OUR MISSION: The Zoo Miami
Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
- “Rita & Ron” Bald Eagle Updates - Habitat Hazards - Valentine’s Day Gifts
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 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
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
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
David Konfino Jim Kushlan, PhD Jack Lowell Manny J. Rodriguez, P.E. Edward Soto Merrett R. Stierheim Eric J. Stephens Lawrence O. Turner, Jr. Diana Udel Ana VeigaMilton, Esq. Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.
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.
LETTER FROM THE CEO Dear Friends, Happy New Year and welcome to 2022! It is always so exciting to step into a new year building on the momentum of the achievements that came before. We are kicking things off on such a high note this January, as we celebrate having reached our 1 Million Guest milestone in Fiscal Year 2021. Of course, this record is even more incredible as it came in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, following several closures and setbacks. It’s truly a testament to the support of our community. Certainly, the year ahead will bring more thrilling zoo news, successful events and programs, and exciting animal births. In particular, we are beyond eager to open the new Sea Turtle Hospital at Zoo Miami this year. The hospital will play a major role in the care and rehabilitation of sick and injured sea turtles with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. This project feels like a natural step forward for Zoo Miami and continuation of our conservation work, as we are located so close to the ocean – the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental US. Just like our community, the world around us, and the world of wildlife we strive to preserve, Zoo Miami is made stronger by the challenges we have faced and overcome. The past two years have brought unprecedented obstacles that have forced us to adapt and find new ways to grow. We are proud of the ways our Learning Experiences team continues to educate and inspire families with programs like Zoo Camp, school outreaches, and campouts. Our Conservation Action Center has now been open for a year, and has provided impactful and interactive new experiences to our zoo guests. All the while, our Animal Health team is doing incredible work keeping our animals healthy – as we make plans for a new and improved Animal Hospital.
Editor: Rashielle Teape Contributors: Cindy Castelblanco, Lissette Chatel, Rob Lara, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Zazu Mao, Bill Moore, Andrea Obregon, Carlos Simoes, and Katy Wilhelm Layout & Design: Parrot Fish Studio
Photography: Ron Magill
Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation are made possible and made better by our loyal community of visitors, donors, Members, and volunteers. Thank you for helping us achieve each milestone, face every challenge, and continue our efforts to not only protect and preserve wildlife, but inspire future generations to do the same.
Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.
FOLLOW US
BILL MOORE ZMF President/CEO
If you would like to support Zoo Miami’s mission, please give what you can.
Thank you!
DONATE NOW! 2
Inside This Issue
12 15
4
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
7
10 Ways to Make 2022 a Year to Remember
8
Habitat Hazards An article by Ron Magill on how guest behavior can influence – and endanger – animal health and welfare
10
Adventures in Learning
12
“Ron & Rita” Bald Eagle Updates
14
Keeper Corner
15
Animal Hospital Visits
18
Recipe: Sheetpan Eggplant Parmesan
20
Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors
Learn more about the history behind Zoo Miami’s oldest residents – the Galapagos tortoises
THANK
YOU!
Thanks to 198 generous supporters, Zoo Miami Foundation raised $42,639 on Give Miami Day in November 2021!
CONSERVATION:
These much-needed funds will help us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation – on both land and sea!
LAND TO SEA 3
Valentine Gifts Adventures for Two
Treat your loved one to a year of endless adventures together. Save $14 on a Dual Membership at Zoo Miami when you use promo code VALENTINE22. This promotion is valid from February 7 – 14, 2022.
Click here to purchase
Love g Everlastin Set your love in stone with a custom commemorative brick at Zoo Miami. Your brick will be featured on the Walkway of the Wild for years to come.
Click here to purchase
Something to Cuddle
For the animal lover in your life, you can symbolically adopt an animal in their name and gift them a Keeper Package as a keepsake! Your gift will help us care for and enrich the lives of our animal residents at Zoo Miami.
Click here to purchase 4
Mardi Gras
SIP & STROLL MAR 5 • 7-10PM An after-hours event in the spirit of Mardi Gras with food, wine, craft beer and more!
21 & OVER EVENT zoomiami.org 5
!
January 15 – 31, 2022
Thank you for helping us welcome 1 million guests to Zoo Miami in 2021! • Walk through a special archway in front of the Conservation Action Center! • Snap a photo with our 1M+ display and post your photo to social media using #1MillionZooMiami for a chance to win a prize!
