houston zoo wildlife summer 2009
DESCRIPTION
Houston Zoo member magazine, Wildlife 2009TRANSCRIPT
SUM
MER
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F E A T U R E S
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HOUSTON ZOOLOCAL PROJECTS
The official airline of the Houston Zoo
Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks
Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of DirectorsE. William BarnettFreda Wilkerson BassNandita BerryJack S. Blanton, Sr. – EmeritusWinfield M. Campbell, Sr.Catherine Campbell BrockMichael Cordúa Jonathan Day Linnet DeilyAnne DuncanSusan EhrhardtJames A. Elkins, IIIMartyn GoossenRobert Graham – ChairDon R. Kendall, Jr.Glenn L. Lowenstein
Cal McNairStacy MethvinStephen D. NewtonSuzanne Paquin NimocksCharles OnsteadCourtney Lanier Sarofim Cathryn SelmanLouis SklarHerman L. Stude Shawn TaylorLori Vetters Bonnie WeekleyGeorge R. WillyE. W. Bill Wright III Austin Young
Wildlife Production TeamEditor: Michael ReinaCreative Director: Melanie Campbell-TelloDesign: Melanie Campbell-TelloPhotography by: Stephanie Adams, Dale Martin, Rick Barongi, Paul Swen, & Gerard CaddickPostmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 North MacGregor Houston, Texas 77030
How To Reach Us:
Houston Zoo, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6500
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6739
Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6835
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6726
Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6819
Public Relations/Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6531
www.houstonzoo.org
Zoo Hours:
March 8 through November 19:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.) November 2 through March 79:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.)
The Zoo is closed Christmas Day.
Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 North MacGregor, Houston, Texas 77030. ©Houston Zoo, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Subscription by membership only.
The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
On the cover: MilesPhoto by: Stephanie Adams
DIRECTOR'S DEN 2
ANIMAL UPDATES 3
GLOBAL PROJECTS 14
ZOO TRAVEL PROGRAM 16
MEMBERSHIP 18
EDUCATION 19
DEVELOPMENT 20
D E P A R T M E N T S
ANIMAL ARRIVALS
12
AFRICAN FOREST 6
8
The Houston Zoo is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.
PAUL SWEN: IMAGES OF AFRICA
D IREC TOR 'S DEN
RICK BARONG IZoo D i r e c t o r
”
As we head into summer and begin construction on the most ambitious project in the
history of the Zoo, The African Forest (page 6), we have cause to reflect and celebrate an
extremely successful first half of 2009. Like everyone else, we were very concerned about
the recession and its effect on several revenue-generating areas of our business.
While we did experience declines in certain areas, we offset this with a proactive, expense-
cutting strategy of non-essential projects. In addition, gate fees, our primary source of
earned revenue, did not decrease and are tracking slightly higher than last year. The
“stay-cation” philosophy is holding true and more guests are visiting the Zoo this year
than ever before, which will put us near the 1.7 million mark if this trend continues
through June. We like to think this is not just because of the affordable price and free
access programs, but because we have a much better Zoo.
This was validated in April, when we were named one of the 10 best zoos for kids by the
prestigious Parents Magazine (page 17). With over 200 of the best zoos in the country
considered for this award, we have reason to be proud. There are many activities that
make our Zoo so kid-friendly, but without an incredible staff to greet and personalize
every visit, we would not be receiving this type of national recognition.
Increased attendance is also a reflection of great marketing promotions and facility im-
provements. Our cutest animal campaign, aka the red panda, was very popular and gen-
erated lots of press and good fun around town. When Toby, our male red panda, was
finally revealed to the public, he did not disappoint and lived up to his billing. I should
also mention that the red panda exhibit was a complete renovation of our old koala ex-
hibit and was done entirely in-house with our talented facility, horticulture, and graphics
teams leading the way.
Another significant exhibit improvement was the wire replacement at leopards and small
cats (page 11). The old obtrusive wire was replaced with thinner (but stronger) woven
stainless steel mesh for much better public viewing. The animal habitats were also given
a facelift with more climbing structures, shade, and landscaping. This area of the Zoo has
never looked better.
Also on the animal front, we opened a new cassowary exhibit (a large flightless bird from
New Guinea and Australia) and added shoebill storks and a new female Malayan tiger.
Having several important animal births (pages 4 and 5) also adds to the total Zoo experi-
ence as well as reinforcing our self-sustaining captive wildlife populations. We also have
some pregnant animals due this summer, so keep an eye out for another giraffe calf, along
with some birds, reptiles, and fish.
It is easy to take all these changes for granted, but without such a dedicated and
committed staff of 325 full-time employees, along with several hundred incredible
volunteers, we would never be seeing such amazing progress on all fronts. I encour-
age you to visit the Zoo this summer and see for yourself all the changes – many of
which would never have been possible without your continued support.
2 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
“The “stay-cation” philosophy is holding true and more guests are visiting the Zoo this year than ever before, which will put us near the 1.7 million mark if this trend continues through June. We like to think this is not just because of the affordable price and free access programs, but because we have a much better Zoo.
Zoos routinely ex-
change animals
between institutions
in order to meet the
needs of their re-
spective display and
breeding programs.
AZA (Association of Zoos
and Aquariums) zoos work
cooperatively to manage in-
dividual species as single
populations across mul-
tiple institutions. This
ensures that zoo
animal populations
are genetically
and demographi-
cally healthy
and sustainable
so that visitors
can enjoy the
diversity of wild-
life presented at
their zoos for gen-
erations to come.
