Keepin' it Wild October - December 2021 by Zoo Miami

Keepin’ it Wild!

October - December 2021

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: - A Special Bald Eagle Release - Endangered Baby Births - Holiday Events and Promotions

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 Samantha Capparelli 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 Kimberly Kalkus Philip Kushlan George Leser

Daniel J. Licciardi Sharon MacIvor DVM Kathy McDonald Alejandro “Alex” Mendieta William “Bill” Moore Maria I. Nardi Jorge L. Navarro Marc Osheroff Ann Pope Aliette D. Rodz, Esq. Jose C. Romano Katrina Daniel Rosen Michael Rosenberg, DDS Eric J. Stephens Merrett R. Stierheim Peter “Chip” Vendenberg, Jr. Christopher Walters Joseph Wieneke

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 James A. Kushlan, PhD Jack Lowell Manny J. Rodriguez, P.E. Edward Soto 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. Editor: Rashielle Teape Contributors: Cindy Castelblanco, Sarah Chapman, Lissette Chatel, Rob Lara, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Zazu Mao, Bill Moore, Andrea Obregon, Edie Pearson, Mariana Rosales, Carlos Simoes, Melissa Wetzel, and Katy Wilhelm Layout & Design: Parrot Fish Studio

LETTER FROM THE CEO Dear Friends, It is truly hard to believe that we’ve already found ourselves in the last stretch of this year. Around this time in 2020, we were in the midst of a confusing and challenging time. And while we still have a ways to go and continue to take precautions for our collective health and wellbeing, we are happy to be safely returning to fall and holiday traditions here at Zoo Miami. Something incredibly rewarding about digital programs and events is how accessible it makes the Zoo experience, and how much we can broaden our reach. We continue to offer these virtual experiences, like the Zoo to You educational outreach program that allow entire groups and classrooms to interact with our educators. Our ZooRun5K has gone virtual for the second year, as runners and walkers find their own starting lines wherever they are. Of course, there’s nothing quite like a Zoo adventure with all of its sights, smells, and sounds in real life. Later this month, our beloved trick-or-treating Halloween event Zoo Boo is back, complete with costume contests, special characters and more. Then, Zoo Lights will dazzle us this holiday season with more than a million lights and more. As we step into a new Fiscal Year and look forward to 2022, we can’t express enough how thrilled we are to be getting closer to the opening of our new Sea Turtle Hospital. Along with our plans to build a new Animal Hospital here at the zoo, we are incredibly proud of the work our team is doing to keep our zoo animals healthy, and rehabilitate one of the ocean’s most vulnerable animals. As always, we are grateful for all of the support of our Zoo visitors, Members, donors, and fans. We hope that you and your families stay wild and stay safe during the holiday season into the new year.

Photography: Ron Magill

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

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

Masters of Disguise

Animal Hospital Updates & Visits

Keeper Corner

Learn more about tricky animal “costumes” in the wild

Fly Like an Eagle! Ron Magill shares the story of a special bald eagle release

18 Zoo Miami is proud to be named as the “Best Place to Take the Kids” in the Miami New Times’ Best of Miami 2021! We are thrilled to provide endless educational adventures and experiences for families and guests of all ages.

Adventures in Learning

Remembering Our Beloved Animals

Celebrating the Holidays

Endangered Babies Born at Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors

Notes for Members

OCTOBER 30 & 31 10AM - 3PM INCLUDED WITH ZOO ADMISSION KIDS 12 AND UNDER

• Trick-or-treat in costumes • Participate in costume contests • Meet special characters • Make Halloween crafts • See our wild animals get their Halloween goodies, and more! Buy tickets online at ZooMiami.org LIMITED CAPACITY

Masters of Disguise: Tricky Animal “Costumes”

They may not use their tricks to score Halloween candy, but there are many animals found throughout the wild (and at Zoo Miami) that are truly masters of disguise. They use clever illusions like camouflage to make it hard for predators or prey to spot them!

CHAMELEONS

We couldn’t talk about animal disguises without mentioning the camouflaging chameleon! These reptiles can change the color of their skin for numerous reasons, like controlling their body temperature, attracting mates, and warding off enemies. They’ve got four layers of skin containing different pigments, allowing them to create different colors and patterns.

