CEO ’s Letter
This past year, we celebrated the Milwaukee County Zoo’s 48th year as an accredited facility by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is proud to have supported the Zoo in earning its reaccreditation, reaffirming its excellence in animal care, conservation and education. Our partnership with the Zoo is strong, from raising essential funds and completing creative projects to running impactful education, conservation and volunteer programs. Together, we share a passion: connecting our community to the wonders of nature. We hope you’ll visit soon to experience it all for yourself!
Alive magazine celebrates the strides we’ve made together as the Zoo and the Zoological Society, strengthening our commitment to conservation and inspiring the next generation right here in southeast Wisconsin. This year, we’re especially proud to honor Zoo Pride, the Society’s volunteer auxiliary, as they celebrate 50 years of service. With more than 430 dedicated members, their impact on the Zoo’s mission is truly invaluable. Read on to learn more about this golden milestone and join us in celebrating their incredible legacy.
Supporting the care and welfare of the animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo is at the heart of all we do. This year, the Zoo launched an innovative elephant blood draw program with our three African elephants at the Elephant Care Center. We are part of a small group that can answer the call for elephant plasma and whole. Learn more about this behind-the-scenes effort and its impact on page 12.
Our mission comes to life both in our backyards and in other areas of the world. Recently, our conservation team funded initiatives to protect wildlife like the critically endangered Grenada frog through research grants, which you can read more about on page 10. While our efforts are global, we also prioritize local ecosystems, such as our Wild Birds Program here at the Zoo. By engaging our community in learning about vulnerable songbirds on page 6, we’re fostering a spirit of citizen science that helps animals who cannot help themselves.
If you haven’t visited the Milwaukee County Zoo recently, assure you, you’re missing out on a truly beautiful experience. From livelyhabitats that teach about endangered species like the African Forest habitat (read more on page 8), to the heartfelt stories of dedication behind each animal, there’s something for everyone to discover.
Your support empowers us to achieve more for our communities and ensure a future for both the Zoo and the animals in our care.
Here’s to furthering our mission alongside our partners at the Zoo and celebrating more milestones for years to come!
Years of Volunteer Impact
Since signing the first charter with the original members in 1975, Zoo Pride has been a dedicated and accomplished volunteer auxiliary of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Donned in their iconic khaki uniforms, volunteers can be spotted sharing educational information with guests, supporting special events, assisting in education classes and more.
Through its fun-filled summers and peaceful winters, Zoo Pride has been the Zoo’s steady supporter.
Zoo Pride’s purpose is to create Zoo experiences that inspire people to learn, conserve and take action to positively impact the natural world. Setting itself apart from many other volunteer organizations, Zoo Pride volunteers take ownership of their own schedule and decide where they can best provide a helping hand. With more than 450 dedicated volunteers, many enjoy flexible schedules, a variety of activities and educational opportunities.
Zoological Society President & CEO
Photo provided by Milwaukee Business Journal
There are at least one or two Zoo Pride volunteers in each animal area of the Zoo every day, rain or shine!
Archival picture. Photo by Richard Brodzeller
Archival picture. Photo by Richard Brodzeller
Historically and still to this day, Zoo Pride has focused on utilizing volunteers’ unique skills to support the Zoo and Society. For example, many volunteers who are comfortable with public speaking provide information to guests, welcoming them and sharing conservation and animal stories with them. There are also volunteer opportunities that require additional training, such as Animal Watch. This involves closely observing animals during introductions to new companions or habitats, or when a specific animal or group needs extra attention for medical or behavioral reasons.
One volunteer, Kay Elsen, fondly recalls her journey with Zoo Pride, which began in the mid 1970s. She remembers being drawn to the Zoo in her early 40s after hearing the exciting news of a bongo calf’s birth. Her visit to see the little calf became a pivotal moment when, without hesitation, Kay signed up to volunteer. That decision sparked a lifelong connection. Reflecting on her experience of decades of volunteering: “It became my second home. There’s a shared love for animals and conservation among us all and the joy of feeling like a kid again, no matter your age,” Elsen said.