The Houston Zoo
collaborates with
other AZA-accredited
zoos in order to ensure
that we are only sending
animals to or receiving
animals from facilities that
meet the rigorous standards
for animal care required of the
AZA and the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Animals coming into
our collection receive complete physical
exams before being introduced to their new
families and neighbors as part of a lifetime
of exemplary medical care provided here
at the Houston Zoo. We hope you enjoy our
new additions.
HANAM A L AYA N T I G E R
H a n a i s n i n e y e a r s o l d a n d c o m e s t o u s
f r o m C a l i f o r n i a ' s F r e s n o C h a f f e e Z o o .
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 3
OSCAR, THE PORCUPINEThe latest arrival at the McGovern Children’s Zoo is Oscar,
the North American porcupine. Born March 9 to mom Kendall
and dad Cody, his keepers settled on his name after noticing
that his personality was almost as prickly as his coat of quills.
He’s a little on the grumpy side, so we thought naming him af-
ter Sesame Street’s resident grumpy guy
was appropriate. Oscar is thriving
and can be seen daily with his
mom and dad in the forest
area of the Children’s Zoo.
oMiles, the latest addition to the Houston Zoo giraffe
herd, is growing like a weed. Actually, to be more
accurate, Hoofed Stock Supervisor Laurie McGivern
says he’s growing more like kudzu.
Miles arrived early in the morning on January 30 and has
since gained over 160 pounds and has grown over 20 inches.
Not bad for a bottle-raised giraffe! His mother, Noel, is gentle
and attentive, but doesn’t make enough milk to nurse and raise
her calves, so keepers have been bottle-feeding him since birth.OO
O
O
ANIMAL ARRIVALS
4 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
O
O
MILES, THE GIRAFFE
5WILDLIFE
OKELY, THE SIFAKAOn January 6, our primate keepers witnessed a first
for the Houston Zoo – the birth of a rare Coquerel’s
sifaka. It was also the first birth for the proud par-
ents, mom Zenobia and father Dean. The baby boy,
named Kelyfamata (it means small but mighty),
can be seen daily with his mom and dad at Wortham
World of Primates. We are now one of only eight zoos
in the U.S. that are home to sifaka.
OO
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 5
ANIMAL ARRIVALS
PENELOPE, THE BONGOOver a span of six weeks, from mid-February to mid-March
we welcomed three bongos, a type of antelope native to
Kenya and western Africa.
Penelope was the first to arrive on February 12. On March
10, 14-year-old Laura delivered Linus, the first male bongo
born at the Houston Zoo in 10 years. Then, on March 18, 12-
year-old DJ gave birth to Dylan.
OO
6 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
When the Zoo was privatized in 2002, the final report that went
to the Mayor and City Council was titled: “Building a Premier Zoo for Houston.” In short, we promised that in return for entrusting the opera-tion of the Zoo to a private volunteer Board of Directors, we would develop the Houston Zoo into one of the best in the country. A long-term business plan was developed with a bold new vision and master plan at the heart of this transformation.
Now, after almost six years of planning and fundraising, we are ready to begin construction; we will break ground on the first phase of The African For-est this summer. Why did it take so long? The Zoo had many other critical needs to address before we could put all our efforts into The African Forest; we simply could not ignore the rest of the Zoo to devote all our resources into only building new exhibits. As a result, we have greatly improved the Zoo in recent years and are now ready to em-bark on the most ambitious undertak-ing in its 87-year history.
The African Forest is too big and too expensive to build all at once, so the first phase will redevelop about six of the nearly 13 acres we have set aside in the eastern section of the Zoo for the site of The African Forest. This area was the original site of the first Children’s Zoo, the old gorilla build-ing, and large cat exhibits.
All of these old exhibits were demol-ished in 2006, but we saved most of the big healthy oak trees on the site to preserve a real forest environment. We are now ready to add new animal habitats and naturalistic walkways to create an immersion experience like no other at the Zoo.
AFRICANThe African Forest will focus primar-ily on the topography and habitat of western and central equatorial Africa, and will also have savannah woodland areas that help transition the visitor into the very heart of Africa. The en-tire exhibit is designed to create the most realistic visual and sensory expe-rience possible, short of actually going on an African safari.
This first phase of The African Forest will create a new giraffe habitat and bring white rhinos and chimpanzees back to the Zoo. The giraffes will be moved from their existing exhibit into a larger area with a new barn and an elevated platform where guests can experience feeding a giraffe. The chimps will have climbing structures, termite mounds, and cooling elements for the hot summer months that will encourage creative play.
The rhinos will have a mud wallow and many other enrichment items to keep them (and the guests) enter-tained. Other animals you will find in this part of The African Forest will in-clude greater kudu and African ground hornbills. Additionally, there will be face-to-face animal keeper demonstra-tions using animals trained to safely interact with the public.
Other features in The African Forest will include a trading post, a spacious new restaurant, a gift shop, and a rep-lica of a pygmy village with an area for overnight camping. The restau-rant will have beautiful outdoor patios overlooking both the giraffe and rhino exhibits. Everything will be themed in African-style architecture and comple-mented with colorful and interactive signage. Our year-round temperate climate lends itself very well to an open-air African experience and en-
sures lush green vegetation that typifies tropical forest ecosystems.