EASTERN SCREEN OWL

You’d strain your eyes trying to find this sneaky bird. This owl will seek out tree cavities to rest in, and their gray and brown feathers blend in seamlessly with the tree’s bark. This disappearing act is so effective, that most experienced birders only know the bird’s nightly song!

GLASS FROG

These amphibians can seem pretty freaky on their own, as the skin on the lower surface of their bodies and legs are actually transparent or translucent, giving it a ghostly appearance (you can even see its organs!). But this invisibility act can also be useful, as the edge of the creature blends with the relative brightness or darkness of its surroundings making it less distinctive from its background.

ZEBRAS

What’s more fun than a group costume? You may not think of zebras as having camouflage skills with their easily spotted black and white stripes. But, when standing closely together as a herd, their stripes blend together, making it tough for predators like the lion to pick out individual zebras. 5

ANIMAL HOSPITAL UPDATES & VISITS

We’re putting the final touches on our upcoming Sea Turtle Hospital, including the latest #ZooMiamiWalls mural by Genevieve Simon! Genevieve is not only an amazing artist, but she’s also an intern in our Animal Hospital. The new 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. Stay tuned for more updates!

Zoo Miami Foundation is pleased to announce that it has received a $500,000 appropriation from The State of Florida for Zoo Miami’s new animal hospital! The funding was sponsored by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez of FL and Representative Anthony Rodriguez of FL. Senator Annette Taddeo of FL helped secure the funding request. The new animal hospital will allow Zoo Miami to conduct more lab tests in-house, and the vet team will be able to treat a greater scope of animals with proper equipment, hospitalization, and recovery areas. 6

TIGER FERTILITY TEST On July 9, “Berani,” a 13-year-old critically endangered Sumatran tiger, was immobilized for an examination to evaluate his fertility. Though Berani is the father of our young cub “N’dari” and he also successfully sired an offspring in 2015, previous fertility exams indicated a very low sperm count and many of his previous attempts to sire an offspring have been unsuccessful. Reproductive specialists from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden partnered with the Zoo Miami Animal Health team, led by Chief Veterinarian, Dr. Gwen Myers, to collect sperm from Berani via electro-ejaculation so that it could be evaluated. Though Berani is producing viable sperm, the density in the collected samples was low and highly diluted which could be the reason that many of his breeding attempts have been unsuccessful. Despite having a low sperm count, the team was successful in collecting eight straws of semen which were frozen, helping to preserve Berani’s important genetic material for use in future artificial insemination procedures. While Berani was immobilized, the Animal Health team also performed a general health exam that included a dental cleaning, blood collection, urine collection, and a vaccination for rabies as part of an overall preventative medicine program.

ELECTRIC EEL SURGERY On September 7, “Tesla,” a 17-year-old electric eel from Peru, was immobilized so that the Animal Health team could surgically remove several growths that had developed over the past several weeks. Because an electric eel can generate up to 800 volts of electricity, this patient had to be handled very carefully! After using specific drugs that were diluted in water, zoo staff used special rubberinsulated gloves and nets to transfer Tesla into a transport container and waited for the anesthesia to take effect. Once it was fully anesthetized, it was removed from the container to be weighed and X-rayed. The eel was then placed on an exam table where Associate Zoo Veterinarian, Dr. Marisa Bezjian, working with the Animal Health and Animal Science teams, surgically removed several growths on the eel’s body. Cultures and biopsies were taken of the growths to determine what they may be. Blood was also collected and an ultrasound exam was done. Other than the growths, the eel appeared to be in generally good health for its advanced age. The growths were successfully removed and the eel recovered well! 7

