PlatyPress_4clr2 5/24/12 3:35 PM Page 1
Benefit Spotlight: VIP Tours of the Zoo
P I V s r u To
May 2012
Please remember the Zoological Society in your will or estate plan.
From left to right: Cherie Johnson, Jim Redding; Raymond Kirkpatrick, Andrew Nordquist, Sydney Weisman, and Kurt Weisman.
Zoological Society of Milwaukee County Development Department 1005 W. Blue Mound Road Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 258-2333
How does an elephant get a pedicure? Do vampire bats really drink blood? What kind of treats do penguins like? Who takes care of all the trees, plants and flowers on Zoo grounds? Which animals like the smell of cinnamon? The Milwaukee County Zoo is a serene home to more than 2,283 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, with more than 333 species represented. The Zoo welcomes about 1.3 million visitors a year who wander our grounds and check out the many creatures who call this their home. As a member of the Platypus Circle, you have a special opportunity to participate in a Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tour! Tours are led by experienced (and entertaining!) tour guides who will escort you around animal exhibit areas and zookeeper work areas in selected parts of the Zoo. Jim Redding, a retired schoolteacher, joined Zoo Pride, the ZSM volunteer auxiliary, in 1997 and began hosting behind-the-scenes tours a few years later. As part of his training, he shadowed other tour guides and recalls being in absolute awe. “In the Small Mammals Building, the keepers let us touch a real bat and showed us how the bats will ring a small bell in order to get a grape as a treat,” he mused. He could not believe the access that the tours provide. Redding got a sly grin on his face when he said that he “had never before been so close to a lion”! One tour really doesn’t cover the whole Zoo, and different guides tend to offer different perspectives. Redding likes to begin his tours in the Commissary, where guests can see the variety of foods our animals eat and just how much they go through in a typical day. Many people don’t realize that our Zoo has an entire barn underground, called Winter Quarters, which houses some animals during the winter season and provides off-exhibit space for others. “It’s really a special treat to meet our warthog, Boris, and to see the tapir and kudu.”
The tour guides usually gather information about their group ahead of time, to see what their interests might be. Because tours are best suited for guests aged 10 and over, guides check on the age range of their party. Younger friends may not be allowed in all areas for their safety, but fun accommodations can be made to keep their experience special. Have you ever been nose to nose with a moose or a reindeer? Perhaps your interest leans toward the medical care side and you’d like to see the Animal Health Center? Sometimes, simple timing allows for special experiences. “I was taking one group to learn more about the orangutans, and we happened to be by just in time to catch MJ, the female, getting her teeth cleaned,” said Redding. A favorite wrap-up point for most tours is the Aquatic & Reptile Center, where you have a special opportunity to climb above the display and give a few treats to both the pacu and to Onassis, the giant sea turtle and our oldest resident. As the 2012 Zoo season gets under way, we are pleased to roll out a new menu of tour possibilities. In addition to the Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tours, we’ve created specialized tours that focus on certain interest areas to allow for an even more in-depth experience. Depending on your Platypus level, you have up to eight different tour topics from which to choose. Do you know the answers to the questions posed at the beginning of the article? Contact Melissa by phone at 414-258-2333 x306 or by email at development@zoosociety.org to book your tour today and find out those and much, much more!
The PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle. The Platypus Circle is composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment. The PlatyPress is published two to four times a year by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM), 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. www.zoosociety.org
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Thom Brown Dr. Robert Davis Mary Ellen Enea Karen Peck Katz Maria Gonzalez Knavel Joe Kresl (chairman) Jack McKeithan Allen Martin Deborah Musante Jill Pelisek Tricia Shinners Judy Holz Stathas Dave Strelitz Jane Bush Wierzba Ray Wilson DEVELOPMENT STAFF Karen Von Rueden, Vice President of Development Melissa Rankin, Development coordinator NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Weisman, Writer Richard Brodzeller, Photographer (unless otherwise noted)
Our Next 30 Years The Platypus Society celebrated its 30-year anniversary throughout 2011. We spent a bit of time reflecting on our founding, our history and our dreams for the future. We recognized 28 members who have been supportive of the Zoological Society for more than a quarter-century, and we welcomed 34 new members. In this issue, we introduce our next 30 years and, in doing so, present a new name – the Platypus Circle. Webster’s Dictionary defines a circle as, among other things, an “area of action or influence” as well as a “group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center.” The mission of the Zoological Society – to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo – is absolutely our “common center.”
On the Web For back issues of Platy Press dating to September 2006, go to www.zoosociety.org/pubs/platypress.
May 24 Platypus Circle/VIP premiere of the Zoo’s special exhibit, Adventure Dinosaur!, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, 6 p.m. at the Zoo. June 23 Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines.* July 10 Platypus Circle Family Picnic, 5:15 p.m. at the Zoo.
The Platypus Circle takes us into our next 30 years, and with it comes an enhanced membership program that better acknowledges you, our donors, and offers a variety of benefits and levels of support. The Platypus Circle embraces the accomplishments of the Platypus Society and its legacy. In moving forward, the Platypus Circle plans to increase its impact through fundraising and support of the ZSM mission.
July 23 MillerCoors Birdies and Eagles Golf Tournament at Ozaukee Country Club. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.* September 27 Platypus Circle Dinner, 6 p.m. at the Zoo.
As we move into our next 30 years, Dr. Robert Davis, the ZSM’s President and CEO, feels strongly that the mission of the Zoological Society is even more relevant and important. “As more species become endangered,” he tells us, “conservation
October 16 Simba Circle Dinner, 6 p.m. at the Zoo; by invitation only.
*For more information, call (414) 258-2333 or go online at www.zoosociety.org.
printed on recycled paper
will become top of mind for many, and the Zoological Society is poised to educate people about the importance of conservation.” He points out that the ZSM is a leader in protecting the endangered bonobo species. “Through programs like the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative in Africa and through ongoing research on ape heart disease here in Milwaukee,” he notes, “we are combining conservation and animal management at the Zoo with veterinary medicine to benefit bonobos. I see us expanding similar programs in the future for elephants, gorillas and other endangered animals.”