Even more interactive will be a state-of-the art video camera system which will capture all the animal activities that go on behind the scenes and after hours at the Zoo along with keeper talks. The cameras will have pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities that will allow designated users to con-trol the cameras and even communicate with the keepers. We will develop the first phase of this unique distance learning video system with our Texas Medical cen-ter neighbors and the young patients that are not able to visit the Zoo in person.
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 7
AFRICANFOREST
Just as important as the exhibits themselves is our commitment to wildlife conservation. Each exhibit will incorporate compelling conser-vation messages and updates on field projects that the Houston Zoo sup-ports. We have projects in the field related to each of the animals we are bringing to the first phase of this project.
Good things are worth waiting for, and our African Forest adventure is no exception. To date, we have raised just over $45 million for The African Forest and our overall Zoo master
plan. We have already used some of these funds to build the new McNair Elephant Habitat and a veterinary quarantine facility that is critical to our ability to safely care for all the new animals that will eventually make their homes in The African Forest.
If all goes as planned, Phase One of The African Forest will open at the end of 2010. But, while we are com-mitted to starting construction later this summer, we still need to raise another $5 million to complete the first phase of this project.
We urge you to be part of the most monumental project in the Houston Zoo's history. Please go to our website www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest to get details on the full scope of The African Forest. To find out how you can help, call Debbie Lackey, Vice President of Advancement at (713) 533-6718 or e-mail [email protected].
Stay tuned for future updates as we welcome new animal ambassadors and create innovative and entertain-ing habitats that will surely enlighten and inspire millions of Houstonians for many generations.
8 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
{Images of Africa
Very few can capture the essence of Africa and its
incredible diversity as well as the award winning pho-
tographer, Paul Swen. So, it was with great pleasure
that the Zoo hosted Paul and 200 invitees for an in-
credible evening of stunning images on May 7.
Just as inspiring as Paul’s images were the stories
about how he obtained these unique works of art. Paul
is a true adventurer and conservationist as well as a
professional photographer. The audience was also
treated to a special preview of the Zoo’s most ambi-
tious project to date, The African Forest. The evening
was dedicated to raising funds for The African Forest
and the conservation programs it will support. The
evening guests responded with over $15,000 in sales
of Paul's images.
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 9
1. Know what you are going after. It is
important to understand the animal and
its behavior.
2. Familiarize yourself with the environ-
ment you are going into so you bring the
right gear and clothing.
3. Befriend the locals. They know a lot
more than you do about their home and
should be treated with the utmost re-
spect and care.
4. Be patient. You may have to be in the
right place and wait several hours to en-
sure that the light and subject are in the
perfect frame.
Paul SwenDur ing the Af r ican- inspi red evening, Paul shared some key photo t ips with donors and admirers. Here are h is top four t ips for the aspi r ing wi ld l i fe photographer:
10 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
SAVE
TH
E EL
EPH
ANTS
THE CALL OF THE WILD LECTURE SERIES2009 – 2010 Sea son a t a G l a n c e Through the Call of the Wild Lecture Series, the Houston
Zoo seeks to inform the public about the need to preserve our
planet’s rich biological diversity and to showcase the work of
wildlife conservationists who are dedicated to this cause.
Sep t embe r 10 , 2009 Dr. Michael CranfieldMountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, RwandaMaryland Zoo
Oc t obe r 7 , 2009 Dr. Iain Douglas-HamiltonSave the Elephants, Africa
J a nua r y 28 , 2010 Dr. Susie EllisInternational Rhino Foundation
Ma r c h 25 , 2010 Ms. Cristina MittermeierInternational League of Conservation Photographers
All lectures begin at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for
light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.
For more information about the Lecture Series and ticket
prices, visit www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries.
The Call of the Wild Lecture Series is supported by gener-
ous gifts from the Tapeats Fund and The Charles T. Bauer
Foundation.
THE HOUSTON ZOO PRESENTSThe Second Annual Feed Your Wild Life Fall Luncheon
Hono r i n g J a n i c e a nd Bob McNa i r
Jeanie Kilroy, ChairCatherine Campbell Brock & Annie Graham, Honorary Chairs
F e a t u r i n g D r. I a i n Doug l a s - Ham i l t o nO c t o be r 7 , 2009
11 :30 a .m . t o 1 :00 p .m .
Dr. Iain Douglas-Hamilton is a world-renowned
author and acknowledged expert on African elephant
conservation and is the Founder and Director of
Save the Elephants. Proceeds from this intimate and
elegant event will benefit Save the Elephants and the
Zoo’s Naturally Wild Conservation Programs.
For ticket and table information, contact (713) 533-6584.
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 11
Imagine having an unobstructed view of a black
leopard intimidating a spotted leopard away from
an early morning meal. Think of the rush you
would get standing just feet from a clouded leopard
or margay charging headfirst down a tree right to-
ward your camera. Or – visualize yourself stand-
ing eye-to-eye with a deceptively fearsome cou-
gar or fossa. These experiences are usually
best left to animal experts – until now. Our
new cat mesh fencing brings guests into the
most natural wildlife setting the Zoo has
offered to date. Now you can enjoy a more
open, spacious, and photo-friendly per-
spective of our cats. Sometimes it seems
as if there is almost no fencing at all. This
is bar-none the most realistic and interac-
tive way to get up-close-and-personal with
these felines without crossing paths with
them in the wild. And don’t forget the cats’
new points of view – they can see you better
too. Keep your eyes peeled!
Thanks to Nets Un l imi ted Inc . and months o f co l labora t ion among our fac i l i t i es , ho r t i cu l tu re , and ca rn ivo re teams, ou r improved ca t exh ib i t s ge t you c lose r to the wi ld than eve r be fo re .