Keeper Corner

Seasoned Avians

by Rob Lara

Some of you may remember visiting Crandon Park Zoo in the late 1970s. As you walked past the greater one-horned rhino paddock, there were bird calls reminiscent of native sandhill cranes. But the calls were coming from something much bigger: sarus cranes - the largest of the world’s 15 species of cranes. These five-foot-tall birds were quite a hit back then, along with some of the most beautiful and endangered storks in the world, black-necked storks, and today at Zoo Miami you can still visit two of these seasoned avians. In the aviary, our male sarus crane named Heathcliff turned 43 years old this year! He was one of many birds brought to the zoo’s current location from Crandon Park in the early 1980s. According to zookeeper Susan Kong, “A lot of sarus cranes are aggressive. He has never been aggressive.” He would just stand there watching keepers work. “And he wouldn’t move back. He’s like, ‘I’m here, you’re there, just get your work done.’” For some time, Heathcliff had a mate named Gertrude. The pair was introduced in 1997 and apparently it was ‘love at first sight.’ They spent 5-6 years together behind the scenes and on an island behind the gorilla area before moving into the aviary when it opened in 2003. Together, they’ve raised two chicks. Unfortunately, on November 28, 2018 Gertrude became ill with a respiratory disease and died. According to Susan, Heathcliff could be heard mourning and calling for her throughout the aviary for months. “The aviary is such a good space for him, we are not likely to find a mate that would be able to join him in there now,” says Zoological Supervisor Carl Burch, “When you see him on your next visit to the aviary, please give him some space and enjoy him from a distance.”

Black-necked stork

At another stop in our Asia loop, visible from the monorail station between Asian elephants and greater one-horned rhinos, another relic from the Crandon Park Zoo days remains. “For many years, our female black-necked stork was the only one living in a zoo in the world,” said Susan. She is known to her keepers only as ‘Mama,’ because rare birds in breeding programs are usually dubbed ‘Mom’ and ‘Pop’ stork, hornbill, crane, etc. “Unfortunately, she and her mate never incubated eggs, but they have incubated a few rocks.” Black-necked storks nest in the tops of tall palm trees, something that is hard to recreate accurately in zoos. This pair made their nest in a low bush and then found some rocks and put them in there. Over the years, her mates have passed away, but Mama Stork is still here. She’s blind in one eye, and has a cataract in the other so she doesn’t see very well anymore. But, she has a nice long pool that she spends a lot of time fishing in and she likes to simply wander around the space as well.

Sarus crane

If you’re looking to visit her, do head over to our Asia loop just next to the Critter Connection, early in the day!

Holiday Cheers

SIP & STROLL DEC 9 • 7-10PM Get a glimpse of Zoo Lights at this adults only food & drink experience.

21 & OVER EVENT zoomiami.org 9

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE! A Special Bald Eagle Release On March 13th, I received a call from Lloyd Brown, founder of Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, saying that an Audubon Eagle Watch volunteer had called him regarding a bald eagle chick that had fallen out of a nest. A severe storm had come through the area and badly damaged the nest which caused two nestlings occupying it to fall over 80 feet to the ground. Sadly, the other nestling did not survive. Upon arriving at the nest site, we met with the Eagle Watch volunteer, Jeanne Kaufman, and her husband, Bill, who walked us over to the nest tree. At the base of the tree lay the chick, still not yet fully feathered, and obviously weak and dehydrated. An initial examination also revealed an injury to the right wing. From the time we arrived, we were being carefully watched by the mother, circling over us, vocalizing her displeasure with our presence. Lloyd and his assistant, Jemma Peterson, gave the eaglet fluids through a tube and contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to discuss what needed to be done. Permission was given to transport the chick back to Wildlife Rescue of Dade County where it would be further evaluated and brought to a veterinarian for a more in-depth exam. The sex was determined to be female through a special DNA test done on a feather. After stabilizing the eaglet, it was brought to avian veterinary specialist, Dr. Don Harris at VCA South Dade Animal Hospital. Though underweight, it otherwise appeared to be 10

