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1SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

inside september 2013

on the cover: Maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyuruson this page: Andean bear Tremarctos ornatus

wildlife 8 The “Maned” Event

Meet the maned wolf, the world’s most unique canine species.BY KARYL CARMIGNANI

16 The Curious Habits of Bathing BirdsA bird keeper comes clean with the many ways birds bathe—and it’s not all wet!BY MICHAEL GRUE

19 Characteristically KoalaDiscover the physical adaptations that make these marsupials well-suited to their lifestyle.BY WENDY PERKINS

conservation 12 Nosey Science in Peruvian

ForestsThe nose knows, and in the case of Andean bears, the nose shows the animal’s age.BY RUSS VAN HORN, PH.D.

22 Well, Well: Water Conservation at the Safari ParkWater is precious in San Diego, and the Safari Park makes every drop count.BY WENDY PERKINS

more 2 Chairman’s Note

4 Through the Lens

5 Save the Date

6 You Said It

25 What’s in Store

26 Support

28 From the ArchivesFREE! Download the ZOONOOZ App for your iPad.sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz

Building Blocks

chairman’s note

There’s an African saying, “One pebble doesn’t make a f loor.” That’s certainly

true for everything we do at San Diego Zoo Global: all our work is achieved through the cumulative e!orts of the many people who contribute to and support our conservation "eld-work, caring for our animals, operating our wonderful Zoo and Safari Park facilities, and creating new exhibits. As I mentioned in the July issue of ZOONOOZ, we are currently in another building phase now, rais-ing funds to carry out the largest expansion in the Zoo’s history, the Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks.

#is project will renew the part of the Zoo that has long been known as Dog and Cat Canyon, with exhibits representing more than "ve di!erent Afri-can habitats and featuring hundreds of plant and animal species native to those areas. Scheduled to open in 2017, Africa Rocks is a big project but also an exciting opportunity, one that will take the Zoo to a new level to start o! its next 100 years. We are very grateful to Conrad Prebys, who presented San Diego Zoo Global with the gi$ to get the project underway, and to Ernest Rady, who has o!ered a fund-raising challenge: he will donate $10 million if we can raise $20 million of matching funds by August 2015.

Can you help us meet the Rady Challenge? We value every donation, large or small—they are the “pebbles” or building blocks that will help us create this new section of our world-famous zoo. If you are interested in contributing to Africa Rocks, I encourage you to visit our website at sandiegozoo.org/africarocks or call 619-231-1515, option 2, extension 4421, to ask about giving options. You can also watch the progress of the exhibit funding on the website as it continues to grow and stay posted for more about Africa Rocks as the plans are developed. As always, thank you for your support of San Diego Zoo Global.

Rick GulleyChairman

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBALOFFICERS

Richard B. Gulley, ChairmanWilliam H. May, Vice Chairman

Sandra A. Brue, SecretaryRobert B. Horsman, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEESM. Javade Chaudhri

Berit N. DurlerClifford W. Hague

Nan C. KatonaPatricia L. RoscoeSteven G. Tappan

Judith A. WheatleyDavid S. Woodruff, Ph.D., D.Sc.

TRUSTEES EMERITIFrank C. Alexander

Kurt Benirschke, M.D. Weldon Donaldson

Thompson FetterBill L. Fox

Frederick A. Frye, M.D.George L. GildredYvonne W. LarsenJohn M. Thornton

Albert Eugene TrepteBetty Jo F. Williams

William E. Beamer, General Counsel

Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO

Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus

THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

OFFICERSJohn E. Gartman, Chair

Murray H. Hutchison, Vice ChairMargie Warner, Secretary

Maryanne C. Pfister, TreasurerMark A. Stuart, President

Richard B. Gulley, Ex officioDouglas G. Myers, Ex officio

BOARD OF DIRECTORSChristine L. AndrewsRichard A. Baldwin

Joye D. BlountRick BregmanLisa S. Casey

Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio

U. Bertram Ellis, Jr.Arthur E. Engel

Fran GoldenCraig L. Grosvenor

Judith C. HarrisRichard M. HillsCraig A. IrvingSusan B. Major

Susan N. McClellanMichael D. McKinnon

George A. RamirezJoyce Summers

Thomas Tull

2 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

Do you have the digital ZOONOOZ?

ZOONOOZ is now available in three digital formats: for iPad, Kindle Fire, and desktop computer. At home or on the go, you can now have

ZOONOOZ at your fingertips!

Download ZOONOOZ for your iPad

Download ZOONOOZ for your Kindle

Fort Hall baboon tarantula Pterinochilus lugardi

through the lens

44 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

ZOONOOZ®

PUBLISHED SINCE 1926SEPTEMBER 2013

VOL.LXXXVINO.9

MANAGING EDITORKAREN E. WORLEY

ASSOCIATE EDITORSPEGGY SCOTT

DEBBIE ANDREENSTAFF WRITERS

WENDY PERKINSKARYL CARMIGNANI

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHER

KEN BOHNDIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN

TAMMY SPRATTDESIGN AND PRODUCTION

DAMIEN LASATERCHRIS MARTIN HEIDI SCHMID

PREPRESS AND PRINTINGTRANSCONTINENTAL/PRINTED

IN CANADA

SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURSSeptember 1–2: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

September 3–20: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.September 21: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 22–30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.October 1-6: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

October 7-31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURSSeptember 1–2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

September 3–30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.October 1-31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WEBSITEsandiegozoo.org

SAN DIEGO ZOO PHONE619-231-1515

ZOONOOZ®

!e Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in Octo ber 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation. !e Zoological Society of San Diego does business as San Diego Zoo Global.

ZOONOOZ® (ISSN 0044-5282) is currently published bimonthly. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515. Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, California, U.S.A., and at additional mailing o"ces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Membership Department, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112.

