Keepin' it Wild January - March 2023

January - March 2023

Keepin’ it Wild !

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:

- The Passing of a Patriarch

- Sloth and Turtle Releases

- 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: Jose Felix Diaz

Chair-Elect: Alan Atkinson

Treasurer: Alexander Binelo

Secretary: Brittnie Bassant Past Chair: Erik Eikenberg

Alan Atkinson

Mary Barley

Brittnie Bassant

Jason Bell

Alexander “Alex” Binelo

Javi Borges

James A. Carenza

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

John V. Chibbaro

Jose “Pepi” Felix Diaz, Esq.

Daniel Diaz Leyva

Diane Dickhut

Eric Eikenberg

Will Elgar

Armando “Mandy” Fernandez

Ricardo Garbati

Victor H. Herrera

Philip Kushlan

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

George Leser

Daniel J. Licciardi

Sharon MacIvor DVM

Kathy McDonald

William “Bill” Moore

Maria I. Nardi

Marc A. Osheroff

Samantha Pencar

Ann Pope

Martha H. Rabbitt

Jose C. Romano

Joseph R. Salzverg

Daniel V. Sanchez

Eduardo M. Soto

Merrett R. Stierheim

Peter “Chip” Vandenberg, Jr.

Fred Voccola

Christopher Walters

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.

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: Natalie Canelas, Cindy Castelblanco, Marie Hernandez, Nicole Hunnewell, Jamie Lassonde, Aleida Lopez, Ron Magill, Zazu Mao, Bill Moore, Alexandra Nodarse, Henry Ocon, Carlos Simoes, Ron Stayton, Sheyla Velasquez, and Melissa Wetzel

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

LETTER

FROM THE CEO

Dear Friends, Happy New Year! As always, we are thrilled to be stepping into a new chapter with you. As you will see later on in this issue, I have recently announced my plan to retire as CEO and President of Zoo Miami Foundation, and the organization is currently searching for their next leader. While the timeline of this transition has not yet been determined, I have nothing but confidence in the organization’s future. New beginnings are always an exciting time.

We step into 2023 following a year of truly remarkable accomplishments and plans to make the zoo bigger and better than ever – while also returning to tried-and-true traditions. Just this past October, our annual ZooRun welcomed runners back to Zoo Miami after two years of going virtual and even added a brand new 10K race to the mix. Now, in just a few months, our highly anticipated premier tasting event, Feast with the Beasts, is back after a threeyear hiatus and we are all buzzing with excitement.

If there’s anything the last few years have provided us, it’s the opportunity to step back and assess our vision of what Zoo Miami can be and what we can achieve together. In 2022, we opened our new Sea Turtle Hospital and immediately began treating and rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles. Now, just on the horizon is our plan to expand our tiger habitat here at Zoo Miami. These two projects will stand as pillars to signify our work in education and conservation, from land to sea.

While I am not one to dwell on the past, it is truly impressive to consider how much Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation have accomplished together since I first joined the organization in 2014. This year will certainly be one for the books and we are grateful to each of our guests, members, donors, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers for helping us get to this very moment, and for everything we will continue to achieve.

Thank you, Zoo fans! Let’s make 2023 our best year yet.

BILL MOORE ZMF President/CEO

Emeriti Directors

President/CEO: Wiliam W. Moore

Layout & Design: Photography: Parrot Fish Studio Ron Magill

If you would like to support Zoo Miami’s mission, please give what you can. Thank you!

Go Wild For Your Valentine

Endless Adventures for Two Carve Your Love in Stone

What’s more romantic than unlimited dates to Zoo Miami? Save $14 on a Dual Membership using code 14LOVE23 online. This promotion is valid from February 7 – 14, 2023.

Click here to purchase

Leave a message as everlasting as your love for your significant other, family member, or dear friend. Your custom engraved brick will line the Walkway of the Wild at Zoo Miami for years to come. Save 14% on a brick for your valentine using code ENGRAVEDLOVE online. This promotion is valid from February 7 - 14, 2023.

Click here to purchase

Something Soft and Huggable

Symbolically adopt an animal dedicated to your favorite wildlife lover. Keeper Packages include a plush, certificate of adoption, and more. Plus, they help us enrich the lives of our very own animal residents (so it’s like you’re sending them some love too!)

