Keepin' it Wild April - June 2024

Keepin’

OUR MISSION: To inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

- Tawny Frogmouth Hatches at Zoo Miami

- Bald Eagle Rehabilitation

- Gifts for Mom & Dad

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

To inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.

Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors:

Chair: Jose Felix Diaz

Chair-Elect: Alan Atkinson

Treasurer: Alexander Binelo

Secretary: Brittnie Bassant

Past Chair: Erik Eikenberg

Alan Atkinson

Brittnie Bassant

Jason Bell

Alexander “Alex” Binelo

Javi Borges

Maryam L. Borrego

Ashley Boxer

Sharymar Calderon

James A. Carenza

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

John V. Chibbaro

Jose Felix Diaz

Eric Eikenberg

William “Will” Elgar

Armando Fernandez

Ricardo Garbati

Victor H. Herrera

Emeriti Directors

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: Jose C. Romano

Zoo Director: Will Elgar

Zoo Admission Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily

Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.

Editor: Rashielle Clarke

Contributors:

LETTER FROM THE CEO

Philip Kushlan

George Leser

Daniel Diaz Leyva

Sharon MacIvor

Dr. Mireya Mayor

Kathy McDonald

Maria I. Nardi

Marc A. Osheroff

Samantha Pencar

Martha H. Rabbitt

José C. Romano

Joseph R. Salzverg

Daniel V. Sanchez

Eduardo M. Soto

John Vidalin

Fred Voccola

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.

Cindy Castelblanco, Marie Hernandez, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Natalie Martinez, Alexandra Nodarse, Jose Romano, Nicola Rousseau, and Ron Stayton

Layout & Design: Photography:

Parrot Fish Studio Ron Magill

Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.

Dear Friends,

Spring is in full swing at Zoo Miami, and as always, there is a buzz in the air. We are just coming off of our month-long EggVenture celebration and our award-winning Spring Camp and now, we look forward to what the rest of this season of growth has in store for us! Soon, we’ll come together for our Party for the Planet Earth Day event, a festive reminder of the part we all play in protecting the environment. On the other side of spring, we look forward to another wild and eventful summer at Zoo Miami, with many unique offerings and programs on the horizon.

As we hone in on our efforts in wildlife conservation, I cannot help but feel incredibly proud on behalf of Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) for our recent accomplishments and contributions. Just this past February, our team celebrated another successful rehabilitation at our Sea Turtle Hospital with the release of a green sea turtle named “Isle Royal.” This wonderful achievement, made possible by community partnerships, is a shining example of work done right here at Zoo Miami that makes a world of difference in local conservation.

Simultaneously, ZMF continues to expand our reach by contributing to conservation organizations and efforts around the world. Our recent commitment of $100,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) will go far in preserving Sumatran tigers in the wild, and last year’s ZooRun raised over $200,000, with $60,000 earmarked to support Cheetah conservation efforts. This work is truly at the heart of our organization’s purpose and, with the continued support of our local community, we can reach even further together.

Zoo Miami Foundation continues to bloom each year thanks to our generous supporters, guests, and partners. As we wrap up the first half of 2024, we are able to move forward with optimism and determination knowing that our visions for the future of wildlife and conservation are possible with the help of our Zoo Miami community.

José Romano ZMF President/CEO

Feast with the Beasts 2024 Recap

Rita’s Resilience

A Bald Eagle’s Journey from Injury to Recovery

Adventures in Learning

Tawny Frogmouth Bird Hatches at Zoo Miami

Mother’s Day & Father’s Day Gifts

Sea Turtle Rehab & Release

Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors

*Limited to 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 discounts.

Save Some Green This Earth Day!

We are celebrating Earth Day with some special deals on Zoo Miami Foundation gifts and programs from April 15 – 22, 2024.

There are many ways to honor the planet at Zoo Miami, from enjoying the botanical gardens to learning more about endangered species around the world. Visit year-round for unlimited days to explore! Use promo code EARTHMBR24 online.