5240D12
Top: Dr. Bert Davis speaks with children at the lion exhibit. Middle: Laura the bonobo and baby Right: Dr. Bert Davis
Dr. Davis also looks to the ZSM’s commitment to education as being a key strategy in advancing the mission of our organization. “When it comes to education, it’s key to start young. It will be necessary in the future to make zoos and aquariums an extension of the classroom so that children will grow up caring about the amazing animals they encounter,” he notes. “As for our educational offerings, we always say the best way to understand animals is to study them in the classroom and then see them in person at our Zoo.” This groundwork laid by the Platypus founders has put us on the right path. Our future relies on the continued support of our Platypus members. As we move into our next 30 years, we look forward to celebrating this year’s 25-year members and welcoming our new members. With the energy of both veteran members and those who have newly joined, the Platypus Circle will make great progress in achieving our mission.
PlatyPress_4clr2 5/24/12 3:35 PM Page 2
Platypus Circle Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours 2012 EAR Y 5 2 NEW BERS MEM jenvick
G beth se Eliza Hey Roxy dde a Bu L . ation G l ound F Sybi C P ren er/P y Ste rPow d e o J p e nd Pi ey a Till Inc. Jeffr Van iates c o Judy s As son hom T r e Zimm
NEW MEMBERS We are thrilled to welcome 23 new members as of Oct. 1, 2012:
Jeffrey J. Anderson Eva L. Chess Julie Behling John & Vida Ciulik Jackie Hartley Ann Di Castri James Henry Cindy Kanzleiter Nancy & Tom Kingsbury ISC International, Ltd. Tyler Vassar
Jodi Majerus Rick Pearson The Pet Apothecary Virginia & Robert Pothier Betty Purdy Mike & Gwen Ruedin Michelle Sauer Carrie & Kristopher Schroeder Ryan & Kristin Schultz Rebecca Verhagen Shannon & Paul Watry
We are pleased to present exciting, newly designed, behind-the-scenes tours for our Platypus Circle members! These unique, up-close encounters are planned and coordinated with each individual group in mind and feature several different habitats. When you take a Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tour, your group of up to six friends, clients, team or family members will be led by an experienced and passionate guide for an up-close look at our incredible animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo. You have the opportunity to select a tour based on your personal interests. No matter which you choose, you will learn firsthand about animal care and enrichment and enjoy a memorable experience. Each Platypus membership includes at least one Behind-the-Scenes Basic Cart Tour. The Basic-level tour is transferrable; you can take it yourself, use it as a staff incentive or give it as a gift.
North America Voyage
Expedition Back Stage
Tour our grizzly, brown, black and polar bear areas through the behindthe-scenes perimeter fence of the bear dens. Check out the outdoor Moose Barn, Elk Barn and the hidden areas of the Wolf Woods Exhibit. A special up-close-and-personal experience may also be available in the Moose Barn as you explore the feed doors.
A special tour tailored to large groups and/or businesses of up to 20 people is conducted on a private PNC Bank Zoomobile. You’ll tour Zoo grounds, go to the special summer exhibit, have the chance to visit the Commissary and more! Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Zoo Library and Poetry Tour
President’s Voyage
Established in 1988, our Library is a central location for information on
Voyage the Zoo through a customized private tour led by Dr. Bert Davis, President and CEO of the Zoological Society. Discover the events and milestones that inspired many of the fine details and experiences found throughout the grounds. The journey includes stops at backstage quarters, the summer exhibit, and a variety of favorite attractions. It’s an extra level of service and convenience for a unique “behind-the-scenes” experience. Tour areas will be fashioned around minimum age of participants.
topics from animal nutrition and management to zoological science and zoo administration. View the animal-themed artwork, veterinary journals, and historical archives housed here. Afterward, tour the Zoo in a private golf cart to see nearly 60 poems creatively displayed throughout the grounds as a way to blend the beauty of poetry with the importance of conservation. It’s a fascinating approach to exploring the Zoo, landscapes and animals.
Please note the specific tour benefits that are available at your level of giving: Keep er Ch ris Fe Cent nd er, b roug os, from the A ht sp ecial q gues uatic & R ts to e the p ptile arty
December Party Had a Summer Theme
Last December, more than 120 new and prospective Platypus Circle members came to the U.S. Bank Gathering Place to celebrate…summer! Firefly Fantasy, as the party was called, was the creFirefly Fantasy Chairs Deborah Musante and Cindy and Gary Datka ation of longtime Platy member created a warm and friendly evening in December! Deborah Musante. She and her husband, Peter, along with Simba members Cindy and Gary Datka, worked diligently to bring the summer season to the Zoo a bit early. Guests were greeted by twinkling lights and handmade decorations on 60 trees donated by Hawks Nursery for the annual Fantastic Forest, but the signs of winter melted away from there. Before a private performance by our Kohl’s Wild Theater troupe, families indulged in a beach-themed buffet, Firefly punch for the kids and, of course… s’mores! The Zoo Pride Remains to Be Seen cart, displaying animal artifacts such as antlers and fur, was hosted by Zoo Pride member Rob Reimer. Guests also rallied round the raffle for a chance to win gift baskets, dolls, a giraffe feeding and more. The highlight of the evening was a visit from our Aquatic & Reptile Center keepers, who brought a few special guests to meet everyone: a tarantula, tiger salamander and two of our snakes! To thank them, proceeds from the raffle were donated to the Aquatic & Reptile Center and the Animal Health Center. The evening resulted in several new Platy members and lots of excitement for the coming year at the Zoo! Firefly Fantasy photos by Ari Rosenthal Photography
Donors at the President’s Level ($2,500 and above) may choose from the list of
Premium Tours in addition to the Basic Cart Tours. Donors at the Diamond and Platinum levels may select from the list of Ultimate Tours as well as from the Premium and Basic options. Because of their complexity, Premium and UltimateTours
Behind-the-Scenes Premium Tours Moose
etry
o yard p
For Platypus members at the President’s Level ($2,500-$4,999). Tours are non-transferable.
are not transferrable; these tours must be used by the Platypus member.