Copyright® 2013 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. O"ce. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global.

Annual Memberships: Dual $114, new; $99, renewal. Single $94, new; $82, renewal. Each membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

ZOONOOZ subscription: $25 per year, $65 for 3 years. Foreign, including Canada and Mexico, $30 per year, $81 for 3 years. Contact Membership Department, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112.

As part of San Diego Zoo Global’s commitment to conservation, ZOONOOZ is printed on recycled paper that is 30% post-consumer waste, chlorine free, and is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified.

Using this paper for a year will save approximately 200 tons of wood, or 1,400 trees; 965 million BTUs of energy, enough to run 10 homes for a year; 155,000 pounds of CO2 equivalent, the amount produced by 14 cars during a year; and 84,000 pounds of solid waste (estimates made using the Environmental Defense Fund Paper Calculator).

FSC is not responsible for any calculations on saving resources by choosing this paper.

AS SUMMER WINDS DOWN and kids head back to school, there are plenty of good reasons to visit the Zoo and Safari Park. !e ever-popular Kids Free in October, presented by Mission Fed, is the perfect opportunity for “your wild ones to meet ours.” !e animals of the new Conrad Prebys Australian Outback

at the Zoo are settling in nicely, and if you haven’t had a chance to come by yet, you might want to plan some time to spend with the koalas. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a Caravan Safari at the Park, and the Park has also added a special behind-the-scenes Surprise Safari. If you love to be amazed, you can also take a Sunrise Surprise Stroll at the Zoo before it opens on select weekend mornings. San Diego is a beautiful place to experience autumn—we hope you’ll come by to revel in a variety of fun and furry surprises with us!

Douglas G. MyersPresident/CEO

Autumn at the Zoo and Safari Park

SEPTEMBER Daily: Behind-the-Scenes Safari,

at the Park

7: Roar & Snore: !e Park after Dark, at the Park

7, 14, 21, 28: Veterinary Medical Center Tour, at the Park

7, 28, 29: Sunrise Surprise Stroll, at the Zoo

14 Albert’s Fall Brewmaster Dinner, at the Zoo

21: San Diego Zoo Food & Wine Celebration presented by Cymer, at the Zoo

22 Dinner with Animal Ambassadors, at the Park

OCTOBER 1–31: Kids Free presented by Mission Fed,

at the Zoo and Park

5–6: Fisher-Price Little People Live Show, at the Zoo

5, 12: Albert’s Member Appreciation Dinners, at the Zoo

12: Roar & Snore: Creepy Camp for families, at the Park

19, 26: Spooky Sleepovers, at the Zoo

20: Oktoberfest Dinner, at the Park

26: Roar & Snore: Creepy Camp for adults, at the Park

save the date

5SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

�1'�$118$/�.,'6�)5((�,167$*5$0�&+$//(1*(Last year’s contest was such a hit that we’re doing it again! During October’s Kids Free, presented by Mission Fed, document your kids enjoying the Zoo or Safari Park and tag your pics and videos on Instagram with #sdzkidsfree for a chance to win a behind-the-scenes adventure for the whole family. Details available in late September at: sandiegozoo.org/kidsfree.

It’s good to be given a peek into the hard, hidden work the keepers do. And into the nuts and bolts of a zoo. !anks very much!

SC

Hands down, best zoo in the USA! @Geena_Gall

Just tuned in to the camera and I see all 4 of our gorgeous koala ladies in the frame … !rst time I’ve seen all of them together like that … and a special note to all of you awesome koala keepers, including the camera operator ...thanks for all you do to keep our ladies happy and healthy!

Mary

[Panda Cam] is one of my favorite sites. Watching momma and cub is addictive. "anks for all you do for the animals and the folks following.

Joyce Ann Tutwiler

Love watching the polar bears! Props to the volunteer that is manning all of the webcams. My students are so happy watching!

@Briana_G_Roves

Amazing, wonderful, beautiful blog!!Surfing!eSky  

Thanks a million for helping to give these animals such a good life

and spreading the word about conservation!! I don’t think I can ever say thank you enough to all of you keepers and sta! at SDZ especially.

Daisy

Holy gharial, Batman. !e @sandiegozoo is even better than I had heard.@michaelfertik

you said it

What’s

Behind the Scenes?

Get to know the Zoo and Safari Park better than ever—take our behind-the-scenes tours! Venture o! with a small group and your expert guide, who will give you the inside scoop while you enjoy exciting animal encounters and explore areas of the Zoo or Park that are o! limits to other visitors. "is special experience is one you won’t soon forget!

To plan your behind-the-scenes adventure, visit sandiegozoo.org/zoo/special/tours or sdzsafaripark.org/safaritickets/bts_tour, or call 619-718-3000.

Find Out!

The

By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken BohnSDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

“Maned” Event

8 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

Lanky and lean, the mysterious, misnamed, and misunderstood wild dog of South America is a sight to behold. !ough it resem-bles a red fox on stilts, it is not closely related to the vulpine (fox) family. Despite its common name, it is not closely a"liated with wolves, either. But it does sport a dramatic, dark-colored mane

down its back that #ares up when the animal feels threatened. Meet the beautiful, big-eared, red-haired, long-legged maned wolf.

!is species is aloof for a canid and less vocal than other wild dogs. “!ese animals are the opposite of what people think they know about dogs,” said Tammy Batson, San Diego Zoo lead keeper. Once visitors lay eyes on these elegant-looking creatures, Tammy said they really “give people a reason to care.” Each day at 1 p.m., keepers give a talk and train-ing demonstration at the maned wolf exhibit near the Zoo’s Skyfari West, and guests can see the wild dogs in action. Although it is a member of the Canidae

family, which contains dogs, wolves, and foxes, the maned wolf is the only species in the genus Chrysocyon.

9SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

Above: Keepers have short training sessions with the maned wolves each day. Here, each wolf is asked to touch a colored target with her nose. This baseline behavior training can minimize stress for the animals during routine care, since they can be weighed and monitored easily. Training is also enrichment for the animals —and interesting for visitors!

WHO ARE YOU?Its blazing fur, solitary lifestyle, and omnivorous diet thrust the maned wolf into a genus all its own: Chrysocyon. Native to Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru, the maned wolf inhabits grasslands and scrub forests. It is thought that its exceedingly long legs allow the animal to see above the tall grass while hunting and running. Un-like true wolf species, maned wolves tend toward a solitary lifestyle but do form mo-nogamous pair bonds. !ough a pair shares a large, permanent home range of up to 17 square miles, each member hunts independently and only comes together for breeding. However, male maned wolves in zoos provide regurgitated food for the young, which indicates that they may stick around to help raise their o$spring in the wild as well.

Yet another quirk of the maned wolf lifestyle is its diet. Although classi%ed as a carnivore, it is really an omnivore. During the rainy season, it eats mainly lobeira, a tomato-like fruit from a low, spiny bush—in fact, the fruit is also called the “wolf apple” for this reason. Studies of maned wolf feces have indicated that just over three-quarters of its diet is made up of fruit and vegetable matter. !e other portion consists of small mammals, reptiles, birds and their eggs, and insects. With so much of its diet being vegetarian, a special prepared diet was created for these animals in zoos—it contains less animal-based protein (and reduced sodium) and more plant-based protein. !is helps control cystinuria in this species, a condition in which an amino acid called cystine forms stones in the kidneys or bladder.

Rather than chasing down prey, maned wolves tend to stalk and pounce, their large, erect ears ever alert to the telltale sounds of their next meal. !ey are most active during dusk and dawn hours, spending daylight and nighttime hours dozing under the cover of thick brush.

HEAR THAT?Maned wolves have a somewhat abbreviated vocal repertoire compared to other wild dogs. !ey don’t howl or bay, but they do use three other sounds: a deep-throated single bark, usually heard at dusk; a high-pitched whine, sometimes used in greet-ing; and a growl during antagonistic behavior. Most of their communication is done through olfactory means. !eir pungent urine serves as a "keep out" signpost. Other maned wolves can smell it a mile away and discern a great deal from an individual’s

ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 201310

“perfume.” Is the animal healthy? Ready to breed? Protecting its ter-ritory? !is canid's long, slender muzzle can read the %ne print of those scent marks!

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAININGAt the Zoo, two young maned wolf sisters, Jasmine and Jamie, share a spacious, outdoor exhibit (they also have o$-exhibit bedrooms). “At 55 pounds, Jamie is the dominant one, though her sister weighs 5 pounds more than she does,” said Tammy. !ey have access to fresh water and dry kibble at all times, and their special “high-value” treat is mice, used as a reward during their training sessions. !ese animals are somewhat shy and do not view humans as food, which allows the keepers to work with the dogs inside the exhibit. Since many animals tend to mask illness to avoid appearing weak, it is important for keepers to be able to monitor each animal’s weight as a health marker. “We use operant conditioning and positive rein-forcement techniques to get the animals to make good decisions to cooperate with us,” explained Tammy. “If we can train them to get on a scale or provide urine samples, it reduces stress on the animals and the sta$.”

During the daily Keeper Talk, Zoo guests can watch a keeper working with each dog, practicing target training as a useful base-line behavior. “We don’t touch the wolves,” said Tammy. “It’s im-portant to respect their boundaries. !e only time maned wolves

touch each other is to %ght or breed, and I don’t want either of those things.” Each animal has her own six-inch plastic target (Jamie’s is red, Jasmine’s is blue) that the keeper attaches to the fence at di$er-ent places and heights. !e keeper gestures toward the target, which is paired with the verbal command, “target,” and the dog touches her nose to it. !e keeper uses a clicker to indicate that this is the correct behavior. Intermittent reinforcement is used for the train-ing session, so a&er a few correct target behaviors, a mouse is given and gobbled down instantly. Each wolf receives 15 mice during these sessions. “!is is also a great way to make sure the less-dominant animal is getting her fair share.”

THE OUTLOOKDespite their beauty and retiring nature, maned wolves face a num-ber of threats across their range, including hunting, superstition, and habitat loss as humans convert wild spaces to farms. Some rural people attach mystical qualities to various maned wolf body parts (eyes, skin, tail), which are used as a talisman or for folk rem-edies. Others persecute the wild dogs for taking chickens. Currently, maned wolves are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It is hoped that zoos around the world can help protect this regal species by breeding them, which has proved challenging, and helping to preserve native habitat. We need to work together to give this wild dog a leg up on its long-term survival. Q

11SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

By Russ Van Horn, Ph.D.SCIENTIST, SAN DIEGO ZOO INSTITUTE FOR CONSERVATION RESEARCH

NOSEY SCIENCE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL, SPECTACLED BEAR CONSERVATION-PERU, AND THE BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS

in Peruvian Forests

ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 201312

I have gradually become obsessed with Andean bear noses: what information the nose reveals to the bear and what the nose’s appearance reveals about the bear to us. At !rst glance, the nose of an Andean bear (also called spectacled bear) simply looks like a bear’s nose. No surprise there!

However, if you look closely, you can see di"erences between individual noses. In working with colleagues, I’ve concluded that changes in the color of an Andean bear’s nose follow a loosely predictable pattern, and seeing a wild bear’s nose in a photo from a camera trap can be used to estimate the bear’s age. Being able to estimate the age of wild individu-als without touching them is a powerful tool, helping us to decipher the demographics of a species we’re only beginning to understand—but that we must understand if we are to conserve it.

