3 4 6 1 2015_web.pdf · 4 6 1 3 tribute togeorge patton mann. ... safety, comfort, jobs, health...

Animal Care:Thank you Lisa

From the DD: ZooBoo/Zoobilation

Zoo Education:Holiday pets

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GEORGE PATTON MANN3Tribute to

Inside

2 JungleDrums | Winter 2015

Who’s WhoJungleDrums

The Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum

PO Box 3313Montgomery, AL 36109

(334) 240-4900montgomeryzoo.com

MembershipCall (334) 240-4900

between the hours of 8am - 5pm,

Monday through Friday

The Honorable Todd Strange, Mayor of the City of Montgomery, Alabama.

Montgomery City Council MembersRichard Bollinger, Brantley Lyons, Tracy Larkin, David Burkette, William A. Green, Fred Bell, Arch Lee, Glen Pruitt, Jr., and Charles Jinright , Council President

Montgomery Area Zoological SocietyBoard of Directors: President, Janey Whitten Sabel; 1st Vice President, Kenneth White; 2nd Vice President, Cassandra Crosby McCollough; Treasurer, John Mastin; Secretary, Krista Hawkins; Immediate Past President, Bill Hardin; Executive Board Member Emeritus, Joyce Hobbs

Members at large: Nan Barganier, Candy Capel, Adam Causey, Jeanne Charbonneau, Jennifer Crumpton, Stephen Dees, Rachael Gallagher, Michael Gallops, Denise Greene, Dr. Mary Hampton, Dottye Hannan, Dawn Hathcock, Jamie Hodges, Tina Joly, Melody Jones, Joyce Loyd-Davis, Delbert Madison, Marianne McLeod, Lila McNair, Christine Prewitt, Betty Roberts, Amanda Spiers, John Curran Sullivan, III, Scarlette Tuley and Paul K. Walker Ex-Officio: Scott Miller, Director of Leisure Services; Brantley Lyons, Council District 2 and Tracy Larkin, Council District 3

Zoo | Museum Senior StaffZoo Director, Doug GoodeDeputy Director, Marcia WoodardProgram Services/JD Editor, Steven C. Pierce Animal Care Manager, Lisa MatthewsAssist. Animal Care Manager, Jason BielenConservation & Enrichment, Ken Naugher Operations Manager, Jeremy VinsonMarketing & PR Manager, John GreeneEducation Curator, Jennifer HutchesonAdmissions-Retail Manager, Susan Michener Rides & Attractions Mgr, Cade Woodruff

Zoo and Mann Museum HoursThe Montgomery Zoo and Mann Museum are open from 9:00am-5:30pm every day with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. The last ticket is sold 4pm and animal exhibits begin closing at 4:30pm.

Combo rates (Zoo and Mann Museum) Adults: $20, Children (3-12yrs old): $15, Seniors 65+: $18, 2yrs old and under: FREE.

Zoo Admission Adults: $15, Children (3-12yrs old): $11, Seniors 65+: $13, 2yrs old and under: FREE.

Mann Museum Admission Adults: $7, Children (3-12yrs old): $6, Seniors 65+: $6, 2yrs old and under: FREE.

Being thankfulJaney Whitten Sabel, MAZS President

3 Director Talk

4 Year-end giving

6 Thank you Lisa

7 Volunteer Spotlight

10 Holiday Pets

12 Deer Families

14 Kid’s Zone

18 Best Birthday Ever

Last minute shopping, Christmas parties, meal preparations, holiday guests, families gatherings… oh my! We have so much for which we are thankful. I imagine your list is like mine; especially during the holidays: safety, comfort, jobs, health care, families, friends, loved-ones... the list is endless. Even if times are tough, reasons to be grateful are bountiful.

As 2016 approaches, it’s a fine time to look forward with plans, ideas and refreshing agendas. The new year promises to be the final year of fundraising for the Stingray exhibit, with the building site selected, and construction beginning soon! We’re so excited

about adding this amazing exhibit to the collection of new offerings at the Zoo. Sponsors, patrons, volunteers, staff and board members

worked diligently for several fundraising years, and now the project is in sight. It warms my heart knowing a long-term goal is coming to fruition. Congratulations to all the friends and family of the Montgomery Zoo!!