By: Ron Magill

in relatively good health. However, X-rays did confirm a fracture of the right wing that required surgery. Though some experts said that this eagle would never be able to fly, the surgery was a success and over the next several months, she built muscle mass and developed her flying skills in a large free-flight enclosure as well as in an open field while tethered. She was also presented with a variety of food items that she might encounter in the wild. In addition to the fish that eagles are known to eat, she was also given rodents and iguanas, which have become common in South Florida and are now considered invasive. She was given both live and dead food items so that she could demonstrate to us that she could hunt on her own. She quickly learned to fish in an artificial pool and to our surprise, she appeared to enjoy the iguanas! This could be significant in the future as she may become a serious iguana predator and theoretically teach potential offspring to become the same! After over 5 ½ months of dedicated care and rehabilitation at Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, it was decided that this eagle had fully recovered and was now ready for release! On Saturday, August 21st, she was brought to the border of Everglades National Park where Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava was given the privilege of opening the door to her travel crate to release her. After slowly stepping out of the crate, she looked around at her surroundings, and then majestically took off, flying beautifully

for several hundreds of yards right into a tall pine tree in Everglades National Park. The dozens of special guests in attendance applauded, many with tears in their eyes. It was the perfect ending to several months of hard work against some very strong odds. During the time of the rehabilitation, I worked with Lloyd Brown to install a custom platform in the nest tree, close to where the original nest had been built. We planned this with the hope and belief that the adult pair would return since bald eagles usually nest in the same location each year, constantly adding to the original nest. Since their original nest had been destroyed by a storm, we hoped they would utilize the more secure platform to rebuild their nest. With a leap of faith, we worked closely with Daniel Montanez of Modern Day Tech Solutions, to install stateof-the-art cameras that would be able to live stream any activity occurring on the platform. On September 3rd, we were wonderfully surprised to see that the pair had returned and were perching atop the nest tree! Each day after that, they were seen around the tree but did not go near the platform. They seemed to recognize that it was something foreign to them and we were beginning to think that they were not going to accept it and move on to another location.

Just when we thought all our efforts were for nothing, on September 18th, as we looked at the live view, both eagles were building their nest on the platform! Though getting to this point is incredibly rewarding, there are still many challenges ahead. Stay tuned for a link on the Zoo Miami’s website to live stream the activity on the platform at any time! We hope and pray that this will provide viewers with an amazing window into the world of these majestic raptors, as they lay eggs, incubate them, and then raise the next generation of bald eagles!

“When it comes to conservation, there is no better feeling than being able to rescue, rehabilitate, and then return to the wild, such a majestic and beautiful animal!”

You can support and learn more about the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment by visiting zoomiami.org 11

Adventures IN LEARNING

Our award-winning camps combine education with entertainment where your kids (ages 4 – 12) will enjoy learning about wildlife, getting an introduction to environmental conservation, and making new friends!

MINI CAMP

WINTER CAMP

During Teacher Planning Days, our one-day camps are both fun and educational!

When school’s out for Winter Break, embark on a zoo adventure!

UPCOMING DATES: October 29, 2021:

Creatures of the Night

Humans are diurnal, which means we typically explore our world and local environment during the daytime. Did you know there is a completely different world to explore at night? The darkness invites a wide array of species to come out and play. Let’s discover what the nocturnal world has to offer!

November 11, 2021:

Time to Move

November is the peak of our migration season. From birds to manatees; come learn all about the temporary residents that make their way to Florida’s warm weather to escape the cold in their local habitats. $48 per child for Zoo Miami Members;

WEEK 1:

December 20-23, 2021: Winter Slumber Party

Let the hibernation begin! Learn all about how plants and animals prepare for the the limited resources available in the colder season by taking a long winter nap.

WEEK 2:

December 27-30, 2021: Hide and Seek

Climates vary all over the world! Some habitats are always cold, while others are only cold seasonally. Explore how predator and prey animals both adapt to living in the cold. If the cold is seasonal, how does their winter routine differ from their summer routine? Let’s find out! $152 per child for Zoo Miami Members; $190 per child for non-Members

$60 per child for non-Members

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 12

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Open Saturdays & Sundays (and select holidays) 11 AM – 3 PM Zoo Miami’s Animal Fun Factory is a one-of-a-kind exhibit where zoo visitors can learn about animal welfare and environmental conservation. Enrichment is used to promote the natural behavior of the animals at Zoo Miami. We are excited to bring back enrichment making. This is now open to zoo guests again, with new COVID-19 protocols in place.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Calling all pre-K and Kindergarten teachers!