Avian Adventure
Behind-the-Scenes Basic Tours
This tour provides access to the penguin exhibits, mezzanine (which holds off-exhibit birds), incubator room, basement holding area, brooder room, flamingo facility, bird winter quarters and the endangered whooping-crane barn. You’ll see some of the rarest birds in the world and discover how the Zoo helps conserve them. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
For Platypus members at the $500-$2,499 level. Tours are transferable.
Apes, Primates and Pachyderms Tour behind the scenes in the Stearns Family Apes of Africa Pavilion and Primates of the World areas, which are home to western lowland gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and mandrills. Tour the keeper work area that leads to the bonobo and gorilla exhibits, the apes’ food-preparation area, and mandrill holding and service facilities. Then explore the areas leading to the elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes and hippos as you experience their indoor animal-care facilities. Tour limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
Behind the Magic of our Trains
This tour provides a unique encounter at our Aquatic & Reptile Center, where you’ll explore marine exhibits, learn about life-support systems and have an opportunity to feed the pacu and Onassis, our giant river turtle. You’ll go to Winter Quarters and venture underground to see where warm-weather animals reside during the winter. Your tour will end in the Commissary, which serves as the storage and distribution area for all of the animal food. You’ll also visit the train service area and the Zoo’s greenhouses, operated by our horticulture staff. Tour
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch as the Zoo train crew prepares the steam trains for their daily operation. Accompany the railroad engineers as they ready the steam and diesel trains, see where the trains are stored and serviced, ride the rails around the Zoo. Children must be
limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
accompanied by an adult.
Cat Quest
Culinary Delight
Discover how the Zoo safely cares for the largest of all cats, the Amur tiger. Then meet the smallest wild-cat species, the African black-footed cat, and discover its special adaptations. Tour limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
The tour offers wonderful opportunities to feed giraffes, animals in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm and the pacu in the Aquatic & Reptile Center.
ARC and Winter Quarters Encounter
! er treats ct summ the perfe ed d vi ering pro Zilli’s Cat
Ruth
For Platypus members at the President’s Level $5,000-$7,499. Tours are non-transferable.
VIP Voyage This voyage through the Zoo is a customized private tour led by Dr. Bert Davis, President and CEO of the Zoological Society, Zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser or Dr. Bruce Beehler, Deputy Zoo Director. The journey includes stops at backstage quarters, the summer exhibit, and a variety of favorite attractions for a truly special experience. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Behind-the-Scenes Ultimate Tours For Platypus President’s-Level members at the $7,500 level and above. Tours are non-transferable.
Botanical Wonders An exclusive look at one of the most elaborate and extensive landscaping operations in Wisconsin. See firsthand how the garden beds, shrubs, edges and topiaries are meticulously cultivated to evoke a sense of wonder. The designer’s imagination is only the first step in a complex process that results in these extraordinary botanical backdrops. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Pachyderms Up Close & Personal – elephants, giraffes, rhinos A fascinating experience offering active participation in animal positive reinforcement and operant conditioning and preparing and offering enrichment items. In addition, you’ll participate in animal care (including feeding giraffes, watching a rhino mud bath and training an elephant), and learn all about the animal facilities. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Penguin Encounter Tour participants will learn firsthand the individual quirks and variations of penguins from the people who care for them; have the opportunity to hand-feed fish to a flock of penguins; and participate in sessions designed to enrich the penguins’ lives. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Predators and Prey Guests will receive an in-depth and close-up look at the larger predator and prey species at the Zoo, including large cats, bears, seals, wolves, moose, African antelope, and South American mammals. You may observe a training session with harbor seals, meet large cats behind the scenes, tour behind the bear dens and much more! Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Stella the jaguar
To arrange your tour or obtain additional information, please e-mail the Development Department (development@zoosociety.org) or call (414) 258-2333, ext. 306. Tours can be scheduled seven days a week, May-October, except on major holidays. No tours provided during Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte. Two weeks’ notice is required, and tours are subject to availability. Some tours have limitations based on age of the participants, animal availability and restricted areas. Please see individual descriptions on www.beaplatypus.org/tours for complete information.
Milwaukee County Zoo trains.
Photo by Mike Nepper
PlatyPress_4clr2 5/24/12 3:35 PM Page 1
Benefit Spotlight: VIP Tours of the Zoo
P I V s r u To
May 2012
Please remember the Zoological Society in your will or estate plan.
From left to right: Cherie Johnson, Jim Redding; Raymond Kirkpatrick, Andrew Nordquist, Sydney Weisman, and Kurt Weisman.
Zoological Society of Milwaukee County Development Department 1005 W. Blue Mound Road Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 258-2333
How does an elephant get a pedicure? Do vampire bats really drink blood? What kind of treats do penguins like? Who takes care of all the trees, plants and flowers on Zoo grounds? Which animals like the smell of cinnamon? The Milwaukee County Zoo is a serene home to more than 2,283 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, with more than 333 species represented. The Zoo welcomes about 1.3 million visitors a year who wander our grounds and check out the many creatures who call this their home. As a member of the Platypus Circle, you have a special opportunity to participate in a Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tour! Tours are led by experienced (and entertaining!) tour guides who will escort you around animal exhibit areas and zookeeper work areas in selected parts of the Zoo. Jim Redding, a retired schoolteacher, joined Zoo Pride, the ZSM volunteer auxiliary, in 1997 and began hosting behind-the-scenes tours a few years later. As part of his training, he shadowed other tour guides and recalls being in absolute awe. “In the Small Mammals Building, the keepers let us touch a real bat and showed us how the bats will ring a small bell in order to get a grape as a treat,” he mused. He could not believe the access that the tours provide. Redding got a sly grin on his face when he said that he “had never before been so close to a lion”! One tour really doesn’t cover the whole Zoo, and different guides tend to offer different perspectives. Redding likes to begin his tours in the Commissary, where guests can see the variety of foods our animals eat and just how much they go through in a typical day. Many people don’t realize that our Zoo has an entire barn underground, called Winter Quarters, which houses some animals during the winter season and provides off-exhibit space for others. “It’s really a special treat to meet our warthog, Boris, and to see the tapir and kudu.”