Speaking of holiday fun, make plans to enjoy Christmas Lights Festival. It’s a great time to bundle up, take a stroll or ride the

train to see all the sparkling lights, while enjoying a warm beverage and a snack. For me, it’s hearing the children laughing,

seeing friends, and spending an evening with family at the Zoo. Looking back on the MAZS’s work in 2015, these folks have done

fine jobs fundraising, generating nearly $90,000 to be contributed to the new Stingray exhibit. Thank you to everyone who participated! With warm regards from my heart, I wish you a Happy Holiday Season. Thank you for your kindnesses, and generous hearts. Without you, our jobs to update the Zoo offerings would be difficult, if not impossible. The Zoological Board and I wish you and yours a Happy Holiday Season.

Director Talk | Mann legacy livesDoug Goode, Montgomery Zoo Director

JungleDrums | Winter 2015 3

Friends and family of the Montgomery Zoo and Mann Wildlife Learning Museum celebrate the adventures, the legacy and life of George Patton Mann. A memorial service for George Patton Mann, 74, of Opelika, Alabama, will be at 2:00 pm, Sunday, December 27, 2015, at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum at the Montgomery Zoo. Mr. Mann, who died November 16, 2015, in Opelika, was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 27, 1940. He was preceded in death by his father, George Calloway Mann, and mother, Rosemary Patton Mann, of Opelika, Alabama, and two sisters Madeline Mann and Gloria Askew. George graduated high school from Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1960 where he was a star athlete. George continued his education at Auburn University and received his bachelor’s degree in Business in 1964. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the track and field team where he received many honors and achievements. After graduation, he went on to work for Opelika Welding, Inc., a successful, family owned company. He retired in 1999 as the owner and president. George is internationally known for his expertise in wildlife and conservation. He received the honor three times of being the Alabama Wildlife Conservationist of the year. He was also inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. His love for the outdoors began when he was a boy, and he developed a lifetime passion for hunting and fishing. His greatest joy was being able to pass his knowledge on to others. George had the pleasure of taking over 200 people to kill their first deer and/or turkey. Mann’s last grand adventure and probably his most honored and memorable was shared with his youngest grandson, Patton Mann Brown, age 7. Patton with his grandfather by his side experienced his first kill on November 17, 2013. I am sure this will be a memory that Patton will cherish for the rest of his life. George’s survivors include his wife of 51 years, Lucretia Yoe, who was a native of Talladega, Alabama; two daughters and their spouses, Sandy and Ricky Scott Brown of Opelika, Alabama, and Luanne Mann and... Continue on side bar

Mann

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Mann legacy lives on at Zoo

Great people leave behind greater legacies. Mr. Mann shared many adventures, memories and words of wisdom leaving a huge impact on all those he encountered. George Patton Mann. December 27, 1940 - November 16, 2015

Continued from main story... Chau Nguyen, of Fresno, California; one son and daughter-in-law, Caroline and George Earl Mann, of Auburn, Alabama; five grandchildren, Jacob Ellington Brown, Patton Mann Brown, Rosemary Cook Mann, George Thompson Mann and Sarah Cosby Calloway Mann; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored. I once asked George what his key to success was and without hesitation, he answered, “Pay close attention to the details.” This can be seen today in all of the displays in the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum that George individually placed animals, leaves, artificial snow, moss and artifacts that were found near these animals at the time of harvest. Thousands of school children have toured the museum over the years, and on many occasions George would drive to Montgomery to answer questions that these groups had. Not only did George have a love for wildlife, he had a love for individual’s lives. This could be seen when George went into great detail of the various adventures he experienced while hunting. George’s legacy will continue to live for years to come as school groups, visitors and admirers continually visit and learn at the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum.

Mann Museum guests and visitors of the past, present and future continue to learn based on the work and legacy left behind by one of Alabama’s greats, George Patton Mann.

LegacyLegacyGEORGE PATTON MANN

<- Caribou display at Mann Wildlife Learning Museum

ZoogivingZoogivingYEAR-END GIVING AND HOLIDAY UNFORGETTABLE GIFTS!