Before After
CAT T ING AROUND
Pu ck , o u r 17 - y ea r - o l d ma l e ma r gay, i s e a s i e r t o s e e t h an e v e r.
12 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
It’s a new Zoo every day. At the Houston Zoo, that’s more
than just a tag line to a TV commercial. For the Zoo employ-
ees who work hard every day creating and nurturing the
environments where our animals live, it’s almost a mantra.
The men and women of the Houston Zoo’s facilities depart-
ment may not be as recognizable as our keepers and cura-
tors (we haven’t yet talked Kyle Haley into doing a Meet
the Carpenter Talk), but their work speaks volumes about
their skill and dedication to our animals and to the guest
experience.
This year, the Zoo’s facilities department wowed our guests
with two new exhibits – converting the former koala habitat
into a new home for Toby, the World’s Cutest Animal, and
turning a field of grass into a field of dreams for Bird Cura-
tor Hannah Bailey's newest arrival, Darwin the cassowary.
Working in partnership, the Zoo’s horticulture experts and
the facilities department turned what had been a mulched
area around a stately live oak tree into a “mini park” near
Cypress Circle. The area was transformed in just a matter
of a few weeks with an assortment of tropical plants and
strategically placed benches into a welcoming oasis and rest
area for our guests.
Recently, the facilities department teamed up with Aquarium
Curator George Brandy and his keepers to transform the Hous-
ton Zoo’s 1950s era Reflection Pool. After George and his keepers
temporarily relocated the pool’s koi, the Facilities crew drained
and cleaned the pool and installed new electrical and plumbing
fixtures. Before the pool was refilled and the koi returned to their
remodeled home, the facilities team returned the iconic sculptures
Leap Frog and Brownie and added sculptor Robert Glen’s bronze
A Close Shave, creating a unique image for one of the Zoo’s signa-
ture features.
Some of the amenities installed by our facilities crew will never
be seen by the casual guest but are greatly appreciated by our
keepers and the animals they lovingly care for every day – from
improved behind-the-scenes pools for our sea lions to the new air
conditioning system for the orangutan exhibit at Wortham World
of Primates.
On the facilities department’s ever-expanding “to do” list for the
upcoming fiscal year – installing path and area lighting across the
Zoo landscape, a conservation kiosk near the new red panda ex-
hibit to display information about the worldwide scope of the Zoo’s
Naturally Wild Conservation Program, and improved viewing for
the Zoo’s cougar and jaguar exhibits.
HOUSTON ZOO 'S LOCA L PRO JEC TS
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 13
In 1970, Mr. Joseph Heiser, a past director of the Zoological Society of Houston,
established the Alban-Heiser fund through the Houston Zoo to honor a “Texas
citizen, citizens, or organization in recognition of notable contributions to ap-
preciation and preservation of the earth’s heritage of living creatures, their en-
vironment, their ecology, and their relation to human welfare.”
This year, one of the Houston Zoo’s Heiser Awards honors Chester Smith for his outstanding dedication and com-
mitment to the protection and management of Sundown Island in Port O’ Connor, Texas. Chester, by the way, is the
grandfather of Jeremy Cecil, a Houston Zoo facilities employee who has spent significant time
improving the Houston Zoo and the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center in Panama.
Chester Smith became warden of Sundown Island for the Audubon Society
in 1986, many years after his retirement from Exxon. Thanks to his tireless ef-
forts, Sundown Island has been transformed into a sanctuary for the
brown pelican.
When Chester Smith first came to Sundown Island, there were
fewer than 10 breeding pairs of pelicans on the island. Chester
set to the task of improving the island’s habitat. Today, as many
as 2,000 nesting pairs of brown pelicans call Sundown Island home.
All along the Texas Coast, this federally endangered species could have
Chester to thank.
Chester’s motives are simple. He's not doing it for popularity; he
just wants to help the birds and give something back to the place
that he loves.
The Alban Heiser Award recognizes a notable contribution to the ap-
preciation and preservation of the earth’s heritage by a Texas Citizen.
We are very grateful for Chester, his family, and the work that they do to
help keep Texas’ wildlife and habitat wild.
Family Tradition
HOUSTON ZOO 'S LOCA L PRO JEC TS
[ ]He's not doing i t for popular i ty; he just wants to help the b i rds and give
something back to the p lace that he loves.
Panamanian Golden Frogs: A Cul tura l Glance
Pre-Colombian indigenous peoples re-
vered the Panamanian Golden Frog.
They crafted gold and clay talismans in
a variety of forms (frogs, people, jaguar)
known to contemporary Panamanians
as huacas. A local legend holds that
chieftains of the Guaymí tribe would as-
cend the Pacific slope to the mountains
of Gaital, Pajita, and Caracoral (in El
Valle de Antón) annually as a sacred
rite. This legend evolved into the myth
that the Golden Frog would transform
into gold huacas upon death.
Hence, anyone seeing or possessing the
frog alive would have good fortune vis-
ited upon them. Literally known by all
Panamanians, few have ever seen these
living frogs in the wild or in a captive
setting. Through its folklore and fame,
the frog has become a national symbol
of nature unique to Panama. Everything
from t-shirts and ceramics to lottery
tickets host the frog. Given the large
number of environmental, habitat, and
human-induced hurdles this species is
facing today, it could be that Panama-
nians may never see their cultural icon
alive in the wild again.
