Keepin' it Wild! Oct. - Dec. 2018

Keepin’ it Wild!

October-December 2018

A digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami.

OUR MISSION: The Zoo Miami

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:UE:

Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo.

- Sloths Arrive at Zoo Miami!

- Wild Holiday Gifts - New Baby Hippo

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 C. Romano Chair-Elect: Eric Eikenberg Treasurer: Kathy McDonald Secretary: Armando Fernandez Past Chair: Jim Kushlan, PhD. Jim Kushlan, PhD. George Leser Daniel J. Licciardi Frank Lopez Sharon MacIvor, DVM Maria I. Nardí Marc A. Osheroff Ann Pope Aliette D. Rodz, Esq. Dr. Michael Rosenberg Patricia Siles, CPA Eric J. Stephens Merrett R. Stierheim Christopher Walters

Alan Atkinson Mary Barley Dr. Jose Francisco Barros Sandy Batchelor Jacey Birch Luis E. Boué, CPA John V. Chibbaro Katrina Daniel Jose Felix Diaz Diane Dickut Larry Feldman, PhD. Diana L. Fitzgerald, Esq. Robert Furniss-Roe Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez Michael Heithaus, PhD. Kimberly Kalkus EMERITI DIRECTORS Rodney L. Barreto Vincent L. Berkeley Jennifer Boin Getz Roger Carlton Harlan S. Chiron, MD Ambassador Sue Cobb Linda Coll Ron Esserman William J. Gallwey, III, Esq. Robert W. Hudson, Esq.

Sherrill W. Hudson Bernard Klepach David Konfino Jack Lowell Manny J. Rodriguez, P.E. Edward Soto Lawrence O. Turner, Jr. Diana Udel Ana VeigaMilton, Esq. Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.

President/CEO: William W. Moore Zoo Director: Carol Kruse Zoo Admission Hours: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.

Editor: Rashielle Teape Contributors: Nathalie Batista, Samantha Capparelli, Cindy Castelblanco, Sarah Chapman, Lissette Chatel, Sara Greene, Kristen Kendrick, Ron Magill, Mimi Miyares, Bill Moore, Andrea Obregon, Jessica Parks, Frank Ridgley, Carlos Simoes Layout & Design: Parrot Fish Studio

Photography: Ron Magill

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

LETTER FROM THE CEO The New Year always comes somewhat early for us here at Zoo Miami Foundation.

October marks the beginning of our new fiscal year, which gives us the chance to take a close look at our programs, projects and mission. This year, we are moving forward with a new mission statement to better communicate to our supporters what we aim to accomplish as a foundation. “The Zoo Miami Foundation fosters community pride and involvement with Zoo Miami and secures financial support for the zoo.”

Some of the ways we best engage our community is through our new and improved annual giving programs. Adopt an Animal will now be known as “Wildlife Guardians”, to better celebrate the support these wildlife enthusiasts provide. Our “Walkway of the Wild” program is where you can help to support our annual fund by purchasing a commemorative brick that will become part of Zoo Miami’s history.

And, formerly known as Friends of Zoo Miami, our Premier Membership program will be seeing some exclusive new perks and ways to get involved at Zoo Miami, with all the benefits of a standard membership.

Our Board of Directors has also been refreshed and updated, as we welcome some new (and returning) members and say farewell to a few as well. José Romano will be stepping up as our new Chair, bringing us valuable experience, perspectives and connections in the South Florida community. Of course, we thank Jim Kushlan for his time as Chair of the Board, as he continues to serve as immediate past Chair.

On behalf of Zoo Miami Foundation, I’d like to take this opportunity to honor the late Sidney “Larry” Kahn, who passed away at the age of 72 on August 29, 2018. Husband to past ZMF Board Director Susan Kahn, Larry was a passionate philanthropist dedicated to healthcare, and we are truly grateful to have had him as a part of the Zoo Miami family.

FOLLOW US

You can help support the zoo as we continue to grow!

BILL MOORE ZMF CEO/ President 2

DONATE NOW!

Inside This Issue 4 6 8 10

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Nat Geo Photo Ark Coming to Zoo Miami Batty Neighbors Did you know that there may be friendly bats living under your palm fronds? Learn more about how you can avoid hurting them!

Hanging with Zoo Miami’s New Sloths Adventures in Learning Learn more about our upcoming education programs and events

Wild Holiday Gifts Leave a little adventure under the tree!