Zoo Miami Foundation is providing a free education program supporting learning for kids 4-5 years old. This 30-minute interactive program will grow children’s understanding of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Children will play a game to learn what gets recycled and how to do it! To be eligible for this program you must be applying: · For a group of children 4-5 years of age · As part of a Title I school or organization focused on low-income communities Please note that space is limited and all applicants will undergo a selection process.

Application Deadline: October 31, 2021

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 13

Remembering Our Beloved Animals It is with profoundly heavy hearts that Zoo Miami recently had to say goodbye to these special animals.

On August 1, zookeepers unfortunately discovered eight-year-old “Gizmo” the meerkat in what appeared to be a collapsed tunnel. As part of the daily routine caring for the meerkats, zookeepers are very diligent about manually collapsing all the tunnels within the habitat daily. Unfortunately, because the meerkats are constantly digging, another tunnel may have been quickly constructed and due to excessive rain, it was unstable and collapsed. Zoo management is reevaluating the procedures in place to see what changes can be made to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. Gizmo was born at the Brevard Zoo in October of 2013 and arrived at Zoo Miami in June of 2018. Since his arrival, he has been a favorite among staff and guests alike and his loss has been devastating, especially for his keepers.

Gizmo, meerkat

On September 23, Zoo Miami’s beloved 44-year-old Bornean orangutan “Kumang” died during recovery from anesthesia following a dental procedure. She was anesthetized to have two damaged teeth extracted. Though her exam and dental care went according to plan, and she was observed recovering normally following the procedure, Kumang eventually went into a recumbent position and stopped breathing. The Animal Health team performed several emergency procedures that were sadly unsuccessful.

Kumang, Bornean orangutan

Hope, koala

On August 22, “Hope,” the koala passed away. Hope was just two years old and was the pride and joy of his devoted family of zookeepers. They worked tirelessly around the clock to provide him with top-level care in his struggles with unknown gastro–intestinal issues not uncommon to koalas. After a thorough examination that included X-rays, blood collection, and various cultures, Hope sadly passed before we were able to receive and evaluate any results. Hope’s birth brought international attention and joy from around the world. He received his name because shortly after his birth, Australia was suffering from catastrophic fires and many felt that his birth was a symbol of “hope” that things would get better. Zoo Miami sent thousands of dollars in Hope’s name to Australia to support the wildlife rescue efforts taking place in the midst of those fires.”

CLICK HERE TO

In honor of the symbol of hope that this sweet koala stood for, please consider making a donation to Zoo Miami’s Conservation Fund.

DONATE NOW

100% of your donation will go toward the conservation of some of our world’s most critically endangered species like koalas and some iconic species from right here in south Florida. 15

ONE MILLION REASONS TO SEE IT Zoo Miami will open at night for a special holiday event with more than a million bright, animal shaped lights and dazzling tree lights! Experience Zoo Miami like never before.

NOV 26 - DEC 30 SELECT NIGHTS #ZooLightsMiami

ZOO MEMBERSHIP

A whole year’s worth of adventure for the whole family.

Get 15% off a Zoo Miami Membership Purchase at Membership Services or online using promo code ZOOGIFT21*.

12 Days of

Wild

Holiday Gifts!

*This promotion cannot be applied to Premier Membership levels

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

CUSTOM BRICK

Something everlasting for someone special

Select FREE artwork to include on your Brick purchase*

Commemorative bricks can be seen lining the entrance to Florida: Mission Everglades at Zoo Miami

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO *Artwork must be chosen from our library of options; this promotion is not valid for custom artwork

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

Symbolically adopt a Zoo Miami animal to become a Wildlife Guardian

FREE shipping on Adopt an Animal Keeper Packages using code FREESHIP Keeper Packages include an animal plush, certificate of adoption, fun facts, and a Ron Magill autographed photo.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

Coming Soon!

In honor of our upcoming Sea Turtle Hospital, we will be releasing limited-edition Adopt-a-Sea-Turtle Keeper packages, including unique animal paintings. Stay tuned!

Who knew adventures this big could fit under the tree? All promos are valid December 13 – 25, 2021.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more info! 17

ENDANGERED BABIES BORN AT ZOO MIAMI!

