Vision The Milwaukee County Zoo will be a zoo of renown with a reputation as a leader in animal management, conservation, research and education within a wholesome recreational environment enjoying the admiration of the citizens of Milwaukee County as well as all zoo guests and other zoos of the world.
Mission Statement The Milwaukee County Zoo will inspire public understanding, support and participation in global conservation of animal species and their environment by creating a unifying bond between our visitors and the living earth and provide an environment for personal renewal and enjoyment for our guests by: • Contributing to world wide animal management, conservation and research efforts;
Table of Contents Address from the County Executive .........................1
• Fostering sound physical, psychological and social development for the animal groups in our care
Letter from the Director .........................................2 Milwaukee County Zoo History................................3
• Sharing our knowledge with the intent to reinforce the human-animal-earth bond; • Improving the quality of our professional development, administration and operating environment;
2012 Highlights ....................................................5 Animal Management and Health Division .................8 Administration and Finance .......... ........................30 Public Affairs and Services ........... ........................33 Operations .........................................................37
• Striving for the financial self-sufficiency of the organization; • Continuing the public-private partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County.
Operating Expenses ............................................40 The Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society................................42 County Executive and Board of Supervisors............45
Dear Friends, A newly renovated entryway to the Zoo’s Northwestern Mutual Family Farm rounded out the exciting year. This new interactive addition allows guests to learn firsthand about the agricultural history of Wisconsin.
At the Milwaukee County Zoo, the year 2012 was marked by a variety of noteworthy animal births, exhibit renovations, facilitation of the Zoo’s next master plan and the return of one of the Zoo’s most popular summer exhibits, “Adventure Dinosaur!”.
In the years ahead, the Zoo is committed to reinventing itself; a response to the changing zoological marketplace. The future changes included in the master plan involve redeveloping exhibits and improving the visitor experience.
In the summer, the Zoo displayed the special exhibit, “Adventure Dinosaur!” sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets. Visitors were greeted by more than 25 prehistoric robotic dinosaurs, moving and rumbling in a tropical outdoor habitat. The exhibit proved popular to yet another generation of kids, intrigued by these fascinating animals.
I thank the staff of the Milwaukee County Zoo for their continued dedication and hard work. It is because of your efforts that the Zoo is able to grow and thrive. I would also like to acknowledge the relationship between the Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Each year, this public-private partnership helps strengthen the Zoo’s projects and overall initiatives.
In the fall, the Zoo was proud to announce the birth of a jaguar litter; the first at the Zoo since 1975. The two males were born to mother, Stella, and father, Pat. Because Pat was a wild-born animal from Belize, the genetic lines the cubs add to the captive population are significant. A birth such as this demonstrates the Zoo’s continued commitment to conservation efforts and raises awareness to the plight these animals face in the wild.
Chris Abele Milwaukee County Executive
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Letter from the Director The year 2012 was noted for significant animal additions, important conservation projects, special exhibits and the continuation of our comprehensive master plan, the first for the Zoo since 1997. During the summer, we displayed one of our most popular exhibits, robotic dinosaurs! Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, “Adventure Dinosaur!” featured more than 25 life-sized re-creations of these prehistoric animals, moving and rumbling in their outdoor habitat.
Charles Wikenhauser; jaguars in background
Fall was exciting as we welcomed two male jaguars, born to mother, Stella, and father, Pat. Because Pat is a wild-born cat, the cubs bring new and valuable genes into the captive population. The birth also was significant in that it marked the first jaguar cubs born at our Zoo since 1975. Water conservation efforts continued with several repaving projects throughout the grounds. Many large asphalt walkways were replaced with permeable pavers resembling brick roadways. The pavers act like sponges to absorb surface water from rainstorms, filter it and release it back into the earth. The largest of these repaved areas was Zoo Terrace, used for a multitude of special events and after-hours gatherings. At the end of 2012, we suffered a great loss in our animal collection with the death of one of our most beloved animals, 5-year-old Bornean orangutan, Mahal. His death was sudden, and came as a shock to staff and visitors alike. He will be sorely missed. We once again extend a thank you to the County Executive, the County Board and the Zoological Society and their partners for their continued support. A number of our initiatives, renovations and special exhibits are possible because of their assistance. Please read on as each Division shares highlights from the year.
Madagascar giant day gecko
Charles Wikenhauser Director
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Our History Home to more than 3,000 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and amphibians, we’re proud our Milwaukee County Zoo continues to be recognized as one of the finest in the country. The Zoo was founded 120 years ago, and our partnership with the Zoological Society began 103 years ago, and continues today:
1892
2002
1892
1902
1910
1934
1958
The Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) started as a miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee’s downtown Washington Park
MCZ expanded to 23 acres; now home to 800 animals
The Zoological Society was founded, lending financial support to the Zoo
MCZ became an entity of the Milwaukee County Park Commission, which helped provide resources to expand the Zoo
MCZ moved to its present location on 200 acres of park land
1988
1980s
1978
1970s
Late 1960s
Hosted the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Annual Conference
• Initiated a $26 million capital improvement plan, representing a significant partnership venture between the Zoo, Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society • Completion of: Wolf Woods, underwater viewing in the Polar Bear and Sea Lion Exhibits, Oceans of Fun, the Dairy Complex, Humboldt Penguins and the Peck Welcome Center
• The Milwaukee County Zoo was one of only 22 institutions in North America accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums, now named the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
• MCZ added the Children’s Zoo, Train Shed, Zoo Hospital, Dall Sheep Exhibit and the Gift Shop • The Zoological Society’s volunteer organization, Zoo Pride was established • The Zoological Society develops education programs at the Zoo
Completion of: the Primate Building, Monkey Island, Winter Quarters, Polar and Brown Bear Exhibits and the Feline, Pachyderm, Giraffe, Aviary, Small Mammal, Aquarium & Reptile and Australian Buildings
Early 1990s
1995
1998
1999
2002
An extensive renovation of the Aviary and Primates of the World, and the completion of a new Apes of Africa
Renovation of the Aquarium & Reptile Center; renamed the Aquatic & Reptile Center
Completed remodeling of the Small Mammals Building
Initiated a $30 million capital improvement plan, representing a significant partnership venture between the Zoo, Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society
• Renovation and modernization of Lakeview Place restaurant • Redesign of the Ice Cream Palace and Karibu Gift Shop • Groundbreaking for the new Animal Health Center • Major renovation (both indoor and outdoor quarters) to our landmark exhibit, Monkey Island; renamed Macaque Island
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Our History 2003
2004
2005
2006
• Completion of Animal Health Center • Initiated design phase of Feline Building renovation; animals relocated • Began initial renovations to the Stackner Heritage Farm and construction of the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center
• Completion of the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center • Began demolition and finalized designs for Northwestern Mutual Family Farm • Continued construction of the new $7.2 million Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
• Completion of the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country • Completion of the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm • Completion of the redesign and renovation of the Safari Train Station
• Completion of the MillerCoors Giraffe Experience • Began initial design phase for the new U.S. Bank Gathering Place
2010
2009
2008
2007
• Installed solar panels at admission gates • Installed permanent poetry exhibition, “The Language of Conservation,” located throughout Zoo
• Completion of the Dohmen Family Foundation Hippo Home • Completed renovation of the Taylor Family Humboldt Penguin Exhibit • Began upgrades for storm water management program
• Completion of the U.S. Bank Gathering Place • Completion of the Idabel Wilmot Borchert Flamingo Exhibit and Overlook • Received accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) • Hosted the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Annual Conference
Began construction for the new U.S. Bank Gathering Place, and the new Idabel Wilmot Flamingo Exhibit and Overlook
2003
2012
2011
2012
• Completion of the new outdoor Bonobo Exhibit, and new interpretive graphics and interactive displays to the indoor Bonobo Exhibit • Opened new permanent visitor activities with Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone • Added Kohl’s Wild Theater programming to Zoo’s Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, made possible by donation to the Zoological Society
• Completion of the first planning phase of a new 10-year Zoo Master Plan, addressing improvements in animal exhibits, visitor attractions and amenities, service facilities and operations • Completed the renovated entrance to the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm • Completion of the first phase of Black Bear Exhibit improvements, made possible by a donation from MillerCoors
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2012 Highlights The major highlights of 2012 included: the completion of major renovations made to the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm entrance; initial exhibit renovations to our existing Black Bear Exhibit and the birth of two male jaguar cubs, the first for the Zoo since 1975. In addition, our Zoo, along with Polar Bears International, hosted the “Paw of Approval Award” presentation to one of our community partners. Listed here are some of these highlights and accomplishments in greater detail:
Polar Bears International/Paw of Approval Award In May, the Zoo hosted its second annual “Be Cool” event in cooperation with Polar Bears International (PBI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to polar bear conservation. As part of the celebration, PBI’s President, Robert Buchanan, gave a conservation lecture and workshop to both Zoo and Zoological Society staff which inspired participants to reduce their carbon footprints. An evening workshop was repeated for Zoo Pride volunteers and donors. Also during his visit, Buchanan presented PBI’s signature “Paw of Approval Polar bears and Award” to The Green Initiative. This annual award honors a local business enrichment items Renovated farm entrance for extraordinary accomplishments in carbon dioxide reductions. The Zoo partners with The Green Initiative for its recycling operation on Zoo grounds. The Green Initiative strives to shift the business world closer to operating sustainably, and promote the companies and organizations that take part. The Zoo currently displays 54 Green Initiative recycling bins on grounds. For Robert Buchanan’s visit, the Zoo’s Public Relations Section pitched media outlets for interviews to raise awareness on behalf of polar bears’ plight in the wild. Media outreach included interviews with Milwaukee Public Radio and Wauwatosa NOW community newspaper.
Northwestern Mutual Family Farm Entrance Renovation Thanks to a grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the entrance area to the Family Farm was renovated to include an outdoor museum of early farm equipment and interpretive graphics. The project was unveiled in early October, and educates visitors on days-gone-by farming techniques using horse-drawn farming equipment displays, most of which were generously donated by the Richfield Historical Society. Featured in the open-air displays are a sickle mower, horse-drawn shovel, a cultivator, dump-rake, plow, grain wagon and water pump. Kids can operate the water pump and climb on the 100-year-old wagon for photos. A new red-stone pathway, a cedar fence, a cornfield and added green space all serve to enhance the entranceway. This serves as the first phase renovation, with additional improvements slated for 2013.
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came to a close, the firm of Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. (PGAV) was contracted for the project. This national company, which also handled the initial phase, is considered a leader in planning and design for a large number of zoos and aquariums across the country. Amur tigers outdoors
Ropes course for kids
Pat the jaguar
Jaguar Cubs
This new master plan will serve as a guide for the park for the next 10 years and beyond, and address all aspects of the Zoo, including animal exhibits, dining, merchandise sales and additional service and infrastructure improvements. The impact of the Zoo Interchange Project also will be addressed. This substantial freeway project will impact the Zoo in a number of ways, most significant of which is the loss of approximately 700 visitor parking spaces. Zoo staff meet regularly with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation on the project and its impact on the Zoo. The renovation project will last through 2018.
It was a noteworthy year in our Animal Division with the birth of two male jaguar cubs on November 13. Born to first-time mother, Stella, and father, Pat, these cubs marked the first litter of jaguars born at the Zoo since 1975. Because Pat is a rescued, wild-born animal from Belize, Central America, he’s considered a founder to the population, and his cubs bring valuable new genes into the North American zoo population. Prior to their public unveiling, the cubs and Stella could be seen on the Zoo’s website via a live webcam of their dens in the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country.
Lunchtime Lectures
The birth of the cubs demonstrates the Zoo’s commitment to conservation efforts and the propagation of a species whose numbers are dwindling in the wild. It also raises awareness of visitors to the plight of such an important animal, and brings to light the need for conservation of the species.