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14 15 16

Q&A with New Board Chairman JosĂŠ Romano

17 18 20

Join Our Pride

Updates to our Board of Directors Quarterly Zoo Miami Foundation Donors

Baby Pygmy Hippo Notes for Members

PHOTO EXHIBITION OPENS NOVEMBER 16, 2018

THIS EXHIBITION WAS ORGANIZED BY THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM.

EXPERIENCE IT

4

AT

#SaveTogether

ZooMiami.org

S AV E T H E D AT E

MARCH 15, 2019

Go Wild, Get Healthy at Zoo Miami!

Join Us

OCTOBER 6, 2018 @

Now through October 5: $35 Race Day: $45

Now through October 5: $20 Race Day: $25

2019

BENEFITING

Feast

WITH THE

BEASTS

VIP Beastkeeper I $500/person 7:00pm to 12:00am

Feaster Main Event I $250/person 8:00pm to 12:00am

For more information, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities visit www.fwtb.org or call 305-255-5551.

REGISTER TODAY:

ZooMiami.org/run

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Batty Neighbors

by Frank Ridgley, DVM Here in Miami, people often want their landscapes perfectly coiffed. If there is a palm frond starting to sag, it is often cut down quickly. Not only is this usually not healthy for the tree, but you may also be destroying an important habitat for one of our native bats, the northern yellow bat (Lasiurus intermedius)!

These solitary, blonde, fuzzy, harmless bats roost singly under sagging palm fronds and are commonly found in urban areas.

The only time you will see more than one together is during the summer when a female is raising her young. Hundreds of these bats are likely injured or killed by this widespread landscaping mistake each year.

They are commonly brought to wildlife rehabilitation centers after being discovered after a palm trimming. These little bats are out there working every night cleaning up the skies of flying insects that could be pests to you, your landscape plants, or agriculture. So, the next time you think about trimming your palms, consider letting the frond fall naturally to the ground to be picked up instead. It will likely keep your tree healthier and you may be saving your little blonde neighbor’s life!

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OCTOBER 27 & 28 10AM - 3PM

INCLUDED WITH ZOO ADMISSION

• Trick-or-treat in costumes

KIDS 12 AND UNDER

• Watch special performances

• Participate in costume contests • Make Halloween crafts • See our wild animals get their Halloween goodies, and more!

Visit us online at ZooMiami.org 7

ORPHANED SLOTHS JOIN THE AMBASSADOR TEAM!

At the end of July 2018, Communications Director Ron Magill and Senior Keeper Kristen Kendrick traveled to Panama to meet and pick up two orphaned two-toed sloths from the Pan American Conservation Association (AsociacĂ­on Panamericana para la ConservacĂ­on or APPC).

The sloths, Chelsea and Pete, are almost two years old and were hand-raised, and therefore deemed not-releasable, making them great candidates to become ambassador animals.

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Two-toed sloths are not currently endangered, however, much of their habitat is being lost to deforestation and urban encroachment. The APPC works tirelessly to rescue and rehabilitate many different species of animals within Panama.

During 2017, they rescued and received 385 wild animals; 71% were relocated in protected areas, 21% died due to disease or injuries and 8% remain in human care (orphans and the disabled). The most commonly rescued were brown-throated three-toed sloths and Hoffmann´s two-toed sloths. The most common reasons for rescue were disorientation between forested and urban areas, injuries and orphaned sloths due to habitat destruction, and poaching for illegal trafficking of animals.

Bringing these animals from Panama to Zoo Miami was no small feat. It required working with several agencies and both governments to make it happen. Thankfully, due to Ron’s existing relationship with the Panamanian government through the Harpy Eagle Project, we were able to pull it off!

Chelsea and Pete will live behind the scenes at Zoo Miami’s Critter Connection and will serve as ambassadors for their species when they accompany their keepers to meet our guests. By allowing our guests to get an upclose opportunity to see these animals, we hope they can better empathize with important conservation messages and efforts to protect sloths from the illegal pet trade.

Meet Chelsea and Pete during International Sloth Day at Zoo Miami!

October 20 & 21 11 AM – 4 PM @ Critter Connection Enjoy arts & crafts, face painting, educational fun and a special raffle! Money raised will go to the APPC.

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Adventures in Learning Wild Night Tours Join us for a walk on the wild side!

Our evening adventures take you on a guided tour and include unique behind-the-scenes experiences with the zoo’s night-loving animals.