Which is your favorite critter on Earth?

Symbolically adopt an animal to help us care for and enrich the lives of our animal residents!

Use promo code EARTHADOPT24 online.

Engrave a special message in stone to cement your love for the planet, or a special loved one!

Use promo code EARTHBRICK24 online.

To honor our beloved Eastern black rhino Toshi, who passed away in 2021, special molds were made of his footprints. Bring home one of these unique keepsakes to keep his memory alive.

promo code EARTHTOSHI24 online.

Dental Week

AT ZOO MIAMI

Humans aren’t the only ones who need to keep up with their dentist visits! Dental health is a key component of the Animal Health Department’s preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami. A variety of issues –from gum disease to damaged teeth – can lead to critical care issues that may result in serious infection and even death without treatment! In fact, dental disease is often referred to as “silent suffering” in the animal health field, because animals generally do not complain about dental pain and serious signs can go unnoticed.

This past January, veterinary dentist, Dr. Jamie Berning, DVM, DAVDC, from Veterinary Dentistry and Oral Surgery of Ohio, along with her veterinary technician, Jill A. Bates, RVT, VTS – Dentistry, traveled from their home in Columbus, Ohio to perform a series of procedures on a variety of animals including an orangutan, a dingo, a siamang, a tapir, a Patagonian cavy, a raccoon, and a dhole. The procedures were done over several days and ranged from general consultations, cleanings and exams to extractions and root canals. Zoo Miami is very grateful for the expertise and time that Dr. Berning and Ms. Bates donated to provide Zoo Miami animals with this critical care.

Flamingo Roundup!

On February 15, Zoo Miami’s flock of 37 Caribbean flamingos were rounded up on their habitat so that they could each receive their annual wellness exams. The Animal Health team set up a mobile clinic alongside a specially constructed corral area adjacent to the habitat and, one by one, each flamingo was brought in to be checked by Zoo Miami associate veterinarians Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher and Dr. Gaby Flacke with assistance from the Animal Science and Animal Health teams.

Examinations included getting individual weights, collecting blood samples, and checking the overall body condition with special attention to the feet, which can be susceptible to certain issues. Each flamingo was also vaccinated against West Nile virus and some received radiographs and ultrasound exams.

Other than some minor eye issues commonly associated with advanced age and some foot issues that will be carefully monitored, all of the flamingos appeared to be in good condition and were successfully returned to their habitat!

Rita’s Resilience

A Bald Eagle’s Journey from Injury to Recovery

Many of you many remember the story of “Ron & Rita,” the two bald eagles that captured the hearts of South Florida when, with the help of Wildlife Rescue of Dade County (WRDC), they were able to successfully fledge two chicks as countless people around the world followed them on a nest cam installed by Lloyd Brown of WRDC. Sadly, soon afterwards, Rita suffered a catastrophic injury that required the amputation of her right wing and made it impossible for her to ever be returned to the wild.

Though such injuries usually result in euthanasia, WRDC collaborated with the Animal Health team from Zoo Miami to treat the injury and try to rehabilitate Rita to the point where she could hopefully live as an ambassador for her species under careful human care. For over a year, she was kept at a secret location while dedicated rehabbers from WRDC and the Marathon Wild Bird Center provided her with compassionate care and got her accustomed to human presence. Thanks to all of the work of all of these individuals, Rita

has made it through some of the most difficult challenges an eagle could face and was proudly presented in her new habitat built just for her at the Marathon Wild Bird Center in the Florida Keys on this past Valentine’s Day!

This will be her forever home moving forward, where she will hopefully help to inspire many others to care about these majestic raptors.

Though eagles usually pair for life, when one dies or is lost, the other will often pair with another. “Ron” has done just that and has a new mate named, “Rose,” and they have successfully hatched a single chick that they are presently raising. Kudos to everyone who made it possible to save Rita’s life under very difficult circumstances.

