houston zoo wildlife summer 2009

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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


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


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


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.


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.


{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.


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:


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.


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.


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


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.


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


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.


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

[email protected].

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 –


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


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!


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.


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

houston zoo wildlife summer 2009

Documents

zoo hours

better zoo

wildlife magazine houston

zoo travel program

houston zooprinted

north macgregor houston

soybased inkshouston

best zoos