As in years past, staff and outside guests presented a series of lectures as part of continuing education. These free “Lunchtime Lectures” offered varied topics of interest and served as professional enrichment for staff. Most were hosted by the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK). Here are some of the topics presented during the year:
Zoo Master Planning
* 2011 AAZK National Conference * 2011 AZA National Conference and Post-Baccalaureate Program * 2011 Elephant Managers Association Conference * Penguin Guano Harvest Monitoring * The Tiger Species Survival Plan * Cognitive Research in Chimpanzees * Conservation Initiatives in Botswana
With the initial analysis and findings for the Zoo’s upcoming comprehensive master plan complete, the next phase of the project began in 2012. In August, a request for proposal was issued. Proposals were requested to include a plan for eight new or redeveloped animal exhibits, three non-animal attractions and five revenue-generating centers. As the year
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Other Highlights Throughout the year, the Zoo continued to host temporary exhibits and special events. The year’s events included our summer exhibit, “Adventure Dinosaur!”, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, the opening of a new entranceway for the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm and renovations to our existing Black Bear Exhibit. The attraction and special event lineup included: Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show sponsored by Supercuts, Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone, sponsored by Tri City National Bank, Party for the Planet sponsored by American Transmission Company and Father’s Day Sponsored by Chinet® and Pick ’n Save.
2012 Special Exhibit “Adventure Dinosaur!” Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets During the summer, visitors were invited to take a trip back to a prehistoric time as “Adventure Dinosaur!” inhabited the Zoo from May 26 through September 3. The special outdoor exhibit was located behind the Small Mammals Building and featured tropical plantings, sound effects and most exciting of all – 25 life-size re-creations of prehistoric dinosaurs! New inhabitants for this year’s exhibit included: the Massopondylus and its baby, the Edmontonia and the Acrocanthosaurus. Making a return engagement was the popular Dilophosaurus, which was presented complete with its water-spitting component. Visitors were able to see the inner workings of these lifelike models through a Deinonychus robot skeleton display. Patrons could work the joysticks themselves to figure out just how these creatures were able to move and rumble like their prehistoric counterparts.
2012 dinosaur special exhibit
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2012 Animal Management and Health Division Animal Division Collections The Animal Division Collections serve to enhance visitors’ knowledge and appreciation of animals, and to contribute to animal species conservation. Our front-line animal care staff devotes more than 100,000 hours each year toward the care of our animals.
Our Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the premiere association of zoological institutions in North America with unequaled standards for animal care and management. Many of the transfers and the breeding of animals described below are in accordance with AZA programs including Species Survival Plans® (SSPs) and Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs).
Out of the total number of species in our collection, 37 are listed as endangered, including several that are critically endangered (on the brink of extinction in the wild) such as Amur tiger, Sumatran orangutan, southern black rhinoceros, cotton-top tamarin, western gorilla, and red-ruffed lemur. Our collection also includes the Guam kingfisher, which is extinct in the wild.
On December 31, 2012, the Milwaukee County Zoo animal collection on Zoo grounds included 3,107 animals representing 424 species as listed below:
On Zoo Grounds
Species
Specimens
Mammals
84
388
Birds
74
307
Reptiles
43
112
Amphibians
11
55
Fish
187
1,519
Invertebrates
25
726
424
3,107
TOTAL
With such a large and diverse animal collection, there are a significant number of births, transfers and deaths every year. Due to the level of husbandry and veterinary care, the life expectancy of animals at our Zoo may greatly exceed the life expectancy of animals in the wild. These life expectancies vary dramatically with the species – small rodents and the giant Pacific octopus are old in two years, while swans can live for decades. Female lions are ancient at 20 years of age, but our giant Amazon River turtle may be 100 years old. Animals are subject to the same types of health conditions as humans, which may result in earlier deaths. The animal staff devotes much thought and time toward enriching the lives of the Zoo animals. They provide mental and physical stimulation to the animals by varying their social structure, mixing compatible species together, varying their habitats, offering interesting scents, providing manipulation devices, engaging them in positive reinforcement training, offering food treats for foraging opportunities and supplying toys and problem-solving reward devices.
The animal collection owned by our Zoo and out on loan to other zoological institutions included 61 animals representing 30 species, as listed below:
Out on Loan
Species
Specimens
Mammals
16
37
Birds
8
16
Reptiles
7
8
Amphibians, Fish and Invertebrates
0
0
30
61
TOTAL
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Aquatic and Reptile Center In 2012, the African Lakes Exhibit underwent a renovation spanning two months, resulting in the display of more than 40 species, 23 of which had never before been displayed at the Zoo. This exhibit is divided into four sections. Three of the sections are devoted to the fishes of the Great Lakes of Africa, Lake Nyasa (also known as Lake Malawi), Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. These three lakes contain a huge diversity of cichlid fish species, more than 1,500 species are known.
The fourth section is devoted to fishes from the island of Madagascar. One theme of the African Lakes Exhibit is the unusual and easily observed aspects of the fish biology, including reproductive behavior and color varieties. Another is the impact of non-native fishes on the fishes of Lake Victoria and Madagascar, where many native fishes are either extinct or threatened with extinction by the introduction of Nile perch, tilapia and largemouth bass.
Aviary The Aviary collection continued to increase with the addition of two new species, the black-naped fruit dove and the crested wood partridge. We also welcomed mates for our black-necked stilt, blue-grey tanager, blue-bellied roller, as well as new pairs of Humboldt penguins and red-billed hornbills, from other institutions. Red-billed hornbills hatched again this year, this time from a new pair. Our Zoo has been one of the most successful in the country to breed this species. We also hatched two green-naped pheasant pigeon, one of which is already calling Florida his new home. The Aviary staff continued to support conservation efforts in situ during the year. One of our zookeepers traveled to Punta San Juan, Peru, to help monitor the guano harvest. Another staff member continues to band migratory passerines on Zoo grounds, a recognized stopover point for birds migrating to the Neotropics. We also continued our involvement with the Great Lakes Piping Plover Recovery Program, of which we’ve been involved since 1996. New for the year, a keeper travelled to the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Maryland to aid in the hand-rearing of whooping cranes that will ultimately be released into the wild population.
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Ringed teal
Large Mammals
North America/Australia
The Large Mammal Sections of the Zoo include: Big Cat Country, North America/Australia, Pachyderm/Giraffe, African and South American Hoofstock and Bactrian Camel.
In Australia this year, we acquired a new male red kangaroo from the Kansas City Zoo who we hope will breed with all three of our current females. Willaroo was introduced to the mob in November and we may see kangaroo joeys sometime in 2013. The Matchie’s tree kangaroo born in late 2012 is out of the pouch and can be seen on exhibit with her mother, Kiama.
In all of these areas, an extensive animal collection with a progressive operant conditioning training program is managed by staff. Training the animals to cooperate willingly for health exams, sample collections and husbandry procedures allow for an enriching and stressfree environment. Samples collected under these conditions are used to determine normal biological parameters in exotic species, and also to monitor the overall animal health and reproductive status.
The Zoo’s resident polar bears, Wilhelm (Willie) and Snow Lilly, were introduced to each other in the spring and were able to spend time together on exhibit throughout the summer. Renovation of Willie’s exhibit at the North Carolina Zoo is progressing a little bit behind schedule and he’ll be here until at least the fall of 2014.
Unfortunately, we did have animal losses as well. Denali, our 10-year-old adult male Dall’s sheep, died after a brief illness in September, and Annie the red kangaroo died in January. The only other dispositions in the area were the transfer of two young male red kangaroos to a new exhibit at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Wolf Awareness Day in October provided fun activities such as the annual howling contest, and displays and presentations on the history and recovery of Wisconsin timber wolf populations.
Big Cat Country The big news in Big Cats this year was the November birth of two male jaguar cubs. These are the first cubs for mother, Stella, and father, Pat. As a wild-born animal, Pat is now a founder
Snow leopards
Tree kangaroo and joey
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to the AZA jaguar program, bringing badly needed genetic diversity to the zoo population. The cubs weighed less than 1.5 kilograms at birth and were visible to the public soon afterward via web cameras placed above their holding area. Stella has proven to be a great mother and the cubs will be on exhibit with her early in 2013. Big Cat Country also saw the acquisition of two new animals this year. Nyota, a 3-year-old spotted hyena, arrived in November from the Buffalo Zoo. She was introduced on a breeding recommendation to our male Scruffy and the pair is getting along well. Genghis, a 13-year-old snow leopard, also arrived in November, from Como Park Zoo in St. Paul, Minnesota. At the end of the year, he was still in the process of acclimating to the new area, and will be
Alpaca, Gustavo, born August 2012
introduced to our female Tomiris when they both appear comfortable with each other. The lion cubs born in 2011 have all grown up, and began their dispersal from the natal pride. Hubert departed in November for the Oklahoma City Zoo where he will be introduced to two females. Kiume left in December for the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and female Njeri moved to the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas early in 2013. Parents Themba and Sanura are still a recommended breeding pair and we hope to see more lion cubs in the coming years.
to Understand Zoo Elephant Welfare. This is a comprehensive, nationwide study to determine the environmental and husbandry factors most important to elephant welfare, and is sponsored by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. We also continue to perform in-house endocrinology research on the effectiveness of contraceptives in our two female hippos. The third annual Elephant Awareness Day was a great success, providing visitors with activities and information about elephants, and also raising funds for wild elephant conservation.
Pachyderm/Giraffe Two young female bongo antelope, acquired near the end of 2011, were moved to the Pachyderm Section in spring and introduced to our resident female Meru. Meru is currently one of the oldest living bongo in the world. When it’s warm outside, the three of them can be seen in the exhibit. The only disposition this year was the humane euthanasia of Malinde, our 28-year-old reticulated giraffe. Malinde had been at the Zoo since 1985 and had seven offspring during her lifetime. She currently has living descendants in 16 facilities in North America, Puerto Rico and Japan. Malinde’s longevity is a testament to the quality care animal and veterinary staff invest in our animals. Throughout the year, the Elephant staff collected data for a research project titled Using Science
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African & South American Hoofstock/ Bactrian Camel Several changes were made to the South American animal collection in 2012. In April, we traded Sooner, our adult male breeding alpaca, for a new unrelated male, Phoenix. Sooner’s final offspring at the Zoo, a male named Gustavo, was born to dam Eleanor in August. Shortly thereafter we also sent out our other male alpaca, 7-yearold Antonio. Finally, we added a pair of female greater rheas to the exhibit in spring. Rheas had not been exhibited here since 2002. In May, our Bactrian camel, Sanchi, gave birth to a healthy female calf named Addi Jean, or AJ for short. Camel demonstrations resumed in the area behind the pony rides after a two-year hiatus.
the lack of much social bonobo contact when he was growing up, proved himself to be an asset to our troop. Fortunately both Lody and Viaje left behind offspring to carry on many of their traits, both genetically and behaviorally.
A trio of new greater kudu females was added to the African Waterhole Exhibit, bringing our herd up to five animals. Rachel and Noeli from Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Teshi from the Indianapolis Zoo, will hopefully form the basis for a new breeding herd with our resident male, Barudi. Three young impala, a male and two females born in 2010, also were sent to Binder Park Zoo, as part of the transaction to bring the kudu to Milwaukee.
Our Primates of the World building also had a significant addition with the birth of a female Goeldi’s monkey. These small monkeys are listed as vulnerable in the wild and there are only about 140 of the species in North American zoos. We have two successful breeding groups, one in Primates of the World and the other in the Small Mammals building.
Apes of Africa and Primates of the World During 2012 we saw a significant addition to our Apes of Africa population with the arrival of a 10-year-old female gorilla from the Toronto Zoo. Her name is Shalia, and she is both an attractive and intelligent gorilla. Due to the endangered status of this species and the international shipping regulations, the process of receiving Shalia was considerably more drawn out and complicated than shipments within the United States.