Supporting the
Zoo
Education is a core part of our mission at the Society, and Zoo Pride has played an integral role in advancing education programs here at the Zoo. Well before the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Building was built, education offerings were led by volunteers in trailers in the parking lot! The program now includes more than 20 fulltime and part-time professional educators — in addition to the Zoo Pride volunteers. To maintain its accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the Zoo is required to provide conservation education programs. We owe a huge thank-you to Zoo Pride for their pivotal role in launching and supporting our education programs!
Early career to retirement
Volunteers ages 15 and up contribute more than 40,000 hours of service every year! Many of those hours include supporting classes and camps for the Society’s education department. Retired teachers find fulfillment in volunteering in this setting, assisting education staff with tours around the Zoo, preparing for classroom activities and more. But you won’t just find retired adults at Zoo Pride.
Kimberly Watry, a young volunteer, was a conservation education intern with the Society’s summer programming. Her experience inspired her to join Zoo Pride after working alongside experienced volunteers that summer. Watry is now is a frequent volunteer in education classes.
“I think of my role in Zoo Classes as an assistant teacher. love helping kids explore the natural world, encouraging creativity and learning about conservation,” Watry said. “This carries over with the public too. I want to encourage wonder, learning and empathy for animals and their greater ecosystems. And giving fun facts is my specialty!”
“I
What makes Zoo Pride golden
One of the most popular volunteer roles is leading the Animals in Action talks, held throughout the summer near Zoo habitats. Volunteers share interesting facts and stories about the animals, including information like their names and diets, ways to help with their conservation and stories that help guests relate to uniqueness of the individual animal. These talks not only educate and entertain but also create a sense of empathy and care between guests and the animals.
You may have attended an Animals in Action talk led by a Zoo Pride volunteer!
In addition to staff, many internal training sessions are led by fellow volunteers, providing leadership roles for our more seasoned Zoo Pride volunteers. This unique aspect of Zoo Pride sets it apart from other volunteer programs.
“It’s something truly special we do here — having volunteers take on higher-level roles, like leading support for events or working closely with keepers to provide enrichment for the animals,” said Lynn Wilding, volunteer services program manager. “We place a lot of trust in our volunteers, and that speaks to the success of the program.”
These leadership roles are also rooted in Zoo Pride’s independent origins, having started as its own organization before Society staff were hired to assist with its growth.
Conservation action Zoo Pride volunteers aim to help visitors understand the importance of conservation. For example, Dan Weber, who often volunteers at the Aquatic and Reptile Center, weaves into his conversations awareness about the many endangered animals living there, the threats they face and the ways guests can help wildlife.
“I want people walking away thinking about nature.”
- Dan Weber, Zoo Pride volunteer
The Zoo is a robust green space that supports local wildlife, and volunteers work diligently to support the native species that reside at the Zoo. From Master Gardeners who manage pollinator gardens to volunteers who support our Wild Birds Program, no species is overlooked! To learn more about a conservation initiative that volunteers heavily assist with on Zoo grounds, see page 6.
Celebrating the team
This year, the Society’s Volunteer Services Program Manager, Lynn Wilding, is celebrating 25 years of guiding and supporting our dedicated volunteers! Whether it’s managing volunteers for a big event or something as small as scheduling volunteers to help gather sticks for the Zoo’s vultures’ nests, Lynn’s dedication and attention to detail make a world of difference. Thank you, Lynn, for your service and commitment over the years!
LYNN WILDING
Zoo Pride volunteers often showcase the Zoo and Society’s biofact collection at themed carts near habitats or in animal buildings. The “Remains To Be Seen” program trains volunteers to engage with guests and handle pelts, bones and other unique specimens responsibly, enhancing the educational experience for visitors.
Supporting Zoo Pride
As we celebrate Zoo Pride’s 50th anniversary, you can show your appreciation with a meaningful gift that will support the incredible volunteers who make it all possible. A donation to Zoo Pride will help fund the volunteer program, training materials and new learning opportunities.