Year-End Giving and Holiday Unforgettable Gifts! As we approach the end of 2015, I would like to extend an invitation to invite everyone to consider supporting the Montgomery Zoo with a Year-End Donation or purchasing a unique gift for that special someone on your list.Year End Giving provides you with an opportunity to provide a monetary donation while also receiving a tax benefit. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a difference. Donations, whether a one-time or annual contribution helps the Montgomery Zoo care for more than 500 animals, and serve over 250,000 visitors each year. There are many ways to give, whether it be through a cash donation, monthly contributions or dividends received from stocks and bonds. The Montgomery Area Zoological Society is a 501 (C)(3)

organization which allows your donations to be a tax exempt contribution. Visit our website at montogmeryzoo.com to find out the various ways you can support your Zoo. You can also contact me directly at (334) 625-4959. Looking for an unforgettable gift for the person on your list that has everything? The perfect gift for that person is to provide them with memorable experiences all year long with a gift membership to the Montgomery Zoo. New this year, you can purchase your gift membership directly from your own computer. Once you have completed the purchase of the membership the system allows you to print out a gift certificate that you can wrap up so it is ready for you to give. It is an easy process and allows you to be able to purchase the gift memberships at your home for teachers, caregivers, Sunday School teachers, etc., without having to actually come to the zoo and pick up the certificate. A Zoo membership has many exclusive benefits including unlimited admission to the Montgomery Zoo for an entire year, unlimited admission to our Christmas Lights Festival, invitations to special events, discounts on gift shop and food purchases and discounts on other offerings. Go to Montgomeryzoo.com should you be interested in purchasing a gift membership today. So, should you choose to participate in Year End Giving or purchase a gift membership or both, I can assure you that the contributions we receive will go to continue to provide for the wonderful animals that we have the opportunity to care for on a daily basis.


Marcia WoodardDeputy Director

YEAR-END GIVING BUILDING A LEGACY

Supporting the Montgomery Zoo either by donation or by being a member greatly benefits not only the animal population at the Montgomery Zoo, but around the globe; from elephants, alligators, giraffes, zebra to tigers and much more.

ZoogivingZoogiving


ZOOBILATION DIAMOND SPONSOR


Some of us are fortunate enough to fall right into the career that was made for us. That’s exactly the case with Animal Care Manager Lisa Matthews. For 32 years Matthews served at the zoo living out her dreams of working with animals. Matthews retired on November 19, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, and walking away with a sense of satisfaction. Lisa will be enjoying her retirement with her daughter Sage, a high school senior, and her husband Scotty, who just retired in October after 28 years of service with the City of Montgomery. Originally pursuing a nursing career, Matthews enrolled in nursing classes but always felt a strong tug at her heart to work with animals in some way. After a few years working as an assistant for a local veterinarian, her aunt and uncle encouraged her to apply for an open zookeeper position at the zoo. So in November 1983, she began her career at the Montgomery Zoo as Zookeeper I. In 1991 she advanced to Zookeeper II and worked in that role until 1993 when she became Assistant Animal Care Manager. Shortly after that Matthews transitioned to Animal Care Manager in 1999. When she started in 1983 she was one of only four zookeepers and the zoo covered only six acres. To say Matthews has seen the zoo change through her years would be quite an understatement. Matthews grew up around lots of cats, dogs, parakeets and fish, so being a zookeeper was a natural fit. As she began getting her boots dirty, she thrived in her newfound career and knew the zoo was where she was supposed to be. Some of her fondest memories from her early days include working with Hawaiian Nene geese, Hawaii’s state bird. Matthews recalls enjoying their unique personality and said they were always fun to be around. Zookeepers have a myriad of duties at the zoo, but one task many cherish is... Continued on page 8

ANIMAL CARE MANAGER RETIRED AFTER 32 YEARSThankuLisaThankuLisa

John Greene Marketing and Public

Relations Manager

Congratulations Lisa! Lisa and husband Scotty (above). Retirement cake with co-workers, family and friends (top right). Lisa is presented retirement watch and certificate from Anita Archie, City’s Chief of Staff, during retirement celebration (bottom right).


