ZooTracks Summer 2013

MEMBER’S MAGAZINE

JUNE • JULY SUMMER 2013

INSIDE

Snakes (and Red Pandas) on a Plane Explore the Zoo: Alligators to Zebras!

Welcome to the New Boys in the Barn

FEATURE STORY

ZooTracks

A Sedgwick County Zoological Society magazine for members Publisher Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. © 2013 All rights reserved.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mark C. Reed Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. PRESIDENT Scott Ochs TRUSTEES Stanley G. Andeel Kevin J. Arnel Jeff Bloomer Ron Brunton William P. Buchanan Martha C. Buford Cindy Burgess Kelly E. Callen Mark C. DeVries Allan Dunne Genevieve Farha Rhonda Fullerton Michael Herbert Ronald Holt Dale Hoyer Dirk Jones Sarah Kauffman Don J. Knappenberger Gary Kohn Marvin Long Jim Ludwig Buz Lukens Gayle Malone Sam Marnick Martin W. Park Sue Pearce Mary Lynn Priest Scott Redler Albert R. Sanchez Barry Schwan Jay Smith David M. Unruh Marty Wells Sheryl Wohlford MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Schanee Anderson Melissa Graham Ryan Gulker Scott Newland Steven Onken Jonathan Rold ON THE COVER— Red Panda

Snakes (and Red Pandas) on a Plane Aletha Kinser, Registrar

As a member of Sedgwick County Zoo, you’re probably already aware that we participate in Species Survival Plans. These are cooperative plans by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and also at the international level, to find the best possible genetic diversity and bring those animals together for breeding. However, did you consider the challenges of shipping these animals across the country or receiving them in from around the world?

During prime shipping season (spring and fall), Sedgwick County Zoo has at least two out-going and two in-coming live animal shipments per week.

Each shipment presents its own set of challenges.

Travel Agent

Whenever possible, we use commercial flights out of Mid-Continent Airport. If you’ve flown out of Wichita, you know that means that there is probably a connecting flight involved. We need to find the magic amount of time the animal will spend on the ground between flights for the transfer of planes, but the minimum amount of time to keep the entire shipment as short as possible.

Currently, only two airlines that provide service to Mid-Continent accept out-going live animal shipments. And then there’s the weather. A sudden cold snap or an extremely hot summer can wreak havoc with our carefully laid plans.

Paperwork, Paperwork and More Paperwork

While the actual shipment of the animal takes planning, so does the paperwork that goes along with

Aletha Kinser, Registrar About Aletha Kinser: Aletha has worked at Sedgwick County Zoo for 25 years. She began her career as a Zookeeper, but in 1995 became the Zoo’s first official Registrar. The Registrar keeps track of the animals in a specialized computer software system, arranges animal shipments and does renewals and reports for all animal related permits Kinser says the best part of being the Registrar is “being close to the animal collection and staff without being out in all weather. I call it being Aunt instead of Mom. I know what's going on, feel like a part of things, but I don't do diapers!” it. There are a number of regulations that must be met. Even within the US, many states require permits or specific medical testing. The most highly regulated animals we ship within the United States are the domestic animals. So planning includes finding out the requirements, scheduling testing and making sure the results are back in time. Then you need to be sure the shipment takes place before the test results are no longer valid (typically 30 days). There are a lot of variables to keep in mind.

Moving the Little Guys

I’m sure you’ve also noticed that the planes are getting smaller and smaller. This means the cargo holds and doorways to them get smaller as well. For the most part, we can only ship out animals that will fit into a sky kennel that is 26 inches high or smaller. That is about a medium-sized dog.

There are a number of animals in our collection that will not fit that, including some of our taller birds. We can and do drive to larger airports for some shipments, but planes are smaller everywhere and it is increasingly difficult to find appropriate flights.

and meet regulations for this species. We did this in advance to be sure the gorillas would be completely recovered from the anesthesia before leaving the Zoo. The next day, the crates were loaded in the trailer used by the transporter.

Because gorillas are so highly intelligent, special arrangements were made that are not standard with other animals in our collection. A couple of days prior to the shipment, a keeper from the receiving institution arrived so she could meet the gorillas and speak with our keepers. When the transporter left, that keeper plus one of our gorilla keepers, Ashley Suttles, traveled with them. Ashley stayed a few days at the Como Zoo to help the gorillas acclimate and give them a familiar face during the transition. The gorillas made it safely to their new home and were reunited and are doing well.