Additionally, your gift will contribute to our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion (DEAI), ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from volunteering. By helping to cover dues and uniforms for those who can’t afford it, you’ll play a vital role in making Zoo Pride more inclusive and accessible to all.
Join Zoo Pride
Inspired to volunteer? Please visit zoosociety.org/volunteer to complete an application. Call our main line 414-258-2333 to make a donation.
Archival picture. Photo by Richard Brodzeller
Archival picture. Photo by Richard Brodzeller
BCitizen science
Birding and beyond
LISTENING TO NATURE
The Zoological Society of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Zoo are program partners in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ North American Songbird SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program, working directly to support songbird research and conservation.
irdsong is a noise that we’d all miss if it was gone, and that is a real possibility with all the factors that threaten North American songbirds. Songbird populations face ongoing declines due to habitat loss, climate change and other human-related factors. SAFE programs bring together the expertise of AZA-accredited facilities and their passionate conservation partners to make a difference. By combining resources and knowledge, these programs create meaningful impact, helping to protect and preserve vulnerable species for generations to come. North American Songbird SAFE includes 318 species—many of which may be in your own backyard. Some of those species call the forested area of the Zoo home and we monitor them via our Wild Birds Program. Through weekly point count surveys, nest box monitoring, Project FeederWatch participation and global bird count events, we gather vital data to help protect these incredible species and their habitats year-round.
Welcoming feathered friends
Songbirds need our help, according to Seegert. “Habitat loss is a major cause of bird population declines and is linked to climate change,” he said. “Climate change reshapes ecosystems and affects what can grow where. For instance, if grasslands disappear, birds that nest there lose their range. Every species has a specific niche, and when that niche is disrupted, they will struggle to adapt or survive.”
One simple way we can help birds is by sharing information about where we see them. eBird Mobile is a free, easy-touse app powered by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, making it simple to record your bird sightings. Whether you’re observing birds in the field, on a daily walk with your pet, or even while getting your morning coffee, you can contribute to bird conservation from anywhere. The app’s “record as you go” feature helps identify and count birds for you, putting powerful tools for conservation right at your fingertips
Partnerships are key to success for saving songbirds. By collaborating with conservation organizations in Belize, we are protecting birds and the ecosystems they depend on. Seegert, along with other staff from the Society and the Zoo, recently visited Belize as part of our conservation program, Pat Gives Back.
There are 36 nest boxes strategically placed throughout the Zoo, many away from public paths, to support nesting birds. The boxes are monitored by Zoo Pride volunteers and our conservation staff to record how successful breeding is and if there are environmental factors affecting the nests. Toby Seegert, the Society’s regional conservation specialist, mentions, “The air quality issues we had in 2024 may have resulted in not as many successful fledglings. We can’t say for sure that impacted the young birds, but collecting data over time allows us to evaluate the impact of these issues as they arise.” When asked how to identify the native birds our Wild Birds Program nest boxes support, Seegert outlines:
• Black-capped Chickadee: Primarily use moss to line their nest.
• House Wren: Use lots of twigs, sometimes too many to open the nest box! They also place spider eggs in their nest, because when the eggs hatch, the spiders help by eating the mites on the baby birds’ wings.
• Tree Swallow: Use their own feathers as lining. “An adult is always on the nest and will stare at volunteers as they gather data,” says Seegert.
Point count surveys are a vital part of monitoring biodiversity on Zoo grounds. By identifying which species are present and where they thrive, we can better manage these areas and share insights with Zoo staff. Seegert says, “These surveys also help us understand breeding patterns. If we hear bird calls during the summer, it’s often a sign that they’re nesting and raising young nearby.”
Bird point count surveys at the Zoo follow the same route every year to ensure consistent and comparable data.
As North American songbird SAFE program partners, the goal of the Wild Birds Program is to preserve, enhance and build native habitats for these species.