While every birth at Zoo Miami is special, welcoming new members of endangered species is especially cause for celebration. These babies represent new milestones in conservation and are big (and small!) sources of pride for our zoo.

white-cheeked gibbon

slender-horned gazelle

On September 4, a critically endangered whitecheeked gibbon was born at Zoo Miami – the second in our zoo’s history. The 18-year-old mother’s name is “Millie” who also is the mother of the first baby that was born in August of 2013. This is the first offspring for the nine-year-old father named, “Cuong.” Though there has been no confirmation as to the sex of the baby, early observations indicate that it is a male.

On August 21, an endangered slender-horned gazelle was born at Zoo Miami! After spending some time behind the scenes bonding with its parents, the calf was later introduced to its new public habitat at the zoo. Mom’s name is “Gladys” and dad’s name is “Pip,” in honor of legendary performers, Gladys Knight and the Pips! In keeping with the theme, the baby, a male, has been named, “Bubba,” after one of the actual “Pips!” At birth, the calf weighed just over three pounds and had the body size of a chihuahua with very long legs!

WINGS DOWN UNDER Visit the Wings Down Under parrot feeding to experience a free-flight aviary house filled with brightly colored lorikeets – parrots native to Australia. These friendly birds will fly and perch on guests’ arms, hands or heads to drink sweet nectar!

Open 11 AM - 4 PM daily $5/cup of nectar

VIP NCE EXPERIE

89.95 x pl u s ta n o pe r pe rs

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. Book your VIP experience today at: zoomiami.org/special-tours

R E T N ENCOU HING T E M O S L A I C E SP TIMES:

10:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm - 3:30pm Restrictions: Minimum of two guests are required. One paying participant must be at least 18 years old.

We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between June 18th - September 19, 2021. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.* INDIVIDUALS $25,000 +

Richard L. Holladay * Robin and Marc Osheroff

$10,000 - $24,999 Richard L. Holladay * Cynthia W. Knight Libby and Jack Madden

$5,000 - $9,999 The Fay P. Aronson Trust Sandy Batchelor Philip F. Kushlan Rita and Ron Magill Michael Schur

$2,500 - $4,999

Alan and M. Ivette Atkinson Claudia and Alexander Binelo Claire and Eric Gleit Ann E. Pope Joanna and Jose Romano

$1,000 - $2,499

Karen and Wray Abercrombie Brian Blackman Molly and Rob Campbell The Forte Family Rosie Garcia Patrick Hedgepeth Robert C. Hibner Elizabeth Ann and Anthony Morgenthau Christy and Ryan Overall Sheila and Ira Shapiro

$500 - $999

Barbara and Samuel Blank Helen O. Donaldson Nathalie Feria Alyse Gilbert Linda and William Jones Megan and Daniel Lyons Pamela J. Mullins and Walter D. Flores Sharon Beal and Ronald A. Raymond Jason Rosenfelt Marc J. Russo Sheila and Ira Shapiro Esmeralda Zuniga

$100 - $499

Marison and Alfonso Aguirre Maria del Carmen Alvarado Miguel Amion Frances B. Aronovitz Mary Lee Auger Jamie Berning, DVM Michael Blades and Katheryn Kilroy Bill Brown

Sheri Brumfield Lindsey Calano Tessa Callahan and Moises Bartoli Kathleen Cannon Gina Cardenas Karen and Drew Cashmere Melissa and Amado Cedeno Leslie Cheng Mark Cherry Susan Chicvara Katrina Daniel Rosen and Michael Rosen Adam Dannenbring Rafael Diaz Tyler Dodge Kathryne G. Dungan Debra L. DuPerow Jeffrey Durecka Niris Elizondo and Natalia Williamson Melinda and Philip Engelmann Jeff England Cheryl and Howard Ettelman Hugo N. Fajardo Avis and Lawrence Feldman Ayaiza and Francisco Fernandez Yauska and Julio Fernandez Wesley P. Ficht Amelia and Arthur Finkle Marguerite Fitzgerald Judith Flacke Robin B. Forman Linda and Paul Franson Jeff Franzman Peter Fuentes Chase Futtrell Molle Grad Nathan Graff Elizabeth M. Grass Douglass Greist Charles and Patricia Hammond Ossie and Harry Hanauer Nancy and Jeffrey Hand Brady Haughney Christian Hess Joseph Hodge David A. Horne Ankit K. Jariwala Jo Anne and Ken Jewett Kathleen K. Jones Sally Katz Karen B. Kett Yvette King-Archer and Claude Archer Johnette and Rodney Knowles Eric Knowles Monica and Michael Kress Keith and Robert Landon William Landry Gina and Jack Lantz Dylan Lawroski Charlotte B. Leatherman Jessica and Richard Lerner