Adventures IN LEARNING

Mini CAMP

Ages 5 - 12

Experience the thrill of the wild this fall at Zoo Miami! Mini Camps follow the Miami-Dade Public School schedule and are offered during Teacher Planning Days and select holidays. Sign your cub up for a one-day adventure exploring various themes through hands-on activities, animal encounters, and more!

UPCOMI n G DATES:

May 27, 2024: “Spots & Stripes”

Fees: $52/child for Zoo Members; $65/child for non-Members

SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5 - 12

When school’s out this summer, let the learning adventure continue at Zoo Miami! Let your child discover their wild side and beat the boredom with a wild camp experience.

June 6 – August 14, 2024*

Registration is available on a weekly basis; Fees vary by session. Click below to see our weekly schedule and to register!

* Please note that some weekly sessions may exclude select dates

LiTTLE CRiTTER CAMP

Ages 3 – 5

Introduce your little ones to the excitement of camp and the wonders of wildlife with this new half-day camp experience. During this program, your Little Critter will have a blast exploring the zoo with camp staff as their guides, engaging in hands-on activities related to the theme, making new friends, learning new skills, and discovering the amazing animals around them!

Weekly Sessions

June 17 – August 2, 2024*

Fees: $144/child for Zoo Members; $180/child for non-Members

* Camp will not be held on July 4th; The weekly session fee has been reduced accordingly

TEEn CAREERS CAMP

Ages 13 – 15

You‘ve heard of zookeepers, but what about behavioral specialists, conservation researchers, veterinarians, and animal chefs?

Zoo Careers Camp is an immersive career exploration camp where teens will discover the countless careers that keep Zoo Miami running! After a week full of exclusive hands-on experiences and behind-the-scenes adventures, your teen is sure to discover what they want to be when they grow up!

Weekly Sessions

June 10 – July 26, 2024

Fees: $280/child for Zoo Members; $350/child for non-Members

TAWNY FROGMOUTH BIRD HATCHES AT ZOO MIAMI

Zoo Miami is proud to announce that for the first time in its history, a tawny frogmouth bird has hatched!

Tawny frogmouths are unique-looking birds often mistaken for owls due to their large golden eyes and wide faces. While they are nocturnal like owls, frogmouths are actually related to nightjars, which are in a different family. They are short and stout birds that usually measure between 10-20 inches in length and weigh up to 1.5 pounds.

The parents of the newly hatched chick were introduced to each other in November of 2023 and began nesting in February of 2024. The single chick hatched on February 28, 2024. Zoo staff carefully removed the chick for short periods of time during the first several days to weigh it and ensure that it was developing normally.

Each time, it was quickly returned to the nest where the parents continued to care for it. Moving forward, the chick will be parent-raised unless zoo staff observe any issues that may require additional support. This frogmouth family is housed behind the scenes in Zoo Miami’s Avian Propagation Center (APC). This facility is designed to work with the AZA community to increase populations of rare and endangered birds, providing a vital focus on underrepresented species. Zoo Miami is currently housing 23 species of birds in the APC.

Found in a variety of habitats in Australia and Tasmania, frogmouths prefer wooded areas where they use their cryptic coloration, combined with a stiff straight posture, to appear like a thick branch in a tree. Their excellent camouflage enables them to ambush their prey which consists mostly of insects, but they will also eat small mammals and reptiles if the opportunity arises. They get their name from their very wide mouth that has a relatively short beak which is what they use to catch their food. Tawny frogmouths are monogamous and mate for life with both parents contributing to raising the chicks. Their populations are stable. Nevertheless, they encounter challenges such as habitat loss resulting from development and the risk of being struck by vehicles while pursuing insects attracted to headlights.

Celebrate MOM & DAD!

Mother’s Day is on May 12 and Father’s Day is on June 16!

Celebrate your parents, guardians, or any special loved ones with these wild Zoo gift packages. Mark your calendars to take advantage of these special deals (or keep your eyes on your inbox for a reminder!)

