo. In 2013 Sedgwick County Zoo had the privilege of working with a total of 990 volunteers who donated 38,500 hours. Volunteers help the Zoo by giving their time which in turn saves the Zoo money. The cumulative hours donated by the Sedgwick County Zoo volunteers in 2013 were equal to 19 full-time employees. Thanks to all of you for what you do to help make the Zoo the No. 1 outdoor family tourist attraction in Kansas.

Like Us. Follow Us. Watch Us. Pin Us. Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SedgwickCountyZoo Follow us at Twitter: www.twitter.com/SedgwickCoZoo Watch us at YouTube: www.youtube.com/SedgwickCoZoo Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/sedgwickcountyzoo# Pin us on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/sedgwickcozoo/

JOIN 96 ELEPHANTS An average of 96 elephants are killed each day in Africa. At this rate, African elephants face near extinction in just 10 short years. The reasons for their decline include poaching, inadequate protection, insufficient efforts to stop ivory trafficking and the huge demand for ivory around the world. 96 Elephants is a campaign created by the Wildlife Conservation Society. This campaign aims to bring together world citizens, partners, leaders and change makers to leverage their collective influence and resources to save African elephants from extinction. 96 Elephants offers you a variety of ways to get involved: letter-writing campaigns, online petitions and sharing the message through social media. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s now easier than ever for you to help support elephants in the wild! Learn more and join the effort!

Watch us on Vine: vine.co/u/1061889894579920896

In Honor of Pets When a family pet passes away, it can be devastating to a family. The Zoo has a Pet Sympathy program that can help you let the family know you care by donating to the Sedgwick County Zoo in honor of their family pet. For a minimum donation of $5, the Zoo will send an acknowledgement to the family in honor of their furry family member. Funds donated go directly to the care of your Sedgwick County Zoo animals. The Pet Sympathy program is a simple way of letting someone know you care, while supporting your Sedgwick County Zoo animals.

Visit: www.96elephants.org Like: 96 Elephants on Facebook Follow: @96Elephants

For more information call 316-266-8211 or email us at ask@scz.org for more details. 12

ANIMALS & NATURE

Pete's Plant Tips In the spring issue, I wrote about keeping your tools working for you. In this issue, I want to talk how I keep from hurting myself while working. Although some aches and pains just seem to accompany gardening, there are some ways to avoid long term pain or injury.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY If it seems too heavy, get help lifting. Always keep your back straight and use your strong leg muscles rather than your back while lifting. Avoid twisting while lifting. We all know from experience how much a sore back will slow us down. There’s too much to get done around the gardens and pots to be slowed down with a back injury.

DON’T OVER REACH Being a short guy, this is my worst area. But, if we realize our limitations and use commonsense, however uncommon it seems to be, we can stay healthy through another growing season.

WEAR CLOTHING APPROPRIATE TO THE TASK Gloves are my most often used tool. I usually try to buy very good gloves. They last longer and protect better. Thorns, cuts, scrapes and blisters, be gone! Appropriate clothing goes much further than just gloves though. If working in the sun for any amount of time, wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen will go a long way towards keeping you

comfortable and safe. Wear long pants when mowing or string trimming to avoid injuries from flying debris. Hearing protection should also be worn when using any power equipment. If you find yourself weeding on your knees often, buying a pair of kneepads might just make this chore a bit less of a chore.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING I try to plan my schedule based on the time of day. In the mornings when it is still cool, I get the jobs done that later in the day may be unbearable. If you have to get other jobs done as the temperatures rise, listen to your body and know when to take a break and drink plenty of water. If possible, mow lawns late in the day. This allows the cut end of the grass blade to recover overnight when temps go down and will help in preventing scorching. Above all, if the task is something that you are not able to do physically or is out of your limitations for whatever reason, a phone call to a professional will be a wise choice. Gardening is a hobby I learned to love in my Mom’s gardens (yes plural!) and I still find peace in what I call dirt therapy.

EDUCATION 2014 Summer Learning Adventure Schedule UPDATED • Classes meet Monday through Friday. • Students are to be dropped off at the Cargill Learning Center. For your child’s safety, please enter the building for drop off and pick up. Sorry, parents are not allowed to join the fun! • Limited Summer School T-shirts will be available for only $10 plus sales tax. You must call 266-8213 to preregister before sending in your payment! Fees: 1.5 hour classes 3.5 hour classes 8.5 hour classes

$55 for members $90 for members $155 for members

$70 for nonmembers $105 for nonmembers $170 for nonmembers

PLAY CARE Stay at the Zoo by registering for care between summer school classes. Children ages four and above can enjoy activities and Zoo walks during this time. A snack and animal experience will be provided in all care after 8:30. There is a maximum of 15 children per session. Early drop-off/lunch time: 7:30–8:30 or 12:00–1:00 $35.00 each session per child for five days Between classes: 10:00–10:30 $18.00 each session per child for five days

Scholarships: A limited number of scholarships are available for 1.5 hour classes on a first-come, first-served basis for students who otherwise could not attend. Go to www.scz.org and click on Learning Adventures and Summer School for scholarship rules and application form. There is a limit of one scholarship per person. You may not preregister for a class until the scholarship application has been completed and returned to the education department. * Sign up for three or more classes and receive $5 off your total.