Some zoo volunteers help a few times a month at the zoo, but others work a few times a week. The latter is the case with volunteer Becky Cheney. Since June 2015, Cheney has devoted over 200 hours at the Zoo and is a valuable member of our Giraffe Encounter volunteer team. Her first day volunteering was at Military Appreciation Day in June. She enjoyed helping so much she inquired about working at the Giraffe Encounter post. Her interest was perfect timing, as the zoo needed someone to commit regularly to working weekdays at the Giraffe Encounter. Cheney works Monday, Wednesday, and Friday every week for three hours a day. Often she arrives early and works more than her scheduled three hours. She also helped at ZooBoo this year. No stranger to volunteering at zoos, Cheney worked at the Oklahoma City Zoo and helped build their massive Jungle Gym playground in 2004. She also has explored the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans and Hawaii’s Honolulu Zoo. “I enjoy interacting with the Giraffe Encounter visitors and seeing how much fun they have feeding the giraffes. It is neat to witness how much joy Ashley, Willie, and Connye give the customers every time,” said Cheney. Born in New York City, Cheney moved to sunny San Diego when she was six years old. As she grew up she was fortunate have the world renowned San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park in her backyard. She was also lucky to be able to visit the zoo for free due to her job at the San Diego Natural History Museum. That was a wonderful perk of her job that she held for a few years as a teenager. She has fond memories of the San Diego Zoo’s Tiger River exhibit, as well as the California condor and aquatic animal exhibits. After graduating high school early

VOLUNTEERSNEEDED! everyone is needed at the Zoo and Museum

If you are interested in volunteering at the Montgomery Zoo for special events or if you just want to become part of the team, please contact John Greene at (334) 240-4930, register online at montgomeryzoo.com, email [email protected] or just drop the completed enrollment form below in the mail. We’d love to have you join us!

BIG ONES little ones

Volunteer information

Name

Address

City

ST Zip

Phone

Email

Area(s) of interest

Special event

Best time(s) available

Thank you for your support!Please mail to: Christy Wells, Montgomery Zoo, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110, (334) 240-4902 or [email protected]

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IS COMING!

Volunteers | Spotlight on BeckyJohn Greene, Marketing and Public Relations Manager

Becky and Willie at the Giraffe Encounter. Becky and Willie have become great friends during her time volunteering at the Zoo.

after 10th grade, Cheney moved to Rhinelander, Wisconsin. After working a few years in the restaurant business, she enlisted with the U.S. Air Force. At 27 she embarked on a career with the Air Force. Once enlisted, she chose the computer systems specialization. After basic training, she attended the Air Force Technology School in Biloxi, Mississippi for ten months. After her technology training, she was well equipped to work with AWACS, Air Warning and Control Systems. After living in Wisconsin, Cheney moved to Okinawa, Japan for an Air Force assignment and resided there from 1997-1999. She enjoyed Disneyland Tokyo and visiting the Buddhist temples and holy sites in Japan. While on her way back to the state from Japan, she visited Waikiki, Hawaii for a few weeks before finally landing with the Air Force in Oklahoma City. She continued in active service there on Tinker Air Force Base but shifted to the education and training division. In 2005, Cheney moved to Montgomery to work at the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). She Continued on page 8

ThankuLisaThankuLisa


Continued from page 6 raising animals. As we talked about this Matthew eyes lit up and she began reeling off a long list of animals she raised from birth. She raised a black bear cub, squirrel monkey, white tail deer, cheetah, a female Bennett’s wallaby, pronghorn antelope, raccoons, various birds, and even a muskrat. She particularly liked raising a Pileated woodpecker, which is the largest woodpecker in North America. Matthews looks back also at a few exhibits that she had a hand in improving. The Black Bear and Monkey Island exhibits stand out to her as major zoo developments, ones that were significant for the animals but also enhanced the visitor experience. She helped design and build the African Elephant, Golden Lion Tamarin, and Toucan exhibits. As she finishes her last few weeks here, she walks by those exhibits and reminisces about the role she playing in making those positive exhibit changes. That’s a feeling that will never leave her. She also has a few animals on her wish list for the zoo including a Pudu (world’s smallest deer), a Greater Rhea, and a Vicuna. She learned on the job almost everything she knows about being a zookeeper and an animal care manager. She also learned that she could use her artistic and crafts skills to help with special event displays for Zoo Weekend, Zoobilation, ZooBoo, and Christmas Lights Festival. Matthews designed and created many of the colorful displays and games you see for these events, going far beyond her zoo keeping duties. That work ethic and willingness to do whatever is needed are qualities that anyone who worked with Lisa knows very well. She laughs and remarks, “Although working with animals is very challenging, working with people can sometimes be more challenging!” Matthews plans to spend her newfound freedom at home with her husband Scotty and daughter Sage, gardening and listening to the wild birds that she is so fond of. She will also now have time to finish her butterfly and hummingbird garden that she’s been working on for a while. “I love being outside, and can’t