20% off Adopt an Animal Packages

Is your mom as fierce as a tiger? Is Dad playful like an otter? Adopt an animal to celebrate their wild nature!

Use code MOMADOPT24 | May 6 – 12, 2024

Use code ADOPTDAD24 | June 10 – 16, 2024

20% off a Custom Engraved Brick

Honor your loved one’s legacy with a symbol or message set in stone on Zoo Miami’s Walkway of the Wild.

Use code 24MOMBRICK | May 6 – 12, 2024

Use code 24BRICKDAD | June 10 – 16, 2024

20% off Toshi’s Footprints

These special molds were made to commemorate our beloved rhino Toshi –a symbol of a gentle giant.

Use code TOSHIMOM24 | May 6 – 12, 2024

Use code DADTOSHI24 | June 10 – 16, 2024

15% off Zoo Miami Memberships

Give the gift of quality time with the whole family! Enjoy unlimited admission year-round.

Use code MBRMOM24 | May 6 - 12, 2024

Use code MBRDAD24 | June 10 - 16, 2024

E ne rgy Bite s

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats

¼ cup sliced almonds

2 tablespoons chia seeds

⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

⅓ cup of nut butter

peanut or almond)

¼ cup honey

Directions

• •

•

In a large bowl, combine nut butter, honey and cinnamon. Stir well.

spatula or hands.

Roll dough into balls no larger than a golf ball.

Enjoy or refrigerate for later!

Tips

• •

Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to make bites similar in size.

If you have time, refrigerate mix ture for up to an hour before rolling into bites.

DADE DAYS

Zoo Miami Foundation was thrilled to participate in Dade Days this past February, meeting with representatives to advocate for wildlife and environmental conservation. We were joined by our ambassador animals Phantom, the eagle owl and Peru, the Central American boa! A special thank you to Representative Jim Mooney for donating his office as a home base for our special animal guests.

Representative Jim Mooney and Representative Alex Rizo gather with the Miami Dade College group.

Representative James “Jim” Mooney, Jr.

Senator Alexis Calatayud, District

sea turtle updates

Rehab & Release

On February 26, 2024, after months of successful treatment and rehabilitation at Zoo Miami’s Sea Turtle Hospital, the green sea turtle named, “Isle Royal,” was successfully released at Atlantic Dunes Park in Delray Beach! Dozens of excited bystanders looked on as Isle Royal was brought out to the sea.

The success of this release is the result of a wonderful effort by the Sea Turtle Care & Conservation Specialists, the Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and CT Imaging and Advanced Veterinary Care Center, in collaboration with the Zoo Miami Animal Health Team. All sea turtle work done at the Zoo Miami Sea Turtle Hospital is done under a special permit issued by the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC).

Zoo Miami Foundation is proud to commit $100,000 to the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in support of their work to understand, protect and restore sustainable populations of endangered Sumatran tigers!

Left to Right: Ariel Penzer, Marc Osheroff, Lourdes Gomez, Will Elgar, Ivy Brower, Jose Romano, Phil Hillary

Publix CharitiEs PlEdgEs $250,000 Matching Grant for Sumatran TigEr Habitat at Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Foundation is thrilled to announce that Publix Super Markets Charities has made a significant matching grant of $250,000 towards expansion and enhancements of the Sumatran Tiger habitat at Zoo Miami. Publix Charities will match every dollar donated towards construction of the expansion to the habitat, up to a total of $250,000.

The Sumatran tiger, native to the Indonesian island of Sumatra, is critically endangered with only a few hundred left in the wild due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict. Through our partnership with Publix Charities, we will create an alliance with the goal of combating the threat of extinction facing these majestic creatures in the wild.

“We are proud to partner with Zoo Miami in their education efforts and in this critical endeavor to protect Sumatran tigers from extinction,” said Kelly Williams-Puccio, executive director of Publix Super Markets Charities.