The tour guides usually gather information about their group ahead of time, to see what their interests might be. Because tours are best suited for guests aged 10 and over, guides check on the age range of their party. Younger friends may not be allowed in all areas for their safety, but fun accommodations can be made to keep their experience special. Have you ever been nose to nose with a moose or a reindeer? Perhaps your interest leans toward the medical care side and you’d like to see the Animal Health Center? Sometimes, simple timing allows for special experiences. “I was taking one group to learn more about the orangutans, and we happened to be by just in time to catch MJ, the female, getting her teeth cleaned,” said Redding. A favorite wrap-up point for most tours is the Aquatic & Reptile Center, where you have a special opportunity to climb above the display and give a few treats to both the pacu and to Onassis, the giant sea turtle and our oldest resident. As the 2012 Zoo season gets under way, we are pleased to roll out a new menu of tour possibilities. In addition to the Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tours, we’ve created specialized tours that focus on certain interest areas to allow for an even more in-depth experience. Depending on your Platypus level, you have up to eight different tour topics from which to choose. Do you know the answers to the questions posed at the beginning of the article? Contact Melissa by phone at 414-258-2333 x306 or by email at development@zoosociety.org to book your tour today and find out those and much, much more!
The PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle. The Platypus Circle is composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment. The PlatyPress is published two to four times a year by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM), 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. www.zoosociety.org
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Thom Brown Dr. Robert Davis Mary Ellen Enea Karen Peck Katz Maria Gonzalez Knavel Joe Kresl (chairman) Jack McKeithan Allen Martin Deborah Musante Jill Pelisek Tricia Shinners Judy Holz Stathas Dave Strelitz Jane Bush Wierzba Ray Wilson DEVELOPMENT STAFF Karen Von Rueden, Vice President of Development Melissa Rankin, Development coordinator NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Weisman, Writer Richard Brodzeller, Photographer (unless otherwise noted)
Our Next 30 Years The Platypus Society celebrated its 30-year anniversary throughout 2011. We spent a bit of time reflecting on our founding, our history and our dreams for the future. We recognized 28 members who have been supportive of the Zoological Society for more than a quarter-century, and we welcomed 34 new members. In this issue, we introduce our next 30 years and, in doing so, present a new name – the Platypus Circle. Webster’s Dictionary defines a circle as, among other things, an “area of action or influence” as well as a “group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center.” The mission of the Zoological Society – to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo – is absolutely our “common center.”
On the Web For back issues of Platy Press dating to September 2006, go to www.zoosociety.org/pubs/platypress.
May 24 Platypus Circle/VIP premiere of the Zoo’s special exhibit, Adventure Dinosaur!, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, 6 p.m. at the Zoo. June 23 Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines.* July 10 Platypus Circle Family Picnic, 5:15 p.m. at the Zoo.
The Platypus Circle takes us into our next 30 years, and with it comes an enhanced membership program that better acknowledges you, our donors, and offers a variety of benefits and levels of support. The Platypus Circle embraces the accomplishments of the Platypus Society and its legacy. In moving forward, the Platypus Circle plans to increase its impact through fundraising and support of the ZSM mission.
July 23 MillerCoors Birdies and Eagles Golf Tournament at Ozaukee Country Club. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.* September 27 Platypus Circle Dinner, 6 p.m. at the Zoo.
As we move into our next 30 years, Dr. Robert Davis, the ZSM’s President and CEO, feels strongly that the mission of the Zoological Society is even more relevant and important. “As more species become endangered,” he tells us, “conservation
October 16 Simba Circle Dinner, 6 p.m. at the Zoo; by invitation only.
*For more information, call (414) 258-2333 or go online at www.zoosociety.org.
printed on recycled paper
will become top of mind for many, and the Zoological Society is poised to educate people about the importance of conservation.” He points out that the ZSM is a leader in protecting the endangered bonobo species. “Through programs like the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative in Africa and through ongoing research on ape heart disease here in Milwaukee,” he notes, “we are combining conservation and animal management at the Zoo with veterinary medicine to benefit bonobos. I see us expanding similar programs in the future for elephants, gorillas and other endangered animals.”
5240D12
Top: Dr. Bert Davis speaks with children at the lion exhibit. Middle: Laura the bonobo and baby Right: Dr. Bert Davis
Dr. Davis also looks to the ZSM’s commitment to education as being a key strategy in advancing the mission of our organization. “When it comes to education, it’s key to start young. It will be necessary in the future to make zoos and aquariums an extension of the classroom so that children will grow up caring about the amazing animals they encounter,” he notes. “As for our educational offerings, we always say the best way to understand animals is to study them in the classroom and then see them in person at our Zoo.” This groundwork laid by the Platypus founders has put us on the right path. Our future relies on the continued support of our Platypus members. As we move into our next 30 years, we look forward to celebrating this year’s 25-year members and welcoming our new members. With the energy of both veteran members and those who have newly joined, the Platypus Circle will make great progress in achieving our mission.
PlatyPress_4clr2 5/24/12 3:35 PM Page 2
Platypus Circle Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours 2012 EAR Y 5 2 NEW BERS MEM jenvick
G beth se Eliza Hey Roxy dde a Bu L . ation G l ound F Sybi C P ren er/P y Ste rPow d e o J p e nd Pi ey a Till Inc. Jeffr Van iates c o Judy s As son hom T r e Zimm
NEW MEMBERS We are thrilled to welcome 23 new members as of Oct. 1, 2012:
Jeffrey J. Anderson Eva L. Chess Julie Behling John & Vida Ciulik Jackie Hartley Ann Di Castri James Henry Cindy Kanzleiter Nancy & Tom Kingsbury ISC International, Ltd. Tyler Vassar
Jodi Majerus Rick Pearson The Pet Apothecary Virginia & Robert Pothier Betty Purdy Mike & Gwen Ruedin Michelle Sauer Carrie & Kristopher Schroeder Ryan & Kristin Schultz Rebecca Verhagen Shannon & Paul Watry
We are pleased to present exciting, newly designed, behind-the-scenes tours for our Platypus Circle members! These unique, up-close encounters are planned and coordinated with each individual group in mind and feature several different habitats. When you take a Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tour, your group of up to six friends, clients, team or family members will be led by an experienced and passionate guide for an up-close look at our incredible animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo. You have the opportunity to select a tour based on your personal interests. No matter which you choose, you will learn firsthand about animal care and enrichment and enjoy a memorable experience. Each Platypus membership includes at least one Behind-the-Scenes Basic Cart Tour. The Basic-level tour is transferrable; you can take it yourself, use it as a staff incentive or give it as a gift.