Primates of the World also sustained several heavy losses in 2012. Three elderly Japanese macaques died this year. This brought our troop down to eight individuals. We are looking into acquiring an additional smaller group, possibly from Japan, and attaining a larger group through future breeding. Probably the most devastating event for the Primate Section was the death of Mahal, our 5-year old Bornean orangutan. His death in December was sudden and came as a shock to us and to many of our visitors. Mahal was a typical young orangutan, always playing, testing his keepers through his antics, and seeking attention. He is sorely missed.
With gains come losses, and we were saddened to lose two valuable male bonobos in Bornean orangutan Mahal Apes of Africa due to cardiac issues. They were Lody, our dominant male, and Viaje, who came to us in 2001 from Zoofari near Taxco, Mexico. Both were originally from Africa and carried valuable genes for the captive population. Lody was a strong leader, accepted other bonobos for who they were, and expressed deep empathy for others. Viaje was a very good-natured individual who, despite
Our animal care staff members have spent years diligently working with the primates using positive reinforcement training techniques. This is especially true with the apes at our Zoo (orangutans, bonobos, and gorillas). As a result, our Zoo is a premier facility for the study of the physiology and behavior of these endangered animals. The apes willingly participate in cognitive behavioral studies, ultrasound studies of the heart and fetal development and medical care procedures. These procedures and studies occur with a safety mesh barrier between the staff and the apes. The apes’ participation is completely voluntary and without restraint. They readily participate, and they can end the training, behavioral study sessions or examinations at any time.
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The latter arrived in October from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk as a companion for our 21-year-old male. He seems pleased with the company. For our Zoo to have groups of animals living to ripe old ages also means the loss of some each year. This year we lost a number of geriatric animals, including a Ruwenzori mountain fruit bat, two straw-colored fruit bats, a male dwarf mongoose and two sugar gliders.
Birds of Prey Show
Small Mammals Transferring to other institutions from the Small Mammals building were: five pairs of vampire bats to the Cincinnati Zoo; a male Goeldi’s monkey to ZooWorld in Panama City Beach; the two fennec fox kits mentioned previously; and a male golden-headed lion tamarin who had an extremely long, but uneventful, trip to the Melbourne Zoo in Australia. Zoos around the world are cooperating to ensure the survival of this endangered species.
It was an eventful year for our collection in the Small Mammals building with births, deaths and transfers in and out. In February, our fennec fox pair had a litter of kits. Two kits, a male and a female, survived but had to be hand-raised. In October, another set of kits were born, with again only two surviving and who needed to be hand-raised. The first set of kits was transferred to two other institutions, serving as valuable education animals. The second set of kits will remain here until they are a little older and when the Fennec Fox SSP identifies new homes for placement. Also in February, our cotton-top tamarin pair had a set of twins. This small monkey is listed as critically endangered in the wild. They produced a second set of twins in August. This provides us with a very active tamarin exhibit, displaying a family of 11 members.
Northwestern Mutual Family Farm Two bull calves were born in the Farm this year: Timothy, a red and white Holstein, to mother, Amy, in March, and brown Swiss calf, Jared, to mother, Molly, in April. We also received another Superior Quality Award from Foremost Farms, USA.
After more than a year without the species, we received a pair of galagos that we hope will breed. Our male came to us from the Cleveland Zoo, and the female from the Bronx Zoo. We have been quite successful with breeding this species in the past. Our last acquisitions for the Small Mammals building was the birth of a vampire bat and the arrival of a female douroucouli, or owl monkey.
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Mahal
Only four farms in the district received this prestigious award, given for superior quality milk for the entire year. New additions to our “outreach” animal collection included three new rats, two new American toads and a barred tiger salamander. These animals are used in our demonstration area throughout the summer, as well as in educational programs the remainder of the year.
Two longtime Zoo residents passed away in 2012: Bandit, our pinto horse, and Cody, our miniature horse. Both animals will be dearly missed as they engaged and entertained literally tens of thousands of visitors over the 16 and 33 years they lived here respectively. The World Bird Sanctuary’s Bird of Prey Show, as well as Kohl’s Wild Theater, continues to be showcased in the outdoor theater. A new shade structure was added to the center section of bleachers for the summer performances.
The entryway to the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm received a complete makeover, and now features an antique hay wagon, a working water pump, and an assortment of genuine antique farm equipment graciously donated by the Richfield Historical Society. Additional entrance enhancements are scheduled for 2013.
Animal Health Center The veterinary staff at the Animal Health Center are responsible for the preventive animal health and nutrition programs and the medical care of the entire collection. Some of the procedures performed in 2012 included: 381 anesthetic procedures 540 blood samples collected for a variety of analyses 1,328 parasite exams run on 642 samples 2,067 written prescriptions 259 radiographic procedures including 7 CT scans on various animals 3,283 medical record entries for 552 individual animals representing 203 species
Orangutan
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On average, there were 10 animals in the Animal Health Center each day of 2012. Many of the animals who stayed at the Animal Health Center were those kept in quarantine before releasing them to the main zoological collection. These included a new female hyena, a male snow leopard, a young female gorilla, black-tree monitors, black-naped fruit doves and crested wood partridges. Both species of birds have not been in the Zoo collection for many years.
The gorilla is of particular note because it was imported from Canada. As an imported non-human primate, quarantine had to meet the Center for Disease Control (CDC) specifications. Specifications include rigorous protocols and a CDC-approved quarantine area. The Animal Health Center expressly included the CDC specifications in its design to allow for importation of non-human primates that are part of Species Survival Plan breeding programs. Other hospital residents were either being treated for a variety of illnesses, or held for shipment to other zoos. Both the Zoo pathology fellow program and the clinical medicine residency continued in collaboration with the University of WisconsinMadison School of Veterinary Medicine. The clinical residency program is a three-year program that provides specialty training in zoo and exotic animal medicine. The clinical residents alternate their time at our Zoo, each spending approximately four months per year here. In 2012, we had two residents – one that finished in July and the other in her second year. The pathology program offers specialized training to pathologists interested specifically in zoo and exotic animal pathology, and provides us with information crucial to managing our collection. Our fifth pathology fellow (since the program’s inception in 1997) began in August 2010 after having finished a two-year residency in general pathology at the University of Connecticut. The previous resident successfully
completed her residency and went on to Washington State University as a Ph.D. candidate. The veterinary staff also conduct a zoo-animal medicine preceptor program for veterinary students. Each preceptor is at the Zoo for one to two months. In 2012, the Zoo obtained an intern to update, enhance and computerize our animal diet management system. A digital version of the Milwaukee County Zoo Diet Notebook is now available for use by all Animal Division staff and can be easily updated. The intern also helped to review, update and create a digital version of the Zoo’s Preventative Health Program. This digital version can be easily updated over time to maintain a current and effective preventive animal health plan.
Animal Records Since the Milwaukee County Zoo opened in 1892, records have been kept for the almost 20,000 individual animals that have been managed in the Zoo’s collection. Today, AZAaccredited zoos keep very detailed up-to-date records for each animal, telling its life story from birth to death. In addition, our Zoo archives contain ephemeral material including animal inventories, old log books, Zoo annual reports, published articles, prints, slides, 16mm films and general correspondence. We also maintain unique documents and artifacts from 19th and 20th century zoological institutions from six continents.
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We maintain up-to-date records on every animal at the Zoo. All of the information that the animal care staff observes is reported daily to the registrar, who records the information electronically in a database called the Zoological Inventory Management System (ZIMS). The ZIMS information includes primary data such as common and taxonomic name, parents (whether at our Zoo or at another facility), date and place of birth, gender and the circumstances of acquisition such as birth, loan, purchase or donation. Similar facts are recorded when the animal leaves the Zoo, such as the name of the recipient zoo, the date of transfer and terms of the contract or the circumstances of death. Identifiable characteristics or marks, all background information, measurements, behavior, breeding management, enclosure information, behavioral enrichment, training, diet/feeding, development and medical notes and procedures all are data recorded in the animal’s record. Animal medical information also is vital to the care of the animal collection. The Medical Animal Records Keeping System, known as MedARKS, is used to create a detailed medical record for each animal containing clinical notes, prescriptions, treatments, cryopreservation records and necropsy details.
Regulatory Agencies Fennec fox
Polar bears Willie and Snow Lilly
The ZIMS database is a real-time, internet-accessible database produced by ISIS (International Species Information System), which links animals’ records as they move between institutions throughout the worldwide zoological community. The merging of these data from each zoo enables ISIS members to share information for management of genetic and demographic programs (such as studbooks or cooperative Species Survival Plans) and their own animal collections. The central database contains information on 2.8 million animals – more than 10,000 species – held in more than 800 institutions in 80 countries, as well as some animals in the wild that are participants in release and relocation projects. Currently over 470 facilities are using ZIMS. On December 14, 2012, the one millionth transaction was reported in ZIMS.
The Milwaukee County Zoo partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Center and other agencies. We provide these agencies with expertise and assistance toward the conservation and protection of animals in the wild and in captivity. The Zoo complies with regulations and permit requirements of international treaties and national and state laws regarding animal conservation, management, care, health and safety. Examples of permits received by the Zoo in 2012 include: International: Convention on Trade in Endangered Species import permit (CITES) National: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Captive Bred Wildlife permit Migratory Bird Special Purpose permit Depredation permit Native Endangered Species Recovery permit U.S. Department of Agriculture Exhibitor Permit Plant Pests, Noxious Weed, Soil Movement permit U.S. Department of Interior Marine Mammal Protection Act permit State of Wisconsin: DNR Depredation permit (Canada goose and eggs) DATCP Johne’s Disease-Free Herd classification DATCP Chronic Wasting Disease-Free Herd classification
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Library and Archive
Conservation and Research Programs
The Milwaukee County Zoo Library and Archive, located in the Administration Annex in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, is a research library that provides information resources to staff of the Milwaukee County Zoo, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Zoo Pride volunteers, and the public.
The Zoo Library also collects ephemeral materials from U.S. and foreign zoos and aquariums. This collection is the largest collection of zoo ephemera in the country. The Library also has a number of animalthemed art works, including prints, sculptures and paintings.
The Milwaukee County Zoo Library collection includes books and academic/science periodicals in the following subject areas: zoological science; animal husbandry; management of animals in captivity; animal behavior; animal nutrition; veterinary medicine; wildlife conservation; birds; fishes; invertebrates; mammals; reptiles and amphibians; aquarium management; aquatic life; horticulture; zoological gardens; history of zoological science; zoo administration; and zoo, aquarium and museum exhibits.
The Archive preserves materials that are crucial to the history of the Milwaukee County Zoo and zoos in the United States. This collection includes photos, slides, DVDs, VHS cassettes, 16mm films, historic postcards, personal papers, veterinary records, and Milwaukee County Zoo historical records on paper and microfiche. These materials are preserved in a climatecontrolled environment.
In 2012, the Zoo managed an ambitious and diverse conservation and research program at local, regional, national and international levels. The Senior Animal Staff, including specialty Curators, staff Veterinarians and the Deputy Zoo Director, develop, implement and manage these programs. Front-line animal care personnel also actively participate in many of these programs. Collaborative efforts with other conservationoriented institutions and agencies are essential to the effectiveness of these efforts. In addition to the commitment of Zoo resources and the resources of collaborating institutions, significant funding came from Zoo trust funds and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Public and private grants also contributed to the support.