Continued from page 7 helped run the education and training management program there and was in charge of certifying courses, conducting course audits, evaluating training, and conducting instructional needs assessments. She retired from active duty in 2007, and then worked for the Air Force as a civilian employee from 2008-2012 as an education technician. Well educated and trained, Cheney received associate degrees in electronic systems technology and education/training management. Later in her career she completed a bachelor’s degree in business from American Intercontinental University, with a concentration in human resources. Lastly, she received a master’s degree in management from Troy University Montgomery. A lover of animals, Cheney has fun taking care of her two dogs. Molly is an 11-year old mixed breed weighing in at 55 pounds. Molly’s best friend and housemate is Buster, a Cocker Spaniel who is 8 years old. Not surprisingly, Cheney includes giraffes at the top of her favorite Zoo animals list. “I have lots of fun working so closely with our giraffes, and I have loved watching Connye grow up,” said Cheney. “Connye is now coming up to the Giraffe Encounter platform and eating hay from customers, which is great to see!” End.

ThankuLisaThankuLisa wait to have more time to tend to my gardens and be with all of the animals around my home,” states Matthews. She has one horse named Buck. Along with Buck, she cares for three dogs and a cat. She recently donated her 15-year old turtle Turdlee to the zoo. “I am grateful for the zoo giving me a chance to flourish and discover my passion. I will always cherish my time spent with the animals, but also the relationships with the people I’ve developed along the way,” said Matthews. As she thinks about her 32 years of service, she concludes with her bright smile, adding, “Over half of my life I was able to do something that I love to do, and I am forever grateful for that.” End.

Volunteers | Spotlight on Becky

Lisa (center) often would aid the Zoo’s Veterinary staff in animal medical procedures, physicals and check-ups. Lisa is definitely a hands-on Animal Care Manager.

holidaypetholidaypet


EDUCATION THINKING THINGS

Jennifer HutchesonEducation Curator

Birds, dogs, cats and other animals can make great holiday gifts, but do keep in mind the various options and the responsibilities of owning an animal. Either through adoption or a new purchase, pets become a part of our family.

The holiday season is back again and parents are racking their brains for gift ideas. While shopping, it is easy to be tempted by the cages of cute puppies and kittens. The image of one of these lively balls of fur, red ribbon around the neck, under the Christmas tree, will quickly come to mind. The next scene will be one of the kids running joyfully, as the new addition runs to meet them. What could be a better holiday gift? Although a new puppy or kitten can be plenty of fun, there is a serious side to this issue. That lively little baby will require a considerable investment in time and energy on your part. If they are not cared for or trained properly, they can become unwanted nuisances when they grow out of that cute puppy face and the “new” wears off. It is important to realize that your new pet can provide you and your family with many years of fun and companionship if you take good care of your new best friend. There is no better time than the present to start caring for your pet. Nutrition. Proper nutrition is extremely important for the health of your growing puppy or kitten. It is imperative that you choose a high quality food. If you have any questions about what food would be best for your pet, contact your veterinarian. Canned food or dry food? This question has been steadily debated for years, “Should I feed my animal canned or dry food?” The truth is that feeding one food over the other is a matter of personal choice and pet preference. It is important to understand that dry and canned foods are nutritionally equal. However, there are some facts that may help you in your decision making. Dry food tends to be more economical, not spoil as easily and is better for tartar control and tooth strength. Can food (wet) tends to have a better taste and provides higher moisture content. Keep in mind that you can also mix canned and dry food-this would successfully combine economy and taste. Feeding times. It is very important that your new puppy or kitten be fed at... Continued on page 16

Does the sound of Ho Ho Ho and jingle bells make you think of woof woof, or meow meow, or tweet tweet? During the holiday season, families often make pet adoption and purchase decisions. There are a few things to think about.

werfamilywerfamilyDeborah Stewart

Museum Attendant II


Mann Wildlife Learning Museum at the Montgomery Zoo

Hours of operation:9:00am - 5:00pm* *Last admission to the Museum at 4:30pmSeven days a week

Admission to Mann MuseumAdults: $7Children (3-12): $6Toddlers (2 years and younger): FREESeniors 65+: $6

Combo admission to Zoo and MuseumAdults: $20Children (3-12): $15Toddlers (2 years and younger): FREESeniors 65+: $18

Groups large and small are welcome.