North America Voyage
Expedition Back Stage
Tour our grizzly, brown, black and polar bear areas through the behindthe-scenes perimeter fence of the bear dens. Check out the outdoor Moose Barn, Elk Barn and the hidden areas of the Wolf Woods Exhibit. A special up-close-and-personal experience may also be available in the Moose Barn as you explore the feed doors.
A special tour tailored to large groups and/or businesses of up to 20 people is conducted on a private PNC Bank Zoomobile. You’ll tour Zoo grounds, go to the special summer exhibit, have the chance to visit the Commissary and more! Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Zoo Library and Poetry Tour
President’s Voyage
Established in 1988, our Library is a central location for information on
Voyage the Zoo through a customized private tour led by Dr. Bert Davis, President and CEO of the Zoological Society. Discover the events and milestones that inspired many of the fine details and experiences found throughout the grounds. The journey includes stops at backstage quarters, the summer exhibit, and a variety of favorite attractions. It’s an extra level of service and convenience for a unique “behind-the-scenes” experience. Tour areas will be fashioned around minimum age of participants.
topics from animal nutrition and management to zoological science and zoo administration. View the animal-themed artwork, veterinary journals, and historical archives housed here. Afterward, tour the Zoo in a private golf cart to see nearly 60 poems creatively displayed throughout the grounds as a way to blend the beauty of poetry with the importance of conservation. It’s a fascinating approach to exploring the Zoo, landscapes and animals.
Please note the specific tour benefits that are available at your level of giving: Keep er Ch ris Fe Cent nd er, b roug os, from the A ht sp ecial q gues uatic & R ts to e the p ptile arty
December Party Had a Summer Theme
Last December, more than 120 new and prospective Platypus Circle members came to the U.S. Bank Gathering Place to celebrate…summer! Firefly Fantasy, as the party was called, was the creFirefly Fantasy Chairs Deborah Musante and Cindy and Gary Datka ation of longtime Platy member created a warm and friendly evening in December! Deborah Musante. She and her husband, Peter, along with Simba members Cindy and Gary Datka, worked diligently to bring the summer season to the Zoo a bit early. Guests were greeted by twinkling lights and handmade decorations on 60 trees donated by Hawks Nursery for the annual Fantastic Forest, but the signs of winter melted away from there. Before a private performance by our Kohl’s Wild Theater troupe, families indulged in a beach-themed buffet, Firefly punch for the kids and, of course… s’mores! The Zoo Pride Remains to Be Seen cart, displaying animal artifacts such as antlers and fur, was hosted by Zoo Pride member Rob Reimer. Guests also rallied round the raffle for a chance to win gift baskets, dolls, a giraffe feeding and more. The highlight of the evening was a visit from our Aquatic & Reptile Center keepers, who brought a few special guests to meet everyone: a tarantula, tiger salamander and two of our snakes! To thank them, proceeds from the raffle were donated to the Aquatic & Reptile Center and the Animal Health Center. The evening resulted in several new Platy members and lots of excitement for the coming year at the Zoo! Firefly Fantasy photos by Ari Rosenthal Photography
Donors at the President’s Level ($2,500 and above) may choose from the list of
Premium Tours in addition to the Basic Cart Tours. Donors at the Diamond and Platinum levels may select from the list of Ultimate Tours as well as from the Premium and Basic options. Because of their complexity, Premium and UltimateTours
Behind-the-Scenes Premium Tours Moose
etry
o yard p
For Platypus members at the President’s Level ($2,500-$4,999). Tours are non-transferable.
are not transferrable; these tours must be used by the Platypus member.
Avian Adventure
Behind-the-Scenes Basic Tours
This tour provides access to the penguin exhibits, mezzanine (which holds off-exhibit birds), incubator room, basement holding area, brooder room, flamingo facility, bird winter quarters and the endangered whooping-crane barn. You’ll see some of the rarest birds in the world and discover how the Zoo helps conserve them. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
For Platypus members at the $500-$2,499 level. Tours are transferable.
Apes, Primates and Pachyderms Tour behind the scenes in the Stearns Family Apes of Africa Pavilion and Primates of the World areas, which are home to western lowland gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and mandrills. Tour the keeper work area that leads to the bonobo and gorilla exhibits, the apes’ food-preparation area, and mandrill holding and service facilities. Then explore the areas leading to the elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes and hippos as you experience their indoor animal-care facilities. Tour limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
Behind the Magic of our Trains
This tour provides a unique encounter at our Aquatic & Reptile Center, where you’ll explore marine exhibits, learn about life-support systems and have an opportunity to feed the pacu and Onassis, our giant river turtle. You’ll go to Winter Quarters and venture underground to see where warm-weather animals reside during the winter. Your tour will end in the Commissary, which serves as the storage and distribution area for all of the animal food. You’ll also visit the train service area and the Zoo’s greenhouses, operated by our horticulture staff. Tour
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch as the Zoo train crew prepares the steam trains for their daily operation. Accompany the railroad engineers as they ready the steam and diesel trains, see where the trains are stored and serviced, ride the rails around the Zoo. Children must be
limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
accompanied by an adult.
Cat Quest
Culinary Delight
Discover how the Zoo safely cares for the largest of all cats, the Amur tiger. Then meet the smallest wild-cat species, the African black-footed cat, and discover its special adaptations. Tour limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
The tour offers wonderful opportunities to feed giraffes, animals in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm and the pacu in the Aquatic & Reptile Center.
ARC and Winter Quarters Encounter
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For Platypus members at the President’s Level $5,000-$7,499. Tours are non-transferable.