Then there are the TSA regulations and the need to inspect shipments prior to placing them on planes. These inspections have modified over the past few years and seem to have settled into a good blend of security for flights and safety for the animals. This is a relief as not all zoo animals are easily removed from a crate for it to be inspected!

Unique and International

Gorilla being moved in a crate.

So now you know what it takes to ship the little guys like a box of frogs or a red panda. But how do we deal with the rest of the animals?

Big Guys on the Move

You may have seen in the news that we shipped out three male Western Lowland gorillas. How do we safely transport such large and potentially dangerous animals? In this case, the receiving institution hired a professional animal transporter.

There are companies that specialize in the over-the-road transportation of live animals. The day before the transporter was scheduled to leave, the gorillas were each anesthetized and moved into individual crates specially built to hold them.

These crates allow for feeding and watering during transport

The most unique challenge in our collection is shipping a giraffe. In this case there are even fewer very specialized professional transporters that have trailers made just for giraffes. They check the height of bridges along the route to make sure there are no clearance problems. This doesn’t come up often, but we’re grateful to hire them when it does.

Upon occasion we use cargo companies. When we recently received a jaguar from Panama, she arrived in Kansas City on a DHL flight. Freight companies require a person to accompany this type of live animal shipment. So the Senior Keeper of that area, Katie Kimble, traveled with the jaguar. She had to provide information to DHL for security purposes in advance of the shipment. She then rode in the jump seat in the cockpit of the freight plane. What an experience! Then our staff met the flight in Kansas City for the final leg of the journey into Wichita.

We all care deeply about the animals in our charge and that includes when they are being shipped. We dot those i’s and cross the t’s, check with our Veterinary staff, check the flights, check the weather, communicate closely with the other zoos and do our best. Then we wait to hear that the animal arrived safe and sound and is adjusting to its new surroundings.

2

ANIMALS & NATURE Pete’s Plant Tips Whitefly, spider mites, mealybug, scale!

All curse words to the avid gardener. But unfortunately, they are part of our lives. How do we identify them and, more importantly, how do we control them?

Spider Mites: Identifying Spider mites are one of the most common pests that most gardeners will encounter. Palms, hibiscus, tomatoes and other similar plants will play host to these pests.

Although these pests are barely visible to the naked eye, the damage they cause is dramatic. Most of the time you will find spider mites on the thin leafed plants you own.

One of the most obvious methods I have found to discover an infestation of mites is to examine the newer growth on a plant. If there is bronzing of the leaves, look on the underside of the leaf for fine webbing. Another method involves using a clean sheet of white paper. Hold the paper under a plant leaf and tap lightly on the topside of the leaf. The mites will look like black dots on the paper.

Now that you know that you have a spider mite problem, how do you solve it? Make the environment difficult for the mite to thrive. Spider mites like hot dry conditions. By increasing the humidity the mites will find a better place to feed. Adding a saucer under your plants with a layer of pebbles and keeping this saucer watered will increase the humidity around it. Also as you water the plant, water the foliage too. This will knock off some of the mites and will, of course, raise the humidity level, for a while. If the infestation is severe though, and you see no measurable decrease in damage to the plant, you may have to use a miticide. Check with your local garden center to find the proper spray for your needs.

Whitefly Whiteflies are probably the easiest of the pests to identify. While you are poking around the soil to check the moisture, look for tiny white flying insects. These pests can be a bother to you, as well as cause damage to your plants. I know of no environmental tactics that will help control whitefly.

Horticultural oils and soaps are your best first controls.

Be sure to talk to your garden center professional for details on when and how to apply these. Some plants are

photosensitive and spraying in bright hot sunlight will cause damage as well.

Mealybugs & Scale Mealybugs and scale are the two toughest to identify and control.

Mealybugs will find a nice comfortable place to hide—either on the underside of the leaf or at the leaf node where the leaf attaches to the stem. They can often be kept at reasonable numbers using a strong stream of water from a sprayer or using a horticultural soap. If this does not diminish their numbers, a systemic insecticide may be in order. Again, talk to an expert to decide what product is best for your plant and situation.