Click here to purchase

Always dressed for Valentine’s Day, this colorful bird is a fabulous mix of beautiful and odd, with its bright pink, orange, yellow, and red feathers and large spoon-shaped bill.

SEAFOOD PLATTER, PLEASE

This rosé-colored bird may not be going on any sushi dates, but its diet mostly consists of small crustaceans, minnows, shrimp, aquatic insects, and other aquatic fish and invertebrates. Much of the color in its bright pink plumage even comes from the algae pigments in the food it eats.

With its eponymous spoon-shaped bill always handy, the spoonbill (get it?) can scoop prey up from shallow water. With its head in the water, it uses a special feeding technique called “head swinging,” feeling for its prey.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

The roseate spoonbill is almost never without its friends – or at least, other spoonbills. These birds of a feather are very social, flying together in flocks and even spending time around other water birds.

MATES FOR THE SEASON

They may not be thinking about forever and ever, but roseate spoonbills will stick to their mates for a breeding season. It all starts with ritual courtship, including dancing, crossing and clasping bills, and exchanging nest materials.

Once they’ve matched up and mated, female spoonbills build well-constructed nests and lay one to four eggs. In a true display of partnership, both parents share American roseate spoonbills can be found in Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. They are

water birds, like wood storks in Florida and gulls and herons in Texas and Louisiana.

The roar of tigers will soon reverberate louder than ever at Zoo Miami when we unveil an expanded and upgraded Sumatran tiger exhibit that will enthrall visitors of all ages with up close and personal encounters. These iconic animals are one of the centerpieces of the Zoo’s wildlife ambassador collection and serve as a reminder of the fragility of their existence, with only a few hundred left in the wild. With new features, a viewing pagoda for face-to-face experiences, and an expanded footprint that will allow for additional tigers, we hope that this unforgettable experience will remind us all that we must protect these and all wildlife for future generations.

Ride. Smile. Repeat!

Enjoy a fun and memorable way to see the zoo on a Rydable, an animal-themed motorized vehicle for both adults and children. Get ready for an amazing adventure! A Rydable can accommodate up to one adult and one teenager or one adult and two children.

NEW Animal encounters

Kiwis, pygmy hippos, and black bears - oh my! Zoo Miami is excited to share these additions to our animal encounters. Get an up-close look at some of your favorite critters, and learn more from their keepers in a truly wild experience.

Help your child find their passion at the zoo! Our 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!

Adult volunteers

Are you passionate about animals and conservation? Join our passionate team of Adult Volunteers! Our large group of volunteers commit thousands of hours every year by helping us fulfill our mission in various areas throughout the zoo. Volunteers are an important part of the guest experience at Zoo Miami by instilling their passion with every individual they meet.

We hope to see you embrace this opportunity and apply!

Recruitment opportunities coming soon! Please check our website for more information.

The Conservation Teen Scientist program (CTS) is an opportunity for high school students to join our zoo team while developing practical life skills (public speaking, team building, etc.) and increasing their knowledge in conservation. CTS Volunteers interpret at exhibits while assisting with customer service and events. This is a great opportunity to network with experts in the environmental science field, go on field trips, and receive community service hours.

Help

build animal enrichments to provide our Zoo Miami animal residents with physical and mental exercise. The Animal Fun Factory is a one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit where visitors of all ages can learn through creative play. Whether you’re crafting a cardboard celebratory cake or signing a birthday banner for one of our animals, there’s always something to celebrate at the Fun Factory!

THE PASSING OF A PATRIARCH: remembering Dalip

With profound sadness and heavy hearts, Zoo Miami recently announced the death of “Dalip” the Asian elephant, who was humanely euthanized on November 24, 2022, after he was found lying down on his habitat, unable to get up.

Dalip was larger than life. Regal and magnificent, he was believed to be the oldest elephant bull in the country at 56 years old. His huge tusks were so long, they occasionally had to be trimmed so that they didn’t hit the ground. Not only was he the patriarch of the elephant herd, but in a way, he was recognized as the patriarch of the entire animal population at Zoo Miami.

In fact, Dalip was the last mammal at Zoo Miami that has been with us since we were known as the Crandon Park Zoo on Key Biscayne, then Miami Metrozoo. He arrived at the zoo from India in 1967 at just one year old – a gift from a benefactor named Ralph Scott.

The Asian bull served as an ambassador for his species for over four decades.