Giant Pacific octopus
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Conservation and Research Program Collaborative Support The Zoo provides funding and/or staff support to selected conservation initiatives and research projects. Highlights for support in 2012 include: UCN Conservation Breeding Specialist Group
Global
Piping Plover Recovery Project
Great Lakes
Turtle Survival Program
Global
Ornate Box Turtle Headstart Program
Wisconsin
Polar Bears International
Pan-Arctic
Butler’s Garter Snake Ecology
Wisconsin
International Elephant Foundation
Africa and Asia
Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study
Zoo
International Rhino Foundation
Africa and Asia
Grenada Frog Study
Grenada
Ape TAG Conservation Initiative
Africa and Asia
Grenada Bank Treeboa Study
Grenada
Great Ape Survival Partnership
Africa and Asia
Grenada Reef Monitoring
Grenada
Phoenix Fund Amur Tiger Project
Russia
Rock Iguana Conservation
Jamaica
International Snow Leopard Trust
Nepal
Rock Iguana Conservation
Grand Cayman
Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program
Papua New Guinea
Puerto Rico Crested Toad SSP
Puerto Rico
Orangutan Outreach
Borneo and Sumatra
Hippopotamus Reproductive Hormone Study
Zoo
Hornbill Nestbox Adoption
Thailand
Starhead Minnow Spawning Research
Zoo
Hornbill Feather Distribution
Indonesia
Mississippi Gopher Frog Conservation
Zoo
Elephants for Africa
Africa
Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study
Zoo
Fennec Fox Conservation Project
North Africa
Ape Cognition Study
Zoo
Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative
Democratic Republic of Congo
Great Ape Cardiovascular Health Study
Zoo
Lola Ya Bonobo - Bonobo sanctuary
Democratic Republic of Congo
Great Ape Ultrasound Studies
Zoo
International Bongo Foundation
Kenya
Bonobo Semen Freezing Project
Zoo
Tarangire Elephant Project
Tanzania
Bonobo Cardiac Database
Zoo
Kibale Fuel Wood Project
Uganda
Berggorilla and Regenwald Direkthilfe Gorilla Project
Rwanda
Adopt an Ostrich Program/Sahara Conservation Fund
Niger
Cheetah Conservation
Botswana
Avian Scientific Advisory Group
Madagascar Fauna Group
Madagascar
Penguin Taxon Advisory Group
Humboldt Penguin Artificial Burrow Project
Chile
Great Apes Taxon Advisory Group
Humboldt Penguin Education Program
Chile
Humboldt Penguin Guano Harvest Monitoring
Peru
Whooping Crane Recovery Project
National
Great Ape Cardiopathology Research
National
AZA Wildlife Contraception Center
AZA Elephant Welfare Project
National
Wisconsin Bureau of Endangered Species Herp Fund
The Zoo also provided funding for many collaborative conservation and research initiatives including:
International Species Inventory System Amphibian TAG Amphibian Ark
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Staff Conservation and Research Projects
Humboldt Penguin
Zoo staff participate in wildlife conservation and research projects at local, regional and international levels. Many of these projects were made possible with funding from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee County Zoo has a long and storied history with the conservation of Humboldt penguins in their native range, which is restricted to the coasts of Peru and Chile. In 1994, the Zoo initiated a long-term research program to study a breeding colony of Humboldt penguins in Algarrobo, Chile.
Piping Plover Each year, the Milwaukee County Zoo sends Aviary staff members to assist United States Fish and Wildlife Service biologists in Michigan with the monitoring of active nests and the rearing of abandoned piping plover eggs and chicks. These eggs and chicks are brought to the University of Michigan Biological Field Station and are hatched for re-release into the wild. Our staff members also have participated in the development of captive husbandry protocols and designated research projects designed to benefit wild populations of piping plovers.
Part of this study continues today with the installation of artificial burrows to provide more sturdy nests that can better resist flooding and destruction than the natural dirt burrows. In 2009 and 2010, 35 artificial burrows were placed on the island. The artificial burrows were placed in areas where the natural burrows have disappeared, and were monitored to see if the penguins would use them.
The Great Lakes population of the piping plover was listed as endangered in 1986 with only 17 nesting pairs. In 2012, there were 64 nests recorded with 58 breeding pairs (4 more than 2011) which produced 193 chicks that hatched in the wild. Of these, 103 had fledged as of the last report with another 25 still pending. In addition, six chicks were captive-reared and released.
In 2011, the first successful hatching and fledging of chicks were observed. In 2012, an additional 20 artificial burrows were installed. Also in 2012, a Zoo staff member participated in the Guano Harvest Monitoring Project in Punta San Juan (PSJ), Peru to aid in the initial startup of the monitoring efforts. Volunteers from our Zoo and the world went to PSJ to monitor and mitigate the amount of disturbance created by the miners who harvest the seabird guano for use as commercial fertilizer. Through the efforts of the volunteers, the impact of harvesting is minimized. The program also includes an educational program for the miners and local population about sustainable practices regarding the use and harvesting of the guano, helping to ensure successfully nesting penguins in the future. The Zoo also provided funds to purchase equipment for the project.
Humboldt penguins
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Another goal of our Humboldt Penguin conservation efforts is to increase public awareness of the penguins in Chile and the threats they face to enhance the conservation of Chilean penguin species. Last year, the Zoo developed a bilingual brochure in Spanish and English. The brochure provides information about the penguin species found in Chile. It was developed primarily for use by Chilean fishermen who act as guides for eco-tourists. It also has been distributed to various tourist and rehabilitation centers along the Chilean coast. As a pilot project, a limited number of brochures also were given to elementary schools in Southern Chile to introduce the children to the penguins that live in their own backyard, and also as a bilingual language resource. In 2012, additional brochures were sent to Chile for distribution. The Zoo also provided staff and funds to support the Penguin Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). This group furthers research efforts that support both captive and in situ conservation, promotes conservation concern and conservation action through educational programming and internet resources, and engenders appreciation for these charismatic species that serve as indicators of the health of marine and coastal environments.
Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study/Collision Abatement Zoo staff and volunteers are mist-netting and banding wild birds on Zoo grounds to determine the numbers and species that use our grounds as a stopover site during migration. Since its inception in 2001, this project has
identified 176 species of native migratory birds. Of these identified species, 42 are listed as rare, threatened, or of special concern in Wisconsin, and 45 have been identified as nesting on Zoo grounds. Because of these remarkable findings, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has designated the Milwaukee County Zoo as a recognized migratory bird stopover habitat. In addition, bird-banding demonstrations are conducted each year during the Zoo’s special Earth Day event, Party for the Planet. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the banding process and release birds. Zoo and Society staff and volunteers also are involved with reducing bird injuries and mortalities associated with window collisions by modifying existing structures to mitigate strikes. By applying stencils, striping, silhouettes and decals as well as using netting and better planting practices, we are reducing the collisions.
Whooping Crane The Whooping Crane Recovery Program, conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the International Crane Foundation (ICF), is responsible for bringing the number of wild cranes back from a low of 16 individuals in the 1940s, to a total of more than 500 individuals collectively in captivity and in the wild. Donated funds from the ICF aid in the captive-rearing, release and management of wild cranes, as well as develop new release techniques to bolster the existing population. The ICF also does outreach programs to educate the public about the plight of the cranes, and conducts studies on environmentally-friendly and non-toxic alternatives to controlling sandhill crane depredation on crops. The Milwaukee County Zoo assists the International Crane Foundation and the USFWS with whooping crane recovery by acting as a medical care location for injured whooping cranes that were part of the release program. We currently have one female and one male non-releasable cranes that have been successfully introduced to each other.
Several types of feeders were installed throughout the Zoo, and native species of plants were installed that provide cover and food for Fairy bluebird migratory birds. In addition, In 2012, a Zoo staff member participated nest boxes were placed around in crane care at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Lake Evinrude for bluebird, chickadee, Center in Maryland to learn more about the house wren and tree swallow nesting. These all handling, restraint, hand-rearing and general serve as examples of what people can do to help husbandry practices. This facility is the largest migratory birds in their own backyards. breeder of whooping cranes.
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Ornate Box Turtle This year, the Zoo raised 24 endangered ornate box turtles to be released into a wild prairie remnant in south central Wisconsin. In 1996 and 1997, the Zoo developed raise-and-release procedures for this highly successful DNR program. During a single winter at the Zoo, these turtles may grow from a one-third ounce hatchling to as much as five ounces. In the wild, it may take as long as seven years to reach this size, at which time they are practically predator-proof. The Racine Zoo also participates in this program, and the Nature Conservancy has adopted its protocols to help increase ornate box turtle populations in its Wisconsin reserves. By the summer of 2012, this program had resulted in the successful headstarting and release of 1,120 turtles. Of these, our Zoo raised 336 turtles.
frogs were sampled to determine if they were carrying the deadly frog-killing fungus called chytrid. Unfortunately, the fungus was found at all of the sampling sites. Chytrid could lead to the extinction of the Grenada frog. Data from 2011 and 2012 indicate the frog populations in Grenada have stabilized. Continued monitoring will be necessary to determine if this observation is real or merely a random event. Because the people of Grenada are unaware the Grenada frog is found nowhere else in the world, and at the request of the Grenadian Department of Forestry and National Parks, our Zoo provided staff and funds to develop film clips of Grenadian wildlife to be
Grenada Frog The Grenada frog was once widespread on the island nation of Grenada. During the late 1880s, a related frog species, Johnstone’s frog, was introduced. Since that time, Johnstone’s frog has spread throughout the island and the Grenada frog has retreated to small isolated pockets (seven square miles) in the mountain rainforests. In 2004, our Zoo, the Milwaukee Public Museum, and the Grenada Forestry and National Parks Department initiated a field-study to determine if these two species can successfully coexist. In 2009, the Racine Zoo joined our efforts. In 2009, we noted the numbers of frogs observed had dropped for a third consecutive year. As a result,
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shown on the Grenada Information Service (GIS) television station. The GIS is the Grenadian equivalent of the U.S. National Broadcast System. These films have the potential to be shown several times per day around the clock, thus reaching a wide audience, providing them with information about the value of their wildlife heritage. The first set of films, expected to air in 2013, will focus on Grenada’s frogs, snakes and lizards.
Grenada frog
Grenada Bank Treeboa The Grenada Bank treeboa is only found on the islands in the Grenada Bank. Although widespread, populations seem to be decreasing on the island of Grenada. Our Zoo and the Racine Zoo have been cooperating with the Milwaukee Public Museum to conduct research on this tree boa. The Zoo is collaborating with Dr. Marie Rush of St. George’s University (Grenada) in a study to determine this snake’s normal blood parameters and identify the blood parasites of this species.
Coral Reef Monitoring - Grenada In 2009, our research efforts in the Caribbean expanded to the surrounding ocean. Our Zoo joined the Wisconsin Lutheran College’s reef monitoring program in Grenada. The purpose of this project is to compare the long-term health of the coral reefs found in Grenada’s marine protected areas with other areas that receive no protection. We hope to demonstrate the economic benefits of protected areas to the tourist industry and fishing communities of Grenada. In July of 2012, data from the first four years of this project were presented at the International Coral Reef Symposium, in Cairns, Australia. The response from the audience was enthusiastic, as there are very few, dataintensive, long-term studies of Caribbean reefs.
Rock Iguana Conservation Our Zoo has been a longtime supporter of rock iguana conservation in the genus Cyclura. Since 2003, this support has increased with the
addition of fieldwork studies of the Grand Cayman blue iguana and Jamaican iguana. Blue iguanas are one of the most endangered lizard species in the world. A 2003 census indicated there might have been as few as 12 Grand Cayman blue iguanas in the wild. Because of the efforts of several zoos, including ours, the population is now estimated to number more than 200. The Jamaican iguana was once thought to be extinct in the wild, and is still very much in peril. Our Zoo has participated in the fieldwork for these collaborative efforts, resulting in successful releases of captive-hatched, raised-and-released iguanas back into the wilds of Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Also, through observations and radio tracking, data has been collected for the first time on the habits of these rare species from both raisedand-released iguanas and free-ranging wild individuals. Additionally, a veterinary technician was sent to assist in the health screening of the iguanas intended for the release. More fieldwork is scheduled, and our Zoo will be sending additional staff to assist fieldworkers with protection of nest sites, nest monitoring, health screenings, and radio tracking. They also assist with the maintenance of iguana raise-and-release facilities. In January 2012, a zookeeper was sent to Cayman Brac to assist in a study on the Sister Isles Rock Iguana (Cyclura nubila caymanensis).