Scale is virtually impossible to eradicate without chemical controls. This is why it is so important to stay in touch with your plants health. Scale will look like tiny oysters or clams attached to the plant stem and along the backs and fronts of a plant’s leaves. The crawlers are nestled under this shell, feeding on your plant. Systemic granular insecticide is your best control for these pests. I suggest again, talking to a professional for help in picking out the best systemic insecticide for your situation.

About Pete Logsdon: When asked what his favorite plant is he said, “Picking a favorite plant would be like picking your favorite child. I have least favorites, anything with thorns, i.e. citrus trees, stinging nettle and puncture vine.”

Pete’s favorite “plant spot” in the Zoo would have to be the smoking area near KOCH. Although he doesn’t smoke, he feels that the Horticulture Department (and especially Matt Kerr) do an outstanding job of both displaying plants there and camouflaging the fact that it is a smoking area. Check it out later this summer when everything is looking great!

FRIENDS & FAMILY

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 26 6 - 8252 to plan a Jungle Birthday Party in the Plaza Beastro (all ages) • Call 26 6 - 8213 to plan a Safari Birthday Party in the Cargill Learning Center (ages 4–12) Visit www.scz.org for more information on all birthday party packages!

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

Dillons $1 Day

Saturday, August 3: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

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

Sponsors:

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 or stop by the Membership office!

Call 266.8211 Click scz.org Come by Membership office 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

Wee Wigglers

Age: 12–23 mo.

Members: $4 Nonmembers: $6 Additional person: $2

Start–End Time

Class

Tues 6/4 Gorilla**

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Tues 6/4 Gorilla**

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Sunset Safari

Wed 6/5 Gorilla**

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Wed 6/5 Gorilla+**

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Date

Topic

* Classes will meet at Tues 7/2 Bear* the Grizzly Bear Pool Tues 7/2 Bear*

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Wed 7/3 Bear* ** Classes will meet in the tent room at Bear+* the Downing Gorilla Wed 7/3 Forest Wed 8/7 Hedgehog

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Wed 8/7 Hedgehog+ 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. +Siblings up to four years of age may also attend these classes for an additional $2

Owlet

Age: 2–3 Members: $6 Nonmembers: $8 Additional person: $3 * Classes will meet at the Grizzly Bear Pool ** Classes will meet in the tent room at the Downing Gorilla Forest +Siblings up to four years of age may also attend these classes for an additional $3

Thur 8/8 Hedgehog

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Thur 8/8 Hedgehog

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Date

Tues 6/11 Gorilla Age: 12 mo.–6 years Tues 7/9 Bear Members: $6 Tues 8/13 Hedgehog Nonmembers: $8 Additional person: $3

Tot Tuesdays Age: 3–5 siblings welcome

NO COST

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Tues 6/18 Gorilla**

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Tues 6/18 Gorilla**

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Wed 6/19 Gorilla**

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Wed 6/19 Gorilla+**

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Tue 7/16 Bear*

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Tues 7/16 Bear*

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Wed 7/17 Bear*

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Wed 7/17 Bear*

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Wed 7/17 Bear+*

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Wed 8/21 Hedgehog

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Wed 8/21 Hedgehog+

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Thur 8/22 Hedgehog

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Thur 8/22 Hedgehog

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Thur 8/22 Hedgehog

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

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

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

Homeschool Expeditions

Pajama Party Family of up to 5 members, children ages 0–1st grade

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

Proud Primates

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fri 6/7

Proud Primates

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat 7/6

What Does a Zookeeper Do?

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fri 7/12

What Does a Zookeeper Do?

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat 8/3

Heritage Farms

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fri 8/9

Heritage Farms

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tues 6/25 What is an Ape?

10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Tues 7/30 Cooling Off

10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Tues 8/27 Parrots

10:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Sat 6/15 Water Worlds 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sat 7/13 A Zookeeper's 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Day 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sat 8/10 Vanishing Domestics Sun 6/23 Camel

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sun 7/21 Rhino

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Sun 8/25 Cow

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Wed 8/28 How Does the 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Zoo Work?

Grades: 1–5

Members: 15 Nonmembers: $17 Includes up to five family members Additional person: $5

NEW!

Farm Families Sat 6/1

Start–End Time

No advanced registration required.

ZOOper Kids Tues 6/18 Gorilla**

Topic

Families of all ages Members: 15 per participant $

Mon 6/3– Session Two Sun 8/25

Varies

Thur 6/20 Frog Thur 8/15 Birds

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

3:30 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

Nonmembers: $20 per participant **Go to scz.org for more information**

So You Think You Want to Be a Zookeeper?