For many years, the El Nispero Zoo in El Valle de Anton has played host to visitors from
the local community as well as tourists who visit this picturesque mountain town. The
town itself, known simply as El Valle, has a unique geological setting; it sits within the
second largest volcanic crater in the world. A 15-square-mile crater was created when
a volcano erupted five million years ago. The result was a steep valley surrounded by
mountain peaks and rich soil that gives way to never-ending flowers and a lush forest,
home to a dizzying array of birds and amphibians.
That was until 2004, when a fungal disease known as chytrid, which is exceptionally
deadly to amphibians, began to wreak havoc. First identified moving west from Costa
Rica in the late 1980s, the fungus has slowly moved eastward, reaching El Valle in 2004
and, by 2008, as far as Panama City and the Canal Zone. Today, the El Nispero Zoo not
only hosts visitors, but it is also the site of the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center,
a last measure to save the region's amphibian populations.
The El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center is a unique building designed to house
local Panamanian amphibians for public viewing. Also, it serves as a conservation facil-
ity for reproduction of many species now extinct in the wild, research into the spread of
the chytrid fungus, and educational initiatives for the local community.
A second aspect of this building was the actual construction itself, which has seen facili-
ties staff from the Houston Zoo and a number of U.S. institutions partnering with our
colleagues in Panama’s Summit Municipal Parque and El Nispero Zoo. From electrical,
A/C, carpentry, and exhibit construction, the roles played by Houston Zoo staff and part-
ners have been very important to the development of the program.
Managing a project of this scope comes with its own set of complexities and our Pana-
manian program managers in El Valle and Panama City have helped us keep the project
focused and on track. Now open to the public, the amphibian center will be invaluable
to the local community although the return of amphibians, including the culturally sig-
nificant Panamanian Golden Frog, is far less certain at this time given the extent of the
chytrid fungus in the region.
14 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
HOUSTON ZOO ’S G LOBAL PRO JEC TS
PANAMA EDUCAT ION PARTNERSH I P :C r e a t i n g t h e F u t u r e S t ewa r d s o f Ou r P l a n e t
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 15
The Houston Zoo and the Municipal Summit Park, a growing botan-
ical garden and zoo located on the outskirts of Panama City, have
joined forces as international partners in an effort to save endangered
Panamanian amphibians from a deadly fungus. With the arrival of a
new amphibian captive breeding facility at the Summit Park and the
opening of a visitors’ center at the El Valle Amphibian Conservation
Center in Panama, now is the time to build and nurture partnerships
in community education and outreach.
A crucial component to the success of any conservation program is
the education of children about the natural history of endangered
animals and the issues they face in our world. The Houston Zoo’s
conservation and education departments have collaborated to bring a
new cross-cultural education program to both the children of Panama
and to children here in the Houston area. This programming will en-
courage kids to learn about and explore endangered vertebrates in
their own region and share their discoveries with children in another
part of the world. Our hope is that more children will connect with
nature and wild places and, in time, develop a lifelong passion for
conserving natural environments and native wildlife.
In March, the first steps of this program were taken by holding a
capacity building workshop for the educators in Panama. Spanish-
speaking educators from the Houston Zoo spent a week at the Pana-
manian Zoo to teach their staff the fundamentals of interpretation
and how they can create more interactive tours and programming.
We found that although this Panamanian facility has a lack of educa-
tional materials and resources, the staff encourages appreciation and
conservation of the natural world in an enthusiastic and proactive
way every day. Future plans for this program include “pen pal” type
communication between students, where they will share information,
activities, pictures, and crafts between both zoos in corresponding
summer camp classes via webcasts and regular newsletters.
A crucial component to the success of any conservation program is the education of children about the natural history of endangered animals and the issues they face in our world.
16 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
The Houston Zoo offers exciting and affordable opportunities to explore exotic destinations, observe wild creatures in their
natural realms, and experience local cultures. Guided by local wildlife experts and experienced Zoo staff, our travelers are
immersed in wilderness landscapes and introduced to individuals who have taken on the task of safeguarding our planet’s
precious biological diversity. Our goal is to inspire through experience and education. So, please join us for an upcoming
nature tour. It could very well turn out to the adventure of a lifetime.
For destinations in Kenya, Borneo, Panama, and Rwanda please go to www.houstonzoo.org/safari or e-mail
B r a z i l ’s P an t a na l : A ugu s t 23 - S ep t embe r 1 , 2009
The Pantanal is the largest inundated plain in the world
and is a refuge for endangered species like the jaguar,
hyacinth macaw, the giant anteater, and the giant otter.
There are an estimated 3,500 species of plants, 124
species of mammals, 177 species of reptiles, 41 species of
amphibians, and at least 423 species of birds. Your travel
will help support important conservation efforts in the
area and you will have the opportunity to spot species like
the marsh and pampas deer, capybara, caimans, howler
monkeys, tapir, peccaries, toucans, jabiru stork, both red
and yellow macaws, and the stunning hyacinth macaw.
Ye l l ows t one I n Sp r i n gAp r i l /May 2010
Spring is a very special time in Yellowstone as the park
and wildlife awaken for the season. Our tour will focus on
Greater Yellowstone’s predators while keeping an eye out
for elk, bison, moose, and deer. The Lamar and Hayden
Valleys, where bears hunt, are the same areas where the
wolves den, centralizing predator activity. Participants
travel to the best sites for viewing bears and reintroduced
wolves. In addition, the trip may include stops at Old
Faithful, the colorful Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone –
crowned by a waterfall more than twice as high as Niagara
Falls – and the terraces of Mammoth Hot Springs.