Keeping SAFE songbirds safe
Birding and maintaining a bird feeder are no longer just enjoyable hobbies – they are meaningful ways to help protect wild bird species listed under SAFE.
Whether they are breeding, migrating or living here year-round, these birds bring color, song and biodiversity to southeast Wisconsin. Among them are several species listed as Vulnerable or near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These Wisconsin SAFE species, which you can keep an eye out for and record in your eBird app, include:
1. Kirtland’s Warbler –
A rare and endangered gem that breeds in specialized habitats.
2. Evening Grosbeak –
A winter visitor with a vibrant yellow and black appearance.
3. Eastern Meadowlark –
A grassland species that fills the air with its melodious flute-like song.
4. Common Grackle –
A glossy blackbird that thrives in a variety of environments.
5. Blackpoll Warbler –
A long-distancemigrator that pauses in the region during its incredible journey.
The Motus Wildlife Tracking System (Motus) is a network of towers using satellite technology to monitor wildlife movements. A tower in Belize and another atop the Zoofari building at the Milwaukee County Zoo share data that anyone can access online via motus.org. In Belize, Seegert assists with catching and tagging birds using Motus nanotag technology. These tiny devices emit signals that “ping” the Motus towers whenever birds fly within range, offering invaluable insights into their migratory routes. To date, the Motus system has tracked around 440 species — not all of which are birds — and its reach continues to expand as technology evolves. 1 2 3 4 5
Photo via motus.org
Photos courtesy of Pat Gives Back Photos courtesy of Pat Gives Back
Photos courtesy of Pat Gives Back
Our unique population of flying squirrels has taken a liking to the nest boxes lately!
HABITAT SPOTLIGHT
BIRDS AND ... BUGS! BONGO,
There is no shortage of examples at the Milwaukee County Zoo of habitats that are home to multiple species of animals — from the Central American tapirs share their habitat with the yellow-footed tortoise, rhea and alpacas. In Adventure Africa, impalas live alongside ostriches, while in the savannah yard, gazelles and vultures thrive together. At the African Waterhole, three different hoofstock species coexist in a single habitat! These intentional groupings and habitats provide guests with an opportunity to see species in a way that highlights their native range.
You may remember the Australian habitat at the Zoo that opened in 1963 and was home to koalas, red kangaroos and other species. Australian animals inhabited the building until 2017, when the Adventure Africa project was confirmed and funded. As a result, the building and yard were transformed into the African Forest habitat. The next decision came: who will live in this yard?
The eastern bongo — also known as the mountain bongo — is the largest and heaviest forest antelope. They are notable by their brown-orange coat with white markings and their large horns that grow their entire lives. The Zoo’s bongo herd is mostly female consisting of Sydney, Zuri, Nyota and Nyeri but does include the male, Groot. Nyeri is the newest addition, born July of 2024 to Nyota and a male from another AZA-accredited zoo. Her birth is a welcome one since eastern bongo are classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The hope is for more bongo calves from Groot and the herd of females.
The East African crowned crane is a striking species, getting their name from the halo of yellow feathers on its head. The crane in the African Forest habitat is named Ichabod and he loves to move! You may witness him perform dance-like steps, bowing, jumping and moving his feet in a breeding display.
East African crowned cranes are currently listed as Endangered, threatened by the loss of their natural habitats.
Bringing a sense of calm to the busy yard are Carol and Sue, the African spurred tortoises. You can find them basking in the sun during warm weather (behind the scenes in cold months.) This tortoise species, the largest of mainland tortoises, is endangered.
Another bird found in this space is the eastern crested guineafowl. Unlike the crane who likes to groove, the guineafowl like to chat. These social birds usually stay as a flock and make soft “clucking” noises as they forage for food in the dirt. Their dark plumage with white spots makes them easy to spot as they move around, usually following the bongo. Currently, guineafowl are classified as least concern. The hope is that the species continues to thrive, both at the Zoo and in their natural habitat.
One big happy yard
The African Forest habitat is a favorite for animal care staff at the Zoo. When asked why it is her favorite, pachyderm zookeeper Stephanie English explains, “All the animals in this yard really like people, especially the birds. And the bongo all like head scratches, especially right in between the horns.”