THE BIG BEAR PICTURE#e International Union for Conservation of Nature considers Andean bears vulnerable to extinction due to poaching, con$ict between bears and humans over damage to livestock or crops, and habitat loss and deg-radation. E"ective conservation requires not only a comprehension of the social, political, and economic contexts but also a thorough scienti!c understanding of the species’ biology and habitat. Unfortunately, we have little scienti!c information about Andean bears, since they have been a challenge to study in their rugged, remote, and densely forested habitat in South America. San Diego Zoo Global’s Andean bear conservation program strives to increase scienti!c knowledge about these bears, to train and mentor Peruvian scientists and conservationists, and to pro-mote the idea that bears and other wildlife are critical components of a healthy ecosystem on which we all depend.

FACES IN THE FORESTDuring the past !ve years, I have worked in both the humid montane forests of southeast Peru and in the tropical dry forest of northwest Peru. In this rough terrain, one of our main research tools is the cam-era trap, or trail camera. #ese special digital cameras are programmed to take a picture, or a series of pictures, when the sensors detect chang-es in the locations of body heat. Camera traps have been used in other studies to estimate the number of individuals of various species in an area—an important step in evaluating the quality of a piece of habitat or an ecosystem.

Using camera traps for this purpose is a challenging task, since it typically requires that researchers visually identify individuals. It has long been assumed that Andean bears could be identified by their markings, but this hasn’t been rigorously tested until now. Fortunately,

The tropical dry forest is so open that we can directly observe wild Andean bears as they forage, reproduce, and visit the few permanent waterholes in the area (along with bees, apparently!).

13SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

when I investigated this with Corrin LaCombe, a re-search coordinator for the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, and other colleagues, we con-!rmed that with some training, it is possible to accu-rately identify Andean bears from their photographs.

Depending on where a camera trap is located, it may collect hundreds of photos of wild animals every month. #ese images reveal which mammals live in an area, and the presence or absence of di"erent species indicates something about the quality of the habitat. However, camera trap photos also record when they were taken, and with enough cameras, we’re able to describe daily

and seasonal variation in activity patterns of the animals that pass in front of the camera.

In addition, obtaining photos of young animals allows us to determine the seasonal timing of reproduction, which is not well known for Andean bears or many other South American animals. By placing camera traps next to waterholes in the dry forest, we’ve been able to collect data on visits by bears: how frequently they vis-it, whether a bear’s age and sex a"ects its use of the resource, and whether a visit by one bear in$uences when the next bear might ar-rive. With this information, we begin to understand the importance of waterholes to dry forest bears and see the in$uence of social fac-tors in this largely solitary species.

CELEBRATING CITIZEN SCIENCE Good science by itself is not su%cient to conserve the Andean bear, or any species. New knowledge only improves conservation if it

is shared in ways that change natural resource management—and human behavior. Samantha Young, a research technician for the Institute’s Conservation Education division, has led outreach and education e"orts in rural communities near our dry forest study site. With support from the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, we’ve engaged citizen scientists in the collection of data on vegetation characteristics. Based on direct observations and evi-dence from camera-trap photos, the dry forest bears appear to rely heavily on the fruit of the sapote tree, which is critically endan-gered in Peru yet o&en illegally cut down. By involving local citi-zens as !eld scientists in research, we believe that we’ll gain new knowledge of sapote ecology while simultaneously increasing local understanding and awareness of the ecological value of the tree. Our hope is that if citizen scientists are engaged in the process, they will understand and accept the data and results and cham-pion the conservation action they inspire. Q

Above: Andean bears rely heavily on the fruit of the sapote tree (seen here being measured) as a food source. By engaging local citizen scientists in research on these trees, we hope to increase awareness among the neighbors of this valuable resource and enhance conservation efforts in the region.

Left: Camera traps can provide information on a wide range of animals, including (clockwise) pumas, ocelots, Andean bears, and Sechuran foxes, just some of the species that have been caught by the lens.

14 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

15SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

©2013 Mattel. All Rights Reserved. ® and ™ designate U.S. trademarks of Mattel, except as noted.

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EVENT LOCATION: Zoo's

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Fisher-Price is a proud sponsor of the San Diego Zoo sponsor of the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

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ZOONOOZ_Sept-Oct_Full_Page.pdf 1 7/2/13 2:21 PM

By Mike GrueSENIOR KEEPER

Photos by Ken BohnSDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

THE CURIOUS HABITSOF BATHING BIRDS

16 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

Why do we bathe? Some younger readers might respond, “because my Mom and Dad tell me to!” In this case, parents are right: bathing is

important for health. Keeping clean is one of the best ways that we and other animals can prevent infections and parasites. And when it comes to washing up, birds are some of the most enthusiastic bath-ers in the Animal Kingdom. Just ask anyone who has seen a !ock of songbirds splash in a birdbath!

Splish, Splash, Ahhhhh!Some birds bathe so enthusiastically that they splash all the water out of their “bathtub.” Others seek out ponds, lakes, rivers, or oceans for bathing. Some wait patiently in the treetops for their a"ernoon shower, while quite a few make use of puddles le" by a summer storm.

At the San Diego Zoo, we get to see many di#erent bird species enjoying baths in their own way. A pied imperial pigeon Ducula bi-color may become shy and shu$e away when she sees a keeper ap-proach. However, if that keeper uses a hose to lightly mist the bird, her behavior begins to change. First, she cocks her head sideways, and her eyes get droopy. %en her whole body leans to the side until she looks ready to fall o# her perch. Finally, if she’s very relaxed, she will close her eyes, drape a wing over her head, and let the water roll down the side of her body. She is the picture of tranquility.

