Keepin' it Wild October - December 2022

October - December 2022

Keepin’ it Wild !

A digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami.

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

Alexander “Alex” Binelo

Javi Borges

James A. Carenza

Mayor Daniella Levine Cava

John V. Chibbaro

Jose “Pepi” Felix Diaz, Esq.

Diane Dickhut

Eric Eikenberg

Will Elgar

Armando “Mandy” Fernandez

Ricardo Garbati

Victor H. Herrera

Philip Kushlan George Leser

Emeriti Directors

Rodney L. Barreto

Vincent L. Berkeley

Jennifer Boin Getz

Roger Carlton

Harlan S. Chiron, MD Ambassador Sue Cobb Linda Coll

William J. Gallwey, III, Esq.

Robert W. Hudson, Esq. Sherrill W. Hudson

Bernard Klepach

President/CEO: 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

Daniel J. Licciardi

Sharon MacIvor DVM

Kathy McDonald

William “Bill” Moore

Maria I. Nardi Samantha Pencar Ann Pope

Martha H. Rabbitt

Jose C. Romano

Joseph R. Salzverg

Daniel V. Sanchez

Merrett R. Stierheim

Peter “Chip” Vandenberg, Jr. Christopher Walters

LETTER

FROM THE CEO

Dear Friends,

It always seems to come as a surprise when fall arrives and we realize that we are in the final stretch of the year. It’s a busy season and it can feel like it’s passing us by very quickly, so we do our best to fill it with adventure and new memories. As 2022 comes to a close and Zoo Miami Foundation begins a new fiscal year, we reflect on all that we have achieved this year. While the last couple of years have been filled with challenges for us all, we are thrilled that Zoo Miami is moving into a season of wonderful growth.

Our newly opened Sea Turtle Hospital has been doing amazing work since we began welcoming patients this past summer. Meanwhile, we continue to make strides toward the Zoo Miami Tiger Habitat Expansion project, which will provide a new hope for an iconic species that is on the brink of extinction. Together, these projects, along with several other efforts, exemplify our dedication to the conservation of wildlife, from land to sea.

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.

Of course, with growth comes many firsts and new beginnings. This past September, Zoo Miami launched The Great Zoo Ticket Giveaway for the first time and we were able to share the joys and wonders of our park with thousands of guests! Plus, our annual ZooRun will soon be underway, kicking off on October 8 as runners join us at the park and virtually from around the world. This year, we are excited to be introducing the inaugural 10K for runners who want to go even wilder! This addition to the event was met with so much enthusiasm, it quickly sold out and required us to add even more spots - which sold out for a second time!

Contributors: Cindy Castelblanco, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Zazu Mao, Bill Moore, Alex Nodarse, Henry Ocon, Agi Sapi, Carlos Simoes, Ron Stayton, Sheyla Velasquez, and Katy Wilhelm

Layout & Design: Photography: Parrot Fish Studio Ron Magill

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

This kind of inspiring evolution would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, the loyalty of our Members, and the generosity of our donors and partners. We look forward to seeing you all at the zoo soon for your favorite holiday events like Zoo Boo and Zoo Lights! Thank you for helping us end this year on such a high note. We are wishing you and your families a safe, wild, and wonderful holiday season.

BILL

MOORE ZMF President/CEO

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

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.

SCAN TO VIEW VIDEO

Conceptual Renderings

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 is $99.95 plus tax per person; Minimum of two paying guests and a maximum of five. Please be advised that these tours are based on availability. This tour includes Zoo admission, a two-hour private golf cart tour, a food basket with fries, a souvenir cup, and 10% off at the Zoo Miami Gift Shop.

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.

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

HOST YOUR NEXT EVENT AT ZOO MIAMI

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.

ANimaL health & wellness

sloth

On July 26, “Flan,” a three-year-old Linne’s two-toed sloth, received a wellness exam as part of Zoo Miami’s preventative health program. In addition to an overall assessment of body condition, including an eye and dental exam, he received vaccinations, X-rays, an ultrasound, and blood collection. The procedure was directed by Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, assisted by members of the Animal Health and Animal Science teams. Initial assessments indicate that Flan is in good health!