Teens Members: $10 Nonmembers: $12 * close-toed shoes required

Class

Date

Backstage Pass 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

Topic

Sat 7/13 Jungle

Start–End Time 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Class

Start–End Time

Mon 6/3 Australian Animal

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Tues 6/11 Mammal

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

NO COST

Wed 6/19 Mystery Animal

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

All ages

Thur 6/27 Invertebrates 11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

No advanced registration required. Mon 7/1 Birds 11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Wed 6/19 Sponsored by 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Bicycle X-change thru Wed 10/16

Classes may be canceled without notice

Fri 6/14 Beastly Beers

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sponsored by House of Schwan

Mon 6/3 Stephanie Kelley 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Amphibians and Reptiles

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Geared towards adults Smith but all ages welcome Mon 7/1 Belinda Horticulture NO COST Mon 8/5 Katie Kimble 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

No advance Australia/South registration required.

America Mammals Sponsored by Starbucks

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Mon 8/5 Jungle Animal 11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Rides will not be rescheduled if inclement weather

Ages 21+ Members: $25 Nonmembers: $30

Tues 7/9 Lizard Wed 7/17 Backyard Animal Thur 7/25 Snake

3rd Wed each month

Wed 6/12 Conservation 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Projects Wed 7/10 Training and 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Active guests over 55 Enrichment $4 per adult Wed 8/14 Wonders 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Pre-registration not required Down Under

Coffee Connections

Topic

Animal Encounter

Tues 8/13 Frog

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Wed 8/21 Salamander

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Thur 8/22 Mystery Animal

11:00 a.m. –11:15 a.m.

Don’t Forget!

Senior Wednesdays

Social Hour

Date

We’re still accepting items for TerraCycle!

Bring any of these items to the Cargill Learning Center for recycling!

Ink Cartridge Brigade accepted waste: any brand inkjet cartridges.

Flip-Flop Brigade accepted waste: Rubber flip-flops of any brand.

Cereal Bag Brigade accepted waste: All plastic cereal bags and cereal bag liners of any brand.

Cell Phone Brigade accepted waste: flip phones, messaging phones, smart phones and iPhones.

Cheese Packaging Brigade accepted waste: Large flexible cheese packaging, individual slices or cheese stick outer packaging, solid cheese block packaging, and foil cheese packaging.

Drink Pouch Brigade accepted waste: aluminum drink pouches and plastic drink pouches.

Registration Information:

1. Preregister by calling the Learning Center at 266-8213 between 8 a.m. and noon. 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 Class Title Date Time Fee

Membership No:

Total:

Parent's Name:

Phone:

Address:

City:

Zip:

6

ADVENTURE

Explore the Zoo: Alligators to Zebras!

Chaille Blount, Education Specialist

A

Visit our Chinese alligators, they bellow to a bass guitar.

E

Our African elephants know many training commands that ease stress when getting medical treatment.

B

Biofacts are animal artifacts. We use skin, skulls, feathers and scales to educate our guests about our animals.

C

The casque of cassowaries protect their heads from sharp brush in the outback.

D

The African painted dog looks very similar to a hyena, but they are quite different in genetics and appearance.

F

G

Lowland gorillas at Sedgwick County Zoo are getting some female company as we have breeding recommendations for this species from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Horticulture is a department that helps to keep our grounds beautiful, safe and themed.

M

A macaw is a kind of parrot.

They are usually brightly colored, have a hooked bill and can be very noisy.

I

Why aren’t the penguins on ice?

Our Humboldt penguins are warm weather penguins from South America and are joined in their exhibit by Inca terns.

O

The okapi are the only living relative known to the giraffe and were one of the last large mammals to be discovered. Check out our littlest member!

P

Notice the peacocks around the Zoo? They are beautiful birds that can fly and will roost on grounds. They know where there is food and that they are safe, so they simply don’t leave.

Q

Shh, quiet! You may be able to hear chimps vocalizing, lions roaring and birds chirping!

J

Jump into summer fun with one of our many summer programs for our guests ages 3 – 17!

L

Amur leopards feature beautiful spots.This animal actually prefers cooler weather and is very rare in the wild.

The Children’s Farm area has one of the largest collections of heritage breeds in the country.