Flamingos are the exact opposite. In the wild, these long-legged birds may spend most of their lives in water no deeper than a foot or two. For them, having a good bath requires some gusto. A bathing !amingo squats and repeatedly dips its head and neck into the water while !apping its wings wildly. If caught in the right light, the spray from a few bathing !amingos creates a halo of sparkling droplets around these vibrant birds.

Opposite page: Wetter is better for this northern purple roller Coracias naevia. This page (from top): An emerald dove Chalcophaps indica splashes at the edge of the water; a collared imperial pigeon Ducula mullerii stretches to catch a light mist; and Caribbean flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber ruber make a splash.

17SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

Other species have their own methods of bathing. %e dollar-birds Eurystomus orientalis and purple rollers Coracias naevia—ever full of drama—droop their wings in front of their body and do a “drowned rat” impersonation. Starlings are drawn to wet foli-age. By hosing down a tree in the Owens Aviary, a keeper can entice the whole !ock of metallic starlings Aplonis metallica to !y straight into the branches, where they !ap, jump, chirp, and twist around until they emerge soaked and sparkling clean. Rhinoceros horn-bills Buceros rhinoceros begin preening their feathers like crazy the moment they feel rain. In addition to getting clean, it may be that preening in the rain is one way these canopy-dwelling birds get their drinking water.

Some Like It DryWet isn’t the only way to go—other species take a completely dif-ferent approach. Some birds seem to wait the whole day for their dust bath. %e common house sparrow Passer domesticus and the California quail Callipepla californica are two examples of feathery friends that take their baths in dirt. Why not use water, like most birds? Well, both of these species are social and spend most of their day on the ground—two behaviors that may make them more prone to mites and other ectoparasites. A good dirt bath provides the thor-ough, abrasive scrubbing these birds need to help keep their feathers clean and the mites at bay.

Moments in the Sun As much as a dove may love her shower, !amingos their pool party, or ground birds their dust, all birds seem to agree: nothing beats a good sunbath! Just as a water bath serves several purposes, sun-

bathing does di#erent things for di#erent birds. California condors Gymnogyps californianus use the sun to warm themselves after a cold night. At dawn, these birds face the sun, open their broad wings, and quietly soak up the day’s &rst light. Warming up the ol’ !ight muscles before taking a leap from a cli#side nest is a good idea.

%ermal regulation is only one bene&t to sunbathing, however. %e Zoo’s secretary birds Sagittarius serpentarius frequently bathe in the summer’s powerful a"ernoon rays. Because they spend most of their time on the ground, what they may be doing is trying to “cook” certain parasites that can overheat if they don’t move to a cooler patch of feathers. Once the bugs are out in the open, the secretary bird attacks! Preening a"er a sunbath is an e'cient way for the bird to catch the freeloaders—and have a small snack while they’re at it.

The white-breasted cormorants Phalacrocorax lucidus in the Zoo’s African marsh exhibit sunbathe simply to dry off. Unlike ducks, water does not roll off a cormorant’s back; rather, these birds’ feathers actually soak up water. Flooded feathers make the bird heavier, allowing cormorants to dive underwater for &sh more easily than buoyant ducks. Yet, there is a downside to wet feathers. %e soaked bird could become dangerously cold, and a cormorant’s feathers could become brittle if they are always wet. Cormorants quickly dry themselves by sitting in a sunny spot, holding their wings out, and lightly !apping them while !u'ng their feathers.

Luckily for us, birds aren’t shy about indulging in public baths. Whether it’s a !ock of songbirds enthusiastically splashing around a backyard birdbath or an emerald dove in Owens Aviary laying side-ways in a patch of sun, eyes closed and wing up without a care in the world, it’s not hard to &nd a bird enjoying bath time. Q

California condors Gymnogyps californianus greet the sun with open wings—all the better to collect its warmth.

18 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

Characteristically Koala

HANDS: Koala hands and feet curl around tree branches e!ectively. Each hand has two—count ‘em, two—opposable thumbs that give koalas an extra bit of grasping ability. Rough, ridged pads on the hands and feet aid their grip and provide traction. And, of course, those long, sharp claws for clutching tree bark help their clinging capability.

NOSE: Big nose, big role! "e sense of smell is one of a koala’s best senses. A foraging koala spends a great deal of time sni#ng out just the right bit of eucalyptus. "is helps the animal get the most nutritious leaves and avoid non-edible ones. Although able to process some of the toxins in eucalyptus leaves, there are some eucalyptus species that are even poisonous to koalas. A keen sense of smell plays a vital role in koala communication as well, as males leave scent marks on trees to both welcome females and warn o! intruding fellows.

FUR: A koala’s fuzzy appearance belies the reality that its fur is quite coarse. Described as feeling like sheep’s wool, the koala’s dense coat protects it from both extremely hot and cold conditions. It’s also water resistant, so a rainy day is no problem. "e color of the fur can vary, depending on which part of Australia the individual is from; koalas in the south usually have thicker, darker fur than those in the north.

RUMP: Koalas are sedentary animals that sleep for long periods as they digest their food. To stay out of the reach of predators like dingoes, they curl up in the crook of a tree. A rounded rear end, curved spine, and barely-there tail allow koalas to fit into a snug spot for a snooze. Extra-thick fur on the rump provides padding against the hard branches.

FEET: Count the digits on a koala’s foot, and you’ll tally five. "e feet are perfect tools for gripping branches and do double duty as a grooming apparatus: two of the toes are close together and work like a comb when raked through the fur. "ese tree dwellers also have one clawless toe that acts like a thumb.

ARMS: Strong arm and shoulder muscles help a koala climb 150 feet to the top of a tree and enable it to leap between branches. Being on the ground all the time would be a disadvantage, because predators could easily catch a koala.

