Keepin’ it Wild! April - June 2022
A digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami.
OUR MISSION: The Zoo Miami
Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
- Historic Saddlebill Stork Hatching - Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Gifts - Bald Eagle Family Updates
Keepin’ it Wild
is a quarterly digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation that provides information for the friends, supporters and Members of Zoo Miami.
For more information, please contact: Zoo Miami Foundation 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 255-5551 / www.zoomiami.org Zoo Miami Foundation’s Mission Zoo Miami Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo. Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors: Chair: Eric Eikenberg Chair-Elect: Jose Felix Diaz Treasurer: John V. Chibbaro Secretary: Brittnie Bassant Past Chair: Jose C. Romano Philip Kushlan George Leser Daniel J. Licciardi Sharon MacIvor, DVM Kathy McDonald William W. Moore Maria I. Nardi Jorge L. Navarro Samantha Pencar Ann Pope Martha H. Rabbitt Jose C. Romano Michael Rosenberg, DDS Merrett R. Stierheim Peter “Chip” Vandenberg Christopher Walters
Alan Atkinson Mary Barley Jose Francisco Barros, DDS Brittnie Bassant Sandy Batchelor Alexander “Alex” Binelo Mayor Daniella Levine Cava John V. Chibbaro Jose Felix Diaz Diane Dickhut Eric Eikenberg William “Will” Elgar Armando Fernandez Robert Furniss-Roe Michael Heithaus, PhD Victor H. Herrera Emeriti Directors
David Konfino Jim Kushlan, PhD Jack Lowell Manny J. Rodriguez, P.E. Edward Soto Eric J. Stephens Lawrence O. Turner, Jr. Diana Udel Ana VeigaMilton, Esq. Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.
Rodney L. Barreto Vincent L. Berkeley Jennifer Boin Getz Roger Carlton Harlan S. Chiron, MD Ambassador Sue Cobb Linda Coll William J. Gallwey, III, Esq. Robert W. Hudson, Esq. Sherrill W. Hudson Bernard Klepach President/CEO: Wiliam W. Moore Zoo Director: William Elgar Zoo Admission Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Editor: Rashielle Teape
Contributors: Cynthia Blankenship, Cindy Castelblanco, Samantha Headley, Rob Lara, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Zazu Mao, Bill Moore, Carlos Simoes, and Katy Wilhelm Layout & Design: Parrot Fish Studio
Photography: Ron Magill
Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.
LETTER FROM THE CEO Dear Friends, Spring has sprung at Zoo Miami and as usual, we are as busy as bees. We are already in the midst of our EggVenture, a mobile in-park scavenger hunt that has our guests searching far and wide for Easter eggs throughout the zoo! This virtual spin on a Zoo Miami tradition was reimagined last year, and is the perfect way to celebrate spring at the zoo while staying safe and healthy. Later in April, our Party for the Planet Earth Day scavenger hunt will be back as well, taking our guests through educational missions to save the planet. This is the season of growth and new beginnings, and that inspiring feeling of progress can be felt here at Zoo Miami. We are getting closer to opening brand new additions to the zoo, like a state-ofthe-art Animal Hospital, projected to open in 2025, and a Sea Turtle Hospital, opening this year. We are also building on popular Zoo attractions. Our Animal Fun Factory, presented by the José Milton Foundation, recently got an update, including a new “museum” area to educate visitors about the purpose of animal enrichment and showing off some of our latest projects. Plus, a new Sumatran tiger experience is coming soon and is sure to thrill Zoo guests! Both here at Zoo Miami and out in the wild, we continue to observe the miraculous journey that is the circle of life. Just as we welcome historic births like the Saddlebill stork at the zoo, we also mourn the loss of animals who have had a great impact on our staff and visitors like Fluffy the Dromedary camel. Meanwhile, we’ve watched alongside fellow wildlife enthusiasts around the world for months as our live Eagle Cam captures the journey of two chicks, from hatching to fledging and leaving their nest. We can’t wait to see all that this wonderful season will bring, and we hope that you all will join us to watch as our zoo, staff, animals, and experiences grow and change. As always, we are grateful for all of the support that makes all of this possible. Thank you to our loyal Members, Board directors, donors, visitors, and more. On behalf of Zoo Miami Foundation, have a very happy spring!