K

Kaiser spotted newts are critically endangered in the wild due to the pet trade.

Sedgwick County Zoo has had great success with conservation efforts for this species.

N

The Sedgwick County Zoo is a non-profit organization, so everything goes right back into the care of the animals and the upkeep of the Zoo.

R

River rays are cartilaginous fish (cousins to the shark).

They have powerful grinding and crushing jaw on the underside of their body and can be found in our jungle.

S

Check out our new tarantulas in the jungle lobby. We have tarantulas in Kansas, but not quite that large.

Sandhill cranes are native to the prairie and wetland areas. They are one of the most common cranes and can be heard zoo wide!

T U

Never underestimate ungulates or “cudchewers.” We have many throughout the Zoo, so come on out to learn a little more.

V

We have two fulltime veterinarians and two full-time vet techs that help to diagnose and treat almost 3,000 animals!

W

Try not to mistake water buffalo with bison as they are two different species of animal. True buffalo cannot be found in Kansas.

WET-N-WILD DAYS POSTPONED FOR 2013 Due to the drought-like conditions our community has been facing and the need to conserve water, the Zoo has made the difficult decision to postpone Wet-n-Wild Days for the summer. It is our hope that if the drought conditions ease in the future we can bring this popular event back to our summer event line-up.

X

X-rays are great tools to use when checking our animals out physically. We have a radiology room for just that purpose!

Y

Young animals are called everything: infants, kits, cubs, puppies and fledglings. Look around to see if you can find any young animals at the Zoo on your visit.

Z

Sunday, June 16, 2013: 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.

Have a car you would like to display? Please visit scz.org to print the car show registration form or call 686-5827.

Sponsors:

Grevy’s zebras have some of the largest ears and widest stripes of all zebras.

So, do you think zebras are white with black stripes or black with white stripes?

8

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Sedgwick County Zoo Recognizes Volunteers for Service Sedgwick County Zoo would like to recognize David Knofflock, Andrea and Crissa Fortner with the 2012 Volunteer of the Year award. “We love our volunteers,” said Special Events and Volunteer Manager Bridget Landers. “I’m impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm to work together to make the Zoo the best it can be.”

David Knofflock, Sedgwick County Zoo’s 2012 Adult Volunteer of the Year, has given over 500 hours of service. He has volunteered for both Australia/South America Mammals and at a multitude of special events. David has made significant contributions to the Zoo with his consistently positive attitude and ingenuity for any special projects he is asked to help with. He goes out of his way to provide ideas, materials and profound knowledge to help better the lives of collection animals. This past year alone, he was key to the construction of bed structures for the anteaters, installation of new exhibit propping for several types of small primates and even built a “condo” for the meerkats’ bedroom area. He also brings great creativity to providing daily items to enrich the lives of the animals. David’s efforts are greatly appreciated by all who know him. Willing to help the Zoo out without question, he also volunteers to stay for late night events. The excellence and dedication David has shown make him truly deserving of this award.

Andrea and Carissa Fortner have been selected as the 2012 Teen Volunteers of the Year. For the first time, we are honoring a set of twins for the exceptional job they have done. Starting their volunteer work by joining teen summer programs in 2009, they have consistently excelled each summer until becoming regular volunteers at the Children’s Farms in 2011. The young women produce quality work in a timely manner and can always be relied upon by keepers. They work well as a team or apart and even color coordinate their jackets to aid in telling them apart! Together they have donated over 1,600 hours and have been instrumental in helping with everything from daily routine to help with extra chores and special projects. During the week they are full-time students and still make time to come to the Zoo every Sunday. Each girl is incredibly deserving of this recognition on her own, but together they make up our volunteer duo of the year!

In 2012 Sedgwick County Zoo had the privilege of working with a total of 971 volunteers who donated 38,882 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 2012 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.

Creature Campout

Join us for an overnight outdoor adventure “Down Under," mate!

Saturday, June 22

Travel with the Zoo

Kenya

August 13–23, 2013

National Backyard Campout 2013 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.

Prepare to see amazing wildlife in their natural habitats on this amazing safari to Kenya! This adventure is hosted by Sedgwick County Zoo and escorted by Deputy Zoo Director Ryan Gulker.

Cost is $30 per person for members and $35 per person for nonmembers.

Do you want to see elephants, wildebeest, cheetahs, lions and spectacular birdlife? Kenya's got them. Or maybe it's scenery, or flowers, or butterflies. Kenya has a lot to offer.