George L. Leser Penny Lin Jocelyn Longaray Olga and Esteban Lopez Shannon and Jonathan Lugo Roger F. Mach Anna Teresa Mahaffy Christina Martin Patricia A. Houle and Dan T. McGillicuddy Hillary Melendez Virginia Mojica Fernando Movillo Natalie Muniz Debbie Bondonzi and Jonas Nash Melissa and Robert Netkin Sue C. Nichols Hyon O’Brien Lisa Perez Odalys Pombo Caio Portes Ivette Ulloa-Possekel and Norbert Possekel Michael A. Previti Jennifer and Nicholas Rau Sorrel S. Resnik Esta and Lewis Ress Laura and Daniel Rivera Michelle and William Roberson Aleida and Eduardo Rodriguez Martha A. Rogers Haas Jason Rose Dilia Ruiz Maria Rusolo Susan Russell Diana and Rafael Saldana Yusty B. Saltzman Jesse Samula Jay Schneider Lori and David Setney Dahnish Shams Howard L. Silverstein Valerie R. Stern Andrea Subhawong Monica Trujillo Barbara Tucker Ilene Tuckfield Joy Urillo Pat & Chip Vandenberg and Lauren Manley Jackeline and Carlos Velazco Christine Vergona Michael B. Vinas Adnan Virk Bonnie and Mark Webman Kevin Whitehead Bryman Williams

CORPORATE PARTNERS $25,000 + Walmart, Inc.

$10,000 - $24,999

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Florida Power & Light

$5,000 - $9,999 Casino Miami Jai-Alai

$2,500 - $4,999 El Car Wash

$500 - $999

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bristol-Myers Squibb Health & Energy Food Corporation Naples Digital Photography Club United Way Worldwide Veterans United

FOUNDATION PARTNERS $25,000 +

The Batchelor Foundation, Inc. The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, Inc. The Wildflower Foundation, Inc.

$10,000 - $24,999

The Sain Orr Royak DeForest Steadman Foundation The Tonkinson Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

The Helliwell Family Foundation Marie McCandless Foundation

$100 - $499

AmazonSmile Foundation NextEra Energy Foundation, Inc. Sofia’s Hope, Inc.

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS $25,000 +

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

*Bequest

*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.

Zoo Miami Foundation honors Fay Pushkin Aronson We grieve the loss of this wonderful friend and ambassador for Zoo Miami Foundation and its education programs. Fay Aronson was a loyal supporter of ZMF for 36 years. Her love of education and the importance of giving children the chance to experience the wonders of the zoo inspired her to support ZMF’s education scholarships on a yearly basis. These scholarship funds provided for more than 340 children from financially needy families to attend Zoo Miami’s summer camp, a truly unique experience that offers hands-on instruction provided by ZMF educators and zookeepers.

Fay Aronson was an inspiration to all of us –staff, volunteers, docents, and Zoo Miami’s children and adult visitors. Her generosity and philanthropic support sets an example for others to match. ZMF and the Learning Experiences team appreciate all that she accomplished for deserving youngsters from our community. She was a devoted and generous donor and her family, admirers, and friends continue her legacy of giving to ZMF.

“

Her love of education and the importance of giving children the chance to experience the wonders of the zoo inspired her to support ZMF’s education scholarships on a yearly basis.

“

Fay Aronson’s mother and family inspired her philanthropy, allowing her to focus on children and fulfilling her desire to make a difference in their lives. She believed that all children should have the opportunity to experience the zoo. “Going to the zoo is a wonderful chance to learn about animals, their habitats, and our ecosystem. It becomes an experience they will carry with them for their entire lives.”