This matching grant serves as a rallying call to the community, encouraging individuals and organizations to join Publix Charities and Zoo Miami Foundation in safeguarding the future of Sumatran tigers.

If you would like to join us in this critically important project, please visit Support Tigers Here or scan the QR Code.

INDIVIDUALS

$10,000 - 24,999

We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between December 21, 2023March 21, 2024. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*

Shelley B. Daniel Rutherford

Richard R. Glass

Cynthia W. Knight

Walter J. Lynwood

Kathleen and Don Sokolik

$5,000 - $9,999

Noelle and Brett Bivens

J.T. Ferstl

Alicia and Oscar Gonzalez

Laurie and Keith Keister

Katharine and David McDonald

Kimberly and Micahel Walsh

$1,000 - $4,999

Susan and Thomas Abraham

Karina and Reynier Avon

Alice Bibeau

Brian Blackman

The Honorable Kevin M. Cabrera

Martha and Felix Castillo

Alicia Celorio

Julie L. Asciutto and Lanny Stephan Cohen

Maria and Jorge De La Torre

Jody and Bob Dickinson

John Edwards

Tonya and Eric Eikenberg

The Forte Family

Adria and Jay Fraioli

Brenda Fulmer

Bella Goldstein

Lourdes E. Gomez and Marcelino

Miyares, Ph.D.

Roberto J. Gonzalez

Elaine and Gary Gross

Lorena and James Hartenstein

Eileen Higgins

John and Claudia Holliman

Affiliated Fund

Kathleen and Steven Holmes

Oliver Ionita

France-Marie and Sheldon Jordan

Michael Koretsky

Joyce I. Kory

Mariana and Angus Laney

Ferlia Leonardo

Liana Loughlin

Charles Luthin

Patricia and Joseph McCrink

Lauren Coleman and Chris Miseresky

Elizabeth Ann and Anthony Morgenthau

Destinee Nunez Hidalgo

Grace Wang, M.D. and Steven Pabalan, M.D.