If you would like to support Zoo Miami’s mission, please give what you can.
FOLLOW US
BILL MOORE ZMF President/CEO
Thank you!
DONATE NOW! 2
Inside This Issue
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Spring Events at Zoo Miami
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Animal Hospital Updates
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Special Delivery: Saddlebill Stork Hatches at Zoo Miami!
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Adventures in Learning
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Keeper Corner: Operation “Back to the Llanos”!
Learn more about our upcoming Education programs, volunteer opportunities, and virtual outreach programs
Reintroducing critically endangered Orininoco crocodiles back into the wild to help save the species
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Animal Fun Factory Check out the recent updates to the Fun Factory at Zoo Miami, and some of the wild enrichment projects we’ve created for our animals!
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Eat Well, Be Well Recipe
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Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Gifts
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Puzzle Page: Name That Baby Animal
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Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors
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Saying Goodbye to Fluffy the Camel
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Bald Eagle Updates: The Chicks Have Flown the Nest!
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MOBILE IN-PARK SCAVENGER HUNT Join us for Party for the Planet at Zoo Miami for a mobile in-park scavenger hunt that’ll take you through three educational missions to save our planet from environmental threats.
APRIL 23-24 10 AM -3 PM
Free Admission* when you turn in a cell phone.
*Limit one free admission per cellphone and one cellphone per person. Admission ticket must be used the date the discount is given. Not valid for groups or with any other discount.
Tickets at shop.ZooMiami.org
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A New
Animal Hospital is Coming to Zoo Miami!
Conceptual image of future animal hospital
Conceptual image of future animal hospital
Zoo Miami is the oldest accredited zoo in Florida, dating back to 1948, and the fifth largest in the country. Today, our zoo is home to more than 3,000 animal residents, representing 500 species, of which 150 are listed as vulnerable, threatened, endangered, or critically endangered. Our hospital team includes four vets, two technicians, a manager, and five keepers. To meet our zoo’s growing needs and goals, Zoo Miami is thrilled to be making progress toward opening a new, state-of-the-art hospital! At a projected cost of $26 million and with more than 21,000 square feet, the new facility will strengthen initiatives benefiting not only zoo animals, but also Florida’s native wildlife and our state’s human population. It will be a teaching hospital that provides ongoing education to future veterinarians, and we are proud to have a formal preceptorship program in place with the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the only veterinary school in the state. So much more will be possible because of this new Animal Hospital. Our hospital team will work with other science experts and participate in disease surveillance and research into the control of invasive species. We will provide ongoing support of health agencies for monitoring wildlife health with management and 6
Meerkat procedure at current animal hospital
education of public health risks. In addition to veterinary preceptorships, we will provide research and training opportunities to future biologists and researchers. We will also provide veterinary support for our state and federal wildlife partners assisting with triage and management of federally protected endangered species such as Florida panther, American crocodile, Florida bonneted bat and sea turtles by becoming a central location for receiving injured, orphaned, or displaced animals.
The Animal Hospital design process will take approximately 12-16 months, and construction another 16-18 months, with a projected grand opening in early 2025. With the efforts of Zoo Miami Foundation, Zoo Miami has secured more than $6 million in support of this project. Additional support from the State and MiamiDade County will see this exciting project come to fruition. Thank you to our generous supporters and donors for helping us make great progress toward this much-needed addition to Zoo Miami.