Curious how all these different animals go indoors at the end of the day? The animal care team is deliberate about calling them in for dinner. English says that it can be tricky but it is all about timing.
“Bongo we try to shift indoors before everyone else. We separate Groot overnight from the females, so he usually goes in first,” English said. “The guinea can’t go in the same way the bongo go in because they’ll end up in a different part of the barn. Guinea get waxworms – their favorite food – when they come inside so they know going inside is positive.”
Groot, the male bongo, enjoying endive from a bamboo chime! This item, part of a mobile with other items, mimics natural browsing and doubles as horn enrichment. “Groot is very calm and gentle; we didn’t know what we were getting into with a male. It is great that we’re starting a breeding program for them,” English said.
When it comes to animal interaction, the African Forest yard is a rewarding spot for guests to watch. The guinea and the bongo interact the most, like how they would in their native range. When the bongo walk around, they are kicking up dirt and leaves, but they also kick up yummy bugs! This is something that has caught the eye of English, as well as the guineafowl.
“You
will see the guinea some days, just following the bongo around the yard, picking at the bugs behind them,” she said.
“They follow Groot a lot more; he might be a little more intrusive to the land!”
English adds that the bugs the guineafowl get from the yard are a large part of their diet here at the Zoo.
Guineafowl may get a bug buffet, but they also have unique interactions with bongo that can’t always be explained. Nyeri the bongo calf can be spotted interacting with the guineafowl. English mentions that, “She [Nyeri] likes to lick the top of their heads. I don’t know what it is, but she will lick the feathers and it’s very cute and funny. The guinea don’t know how to handle it and freeze, but they let it slide!”
over 3 months old in this October 2024 shot. Nyeri’s already a pro at target training but feels much braver with her mom, Nyota, nearby.
it!
About African forests
Enrichment is important here at the Zoo, but a lot of the enrichment must be done indoors for this yard specifically. “There are a lot of things with this specific yard we must watch for, like holes in items,” English said. “We can’t put balls with holes in them, because the guinea could stick their head in it, or the crane could get his beak stuck. Birds like shiny dangly things [for enrichment], but the bongo will eat or destroy it. It is a challenge; you must consider the parts and animals.”
When you think of Africa, dry plains may come to mind. However, this vast continent is home to much more. More than half of Africa is beautifully covered by lush forests and grassland teeming with diverse wildlife.
Zoos that create mixed-species habitats offer unique benefits, providing both enrichment for the animals and a dynamic experience for guests. While it’s uncertain whether all of these species would naturally co-exist in the wild, such environments foster natural behaviors and interactions.
At the Zoo, you can experience the bustling African Forest habitat, a true reflection of this ecosystem. Although it may seem “tucked away” at the back of the Zoo, this lively and active space is sure to become a favorite. The diversity and energy of the animals will capture your heart and make this a memorable stop on your visit.
Joan Stasica, giraffe/hippo area supervisor, target training Nyeri, just
Zuri, the oldest female bongo, enjoying some bamboo browse from the mobile. She loves to play and rub the browse before munching
A sneak peek into bongo enrichment
Photo by Stephanie English
Photo by Stephanie English
Photo by Stephanie English
CONSERVATION
TFor Harrison, the Grenada frog’s survival is a personal mission born from a childhood fascination with overlooked creatures.
“When I was 11, I brought a garter snake to school as a class pet,” she recalled. “I realized then how much education can change people’s attitudes toward animals.”
EUPHRONIDES
GRENADA FROG PRISTIMANTIS
That realization has shaped her career, with her past work as a supervisor at the Aquatic & Reptile Center at the Milwaukee County Zoo and now continuing through her leadership in field research in Grenada. The Grenada frog is one of two Lesser Antilles amphibian species listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but it wasn’t always classified as such. Studies in the 1980s noted its decline, prompting concern over an invasive frog thought to compete with it. Harrison’s master’s thesis investigated this relationship, finding little evidence that the other frog species significantly impacts the Grenada frog. Yet, this revelation raised new questions about its survival.