Space is limited at each of the campouts, so call soon to register. 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.

We would like to thank our friends at Papa John’s for helping to sponsor these great overnights!

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.

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 of fewer than 30 people, the education department reserves the right to combine groups similar in age and gender.

A non-refundable deposit of $150 is due at booking.

To schedule your Nocturnal Adventure, contact the Education Department at 266-8213 a minimum of two weeks in advance.

Places you'll visit: • Nairobi • Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary • Samburu Game Reserve • Kigio Wildlife Conservancy in the Great Rift Valley • Masai Mara Game Reserve • Amboseli National Park

Dates: August 13 – 23, 2013

Total Land Cost: $4995 (based on double occupancy) Airfare not included in this price.

"Nothing can really prepare you for Africa: it is too full of extremes and contrasts, too immense—a spectrum of creation so much wider and more vivid than anywhere else that it seems to require a new set of senses, or the rediscovery of lost ones."

— Evelyn James, A Glimpse of Eden

Questions? Contact Ryan Gulker at 316.266.8202 or rgulker@scz.org View the full itinerary 10

ANIMALS & NATURE

Okie

Woody

Welcome to the New Boys in the Barn!

Callene Rapp, Senior Keeper—Children’s Farms

The Sedgwick County Zoo recently welcomed a pair of Pineywoods oxen to the Children’s Farms. Woody and Okie came to us from a local drover (a person who moves a herd

Pineywoods descended from Spanish cattle that arrived in the New World in the 1500’s, and were largely shaped by the environment of the Deep South. This resulted in a hardy breed of cattle; small, parasite resistant and able to thrive on

of animals from one place to another) and are now living

marginal forage.

happily with the other cattle in the American Barn.

If you’ve never heard of Pineywoods before, you aren’t alone.

So what exactly is an ox?

An ox is any animal that has been trained to wear a yoke and pull a load. Generally, they are castrated males, which are larger and stouter than females, and easier to manage than bulls. These handsome boys are already well trained. Once the keepers catch up to their level of training, they hope to be able to start doing drafting demonstrations in the American Farm yard.

Where did Pineywoods originate?

Pineywoods cattle are one of the oldest breeds of cattle in the United States, and one of the most critically endangered.

But you probably have heard of their more famous cousin, the Texas Longhorn. The Longhorn, Pineywoods, and the Florida Cracker are all what is known as criollo cattle, or cattle of Spanish descent born in the Americas. As settlements expanded throughout the south, they brought these cattle with them. Each breed adapted slightly different characteristics as a result of the geographic region they called home.

Pineywoods cattle were common in Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama, and served as a source of both meat and milk, but also served another important function: draft power. In the era before

the tractor, oxen teams were crucial to farming and logging.

Pineywoods were very popular as oxen because of their hardiness, and strength. They could work long hours and were very surefooted animals, a handy trait when moving a load of logs up or down a hillside.

But with modern improvements, oxen, and Pineywoods cattle themselves, nearly became a thing of the past. Fortunately, a few dedicated breeders and drovers held on to their cattle and passed their skills down to the next generation. As a result, Sedgwick County Zoo now has two more examples of the importance of preserving heritage breeds.

About Callene Rapp: Callene has worked at the Zoo since 1995. Her original plan was to just work in Farms long enough to get transferred to work with the “cooler” animals, but in the first five minutes she fell in love and has been in Farms ever since.

When asked what her favorite time of the day in Farms is, Callene had this to say: “My favorite time is in the morning when we bring the animals in from pasture. You get to see them interact naturally with us and each other. Sometimes I just grin from ear-to-ear because I’m just so proud of them!”

Children’s Farms Festival:

COWabunga Day

Saturday, June 22 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Thank a cow for all it does for us! Try your hand at milking, learn how to make butter, and have fun making “kick the can” ice cream. Discover the cows of Sedgwick County Zoo and learn firsthand all the amazing things they do.

Regular Zoo admission applies. Members Free with membership card and photo ID. 12

DISCOVERY 2013 Summer Learning Adventures • Classes meet Monday through Friday.

• Classes are held 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 tax. *You must call 266-8213 to preregister before sending in your payment!