VIP Voyage This voyage through the Zoo is a customized private tour led by Dr. Bert Davis, President and CEO of the Zoological Society, Zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser or Dr. Bruce Beehler, Deputy Zoo Director. The journey includes stops at backstage quarters, the summer exhibit, and a variety of favorite attractions for a truly special experience. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Behind-the-Scenes Ultimate Tours For Platypus President’s-Level members at the $7,500 level and above. Tours are non-transferable.
Botanical Wonders An exclusive look at one of the most elaborate and extensive landscaping operations in Wisconsin. See firsthand how the garden beds, shrubs, edges and topiaries are meticulously cultivated to evoke a sense of wonder. The designer’s imagination is only the first step in a complex process that results in these extraordinary botanical backdrops. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Pachyderms Up Close & Personal – elephants, giraffes, rhinos A fascinating experience offering active participation in animal positive reinforcement and operant conditioning and preparing and offering enrichment items. In addition, you’ll participate in animal care (including feeding giraffes, watching a rhino mud bath and training an elephant), and learn all about the animal facilities. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Penguin Encounter Tour participants will learn firsthand the individual quirks and variations of penguins from the people who care for them; have the opportunity to hand-feed fish to a flock of penguins; and participate in sessions designed to enrich the penguins’ lives. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Predators and Prey Guests will receive an in-depth and close-up look at the larger predator and prey species at the Zoo, including large cats, bears, seals, wolves, moose, African antelope, and South American mammals. You may observe a training session with harbor seals, meet large cats behind the scenes, tour behind the bear dens and much more! Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Stella the jaguar
To arrange your tour or obtain additional information, please e-mail the Development Department (development@zoosociety.org) or call (414) 258-2333, ext. 306. Tours can be scheduled seven days a week, May-October, except on major holidays. No tours provided during Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte. Two weeks’ notice is required, and tours are subject to availability. Some tours have limitations based on age of the participants, animal availability and restricted areas. Please see individual descriptions on www.beaplatypus.org/tours for complete information.
Milwaukee County Zoo trains.
Photo by Mike Nepper
PlatyPress_4clr2 5/24/12 3:35 PM Page 2
Platypus Circle Behind-the-Scenes Adventure Tours 2012 EAR Y 5 2 NEW BERS MEM jenvick
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NEW MEMBERS We are thrilled to welcome 23 new members as of Oct. 1, 2012:
Jeffrey J. Anderson Eva L. Chess Julie Behling John & Vida Ciulik Jackie Hartley Ann Di Castri James Henry Cindy Kanzleiter Nancy & Tom Kingsbury ISC International, Ltd. Tyler Vassar
Jodi Majerus Rick Pearson The Pet Apothecary Virginia & Robert Pothier Betty Purdy Mike & Gwen Ruedin Michelle Sauer Carrie & Kristopher Schroeder Ryan & Kristin Schultz Rebecca Verhagen Shannon & Paul Watry
We are pleased to present exciting, newly designed, behind-the-scenes tours for our Platypus Circle members! These unique, up-close encounters are planned and coordinated with each individual group in mind and feature several different habitats. When you take a Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tour, your group of up to six friends, clients, team or family members will be led by an experienced and passionate guide for an up-close look at our incredible animals at the Milwaukee County Zoo. You have the opportunity to select a tour based on your personal interests. No matter which you choose, you will learn firsthand about animal care and enrichment and enjoy a memorable experience. Each Platypus membership includes at least one Behind-the-Scenes Basic Cart Tour. The Basic-level tour is transferrable; you can take it yourself, use it as a staff incentive or give it as a gift.
North America Voyage
Expedition Back Stage
Tour our grizzly, brown, black and polar bear areas through the behindthe-scenes perimeter fence of the bear dens. Check out the outdoor Moose Barn, Elk Barn and the hidden areas of the Wolf Woods Exhibit. A special up-close-and-personal experience may also be available in the Moose Barn as you explore the feed doors.
A special tour tailored to large groups and/or businesses of up to 20 people is conducted on a private PNC Bank Zoomobile. You’ll tour Zoo grounds, go to the special summer exhibit, have the chance to visit the Commissary and more! Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Zoo Library and Poetry Tour
President’s Voyage
Established in 1988, our Library is a central location for information on
Voyage the Zoo through a customized private tour led by Dr. Bert Davis, President and CEO of the Zoological Society. Discover the events and milestones that inspired many of the fine details and experiences found throughout the grounds. The journey includes stops at backstage quarters, the summer exhibit, and a variety of favorite attractions. It’s an extra level of service and convenience for a unique “behind-the-scenes” experience. Tour areas will be fashioned around minimum age of participants.
topics from animal nutrition and management to zoological science and zoo administration. View the animal-themed artwork, veterinary journals, and historical archives housed here. Afterward, tour the Zoo in a private golf cart to see nearly 60 poems creatively displayed throughout the grounds as a way to blend the beauty of poetry with the importance of conservation. It’s a fascinating approach to exploring the Zoo, landscapes and animals.
Please note the specific tour benefits that are available at your level of giving: Keep er Ch ris Fe Cent nd er, b roug os, from the A ht sp ecial q gues uatic & R ts to e the p ptile arty
December Party Had a Summer Theme
Last December, more than 120 new and prospective Platypus Circle members came to the U.S. Bank Gathering Place to celebrate…summer! Firefly Fantasy, as the party was called, was the creFirefly Fantasy Chairs Deborah Musante and Cindy and Gary Datka ation of longtime Platy member created a warm and friendly evening in December! Deborah Musante. She and her husband, Peter, along with Simba members Cindy and Gary Datka, worked diligently to bring the summer season to the Zoo a bit early. Guests were greeted by twinkling lights and handmade decorations on 60 trees donated by Hawks Nursery for the annual Fantastic Forest, but the signs of winter melted away from there. Before a private performance by our Kohl’s Wild Theater troupe, families indulged in a beach-themed buffet, Firefly punch for the kids and, of course… s’mores! The Zoo Pride Remains to Be Seen cart, displaying animal artifacts such as antlers and fur, was hosted by Zoo Pride member Rob Reimer. Guests also rallied round the raffle for a chance to win gift baskets, dolls, a giraffe feeding and more. The highlight of the evening was a visit from our Aquatic & Reptile Center keepers, who brought a few special guests to meet everyone: a tarantula, tiger salamander and two of our snakes! To thank them, proceeds from the raffle were donated to the Aquatic & Reptile Center and the Animal Health Center. The evening resulted in several new Platy members and lots of excitement for the coming year at the Zoo! Firefly Fantasy photos by Ari Rosenthal Photography
Donors at the President’s Level ($2,500 and above) may choose from the list of
Premium Tours in addition to the Basic Cart Tours. Donors at the Diamond and Platinum levels may select from the list of Ultimate Tours as well as from the Premium and Basic options. Because of their complexity, Premium and UltimateTours
Behind-the-Scenes Premium Tours Moose
etry
o yard p
For Platypus members at the President’s Level ($2,500-$4,999). Tours are non-transferable.
are not transferrable; these tours must be used by the Platypus member.