ANimaL HOSPiTAL Visits GORILLA After being diagnosed with pneumonia during a wellness exam in October 2021, “Barney,” a 28-year-old gorilla, was immobilized on December 14, 2021 to receive a follow-up exam. To evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments, Barney received a series of X-rays as well as a bronchoscopy performed by human pulmonologist, Dr. Gregory Holt from the University of Miami. The Animal Health team was happy to report that the pneumonia was gone and Barney made a full recovery, returning to his habitat in time to enjoy the holidays with his brother, “Shango.”
HYENAS On February 9, 2022, Zoo Miami’s pair of spotted hyenas, nine-year-old female, “Maxi,” and six-yearold male, “Obi,” underwent a series of procedures as part of a comprehensive preventative medicine program. In addition to routine procedures such as blood and urine collection, teeth cleaning, and general examinations of the eyes, ears and throat, several specific exams were also performed addressing the reproductive condition of the pair as well as concerns regarding foreign items that were believed to have been ingested and could pose serious health risks. Both hyenas had their gastrointestinal tracts scoped to see if they had any foreign materials in their stomachs. Some foreign items, including rubber mulch, were found in Maxi’s stomach. The veterinarians monitored her closely after to ensure that she passed the items naturally, but this is an example of how foreign items are often ingested by our animals after being dropped into an animal’s habitat, whether intentionally or accidentally.
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DON’T TURN AROUND… something big and voracious lurks inches away!
A new Sumatran Tiger Experience is coming soon to Zoo Miami! 8
Conceptual Renderings
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Special Delivery:
Saddlebill Stork On January 17, 2022 a Saddlebill stork hatched for the first time in Zoo Miami history! The off-exhibit area has been isolated from any disturbance, even by zoo staff, for several months to allow the adult pair to construct their nest with privacy and security.
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As a result of our commitment to maintain a minimal level of disturbance, staff has only been able to get glimpses of the chick, which appears to be healthy while its parents are being very attentive and protective. The 17-year-old mother was hatched at the Dallas Zoo and arrived at Zoo Miami in 2011. The father was hatched in the wild in Tanzania and is estimated to be approximately 13 years old. He arrived at Zoo Miami in 2012 from the Dallas Zoo.
where they get their name. They have a broad range throughout sub-Saharan Africa where they are usually found around bodies of water. Their diet consists of a variety of fish, amphibians, reptiles, invertebrates and small mammals. They are monogamous and pair for life. The female is distinguished by a bright yellow eye as opposed to the male which has a dark brown eye.
The successful hatching of this chick is the culmination of years of effort to breed this species at Zoo Miami, where Saddlebill storks have been part of the zoo’s collection for decades. Though the species has built nests in the past, there has never been a successful hatching until now. Zoo staff continues to carefully monitor the development of this chick while providing all of the support the parents need to hopefully raise it to adulthood.
The Saddlebill stork is one of the world’s largest storks, standing nearly 5 feet high with a wingspan that can exceed 8 feet. They are also one of the most spectacular of the storks with large dramatic bills strikingly colored in red and black with a bright yellow “saddle” on the top from
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Adventures IN LEARNING
SUMMER CAMP On Teacher Planning Days, our one-day camps are filled with educational adventure.
APRIL 15, 2022: BIRDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
Enjoy a trip around the world of birds. Feathered creatures from all over the globe will delight you with their impressive features and behaviors.
MAY 30, 2022: ROARING AND GROWLING AT THE ZOO
Spend a fun-filled day discovering astonishing adaptations and behaviors of some furry, fearless, and fascinating carnivores!
Fees: $48/child for Zoo Members; $60/child for non-Members
School’s out but Zoo Camp is in session! In our award-winning Summer Camp, campers will learn about wildlife and conservation through animal encounters, craft projects, zookeeper talks, fun games, and more! JUNE 13 – AUGUST 12, 2022 *No camp on July 4th, 2022
Fees: $200/child per week for Zoo Members; $250/child per week for non-Members
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Now Hiring Camp Counselors! We are now hiring for Seasonal Camp Counselors for our upcoming Summer Camp!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Our award-winning Camp Program introduces children to the world of wildlife conservation through hands-on and interactive animal fun. If you are interested in learning more, click here to read the position’s job description. This position is the keystone to a great program. Counselors get to interact with our campers and have the ability to give them the experience of a lifetime. The three main components to a great counselor are: problem solving, charisma and ability to retain information. If this sounds like you then send in your resume to education@zoomiami.org!