HARPY EAGLE

On August 26, Zoo Miami’s adult pair of harpy eagles received wellness exams. Working in coordination with the Animal Science Team, the Animal Health Team collected blood, administered a de-wormer as well as vaccines for the West Nile virus, examined the eyes, and did an overall assessment of the general body condition. The female also had her beak trimmed and filed. Both birds appeared to be in good condition and were quickly returned to their habitat where they are recovering well.

CLOUDED LEOPARD

On August 1, “Serai,” an 11-year-old female endangered clouded leopard, underwent a series of exams in an effort to diagnose what may be causing ongoing issues with vomiting. Exams included an ultrasound and an endoscopy where several biopsies were taken from the oral cavity, stomach, and small intestine. The Animal Health team was able to get a closer look at inflammatory tissue that is likely connected to the vomiting issues.

The endoscopy and ultrasound exams were directed by Dr. Luis Macho, a veterinary internal medicine specialist from Advanced Veterinary Care Service. The Zoo Miami Animal Health Team was led by Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Gaby Flacke. Initial indications were that Serai’s vomiting issues may be the result of a food allergy. In addition to the endoscopy and ultrasound exams, Serai also had a series of x-rays done, blood collected, a COVID test and a general wellness exam that included eyes, ears and teeth. Other than the inflammatory tissue seen in her mouth and throat, she is in generally good condition.

57th Giraffe Zoo Miami Born at

On August 23, 2022, “Sabra,” a nearly 12-year-old giraffe, gave birth to a female calf at Zoo Miami. The following morning, staff members were able to quickly separate mother and calf so that a neonatal exam could be performed. Neonatal exams are part of a preventative medicine program directed by the zoo’s Animal Health Department in conjunction with the Animal Science Department. The exams allow the staff to perform close, hands-on examinations of the newborn to confirm the sex and weight, collect blood, inspect and clean the umbilicus, do general eye and ear exams, inject vitamins, and insert an identification transponder in addition to an overall assessment of general body condition.

The calf, standing at over five feet tall and weighing approximately 120lbs at birth, appeared to be in good health and was quickly returned to her mother in an offexhibit area. After spending a week off-exhibit to properly bond, the calf made her exhibit debut on August 30! Sabra was attentive but allowed her calf to venture toward the other individuals in the herd and she was greeted by curiosity, along with smells and licks from most of them. The calf appears to be doing well and she is now fully integrated into the herd of nine.

happy birthday JIwA !

On September 2, Zoo Miami’s male orangutan turned eight years old! To celebrate, his keepers filled his habitat with a variety of enrichment items including bags full of greens as well as items to play with such as streamers, tulle, and other party decorations. Though he and his partner, Bella, investigated most of the items, it was the cups full of popcorn and Gatorade that was by far the biggest hit! Jiwa immediately grabbed every cup he could find and gathered them all together as he sat down and consumed their contents, one by one! Once he drank or ate their contents, he would then look into each cup to see that it was empty and then proceed to tear it apart to make sure! All-in-all, he seemed to enjoy his birthday!

Malayan Tapir Delivers Stillborn Calf

Within the circle of life, we celebrate miraculous births, but we also mourn terrible losses. It was with great sadness that Zoo Miami announced on August 21 that “Tenghi,” the nearly six-yearold female Malayan tapir, delivered a full term male stillborn calf. This was a devastating blow to the staff that worked incredibly hard to give Tenghi special care in order to provide her with the best environment in support of her pregnancy. Using positive reinforcement, the Animal Science Team had conditioned her to volunteer to have ultrasound exams that allowed the Animal Health Team to monitor the development of the calf. Until the week prior, they were able to confirm that the pregnancy was progressing well and the calf appeared normal. Unfortunately, during a following exam, the team could no longer detect a heartbeat. Sadly, after a 13-month pregnancy, the still born calf was delivered.