Upcoming Dates: October 13, 2018: “Amazon Trek” November 10, 2018: “Eat or Be Eaten” 7 – 9 PM

CLICK HERE to Register

GIANT ANTEATER & HIGHWAY PROJECT WITH DR. ARNAUD DESBIEZ

November 10, 2018 Giant anteaters… an interesting looking species from their tubular-shaped mouth to their long bushy tail. But did you know they eat 30,000 ants in one day?! Did you know that they walk on their fists and often face the threat of vehicle collisions when crossing roads?

Dr. Arnaud Desbiez has worked with the Giant Anteater & Highway Project for years, radiocollaring individuals to track their movements. Join us for a night with fun stories of researchers tracking anteaters and hearing more on what efforts are being made to protect this species.

CLICK HERE for More Info 10

Zoo Camp Scholarship Spotlight WINTER CAMP Ages 4 – 12 I 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Meet different animals, discover ways to protect nature, and enjoy a variety of games and activities! Your child is sure to enjoy making new memories and friends while growing into an environmental warrior.

Week 1 | Dec. 26 – 28, 2018: “Winter Wonderland” Week 2 | Dec. 31, 2018, Jan. 2 – 4, 2019: “Blazing Sun vs. Arctic Wind”

MINI CAMP

Ages 4 – 12 I 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM School’s out but the zoo is in session!

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

October 26, 2018: “Animal Communication” November 6, 2018: “Built to Survive” November 12, 2018: “Animal Chefs”

CLICK HERE to Register

Meet four-year-old Jayson Rovira! The first day of summer camp at Zoo Miami he was excited, yet worried about how close he would get to the animals, but as soon as he got in the classroom, his eyes lit up! So many interesting biofacts to look at, and tons of animal information to learn! His counselors say he was very shy but as soon as he opened up, he was sweet and kind to other kids. He was always eager to see new animals. As soon as they were finished being introduced to an animal he would say “that’s my favorite” only to fall in love with the next animal!

Jayson had a fantastic time at camp. Not only did he find a new love for animals, he also made memories that he will never forget!

Jayson was able to attend Zoo Miami’s Summer Camp through a scholarship made possible by The Batchelor Foundation. We thank them for their support, providing Zoo Camp scholarships year-round!

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ONE MILLION REASONS TO SEE IT Zoo Miami will open at night for a special holiday event with one million bright, animal shaped lights and dazzling tree lights!

Experience Zoo Miami like never before.

Save time, buy your tickets online at shop.zoomiami.org 12

NOV 23 - DEC 29 FRI & SAT NIGHTS @ 7PM #ZooLightsMiami

Membership The gift that keeps on giving. Make the whole family happy with a year’s worth of adventure!

Buy one Zoo Miami Membership, get another for 40% off!* Purchase in park at Membership Services or online at shop.zoomiami.org/save using promo code JINGLE18 * Must be of equal or lesser value

CLICK HERE for More Info

12 Days of Wild Holiday Gifts!

LEAVE A BIG ADVENTURE UNDER THE TREE THIS YEAR!

Walkway of the Wild Give your loved ones something everlasting.

Buy one commemorative Zoo Miami brick on our Walkway of the Wild, and get a second one for 50% off as a keepsake for your home or garden.

Commemorative bricks on the Walkway of the Wild can be seen lining the entrance to the Florida: Mission Everglades exhibit at Zoo Miami.

CLICK HERE for More Info

With these BOGO holiday deals, you can cover everyone on your list.

All promos are valid December 13 - 25, 2018.

Mark your calendars and keep an eye on your inbox for more info!

Wildlife Guardians Symbolically adopt an animal at Zoo Miami to become a Wildlife Guardian!

Buy one Keeper Package and get one digital Environmentalist Package for free.

The Keeper Package includes an animal plush, certificate of adoption, fun facts, and a Ron Magill autographed photo. The Environmentalist Package includes a digital certificate of adoption, fun facts and a photo - all emailed to the recipient of your choice.

CLICK HERE for More Info

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Q&A with José Romano: Zoo Miami Foundation’s New Chairman of the Board What do you hope to accomplish or see happen at Zoo Miami and the Foundation during your term as Chairman?

I would love to see the Zoo continue to flourish by adding more interactive and exciting exhibits and encounters. There are several projects in the works including the Conservation Action Center and hopefully a new Animal Hospital. Both of those will be built with interactive features for guests to both enjoy but also move them to action. I’d like to see us hit one million visitors - a path we were on before Hurricane Irma hit us!! And most importantly, I’d like to see the Zoo, the Foundation and the county work together to find a creative way to ensure long term sustainability of this, one of the best Zoos in the country.

How else are you involved in the South Florida community?

I’m actively involved in the Orange Bowl committee, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and the American Heart Association.