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The Conservation Teen Scientist program (CTS) is an opportunity for high school students to volunteer with the Zoo Miami Foundation. Through volunteering, they will develop practical life skills (public speaking, team building, etc.) and increase their knowledge in the arena of environmental sciences. We have created new programs for the CTS volunteers including bird watching on the trails of the zoo, where they will learn about not only birds but the wild plants found around the zoo. While bird watching, we also discuss and point out invasive species so that teens are aware of the impact they have on our native ecosystem. CTS volunteers also assist with camp programs here at the zoo, giving teens who are interested in environmental education a great tool to gain skills in public speaking and working with younger audiences. Applications can be sent to volunteer@zoomiami.org
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Applications Due April 29, 2022
ZOO TO YOU! OPEN TO ALL AGES Zoom with Zoo Miami! These program are designed to bring the fun of Zoo Miami to your kids’ groups whether you are a camp, library, school or other organization! These programs are a 45-minute, interactive, educational experience with one of our knowledgeable educators. Our educator will conduct activities with your group on Zoom or in-person and provide one recorded animal encounter.
AVAILABLE TOPICS INCLUDE: CREATURE FEATURE Learn about adaptations and how they help animals survive in their habitats. SENSATIONAL SENSES Explore the five senses in the world of wildlife. FLORIDA PANTHER SPOTLIGHT Learn about this silent predator in Florida that almost went extinct. AMERICAN ALLIGATOR SPOTLIGHT Join us for the story of the American alligator, an ancient predator of North America.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Each program is $80 with a max of 50 participants (including adults and children). Payment is due 7 days prior to the program date.
BOOK NOW 13
VIP E EXPERIENC $8 9 . 9 5
pl us tax pe r pe rs on
R E T N U O C N E G N I H T E M O S L A I C E SP
Enjoy a two-hour golf cart tour amongst lushly landscaped public walkways with your own personal tour guide! As a VIP, your guide will give you the inside scoop on our incredible animals. This tour includes a certificate for food and drink.
TIMES: 10:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Book your VIP experience today at: zoomiami.org/special-tours Restrictions: Minimum of two guests are required. One paying participant must be at least 18 years old.
Virtual Greetings from the Zoo
Koalas, elephants, and giraffes… oh my! Have your favorite Zoo Miami animal make your next special occasion a WILD one! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or just because; our personalized pre-recorded virtual greetings will be sure to have that special someone talking about it for years to come! We’ll create a 20-second personalized greeting, just for you!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 14
KEEPER CORNER
Operation: ‘Back to the Llanos’! by Cindy Blankenship
In May 2021, Zoo Miami ecstatically welcomed a clutch of rare and critically endangered Orinoco crocodile babies. This is a historic success for Zoo Miami and invaluable progress toward conservation of the species. The last and only other successful clutch of Orinoco crocodiles hatched back in 1980 and amazingly, the lone survivor of that clutch was “Bella,” the mother of these new babies! Orinoco crocodiles were hunted extensively in the mid mid 1900s for the skin trade. Sadly, in just a few short years, the entire wild population was brought to the edge of extinction. While protected status was awarded to the species in the 1970s, wild populations have not rebounded, and illegal hunting and collection continues to plague the species. Socio-economic issues in Venezuela further hinder conservation efforts in the area. Despite these hardships, Dallas World Aquarium has been working hard in partnership with Gladys Porter Zoo and Zoo Miami to reintroduce captive bred Orinoco crocodiles back to the wild. Long standing member of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group and chair of the Venezuelan Crocodile Specialist group, Alvaro Velasco Barbieri, has worked tirelessly for many years at re-establishment and monitoring of wild Orinoco crocodiles. Together, crocodiles hatched at all three facilities are being prepared for operation ‘Back to the Llanos’! With the help of several other participating zoological institutions, over the course of about 18 months, these baby crocodiles will be raised until approximately three feet in size, giving them their best chance at survival in the wild. Once ready, they will make the journey to Venezuela where Alvaro will help oversee their successful transition.