Mann Wildlife Learning Museum displays several varieties of the deer family. 1. Blacktail deer. 2. Mule deer. 3. Whitetail deer. 4. Elk 5. Moose

MANN MUSEUM HOLIDAY DEER FAMILIES

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With Christmas right around the corner we tend to think more about deer; especially about eight tiny, little reindeer pulling a sleigh. At the Mann Wildlife Learning Museum we have Caribou; also called reindeer. They are large rather stout members of the deer family. Large concave hooves that spread wide to support them in the snow. We have many different deer in the Museum. Just to name some of the ones that you can come by and see; they are Blacktail Deer, Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer, Elk and Moose. Here is a little background on the deer family. Blacktail Deer are small, stocky deer with an average weight of 120-160 for bucks (males). The blacktail deer has an average life span of 10 years. Whitetail Deer also called “Whitetails” and are very social animals. The bucks tend to band in groups of three to five staying together until mating season. A female deer (doe) will stay with her

young (offspring), or fawn, for up to a year. Mule Deer are excellent swimmers and climbers. They can be found high in the mountains during the warm month, then they migrate down to the plains during the winter. This helps them avoid the heavy snows and provides them with an ample food supply. Elk is the British name for the moose, applied by early Europeans settlers, alternately this animal is called the ‘Wapiti” from a Shawnee word for “whitetail deer”. Elk are the second largest species of the deer family, reaching up 1,090 pounds. Moose are the largest deer in the world from 850-1400 pounds and standing over seven feet tall. The moose live in forested areas, particularly around swamps and lakes. They can move through the water at up to six miles per hour for two hours at a time. An elk’s legs are extremely stong. This is just a few of the animals at the Mann Museum come see all of the animals and stand next to them you won’t believe your eyes.

3.

werfamilywerfamily


ZOOBILATION PINNACLE MEDIA SPONSOR


SEE SANTA AT CHRISTMAS LIGHTSVisit Santa nightly at Christmas Lights Festival through Dec 23. Visit with Santa, tell him your secret wish list and don’t forget to get your picture taken. Makes a great keepsake for years to come.

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Color Me ReindeerDid you know? Reindeer are the only deer in which both male and females grow antlers. They shed their antlers in the winter. Then in the spring, they will grow a new and larger set of antlers.

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WE DON’T JUST REPORT NEWS. WE ARE PART OF THE COMMUNITY.

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Continued from page 10 regular intervals to help prevent episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). New babies should be fed three times a day after being weaned from their mothers. This should continue until around three months of age. At this point you can reduce their feedings to twice daily. You will also find that feeding schedules will become important when beginning to housebreak your new pet. Because young animals associate feeding with their need to eliminate, forming a good feeding schedule will prove very helpful in housebreaking. Vaccinations. Vaccinations are essential to the health of all your pets. The most important vaccines for a pup or kitten are the series of vaccines that they receive post-weaning. It is critical to establish and maintain a firm vaccination schedule in order to maximize immunity against a host of debilitating and possible deadly, viruses and bacteria. At the same time, you also need regular fecal exams which check your pet for intestinal parasites. Heartworm Prevention. Heartworm infection is a very serious problem in both dogs and cats. Heartworms are parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. Once an animal is infected with heartworms, serious damage the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys can result. The damage caused by heartworms can easily be fatal. While there is a treatment for heartworms, the treatment itself can be very difficult for some pets to handle. Fortunately, there are very reliable medications available that prevent heartworm infection. Dogs and cats should be kept on a monthly heartworm preventative for their entire lives to ensure that they are not infected. Socialization. Proper socialization helps establish a loving and lasting relationship between you and your pet. Early in your pet’s life it is very important that they are handled properly and that unfavorable habits are... Continued on page 18