Education Fees: • 1.5 hour classes • $55 for members • $70 for nonmembers • 3.5 hour classes • $90 for members • $105 for nonmembers • 8.5 hour classes • $155 for members • $170 for nonmembers * Sign up for three or more classes and receive $5 off your total.

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

3 YEAR OLDS

(must be toilet-trained and ready for preschool) Shapes Alive Shapes are everywhere you look. Join us for games, crafts and scavenger hunts to find shapes around the Zoo. June 17–21, 8:30–10:00 • August 5–9, 10:30–12:00 Down on the Zoo Farm Everyone knows that cows, pigs, and chickens live on farms, but why? Join us to explore our domestic friends.

June 17–21, 10:30–12:00 • August 5–9, 8:30–10:00

4 & 5 YEAR OLDS Animals A – Z Take home a craft you make each day, and see lots of animals along the way.

June 17–21, 8:30–10:00 • July 22–26, 10:30–12:00 Three Little Pigs Folktales come alive during this class where we explore popular animal childhood folktales.

June 17–21, 10:30–12:00 • July 22–26, 8:30–10:00 Growing Up Does a mother frog do the same thing as a mother wallaroo? Find out soon!

June 3– 7, 8:30–10:00 • July 8–12, 10:30–12:00 Wild Wardrobes What they wear does make a difference. Learn about the fur, feather, scale, and skin coats worn by the animals at the Zoo. June 3– 7, 10:30–12:00 • July 8–12, 8:30–10:00 Cat Tails Discover the amazing members of the cat family, including the tigers at the new Slawson Family Tiger Trek.

June 24–28, 10:30–12:00 • July 1–5, 8:30–10:00

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 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.

Creature Count One nose, two legs, three spots, four hooves … what else can we count?

June 24–28, 8:30–10:00 • July 1–5, 10:30–12:00 Kindergarten Critters For children entering kindergarten Your almost kindergartner will have a wonderful time learning about animals and nature as they refresh themselves on classroom etiquette and kindergarten fundamentals.

August 5–9, 8:30–12:00

6 & 7 YEAR OLDS Bare Necessities All Zoo animals need the same things—can you guess what?

July 15–19, 10:30–12:00 • July 29–August 2, 8:30–10:00 The ABC’s of Conservation There are animals that are becoming endangered or even worse, extinct. Learn about animals facing these dangers with fun hands on activities and lots of time in the Zoo! July 15–19, 8:30–10:00 • July 29–August 2, 10:30–12:00 Your Big Backyard Amazing creatures live right under your nose. Learn more about the animals that call Kansas home and how to invite them to your backyard.

May 27–31, 10:30–12:00 • July 8–12, 8:30–10:00 Dig It Do you love to play in the dirt? So do many animals! Discover all the crazy things animals do while playing in the dirt.

May 27–31, 8:30–10:00 • July 8–12, 10:30–12:00 Animal Super Senses Scan the horizon, sniff the air and put your ear to the ground, and learn about some animal super senses.

June 10–14, 8:30–10:00 • July 1–5, 10:30–12:00 Claws, Paws and Jaws Why do cats need claws, paws and jaws? What’s the difference between big and small cats?

June 10–14, 10:30–12:00 • July 1–5, 8:30–10:00

8–10 YEAR OLDS Asian Odyssey We will learn about animals in the Slawson Family Tiger Trek as well as the people and other animals that call Asia home.

June 24–28, 10:30–12:00 • July 29–August 2, 8:30–10:00 Who’s at the Zoo? Do you know what watusies, mantellas, and screamers are? Come learn about the great animals you may have never known!

June 24–28, 8:30–10:00 • August 5–9, 8:30–10:00

Zoo Detectives Who’s that cunning predator that left only feathers and prints behind?

August 5–9, 10:30–12:00 Animal Myth Busters—HALF DAY CLASS From slimy snakes to quill-shooting porcupines, investigate animal myths and “bust” a few in the process!

May 27–31, 8:30–12:00

Preferred Pets (students will learn what animals make good pets as well as basic pet animal care) June 17–21, 8:30–10:00 • July 22–26, 8:30–10:00 August 5–9, 8:30–10:00 Winged Wonders— For 10–12 year olds.

Learn about some of most the most unique and fascinating members of the animal kingdom, assist with hands-on projects, and learn about service projects you can do at home.