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This subspecies of the Cuban rock iguana is endemic to the small islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. While there have been studies conducted on Little Cayman, no such population surveys exist for Cayman Brac. The goal of the project was to find and process as many iguanas as possible to get an estimated population count. During the month-long project, 97 iguanas were found, a number greater than the original estimate. Unfortunately, these animals face grave threats due to increasing development, cars and feral cats and dogs. During 2012, cars killed five breeding-age adults, including one pregnant female. Zoo staff also taught local volunteers how to find, catch and process iguanas in hopes of rallying community interest to help the species to survive.
Butler’s Garter Snake The Butler’s garter snake is an endangered species restricted to southeastern Wisconsin. In 2007, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources brought together developers, land owners, our Zoo and other conservation organizations to develop a management plan for this species. This plan identified numerous gaps in our knowledge that were crucial to the development of a successful plan. As a result, the Zoo joined with the Urban Ecology Center at Riverside Park to seek answers to several questions. What is the dispersal distance of the snakes? What is the population density of the snakes in Riverside Park? How fast do they grow? These studies involve radio tracking, finding and capturing snakes and marking
them for individual identification. Hundreds of hours were spent on this research during the year, and several additional seasons of work are needed to adequately address these issues.
Great Ape Ultrasound Studies For the past 20 years, Zoo staff and volunteer medical professionals have performed ultrasound studies on our great apes. As a result of extensive positive reinforcement training by our staff, the great apes voluntarily participate in these painless studies – without restraints, sedation or anesthesia. The animals look forward to these procedures and willingly cooperate. The ultrasound studies include heart studies of bonobos, gorillas and orangutans and fetal development studies of bonobos. Our Zoo has been the first in the world to do these types of studies with the great apes.
Mississippi Gopher Frog The Mississippi gopher frog is the most endangered frog species in the country. The species is only found in one pond, and population estimates range from 100 to 200 individuals. The Mississippi Gopher Frog Species Survival Plan (SSP) group sent out a plea for zoos to take and hold frogs to make space for additional founders by SSP participants who breed the frogs. Our Zoo now houses and cares for 25 of these frogs.
Starhead Topminnows Starhead topminnows are an endangered fish species in Wisconsin. Although there have been a few cases of successful captive reproduction in the private sector, there are no reports of breeding in zoos or aquariums. Several pairs were collected in July 2007 with the intent of developing spawning techniques that could be used by the Wisconsin DNR should a captive breeding program become a necessity. One or two pairs have been collected each year since, in order to maintain the genetic diversity of the captive population held here. Fishes from this program have been sent to the Urban Ecology Centers in Milwaukee and other aquariums or nature centers for display.
Great Ape Heart Studies The most common cause of mortality in captive great apes is enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart due to replacement of the normal heart muscle with fibrotic scar tissue. In humans, this change is most often related to hypertension, or high blood pressure.
Great Ape In-house Cognitive Research The purpose of this project is to gain insight into the cognitive abilities of our three great ape species: bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. Dr. Sarah Boysen, a great ape behavior researcher, conducted tests with the apes. Tests included: counting; the “shell game;” the “more or less” paradigm; and the use of tools to retrieve rewards. The bonobos were the most interested and cooperative of the apes, although the gorillas and orangutans participated as well. The results from past testing, including the first of the two in 2012, have been presented in a number of poster sessions in Prague, the Czech Republic; Birmingham, England; and Kyoto, Japan. Western lowland gorilla
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For a number of years the Zoo has been working at training bonobos for voluntary participation in allowing indirect blood pressure measurements to be collected from animals that are awake. Currently, several bonobos are allowing blood pressure measurements to be collected using finger cuffs. We are the first Zoo to document hypertension in this manner, and to prove that treatment with oral blood pressure medications actually results in lowering blood pressure.
Bonobo Heart Pathology Studies In an effort to delve more closely into the similarities and differences between heart disease in apes and humans, preserved hearts from the pathology collection at our Zoo were analyzed by specialists in human cardiopathology. These in-depth reports have assisted in identifying differences in terminology used by veterinary
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• Cognition in bonobos as it relates to human cognition; • In-house measurements of hormone levels for reproductive management of hippos
and medical pathologists. They also have identified several classical pathologic changes associated with hypertension in the apes, and have identified one case of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). This work has spurred additional research into methods for measuring indirect blood pressure in apes that are awake. This most likely will result in a publication on hypertensive tissue changes in bonobos with left ventricular hypertrophy, and has stimulated research into the possible genetic basis for ARVC in bonobos.
The Zoo also maintains a library of frozen or preserved blood and biopsy and necropsy tissue samples available for approved research projects upon request.
Presentations/Publications Animal Awareness Days Two zookeeper-driven events were held at the Zoo this year to showcase species and educate the public on captive care as well as conservation needs in the wild. Elephant Awareness Day was held September 15, and Wolf Awareness Day was held October 13. Both events included activities and opportunities for behind-the-scene tours of the facilities, zookeeper talks and the distribution of materials on related conservation organizations. Visitors were encouraged to conserve these species, and to learn about the other species and the ecosystems that are important to sustain wild populations. Funds raised at Elephant Awareness Day were donated to the International Elephant Foundation and Elephants for Africa.
The Animal Division staff deliver more than 1,000 formal presentations and innumerable informal presentations to the visiting public every year. In addition, Zoo staff develop programs, publish articles and research papers and deliver presentations locally, regionally and internationally to contribute to conservation efforts.
Bonobo
Other Research and Studies The Zoo assists in many scientific studies and collaborative research projects by providing facilities, staff expertise and an environment conducive to animal studies. The Zoo Research Committee reviews all research proposals to ensure the protection of animal welfare. A few studies from 2012 include: • Infra-red imaging of North American mammal species for identification during field surveys; • Differentiating notch marks made on bones by hyenas from those made by humans for paleontology studies; • Developing a non-invasive technique for measuring cortisol levels in wolves for field hormone level determinations; • Determination of factors that will enhance the welfare of elephants;
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Species Survival Plans® Our Zoo cooperates with all major zoos and aquariums in North America to enhance the survival of endangered species in our collections and in the wild. This is done through Species Survival Plans® of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Groups of zoo scientists and collaborating experts develop breeding plans to help protect the genetic variations of each of these species. Collaborative programs also are developed with range countries to assist in conservation of these animals and their habitats in the wild. Alligator Chinese SSP Argens (LV Cichlid) SSP Degeni (LV Cichlid) SSP Esculentus (LV Cichlid) SSP Iguana Rock SSP Ishmaeli (LV Cichlid) SSP Lip Two Stripe White (LV Cichlid) SSP Melanopterus (LV Cichlid) SSP Perrieri (LV Cichlid) SSP Piceata (LV Cichlid) SSP Rattlesnake Aruba Island SSP Toad Puerto Rican Crested SSP Rattlesnake Eastern Massasauga SSP Penguin Humboldt SSP Bonobo SSP Callimico SSP Cat Black-Footed SSP Colobus Angolan SSP Fox Fennec SSP Gorilla Western SSP Lemur Black & White Ruffed SSP Lemur Mongoose SSP Lemur Red Ruffed SSP Lemur Ring-Tailed SSP
Macaque Japanese SSP Mandrill SSP Monkey DeBrazza’s SSP Orangutan Bornean SSP Orangutan Sumatran SSP Siamang SSP Spider Monkey Central American SSP Tamarin Cotton-Top SSP Tamarin Golden Lion SSP Tamarin Golden-Headed Lion SSP Frogmouth Tawny SSP Hornbill Rhinoceros SSP Jay Plush Crested SSP Kingfisher Micronesian SSP Motmot Blue Crowned SSP Mynah Bali SSP Rail Guam SSP Spoonbill African SSP Sunbittern SSP Vulture King SSP Bear Polar SSP Bongo Eastern SSP Cheetah SSP Eland Common SSP Elephant SSP Giraffe Reticulated SSP
Hippopotamus SSP Hyena Spotted SSP Jaguar SSP Kangaroo Red SSP Kudu Greater SSP Leopard Snow SSP Lion SSP Moose SSP Panda Red SSP Rhinoceros Eastern Black SSP Sea Lion California SSP Seal Harbor SSP Tiger Amur SSP Tree Kangaroo Matschie’s SSP Warthog SSP Zebra Plains SSP
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The Zoo’s scientific staff also are members of specialist groups devoted to the conservation and management of groups of species. These are called Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs). The Milwaukee County Zoo participates in Species Survival Plans (SSP) and Taxon Advisory Groups (TAG) that exist for the species in our collection and closely related species, including: Amphibian TAG Aquatic Invertebrate TAG Chelonian TAG Crocodilian TAG Freshwater Fishes TAG Lizard TAG Marine Fishes TAG Snake TAG Terrestrial Invertebrate TAG Ape TAG Bat TAG New World Primate TAG Old World Monkey TAG Pangolin Aardvark Xenarthra TAG Prosimian TAG Rodent Insectivore Lagomorph TAG Small Carnivore TAG Charadriiformes TAG Ciconiiformes and Phoenicopteriformes TAG Columbiformes TAG Coraciiformes TAG Galliformes TAG PACCT TAG (Passerines) Parrot TAG Piciformes TAG Raptor TAG
Ratite and Tinamiformes TAG Turaco and Cuckoo TAG Antelope and Giraffe TAG Bear TAG Bison Buffalo Cattle TAG Canid and Hyaenid TAG Caprinae TAG Deer (Cervid/Tragulid) TAG Elephant TAG Equid TAG Felid TAG Marine Mammal TAG Marsupial and Monotreme TAG Rhinoceros TAG Tapir TAG Wild Pig Peccary and Hippo TAG
Lion cubs tackle Wisconsin snow, an enrichment item.
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Professional Program Management Zoo staff members hold management positions in national and international programs through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and other conservation entities. These management positions include: • President - Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians • Director - Milwaukee Ape Heart Project • Manager - Bonobo Cardiovascular Database • Chairperson - Humboldt SSP, Veterinary Advisor: Bonobo SSP, Ape TAG, Ring-tailed lemur SSP, Humboldt penguin SSP, Penguin TAG, Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians Examination Committee • Co-chair - Humboldt Penguin SSP • Vice-chair - AZA Annual Conference Program Committee • Management Group - Bonobo SSP • Steering Committee - Institution Data Management Advisor Group, Freshwater Fish TAG, Lake Victoria Cichlid SSP, Great Ape Heart Project, Ape TAG • SSP Coordinator/Studbook Keeper/Point Person - Red Kangaroo, Yellow-backed Duiker, Short-crested Rockhopper, Long-crested Rockhopper, Tayra, Striped Skunk, Canada Lynx • Zookeeper Advisor - Bonobo SSP • Scientific Advisory Board - Urban Ecology Center • Animal Care Manual Team - Penguin TAG, Ring-tailed Lemur • Accreditation Inspectors - Association of Zoos and Aquariums • Program Manager - American College of Zoological Medicine Residency Program • Co-editor - National American Association of Zookeepers Animal Keeper Forum • Reviewer - Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine • Treasurer - American Association of Zoo Veterinarians • Executive Committee - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians • Research Advisory Committee - Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake • Information Resources Committee - American Association of Zoo Veterinarians • Education Committee - Elephant Managers Association • Enrichment Committee - Elephant Managers Association • Ethics Committee - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians • Grants Committee - Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians, National American Association of Zookeepers • Conservation Committee - National American Association of Zookeepers Hippo • Animal Welfare Committee - Liaison between National AAZK and AZA In addition, many members of the Zoo staff are officers of the Milwaukee Chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK).