#1MillionZooMiami zoomiami.org
6
s i h T e k a M o t s 10 Way r e b m e m e R o t a Year at Zoo Miami! and how you can
do them
WITH FAMILY 1. SPEND MORE TIME unlimited bership, you can get em M i iam M o Zo a With y now ole family all 2022! Bu admission for the wh with ugh January 14, 2022 and get 20% off thro R. promo code ZOOYEA 2. GIVE BACK olved in the you become more inv Make 2022 the year more about ife and nature! Learn conservation of wildl te to help. d initiatives and dona an ms ra og pr i’s iam M Zoo WITH NATURE g your 3. CONNECT MORE of the show but durin s ar st e th e ar als im We know our an ion to our ke sure to pay attent ma o, Zo e th to it vis next nts. trees, foliage, and pla diverse collection of G NEW 4. LEARN SOMETHIN ional programs for offers fun and educat n tio da un Fo i iam M o thing wild. Zo aranteed to learn some gu e u’r Yo ly! mi fa ole the wh TIME 5. VOLUNTEER YOUR o volunteers this n join our pride of Zo ca s en te d an s ult ad th Bo care to guest running, from animal o zo r ou ep ke lp he year to experience. NEW for a VIP tour 6. TRY SOMETHING r at Zoo Miami. Sign up ve co dis to ch mu so There’s re. e Zoo like never befo experience to see th S 7. MAKE NEW FRIEND like Sip & Stroll our next social event, to t ou me co to re su Make d mingle! Mardi Gras to mix an rpieces? If CREATIVITY created ar tistic maste ve ha 8. UNLEASH YOUR als im an n ow otography me of our very ur hand at wildlife ph yo y Tr u! Did you know that so yo n ca so and get creative, an elephant can paint ing! inspiration for a paint or use our animals as
and you’ll be H THE SCREENS phone tucked away, ur yo ep 9. UNPLUG AND DITC Ke . nd wi un ce to unplug and u watch patiently! Our park is a great pla about our animals if yo e tic no y ma u yo at amazed at wh
nces that will PERSPECTIVE for immersive experie it vis xt ne ur yo on er tion Action Cent rmese python! Stop by the Conserva ugh the mouth of a Bu ro th g lin aw cr e lik – ctive challenge your perspe
UR 10. CHALLENGE YO
7
HABITAT HAZARDS:
How Guest Behavior Can Directly Influence Animal Health and Welfare. BY RON MAGILL
The overwhelming majority of zoo guests have great respect for our animals and understand that with patience, wonderful natural behaviors can be observed. Unfortunately, there is a very small minority that sometimes tries to get an animal’s attention by making loud sounds or actually throwing items into an animal’s habitat. Though these visitors may believe that this is harmless, the reality is that it can be very detrimental, and even deadly, to the animal involved. Making loud noises or other types of sounds that may represent danger to a particular animal can elevate their stress levels, which can sometimes lead to lower resistance to illness and disease as well as self-injury in extreme cases. What can be even more dangerous to the animals is when foreign objects end up in their habitats. Some of these objects (cell phones, sunglasses, hats, etc.) may be the result of accidents, which is why we ask all visitors to secure any loose items they may have whenever they are observing animals. Sometimes, the animal may ingest an item before staff has the opportunity to remove it, in which case, they still need to be notified so that the animal can be closely monitored to ensure that the item can be naturally passed and isn’t going to cause a potentially fatal obstruction. We have had some animals including alligators and a Komodo dragon that had to undergo surgery to remove items ranging from pacifiers to water bottles that could have proven fatal without veterinary intervention! 8
Foreign items found in Zoo animals
If you accidently drop an item into a habitat, please notify a staff member so that we can safely remove the item before an animal may try to ingest it.
What is most disturbing is when guests purposely throw items into habitats to evoke responses from the animals. Not only is this illegal and subject to criminal prosecution, it can quickly lead to critical health issues that, without costly veterinary care, can result in the death of the animal. This was the case with our female spotted hyena. It was noted by her keepers that she had lost her appetite and was beginning to lose weight while becoming extremely lethargic. Her condition worsened and she was immobilized and brought to the zoo’s animal hospital for a series of in-depth tests. After close examination, her stomach was found to contain a large amount of recycled rubber mulch from the public walkways (this product is in the process of being removed from animal areas). Emergency surgery was performed to remove the material and thankfully, the animal has begun to recover. However, there is little doubt that this would have been fatal without veterinary intervention.
Rubber mulch ingested by spotted hyena
Komodo dragon X-ray Alligator examination and removal procedure When visiting the zoo, please make sure that all of your personal items are secure and please do not throw any items into animal habitats as those items can often present serious health risks to the animals. And remember, if you see something, say something! Seek out a staff member or call the zoo (305-251-0400) if you see anything that you think could be hazardous to the animals whether it’s people misbehaving or suspicious objects in a habitat.
If visiting with your children, explain to them why behaviors like yelling, tapping on the glass, or throwing objects are bad for the animals. We want to encourage respect for the natural world and inspire them to be the next generation of environmental stewards. By taking the time to patiently watch animals for extended periods of time, you may be very pleasantly surprised at some of the fascinating natural behaviors you may be able to observe. 9
Adventures IN LEARNING
March 21 - 25, 2022 Ages 4 - 12 Spring is in the air! It’s the perfect time for campers to experience a unique adventure during their Spring Break by blooming into the world of wildlife conservation. $192/child for Zoo Members $240/child for Non-Members
School may be out but the zoo is still open! On Teacher Planning Days, our one-day camps are full of adventure.
JANUARY 17, 2022: HABITAT HEROES
Metropolis has Superman, Gotham has Batman, and nature has its own heroes known as keystone species. But what happens to their habitats if they disappear? Join us and find out!
JANUARY 21, 2022: HIDE AND SEEK
Now you see me, now you don’t! See if you can spot the animals in this exciting camp adventure.
FEBRUARY 21, 2022: IT’S A WET JUNGLE OUT THERE
Rain is critical to survival. How do the animals in the rainforest handle all that rain? Let’s explore all the levels of the rainforest and how the animals not only survive but thrive in this ecosystem.
$48/child for Members $60/child for non-Members
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
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CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The Conservation Teen Scientist (CTS) program is an opportunity for 9th-12th graders to join our zoo team as they develop practical life skills (public speaking, team building, etc.) and increase their knowledge in the arena of environmental sciences. Interpret at exhibits, assist with customer service and events, go on field trips, and receive the opportunity to network with experts in their field. Students will earn community service hours and receive animal handling training with ambassador animals after one year of participation!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Applications Due April 29, 2022
ZOO TO YOU! Zoom with Zoo Miami! These programs are designed to bring the fun of Zoo Miami to your kids groups whether you are a camp, library, or other organization! These programs are a 30-minute, interactive, educational experience with one of our knowledgeable educators. Our educator will conduct activities with your group on Zoom and provide one recorded animal encounter.
AVAILABLE TOPICS INCLUDE: SENSATIONAL SENSES Let’s explore the 5 senses! Did you know that predator and prey have different eye positions? There is so much to discover in the sensory world. Can you sense this will be a fun and engaging way to explore senses with your students? CREATURE FEATURE Want your students to learn about adaptations and how they help animals survive in their habitats? This program will explore physical, behavioral, and functional adaptations in the animal kingdom. Let’s get wild! ANIMAL JEOPARDY This game of Jeopardy is sure to entertain as we test our knowledge of animals and explore what Zoo Miami does for conservation. Categories include Zoo Miami history, conservation at Zoo Miami, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Don’t forget to say “What is...”. STORY OF THE FLORIDA PANTHER Join us for the story of the Florida panther. A silent predator in Florida that almost went extinct and is slowly making a comeback through conservation efforts. Learn about adaptations, habitats, and habitat loss/fragmentation through this interactive program.
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 11
“Rita & Ron” Bald Eagle Update!
In our last issue of Keepin’ it Wild, we highlighted a bald eagle chick that had been rescued, rehabilitated, and successfully released back into the wild. We also spoke about that eagle’s parents, whose nest was destroyed in a storm and how Zoo Miami, in collaboration with Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, was able to construct an artificial platform for the eagles to rebuild their nest – which they began doing in September. Well, a lot has happened since then! The pair of eagles, named “Ron” and “Rita,” after Zoo Miami’s Communications Director and his wife, have not only successfully rebuilt their nest on the platform, but they laid three eggs! All three of these eggs have since hatched. Unfortunately, the last chick did not survive through it’s first day. While sad, it was not unexpected as bald eagles are only around 50% successful in fledging chicks due to the many challenges they face. However, the first two chicks - referred to as “R1” and “R2” - appear to be doing well. They hatched just in time for the New Year, with R1 emerging from its egg around 10 PM on January 1st, and the R2 following at approximately 8:30 AM on January 2nd! Even more exciting, this was all streamed live from state-of-the-art, high-definition cameras for the world to see. As we have seen, this natural journey has been both thrilling and difficult. R1 and R2 still have many challenges ahead and we are reminded that nature is not a fastasy story, but a “survival of the fittest” journey. Whatever happens, we must let nature take its course and will not interfere with any natural process. However, we hope that the unique opportunity provided by the work of Wildlife Rescue of Dade County and the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment will help connect people to nature in a meaningful and memorable way. * Please note that these eagles are nesting in the wild, not at Zoo Miami. We encourage our fellow wildlife enthusiasts to tune in to the Live Cam to witness nature at its purest, without being intrusive! 12
Timeline: March 13, 2021 – Ron Magill received a call from
Lloyd Brown of Wildlife Rescue of Dade County regarding a fallen and injured bald eagle chick
Watch Live:
https://www.zoomiami.org/ bald-eagle-cam
August 21, 2021 – After months of rehabilitation, the chick was released back into the wild at Everglades National Park
September 3, 2021 – The eaglet’s parents returned to
their nesting site, where a new artificial platform and Live Cam had been installed thanks to Wildlife Rescue of Dade County and the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment
September 18, 2021 – The eagles began to rebuild their nest on the new platform
November 24, 2021 – “Rita” laid her very first egg November 27, 2021 – Rita laid her second egg December 1, 2021 – Rita surprised everyone and laid
Live chat: on YouTube for alerts on page activity and to join the live chat! @ Wildlife Rescue of Dade County
Follow us: for news and updates
a third egg (bald eagles usually only produce two a year!)
January 1, 2022 – On the night of New Years Day,
@ ZooMiami
the first bald eaglet successfully hatched!
January 2, 2022 – The next morning, the second eaglet hatched while the first was being fed by their mother!
January 6, 2022 – The third chick was observed hatching from its egg. Unfortunately, it did not survive the evening.
Donate: CLICK HERE
Breakfast at Ron and Rita’s So far, menu items have included: various fish, ibis, parrot.
13
KEEPER CORNER
Living History:
The Lives of Zoo Miami’s Galapagos
Tortoises by Rob Lara
Record-keeping for zoos in the early 1900s was not as comprehensive as it is today. This normally is not a problem for modern zoos, because most animals don’t tend to live long enough for the past century of record-keeping to affect them. However, Zoo Miami is home to giant tortoises from the Galapagos Islands who happen to be many times the age of their keepers! When Zoo Miami was making a change from a tortoise-feeding experience to a shell-scrubbing encounter, we identified the need for more information about our tortoises and decided to dive deeper into the backstories our four resident tortoises: Hillary, Sweet Pea, Gramma, and Goliath. We reached out to the coordinator of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) to cross reference information and found more than we expected. Hillary, who can be identified by large indents on the backside of her shell, is believed to have hatched in 1958, making her around 63 years old! She was born on Santa Cruz Island and brought into the US in 1961. It’s presumed that she was taken from the island as a pet and eventually made it to the LA Zoo in July of 1966, where she was paired with a breeding group of tortoises from the same island. She came to Zoo Miami in 1997 in hopes that she will contribute to the survival of her species. Sweet Pea, who has dimples on the front of her shell and a distinctive hole in one of her back right shell sections (known as scutes), came to Zoo Miami in 1960, back when we were Crandon Park Zoo. Her hatch date is unknown, but she is listed as coming into the US in 1959 after hatching somewhere in the Galapagos in 1954. According to Colette Adams, the SSP coordinator, there is a tradition in Ecuador for children to be given baby tortoises at age 5. These tortoises are usually tethered outside people’s homes by the scutes on the edges of their shells, until the family finds a home for them. Since Sweet Pea has holes in the rear of her carapace, she may have been one of these “pets!” Gramma, who has a pink nose and a yellow mark on her shell, came to Zoo Miami in 1981 from Honolulu Zoo, where she arrived in 1972 from National Zoo. Based on a weight recoding from National Zoo in 1966 (about 7 lbs), we’ve determined that she must have been hatched sometime in 1964, making her 57 years old today. Last but not least is Goliath, our biggest tortoise by far, weighing in at over 515 lbs! He came to Zoo Miami in 1981 from Bronx Zoo and based on his size when he arrived, he had been estimated to be between 60 and 80 years old. Now, after checking records with Colette, we now know Goliath came into the US in 1911! We now have his estimated hatch date listed as between 1885 and 1895, making him about 131 years old! If you haven’t yet, I sincerely implore you to come out to Zoo Miami to say hello to our oldest residents! The SSP coordinator left us with this thought:
“It’s okay that we don’t know the background on all of our animals. They have seen a lifetime of things we will never see.”
14
ANimaL
HOSPiTAL
Visits
SPIDER MONKEY On November 10, 2021, two of Zoo Miami’s female spider monkeys underwent general wellness exams that included blood collection, radiographs, ultrasound exams, tuberculosis tests, dental cleanings, vaccinations and birth control implants as part of the Animal Health department’s preventative medicine program. Both animals are in good condition!
GORILLA
FLAMINGOES
On October 26, 2021, “Barney,” a 28-year-old silverback lowland gorilla, underwent a physical exam as part of a preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami and he was diagnosed with a minor case of pneumonia. Barney needed to be treated with a nebulizer which enables the patient to breathe in medications that can then directly reach the lungs to provide relief and promote healing. This can be a challenge with a 400-pound gorilla!
On December 2, 2021, Zoo Miami’s flock of 40 Caribbean flamingos were rounded up by Florida: Mission Everglades keepers 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. Marisa Bezjian with assistance from the Animal Science and Animal Health teams.
Thanks to a dedicated effort by the Zoo Miami Animal Science team, Barney has been trained to sit still while presenting his nose to a zookeeper. The keeper then places the nebulizer in front of Barney’s nostrils while he takes deep breaths. This is just one example of how zoo animals are trained to perform certain behaviors that allow them to contribute to their own healthcare without the need to anesthetize them.
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 vaccinated against West Nile virus. 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 the habitat immediately following the procedure.
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James A. Kushlan Wading Bird Research & Conservation Grant Grant Applications Are Now Being Accepted!
The goal of the Fund is to encourage research and conservation on wading birds through the awarding of grants. Grants are to fund research, especially conservation-related research, on species of storks, ibises, spoonbills, and herons. The grants will be awarded every year. To apply, a project must make a significant contribution to the understanding and conservation of wading birds. Research on rare, endangered, and little-known species or populations will be prioritized. These grants are open to research and conservation professionals, students, citizen conservationists, not-for-profit organizations, or government entities with no restriction as to the location of the recipients or the work to be done.
For more information and full grant proposal guidelines, click here. Proposals are due via email to zmfgrants@zoomiami.org by February 7th, 2022. Notification of grant award(s) will be announced April, 2022. 16
Diane Dickhut
Congratulations to our very own docent Diane Dickhut for being Zoo Miami Foundation’s Donor Next Door! We appreciate all that you do for the zoo! Thank you!
Ron Magill Conservation Scholarship
On December 17th, 2021, Zoo Miami surprised a well-deserving South Florida student with a Ron Magill Conservation Scholarship for $5,000! This scholarship was generously matched by Zoo Miami Foundation, awarding her a total of $10,000! Kathryn Treacy is a passionate animal lover and conservationist who has a dream of becoming a wildlife veterinarian. She is a past Student Government Association President, Chapter President of Mu Alpha Theta honor society, a member of the National Honor Society, and has been a dedicated Member of Zoo Miami Foundation’s Conservation Teen Scientists volunteer organization. This award is funded through the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment at the Zoo Miami Foundation. Its main purpose is to support and inspire the development of young adults who choose to major in the life sciences with a goal of establishing a career in wildlife conservation. 17
Ingredients: • 3 tbsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 2 large eggplants (about 14 oz each), cut into ½ inch-thick rounds
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil, divided • 2 cups sourdough breadcrumbs (from 2 [3-oz] day-old sour dough bread slices)
Sheet Pan Eggplant Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tbsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 4 plum tomatoes (about 4 ounces each), sliced • 1 lb fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced • 1 (24-oz) jar marinara sauce (about 3 cups) • 4-oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 cup) • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn
Prep & Cook Time: 1 hr 15 min
Instructions: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons salt on both sides of eggplant rounds, and place on wire rack lines with paper towels. Let liquid drain from eggplant for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat broiler to high with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add breadcrumbs, and cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and thyme. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and set breadcrumb mixture aside. Pat eggplant dry. Drizzle both sides of eggplant rounds with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sprinkle with pepper and remaining 1 teaspoon salt. Place in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil in a preheated oven until lightly golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Let cool 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 425ºF. Layer tomatoes and mozzarella slices between eggplant rounds, slightly overlapping, on baking sheet. Drizzle with marinara sauce. Sprinkle with parmesan, top with breadcrumb mixture, and bake at 425ºF until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with basil, and serve. 18
Thank you to everyone who participated!
From October 2 – 10, 2021, over 500 participants stepped up and stepped out for the second Virtual ZooRun5K! The virtual event raised funds to benefit: #ZooRun5K
10.2.2021 @ MALE WINNER:
Kyler Long 18:56
FEMALE WINNER:
Toni Tornberg 23:06
19
We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between September 20, 2021 and December 16, 2021. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*
INDIVIDUALS $25,000 + Philip Porter
$5,000 - $9,999 Jane Goodman Jill and William W. Moore Anna K. Rentz Diane and Michael Rosenberg
$1,000 - $2,499 Karen and Wray Abercrombie Fredrica and Ray C. Applebaum Brittnie R. Bassant Devina and Anmol Bhandari Adam Bowland Betsy and John V. Chibbaro John Edwards The Forte Family Karen Gomez Barbara Havenick Kirsten N. Hines and James A. Kushlan, Ph.D. James R. Marrone Katharine A. and David McDonald Miriam and Azorides Morales Roshni Neslage Grace Wang, M.D. and Steven Pabalan, M.D. Ann E. Pope Martin E. Segal, LL.B., J.D. Sheila and Ira Shapiro Jason S. Vollmer and Mary E. Stiefel Ann Landau and Ira S. Zweifler
$500 - $999 Patricia and Abdulwahab Aldousany John Anderson José F. Barros William D. Biggs Robin and I. Barry Blaxberg Max F. Blaya Misty L. Buck-Iglesias Karen and Drew Cashmere Richard P. Cole Kyle Dill 20
Eric J. Eikenberg Brett Gaer Patricia and Donovan Hayes Steven Henriquez Rita K. Hernandez Eva and Olav Hinke Matthew James Johnette and Rodney Knowles Subbarao Lef Daniel J. Licciardi Jay Montague John Moorhead Elizabeth Ann and Anthony Morgenthau Paola and Tony Newell Natalie Perez Joanna and Jose Romano Kathleen and Don Sokolik Maria J. Wright
$100 - $499 Rafael Abad Amarilis Adorno and John Cunill Jennifer Allen Carlos A. Alvarez Esther and Larry B. Apple John Arlia Mary L. Barley Diane Barrett Josh Berggen Yvette Berry Jennifer and Steven Brooks Elaine Buza Clara E. Cano Carol Cantor Beth and Roger Carlton Michael Carpenter Catherine Carter Robert Cawood Roger Chaguaceda Dyke Chapman Carole J. Cholasta Derek Cipiti Lydia and Richard Collado Elizabeth and W. Meade Collinsworth Marena and Pedro Costa Fred Cusanelli
Marian Dahman Capt. Ed Davidson Timothy Donovan Sandra and David Dotter Brieanna and Dan Draxdorf Michael A. Dribin Randy Ellzey Dillon Engel Melinda and Philip Engelmann Nancy and Bill England Carol L. Farber Alvis and Lawrence S. Feldman Yauska and Julio C. Fernandez Carol J. Fink Amelia and Arthur Finkle Richard Flusberg Natalie Foresman Christopher Foster Jeanette A. Fousek Samuel Frymark Allen Furst Susan and Glenn Fusfield Enrique Gaston Richard R. Glass Constance and Patrick Golden Ann R. Goldman Jon D. Goldman Jenna Gonzalez Frank Greco Douglass Greist John Guthrie Gloria and Douglas Harmount Mary and George Harvey Joe Harzinski Lynn M. Herbert Beatriz Hernandez Alex Herrada Gail Hershenzon Jana and Andrew P. Hertz Joseph Hodge Devon Hoffman Maribel Hung Melinda Iglesias Pablo Illanes Daniel J. Jacobson Derrick Jecoby Brown Diego Jimenez
Betty and Steven Jones Robert Josefsberg Andrew Junkin Keith R. Keister Nate Kelley Jean King Julia Klumb Johnette and Rodney Knowles Joan and Donald Kohl Virginia Kopelman Philip F. Kushlan Jennifer and Dylan Kyle Don Lessem Matthew A. Levenson Nancy and Marc Lipsitz Christina Long Catherine and Rafael Lorié Roberta Marcus Edgar J. Martinez Maria Martinez Jordan Matters Skye Maxwell Sean McDevitt Dan T. McGillicuddy Timothy Meenan Richard P. Melohn John Meyer Alec Milton Nathan Morris Erin D. Muir Pamela J. Mullins and Walter Flores Natalie Muniz Alma R. Muse and John B. Enberg Daniel Musto Rehan Naqui and Aisha Subhani Brittany Nelson Nelson I. Novack Annette Pelaez Maria and Harry Phillips Liz Powitsky Thomas Proctor Martha H. Rabbitt Alan S. Rapperport Carolyn Read
Carol Reinsma Matt Reitz Esta B. Lewis M. Ress Patricia Richmond Shauna Rigdon Karin and Stephen Rimer Michelle B. Roberson Edilia M. Alzugaray and Juan Francisco Rodriguez Mariana A. Rosales Maria L. Ruiz Lori Ryan Linda and Charles Sands Renee C. Schafer Aaron Schleicher Jeremy Segal Emily and Timothy Servin Mary P. Shepherd Carlos Simoes Gary P. Simon Barbara Singer Lawrence Slone Peter Smith H.B. Smith Antonio Solorzano Ronald K. Stayton Jason M. Stein Sandra and Eric J. Stephens James S. Stewart Robert Thewes Karen D. Thompson and Jay Calkins Jean Tirri Michelle Torbert Monty Trainer Darrah Treleaven Deborah S. Troner Rosemary W. Twinam Domingo Valentin and Maria Robaina Octavio R. Verdeja
Aaron Wais George Walborn Ben Wander Melissa M. and David Wetzel Benge Wheeler Margo K. Williams Lisa B. Wilson Mary Lynne Winstead Shane Young Nelly C. Yunta Jared Zechnowitz
CORPORATE PARTNERS $25,000 + Assurant, Inc. Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, LLC
Great Expressions Dental Centers JCP Event Solutions LEGO Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay Miami Strike Force Ocaquatics Management, Inc. Playground of Miami Sky Zone Cutler Bay
$100 - $499 Facebook Medtronic The Benevity Community Impact Fund United Way Worldwide Walmart, Inc.
FOUNDATIONS
$1,000 - $2,499 Ida Hutzler Charitable Trust
$100 - $499 American Express Giving Program AmazonSmile Foundation American Express Giving Program
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS $25,000 + Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
$1,000 - $2,499 Miami-Dade County
$25,000 +
$500 - $999 Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Baptist Health South Florida Bank of America Merrill Lynch Esserman International HITN
Do Unto Others Trust, Inc. Peacock Foundation, Inc. The Batchelor Foundation, Inc. The Cobb Family Foundation, Inc. The Kirk Foundation, Inc.
$5,000 - $9,999
$10,000 - $24,999
Florida Power & Light Williamson Automotive Group
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
$2,500 - $4,999
$5,000 - $9,999
El Car Wash Walmart, Inc.
The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks Dr. Moses and Beatrice Goodman Fund The Five Millers Family Foundation, Inc. The William W. Spruance Foundation
$10,000 - $24,999
$500 - $999 LEGO Bake it on Wheels Creating Bridges Therapy CRS Data Florida Center for Allergy & Asthma Care
*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
VIP E EXPERIENC $8 9 . 9 5
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R E T N U O C N E G N I H T SOME 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 22