June 10–14, 8:30–10:00 • July 15–19, 8:30–10:00

10 YEARS OLD & UP The Backbone Five—ALL DAY CLASS—For ages 10–12 Discover the five different classes of vertebrates in detail, through games, crafts, tours, and lots of FUN! Students must bring a lunch or lunch money.

July 29–August 2, 8:30–4:30

Art with the Animals II—For ages 11 and up Explore advanced art techniques and media, and learn how they apply to the Zoo, our exhibits, and our mission to inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature.

July 8–12, 8:30–10:00 • July 22–26, 8:30–10:00

Art with the Animals—For 10 year olds Have fun experimenting with a variety of media and art techniques and learn how they apply to the Zoo and our animals.

June 3–7, 8:30–10:00 June 24–28, 8:30–10:00

Zooniversity—For 13 year olds. Members: $165, nonmembers: $180 OR members: $120, nonmembers: $135 Saturdays.

Join us for an in-depth look at what keepers do on a daily basis by spending 3 weeks of your summer with us. Students will be working directly with animals in the Farms, develop public speaking skills, and explore all areas of the Zoo. June 10–28, M–F, 8:00–12:00 • July 1–July 19, M–F, 8:00–12:00 July 22–August 9, M–F, 8:00–12:00 Saturdays Only: June 8–August 10, 8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00

Junior Zoo Keepers Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a zookeeper at the Sedgwick County Zoo? Get ready for a brand new adventure focusing on different animal areas. We will explore the diets, cleaning and enrichment in areas all over the zoo! Be sure to wear close-toed shoes.

For 10 year olds Farms June 3–7, 10:30–12:00 • July 15–19, 10:30–12:00 Jungle June 24–28, 10:30–12:00 • July 29–August 2, 10:30-12:00 For 11 year olds North American Prairie June 10–14, 10:30–12:00 • July 1–5, 10:30-12:00 Amphibians and Reptiles July 1–5, 8:30–10:00 • July 8–12, 10:30–12:00 Australia/South America Mammals July 22–26, 10:30–12:00 • August 5–9, 10:30–12:00 For 12 year olds Veldt (elephant, giraffe, rhino, hippo) June 3–7, 8:30–10:00 • July 22–26, 10:30–12:00 Australia/South America Birds June 3–7, 10:30–12:00 • June 10–14, 10:30–12:00 Veterinary Care—also appropriate for 13 year olds June 17–21, 10:30–12:00 • July 15–19, 10:30–12:00 Interpretation (graphics, education, boats, trams, feeding stations) June 10–14, 8:30–10:00 • July 15–19, 8:30–10:00

Student Name, T-shirt Size*

Zookeeper Apprentice Program (ZAP)—Freshman Team For ages 14 and olds. Members: $165, nonmembers: $180 OR members: $120, nonmembers: $135 Saturdays This is the first year of 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 10 – 28, M–F 8:00 – 12:00 or 1:00–5:00 July 1 – July 19, M–F, 8:00 – 12:00 or 1:00–5:00 July 22 – August 9, M–F, 8:00 – 12:00 or 1:00–5:00 Saturdays Only: June 8–August 10, 8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00 Registration Information: 1. Preregister by calling the education dept. at 266-8213 between 8 a.m. and noon. 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. Payments 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 registration forms are not received on time. NOTE: 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.

Class title

Date

Time

Fee

*Limited edition Summer School T-shirt are available to purchase for only $10.73, includes tax.

Membership No: Total: Parents Name: Phone: Address: City: Zip:

14

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

PLANNING YOUR VISIT: Visit scz.org to purchase tickets or

Let Your Imagination Run Wild

renew your membership.

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

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.)

We'll Take Care of the Details!

JUNE

zoo gift shop coupon valid from 6/1/13 to 6/30/13

15 off %

Hats

One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

JULY

zoo gift shop coupon

15 off %

valid from 7/1/13 to 7/31/13

Plush

Wheelchair Rental:

One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

Stroller Rental:

AUGUST

Push wheelchairs: $5 per visit Electric wheelchairs: $25/3 hours, $5 each additional hour Single stroller: $6 Double stroller: $9

Giraffe Feeding Station:

Open 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (staff & weather permitting) Just $2 per person/per feeding

15off %

zoo gift shop coupon

valid from 8/1/13 to 8/31/13

Statues, Mugs, Glass Animals

One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

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.

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

Dates are filling up fast for spring and summer dates!

Call Today—316.266.8252