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Exhibit Renovations The Northwestern Mutual Foundation provided funds for a complete renovation of the Northwest Mutual Family Farm entrance. The entrance features an outdoor museum display of antique, horse-drawn farm equipment, a 100-year-old grain wagon that visitors can climb on, a working hand-operated water pump and signage of how these items were used by our farming ancestors. Additional improvements will be made in 2013. • MillerCoors has pledged a 4-year grant for the renovation of our Black Bear Exhibit, with emphasis on the importance of clean water, water conservation and the natural habitats which depend on water. The 2012 funds were principally devoted to the installation of a state-of-the-art filter system that cleans and circulates the bears’ pool water, enhances the exhibit waterfall, and saves the Zoo hundreds of thousands of gallons of water each year. • The City of Wauwatosa, with the aid of project contractors, donated several large ash trees that needed to be removed for an infrastructure project. These trees were installed as props for animal enrichment at Brown Bear, Grizzly Bear, American Black Bear, Polar Bear and Macaque Island Exhibits.
Facilities Improvements A considerable number of animal area infrastructure projects were completed in 2012. Most of these are not noticed by the public, but are critical for the continued operation of the Zoo and the well-being of the animal collection. The projects included: animal life support systems, heating, ventilating, electrical and plumbing upgrades, roof replacements and other behind-the-scenes renovations.
American black bear
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Administration and Finance Background and 2012 Review This Division oversees the following: Cash Management, Financial and Capital Project Planning, Accounts Payable and Receivable, Personnel and Payroll, General Office Services (including coordination of security, emergency medical support, reception and switchboard, radio dispatch and clerical support), Information Technology, Employee Safety and Training and oversight of the Zoo’s Green Committee. The Section also completed the 2012 year-end financials review and submitted the year-end financial report. The Zoo ended the year with a tax levy deficit of $549,004 and had an increase of $40,877 in the Zoo trust funds.
Cash Management This Section’s responsibilities include reconciliation of cash receipts to our point-ofsale system, preparation of the bank deposits, preparation of cash register starting banks and daily support of the cashiers for change and deposits of funds, processing of contract ride revenues and improved monitoring of cashier discrepancies. In 2012, a new cashier cash counting room was set-up to assist with tightening internal controls. The new procedure has each area count its starting funds within the camera-controlled areas outside the Cash Room.
Financial and Capital Project Planning and Control This Section involves coordination of the budget process. Balancing the budget is challenging when support is reduced, while service, as well as entertainment values are expected to be maintained, and new revenue sources are explored and priorities re-evaluated. The 2013 Special Exhibit contract was negotiated during the year. Financial reporting and analysis continued to be performed on a daily, monthly and annual basis, with comparisons to the budget as well as to the previous year. Revenue sharing contracts were improved to enhance vendor accountability. The review of the Zoo’s revenue contracts started in 2012 to improve language consistency and accountability.
Accounting (Accounts Payable and Receivable) During 2012, Accounts Payable and Receivable processed contracts, purchasing requisitions and receipts, monitored the credit card system, reviewed sales documentation, prepared invoices, tracked accounts receivable and entered financial transactions into the general ledger. During the year, significant effort was put toward improving utilization of the automated purchasing function in the point-of-sale system. The item master was streamlined, and vendor contract information has been used to facilitate ordering of the necessary concessions and catering items. Accounting staff have been instrumental in identifying discrepancies and assisting with problem resolution. Effective coordination of travel
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requests and expenditures continue to help the Zoo control these costs. The Zoo filled its Accountant II position in 2012 by promoting one of the Concession area’s most effective seasonal supervisors. The Accountant II has been especially helpful assisting areas impacted by job transfers and medical leaves.
Information Technology (IT) Information Technology functions were provided by Zoo staff, Milwaukee County’s Department of Administration – Information Management Services (IMSD) and outside consultants. The year 2012 marked the first full year for the Zoo’s new IT position. It was filled through IMSD to directly support the Zoo. The Zoo has continued to partner with a variety of IMSD technical staff resources to assist primarily with the point-ofsale, inventory and event management systems. The IMSD staff helped control the Zoo’s expenses by troubleshooting most register issues for the system on site, rather than contacting an outside vendor for support. The Zoo IT position has allowed for continued improvement in set-up, usage and monitoring of financial information through point-of-sale and Milwaukee County financial systems. Usage of the Internet Supply Store was enhanced for the Commissary, and inventory modifications continue for the Stockroom and resale items. Staff attended the point-of-sale conference during the summer, allowing for both networking opportunities as well as a greater understanding of the system.
Green Committee The Milwaukee County Zoo has implemented recycling programs and conservation-minded projects for many years. Recycling efforts include cell phones, printer cartridges, aluminum cans, light bulbs, food and motor oils, scrap metals, restaurant cups, plastic bottles and paper and coffee grinds. The Zoo’s energy savings program of upgraded electrical, natural gas, water and sewer infrastructure continues to produce savings in utilities. The Zoo also has used green-friendly practices in building construction and other projects.
Polar bear recycling bins made from recycled plastic.
Human Resources The Human Resources Section consists of the Human Resources Coordinator, Administrative Specialist and a seasonal Payroll Assistant. Responsibilities include coordinating and performing a variety of technical and professional personnel-related tasks. General duties performed entail managing the payroll and human resources function to include grievance handling, recruitment,
promotion, training, disciplinary actions, transfers, employee benefits and departmental diversity issues. Also, the Human Resources Coordinator represents the Zoo as part of committees, appeal boards and meetings and hearings related to various personnel issues. Highlights from 2012 include: • Took part in job fairs in Milwaukee County to ensure a diverse work force • Worked together with the Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources to process applications and hire Zooworkers and Family Farm Attendants • Worked together with the Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources to enable the Zoo to advertise current “hot jobs” on the County website • Received the 2012 D.R.E.A.M Award (Diversity Rewards Employees and Milwaukee County) • Assisted in the hiring of 12 individuals for full-time employment with the Zoo • Worked in cooperation with the Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources to inform, train and provide guidance to Zoo employees regarding Milwaukee County’s time and attendance, payroll, benefits and recruitment system
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Diversity Committee The Diversity Committee is a group formed within the parameters of the Human Resources Section with a primary function of providing opportunities for better understanding of civil rights by Zoo personnel. The Diversity Committee consists of seven representatives from various Divisions who annually make recommendations concerning equal opportunities for all employees regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, handicap and other non-merit factors. The committee acts as a resource for all Zoo staff by providing information and addressing particular concerns or complaints. Members attend quarterly training sessions that emphasize diversity-related issues in the workplace. Committee members also provide outreach through activities that promote diversity in the workplace.
Employee Safety and Health Fair
Safety and Training Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) management, pesticide usage reports and annual Tier II reports are processed and completed by this Section. The Safety and Training Specialist and the assistant are responsible for accident investigation and on-site security system maintenance, along with Zoo Access Control and surveillance programming.
The Safety and Training Section is comprised of the Safety and Training Specialist and a seasonal Training Assistant. This Section is responsible for instructing Zoo employees in regulatory compliance, customer service, security and emergency response programming and training. The Section also is responsible for maintaining first aid kits, fire extinguishers and emergency chemical exposure stations. In addition, assessing workplace hazards, developing safe work practices and assigning proper personal protective equipment are tasks assigned to this Section.
State and federal compliance regulations mandate the annual safety training programming conducted by this Section. In addition to required programming, the Safety Section continues to promote the annual Employee Safety and Health Fair. The following topics were presented at the 2012 Fair: Emergency Response and Drills, Confined Space Awareness, Cutting Safety, Tool/Equipment Safety, Zoonosis, Electrical Safety, Accident Statistics, Golf Cart Training, Thinking Well, Self Defense, Active Shooter, Risk Management, Blood Borne Pathogens, and Fire Extinguisher Training.
This Section also coordinates and provides identification badges and distributes employee uniforms, and conducts annual seasonal orientations, informing Zoo seasonal staff of workplace policies and procedures. The Section performs routine hazardous waste removal and storage and identification audits to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
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Public Affairs and Services
Special Events
2012 Highlights
Each year, the Public Affairs and Services Division coordinates more than 16 special events held on Zoo grounds, drawing more than 167,000 visitors. Here are a few highlights from the year:
The Public Affairs and Services Division consists of four Sections: Group Sales, Public Relations, Special Events and Special Programs. In addition to these areas, the Division is responsible for the overall marketing, promotion and advertising of the Zoo. The staff includes: a Division Director, four Coordinators, four full-time staff and approximately 50 seasonal Zooworkers.
Behind the Scenes Weekend – March 10 & 11 This unique annual event gives visitors the opportunity to see areas of the Zoo which are not normally open to the public. In 2012, several new areas were added to the Zoo tours, which included giraffe treatment areas and the indoor hippo stalls. New demonstrations rounded out the event, and included: Behind the scenes at hippos scuba diving in the Aquatic and Reptile Center and iPad interaction with zookeepers and orangutans in Primates of the World. Attendance: 14,280
Group Sales The Zoo’s Group Sales Section manages more than 600 events annually. These events are a mix of corporate, non-profit and private events held throughout Zoo grounds. Private event setting
Events can be held during any month of the year, and may include a building rental such as the Peck Welcome Center or Zoofari Conference Center, which are ideal for the corporate daytime meeting or after-hours party or wedding reception. A picnic site can host groups of 50 to 5,000, or an entire Zoo grounds rental also is available, in which an organization has exclusive rights to the park.
Party for the Planet – May 19 & 20 Sponsored by American Transmission Company This event, held in recognition of Earth Day, highlights all things “green!” The weekend’s activities included: a migration game, woodcarving demonstrations, scrap metal and cell phone recycling and bird banding, to mention a few. New this year, many of the activities focused on polar bears, and the increasingly urgent need to save their habitats due to a changing climate. A special polar bear exhibit with artifacts and literature was offered and the annual migration game focused on the journeys of Arctic polar bears. Attendance: 18,242
The Zoo’s Group Sales Section also is responsible for Children’s Birthday Parties, Group Tours and Advanced Consignment Ticket Sales that are sold and distributed throughout Wisconsin. In 2012, the Zoo added the Jungle Party Room, located in the Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits Building. This unique space is specially designed and dedicated to children’s birthday parties. These events and ticket sales continue to have a positive financial impact on the Zoo’s fiscal revenue and attendance budget.
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The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel a la Carte – August 16-19
Breakfast and Lunch with Santa – December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 Sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles
Our annual “Feast with the Beasts” once again proved to be the largest attraction on the Zoo’s special event lineup. With more than 25 restaurants offering tasty menu items and a variety of local and national entertainment, our visitors were treated to one of the best summer happenings in the city. National headliners included: Los Lonely Boys and the BoDeans, and new restaurants Hue Vietnamese and Jake’s Deli, were welcomed into the a la Carte “family.” Attendance: 74,507
A huge number of kids and their families joined us for the holiday meals with Santa. Offered over three weekends, breakfasts were served on Saturdays only, and Sundays featured both breakfast and lunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children enjoyed entertainment by Fred Turk while dining in our festively decorated Peck Welcome Center. Attendance: 2,300 (Sold-out)
“Feast with the Beasts” Los Lonely Boys (Left)
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• Also during the summer, the Zoo hosted the exhibit, “Adventure Dinosaur!” sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets. The hugely popular exhibit was displayed outdoors from May 26 through September 3, and featured a variety of dinosaur species built to their real-life specifications. More than 194,000 visitors encountered these prehistoric creatures during the summer. The Special Programs Section coordinated and supervised exhibit staff.
Public Affairs and Services Special Programs The Special Programs Section of the Milwaukee County Zoo is responsible for overseeing these areas: Supercuts Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show, our temporary summer special exhibits and audiovisual services. In addition, this Section works directly with the Zoological Society, serving as the liaison for all Zoological Society events taking place at the Zoo.
• The Special Programs Section continued its partnership with the Zoological Society, serving as a liaison to facilitate all of the Society’s events that took place on Zoo grounds. This partnership serves to strengthen the overall relationship between the Zoo and the Zoological Society.