SAVE THE DATE PLEASE REMEMBER ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION ON

CONSERVATION:

LAND TO SEA

11.18.21 givemiamiday.org/zoomiami

Cucumber Lemon Cooler Portion Yield: 2-4

Ingredients: • 1 cup cucumbers, peeled and chopped • 2 lemons, juice of • 2 limes, juice of • 3 sprigs fresh mint, leaves of (more for garnish) • 1 cup water • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup (or to taste) • 1 cup crushed ice

Instructions: Nutrition Facts (based on 4 servings) Calories Carbohydrate Protein

30 9g 0g

Fat Saturated Fat Sodium

Source: USDA FoodData Central

0g 0g 1.5mg

•

In a high speed food processor, combined cucumbers, mint, lemon, lime juice and water. Blend mixture until smooth. Transfer to glasses

• Stir in honey and top with crushed ice. • Garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.

It’s time to RUN WILD! DON’T FORGET

Post your photos to social media!

Packet Pick-Up

(For pre-registered participants only)

Drive up to Zoo Miami’s west parking lot on Saturday, October 2nd between 8 am and 11 am to pickup your awesome atomic blueshirts, beautiful sea turtle medals and other goodies from the comfort of your car!

BENEFITING

*Event is completely sold out! Registration is now closed and all items are sold out.

NOTES for Members Toshi’s Footprints: Coming Soon! Our beloved Eastern black rhino, Toshi, passed away in January 2021. At the time, he was believed to be the oldest Eastern black rhino in the Northern hemisphere. As a way to honor Toshi’s place in our hearts and in Zoo Miami’s history, molds were created of his footprints! Soon, just in time for the holiday season, we will be sharing copies of these special “footprints” that would make beautiful and unique gifts. In the meantime, we wanted to give our Members a sneak peek! Footprints will be available in decorated colors and patterns, or plain ivory white. Stay tuned for more info!

Membership Gift Certificates Did you know that you can purchase gift certificates for Zoo Miami Memberships? If you have family or friends that love wildlife and adventures, a Membership is a gift that they can enjoy all year long! Stop by Membership Services at Zoo Miami to purchase.

The 2020 Zoo Miami Foundation Annual Report We are proud to unveil Zoo Miami Foundation’s Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report here, featuring our beloved koala, Hope, and his mother, Rinny. Our hearts are broken at the loss of Hope and dedicate this report to his memory. We hope you’ll find encouraging and motivating stories and reminders of what we have achieved together. In the midst of the pandemic, we rallied to make a difference in the lives of our animal residents, as well as the diverse community that we serve, and this report is a reflection of your generosity.

M E MBE R S E RV I C E S • ( 3 05) 255- 5551 • M BR@zo o miam i.org 24

The Florida Recreation and Park Association (FRPA) has selected Zoo Miami’s Conservation Action Center as the 2021 recipient of the Innovative Programming: Environmental Resiliency and Sustainability Award! The FRPA annually awards parks and recreation agencies, employees, volunteers, and partners that have made an impact on their community.

Update following Hurricane Irma Back in September 2017, Hurricane Irma swept through Miami, leaving quite the mess in its wake. Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of Zoo Miami’s animals survived, but the storm cause significant damage to many of our trees. Now, four years later, we are happy to report that we have been working with FEMA to get them replaced! 2017, following Hurricane Irma

We will be replacing 240 trees, 75 palms, 641 plants, and 17 bamboos. This project should be completed by December 2021. The trees will be added to exhibits, holding areas, and along the back moats throughout the zoo. They will provide shade, browse, enrichment, beauty and canopy replacement throughout the zoo!

Wild Bunch is a group of like-minded 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!

JOIN TODAY

Zoo Miami Foundation’s Premier Members are elite level donors who experience Zoo Miami from an exclusive perspective! Become a member whose support enhances animal care, wildlife conservation, and learning experiences while forging an amazing connection to the more than 3,000 animal species, from all over the world, that reside at Zoo Miami. Receive inside access to behind-the-scenes tours, private animal encounters, exclusive invitations to events, programs and more!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 26

Keepin' it Wild October - December 2021

Articles inside

FLY LIKE AN EAGLE!