These offspring will be released at a head-starting facility located in the llanos of Central Venezuela. The facility, Hato Masaguaral, has been involved in conservation and research of Orinoco crocodiles for nearly 50 years. Each year, Hato Masaguaral collects wild eggs from nests and is able to hatch and release approximately 200 babies annually. Some of the offspring released will even be fitted with satellite tracking devices, helping to secure the future for the species by unveiling secrets such as home range of individuals, activity, habitat use, and much more! This is a pivotal moment for Orinoco crocodiles and the culmination of a lot of hard work and good luck! Zoo Miami is thrilled to be a part of such a meaningful effort towards conservation of this species.
Want to meet a baby crocodile? Check them out at the entrance to Amazon and Beyond in the Village Plaza, and don’t forget to say hello to mom, ‘Bella’, and dad, ‘One’, basking in the sun in the Flooded Forest! Drop by for a keeper talk in front of their habitat and find out more about these fascinating creatures. See days and times for all of our keeper talks at the front entrance sign and on our website at www.zoomiami.org/meet-the-zookeeper.
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The Animal Fun Factory at Zoo Miami, presented by the José Milton Foundation, has recently gotten an update! The Factory’s front room now serves as a “museum” featuring various items and information about animal enrichment. Enrichment is a fun way to encourage natural behaviors in our animals like hunting, playing, and interacting with their environment. Sometimes these enrichment projects double as birthday treats or special holiday activities! The José Milton Foundation and the Kirk Foundation visited Zoo Miami recently to see the changes and get excited about what else the Zoo Miami Foundation Education team has in store.
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QUINOA WITH BLACK BEANS, CORN AND ZUCCHINI Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa, raw, well rinsed 2 ½ cups water 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 teaspoon light tamari 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virginYOUR olive oil OWN HOW TO MAKE 3 garlic cloves, chopped ½ cup corn kernels 1 medium zucchini, diced
SEASONINGS
Directions: 1. Place quinoa and 2 cups of water in a sauce pan. Set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is water-free and fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside. 3. Place black beans, ½ cup of water, tamari and vinegar in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil and AVOCADO CREMA reduce to about a cup. Remove from heat and set aside. Ingredients: Yield 6 servings 4. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add garlic, zucchini 1 Large ripe Hass avocado and corn. Sauté until vegetables caramelize, Re½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt move from heat. Juice from ½ lime 5. Place quinoa in large bowl and fluff with fork. Add Salt and pepper to taste black bean mixture and sautéed vegetables; mix together. • 1 cup quinoa, raw, • 1 tablespoon balsamic Directions: 6. Garnish with Avocado Creama 1. Slice avocado in half and remove pit. well rinsed vinegar 2. Combine avocado, yogurt, lime juice, salt and Yield 6 servings. • 2 ½ cups water • 2 tablespoons extrapepper in a blender or bowl. Blend or mash Nutritional Information (per ½ cup until smooth. virgin olive oil
Quinoa With Black Beans, Corn And Zucchini Ingredients:
214; Fat: 7g; • 1Servings); can (15Calories: ounces) Sodium: 57mg; Carbohydrates: 31g; black beans, drained Fiber: 5g; Protein: 8g and rinsed
• 3 garlic cloves, chopped Nutritional Information (per serving): ½ cup corn kernels Calories:54; Fat: 4g; Sodium: 35mg;
• 1 teaspoon light tamari
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
Nutrition Tip
Yield 6 servings
Carbohydrates: 4g; Protein: 2.5g
Avocado Crema Instructions: Looking for healthier toppings for tacos? This recipe Ingredients: to sour cream and 1. Place quinoa and 2 cups of water in a sauce pan.can be used as an alternative Quinoa is a whole grain that is naturally high in fiber and protein. To enjoy quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week, cook quinoa in bulk and refrigerate.