Following are the 2012 highlights: • The Supercuts Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show is a 20-minute presentation sponsored by Supercuts, which entertains and educates visitors about seals and sea lions through a live animal show. The shows generated more than $195,000 in revenue for the year, and welcomed 53,099 visitors.
• Finally, Zoo operations were enhanced by the efforts of the Audiovisual Section. Areas served included: the Animal Division, Public Relations, Group Sales and Special Events. Photos, videos and visual presentations were used for newspaper and magazine articles, animal identification, Zoo website, marketing and promotional campaigns, collateral pieces and the audiovisual needs for Group Sales clients.
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Public Affairs and Services Media Relations In 2012, the Zoo received positive media coverage from broadcast, print and electronic media outlets. Following are a few media highlights from the year: Each month of the year, the Zoo was featured on FOX-6 Wake-up News as a regular segment, spotlighting a particular animal and zookeeper. Some of the animals who made appearances included: a potto, Flemish giant rabbit, sea stars, straw-colored fruit bat, barn owl and a purple sea urchin. These regular features proved to be very popular with Wake-up News viewers. • The Zoo was regularly featured on many of the morning news programs, including “Real Milwaukee” on FOX-6 and Channel 12 News This Morning. Topics included the new sea lion pup, Colby, at the Supercuts Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show, our new jaguar cubs and new female hyena at the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country, and a behind the scenes look at our grizzly bears preparing for winter hibernation. • The Zoo’s Master plan project was featured on a continuing basis in several publications including: The Business Journal, The Biz Times and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. • Throughout 2012, new animal additions, including the critically endangered Matschie’s tree kangaroo, were featured in the AZA magazine, Connect. This monthly member publication serves the national zoo and aquarium professional community. • The monthly magazine, Wisconsin Woman, profiled three of our female employees, and highlighted the important work they do here at the Zoo. Featured in the June issue were: Area Supervisor of North America/Australia, Dawn Fleuchaus; Veterinarian Technician, Margaret Michaels; Deputy Zoo Director/ Administration and Finance, Vera Westphal; and Vehicle Machine Operator, Bo Kueny.
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Operations 2012 Highlights The Milwaukee County Zoo’s Operations Department consists of the following Divisions: Visitor Services, Concessions and Catering, Grounds and Horticulture, Maintenance and Trades, Custodial, Merchandising and Warehouse and Time and Material/Major Maintenance/ Capital Project Construction Management.
Visitor Services: This Section meets and greets guests upon entering the Zoo, providing them with information essential to their visit. In 2012, the Visitor Services staff admitted more than 1.3 million visitors to the Zoo. This Section’s responsibilities include: collecting fees for admission and parking, operating the miniature train, carousel, zoomobile, stroller rentals, sky safari and the mold-a-rama machines. This Section also oversees dog kennels and the camel and pony rides. The Visitor Services Division is comprised of two full-time Managers, two full- time Train Engineers, one seasonal Engineer/Welder and more than 60 seasonal employees. In our annual visitor survey, conducted by the Public Affairs and Services Division, many guests commented our Zoo was very clean and organized with regard to overall appearance. Further, nearly 82% of the total sample surveyed said they were “very satisfied” with their current experience at the Zoo.
2012 Highlights: • Rebuilt train crossing • Worked with the Grand Avenue Club, which is designed to assist individuals with special needs to enter the workplace and increase their level of self-esteem as well as their independence • Provided staff support for all events that occurred during regular Zoo hours or after-hours events in conjunction with Group Sales, Public Affairs, Education and Zoological Society Divisions
The staff consists of one Operations Division Manager, one full-time Manager and approximately 50 seasonal employees. The revenue from the shops is generated by two year-round shops and 10 seasonal kiosks throughout the Zoo. The revenue generated from vending comes from photo, medallion, claw machine, foot massage and penny press machines. Revenue shared contracts consist of face painting, temporary tattoos, caricatures, ropes course, climbing wall, zip line and entryway photos. In 2012, we expanded our program for individuals with special needs, as six seasonal positions were filled by students with special needs from area high schools, and three adults from the Grand Avenue Club. These individuals were hired through a work-study program in which schools were on site weekly for two hours with their class to work and study job skills. This program has been a huge success to help prepare students for future employment, and learn to be self sufficient.
Merchandising The Merchandising Section is responsible for generating revenue through shop sales, vending machines and shared contracts. The Section monitors inventory levels, purchasing, displaying, pricing and stocking of all merchandise. The staff is pivotal in supporting the switchboard operation (all communications) for the Zoo on weekends, night events and special events.
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The year’s success was accomplished by the help of our seasonal supervisors and front-line staff. We had great success with the temporary gift shop located at Adventure Dinosaur! which included a fossil dig and a 50-foot merchandise tent. A new garden store, added in 2012, surpassed revenue projections. We also benefitted from above budget revenue for sidewalk carts, special exhibits, bear carts, photo booths and group sales.
Grounds and Horticulture
Maintenance
In 2012, the Horticulture Section planted about 40,000 annuals, perennials, woody shrubs and trees. In addition, we coped with one of the driest and warmest summer seasons on record. Despite this challenge, we were able to maintain our public green space by adding and repairing turf in worn areas, and creating areas for future naturalization with removal of invasive plant species.
A considerable amount of infrastructure work is completed each year by the Maintenance Division. While most projects are not noticeable to the public, they are critical to daily Zoo operations. Maintaining the buildings, grounds, exhibits and public areas are vital to overall operations. Behind-the-scenes electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC and general maintenance include operation of HVAC and Metasys interface computer boards, repairing animal exhibits, animal life support systems, maintaining lighting, including green initiative lamps to help reduce the impact on the environment and reduce utility costs. This Division handles emergency calls on a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week schedule and works with outside vendors to maintain all of the buildings and grounds making it safe and comfortable for our visitors.
We also welcomed a new full-time forestry employee to take on the responsibility of tree care. We created prehistoric-looking planting areas to display at the summer “Adventure Dinosaur!”, and helped to re-theme the entrance to the Family Farm with the landscaping focused on a traditional Wisconsin farmstead. To add to the year’s activity, we created new decorative Easter scenes for Egg Day, were involved in Halloween preparations and festively decorated the Zoo for the Christmas season.
2012 Construction Project Highlights: Our main efforts regarding the Animal Division included sourcing and distributing browse, providing plants for enrichment and caring for indoor tropical plantings.
-Replacement of train garage roof -Stormwater and manhole restoration project -Construction of Peck Welcome Center glass vestibule and installation of new rooftop HVAC units -Exit drive asphalt replacement -Sea lion filter room upgrade -Deep well pump replacement project -Replacement compressors for air conditioning units at Flamingo Café and Zoofari Conference Center -Rain garden installations -Concrete permeable paver installations -Sea Lion Concessions roof replacement -Family Farm entrance upgrade
2012 dinosaur special exhibit
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Stockroom Operations
Custodial
The Stockroom’s major responsibility is to support all of our revenue-generating operations. The operation consists of one full-time Supervisor and eight seasonal associates. Main functions of the Stockroom include: ordering, shipping, receiving, delivering and monitoring of inventory controls.
The Custodial Section is responsible for keeping buildings clean for both our visitors and staff. Custodians also work with vendors and event managers from small companies to large corporations as well as the Group Sales Division. The Section works to ensure that the event plans and preparation requests are met for each client’s function.
The employees of the Stockroom work closely with all Zoo departments in support of their daily needs. The Stockroom works directly with Concessions, Catering, Group Sales, Special Events, Merchandising and the Zoological Society on a daily basis. The Stockroom stores food, beverage, merchandise and administrative products. The Division works to ensure all health and sanitation standards are achieved, and maintains a clean and safe working environment.
Concessions and Catering The Concessions and Catering operation provides our guests with food, beverages, snacks and personable service. The diverse staff consists of up to 180 seasonal associates and two full-time Food Service Managers. The operation has nine permanent concession facilities, four popcorn wagons, 45 vending machines and seven beverage and snack carts located throughout the grounds.
Woodland concessions
Sea lion concessions
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Operating Expenses (Financials) Zoological Department (Unaudited)
2012 Adjusted Budget
2012 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Revenues Total Admissions Less Group Sales Net Operational Admissions Concessions Catering Novelties Parking Special Exhibit Admissions Sea Lion Show Vending Machine Commissions Strollers Animal Rides Total Group Sales Carousel SkyRide Society Memberships Donations Other Private Funding Sponsorships Miscellaneous Revenue Performance Contract Escrow Sales Tax TOTAL REVENUES
$6,227,714 $1,580,207 $4,647,507 $4,256,353 $151,848 $1,903,675 $3,061,447 $389,293 $195,819 $313,400 $130,000 $60,000 $2,492,343 $221,252 $251,722 $238,771 $196,000 $832,440 $275,500 $602,686 $0 ($525,000) $19,695,056
$4,758,569 $1,098,937 $3,659,632 $3,983,291 $157,744 $1,837,718 $2,960,197 $406,351 $137,015 $226,820 $105,751 $51,578 $1,904,958 $184,226 $140,214 $376,532 $196,618 $782,440 $239,983 $454,338 $0 ($441,490) $17,363,914
$(1,469,145) $(481,270) $(987,875) ($273,062) $5,896 ($65,957) ($101,250) $17,058 ($58,804) ($86,580) ($24,249) ($8,423) ($587,385) ($37,026) ($111,508) $137,761 $618 ($50,000) ($35,517) ($148,348) $0 $83,510 ($2,331,142)
Personnel Services Fringe Benefits Contractural Services Internal Service Charges Commodities Depreciation Capital Outlay Other Expenditures TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$8,153,097 $4,833,319 $5,920,126 $1,741,332 $3,560,118 $0 $575,152 $0 $24,783,144
$7,781,188 $4,801,354 $5,248,307 $1,651,088 $3,123,231 $0 $395,838 $0 $23,001,006
$371,909 $31,965 $671,819 $90,244 $436,887 $0 $179,314 $0 $1,782,138
TAX LEVY ATTENDANCE
$5,088,088 1,350,000
$5,637,092 1,332,395
($549,004) (17,605)
Expenditures
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Operating Expenses Zoo Trust Funds (Unaudited)
Railroad Trust
2012 Adjusted Budget
2012 Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Revenues
Specimen Trust
2012 Adjusted Budget
2012 Actual Yearto-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Revenues
Zoomobile Revenue
$102,185
$61,478
($40,708)
Earnings on Investments
$4,109
$186
($3,923)
Miniature Train Revenue
$660,000
$646,759
($13,241)
Animal Sales/Milk Sales
$16,200
$14,788
($1,412)
Earnings on Investments
$1,700
$438
($1,262)
Giraffe Experience
$26,376
$18,365
($8,012)
Donations and Reserve Contribution
$95,987
$7,388
($88,600)
Gifts & Donations
$1,500
$1,467
($33)
Other Revenue
$79,367
$55,589
($23,778)
Other Miscellaneous Revenue
$0
$0
$0
Sales Tax
($35,000)
($30,661)
$4,339
Reserve Contribution
$0
$0
$0
TOTAL REVENUES
$904,239
$740,991
($163,248)
TOTAL REVENUE
$48,185
$34,806
($13,379)
Expenditures
Expenditures
Personnel Services
$361,358
$290,688
$70,670
Contractual Services
$38,446
$26,747
$11,699
Fringe Benefits
$82,240
$82,240
$0
Commodities
$12,095
$1,334
$10,761
Contractual Services
$262,217
$182,994
$79,223
Internal Service Charges
$0
$0
$0
Internal Service Charges
$1,676
$0
$1,676
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$50,541
$28,081
$22,460
Commodities
$36,590
$44,076
($7,486)
NET INCOME (LOSS)
($2,356)
$6,724
$9,080
Conservation Projects
$15,000
$0
$15,000
Fund Balance January 1, 2012
$202,705
Capital Outlay
$149,157
$106,840
$42,317
Net Income
$6,724
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$908,238
$706,838
$201,400
Fund Balance December 31, 2012
$209,429
NET INCOME (LOSS)
($3,999)
$34,153
$38,152 ZOO TRUST FUNDS
Fund Balance January 1, 2012
$670,394
Total Trust Revenue 2012
$775,797
Net Income
$34,153
Less Total Trust Expenditures 2012
($734,919)
Fund Balance December 31, 2012
$704,547
2012 NET INCOME (LOSS)
$40,877
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Financial Summary
Zoological Society of Milwaukee County (ZSM) – Year ending September 30, 2012
SUPPORT & REVENUE
COST OF SUPPORT AND REVENUE
MEMBERSHIP DUES
MEMBERSHIP DUES
from all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,948,973
Expense of providing benefits to all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,574,563
(Support Services)
CONTRIBUTIONS toward capital projects, specific programs and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $613,220
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMS/SPONSORSHIPS
Expense of providing and promoting ZSM special events/programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $456,639
including animal sponsorship, Zoo Ball, education, ZSM and Zoo special events, and sponsorships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,403,062
TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT & REVENUE (Support Services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,031,202
INTEREST INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,807
EXPENSES
GRANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $694,746
DIRECT PROJECT COSTS Expenses relative to capital projects and specific programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $210,943
TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,705,808
ZOO SUPPORT
Receipts SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS: 25%
Direct cash and in-kind support to the Milwaukee County Zoo, expense of providing, promoting and supporting education, graphics, special-exhibit projects, and Zoo special events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,370,031
61%
MEMBERSHIP DUES: 61% 25%
CONTRIBUTIONS: 7%
7%
GRANTS: 7%
7%
RESEARCH/CONSERVATION Expenses relating to state, national and international programs supporting species preservation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $585,930
Expenses ZOO SUPPORT, CAPITAL & DIRECT PROJECT COSTS: 69% SUPPORT SERVICES: 21% RESEARCH/CONSERVATION: 6% GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE: 4%
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
69%
Expenses relating to daily ZSM operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $397,737
21%
TOTAL EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,564,641
6%
TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT AND EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,595,843
4%
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The Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee A Public-Private Partnership
Zoological Society Support of the Milwaukee County Zoo The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) provided total Zoo support in 2011-2012 of $6,580,974 (including direct project costs). Telling the stories of the Zoo’s animals as we raise funds to help support them is just part of what we do. For example, January 2012 marked the 30th anniversary of the Zoo’s Samson Stomp and Romp, a winter run-walk in memory of Samson, the Zoo’s most famous gorilla (who died in 1981). The Zoological Society got involved by recruiting sponsors for this and other Zoo events, providing volunteer help and by telling the stories of Samson and other animals in ZSM publications. Zoo Pride, the ZSM’s volunteer auxiliary, added to the story when Zoo Prider Darlene Winter helped celebrate 61 years of affection for Samson by writing the 2012 book “I Remember Samson.” She dedicated book profits to the Great Ape Heart Project, an ape-health study that the ZSM helps support. The April 2012 Alive, the ZSM’s member magazine, featured a story on that project. Stories on the Samson book and Samson Stomp appeared in Wild Things, the ZSM member newsletter. And Wild Things marked its 100th issue in June 2012.