ENDANGERED AMPHIBIAN
he rainforest hums with life as dusk settles over the mountainous terrain of Grenada, a Lesser Antilles Island roughly 90 miles north of Venezuela. The air is humid, the ground damp, and the thick jungle is alive with the nocturnal sounds of wildlife. In the glow of headlamps, researchers listen intently for the soft clicking calls of the Critically Endangered Grenada frog. For Melissa Spreda, aquatic and reptile supervisor at the Milwaukee County Zoo, this scene is quite different from her daily routine back home. But this past spring, thanks to funding from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, she joined a team of researchers on the island to study one of the world’s rarest amphibians.
Grenada’s rainforest comes alive at night, and so do its native frogs. “They have a very distinct call, a series of soft clicks,” Billie Harrison, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee PhD candidate and researcher, explains. She has been on many research trips to Grenada and approaches her work with a deep sense of curiosity, asking questions like: What plants does this frog call home? How long do they live? What conditions help them thrive? For Harrison, every answer sparks new questions. Thanks to a generous conservation grant
from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Harrison’s efforts to conserve and protect the Grenada frog have received valuable support.
Both Spreda and Harrison visited Grenada in 2024, lending their skills to a variety of important research initiatives on the island. Reflecting on the work, Harrison shares, “You definitely go from under the sea to upper elevation in the same day.”
At the heart of it all for Harrison is the tiny Grenada frog. To gather critical information about population numbers, Harrison and Spreda lead mark-and-recapture surveys.
Each Grenada frog captured is carefully tagged with a tiny orange-pink marker beneath its translucent skin. “The frog is weighed and then returned to the exact spot it was found,” Spreda notes. Like all field work, it is tough but rewarding, especially when a tagged frog from a previous year’s study is rediscovered. There’s even one frog, “F72,” that’s almost always on the same leaf. “He’s been on the same leaf almost every time I return. It’s like you can almost rely on the fact that he’ll be on this leaf,” laughs Harrison. “It’s just so amazing to see what space these animals utilize in their daily lives.”
In 2020, an opportunity arose for Harrison to contribute to a global reassessment of amphibians with the IUCN. She focused on the Grenada frog, examining their range, population and connectivity. Since then, she has returned multiple times per year to research this frog.
The Grenada frog’s Endangered status was updated in 2021 to reflect this research, changing to Critically Endangered. “So far not much has been done to enact conservation for the Grenada frog.” Harrison explains, “The more we learn, the better we can advocate for meaningful action.”
Conservation isn’t just about research — it’s about people. In contrast to the Critically Endangered Grenada dove — a native bird protected in designated preserves — the Grenada frog is far less well known. The research team is hoping to change that with a video broadcast project. When asked about messaging that promotes pride in the Grenada frog, “We emphasize that this frog is unique to the island and serves as an indicator of a healthy environment,” Spreda said. “Outreach is crucial. It’s not enough to study these animals — we need to share their importance with the people who live alongside them.”
The Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s grant funding is being used to complete this video broadcast project for release to the public. It will be in a documentary style, highlighting the team’s findings and the frog’s ecological importance.
Although it can be challenging to get others to care as deeply as she does about slimy and scaly animals, Harrison reflects on how it feels to witness the community’s growing investment in conservation efforts: “I go back to being that little kid with a garter snake in a classroom,” she shares. “I’m still that same little kid.”
The group hikes into the mountains during the day to wait for nightfall. Harrison is setting up the GPS unit to help mark the locations of frogs. She calibrates it to satellites and fires it up for a night of frog surveying in Windor Forest. As part of the population survey, other factors are assessed like air temperature, soil conditions and cloud cover.
Understanding the Grenada frog’s needs is critical to their survival. The team is focused on recording population data, like what types of vegetation they are found on as well as taking toe clips to assess genetic diversity. Tissue sampling is necessary to study their adaptations and connectivity.