8–10 YEAR OLDS Asian Odyssey May 26–May 30, 8:30–10:00 • June 16–20, 10:30–12:00 Who’s at the Zoo? May 26–30, 10:30–12:00 • June 16–20, 8:30–10:00 Zoo Detectives June 2–6, 8:30–10:00 • August 4–8, 10:30–12:00 Don’t Bring that in the House! June 2–6, 10:30–12:00 • August 4–8, 8:30–10:00 Animal Myth Busters—HALF DAY CLASS June 23–27, 8:30–12:00 • July 21–25, 8:30–12:00 Winged Wonders July 28–August 1, 8:30–10:00 Art with the Animals July 28–August 1, 10:30–12:00

3 YEAR OLDS (must be toilet-trained and ready for preschool)

10 YEARS OLDS & UP

Shapes Alive June 9–13, 10:30–12:00 • July 14–18, 8:30–10:00 Down on the Zoo Farm June 9–13, 8:30–10:00 • July 14–18, 10:30–12:00

Junior Zoo Keepers Farms June 9–13, 8:30–10:00 • July 28-August 1, 8:30–10:00 Jungle June 23–27, FULL • July 14–18 10:30–12:00 North American Prairie June 9–13, 10:30–12:00 • July 28-August 1, 10:30–12:00 Amphibians and Reptiles July 21–25, 10:30–12:00 • August 4–8, 8:30–10:00 Australia/South America Mammals June 2–6, 10:30–12:00 • June 16–20, 10:30–12:00 Veldt (elephant, giraffe, rhino, hippo) June 16–20, 8:30–10:00 • July 7–11, 8:30–10:00 Downing Gorilla Forest June 23–27, 8:30–10:00 • July 14–18, 8:30–10:00 Australia/South America Birds July 7–11, 10:30–12:00 • August 4–8 10:30–12:00 Veterinary Care June 2–6, FULL • July 21–25, FULL

4 & 5 YEAR OLDS Animals A – Z June 16–20, 8:30–10:00 • July 21–25 10:30–12:00 Three Little Pigs June 16–20, 10:30–12:00 • July 21–25, 8:30–10:00 Growing Up June 2–6, 8:30–10:00 • July 7–11, 10:30–12:00 Wild Wardrobes June 2–6, 10:30–12:00 • July 7–11, 8:30–10:00 Cat Tails May 26–30, 8:30–10:00 • June 23–June 27, 10:30–12:00 Creature Count May 26–30, 10:30–12:00 • June 23–27, 8:30–10:00 Kindergarten Critters—Half Day Class For children entering kindergarten August 4–8, 8:30–12:00

6 & 7 YEAR OLDS Bare Necessities July 14–18, 10:30–12:00 • July 28–August 1, 8:30–10:00 The ABC’s of Conservation July 14–18, 8:30–10:00 • July 28–August 1, 10:30–12:00 Nature Nut June 9–13 10:30–12:00 • July 7–11, 8:30–10:00 Dig It June 9–13, 8:30–10:00 • July 7–11, 10:30–12:00 Animal Super Senses May 26–30, 8:30–10:00 Claws, Paws and Jaws May 26– 30, 10:30–12:00

Zooniversity

For 13 year olds. Members: $165, nonmembers: $180 June 9 – 27, M–F 8:00 – 12:00 • June 30 – July 18, M–F, 8:00 – 12:00 July 21 – August 8, M-F, 8:00 – 12:00 Zookeeper Apprentice Program (ZAP)—Freshman Team A four year program for teens at Sedgwick County Zoo. All students 14 years and older will start as freshman learning about basic animal husbandry as well as how zoos work. In ZAP freshman year students will learn what it takes to be a zookeeper by working alongside keepers in our Farms as well as assisting with weekly special projects throughout the Zoo. June 9–27, M–F 8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00 June 30–July 18, M–F, FULL or 1:00–5:00 July 21–August 8, M–F, 8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00

To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature

PLANNING YOUR VISIT:

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

Visit scz.org to purchase tickets or renew your membership.

We'll Take Care of the Details!

TAKE YOUR PICK! WE’RE OPEN 364 DAYS A YEAR!

Whether you are planning a group event for 20 or a spectacular party for 2,000—we have the capabilities and resources to offer a truly unique social experience. From the drama of The Downing Gorilla Forest to the serenity of the Cessna Penguin Cove, we have a variety of venues that are sure to create an atmosphere your guests will never forget. We're here to help you customize your experience and give your guests an event they will always remember.

Plan a trip to the Zoo with family and friends! Speed up your rate of entry by purchasing any additional tickets online at scz.org for family or friends who don’t have a membership. You can print tickets at home and everyone can enjoy the Zoo adventure that much quicker!

Summer Hours: Winter Hours: March–October November–February 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Regular Admission Adults (ages 12+) $13.95 Senior Citizens (62+) $11.95 Children (ages 3–11) $8.95 Children ages 2 and under Free

FREE Tram Tour Enjoy a FREE narrated tram tour of the Zoo! You can hop on or off at any of the five designated tram stops. Using the tram to get around the Zoo allows you to see more of the Zoo during your visit! And it’s FREE! All aboard! (Weather permitting.)

Wheelchair Rental: Push wheelchairs: $5 per visit Electric wheelchairs: $25/3 hours, $5 each additional hour

For more information visit the Group Events page at scz.org.

Dates are filling up fast! Call Today—316.266.8252

JUNE

JULY

zoo gift shop coupon

% 15 Hats

% 15 Plush

% 15 Statues,

valid from 6/1/14 to 6/30/14 One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

valid from 7/1/14 to 7/31/14 One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

OFF

Stroller Rental: Single stroller: $6 Double stroller: $9

AUGUST

OFF

Mugs, Glass Animals

Giraffe Feeding Station: Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – Noon Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (staff & weather permitting) Just $2 per person/per feeding

valid from 8/1/14 to 8/31/14 One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.