How do you think your personal or professional experiences will help you in this new role?

I’ve been on, or reporting to, a Board of Directors for the last 20 years. I think my experience in understanding how boards work and what purposes they serve, depending on the organizations they support, will be of great help. In addition, I was born and raised in Miami. I won’t tell you exactly how long that’s been, but I will tell you that my personal and professional networks are extensive just due to longevity here and will be put to the test in service of the Zoo. What is your favorite zoo animal and why?

The okapi. Unknown to western civilization until the 20th century, it’s a bit enigmatic and mysterious.

Also, it’s only one of two members of the Family Giraffidae, so it’s unique. And lastly, being known 14

as the “zebra giraffe” and having markings of both animals, it is the definition of inclusion, tolerance and collaboration.

Do you have any animal-related phobias?

Not really, except for furry spiders.

What is your best memory at Zoo Miami?

Feast with the Beast two years ago!

What is your go-to reason when convincing someone to visit Zoo Miami?

Like a friend of mine once said: “If you can do “well” while you’re doing “good”, that’s a winning proposition.” What I mean is, there is so much to do at the zoo: animal encounters, a water park, the children’s zoo, The Milton Fun Factory, shows in the amphitheater… and they are all awesome….so you’re doing “well”. In the process, the money generated by Zoo Miami and the Zoo Miami Foundation are destined to do “good”. Whether it’s animal conservation or education opportunities for our youth, we are committed to our mission: to share the wonder of wildlife and help conserve it for generations to come.

A Fond Farewell & Thank You to These Board Members!

Jim Kushlan, Ph.D.

Ana VeigaMilton, Esq.

Position: Chair Years Served: 2016-2018

Position: Board Director Years Served: 2012-2018

Will continue to serve as a Board Director and Immediate Past Chair

Will continue to serve as an Emeritus Director

Susan Kahn

Scott Maddox

Position: Board Director Years Served: 2012-2018

Position: Board Director Years Served: 2012-2018

Welcome Back!

Alan Atkinson Position: Board Director

New Board Member

John V. Chibbaro Position: Board Director

A lawyer at GreenbergTraurig, John focuses his practice on environmental and land use matters. We are happy to welcome John as a new Zoo Miami Foundation Board Director!

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We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between June 21 and September 20, 2018.

Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.* $5,000 - $9,999

$100 - $499

James A. Kushlan & Kirsten Hines Hernan Bas Daniel T. Le Batard

Laura Altman & Jack Altman Megan Anderson Jeff Capparelli Dona DePriest Ana M. DePriest Zadi Desme & Tania Desme Martha Hoffmann & Dirk Hoffmann Alberto Pascual & Bridget Murphy-Pascual Chris Pezzotti & Molly Neabeack Norbert Possekel & Ivette Ulloa-Possekel Jamie Robb Nancy Romeo Gary Rottger Bryan Yap & Bettina Rivas Jason Evans Leroy Hoard Shelley Slapion-Foote & Franklin H. Foote Dionne Anthon Susan Herman Anna Salinetro & John Salinetro Laura Salpeter Kris Shaffer Stephanie Rupp Kassandra Ramirez Gayle A. Bainbridge Jose Behar Sandra Charles & William Charles Gisela Eckel & Bruce Eckel Theodore Fagan & Lashan Fagan Patricia Fernandez Sarai Gonzalez Richard Holladay Joanne Kroesen & Todd Kroesen Nicole Lamanda William W. Moore & Jill Moore Michael Morrison Paula Plympton & David Plympton Rita Ventura Ward B. Whitten & Betty C. Whitten James Pritchard III Miles Warlick Dustin Perrin Diane Dickhut Daniel Adler William Rushworth Byron Valle Shannon Mau Heather Nelson Mary Jo Trabal

$1,000 - $4,999 Sue S. Foster Kathryn Medford Robin Faber Lynn L. Atkinson & David E. Drucker David J. PrevĂŠ & Maylin Preve Jason Vollmer & Mary E. Stiefel

$500 - $999 Marcia Rahing & C. Rahing Max Frizalone & Sarah Valenti Robert E. Hulnick & Dina D. Hulnick Jose Penabad Linda R. Reifschneider Mary L. Sanford Roslyn Schrank

$250 - $499 Claire W. Mooers Edith Pearson Helen O. Donaldson Don Van Natta Robert Chaplin Clifford J. Gibbs Sara N. Greene & Carlos Lungu Lori Cameron Judy Loft & Joe Reid Don E. Sokolik & Kathleen Sokolik

* 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.