GRENADA
Photo by Emily Meiller
Photo by Jenna Young
Photo by Billie Harrison
Photo by Billie Harrison
Photo by Elizabeth Beiberitz
Photo by Billie Harrison
Photo by Dan Boehm Photo by Dan Boehm
THE HERD HELPS: BLOOD DONATIONS FOR ELEPHANTS
The Milwaukee County Zoo’s elephant herd is truly special, consisting of three females — Belle, Ruth and Brittany. These elephants thrive in the Elephant Care Center, where they are cared for by a dedicated team of five full-time animal care staff. Each day, this team works closely with the elephants, focusing on various behaviors and running training sessions to ensure the elephants’ well-being and enrichment.
One behavior the team and elephants have been working on includes standing still with one ear held out. This behavior is practiced because it is the position used during voluntary blood collection, allowing the elephants to actively participate in their own health care. The training is carried out by the animal care team, fostering trust and a strong bond between the elephants and the care team, making the process stress-free for all involved.
To support elephant conservation, Sheri Croce, lead vet tech at the Animal Health Center, shares, “We store that plasma here in our freezer for when we need it, but we can also send it to other zoos if they require it.”
By participating in the plasma bank program, the Zoo is playing a crucial role in supporting elephants in need, wherever
How does a blood draw work?
Why would a zoo need an elephant blood donation?
As of 2024, about 250 elephants are in professional care at AZA-accredited facilities across the U.S., many of which are non-reproductive due to age or other factors.
When a zoo confirms an elephant’s pregnancy, a call is made to other zoos to check if their elephants are available for blood collection. The collected blood helps in the fight against a common disease called elephant herpesvirus, or elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). This virus is particularly threatening to young elephants, and blood from healthy adults is crucial for developing effective treatments and studying the disease. By sharing resources, zoos work together to protect these animals.
Thankfully, most elephant adults can successfully fight off the virus and survive when it becomes active. However, young calves seem to be most vulnerable to EEHV disease after they are weaned. This is a critical time when they no longer have the protective antibodies passed on from their mothers.
MCZ’s animal care program involves everyone from zookeepers to veterinarians — and it is the same way at other zoos as well. The thought of caring for a sick elephant with EEHV is a daunting task since EEHV typically causes hemorrhagic disease — excessive bleeding because blood vessels are damaged or the blood has trouble clotting properly.
“They’re providing care around the clock for that sick animal, and collecting blood on another elephant for a transfusion takes time and manpower away from the care of the sick elephant. This may not always be a feasible option and is why the plasma bank is so important,” Croce explains.
An elephant blood collection is a careful and detailed process. When collecting plasma, a significant amount of blood is drawn, filling large bags like those you’d see at a blood donation drive — either two 250-milliliter bags or one 500-milliliter bag. This process requires a dedicated team of about 4 or 5 people working alongside the elephant.
The great news is that all the Zoo’s elephants are blood donors, and their donations are cross matched with elephants at other zoos nationwide. For example, Belle’s blood has already been sent to help sick or injured elephants in need. Blood donations are essential in elephant care, so much so that some zoos perform plasma blood transfusions to boost young elephants’ antibodies before transferring them to a new facility. Erin Dowgwillo, the elephant care coordinator at the Zoo, praises the program: “Plasma donations are a way for us to provide aid to institutions that are providing care 24/7 to a sick elephant, especially if they don’t have a compatible blood donor or only have one elephant that is cross matched.”
Dowgwillo reflects further about how being involved in the program has felt thus far: “Everyone wants to be doing breeding, but this is a way that our elephants can be part of the community since they are non-reproductive.”
Small blood draws happen every week and plasma draws happen once a month. Communication is key when working with such a large animal as an elephant. At the end of the day, this is a voluntary process, and the animal could walk away at any moment!
Over the past 30 years, elephant populations in both Africa and Asia have decreased significantly because of habitat loss and illegal wildlife trafficking. Elephants are being born across the country at AZA-accredited facilities, and the network of care comes together to support them. Dowgwillo expresses,
“We will answer any call we get.”