Particularly good at telling the story of conservation is the ZSM’s conservation coordinator, Dr. Gay Reinartz. She directs the Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative (BCBI), the ZSM’s long-term project to help the endangered bonobo, a great ape found in the wild only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Dr. Reinartz has promoted bonobo conservation for more than 25 years, spending at least six months a year in DRC’s Salonga National Park conducting field research, training guards and helping protect wildlife. BCBI strives to be a model of how to conserve endangered animals while providing assistance to improve the lives of people who live nearby. In 2012, Dr. Reinartz received the Excellence in Journalism Award from the American Association of Zoo Keepers for an article titled Perspectives in Poaching: A Park Guard’s Story. Her article detailed the daily reality of park guards who put their lives at risk. The Zoological Society helps animals and the Zoo in a variety of ways, of course. The ZSM’s total Zoo support in 2011-2012 was $6,580,974, and the majority of the ZSM’s income came from $5,328,243 in Zoo Pass memberships. For a financial summary, see page 42. Here are summaries of various ways the ZSM supported the Zoo. • Annual Appeal: The ZSM’s annual
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appeal raised $176,585 to install Web cams in several indoor animal exhibits and to provide cash support to the Zoo. • Conservation and research: The ZSM spent $535,494, including support of the ZSM’s bonobo-conservation project in Africa, which helps the Zoo to meet its commitment to conservation. As part of the Zoo’s mission and also for accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the Zoo supports conservation efforts in the field to help endangered species. The ZSM provides financial support to several of those projects, many involving Zoo staff. And the ZSM supports the Bonobo Species Survival Plan, headed by Dr. Reinartz, to help manage bonobos’ health and breeding in zoos. • Exhibits and buildings: The ZSM gave $260,710 in direct cash support to Zoo exhibits, including $50,000 for the 2012 special summer exhibit: Adventure Dinosaur, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets. The ZSM helped upgrade the Bonobo Exhibit ($20,619) and the Black Bear Exhibit ($44,063, thanks to a grant from MillerCoors). Also, the ZSM donated payments for maintenance contracts on various Zoo buildings ($144,028). • Fundraisers run by the ZSM Associate Board: The 29th annual Zoo Ball, sponsored by American Airlines, raised more than $476,000.
Photo by Richard Brodzeller
The mission of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee is to participate in conserving endangered species, to educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo.
The 23rd Annual MillerCoors Birdies and Eagles Golf Tournament raised $115,216. All other fundraisers by the Associate Board raised $192,590. • Platypus Circle: Members of the ZSM’s annual-giving group donated more than $620,730 in cash or in-kind services to help the Zoo. • Publications, websites and social media: The ZSM produced publications and other materials that promoted Zoo events, exhibits and conservation programs. The ZSM’s website, which averaged 23,873 visits per month in 2011-2012, provided Zoo and animal information – as did the ZSM’s Facebook page, Twitter and YouTube channel. The ZSM also helped maintain the Zoo’s website. • Signs, videos, interactive displays, Zoo printed materials, special projects: The ZSM’s Creative Department provides graphics and design support to the Zoo and ZSM.
• Sponsors, grantors & supporters: The ZSM acquires sponsors for most of the Zoo’s major events and attractions, and ZSM 2011-’12 direct cash sponsorship support to the Zoo was $311,767. Grants supporting education and conservation programs, and other projects brought in $694,746 last year. Additional support of $396,669 funded the ZSM’s live theater program (see Education section). In December 2011, the ZSM was awarded $32,841 by the Potawatomi Bingo Casino Miracle on Canal Street program; the funds went to support ZSM education programs serving children from economically disadvantaged areas of Milwaukee. • The ZSM’s Sponsor an Animal program raised $160,599 in the last fiscal year to support the Zoo’s animals. • Veterinary help: The ZSM provided $112,629 in funds to the Zoo’s veterinary staff by paying for veterinary residents ($52,457), a pathology resident ($54,172), and an animalnutrition intern ($6,000). • Volunteer help: Zoo Pride volunteers helped with events, education programs, Zoo tours, etc. Between 1993 and early 2012, Zoo Pride’s conservation committee raised nearly $55,000 through the sale of S.O.S. – Save Our Species – buttons to support conservation projects. Of 597 Zoo Pride volunteers, 433 active members donated 46,973.5 hours in 2011-’12. In addition, high school student volunteers contributed 2,943 volunteer hours to help adults with 2012 summer camps.
• Additional cash support: The ZSM provided $337,575 to the Zoo in a Zoo Pass price increase and $424,365 additional cash support to the Zoo.
8,570 children (ages 2-14) and 2,661 parents in 529 camp sessions. Summer college-student internships provided 20 students (including three collegestudent teaching interns) hands-on job training, thanks, in part, to support from the Antonia Foundation, the Jerome and Dorothy Holz Family Foundation, the Alice Kadish Foundation and the Brady Corporation.
The Zoological Society’s Education Programs at the Zoo By offering extensive education programs nearly year-round, the ZSM helps the Zoo maintain national accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In total, ZSM conservation-education programs served 302,021 people in fiscal year 2011-’12. A summary:
September-May Programs From September through May, the ZSM offers classes for individuals ages 2-14 as well as programs for school groups that help students with science requirements set by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. We also offer curricula and self-guided tours for all school classes visiting the Zoo. In fiscal year 2011-2012, the ZSM served nearly 12,000 people in individual child or parent-child classes, 23,190 schoolchildren* through ZSM-run programs at the Zoo or presented at schools, and an additional 85,494 schoolchildren who used the Zoo as a science laboratory on field trips and had ZSM curriculum available during self-directed tours. Programs for schoolchildren were funded in part by gifts from the Ladish Company Foundation; U.S. Bancorp Foundation; A.O. Smith Foundation, Inc.; Wells Fargo; the Posner Foundation; and ADM Cares.
Kohl’s Wild Theater On the heels of an excellent inaugural summer season, Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT) continued its success by launching outreach programming. From October 2011 through September 2012, teams of actors delivered 637 shows featuring a wildlife conservation message at schools and community events. Over 83,000 audience members were served in this period, making KWT one of the most expansive educational theater programs in the United States. In May 2012, KWT began its second season of live plays at the Milwaukee County Zoo, featuring new shows and past favorites. In summer, also, three new outreach shows were developed to debut in October 2012. For information on KWT, go to wildtheater.org.
*(In addition to students reached by Kohl’s Wild Theater outreach shows).
Summer Camps The Zoological Society’s summer camps, one of the largest zoo- or aquariumbased camp programs in the U.S., in 2012 drew 11,231 participants:
Scouting: The ZSM again expanded its programs to help children earn badges or patches and served 487 Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in 2011-’12.
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Programming for Disadvantaged Youth: 1) The Animal Ambassador program teaches schoolchildren about wildlife conservation during a semester, and then they graduate to become ambassadors for animals. Thanks to corporate, foundation or civic-group sponsors for each school, ZSM Animal Ambassador and Continuum programs, which serve schools in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, reached 618 second-grade students and 723 third-grade students at 12 schools, and 1,188 fourth-grade students at 21 schools. An additional 623 students in five schools with smaller classes experienced a modified program. 2) Summer Camps special programs allowed 447 children from nine Milwaukee-area neighborhood and community centers to attend ZSM 2012 camps, thanks to renewed support from U.S. Cellular®, the Evinrude Foundation, the Peters Foundation and the Milwaukee Urban League’s Safe Alternatives for Youth fund. 3) A partnership with Big Brothers & Big Sisters of Greater Milwaukee and funding from U.S. Bank allowed the ZSM to arrange a day for the 218 people (paired adults and children) to search the Zoo in a scavenger hunt, enjoy the attractions, and see Kohl’s Wild Theater performances. The children also received school supplies.
10001 W. Bluemound Road Milwaukee, WI 53226 414.771.3040 www.milwaukeezoo.org
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Board Chairman Marina Dimitrijevic ...........................4th District
Vice Chair Peggy Romo West .........................12th District
Board of Supervisors Deanna Alexander.........................18th District Mark A. Borkowski .........................11th District David Bowen....................................10th District Gerry Broderick .................................3rd District David Cullen.....................................15th District John Haas..........................................14th District Willie Johnson, Jr. ..........................13th District Patricia Jursik.....................................8th District Theo Lipscomb ...................................1st District Khalif Rainey ......................................2nd District Jim Schmitt..........................................6th District Anthony Staskunas ...................... 17th District Steve Taylor.........................................9th District John F. Weishan, Jr.........................16th District
The Milwaukee County Zoo offers equal opportunities for employees and visitors alike.
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Editor: Jennifer Diliberti-Shea Designer: Roberta Weldon Photographer: Michael Nepper