SnapSnapSnapmypicSnapmypicSEND US YOUR ZOO PICS

We need your pics for the new annual zoo calendar. The pic above is a snapshot of Ashley, one of our female Reticulated Giraffes, sticking our here tongue. We posted this shot on facebook... really, just a silly post about the sun finally coming out and her taking a moment to bask in the warmth of the sunlight. Shockingly enough, we generated nearly 2,500 contacts in one day. Wow! I guess there were a few others out there needing some sun on their face that day. FYI: We have three giraffes on display at the Zoo: Ashley, Willie and Connye. All three of them love the encounters with guests. Willie especially likes the Giraffe Encounter Post where visitors have the opportunity to visit and feed him. He is a very food motivated fellow. We love to see your pics. Help us share

your experience at the Zoo and Museum. Whether we share your pics on social media or in our annual Jungle Drums calendar, we love seeing your wildlife adventures here at the Zoo and Museum through your eyes (and camera lens). So, if you are interested in sharing your favorite zoo moments, please send them to Steven C. Pierce, 2301 Coliseum Parkway, Montgomery, AL 36110 or email to [email protected]. Please send high-resolution photo files that are at least 9x6 inches, 350dpi and saved in a JPG, PSD, TIF or PDF file format. We can’t wait to see what you send, and send as many as you like. We post items daily, and we are excited about sharing your wildlife adventures with our friends, members, guests, and the world. Questions? Call (334) 240-4920.



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Continued from page 16 corrected in a productive and timely manner. One of the best ways to train your pet is to introduce them at a young age to situations that they will eventually have to get used to. Some of these may include nail trims, baths, brushing, etc.. If you introduce these treatments when the animal is young, it is far more likely to be accepting of them later in life. Formal obedience training for puppies is also a very good idea. Most trainers like to start the training process at around six months of age, after vaccinations are complete and when the puppy begins early stages of maturing . End.


Thank you to all our ZooBoo volunteers! ZooBoo is a great event; and it is greatly staffed by volunteers. From manning a game, working a ticket booth, helping at the rides or being your favorite Halloween character, we average about 130 - 140 volunteers nightly. Above you see a cast of characters from Catholic High School Key Club. Thank you!

bestbirthdayeverbestbirthdayever ANIMAL CARE MAKENA TURNS 8On Saturday, November 7, the Montgomery Zoo celebrated Makena’s 8th birthday. At birth, Makena hit the scales at mere 250lbs. Today, she has grown just a little bit tipping the scales at 4,150lbs. Mother Tina and Auntie Star have taught her a lot about the ins and outs of being a super keen African elephant. As you can see from the pic above, Makena was very excited and surprised to discover her treats and birthday card on exhibit. Happy Bday!


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Animal care at the Montgomery Zoo takes a team of all different types of people. Having a heart is the best characteristic a person can have that contributes to the health and wellness of the animals. It allows them to thrive. The Vet Clinic is no exception… “Trucker” is a prime example of how taking ownership in our animals can make a difference. Trucker was born a triplet to a petting zoo goat anmed Dolly. Unfortunately Trucker was the runt of the litter and Dolly just couldn’t take care of him. While doing my morning rounds in the Vet Clinic, I checked in on the new family and saw he was not doing well. From that moment on he has not left my side. He still gets his bottles but he is now starting to get alfalfa hay and Herbivore pellets as well. Trucker is now starting to get a

personality of his own. He loves attention, people and riding around on the Vet Staff golf cart. Along with the Education Department, he was a big hit at the East Chase Christmas Parade Saturday, November 14. He looked too cute as he was pulled in a wagon wearing his little jingle bell collar. I think he is actually looking forward to the next parade! He is training to walk on a harness and leash so we can maybe make him into an Education goat. We will see how that works out. Compassion, ownership, and dedication can be seen in all realms of the Montgomery Zoo. There are many stories just like Truckers which can highlight the heart and hard work of the keepers and zoo personnel the public will never see. However, it makes the difference in the lives of our animals. They see it, they feel it, and they love us for it.

Veterinary | Raising TruckerMandy Reiter, Veterinary Technician

Trucker, dingle bells and all, at the Shoppes of East Chase Christmas Parade November 14.

bestbirthdayeverbestbirthdayever

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