Let’s take a look at the specially designed areas of the Elephant Care Center and how they are used for veterinary procedures like blood draws. The indoor Elephant Care Center includes five “rooms,” sand floors, and a permanent scale for weighing.
Belle the elephant getting a blood draw:
1. Zookeeper with food reward: Tasked with keeping the elephant as still as possible during the draw.
2. Zookeeper or vet tech: Tasked with finding a vein in the ear and keeping the needle still as blood is being drawn.
3. Vet tech: Manually pulling the blood with a syringe.
4. Zookeeper or vet tech: During plasma draws (roughly 30 minutes), this person rocks the blood bags, keeps an eye on the elephant and helps vet techs if they need supplies.
Photo credit: Paul Ruffolo
During cold weather, zookeepers use a hose to run warm water over the veins on the back of the elephant’s ear. This helps expand the blood vessels, making blood draws easier and more efficient.
Kids ALIVE Pond Life
Ponds are some of nature’s busiest habitats, especially in the spring! They’re teeming with life, from curious critters darting beneath the water’s surface to birds singing in the trees above. Let’s pretend to be naturalists with our very own nature notebook. As a naturalist, we must use our resources to document the pond dwellers, in and out of the water.
Your Nature Notebook
Grab your supplies to create your own nature notebook. Here’s what you’ll need: [See full instructions on page 15]
• Scissors
• Paper (8.5 in x 11 in)
• Writing utensils
Be a Naturalist!
• A hard surface to write on
• Optional: A field guide to identify pond creatures
After you make your nature notebook, ask a grown-up to join you for a visit to a pond, stream or lake. Find a cozy spot to sit and take it all in. Start your adventure by noticing what’s around you with your senses.
What do you see?
Write down your observations and make sketches.
What do you hear?
Next, close your eyes for a moment and listen. Add these sounds to your notebook, describing them as best you can.
Getting a closer look
Once you’ve taken in the big picture, it’s time to get a closer look! Carefully approach the pond’s
edge and use a clear container to scoop up some water. You might discover tiny creatures swimming about! What do they look like? What are they doing? Draw pictures of them and write down what you notice.
Naturalist note: Be sure to return them safely to their home when you’re done.
If you have a small fishing net, you can try catching tiny critters like insects, snails or even tadpoles. On the back of your notebook page, sketch these critters, too.
Naturalist note: Add labels or descriptions of their movements and behaviors. For extra fun, use a field guide to learn their names and some cool facts about them!
Activity: Build a super pond animal
Here’s a fun challenge: think about all the animals you’ve seen around the pond. What if you could combine your favorite parts of each into one “super pond animal”? Draw your creation in your nature notebook and give it a name.
the paper and refold it hamburger-style. Cut along the middle
Push the edges together until it forms a booklet.
Lily Pad Rice Cakes
• Rice cakes OR a sheet of rice crispy treats
• Green frosting (pre-made or tinted with food coloring)
• Gummy critters: frogs or butterflies, any pond animal gummy!
Flatten the creases with a coin or plastic card to make it sturdy.
1. Prepare the lily pad base
If using rice cakes, lay them out on a tray.
For rice crispy treats, press the mixture into a baking sheet and let it cool completely. Then, use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut out large circles.
2. Shape the lily pads
To make the rice cakes look like lily pads, cut a small triangle wedge (like a pie slice) out of one edge of each rice cake or rice crispy circle.
Now you’re ready to document like a naturalist in your nature notebook! Give your nature notebook a title and leave a space to write your name on the cover.
3. Frost the lily pads
Spread a smooth layer of green frosting over the surface of each rice cake or crispy treat.
Use more green frosting to pipe lily pad details on top.
4. Add gummy
Place a gummy on each lily pad for the perfect finishing touch.
Example: Dragonfrogtle dragonfly wings, frog legs and a turtle shell!
Photos by Dan Weber, Zoo Pride volunteer
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