Avian Adventure
Behind-the-Scenes Basic Tours
This tour provides access to the penguin exhibits, mezzanine (which holds off-exhibit birds), incubator room, basement holding area, brooder room, flamingo facility, bird winter quarters and the endangered whooping-crane barn. You’ll see some of the rarest birds in the world and discover how the Zoo helps conserve them. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
For Platypus members at the $500-$2,499 level. Tours are transferable.
Apes, Primates and Pachyderms Tour behind the scenes in the Stearns Family Apes of Africa Pavilion and Primates of the World areas, which are home to western lowland gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and mandrills. Tour the keeper work area that leads to the bonobo and gorilla exhibits, the apes’ food-preparation area, and mandrill holding and service facilities. Then explore the areas leading to the elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes and hippos as you experience their indoor animal-care facilities. Tour limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
Behind the Magic of our Trains
This tour provides a unique encounter at our Aquatic & Reptile Center, where you’ll explore marine exhibits, learn about life-support systems and have an opportunity to feed the pacu and Onassis, our giant river turtle. You’ll go to Winter Quarters and venture underground to see where warm-weather animals reside during the winter. Your tour will end in the Commissary, which serves as the storage and distribution area for all of the animal food. You’ll also visit the train service area and the Zoo’s greenhouses, operated by our horticulture staff. Tour
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch as the Zoo train crew prepares the steam trains for their daily operation. Accompany the railroad engineers as they ready the steam and diesel trains, see where the trains are stored and serviced, ride the rails around the Zoo. Children must be
limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
accompanied by an adult.
Cat Quest
Culinary Delight
Discover how the Zoo safely cares for the largest of all cats, the Amur tiger. Then meet the smallest wild-cat species, the African black-footed cat, and discover its special adaptations. Tour limited to adults and children ages 10 and up.
The tour offers wonderful opportunities to feed giraffes, animals in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm and the pacu in the Aquatic & Reptile Center.
ARC and Winter Quarters Encounter
! er treats ct summ the perfe ed d vi ering pro Zilli’s Cat
Ruth
For Platypus members at the President’s Level $5,000-$7,499. Tours are non-transferable.
VIP Voyage This voyage through the Zoo is a customized private tour led by Dr. Bert Davis, President and CEO of the Zoological Society, Zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser or Dr. Bruce Beehler, Deputy Zoo Director. The journey includes stops at backstage quarters, the summer exhibit, and a variety of favorite attractions for a truly special experience. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Behind-the-Scenes Ultimate Tours For Platypus President’s-Level members at the $7,500 level and above. Tours are non-transferable.
Botanical Wonders An exclusive look at one of the most elaborate and extensive landscaping operations in Wisconsin. See firsthand how the garden beds, shrubs, edges and topiaries are meticulously cultivated to evoke a sense of wonder. The designer’s imagination is only the first step in a complex process that results in these extraordinary botanical backdrops. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Pachyderms Up Close & Personal – elephants, giraffes, rhinos A fascinating experience offering active participation in animal positive reinforcement and operant conditioning and preparing and offering enrichment items. In addition, you’ll participate in animal care (including feeding giraffes, watching a rhino mud bath and training an elephant), and learn all about the animal facilities. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Penguin Encounter Tour participants will learn firsthand the individual quirks and variations of penguins from the people who care for them; have the opportunity to hand-feed fish to a flock of penguins; and participate in sessions designed to enrich the penguins’ lives. Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Predators and Prey Guests will receive an in-depth and close-up look at the larger predator and prey species at the Zoo, including large cats, bears, seals, wolves, moose, African antelope, and South American mammals. You may observe a training session with harbor seals, meet large cats behind the scenes, tour behind the bear dens and much more! Tour limited to adults ages 18 and up.
Stella the jaguar
To arrange your tour or obtain additional information, please e-mail the Development Department (development@zoosociety.org) or call (414) 258-2333, ext. 306. Tours can be scheduled seven days a week, May-October, except on major holidays. No tours provided during Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte. Two weeks’ notice is required, and tours are subject to availability. Some tours have limitations based on age of the participants, animal availability and restricted areas. Please see individual descriptions on www.beaplatypus.org/tours for complete information.
Milwaukee County Zoo trains.
Photo by Mike Nepper
PlatyPress_4clr2 5/24/12 3:35 PM Page 1
Benefit Spotlight: VIP Tours of the Zoo
P I V s r u To
May 2012
Please remember the Zoological Society in your will or estate plan.
From left to right: Cherie Johnson, Jim Redding; Raymond Kirkpatrick, Andrew Nordquist, Sydney Weisman, and Kurt Weisman.