HINDGUT: Eucalyptus leaves may not contain as much nutrition as other plant material, but they’re plentiful in the koalas’ native range—and no one else really eats them. "at’s because eucalyptus leaves contain toxic compounds that are poisonous to most other animals. Koalas, however, have a special bacteria in their digestive tract that breaks down the toxins while nutrients are absorbed from the leaves.

MOUTH: Koalas make several di!erent vocalizations, from snores to screams to bellows. Both sexes bellow, but males seem to do it more often. Our researchers are trying to understand why they make this sound—is it to tell other males to stay away or to invite females to visit?

MALE KOALA SCENT GLAND: Males have a small, bare patch of skin on the chest where the scent gland is located. When the male rubs this spot against a tree or branch, a sticky brown secretion spreads his special smell. Varying amounts of 40 chemicals give each male koala his own signature scent for attracting females and warding o! other males.

FEMALE KOALA POUCH: Like all marsupials, female koalas have a pouch in which they carry their baby, called a joey. Many marsupials, like kangaroos, have a pouch that opens upward, toward their head. But koala moms have a pouch that opens toward their hind legs. After the tiny joey is born, it uses strong forelimbs and hands to crawl from the birth canal into its mother’s pouch. Inside the pouch are two nipples. "e joey latches onto one and stays snug and safe, drinking milk and growing for about six months.

From nose to toes to rounded rump, koalas are well-suited for life in the trees.See them in action for yourself at the Zoo’s Conrad Prebys Australian Outback exhibit!

Want more koalas? Scan this code to get the free ZOONOOZ magazine app for your iPad and download our special koala issue.

sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz

19SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

October means pumpkins, fall leaves, and great weather in San Diego. It also means kids receive free admission all month long at the Zoo and Safari Park. Kids Free, presented by Mission

Fed, gives children and their families a great opportunity to discover nature with a month of fun activities. Check out sandiegozoo.org/kidsfree for the full schedule (available for viewing

starting in late September), and come explore the great outdoors with us!

Kids Free in October

Let Your Wild Ones Meet Ours!

SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER 2013 MEMBER SPECIAL

15% OFF ALL ANIMAL ADOPTIONS

sandiegozoo.org/adopt

Treat them to a tiger, charm them with a cheetah, or even please them with a panda! Start your holiday shopping early and enjoy this discount

on any online adoption package.

Offer valid September 1–October 31, 2013.Visit sandiegozoo.org/adopt or call 619-557-3914. To redeem online, enter

COUPON CODE ASZW0913 at checkout. No limit. Not valid at any on-grounds adoption booths.

SEPTEMBER 2013 MEMBER SPECIAL

$1 OFF SOUVENIR SIPPERS

Redeem this coupon at anySan Diego Zoo or Safari Park food

location where sippers are sold and receive $1 off on a 32-ounce sipper filled with a soft drink or iced tea.

Free refills on day of purchase with receipt!

Offer valid September 1–30, 2013.

Not valid with any other offer or discount. Not valid for alcoholic

beverages. Present your valid San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of

purchase.

SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 MEMBER SPECIAL

SAVE $15 PER PERSON ON A FLIGHTLINE SAFARI

(Discount not available September 1, November 27–30, and December 26–31, 2013.)

Soar from a ridgetop along a zip-line cable, gliding about 2/3 of a mile over exotic animals and field exhibits on a Flightline Safari at

the Safari Park. Call 619-718-3000 and confirm space now. Provide PROMOTION CODE 225006 at time of reservation.

Offer valid September 2–December 25, 2013.Space is limited. Age and weight restrictions apply. Prices, hours, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Safari Park admission

and parking are not included. Not valid for prior reservations. Not valid in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. Offer valid through advance phone reservations only. Customer must provide membership number and PROMOTION CODE 225006 at time of booking. Limit 4 per membership

number. Other restrictions may apply.

OCTOBER 2013 MEMBER SPECIAL

HOLIDAY ORNAMENTSMembers receive a 10% discount on all holiday ornaments, including our 2013 annual ornament

celebrating the opening of the Conrad Prebys Australian Outback! Valid at the General Store, KidStore, and

ZooStore at the San Diego Zoo, and Safari Outfitters and the Bazaar at the Safari Park. No limit while supplies last.

Offer valid October 1–31, 2013.Not valid with any other offer or discount. Show valid

San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase.

NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2013 MEMBER SPECIALS

HOLIDAY SAVINGS FOR MEMBERS

Members receive a 10% discount on any gift shop purchase.Valid at all stores at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

No limit while supplies last.

Offer valid November 1–December 31, 2013.Not valid with any other offer or discount. Show valid

San Diego Zoo Global membership card at time of purchase.

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Well, Well By Wendy PerkinsSTAFF WRITER

Photo by Ken BohnSDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

Water Conservation at the Safari Park

22 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

Lush, colorful landscaping, trees for shade, grass for graz-ing—the Safari Park has it all, as well as an intricate, and massive, irrigation system that makes it possible. During the last couple of decades, keeping everything well-watered has become more e!cient, thanks to Park employees’ ingenuity and dedication to conserv-ing water.

Realizing Pipe DreamsStep by step, drop by drop, the Park’s horticulture team has made changes both big and small to increase water conservation. Among the "rst actions was to stop leaks as soon as possible. #e tricky part was that there was no comprehensive map to show which shut-o$ valve a$ected which pipe. For one full summer and into the next year, Wayne Broadway, Charles Fleuret, and Mark Huston from the Horticulture Department mapped the maze of pipes and valves using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology. Stopping water loss quickly is important for more than one reason: it not only prevents wasting precious water but also cuts down on soil erosion that could create dangerous terrain for our hoofed animals.