Nutrition Tip
Set over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
mayonnaise.
2. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is water-free and fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside.
• 1 large ripe Hass avocado • ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt • Juice from ½ lime
3. Place black beans, ½ cup of water, tamari and vinegar in a small sauce pan. Bring to a boil and reduce to about a cup. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Salt and pepper to taste
4. Heat olive oil in large skillet. Add garlic, zucchini and corn. Sauté until vegetables caramelize, remove from heat.
1. Slice avocado in half and remove pit.
5. Place quinoa in large bowl and fluff with fork. Add black bean mixture and sautéed vegetables; mix together. 6. Garnish with Avocado Crema.
Instructions:
2. Combine avocado, yogurt, lime juice, salt and pepper in a blender or bowl. Blend or mash until smooth.
Nutrition Tip
Nutrition Tip
Quinoa is a whole grain that is naturally high in fiber and protein. To enjoy quick, healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week, cook quinoa in bulk and refrigerate.
Looking for healthier toppings for tacos? This recipe can be used as an alternative to sour cream and mayonnaise.
Nutrition Facts (per ½ cup Servings)
Nutrition Facts (per Servings)
Calories Carbohydrate Protein
Calories Carbohydrate Protein
214 31g 8g
Fat Fiber Sodium
7g 5g 57mg
54 4g 2.5g
Fat Sodium
4g 35mg
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Celebrate
MOM & DAD!
This year, Mother’s Day is on May 8 and Father’s Day is on June 19! Celebrate your parents (or any special loved one) with these wild Zoo gift packages. Keep an eye on your inbox for package launch dates!
HONOR THEIR LEGACY A Custom Engraved Brick at Zoo Miami + Your Choice of a Dual or Family Membership Their commemorative brick will line the walkway of Florida: Mission Everglades at Zoo Miami for years to come!
Starting at $215
GIFT THEM SOMETHING CUDDLY An Adopt an Animal Keeper Package + Your Choice of a Dual or Family Membership Symbolically adopt their favorite animal in their name to help our keepers care for and enrich the lives of our animal residents!
Starting at $115
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NAME THAT
Baby
ANIMAL! With storks, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day on our minds, let’s talk baby names! Draw a line from each animal on the left column to connect it to the corresponding baby name in the right column.
1.
Bear
Hatchling
2.
Kangaroo
Joey
3.
Rabbit
Calf
4. Deer
Gosling
5.
Alligator
Cub
6.
Goat
Bunny
7.
Horse
Calf
8.
Cow
Kid
9.