HOUSTON ZOO TRAVE L PROGRAM
In April, families across the United States found out what Houston families have known for decades – that the Houston Zoo is one of the 10 best zoos in the nation for kids.
On April 2, Parents magazine revealed the exclusive findings from its first-ever 10 Best Zoos for Kids Survey. The results are the culmination of a three-month study which examined zoos nationwide.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by a publication of Parents stature as one of the 10 best zoos in the nation for children,” said Houston Zoo President Deborah Can-non. “The Houston Zoo has been a treasured communi-ty resource for more than 87 years. It’s quite an honor to see the hard work of our dedicated staff recognized in this manner,” added Cannon.
Parents magazine focused on honoring zoos that offer a variety of hands-on, family-friendly activities while fostering appreciation, knowledge, and excitement for the natural world.
“The editors of Parents magazine were particularly im-pressed with the interactive nature of a Houston Zoo visit,” said Zoo Director Rick Barongi. “As the maga-zine said in its write-up, trainers are the rock stars at the Houston Zoo. The most interesting activities here usually take place behind the scenes. It's one thing to tell kids about how these animals are taken care of –
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 17
it's far more memorable for them to watch it up close,” added Barongi.
Parents magazine ranked the nation's zoos based on
their responses to detailed questions about their facilities.
The questions focused on a variety of criteria including accessibility of ani-
mal encounter exhibits for children, exclusivity of the exhibits, zoo shows, educational programs, staff-ing, zoo transportation, restaurant services, and ad-mission prices. The results of the survey were pub-lished in the May 2009 issue of Parents magazine.
In her review, Parents magazine editor Karen Ci-cero drew particular attention to two Houston Zoo exhibits – the piranha tunnel in the award-winning Natural Encounters Building and the McGovern Children’s Zoo. “(At the) Butterfly Stage, there’s a morning story time and a chance to touch small animals like chinchillas and snakes, as well as the Zooper Challenge, a game show that uses child vol-unteers," said Cicero.
“Introducing children to nature at an early age is so important,” says Dana Points, editor-in-chief of Parents. “It sparks their imagination, inspires ap-preciation of a world beyond their own backyard and helps teach conservation. All of the zoos on our list are dedicated to affordable family fun while en-suring that a day trip feels like a globetrotting ad-venture.”
H O U S T O N Z O O N A M E D T O P 1 0 Z O O I N T H E C O U N T RY
THE HOUSTON ZOO
W W W . H O U S T O N Z O O . O R G
P a r e n t s Magaz i n e Ten Be s t Z oo s F o r K i d s
18 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
MEMBERSH IP NEWS
We’ ve I n c r e a s ed You r B ene f i t s !Supporting level members now receive benefits for up to
10 individuals per visit. Any named member on the mem-
bership card can bring up to nine family members and/
or guests free each time they visit for one full year! Visit
www.houstonzoo.org/membership to get more infor-
mation and to upgrade today.
T h i n k i n g A bou t V i s i t i n g Ano t h e r Z oo?One of the many benefits that Houston Zoo members re-
ceive is free or discounted admission to other zoos across
the country, including 11 right here in Texas. New zoos are
added frequently, so please check www.houstonzoo.org/
reciprocity for the latest list.
*Remember to take your membership card when traveling.
Go Beh i n d t h e S c ene sMembers have a special oportunity to receive discounts on
behind-the-scene tours. Many members who have taken ad-
vantage of these tours report that they experience the Zoo
very differently and make memories that last a lifetime.
Visit www.houstonzoo.org/tours to book your behind-
the-scenes tour today!
Do You Know You r B ene f i t s?Current members receive many useful benefits
throughout the Zoo, including the Express Lane.
Whether you’re entering the Zoo or making a pur-
chase at the gift shop, you will bypass normal lines
and go straight to the front. Additionally, when shop-
ping at the gift shop, members receive 10% off pur-
chases. Don’t forget to take a ride on the Wildlife car-
ousel with your discount.
Membe r s h i p R em i nde r s• The Houston Zoo requires all members listed on
membership cards to present photo ID upon enter-
ing the Zoo.
• Now that the summer is in full swing, the best
time to visit the Zoo is early in the morning or late
in the afternoon. The animals are most active early,
but the Zoo is less crowded later in the day.
• Help the Houston Zoo Go Green! Visit www.
houstonzoo.org/paperless to receive member
information only via e-mail.
19WILDLIFE
W i l d Whee l sEnjoy the wild outdoors with your infant or toddler! Join us on Tuesday
and Thursday mornings as we explore a different part of the Zoo and meet
a touchable animal. Individuals and mom groups welcome.
Con s e r v a t i o n C r ewLearn how to go green, help local wildlife and habitats, and earn ser-
vice hours too! Teens will work with the Houston Zoo on conservation-
related projects that impact our community one Saturday a month.
Sign up at www.houstonzoo.org/conservationcrew.
NEW P r e s c hoo l C l a s s e s (Com i ng Soon )Look for more information about this
new, zoo-rific program for kids age 3-5
coming September 2009!
W i l d W i nk sSpend the night at the Zoo! See the dark side of the
Zoo in this nocturnal adventure that includes fun,
hands-on activities, a night hike around Zoo grounds,
live touchable animals, and more! Tents and food pro-
vided. Programs are available for families, scouts, schools,
home schools, and community groups. For dates and more
information, visit www.houstonzoo.org/overnights.
N i gh t P r ow l sDon’t have time to spend the night but still want to see the
dark side of the Zoo? Then check out our Night Prowls! En-
joy an evening walkabout on Zoo grounds with fun activities
and unique nighttime animal viewing. Programs are avail-
able for scouts and other community youth groups. Check
out details at www.houstonzoo.org/overnights.
Scou t s a nd S c ou t L e ade r sWould your troop like to spend an evening at the Zoo?
Need some help with environment, nature, or animal-
based badge and patch requirements? Then we have
the program for you! Programs are available for all Cub,
Wolf, Bear, and Webelo Boy Scouts and Brownies, Daisy,
Junior, Cadette, and Senior Girl Scouts. Visit our website
at www.houstonzoo.org/scouts for a schedule of upcom-
ing programs.
EDUCAT ION NEWSFall into FUN with
exciting programs at the Houston Zoo!
WILDLIFE | SUMMER 2009 | 19
The Zoo sincerely appreciates the Asante Society, whose members support the Zoo’s commitment to
animal care, enrichment, wildlife conservation, education, and research initiatives with their generous
annual gifts of $1,200 or more. From the Swahili language – "Asante", or thank you to our members.
20 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
Ms. Linda Al-AlawiMr. and Mrs. Stanford Alexander &The Stanford and Joan Alexander FoundationMr. and Mrs. D. K. AndersonJohn & Lynne Averett Mr. and Mrs. Philip BahrDr. Carol J. BakerMr. and Mrs. Matthew BakerBill Barnett Rick Barongi and Diane Ledder Mr. and Mrs. J. Kirby Barry IIMr. and Mrs. Andrew Bass Mrs. Susan Bischoff and Mr. Jim B. BarlowMr. and Mrs. Beau BissoMr. and Mrs. Eddy S. BlantonMr. and Mrs. Jack S. Blanton, Sr.Mr. Ryan M. BoehnerMs. Anneliese BosselerMr. and Mrs. Harry L. BowlesMr. and Mrs. Michael E. BowmanMr. and Mrs. Francis R. Bradley Sara Lou BrownDr. and Mrs. Louis J. Bujnoch Mr. C. Robert BunchMr. and Mrs. John D. BurnsSarah G. Burtram, Ph.D.Mallory & Tara Caldwell Janet and Richard CaldwellMs. Catherine Campbell Brock and Dr. Gary T. BrockWin & Lynn CampbellDeborah and Gardner CannonMs. Claire ChamberlainMr. and Mrs. John D. ChaneyMr. and Mrs. Marvin ChasenMr. and Mrs. Stephen I. ChazenMr. and Mrs. Ryan ColburnMr. Daniel Mittleman and Ms. Vicki ColvinMr. and Mrs. Anthony J. CompofeliceMr. and Mrs. Ray G. CookMr. and Mrs. Kevin R. CorkenMr. and Mrs. James W. CrownoverMr. and Mrs. Chris H. CrugerMr. and Mrs. Rod K. CutsingerMr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Daly Mr. and Mrs. Joshua DavidsonMr. and Mrs. Charles Davis &The Charles and Melissa Davis FoundationMs. Sue DavisJonathan and Barbara Day Dr. and Mrs. S. Michael DeanLinnet F. Deily Mr. and Mrs. Darrell DelahoussayeMr. and Mrs. Bruce DeskinMr. John G. DickersonMr. and Mrs. Michael DishbergerSara Dodd-Spickelmier and Keith SpickelmierMs. Linda P. DodgeMr. and Mrs. W. Leslie DoggettMr. and Mrs. Ronald B. DokellAnne and Charles DuncanMr. and Mrs. James A. Elkins IIILeslie and Shannon Sasser Mr. and Mrs. Doug ErwinMs. Cynthia EverageJerry and Nanette Finger Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Douglas L. FosheeMr. and Mrs. R. Alan FoxPatricia Freeman and Bruce Patterson Ms. Jane FrostKat Gallagher and Michael RudelsonMs. Kerry A. GalvinMr. and Mrs. Grant L. Gawronski
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Gee, Jr.Ms. Melissa Giles and Mr. Erik HawesMr. and Mrs. Julius GlickmanMr. and Mrs. Sean GoldenBarbara Segal GoldfieldMr. and Mrs. Marty GoossenMr. and Mrs. Fred GormanMr. and Mrs. R. R. Grace, Jr. &The Jean Lykes Grace FoundationMr. and Mrs. Thomas GraceMr. and Mrs. Anthony G. GracelyAnnie and Bob GrahamDebra and Mark GriersonMr. and Mrs. David M. Grimes IIDr. Ellen R. Gritz and Mr. Milton D. RosenauMr. and Mrs. Scott G. GrobenDr. and Mrs. Stuart S. GrossmanMerrill and Joe Hafner Ms. Helen Hager and Dr. Byron J. BohnnBob and Vicki Harvey Mr. and Mrs. Vernon HenryMs. Karen D. HinsonMs. Paula W. HintonChristine and Michael HollandMr. and Mrs. Bruce R. HotzeMs. Jill Hutchison and Dr. Chris BuehlerDr. William W. Ishee, Jr.Ms. Jenna Jackson and Mr. Chip LewisMr. and Mrs. Eric JansenAnn and Stephen Kaufman Donald R. and Diane S. Kendall, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kyle KettlerMelissa and Bill KingMr. and Mrs. David KlingensmithMr. and Mrs. Thomas KnudsonMr. and Mrs. Randall B. LakeMs. Catherine LamboleyMr. and Mrs. Richard G. LaneHarriet and Truett LatimerMs. Patsy LesleyMr. and Mrs. Robert LevineMr. and Mrs. Lawrence A. LiederMr. and Mrs. John H. LindseyMr. and Mrs. E. David LopezThe Lowenstein Family Mr. and Mrs. Paul B. Loyd, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. James R. LykesMr. and Mrs. Steve Mach &The Mach Family FundMr. Neal S. Manne and Ms. Nancy D. McGregorMr. and Mrs. Gary MargolisMr. and Mrs. George MartinezMr. and Mrs. Brian McCabeMs. Deborah L. McCoyMr. and Mrs. R. M. McDannald, Jr.Ms. Mary Lou McElligottMr. and Mrs. Mike A. McGinnisMrs. Kathrine G. McGovern D. Cal McNair Mr. Timothy D. MercerMr. and Mrs. DeWitt T. Methvin IIIMr. and Mrs. Steven MillerMr. Alfred C. MitchellMr. and Mrs. Richard K. MitchellMr. and Mrs. Richard W. Mithoff, Jr. Mr. Arthur J. MooreMr. and Mrs. R. Robert MullinsMr. and Mrs. David A. Mundy &The Mundy Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. John L. Nau IIIMrs. Linwood D. Newman &The Denman/Newman Foundation
Betty and Stephen Newton Mr. and Mrs. Michael NicolMr. and Mrs. Tim J. NielsenSuzanne and Bob Nimocks Toni and Noel Noble Mr. and Mrs. Jerry OliverMr. and Mrs. Charles M. OnsteadMr. Joel Oppenheim and Ms. Bobbi KirlinMr. and Mrs. O. K. Owen IIIMs. Annise ParkerMr. and Mrs. Jonathan Parker, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan E. Parker, Sr.Mr. W. Daniel ParsonsMs. Dee Ann PedersonMr. and Mrs. Robert PenshornDr. Lavinia P. Middleton and Dr. George H. PerkinsMs. Tess K. PetersonMrs. Janet M. Pfeiffer &The Pfeiffer Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Willem PlegtMr. and Mrs. David PursellNancy and David PustkaMr. and Mrs. Roger A. RamseyMs. Deree A. ReaganHarry and Macey ReasonerMr. and Mrs. Joe W. Redden, Jr.Dr. Gayle M. RettigMr. and Mrs. Paul F. RizzaWilhelmina E. (Beth) Robertson Mr. and Mrs. David RockecharlieMr. and Mrs. James O. RoederMrs. Sybil F. RoosMr. and Mrs. Chris RothTerry and Mona RoukVic and Barbara Samuels Ms. Gwen D. SargentMs. Allison SarofimMr. and Mrs. Christopher B. SarofimMr. and Mrs. Marc SchindlerCathryn and Doug Selman Mr. Herbert D. Simons, CPABarbara and Louis SklarMr. and Mrs. William F. SmithAimee and Wynne SnootsMr. and Mrs. Thomas A. SparksDr. Jeanne Spedale and Mr. Gerald SpedaleMr. and Mrs. Jeff StaggPaula and David Steakley Liz and Andy Stepanian Aliyya and Herman L. StudeMr. and Mrs. James M. TidwellMr. and Mrs. Charles W. TinkMr. Damon TompkinsMs. Kathy Welch and Mr. John T. UngerMr. and Mrs. Timothy J. UngerMr. and Mrs. Gene Van DykeHelen R. ViereckMr. and Mrs. John VogelDr. Suzanne Bruce and Mr. John M. WaddellMr. and Mrs. Larry Walters &the Atlantis Plastics CompanyDavid Weekley Family FoundationRanda and K.C. WeinerDan and Mary WhitemanMr. and Mrs. Fred WilliametteMr. and Mrs. Steve WilliamsMs. Kendall WoodsE. W. Bill Wright IIIMr. and Mrs. Austin P. Young IIIKatherine and Mark Yzaguirre Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Zinn
IT'S A POSTER!Photographer Paul Swen captures a group of zebras
in the African savanna.
One of the few wild horses left in the world, zebras
are best known for their stripes, which come in dif-
ferent patterns unique to each individual.
Zebras graze for many hours each day. They are
usually the first animals to enter tall pastures. Wil-
debeest and gazelles follow once the zebras have
trampled and clipped the vegetation so they may
feed on the shorter grasses and tender new shoots.
Houston Zoo 1513 North MacGregorHouston, Texas 77030
Visit online atwww.houstonzoo.org
Non-Prof i tOrgan izat ionU.S. Postage
PA I DHouston, Texas
Permit No. 8963
Enjoy an evening of hors d'oeuvres, breathtaking
photographs, and firsthand stories from conserva-
tionists on the frontlines in the battle to help save
the world’s wildlife.
There are approximately 740 mountain gorillas
left on earth; living only in two small parks, one in
Uganda and one that includes a corner of Uganda,
Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In order to ensure a healthy future for this special
animal, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project
monitors the gorillas on a regular basis, provides
lifesaving medical care if needed, conducts health
studies, and does all it can to build local capacity in
veterinary medicine and ecosystem health.
www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries
CALL OF THE WILD LECTURE SERIESMoun t a i n Go r i l l a
Ve t e r i n a r y P r o j e c t : Rwanda Sep t embe r 10 , 2009