During his time at Zoo Miami, Dalip brought smiles to countless guests and helped to educate and inspire millions of visitors and supporters about elephants and the importance of protecting them. In 1981, he even sired a male calf named Spike.

Unfortunately, Dalip recently began losing weight and showing signs of declining health associated with his advanced age. A variety of treatments were administered with limited success and specialists were consulted and were preparing to fly to Miami to provide additional expertise when Dalip was found lying down on his habitat. Tremendous effort was made by Animal Science, Animal Health, and Maintenance teams to get him on his feet. But, after examining blood levels that indicated that key components had elevated to a point where there was little to no chance for recovery, the extremely difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.

We’re heartbroken and devastated by this loss. His death, on Thanksgiving no less, inspires gratitude for the impact he left on us all, and the compassionate care he received throughout his life.

MAKING inWAVES

In May 2022, a large female loggerhead turtle was rescued with a severe wound to her left front flipper, the apparent victim of a shark attack. Zoo Miami was preparing for the official opening of our new Sea Turtle Hospital on July 6th and quickly stepped in to provide emergency care for this patient.

From Baymax’s first examination, our team knew this would be a challenging case. An ultrasound revealed she was full of eggs. Our animal health staff quickly constructed a special pen filled with sand so she could deposit over 100 eggs! The hope was for Baymax to overcome her challenges and return to the wild.

Initially, Baymax seemed to be recovering well from her treatments and surgeries. Unfortunately, a longstanding infection presented additional challenges, and due to her extraordinary size, she had to be transferred to the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, which is much better equipped to treat a turtle of her size. Sadly, upon arrival, it was confirmed that the infection had worsened and on October 14th,

the difficult decision was made to euthanize her after extensive efforts to resolve it.

This was a devastating loss to everyone at Zoo Miami and the Loggerhead Marinelife Center, but the hope is that those who hear her story become inspired to learn more about sea turtles and protect these magnificent creatures. Our friends at Florida Power and Light (FPL) were touched by Baymax’s story and our Animal Health team’s efforts to care for her. FPL is graciously offering a $10,000 match to any donations in Baymax’s honor. So far, we’ve raised $5,937 - with your support, our team can use the lessons Baymax taught us to provide excellent care for future patients at the Zoo’s Sea Turtle Hospital.

Please consider making a gift in honor of Baymax and the sea turtles in the wild who still need our help.

honor of Baymax

BACK TO THE WILD

One of the greatest rewards that anyone who works with wildlife can receive is to be able to release an animal back to the wild after a successful rescue and rehabilitation.

Sea Turtle Release

On November 30, 2022, a juvenile hawksbill sea turtle was successfully released back to the wild after being recovered by Broward County Sea Turtle Conservation Program personnel and rehabilitated at Zoo Miami’s Sea Turtle Hospital.

The endangered turtle arrived at the zoo on November 5th, 2022, after being found tangled in a net and in a lethargic, weak condition. The Animal Health team worked diligently to treat the juvenile and over time, it gained strength and an increased appetite. Once it demonstrated an excellent diving reflex and the ability to maintain good neutral buoyancy, it was cleared for release!

Zoo Miami Sea Turtle Hospital Manager, Rosemary Lucas, transported the turtle to Key West, where she met with Dr. Jennifer Feltner, Florida Keys Refuge Biologist, and then took the hawksbill approximately 4 miles offshore to release it into the ocean.

Sloth Release

During a recent trip to Panama by Ron Magill and Dr. Marisa Bezjian, The Panamerican Conservation Association (APPC), which is supported by the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment provided them with the wonderful opportunity to release a three-toed sloth back to the wild. In a beautiful Panamanian forest, Dr. Bezjian was able to usher the sloth onto a tree, where it slowly and successfully climbed high up to make itself back at home.

The sloth was rescued and successfully rehabilitated by the APPC team, which is where Zoo Miami’s ambassador sloths come from! The organization is Panama’s leader in wildlife rescue, focusing on sloths in particular. They provide long-term care to sick, injured, and orphaned animals in need and promote environmental awareness throughout the community.

ANimaL Hospital VISITS

RITA THE BALD EAGLE

On November 30, the female bald eagle known as “Rita” underwent surgery to repair a critically fractured right wing at Zoo Miami’s Animal Hospital. She had been brought to Zoo Miami on November 28, 2022, by staff at Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, after being brought to them by Florida Wildlife Commission officers. She was originally found in critical condition in northwest Miami-Dade County the evening prior.

After receiving immediate critical care to stabilize her, the effort was focused on saving as much of the wing as possible. The Animal Health team tried a series of treatments that included laser therapy, acupuncture, peripheral limb infusion, physical therapy, and a variety of topical, oral, and injectable medications.

Though Rita initially surpassed expectations, showing significant improvement, she eventually began showing signs of infection and loss of circulation and viable tissue in the extremity of the wing that was progressively getting worse. The very difficult decision was made to amputate part of her wing to prevent the spread of infection.

She will now go through an intensive recovery period initially done at Zoo Miami until she is transferred to Wildlife Rescue of Dade County for her rehabilitation. She will ultimately be placed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFW) in a facility where she will remain under human care for the rest of her life. As per an agreement with Native American tribes, she will first be offered to tribes that maintain aviaries that house eagles so that their naturally molted feathers can be utilized for tribal ceremonies. If there are no requestsfrom any Native American tribes, she will be placed in an educational facility where she can serve as an ambassador for her species.

Black Rhino Black bear

On October 5, 2022, our 12-year-old American black bears, “Laurel” and “Libby,” were anesthetized and brought to the hospital to receive their wellness exams. Each bear received a series of radiographs, an ultrasound exam, dental cleanings, manicures, eye exams, and blood collection, as well as an overall body assessment. Initial indications are that both bears are in good health!

On October 3, 2022, “Eddie,” the 23-year-old black rhino, underwent a series of exams that included having a team of veterinary reproductive specialists collect and evaluate his semen. The 3,000-pound pachyderm was sedated and immobilized and in addition to his reproductive exam, his eyes and teeth were examined, blood samples were taken, a pedicure was performed, and he received rabies, equine encephalitis, and tetanus vaccinations. His semen his being banked for future artificial insemination procedures!

otter Cinereous Vultures

On October 11, 2022, our male giant river otter, “Zimuco,” underwent a series of wellness exams, including radiographs, an ultrasound, blood collection, vaccinations for rabies and distemper, and a dental cleaning. Initial indications were that Zimuco is in good health!

On October 19, 2022, Zoo Miami’s cinereous vultures were brought to the hospital for routine wellness exams, including eye and mouth exams, blood collection, vaccinations for West Nile virus, an evaluation of body condition including range of motion, and confirmation of microchip identification. Other than very slight heart murmurs, all three birds appear to be in good health.

Gorillas

On November 8, 2022, “Barney,” a 29-year-old silverback lowland gorilla and his brother, 33-yaer-old “Shango,” underwent a series of exams as part of a preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami. In addition to the normal procedures which include blood collection, x-rays, and a general physical, the great apes were examined by specialists with specific attention to respiratory and cardiac concerns. These exams included a bronchoscopy to evaluate the conditions of the bronchi and lungs as well as echocardiograms to assess the heart chambers and function. Both brothers have been on medication for previously diagnosed heart disease, and the exams confirmed that their treatments are successfully managing their conditions.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Eduardo M. Soto Partner Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Bierman, P.L

Fred Voccola Chief Executive Officer Kaseya

Javi Borges Managing Partner EY Miami Office

Joseph R. Salzverg Shareholder GrayRobinson, P.A.

James A. Carenza Shareholder Greenberg Traurig

Daniel Diaz Leyva, Esq. CEO Diaz Leyva Group

Jason Bell Assistant Vice President, Operations Baptist Health South Florida

Ricardo Garbati Senior Vice President Private Banking City National

Following the announcement of Bill Moore’s plan to retire, Zoo Miami Foundation (ZMF) is currently conducting a search for a new President/CEO. The new leader will plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of Zoo Miami Foundation, the nonprofit support organization for Zoo Miami. ZMF operates robust Learning Experiences programs, supports vital conservation initiatives, and supplements key capital projects that bolster animal welfare and guest experiences at Zoo Miami.

Bill Moore has served in his role since January 2014 and has led ZMF through many changes and challenges. While the timeline of the leadership transition has not yet been confirmed, Bill shared some thoughts and advice for his successor below!

ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION SEARCHING FOR NEW CEO Q&A

With ZMF CEO Bill Moore

Q: Tell us about your fondest Zoo Miami experiences during your time as ZMF’s CEO.

A: While I am not one to look back, it has been an amazing journey to witness and facilitate our staff and Board of Directors partnering to make Zoo Miami and ZMF successful. Over the last nine years, I’ve watched them combine a mix of impressive talents to grow in their skills and successes.

Q: What advice would you give to the incoming CEO of Zoo Miami Foundation?

A: Trust the staff! Get to know them and always push them to be better. In return, they taught me to celebrate the small victories as well as the large ones. Also, stay connected with the Board and Zoo Miami team to find common links and be sure to value and respect each and every donor. Lastly, never rest on past success.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Zoo Miami? Are there any projects or initiatives that have begun during your tenure that you are most looking forward to seeing come to fruition?

A: The project I most want to see is the amazing, state-of-the-art Animal Hospital. The zoo staff that takes care of all of these incredible animals deserve to have a place that provides top-notch capabilities.

INDIVIDUALS

$25,000 + Jane Goodman

Marta S. Weeks

$10,000 - 24,999 George R. Deveny Sally A. Heyman

$5,000 - $9,999

Shannon G Budd Philip F. Kushlan Lynn Liddell

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

$1,000 - $4,999

Karen and Wray Abercrombie M. Ivette and Alan Atkinson Bernardo Babatz Alvarez

Brian Blackman

Kim Darby

Amelia and Arthur Finkle The Forte Family Richard R. Glass

Karen Gomez

Steven Henriquez

Kirsten N. Hines and James A. Kushlan, Ph.D. Miriam and Azorides Morales

Beverly and Michael Phillips

Martha H. Rabbitt

Joanna and Jose Romano

Lori Ryan

Robert Zinkil

$500 - $999

Patricia and Abdulwahab Aldousany

Sandy Bailey Claudia and Alexander Binelo Margarita Sahli-Blaya and Max Fernando Blaya

Molly and Rob Campbell Alicia Celorio

Jon M. Crosbie, D.O. Albert deGrasse

Nathalie Feria Charles and Elsa Foschini Tina and Robert Furniss-Roe Ana Munoz

Karla Norori-Santos and Angel

Santos

Esta and Lewis Ress Tia and Jay Schneider Carmela and Jay Siegel Kathleen and Don Sokolik Suzanna Tiger Deborah and Michael Troner Michael B. Vinas Brandon Yerger

$100 - $499 Jackeline S. Abels Marilyn Agostini Irasema Aguirre Thomas Airo Maegan Aja Sandra M. and Herbert E. Allenson Alex Anderson Marck Ayala Elizabeth Beach Christiana Carroll-Becerra and Robert Becerra Vadim Belinsky Dorothy Caplan Antoinette M. Carminucci Alyssa Carroll Ashlee and Philip Casarino Megan Chalk

Christopher Clines Russell Copp

Kelly Crossan Shameeka Akins-Cruse and James Cruse Gema Curtis and Juan M. Cueto, Jr.

13, 2022

Menno de Vreeze

Robert Devault

Alexandra Duarte Nathalia Duran

Kelly Feeney Alex Ferrer Michael Fisher Bill Flower Robin B. Forman Daniel Garcia Cristina Gonzalez Viviana Gonzalez Steven Greenberger Chelsea and Jeremy Hansen Mandy J. Heaps Marie D. Hernandez Patricia and Charles Hicks Daryn A. Javer Kristina Korge Katlyn Krug Jennifer Lee Sara Lenselink Fabriccio Letellier Rita and Ron Magill Karen Magliocca Salena Maharaj Jacqui Marin Angela Massa John May Trina McWilliams Richard P. Melohn Rossana Mendez-Clay and Alejandro Clay Natalia Mendoza Michelle R. Montalvo Terrence J. Mraz

Natalie Muniz Megan Nealon Nelson I. Novack Tina M. Nuccitelli

Robert Orban Robin and Marc Osheroff Jesse Pantuosco

Ariel Penzer Milgroom and Jeremy D. Milgroom

We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between September

December 19, 2022. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*

Mary Plyler

Ashley Popovich

Jessilyn Pozo

Stephanie Quintero

Tamara Randall

Tyler Ranft

Esther Reynolds

Donna J. Rich

David Richart

Yaritza G. Roman

Robert Rosen

Tracey Schmitt and George Cerchiai

Kelly Sickles

Ana Simony Francisco Solis Jeanne and Michael Spital Ronald K. Stayton

Stephen Takach

Perla Terzian Carmela and Randall Torres Vale R. Trujillo

Amparo and Ronald Unger Anita and Subbarao Uppaluri Lauren Waller

Ward B. Whitten

Alyssa Wiederhold Joe Wise

Rory Witt

Camysha Wright-Gooden

Terilee Wunderman

Jared Zechnowitz

Robin Zimny

CORPORATE PARTNERS

$25,000 + Assurant, Inc.

$10,000 - $24,999 Bank of America Merrill Lynch Baptist Health West Kendall Baptist Hospital

$5,000 - $9,999 Florida Power & Light

$1,000 - $4,999 BCC Engineering Miami-Dade Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society Service Systems Associates (SSA) Shutts & Bowen, LLP Soccer 5 Academy West Flagler Associates

$500 - $999

Creating Bridges Therapy Florida Blue Huntington Learning Center Kroger

Ocaquatics Management, Inc. Playground of Miami The Berry Farm

$100 - $499

Brian/Call Nature Images Comcast Corporation Miami Marlins Ocaquatics Management, Inc. Procaccini Media LLC

St. John Neumann Catholic Church Men’s Club

Tropical Anglers Club, Inc.

FOUNDATIONS

$25,000 + The Cobb Family Foundation, Inc.

$10,000 - $24,999

Do Unto Others Trust, Inc. Esserman Family Foundation Inc. The William W. Spruance Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

The Five Millers Family Foundation, Inc.

$1,000 - $4,999 The Rust Foundation

$500 - $999

Give Lively Foundation The Chicago Community Foundation

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

$10,000 - $24,999

Florida Division of Cultural Affairs Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Department

$5,000 - $9,999

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.

This lesser ape is known to be monogamous, like “Henry” and “Millie” at Zoo Miami.

If you want to give your sweetheart some candy, this is a Valentine’s Day favorite and often comes in a box.

This flower comes in many colors, but a red bunch is a classic way to show your love.

Mama birds build these for their eggs and chicks to keep them safe and warm.

This iconic Florida bird gets its pink feathers from its diet of shrimp, algae, and crustaceans.

This slow-moving critter spends most of its time hanging upside down in trees.

A group of birds is called a __________

Even as a newborn baby, this long-necked animal can be around six feet tall!

During the winter, animals like bears do this to save energy.

Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day are both celebrated during this month.

Wild Bunch is a group of likeminded young professionals dedicated to championing wildlife conservation and bringing community awareness to the mission of Zoo Miami. Join our committee of up and coming community leaders and receive special access to networkers, exclusive volunteer opportunities, unique animal encounters, priority access to Zoo Miami events, adventures and more! Help Wild Bunch make an impact!

Legacy giving techniques are called “planned gifts,” because with thoughtful planning, you create win-win solutions for you, your loved ones, and your charities of choice. A well-planned gift communicates your legacy; it tells a story of what you hold as most important and valuable in your life and community. Leaving a gift to the Zoo Miami Foundation through your will or trust is an easy and impactful way to benefit education and conservation efforts for years to come. We recognize all planned gifts through our legacy circle and champions of wildlife, the Josephine Wolf Legacy Society.

ZMF is here to help you protect your loved ones. Thanks to our partnership with Life Legacy, you may create your legal will for FREE in under 20 minutes. CLICK HERE to access more information and resources, including our downloadable Estate Planning Guide.

GET THE VIP EXPERIENCE AT ZOO MIAMI

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! The VIP Experience includes zoo admission; Two-hour private golf-cart tour; a food voucher to redeem for a food entree valued up to $12.99 and a souvenir cup. Please be advised that these tours are based on availability.

READY TO BOOK?

CLICK HERE to book your next VIP Experience or contact our Sales and Events Office at zootours@miamidade.gov for more information. www.zoomiami.org/special-tours

Birthdays , Family Gatherings , and Meetings... Oh My!

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT WITH US!

Zoo Miami is an unforgettable destination that promises to incorporate guests’ love for animals and nature into your event. We understand that flexibility and dedication are essential characteristics for our guests when choosing a venue and planning an event. Our event team will strive to make your event as stress-free and smooth as possible.

READY TO RESERVE? Contact our Sales and Events Office at zooevents@miamidade.gov and we’ll check for availability of the date and location you’d like for your event.