This was Tenghi’s first pregnancy. A necropsy was performed on the stillborn calf to gain insight into any potential indicators as to why it did not survive. Fortunately, Tenghi appears to be doing well and has since recovered.

When

was constructed at Zoo Miami, the new design isolated portion of a body of water located between the Tiger Temple and the Conservation Action Center. Because the natural flow of filtration had been altered, attempts were made to artificially chlorinate and aerate the water with the hope that it would remain clean and clear. When those attempts did not provide the desired results, Mike Hitchcock, Horticulture Manager at Zoo Miami, suggested a plan to create a wetland that would be naturally filtered by aquatic plants while also providing a home for native wading birds. Thanks to a generous donation by the Cobb Family Foundation, that plan was initiated and the installation of several “islands” and new surrounding landscape was recently completed.

Working closely with previous Zoo Miami staff member, Luis Valdes, now of Ground Effects of Miami, the Horticulture Team drained and cleaned the artificial lake in preparation for the transformation to a more natural wetland. As part of that process, the existing surrounding landscape was also removed so that new native landscaping could be installed. Non-native species such as firecracker plants and bromeliads, along with a myriad of other volunteer foliage was replaced with Fakahatchee grass, dune sunflower, beautyberry, wild coffee, and native powder puff.

Inside the newly upgraded body of water, several “islands” were constructed to support special plants and trees that could provide shelter and nesting areas for birds as well as serve as natural filters for the water.

The first islands were made by installing large boulders that served as a base for a special liner that could support substrate in which a variety of aquatic vegetation could be planted. These are known as “wet islands” and were planted with mangroves, pond apple, pickerel weed, water lilies and bald cypress. All of these plants had their roots submerged underwater and were basically floating.

Next to be installed was a series of “dry islands.” They were constructed using large barrels that

“Florida: Mission Everglades”

By Ron Magill

Next to be installed were a series of “dry islands.” They were constructed using large barrels that were filled with sand and clustered together. The barrels allowed the sand to extend above the water level and were planted with a variety of native aquatic plants such as spatterdock, giant rush and duck potato. These islands provide a more solid area for certain aquatic birds to nest.

Since the upgrading of this new wetland area, several species of wading birds have already been observed utilizing it. In addition, some birds have already nested there and successfully raised chicks! The area has also been officially listed as a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation for its commitment to sustainably providing the essential elements for wildlife habitat.

As time passes and the islands continue to grow and mature, it is expected that they will become a home for many other native birds that will take advantage of this beautiful new sanctuary in the middle of Zoo Miami.

”As time passes and the islands continue to grow and mature, it is expected that they will become a home for many other native birds.”

camp

Winter camp

Join us in the Animal Fun Factory, a one-of-a-kind interactive exhibit where our visitors can learn through creative play. Whether you’re crafting a cardboard cake for a koala, writing a letter to a lemur, or building a hideout for a hippo, there’s always something new to do at the Fun Factory!

Come out and help us create something wild every Saturday & Sunday from 11 AM – 3 PM. The Fun Factory is FREE and fun for all ages!

Whether you’re a part of a school or community group, our educators can bring a taste of the zoo to you! Take part in our educational animal and conservation presentations where our trained educators share their knowledge and bring along wild biofacts for hands on interaction. We have both in-person and virtual offerings!

Want to help our animal residents get their physical and mental exercise?

Breaking Away from the Herd: Elephant Management

at Zoo Miami

By Agi Sapi

We get this question many times during our Keeper Talks or behind-the-scenes tours at Zoo Miami. The simple answer is to reinforce the behaviors you would like to see and keep in mind that you might not get what you ask for, but you always get what you reinforce! Everything that goes beyond that is a little more sophisticated.