Zoological Society of Milwaukee County Development Department 1005 W. Blue Mound Road Milwaukee, WI 53226 (414) 258-2333
How does an elephant get a pedicure? Do vampire bats really drink blood? What kind of treats do penguins like? Who takes care of all the trees, plants and flowers on Zoo grounds? Which animals like the smell of cinnamon? The Milwaukee County Zoo is a serene home to more than 2,283 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, with more than 333 species represented. The Zoo welcomes about 1.3 million visitors a year who wander our grounds and check out the many creatures who call this their home. As a member of the Platypus Circle, you have a special opportunity to participate in a Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tour! Tours are led by experienced (and entertaining!) tour guides who will escort you around animal exhibit areas and zookeeper work areas in selected parts of the Zoo. Jim Redding, a retired schoolteacher, joined Zoo Pride, the ZSM volunteer auxiliary, in 1997 and began hosting behind-the-scenes tours a few years later. As part of his training, he shadowed other tour guides and recalls being in absolute awe. “In the Small Mammals Building, the keepers let us touch a real bat and showed us how the bats will ring a small bell in order to get a grape as a treat,” he mused. He could not believe the access that the tours provide. Redding got a sly grin on his face when he said that he “had never before been so close to a lion”! One tour really doesn’t cover the whole Zoo, and different guides tend to offer different perspectives. Redding likes to begin his tours in the Commissary, where guests can see the variety of foods our animals eat and just how much they go through in a typical day. Many people don’t realize that our Zoo has an entire barn underground, called Winter Quarters, which houses some animals during the winter season and provides off-exhibit space for others. “It’s really a special treat to meet our warthog, Boris, and to see the tapir and kudu.”
The tour guides usually gather information about their group ahead of time, to see what their interests might be. Because tours are best suited for guests aged 10 and over, guides check on the age range of their party. Younger friends may not be allowed in all areas for their safety, but fun accommodations can be made to keep their experience special. Have you ever been nose to nose with a moose or a reindeer? Perhaps your interest leans toward the medical care side and you’d like to see the Animal Health Center? Sometimes, simple timing allows for special experiences. “I was taking one group to learn more about the orangutans, and we happened to be by just in time to catch MJ, the female, getting her teeth cleaned,” said Redding. A favorite wrap-up point for most tours is the Aquatic & Reptile Center, where you have a special opportunity to climb above the display and give a few treats to both the pacu and to Onassis, the giant sea turtle and our oldest resident. As the 2012 Zoo season gets under way, we are pleased to roll out a new menu of tour possibilities. In addition to the Platypus Circle behind-the-scenes tours, we’ve created specialized tours that focus on certain interest areas to allow for an even more in-depth experience. Depending on your Platypus level, you have up to eight different tour topics from which to choose. Do you know the answers to the questions posed at the beginning of the article? Contact Melissa by phone at 414-258-2333 x306 or by email at development@zoosociety.org to book your tour today and find out those and much, much more!
The PlatyPress is a newsletter for members of the Platypus Circle. The Platypus Circle is composed of individuals, corporations and foundations who share our passion for supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo, conserving endangered animal species, and teaching the importance of preserving wildlife and its natural environment. The PlatyPress is published two to four times a year by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM), 10005 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226. www.zoosociety.org
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Thom Brown Dr. Robert Davis Mary Ellen Enea Karen Peck Katz Maria Gonzalez Knavel Joe Kresl (chairman) Jack McKeithan Allen Martin Deborah Musante Jill Pelisek Tricia Shinners Judy Holz Stathas Dave Strelitz Jane Bush Wierzba Ray Wilson DEVELOPMENT STAFF Karen Von Rueden, Vice President of Development Melissa Rankin, Development coordinator NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Weisman, Writer Richard Brodzeller, Photographer (unless otherwise noted)
Our Next 30 Years The Platypus Society celebrated its 30-year anniversary throughout 2011. We spent a bit of time reflecting on our founding, our history and our dreams for the future. We recognized 28 members who have been supportive of the Zoological Society for more than a quarter-century, and we welcomed 34 new members. In this issue, we introduce our next 30 years and, in doing so, present a new name – the Platypus Circle. Webster’s Dictionary defines a circle as, among other things, an “area of action or influence” as well as a “group of persons sharing a common interest or revolving about a common center.” The mission of the Zoological Society – to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo – is absolutely our “common center.”
On the Web For back issues of Platy Press dating to September 2006, go to www.zoosociety.org/pubs/platypress.
May 24 Platypus Circle/VIP premiere of the Zoo’s special exhibit, Adventure Dinosaur!, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, 6 p.m. at the Zoo. June 23 Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines.* July 10 Platypus Circle Family Picnic, 5:15 p.m. at the Zoo.
The Platypus Circle takes us into our next 30 years, and with it comes an enhanced membership program that better acknowledges you, our donors, and offers a variety of benefits and levels of support. The Platypus Circle embraces the accomplishments of the Platypus Society and its legacy. In moving forward, the Platypus Circle plans to increase its impact through fundraising and support of the ZSM mission.
July 23 MillerCoors Birdies and Eagles Golf Tournament at Ozaukee Country Club. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.* September 27 Platypus Circle Dinner, 6 p.m. at the Zoo.
As we move into our next 30 years, Dr. Robert Davis, the ZSM’s President and CEO, feels strongly that the mission of the Zoological Society is even more relevant and important. “As more species become endangered,” he tells us, “conservation
October 16 Simba Circle Dinner, 6 p.m. at the Zoo; by invitation only.
*For more information, call (414) 258-2333 or go online at www.zoosociety.org.
printed on recycled paper
will become top of mind for many, and the Zoological Society is poised to educate people about the importance of conservation.” He points out that the ZSM is a leader in protecting the endangered bonobo species. “Through programs like the Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative in Africa and through ongoing research on ape heart disease here in Milwaukee,” he notes, “we are combining conservation and animal management at the Zoo with veterinary medicine to benefit bonobos. I see us expanding similar programs in the future for elephants, gorillas and other endangered animals.”
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Top: Dr. Bert Davis speaks with children at the lion exhibit. Middle: Laura the bonobo and baby Right: Dr. Bert Davis
Dr. Davis also looks to the ZSM’s commitment to education as being a key strategy in advancing the mission of our organization. “When it comes to education, it’s key to start young. It will be necessary in the future to make zoos and aquariums an extension of the classroom so that children will grow up caring about the amazing animals they encounter,” he notes. “As for our educational offerings, we always say the best way to understand animals is to study them in the classroom and then see them in person at our Zoo.” This groundwork laid by the Platypus founders has put us on the right path. Our future relies on the continued support of our Platypus members. As we move into our next 30 years, we look forward to celebrating this year’s 25-year members and welcoming our new members. With the energy of both veteran members and those who have newly joined, the Platypus Circle will make great progress in achieving our mission.