Cristina and Alex Raecke

Anne and Humberto Reboredo

Raquel A. Regalado

Ramses Rivero

Walter K. Robinson

The Honorable Anthony Rodriguez

Josie Romano Brown and Dr. Mark Brown

Lori Ryan

Rolando Schwank

Anonymous

Margarita and Richard Tonkinson

John Wells

Monica and Victor West

$500 - $999

Zoha Sokolovska and Amnon Baazov

Andre Barbosa

Diane and Ramon Bardelas

Rollin Bardin

Margarita Sahli-Blaya and Max Fernando Blaya

Jonathan Bogue

Cristina Bonafonte

Ileana Briganti

Darlene and James Carenza

Joel Chrycy

Larry Clark

Jason E. Dimitris

Erin Fletcher

Michelle Funez Jurado

Ricardo Garbati

Alain Gonzalez-Mule

Guita and Victor Herrera

Karly Hurst

Larry Kaplan

Lindsay and Nathaniel Kloiber

Kristina Korge

Jenny and Angel Lopez

Aleida Lopez

Erin Lopez Clough

Jeanne McFadden

Helen Miguel

Alec Milton

Steve Morrison

David Oxfeld

Arlene Peterson

Jonathan Ramirez

Kathrin Rein

Chary Rico-Toro

Alba Salvo

Natalie Sanchez

Sylvia Sawelson

Dawn and Theodore Sayre

Mitchell Schane

Jesse Seery

Dara Silverstein

Phoebe Tanasi

Ofelia and Gilbert Velasquez

Mabel and Octavio “Tab” Verdeja

Elizabeth Waters and Michael B. Vinas

Kathryn N. Weston

$100 - $499

Maegan Aja

Nicholas Alvarez

Paula and Carlos Alvarez

Brendan Areces

Andrew Areces

Josemyne Ayala Gotay

Ruby M. Bacardi

Kay and Michael Baker

Mary L. Barley

Jeannette and William Barnes

Brittnie R. Bassant

Ellen and Daniel Berger

Kimberly Berkman

Christine Blanco

Robin and I. Barry Blaxberg

Amanda Bolanos

Patricia and Robin Bosco

Teri Bowley

Anais and Jose Boza

Natalie Brown and Sam Joseph

Elizabeth Brown

Marijke E. Browning

Debra and Carl Burch

Stephanie and Jose Cabrera

Amy Calderon

Steve Camacho

Jason Carlo

Beth and Roger Carlton

Cindy Castelblanco Serrato and Juan Serrato

Carlos Castillo

Maricela Rutter and Giovanni Castro

Michael Chavez

Carole J. Cholasta

Amy Christopoulos

Monica Cipnic

Elizabeth and W. Meade Collinsworth

Marisel and Chiang Colon

Sandra Conde

Ariel Cook

Ira Dash

Maxwell Davidson

Capt. Ed Davidson

Rodrigo De Araujo

Osvaldo De La Cruz

Vanessa De Para

Carlos M. Decespedes, IV

Kate DeLoach

Teresa Dempsey

Michelle Diaz

D. Diane Dickhut

Jamie Diptee-Bay

Justin Domnitz

Carlos H. Espina

Jasmine Estrada

Kelly Feeney

Natalie Feria

Nathalie Feria and Donal Mc Gowan

Jorge Fernandez

Margarita Fernandez

Wesley P. Ficht

Carol Ann Fisher

Patricia E. Franyie

Gusner Garcia

Alejandro Garcia

Julia L. Gee

Heather Geraci

Michelle and Andrew Gleman

Anne and Jon Goldman

Alfredo Gomez

Steven Greenberger

Becky Gutknecht

Cameron R. Hamlin

Kyle Hardy

Mary and George Harvey

Angela Hatfield and Charles Kaiser

Rosie Hayden

John Henry

Marie D. Hernandez

The Hertz Family

Geddy A. Hilton

Tabitha and John Hoffman

Allison Huss

Tina Inguanzo

Sharon and Dennis Javer

Daryn A. Javer

Marcin M. Jaworski

Laysa Jimenez

Melissa Jordon

Donna and Craig Kalil

Virginia Kilroy-Bertot

Vanessa Knapp

Samantha Kohlman

Irene A. Korge

Julia Korzeniowski

Deidre Krause

Patrick Kyhos

Robert M. Labouef

Elizabeth Lane

Alex Lastra

Judy Lease

Ben Levy

Rayge Light

Nancy and Marc Lipsitz

Jennifer Blanco and David Lizama

Adyl Llaguno

Tana and Leopoldo Llinas

Suzette and Humberto Lopez

Madeline Luis

Rita and Ron Magill

Elizabeth Mahaffey

Rocio Martinez

Ivo Matijevic

Raul Mederos

Danielle Mejia

Eva and Glenn Merkel

George R. Miller, III

Andrea and Lloyd Miller

Mike Miller

Virginia Mojica

Michelle R. Montalvo

Cristina and Steven Mullins

Jacqueline Murton

Julian Negron

Zachery Neiling

Carol Nobles

Marisa Nochumson

Tina M. Nuccitelli

Janet S. Ojeda

Linda and Lawrence Oliver

Alec Olmedillo

The Olmsted Family

Karli O’Neill

Norma Orozco

Amanda Ortega

Ignacio Ortega Alvarez

Janine Pajon

Liliam and Kristoffer Palacios

Yailyn Palma

Marcia Palomba

Chris Paschall

Joshua Pascual

Ariel Penzer Milgroom and Jeremy D. Milgroom

Javier Perez

Leonard L. Perez

Diana Perry

Alexander Polstein

Susan and Norman Powell

Judith R. Rabkin

Nercy and Bill Radcliffe

Sharon Beal and Ronald A. Raymond

Krista Rios

Susan Ritchie

Andria Garcia and Patrick M. Robles

Tanlla Rodriguez

Silvia and Manuel Rodriguez

Melissa Rosales-Rodriguez

Stephanie Rosell

Frank Rosenberg

Jennifer and Daniel Rotolante

Clara and W. Glenn Rushworth

Brandon Saballos

Johanna Sacasas

Brian Salzverg

Ryan Sam

Linda Sanabria

Melissa Sanchez

Blanca Sandoval

Anita and Kurt Scott

Alex Seasholtz

Barbara Seruya

Steven P. Shanley, Ph.D.