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Corporate Partners $25,000 - $49,999 AAA The Auto Club

$5,000 - $9,999 South Florida Chapter AAZK Main Street Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics

$1,000 - $4,999 Respond2 LLC Zoo Miami Walmart TopGolf Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Elephant Managers Association, Inc. Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc.

$500 - $999 Animal Care Software LLC New Leaf Chiropractic Inc.

$250 - $499 American Pediatric Dental Group JPMorgan Chase AT&T Employee Giving Campaign/YourCause

Foundation Partners $25,000 - $49,999 The Kirk Foundation

$1,000 - $4,999 American Express Foundation Marlins Foundation Santa Barbara Zoological Foundation Westminster Barrington Foundation $100 - $999 The Cheesecake Factory Oscar & Evelyn Overton Charitable Fdn The Segel Foundation AmazonSmile Foundation

Government Support $1000 - $2,499 Florida Department of State-Division of Cultural Affairs

$10,000 - $24,999 Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

Join Our

Pride!

There are so many ways to get involved with Zoo Miami Foundation. By joining the Zoo family, you’ll not only help us further our mission, but you’ll get tons of benefits and unique ways to connect more with Zoo Miami and wildlife.

Calling all millennials! As up and

coming community influencers, Wild Bunch Members experience the zoo from an exclusive perspective through curated networking events, unique outdoor volunteerism, animal encounters and priority access to Zoo Miami programs for inspiration as a new generation of zoo supporters.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Premier Membership

For truly committed wildlife enthusiasts, the Premier Membership program is dedicated to sustaining Zoo Miami’s pioneering conservation efforts. Members get all the benefits of a standard Zoo Miami Membership, like unlimited admission, discounted admission to select zoos nation-wide, and discounts in the park, PLUS elite benefits including invitations to exclusive events, behind the scenes experiences, autographed photos by Ron Magill, and much more.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE 17

After an approximately 7-month long pregnancy, “Kelsey”, a 26-year-old pygmy hippopotamus, gave birth to a healthy male calf on August 4, 2018 at Zoo Miami! Weighing in at 8.8 pounds, the calf should grow pretty fast, reaching nearly 10 times his birthweight within his first 5 months!

Welcome Baby Hippo!

This is only the second pygmy hippo born at Zoo Miami, with the last one being born in 2010 – also belonging to Kelsey!

Kelsey was born at the Baton Rouge Zoo in Louisiana and arrived at Zoo Miami in May of 1993. The father, a five-year-old named “Ralph”, was born at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska and arrived at Zoo Miami in March of 2017.

Kelsey and her newborn recently made their exhibit debut after spending some time behind the scenes to bond with one another. Zoo Miami guests can visit them daily from approximately 10 AM - 3 PM. This is subject to change, as their keepers monitor their comfort and well-being.

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SAT OCT 20 7-10pm Tickets Enjoy an evening stroll at Zoo Miami with beverages and bites*, animal encounters, a photo booth, a live karaoke band, special zookeeper talks and unlimited Lostman’s River boat rides. Parking is always free! *Food, beer, wine and specialty cocktails available at an additional cost. Prices vary between $4 - $6.

20 $25

$

Presale

Members Save $5

At the Door

ZooMiami.org

ed d o o l B d l o AC Educationaolw Wildlife Sh OCT 18 - DEC 16 Explore Zoo Miami reptiles in real life at our NEW “Reptiles Unleashed” interactive show produced by wildlife biologist, Joe Wasilewski. Get hands on with more than 10 species of unusual, bizarre and invasive reptiles!

Two shows per day, seven days a week.

ZooMiami.org Included with zoo admission

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NOTES for Members MEMBER PUMPKIN PATCH PARTY October 20, 2018 Grab a pumpkin and get to carving! This exclusive members event is back this Halloween season, and is the perfect family event! We’ll provide the pumpkins and carving tools, you bring your family and your creativity.

Plus, enjoy treats and a special animal encounter!

CLICK HERE to RSVP

$5 per family. Must be an active Zoo Miami Member.

BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY DEALS ARE COMING Stay tuned for the some of the biggest savings of the year! Stay connected with us on social media and keep your eyes out for these deals in your inbox. If you changed your email address recently, make sure to keep us updated! Give us a call at 305-255-5551.

NEW MEMBER PINS We’re adding new pins to our collectible Member Series! Look out for the release of the Panther Pin this holiday season.

We’ll be announcing more soon…

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Coming Soon!

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M E M BE R SE RV I C E S • ( 3 05) 255- 5551 • M BR@zo o miami .org