Eagle
Pup
10. Goose
Foal
11. Pig
Calf
12. Sheep
Eaglet
13. Tiger
Lamb
14. Elephant
Piglet
15. Otter
Cub 19
ANSWERS: cub, joey, bunny, calf, hatchling, kid, foal, calf, eaglet, gosling, piglet, lamb, cub, calf, pup
We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between December 22, 2021 and March 15, 2022. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.* INDIVIDUALS $25,000 + Marta S. Weeks
$10,000 - $24,999 Shelley B. Daniel Rutherford and J. Larry Rutherford Marcy and Mark Smith
$5,000 - $9,999 Noelle and Brett Bivens
$1,000 - $4,999 Heather and Philip Bottrell Mike Chambers David M. Cohn, M.D. Stephen W. DeFilippis Diana L. Fitzgerald The Forte Family Robert Hertzberg Sally A. Heyman Kyle Hines Patricia Jayson France-Marie and Sheldon Jordan Matthew C. Martin Kathryn Medford Jeffrey L. Moyer Brian Nathanson Grace Wang, M.D. and Steven Pabalan, M.D. Roni and Stephen Sheldon Selina and Shelby Smith Patricio Velez Rachel Watkins Rogers Josh Weinstock Patrick Wilson
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$500 - $999 Sandra M. and Herbert E. Allenson Anonymous donor advised fund at The Chicago Community Foundation Edward Ballweg Sheffield Bessellieu Patrick Darcey John Defossez Lourdes E. Gomez and Marcelino Miyares, Ph.D. Jackie Larkin Alec Milton Sara and Ivan Mladenovic Peter Mosheim Lori and John Ohrnberger Adrienne Phoenix Amrit Punjabi Michael Reynolds Sandra and Miguel Rishmague Lizmarie and Daniel Rodriguez Tara Saltzman Judith A. Saltzman Gary Saltzman Cinthya and Daniel Sanchez Kirsten Schwarz David Shear Jodi and Stuart Sheldon Adelaide J. Skoglund and William Legg Selina and Shelby Smith Francine and Herbert Tobin Melissa and David Wetzel Dustin Woodhead
$100 - $499 Erik Anderson Joan Anderson Anne Anglim Jason Ashur
Yvette H. Ayala, Esq. Gerri Barreras Stephanie Belaustegui Janet and James H. Block Phyllis and Abe Bochman Carol J. Boersma Angeline Boey Pauline Brandy Cody Brees Judith Brooker Natalie Canelas and Christopher Devine Karen and Drew Cashmere Carole J. Cholasta Chris Cintron John Claeys Sean Delgado Nicholas Disparte Alex Dominguez Milan Doshi Doug Dubrowski Kelly and Kenneth Duvall Nicholas D. Emguschowa Gregory Eubanks Joanne Ferro Judy Fiol Roberto F. Garcia, M.D. Raul Garcia Adina and Luis Garcia Elizabeth Genievich W. Dustin Goldstein Sally and Robert Gordon Andrew E. Grigsby Denise Hansen Angela Hatfield and Charles Kaiser Joseph G. Headley Olga and Victor Herrera Tim Hurst Julie Kahn
Laurie Sheldon and Brett Kapuler Patricia Kinne Therese G. Klotz Michael Labinski and Joseph DeMasi Dawn Lambrix Eric Laumeister Natalie and Marc Lawrence Franci Leon Andrea MacMeccan Terrence J. Mallahan Nathalie Manzano Yoly and Richard McCarthy Robert M. McClelland Brian McNulty Andrew Mendola Roger G. Misleh Linda Soden and Richard H. Moran Jennifer Mori Natalie Muniz Miriam D. Munoz Melissa and Robert Netkin Ethan Nicholson Robert Ouellette Samantha and Brett Pencar Krystine Pereda William E. Peters Daniela Posada Ivette Ulloa-Possekel and Norbert Possekel Justine Pozo Martha H. Rabbitt Laura and Daniel Rivera Alec Robbins Lizmarie and Daniel Rodriguez Karen Rundlet
Jennifer A. Sabia David Saltzman Yusty B. Saltzman Eileen and Ronald Saltzman Mark Saltzman Anatalia Sanchez Luis Sanchez Cinthya and Daniel Sanchez Samantha Mack and Scott Schoenleber Steven P. Shanley, Ph.D. Mary K. Shaughnessy Chana and Sam Sheldon Carol S. Sheldon Eric Sheldon Arthur J. Sheldon Howard L. Silverstein Sandra and Charles Simon William Sorkin Michele and Mark Stein Karin Tomasetti Christina Tsirkas Allison Weiler Dave Whipple Ward B. Whitten Samantha Yanes
CORPORATE PARTNERS $5,000 - $9,999 Bacardí U.S.A., Inc. SponsorSource Event Networks
$500 - $999 Facebook Heartland Co-op United Way of Greater Atlanta
$100 - $499 Bats Northwest Bilmor with Advertising Specialites, Inc. Medtronic Ridgewood Camera Club Inc.