Managing elephants in human care goes back centuries and is an ever-evolving process. Zoo Miami is home to five elephant residents. Our oldest elephant, Asian bull “Dalip”, had been with Zoo Miami for 54 years (since we were Crandon Park Zoo!) The African females, “Peggy” and “Mabel,” both 47 years old, have lived here since the age of four. “Nellie,” our 53-year-old Asian female, joined us well over a decade ago and “Ongard” (“Ardy” for close friends), who just turned 12 years old, arrived in 2018. All of them have been part of a major shift in how elephant management and training is done over the years.

Elephants can be dangerous due to their large size, pure force, and intelligence. Choosing the safest and most respectful training setting is a priority at Zoo Miami. Historically, elephants have been managed in a “free contact” setting where there is no barrier between the animals and their keepers. Zoo Miami, on the other hand, is now part of an increasing number of facilities around the world that interact with elephants in a “protected contact” setting. This means that there is a barrier of some kind, like cables, mesh, fencing, or a moat, that separates the animals and keepers when interacting. While both settings have their pros and cons, what really matters is the approach, mindset, and training techniques used.

Positive reinforcement is a type of operant conditioning in which you reward behaviors you want to see, in order to increase the likelihood that they will be repeated. Applying these principles encourages our animals and their keepers to learn and accomplish training goals in a safe, fun, and motivating environment. Both parties are teaching and learning from one another and can choose to take a break at any moment. It is our job to create an environment in which the elephants want to participate, always seeking more interaction. This is the opposite of traditional elephant training that used aversive tools such as bull hooks (or other very punishing methods, like cattle prods) to create a fearful and painful scenario in order to control the elephants physically, mentally, and emotionally.

One of the big differences between these approaches is the consequence of failing. Just like us, elephants make mistakes when learning new things or even just interacting with their environment. In a correction-based method, these failures are heavily punished with painful consequences meant to stop the behavior from happening again. In a positive-reinforcement-based environment, we teach them to accept failure as a normal step of learning new things, bounce back, and move on quickly.

We have taught our elephants a broad variety of behaviors that help us to provide the best care for them. We can ask them to participate in sessions which allow us to draw blood, give injections (including yearly vaccinations), take x-rays of different body parts, trim tusks, maintain healthy nails and cuticles, do daily stretches to maintain mobility as they age, look into their mouth, eyes, ears, and much more. Since their participation in these behaviors happens on a voluntary basis, it means the elephants take part in their own health care! This is a huge step toward true collaboration between humans and animals in a peaceful and mutually respectful way.

“How do I get my seven-pound chihuahua to be as well-behaved as this 13,000-pound elephant?”

Zoo

Adopt an Animal

NOTES for Members

Give the Gift of Adventure

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.

NEW MEMBERSHIP LANYARDS

COMING SOON!

Your Zoo Miami Member Card is like a VIP pass around the zoo – wear it in style! Keep an eye out for our new “LAND TO SEA” themed lanyards, coming soon!

THE 2021 ZOO MIAMI FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT

We are proud to unveil Zoo Miami Foundation’s Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report here, featuring our beloved tiger, N’dari. Take a walk down memory lane as we revisit 65 years guided by a passion for wildlife. We hope you’ll find uplifting stories and reminders of what we have achieved together. At its heart, we make a difference in the lives of our animal residents, produce a robust education program, and support local and global conservation—and this is all made possible thanks to your generosity.

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!

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 that reside at Zoo Miami. Receive inside access to behind-the-scenes tours, private animal encounters, exclusive event invitations, programs, and more!

Your Membership Card gives you exclusive aCCess to Zoo Miami!

We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between June 14, 2022 – September 12, 2022. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*

INDIVIDUALS

$25,000 +

Libby and Jack Madden

$10,000 - 24,999

Alan and M. Ivette Atkinson

$5,000 - $9,999

Mary L. Barley

Sandy Batchelor

Chris Feasel

Sally A. Heyman

Pat and Chip Vandenberg and Lauren Manley

$1,000 - $4,999

Norma Jean Abraham Sandra M. and Herbert E. Allenson

Isabelle Benditte Pike and Russell Pike

Alicia Celorio

The Forte Family Lourdes E. Gomez and Marcelino Miyares, Ph.D.