The Gift of Goodwill: The Jane & Jerry Goodman Education Fund

The season of celebrations and giving may have just ended, but the impact of one very generous and altruistic Miami Beach philanthropist and long-time benefactor of Zoo Miami will live on in perpetuity.

Jane Goodman, an avid giraffe lover and long-time member of our Zoo Miami family, just established the “Jane and Jerry Goodman Education Fund” at Zoo Miami Foundation in memory of the late Jerrold “Jerry” Goodman. This endowed fund will provide ongoing support of the Foundation’s educational programs that positively impact our community’s children.

Wildlife conservation and education are both very important to Mrs. Goodman. Marrying those two passions, this fund will facilitate meaningful connections for children who will be tomorrow’s leaders, scientists, biologists and conservationists. This resonates profoundly for Mrs. Goodman who, just last year, provided the funding to implement an outreach zoo-based program to underserved children at Miami Beach’s Title 1 Biscayne Beach Elementary School. The students were also treated to a study field trip at Zoo Miami, all made possible by Mrs. Goodman’s kind heart and love of helping others. For many, this was their very first time visiting Zoo Miami.

The Goodmans have had a long, loving relationship with the Zoo and particularly the giraffes. While her very own collection of giraffes at her Miami Beach home is most impressive, there is nothing like coming face-to-face with a real giraffe towering high above you. Back in the mid 1980’s, shortly after Zoo Miami opened its doors at the current location, the Goodmans made a multi-year pledge to sponsor the giraffe exhibit at the Zoo as an anniversary gift to each other.

We are most humbled and grateful for this gracious gift to our Zoo and our community’s children. We stand tall in admiration of the Goodman’s commitment to one of our community’s most beloved crown jewels, Zoo Miami.

Holiday Giraffe Births at Zoo Miami

This past Thanksgiving, Zoo Miami had something special to be grateful for: the birth and exhibit debut of our 58th giraffe! The healthy male calf was born on Sunday, November 20, 2022. The mother, Mia, is 15 years old and this is her eighth calf.

Standing over six feet tall and weighing approximately 200 pounds, the yet unnamed newborn is believed to be one of the largest giraffe calves ever born at Zoo Miami. On November 23, 2022, just in time for Thanksgiving, he made his exhibit debut and received lots of attention from the rest of the herd, with each giraffe taking turns approaching, smelling, and licking him. He was unfazed by the attention, and spent the morning exploring his new home.

Then, just over a week before Christmas, we welcomed another calf! On December 16, 2022, another healthy male giraffe was born – this time, to eight-year-old mother “Zuri.” Our 59th newborn giraffe stood over five feet tall and weighed 150 pounds. He made his exhibit debut on December 19, 2022.

These giraffes are actually half-brothers, both born to five-year-old Malcolm and they are his fifth and sixth offspring. They can now be seen on their habitat in the Africa lobe at Zoo Miami.

NOTES for Members

THE 2023 BUCKET LIST For Zoo Miami Members

Make the most out of your Membership this year!

There is always something new to explore at the zoo, and we have tons of new activities for you to experience.

WALK OR RUN THE WHOLE ZOO. If more exercise is on your list of resolutions, we’ve got you covered with over 3 miles of walkways!

JOIN US FOR FEAST WITH THE BEASTS. After a three-year hiatus, our biggest event of the year is back and you won’t want to miss it!

VISIT THE ANIMAL FUN FACTORY. Help us create enrichment gifts and treats for our animals. These activities are free, and open to everyone each weekend from 11 AM –3 PM.

SPEND TIME WITH A KIWI*. During this new animal encounter, you can learn more about this flightless bird from his keepers.

GO BEHIND-THE-SCENES WITH A PYGMY HIPPO* to learn what makes a hippopotamus hip!

GET UP CLOSE TO A BLACK BEAR*. Meet North America’s most prolific bear in this new animal encounter experience.

EXPLORE THE ZOO ON A RYDABLE, a new and memorable way to zoom around and explore.

SIGN UP FOR AN EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURE*, like a Fishing Derby with the family or Zoo Camp for the kids.

* You can save on these activities as a Zoo Member! Contact us at membership@zoomiami.org for your promo codes.

*Members can save on zoo activities! Keep an eye on your inbox or contact Membership Services at 305-255-5551 for special promo codes.

(305) 255-5551 • MBR@zoomiami.org