Sam Shapiro

Mary K. Shaughnessy

Rachel Silverstein, Ph.D.

Howard L. Silverstein

Amanda and Blake Simmons

Nancy L. Soderholm

Cristian Soliz

Samantha Spellerberg

Ronald K. Stayton

Dwight Stephens

Peter Stortz

Margaret A. Strickland

Josh Tartell

Francine and Herbert Tobin

Deborah and Michael Troner

Josie Vila

Delia von Neuschatz

Teresita and J.D. Wagner

Sara D. Warren

Angela Washington

Anya Weatherly

Bonnie and Mark Webman

Jeff Werner

Melissa and David Wetzel

Justin White

Ward B. Whitten

Ester and Shep Willis

Ian Woodson

Patricia and Jason Woolley

Steven S. York

Charlene Zatroch

CORPORATE PARTNERS

$25,000 +

Assurant, Inc.

Florida Power & Light

$10,000 - $24,999

Amazon

Bean Automotive Group

Casino Miami Jai-Alai

Florida International University

Forte Properties

Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Mark Anthony Brands, Inc.

Shutts & Bowen, LLP

United Property Management, Inc.

$5,000 - $9,999

MC Flooring Corporation

Parrot Fish Studio

TruckMax, Inc.

Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, PL

$1,000 - $4,999

City National Bank of Florida

El Car Wash

Miami Charter Bus Company

Parrot Fish Studio

Sheltered Wings Inc.

U.S. Century Bank

West Flagler Associates

$500 - $999

Tropical Anglers Club, Inc.

United Property Management, Inc.

$100 - $499

Comcast Corporation

GFWC Coco Plum Woman’s Club

Ocaquatics Swim School

Publix Super Markets, Inc.

United Way of Greater Atlanta

FOUNDATIONS

$25,000 +

The Miami Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999

Miami Dade College Foundation

Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation

The Clinton Family Fund

Esserman Family Foundation Inc.

The Helliwell Family Foundation

D. Richard Mead Charitable Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

The Allen Family Foundation

The Tonkinson Foundation

The Victoria A. Benyo Rev. Trust

$1,000 - $4,999

Fanny & Stephen Rosenak Foundation

Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.

Sofia’s Hope, Inc.

The Miami Foundation

$500 - $999

Charities Aid Foundation of America

$100 - $499

AMEN Muniz Charitable Fund

Give Lively Foundation

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

$25,000 +

Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Department

$10,000 - $24,999

Florida Division of Cultural Affairs

*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

Remembering Fred Cohen

It is with profound sadness that Zoo Miami announces the passing of Fred Cohen. Fred was a truly wonderful and kind-hearted man who was the all-time senior employee at the zoo. His career began in 1959 at Zoo Miami’s predecessor, the Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne. Though he retired in the late 90’s after spending over 30 years preparing animal diets in the Zoo Kitchen, he couldn’t stay away for long, and eventually came back as a part-time employee working at various areas including the Carousel, Giraffe Feeding Station, and the Special Tours Station. All in all, he worked at the zoo for nearly 60 years where he loved greeting guests and sharing stories!

A highlight of Fred’s career that he enjoyed sharing with people was when he flew to New York to be featured on the David Letterman Show as the “Zoo Chef.” In addition to his dedicated service to the zoo, he was also a professional clown named, “GoGo,” a role he would occasionally reprise for special events. Fred truly loved the zoo and the countless guests that he so happily greeted for over half a century. He was a one-of-a-kind zoo ambassador who will be profoundly missed.