FOUNDATIONS $10,000 - $24,999 The Clinton Family Fund Hollenstein Ross Family Foundation The Shepard Broad Foundation, Inc.
$5,000 - $9,999 D. Richard Mead Charitable Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999 Fanny & Stephen Rosenak Foundation
$500 - $999 Sofia’s Hope, Inc.
$100 - $499 AmazonSmile Foundation Give Lively Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999 El Car Wash
*We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support. If your name has been accidentally omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact the Development department at 305-255-5551. 21
Saying Goodbye to
Fluffy the Camel On January 4th, Zoo Miami officials made the very difficult decision to euthanize “Fluffy,” a 16-year-old male Dromedary camel. For over two years, Fluffy suffered from degenerative joint disease for which he was receiving a variety of treatments, including pain management medications and laser therapy. He had been monitored daily by the Animal Welfare team for over three years as part of his quality of life assessment plan. Though those treatments provided Fluffy with some comfort and a good quality of life for a while, the progression of the disease eventually got to a point where all available treatment options had been exhausted and his quality of life could no longer be maintained. After much discussion between the Animal Health, Animal Science, and Animal Welfare teams, the decision was made to humanely euthanize him to prevent any further suffering. Fluffy was not only a staff favorite, but he made an impact on so many zoo visitors as well. As part of the Interactive Programs department at Zoo Miami, he had many “encounters” with guests who participated in the Camel Feeding at the zoo’s Critter Connection. Staff members had constant hands-on contact with Fluffy as they groomed and trained him and his gentle personality made him a perfect animal ambassador. He will be profoundly missed but hopefully the countless memories that he provided will help to keep him alive in the hearts of many.
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Bald Eagle Updates:
The Chicks Have Flown the Nest!
Over the last year, the Zoo Miami team, along with many of our fellow wildlife enthusiasts, have been following the story of “Ron” and “Rita” the bald eagles. Back in March 2021, Zoo Miami’s Communications Director, Ron Magill, teamed up with Lloyd Brown of Wildlife Rescue of Dade County to rescue and rehabilitate an injured bald eagle chick that had fallen from a damaged nest after a storm. In the months following, not only did the team successfully release the chick back into the wild, they built an artificial platform, where the chick’s parents eventually returned and rebuilt their nest. Thanks to live cameras, people from around the world tuned in to watch as the pair laid three eggs, and all three hatched during the first week of 2022. While the third chick sadly did not make it through its first day, the other two chicks have since grown into healthy, strong, and beautiful birds! These days, the eaglets, identified as R1 and R2, are about as large as their parents – though still easily set apart from them by their brown head feathers. Recently, both R1 and R2 took a huge step on the path to adulthood! Following several days of stretching and strengthening their massive wings, R1 was the first to fledge, with R2 ready to follow. Unfortunately, a monofilament line was spotted in the nest and was preventing R2 from leaving the nest. Thankfully, Lloyd Brown was able to contact Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and they were able to get up to the nest to remove the line – allowing R2 to break free and fly away! A second emergency effort was needed later that day, when R2 was found in someone’s backyard with monofilament line still attached to her leg. Once again, Lloyd was able to capture R2, remove all of the monofilament line, and, after monitoring her overnight, successfully return her to her nest on Sunday morning! Since then, R2 has been seen calmly standing in her nest, with appearances by R1, “Ron,” and “Rita,” and the hope is that R2 can now continue the fledging process without further incident. Watching these chicks take this step to adulthood and fully fledge is bittersweet in a way. We are all very proud of their progress as they’ve grown into majestic birds, but we will miss seeing them in their nest. Of course, while leaving the nest is a big milestone, these eaglets may still hang around and rely on their parents for food for several weeks post-fledging. Gradually, their time away from their nest will become longer and longer until they are able to find food on their own, and eventually go on to start their own families. Visit zoomiami.org/bald-eagle-cam for more information!
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