The Honorable Joe A. Martinez

Stacy and Kionne McGhee

Roger Miles

Elizabeth Ann and Anthony Morgenthau

Ann and Richard Pope Kevin Rader Raquel A. Regalado

$500 - $999

Helen O. Donaldson Britney Freeney

Eric Laumeister Martha H. Rabbitt Kathleen and Don Sokolik

$100 - $499

Arturo Luis Alamo

Jon Antoniewicz Ruby M. Bacardi Brittnie R. Bassant

Curtis Bertrand Amanda Bolanos Ryan Bostic Katherine Brody

Jeff Capparelli Michael Chavez Maria Ciucca Thomas Coffren Scooter Colville

Jon M. Crosbie, D.O.

Shelley B. Daniel Rutherford and J. Larry Rutherford D. Diane Dickhut

Felix Dimaro

Amanda and Chad Douglas Chase Futtrell

Katie Gonzalez Geddy A. Hilton

Eric Jensen Mayuko Kaji Timothy Kirschner Daniel J. Licciardi

Liliana and Leonel Maresma Suny and Wilfred Marti Evan McIsaac

Alec Milton Natalie Muniz Nicole and Angel Olivera Ana Cecilia Ossa Patricia Quezada Martha A. Rogers Haas Lisa Rothlein Kenneth Smith Jamillah Soloman Ana VeigaMilton and Cecil Milton

Ward B. Whitten

CORPORATE PARTNERS

$10,000 - $24,999

Bank of America Merrill Lynch Florida Power & Light Sportsman’s Adventures, Inc.

$5,000 - $9,999 Casino Miami Jai-Alai Conviva Care Center TruckMax, Inc.

YouFit Gyms

$1,000 - $4,999

Allied Global Marketing Baptist Health Be Beautiful Aesthetic Medicine

Crab du Jour Elite Home Energy Solutions Eventbrite, Inc.

Facebook

Hancock Askew & Co., LLP

I&E Aquademy, LLC dba Little Swimmers, Inc. Nova Southeastern University Parrot Fish Studio

Planet Air Sports - Doral, LLC Roar Media

The Berry Farm

Twin Cities Public Television, Inc.

$500 - $999

Bake it on Wheels Epilepsy Alliance Florida Great Expressions

Dental Centers

Kenney Communications Inc. Shutts & Bowen, LLP Sky Zone Cutler Bay TravelHost Miami and the Beaches

$100 - $499

Veza Sur Brewing Co.

FOUNDATIONS

$25,000 +

The Wildflower Foundation, Inc.

$10,000 - $24,999

The José Milton Foundation

The Tonkinson Foundation

The Windhover Foundation, Inc.

$5,000 - $9,999

The Everglades Foundation, Inc.

Westminster Barrington Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999

AmazonSmile Foundation

Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation

Sofia’s Hope, Inc.

$500 - $999

AmazonSmile Foundation

American Express Foundation

Charities Aid Foundation of America

$10,000 - $24,999

National Science Foundation

$5,000 - $9,999

Florida Division of Cultural Affairs

Herb Stuffed Turkey Breast with Brown Rice and Ratatouille

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs turkey breast

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 oz fresh Italian parsley

• 1 tbsp garlic cloves

• 1 oz fresh sage

• 1 lemon

• 4 cups steamed brown rice

• 48 oz ratatouille

• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheet with wax paper and brush with oil.

2. Combine parsley, garlic, sage, lemon zest, salt, pepper, oil, and stir.

3. Cut turkey breast in half without cutting all the way through.

4. Spread herb mix on each breast and roll. Brush the tops with oil.

5. Bake for 40-50 minutes until center reaches 165 degrees.

6. Slice diagonal to show swirl.

7. Serve with brown rice and prepared

tatouille