More Than a Drop in the BucketIn the 1990s, funding from the San Diego County Water Authority supported the creation of a reservoir on Park property. “#at meant we would be taking less potable water from the public supply,” explained Cary Sharp, curator of horticulture at the Safari Park. “#e water from that reservoir was used to irrigate all the landscaping in the guest parking lot and nearby areas.” At that time, the Park’s vast "eld enclosures were irrigated with reclaimed and well water, but the rest of the greenery had been dependent on potable water (water taken from San Diego County’s system). We were o$ to a good start but still had more to do. #rough perseverance, planning, and support from donors, today we’re almost there!

Well WishesCurrently, the majority of the Safari Park plants’ thirst is quenched by water from two wells. One "lls the East Africa and South Africa ponds; from there, water is pumped to irrigate the "eld habitats. #e horticulture team is hoping to get funding to place a 500,000-gallon tank on an elevated spot in the North Africa habitat. #e cost-free power of gravity would be harnessed to move the water down the hill to water all of the gardens. “One of our long-term goals is to incorporate more gravity-fed systems,” said Charles. “When we aren’t pumping, we save on energy and maintenance costs, and this can be put toward animal and plant conservation projects.”

“Another major savings is the cost of the water itself,” Cary pointed out. “Well wa-ter costs us about $1 per 1,000 gallons, whereas city water would cost about $5 for the same amount.” Within a 7-month construction period, the irrigation team converted the Park’s systems, saving 14 million gallons of city water and $53,000 in just the "rst 6 months of operation.

In addition to a water tank, funding for a third well is on the Park’s water conserva-tion wish list. “A supplemental well would also serve as a backup if we need to service one of the two wells,” said Charles. “#at would strengthen our self-su!ciency and, again, allow more resources to go to San Diego Zoo Global conservation programs.” Q�

The Safari Park horticulture team and San Diego Zoo Global would like to thank Peg and Peri Urvek for supporting our efforts to conserve water.

23SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

24 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 2013

what’s in store

Visit our shops at the Zoo and Safari Park to purchase these featured items. Items and prices may vary based on availability. Available in select stores.

1. Large Senegal Basket $2152. Orange Senegal Basket $853. Ra!a Gira"e $13.954. Multi-Color Senegal Basket $1155. Ra!a Lemur $24.956. Large Ra!a Gira"e $29.95

3.

5.

4.

6.

2.

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25SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 25SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

Success in business helps de!ne Ernest Rady, whose recent signi!cant gi" to the San Diego Zoo for our largest expansion project ever—Africa Rocks—is known as the Rady Challenge (see sidebar). When the $10 million challenge was announced at a ceremony this summer, it was about giving back to the community and leaving a legacy for the children of this city, a city he loves. Ernest does not hesitate to tell you that while he and his wife, Evelyn, have lived in other cities, none of them can compare to San Diego. No matter where he has been, whether on vacation or on a business trip, he is always happy to return home.

Yet Ernest Rady is not a native San Diegan. He was born and raised in Manitoba, Canada, where he remem-bers some incredibly cold winters that he compares to “living in Siberia!” Ernest was just a teenager when his physician father died, and he was le" to manage the family’s a#airs: “I became the father in our family.” $is was just the beginning of a long career in business, and he attributes his success to the life lessons he took to heart. Ernest’s father used to say that success is nine parts perspiration and one part inspiration—you have to work hard to get ahead. Later, Ernest added more to this formula: “Like what you do—have fun while you work—and you will be successful.” And when asked about his most meaningful business advice gleaned over the past 50 years, he answers without hesitation: “Always be fair. Don’t drive too hard a bargain and treat people fairly.”

There’s No Place Quite Like HomeERNEST RADY

support

26 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 201326

THE $10 MILLION ERNEST RADY CHALLENGE has launched a 25-month fund-raising campaign to sup-port the largest expansion in the San Diego Zoo’s history: Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks, an 8-acre exhibit area that will replace Dog and Cat Canyon. Ernest Rady has pledged to contribute a $10 million challenge grant if the Zoo can raise $20 million of matching funds by August 2015.

Africa Rocks will include a Madagascar habitat and the 65-foot-tall Rady Falls, the largest man-made waterfall in San Diego, which will be home to dwarf crocodiles. !e Madagascar habitat will showcase seven species of lemurs, including the red ru"ed lemur and the elusive aye-aye, the largest nocturnal primate on Earth.

“Ernest Rady’s challenge gift is remarkable,” Doug Myers, San Diego Zoo Global president and CEO, said. “!e San Diego Zoo was created by Dr. Harry Wegeforth almost 100 years ago for the children of San Diego. Mr. Rady follows in Dr. Wegeforth’s footsteps by making possible a new, unique experience for children of all ages that provides them with opportunities to explore more than five di"erent African habitats.”

Conversations with Ernest always come back to his love of busi-ness as well as striving for success in each venture. $at may be why he has a friend in Conrad Prebys, another great San Diegan who is also a successful businessman and philanthropist, as well as a strong Zoo supporter. When Conrad invited Ernest to join him for break-fast at his namesake Elephant Care Center some months ago, Ernest was already thinking about a gi" for the Zoo. He admires the Zoo for the incredible organization it has become, turning 100 acres into the world’s most famous urban zoo. He believes his gi" will also be great for the city’s economy, for tourism, and, most of all, for its children.

While Ernest Rady’s name is synonymous with both Rady Chil-dren’s Hospital and the Rady School of Management at UC San Di-ego, his recent gi" to the Zoo is all part of the legacy he hopes to leave for a city he loves. As he says, “For everyone to have a complete life, they must do something to help others.” $e Rady Challenge is a chance for everyone to participate and support the Zoo, a place that was originally created for the children of San Diego. Ernest Rady always plans ahead to the next business meeting, round of golf, walk on the beach, or taking the grandchildren to the Zoo. It’s all good, because there’s no place quite like home. Q

Rady Challenge!Help Us Meet the

Visit sandiegozoo.org/africarocks for more information about Africa Rocks or to contribute to the Rady Challenge.

By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or leaving the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect

wildlife. To receive more information, please call 619-744-3352 or visit our website at

zoolegacy.org.

You can help secure the future for wildlife!

Heritage Guild

27SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL Q SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

“There’s a rhinoceros in the sewer!”For the Zoo staff in the 1940s, Trudy the tapir was synonymous with trouble. To the casual observer, Trudy appeared to be an unassuming Malayan tapir, attractive with her black-and-silver coat but otherwise innocuous. For her keepers, it was another story. As Ken Stott, Jr., then associate editor of ZOONOOZ, wrote, “Many an old acquaintance of hers may yet !nd it di"cult to speak her name without a shudder.”

You see, Trudy was a persistent and talented escape artist. On her !rst day at the Zoo, she managed to squeeze her way out of her pen, only to !nd herself in the next exhibit with two very dis-pleased hippos. A keeper managed to distract the two charging behemoths just long enough for Trudy to get to safety. #at scare might have been enough to deter most tapirs from wandering—but not Trudy.

Late one night, Zoo Director Belle Benchley’s phone rang with the news that Trudy had disappeared. A $ashlight hunt in the Zoo that night and search of the Balboa Park area at daybreak turned up nothing. Two days passed, with no word about Trudy’s whereabouts. #en a frantic phone call came in, with a hysterical voice screaming that there was a rhinoceros in the sewer, and what was the Zoo going to do about it?

Rushing to the downtown address, Zoo sta% found a crowd sur-rounding a small opening into the street. It led to a large, subter-ranean passage designed to gather rainwater. Apparently a city worker had gone in to check the waterway and had been confronted by a “rhinoceros.” He had $ung his tools and run for his life to the nearest manhole. #e Zoo’s keepers went down, and it was, indeed, Trudy. #ey herded her to a larger opening, where she emerged to $ashbulbs going o% as the press took her photo for the newspapers.

Upon her return to the Zoo, sta% went to work reinforcing her enclosure. As Ken wrote, “Such a ridiculous occurrence could not be repeated.” But Trudy had other ideas. One day, she somehow man-aged to snap the lock on her door and headed out for yet another adventure. She was discovered rather quickly, though, as “An indig-nant woman informed us that there was a wild animal in her back-yard. She didn’t like it and would we come out immediately and take it away.” #e keepers were more than happy to oblige.

#is time, sta% went over every inch of Trudy’s enclosure and reinforced it as if it were Fort Knox. Trudy tried, but she was un-able to get through the defenses again. A&er her initial notoriety, she settled into respectability—but, as Ken hastened to add, “not by choice, mind you!” Q

from the archives

28 ZOONOOZ Q SEPTEMBER 201328

CELEBRATING ANIMAL AMBASSADORSA S P E C I A L D I N N E R E V E N T A T T H E S A F A R I P A R K

Sunday, September 22, 2013Hunte Nairobi Pavilion5:30 p.m.$69.95 per person for members$81.95 per person for nonmembers

Fall is a glorious time of year at the Safari Park, and we’re celebrating with a salute to our popular and talented animal ambassadors. Join us for a playful and fun evening in which you’ll encounter a variety of different animals, including one of our spectacular cheetahs! Enjoy a hosted bar and appetizers from 5:30 to 6 p.m. while you meet animals. Then savor a lovely four-course meal (with no-host bar available) prepared by our chefs as the amazing animal encounters continue throughout the evening. Bring friends and family to enjoy this special occasion!

Make your reservations today—call 619-718-3000.Visit sdzsafaripark.org/planyourtrip/dining for details and the complete menus.

Wunderbar! !e Safari Park’s joyful salute to October is back, with live music, a delicious bu"et of German-inspired specialties, one complimentary glass of beer (for those over 21), a variety of German beers for purchase, and great company to get into the spirit of the season. Raise a glass with us—Prost!

Sunday, October 20, 2013Hunte Nairobi Pavilion5:30 p.m.$39.95 per person for members, $51.95 for nonmembers; $18.95 for child members ages 3 through 11, $30.95 for child nonmembers

SAVE THEDATE!

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2013 San Diego’s Wildest Tasting Event!

7:30 p.m. to midnight at the

Sample from more than 150 restaurants, wineries and breweries. Enjoy live music on four stages, dancing, silent auction, and special animal encounters presented by Joan Embery and Zoo animal trainers.

TICKETS START AT $90.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!www.zoofoodandwine.com

619-718-3000Proceeds benefit San Diego Zoo Global’s

wildlife conservation efforts.

ALBERT’S RESTAURANT FALL 2013 EVENTS

To thank San Diego Zoo Global members for your ongoing support and enthusiasm for Albert’s Restaurant, this year’s Fall Member Appreciation Dinners will be a magnificent dining adventure. Executive Chef Chris Mirguet and Albert’s Chef Charles Boukas are preparing a selection of Mediterranean cuisine for your enjoyment—we hope you can join us!

Saturdays, October 5 and 12, 2013Seating begins at 5 p.m.

Make your reservations today—call 619-557-3964.Visit sandiegozoo.org/zoo/alberts for more information and complete menus.

Brewmaster DinnerFEATURING ALPINE BEER COMPANY

Join us for a salute to autumn!

Saturday, September 14, 20136 p.m. Reception with animal ambassadors

at Treehouse Plaza6:45 p.m. Dinner in Albert’s Restaurant

Alpine Beer Company representatives will be on hand to present brews paired with a gourmet meal created by Executive Chef Chris Mirguet and Albert’s Chef Charles

Boukas. It’s the perfect start to the fall season.

$79 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Guests will be seated at tables of 8; must be 21 years or older to attend.

MEMBER APPRECIATION DINNERS

$34.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity.