THE CALGARY ZOO MEMBER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2014

A Fond Farewell

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ContentsS P R I N G 2 0 1 4

PEOPLE

A Monumental Journey

Dr. Jake Veasey, Director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research, talks about the difficult decision to find a new home for the Calgary Zoo’s elephants. Page 4

An Unforgettable Family Adventure

The Calgary Zoo’s Margie Woo takes families on Zoofaris to make memories that will last a lifetime. Page 12

Gifts Of Time From Calgary’s Youth

Teens get volunteering this summer with a newly revamped KidzKonnect program. Page 18

ANIMALS

Remembering Our Elephants

Celebrating the Calgary Zoo’s pachyderms with personality. Page 5

Getting Ready to Say Goodbye

See what goes into planning a move that will take three female elephants across the continent. Page 10

Making a New Home for Mandrills

The world’s largest monkeys are also the zoo’s latest primate addition. Page 13

CONSERVATION

In Search of the Tiny Swift Fox

See how hardy researchers are using technology to check in on swift foxes. Page 15

PROGRAMS

Members

Members-only events and benefits. Page 19

Programs

For kids and adults – of all ages and interests. Page 22

KIDS

Wild Life Kids

Make your own elephant craft and discover the zoo’s new animal arrivals! Page 27

Photo Contributors Gordon Court Rachel Davenport Claudia Fleuter Mike Kyffin Leslie Norris Bill Quayle Margie Woo Wild Life Kids Illustrations James Hearne

At our house, jumping is strongly encouraged.

All activities

Free with regular

admission

April18 & 199am - 3pm

For more info visit calgaryzoo.com

S P O N S O R E D B Y :

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A Monumental Journey

We are confident that the National Zoo will be an excellent home for our female elephants and our relationship with the elephants won’t end when they leave Calgary. Myself, our keepers, and our managers will all help settle the elephants into their new home and advise on the overall care they receive. We’re committed to supporting the elephants’ transition over the long term.

I invite you to read more about exactly what is involved in preparing for the move, to celebrate the individual elephants and to reflect on the time you’ve spent with them at the Calgary Zoo. We know the move will be emotional and difficult, but we also know it’s the right choice to make.

- Dr. Jake Veasey

As we get ready for the inevitable changes spring brings, we’re also preparing for a big change here at the Calgary Zoo. In late spring, our three female elephants – Kamala, Swarna and Maharani – will travel to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. The difficult decision to move our elephants to Washington has been the result of much consideration and research, but is ultimately based on what is in the animals’ best interests.

Animal welfare in the simplest possible terms relates to the state of animals’ wellbeing; in short, the happiness of animals. I believe zoos are obliged to strive for the highest possible standards of animal welfare. That can mean making difficult decisions, such as our decision to move elephants from Calgary. There is no question that the zoo, and in particular our keepers, have done a huge amount to maintain the highest possible standards of welfare for the elephants over the years. We have been successful in many ways, including breeding, but as our understanding of the needs of animals evolves and conservation priorities change, we need to step back and objectively reconsider our programs and activities.

We did this in our master planning process and while elephants had not changed, our understanding of them had. With that greater understanding of their needs came obligations. The challenges presented by elephants are essentially the result of their size, intelligence, their highly social nature and their tropical origins. These factors result in the need for a large, complex space where as many as a dozen or more elephants of all ages can interact and feed with each other on a year-round basis, with the space to take ‘time outs’ from one another. In Calgary, providing such a space may be theoretically possibly, but not genuinely feasible. It would require a building at least as large as the Saddledome to come close to meeting their needs in our winters, and extensive paddocks for the summer. Given our climate and size limitations in the zoo, this is currently impossible. And so, after an extensive review, we made the difficult choice to search for a new home for the Calgary Zoo’s elephants that could better provide for these needs. We know that Calgarians have had a long relationship with our elephants, but we also know that it is our responsibility to do the right thing for them now, in light of the latest thinking, as we have done in the past.

At the National Zoo’s new Elephant Trails exhibit, the temperate climate will give the females much more year-round outdoor access and more overall space. They’ll also be a part of a more complex, multigenerational herd, which we know is critical for elephants’ welfare.

Dr. Jake Veasey is director of Animal Care, Conservation and Research at the Calgary Zoo.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELOCATING THE ELEPHANTS

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When three orphaned baby Asian elephants arrived at the Calgary Zoo from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage in Sri Lanka on May 25, 1976, they immediately captured the hearts of Calgarians. In the 38 years since, elephants have had a big impact on the people who visit them – and the people who spend their days working with them.

S P E C I A L S E C T I O N

REMEMBERINGOUR ELEPHANTSA F O N D L O O K A T T H E CA L G A R Y Z O O ’ S H E R D

As we prepare to say goodbye to the three females this spring, we want to celebrate their time in Calgary, explain the planning behind the journey that lies ahead and share the reasons why they are moving south.

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“All of the elephants have very unique and different personalities,” explains Scott Russell, who has worked with the elephants for 13 of the 25 years he’s been at the zoo. “The more you work with them, the more you realize how different they are. We spend nine-and-a-half hours with them every day – training, doing skin care, foot care, exercising them, coming up with enrichment ideas, showing them how to manipulate objects, setting up overnight puzzles and helping them work out social issues within their group – so we get to know them in a special way.”

For Dave Percival, those nine-and-a-half hours a day add up to a total of more than 51,000 hours since he began working with elephants in 1989. But he knows that it doesn’t take that long to fall in love with these giants. “People find out quickly just how amazing these animals really are and we’re all so grateful to have had the chance to work with them,” says Dave. Here’s an insider look at the elephants’ personalities from zookeepers Scott Russell, Jenn Godwin, Dave Percival and Nikki Yeoman.

Pachyderms With Personality

Favourite Memory:

“I remember talking to a visitor during a public bath time with the elephants years ago. Kamala must have thought I was taking too long and before I knew it, she filled both my boots up with bathwater using her trunk,” says Dave.

“I didn’t even notice until I went to take a step. She has a real sense of humour and is always looking for feedback from us. She cares enough to not be rude about it and often does things that are funny.”

Kamala – The Comedian

Kamala was one of the three orphaned elephants who arrived at the zoo in 1976. Now 38 years old, zookeepers describe her as the most socially gifted of the zoo’s female elephants. “She seeks out relationships and really knows how to manipulate a favourable outcome for herself – and she often ends up getting a lot of attention because of it,” says Dave.

Nikki adds that one of Kamala’s social strengths is her sense of humour. “When we’re training with Kamala, she’ll do everything perfectly and then do one thing wrong to see if we’re paying attention. She’ll use a funny walk, flap her ears or make little squeals that she knows are cute to get extra treats. She also works really hard at puzzle feeders and enrichment activities.”

Many people have permanent reminders of Kamala hanging on their walls. A prolific painter, Kamala will also be remembered by many for the time she spent using her trunk and specially-made paintbrushes to create elephant art.

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Pachyderms With Personality

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Saying Hello to Spike in Sunny FloridaIn late February, Calgary Zoo volunteer Pat Istead had the chance to stop by and say hello to Spike while vacationing in Tampa.

I’m happy to report we had a short visit with Spike today. He looked great and was enjoying the sunny warm weather. It was 75 degrees Fahrenheit today and he was outside giving himself a shower and dust bath. His keepers told me he is enjoying daily visits for training and enrichment, but won’t be on public view for about two months while they “bull-proof” and expand the current elephant enclosure. When the renos are complete, he’ll have eight to nine acres to roam complete with a nice bath.

There are five females at Busch Gardens – their herd structure will be similar to what Spike knew at the Calgary Zoo. There is a mother elephant, who is the herd’s matriarch, her daughter (Rani’s age), an aunt who has a similar role to Swarna, and two additional females.

Busch Gardens is very excited to be able to show off Spike to the public as soon as the enclosure is ready. And they are looking forward to introducing him to the females too.

Spike – The Gentle Giant

“Spike is truly an amazing bull elephant,” says Dave. “He’s so huge – over 13,000 pounds – but so kind and intelligent at the same time. He loves to learn new things and when he does, his eyes always light up.”

All of the keepers say those qualities will stand him in good stead at his new home at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, where he’s already a bit of a celebrity. “I just got an update on Spike from his new keepers and he’s doing really well,” says Scott. “Everyone has fallen in love with him. He’s so adaptable and smart; he’s the kind of elephant that will thrive wherever he goes. There, he’ll be a big part of their future plans and will play an important role in inspiring people about elephants.”

Favourite Memory:

“Spike had a couple of foot surgeries over the years and he was amazing after each,” says Dave. “We trained him to put boots on to protect his feet and he had to wear them for a year after the surgery. Every day we had to take the boots off, clean them, wash his foot and put

the boots back on. He was amazing through it all and so cooperative – even when it had to be uncomfortable for him. It’s one example of how gentle he is and how very trusting the relationship we had with him was.”

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Pachyderms With Personality

Maharani – The Boss

At over 9,000 pounds, Maharani, or Rani for short, is the zoo’s largest female elephant. Unlike Kamala and Swarna, who arrived at the zoo as orphans, Rani was born here in 1990. “She’s a bit of a perfectionist,” says Dave. “As the boss she needs to show the other elephants that she knows what she’s doing. When she’s working well and understands, you could never find a quicker and more succinct elephant. She’ll do well at the National Zoo and will probably try to run the show there too.”

Rani is also the female who is most likely to have a baby in the future. “Because of that, her needs are many and her wants are even greater. She’s in her 20s right now – in gathering mode – trying to gain as much knowledge and as many resources as she can.”

Favourite Memory:

“I remember teaching the elephants how to do what we call a lean-in,” says Scott. “They come up to us and swing their sides along the wall so we can look

at their skin and scrub them down. It took Swarna a couple of days to get the hang of it, but Rani is so quick it only took her a couple of minutes.”

We’d like to meet you.

Current Engage and Inspire members are invited to attend the zoo’s Annual General Meeting on Monday, April 28 from 6-7pm in the ENMAX Conservatory.

A member privilege.

Attend the Calgary Zoo’s Annual General Meeting

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Pachyderms With Personality“We always make the last thing

we do with the elephants a successful venture. They

remember that.”

All four of the elephant keepers say that they will make the most of the rest of their time with the female elephants at the Calgary Zoo. After the move, they will celebrate the legacy of the elephants and help them adjust to their new life any way they can. According to Dave, the Calgary Zoo and the National Zoo share a very similar philosophy towards positive training that should make the transition much smoother for the elephants. “We always make the last thing we do with the elephants a successful venture. They remember that.”

Swarna – The Protector

According to zookeepers, 38-year-old Swarna is “the elephant that checks everything out.” She’s known for being the most suspicious, but Dave says that makes sense because it’s her job in the herd. “She’s always the first one out the door, checking to make sure everything is okay. She reports back to the herd and immediately lets them know if something isn’t to her liking.”

Dave predicts that she’ll keep that role when she arrives at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. “Swarna will likely be the first one to be introduced to their elephants because she’s submissive to the other elephants here. She understands when another elephant is uncomfortable and won’t challenge it – she’ll leave and come back later.”

Never having had offspring of her own, over the years Swarna has assumed the role of elephant nanny. “Whenever we’ve had babies, she’s the one who has done the most nurturing,” says Dave. “When Maharani was born, Kamala would nurse her and then Swarna would spend the rest of the day with her.”

Favourite Memory:

“Swarna and Spike were good friends, hanging out together a lot,” says Jenn. Swarna would watch Spike play with ‘his’ toys – a huge tire and puzzle feeder made out of a keg. I never saw any of the girls touch that tire, but after Spike left I caught Swarna pushing and swinging it.

She was copying him and now is the queen of getting food out of that keg. Seeing her play with these things is a nice reminder of Spike.

I am excited for Swarna to have the chance to build new relationships like she and Spike had.”

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Since the announcement in April 2012 of the elephants’ move, much work has been accomplished – selecting the best possible facilities, making the complex arrangements for the move, and then, of course, completing the training involved in making the transition as easy as possible for the elephants.

“We’ve always focused on teaching the elephants to learn new things and that’s really important now,” says zookeeper Dave Percival. “They know how to adjust to new things and this next chapter in their life will be a good opportunity for them. We know they are going to a good place – we’ve met the people who are going to be their caregivers, we’ve seen the environment and watched the way they train their elephants.”

Elephant keepers worked with Spike before his move to Florida in September 2013 and are now working with the three females so that they will be comfortable in their shipping crates and ready for the three- to four-day trip to Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC.

Zookeepers from the National Zoo have also spent time here in Calgary getting to know the personalities of the three female elephants and learning about their training program. “We’ll also be spending a lot of time at the National Zoo after the move to help the keepers and the elephants adjust,” explains zookeeper Scott Russell.

Getting Ready to Say Goodbye

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Getting Ready to Say Goodbye

Making the trip

Scott Russell and Jenn Godwin will travel with Kamala, Swarna and Rani, making sure they are safe and healthy throughout the trip. “We will stop every three to four hours to check and make sure they’re doing well and clean and restock their food and water,” says Scott. “There’s also a camera in the trailer and a monitor in the vehicle so we can see the elephants at all times.”

Scott and Jenn will stay in Washington DC with the elephants for the two weeks following the trip, helping them adjust to their new home. When they head back to Calgary, Dave Percival and Nikki Yeoman will fly down and take over. “We are committed to helping transition the elephants – however long that takes,” says Colleen Baird, curator of the west zone of the zoo.

The elephant keepers are working with the three females so that they will be comfortable in their shipping crates and ready for the three- to four-day trip to Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC.

There is a camera in the trailer and a monitor in the vehicle so the elephant keepers, who will travel with the three females, can see them at all times.

What happens when they arrive?

Kamala, Swarna and Rani are joining a herd of four Asian elephants already at the National Zoo – Ambika (65), Bozie (37), Shanthi (38) and Kandula (11) – at the National Zoo.

Unlike male elephants that move from herd to herd in the wild, females have a complex social system, so it’s likely to be some time before the seven female elephants are all living together. “The elephants will spend the first 30 days at the National Zoo in quarantine,” explains Colleen. “Then, they will begin introductions with the National Zoo herd. This could take a long time or a short time – it all depends on the elephants.”

A fascinating element of the introductions is that Bozie, Shanthi, Kamala and Swarna all came to North America from the same elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka and lived together there for a while as young calves. Will they remember each other? Only time will tell.

Although they know that at some point the goodbye will be permanent, Dave says that the relationship the keepers have with the elephants is something they will always treasure. “We’ll always have a relationship with Kamala, Swarna, Rani and Spike. Seeing them leave is difficult, but it’s also a chance for them to learn new things and to have new opportunities – to meet other elephants and to learn a new training system. It’s all very positive.”

“Seeing them leave is difficult, but it’s also a chance for them to learn new things and to have new opportunities”

An Unforgettable Family Adventure

Waiting with bated breath as countless zebra and wildebeest waffle about deciding whether to risk the obvious and deadly threat of crocodiles to cross the Mara River is one of Margie Woo’s favourite memories as a Zoofari trip leader in Kenya. “Everyone in our group really wanted to see a river crossing, but we knew – and the animals knew – what was waiting in the river. It was amazing to be surrounded by all this wildlife on the vast and beautiful Mara.”

Sandi McNeill, who along with her husband Wayne and daughters Kelsey and Emily, travelled with with Margie to Kenya in 2009, couldn’t agree more.

“Seeing the migration on the Masai Mara is unlike anything else in the world. My family has travelled extensively, but the memories we have from our Zoofari trips, including our trip to Kenya with Margie, are the ones we cherish most.” Being immersed in a pride of lions on the Masai Mara is one experience Sandi says she’ll never forget. “On an early morning drive we parked in the middle of a huge pride. They were all within 10 feet of the jeep and when the male lion growled, we could feel the ground vibrate.” While this kind of trip may not be for everyone, Sandi says she tells anyone who will listen about her Zoofaris.

“I truly believe it would be worth it to skip a trip to Mexico and save for a couple of years to do a Zoofari family trip. It’s such an emotional experience seeing the same animals we see at the zoo in their natural habitat. We all cry when we leave Africa and any other holiday just pales in comparison.”

Margie says she’s just as excited about her trip to Kenya this August as she was the first time she went with the McNeills.

“This trip is a great fusion of wildlife and cultural experiences. I love seeing families experience all of these things together and sharing their ‘Wow - this is awesome!’ moments with each other. They are memories these families will have forever.”

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Margie Woo, Calgary Zoo interpreter and Zoofari trip leader, loves seeing families share unforgettable experiences and create lifelong memories together.

* Space for this trip is limited - reserve your spot today!

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The world’s largest monkeys are making their way to the zoo. You won’t be able to miss them – and not just because of their size. These big Old World monkeys also have bright red noses and lips, purple and blue skin along the sides of their noses, golden beards and brightly coloured rear ends.

“Their colouration is really striking,” says Jamie Dorgan, the zoo’s general curator. “Males are also about double the size of females and since we’re going to be getting a bachelor group from another zoo, they’ll all be quite large.”

Jamie adds that you don’t need to be alarmed if you see the young males baring their long canine teeth at each other.

“Mandrills use their teeth as part of their social interaction, so people will likely get the chance to see that.” Showing off their impressive canines is usually a sign of submission, but mandrills can use the teeth to defend themselves too.

These ground-dwelling monkeys use their long arms to look for food – fruits, roots and small animals – on the ground. And if they find something they want to save for later, they use their handy cheek pouches to store it.

The group of three male mandrills will make their new home in the outdoor exhibit beside the gorillas in the TransAlta Rainforest.

“Because mandrills primarily live on the ground, this is a great space for them,” says Jamie. “It’s quite large, grows grass really well and it gets good sunlight. We’ll be doing a lot of landscaping – adding trees and rocks – and creating different opportunities for them to explore.”

Making a New Home for Mandrills

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M O R E E X C I T I N G A D D I T I O N S Watch the next issue of Wild Life for information on our next exciting additions to the zoo – Komodo dragons and greater one-horned rhinos!

Making a New Home for Mandrills

“Mandrills have an important conservation story to tell.”

The fact that the space was perfect for mandrills was only one part of the decision to bring the species to the zoo.

“Mandrills have an important conservation story to tell. They are part of the Species Survival Plan and are vulnerable in the wild where they are often hunted for bushmeat and face shrinking rainforest habitats. Having them at the zoo will allow us to share their story.”

Jamie adds that mandrills generally get along quite well with gorillas and colobus or Debrazza’s monkeys at other zoos.

“They’ll have their own space here, but we’ll also be looking at opportunities to connect to the other exhibits in the TransAlta Rainforest. There is the potential for them to rotate through those spaces or share them with the other primates in the future.”

Being able to add a primate species to the zoo is also great news. “We had to relocate several primate species when the South America building was demolished after the flood, so we’re excited to have this new addition to share with our visitors,” says Jamie.

Conservation Connections

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In November 2013, two hardy teams of researchers ventured out to remote areas of Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan to search for an update on wild swift foxes.

It wasn’t a job for the faint of heart. These scientists have to be able to work in extreme cold, travel long distances, strap on a pair of snowshoes, navigate with a GPS and even swing a sledgehammer. Their goal? Use technology to see how reintroduced swift foxes are doing in the wild.

Finding signs of these tiny foxes is a big deal. Between 1938 and 1988, they were extinct in Canada. Since 1991, the Calgary Zoo’s head of conservation and research Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager and recovery partners have been keeping track of how the reintroduced wild foxes are doing. The results are good. After the last population survey in 2006, it was announced that swift foxes are the most successfully reintroduced nationally extinct carnivores in the world. The 2013-2015 population survey, part of the ATB Financial Swift Fox Conservation Program, is an important part of making sure that the future for swift foxes continues to look bright.

In Search of the Tiny Swift Fox

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In Search of the Tiny Swift Fox

Precise Camera Positioning

Calgary Zoo researcher Rachel Davenport says that partnering with landowners is an important part of the project. “We take GPS points that were monitored during the last census and try to place our cameras as close to them as possible,” she explains. That means carefully plotting GPS locations on topography maps, then placing those points on landowner maps so they can see exactly where each camera needs to go. The teams then contact landowners, asking for permission to place the cameras on their property. “Every time a landowner says yes it’s so rewarding because it means we can continue that part of the project,” says Rachel. “Most people are very receptive and happy to work with us.”

After they receive permission, the teams pack up their cameras, camera posts, fish oil discs (used as camera trap bait) and other cold-weather supplies, and head out for as much as a three-hour drive into remote parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan. That might not sound too bad, but when you are mounting 18 cameras at a time, a kilometre apart in the dead of winter, things can get complicated – fast.

Often there is no cell service in the area and, if there’s been a snowstorm, it can be difficult to even find the small side roads to access camera locations. “The coldest day we experienced was -32 degrees, without the wind chill,” says Rachel. “You can be walking along without knowing exactly where the ditch is and quickly end up in snow up to your waist. We often knock down the snow along fences so we can roll under them or climb a tall drift to go over. Either way, we always try to place the cameras close to the fence line and respect the landowners’ space because we truly appreciate their cooperation.”

Foxy families Are fox populations genetically healthy and expanding? The zoo’s Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager has worked for years with Dr. Cathy Cullingham, research associate with the University of Alberta’s Department of Biological Sciences on swift fox conservation. Their most recent collaborations are two innovative genetic studies that look at follicles of fox fur to study the family dynamics and growth of fox populations.

“While there have been numerous reintroductions conducted over the past 20 years for a diversity of species, there is limited reporting on the success of these reintroductions. Having population surveys of swift foxes periodically allows us to assess the success of the reintroduction approach taken and evaluate aspects that are critical in a successful program,” explains Cullingham.

A study published in the scientific journal Conservation Biology in December 2013 shows the results for swift fox reintroductions look positive. “We have already identified positive growth trends and population structure,” says Cullingham. “Continued work will also help us to

measure dispersal distances and connectivity and potentially identify critical habitat.”

That continued work will happen in a new study funded by Crescent Point Energy. The goal of the research? Cullingham says it’s to get a better understanding of the swift fox population, how far juveniles move as they leave the dens of their parents and whether any actions need to be taken to ensure they continue to thrive on Canada’s prairies.

“You can be walking along without knowing exactly where the ditch is and quickly end up in snow up to your waist.”

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Dr. Cathy Cullingham collaborates with the zoo’s Dr. Axel Moehrenschlager to study swift foxes.

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In Search of the Tiny Swift Fox

“We’ve seen lots of different animals – deer, rabbits, coyotes, red foxes, porcupines, pronghorns and even a bird of prey,” she says. “It’s always exciting to see them, but it’s a really good feeling when we capture an image of a swift fox. It’s so rewarding to work with a threatened species and know that you’re doing something to help preserve it.”

Using the cameras will allow researchers to see if swift foxes are present in an area, but won’t tell them exactly how many are there. That’s where year two of the study comes in. In October 2014, researchers will head out into the field again to live-trap swift foxes and then quickly release them again so they can collect tiny fur samples and get a better idea of the numbers of swift foxes that continue to call Canada’s prairies home. It’s important work and wouldn’t happen without the support of the Husky Energy Endangered Species Program and ATB Financial.

“We’re so proud to partner with the Calgary Zoo and support its work with the swift fox,” says Peggy Garritty, senior VP, Reputation and Brand for ATB Financial. “It’s an amazing conservation success story and we’re thrilled to be part of it. Endangered species conservation – especially of an Alberta species like the swift fox – is something our branches and our customers really get behind, believe in and connect with. It’s a great partnership for us and probably the beginning of more great things to come.”

When they reach the pre-determined GPS point, the researchers hammer the camera post into the ground using a three-pound sledgehammer and then measure nine feet away and hammer in the scent post. Once in place, the remote, motionsensor cameras use infrared technology to snap photos of swift foxes at night.

“When a swift fox or another animal walks up to a scent post baited with fish oil discs – the camera is triggered and quickly takes five pictures,” explains Rachel. “It’s a great way to see how wildlife behaves naturally.”

The teams rotate the cameras, putting two or three cameras out each day and then going back to pry the posts out with a crowbar after they’ve been set for three nights. With about 360 locations to visit over three months, it’s no small task. But Rachel says that collecting the cameras, and seeing that they’ve been triggered, makes it all worthwhile.

Capturing Swift Foxes On FilmResearcher Meets Sledgehammer

Husky Energy is committed to the responsible stewardship of the ecosystems on which we all depend and is a proud sponsor of the Calgary Zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research. The important work it does preserves, protects and reintroduces some of Alberta’s and Canada’s most endangered species.

“It’s so rewarding to work with a threatened species and know that you’re doing something to help preserve it.”

Husky Energy Endangered Species Program

Gifts of Time From Calgary’s YouthIntroducing a refreshed youth volunteer program

Creating KidzKonnect 2.0

Renée says that when Hodon Abdi, manager of the Youth Volunteeer Corps program at Youth Central offered to help revamp KidzKonnect, the zoo was thrilled. “She was able to draw on her knowledge and experience with Youth Central to help us create a refreshed program that gives teens the experiences they are looking for,” adds Renée.

Hodon says youth volunteerism is on the rise – she sees it every day at Youth Central. Her job is to engage young people who are in junior and senior high school with volunteering.

Hodon says she decided to add the zoo to her already impressive list of volunteer work because she’s passionate about working with youth and wants to support other organizations in engaging young people. “I make it to the zoo a couple of times of week – I’m originally from Africa and when I go to the savannah area it feels like home in some ways. I always wanted to volunteer at the zoo, but hadn’t found the right fit. This was my chance to help. And it’s a great way for me – and for youth – to help the zoo recover from the flood.”

Match up an already successful program with a volunteer committed to making it even better and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a youth volunteer experience that’s set to make a difference for kids and for the zoo they love.

Established six years ago through a donation from the Imperial Oil Foundation, KidzKonnect looks and feels like a summer camp, but has giving at its core. Youth volunteers get the chance to help the zoo, lead activity stations, greet visitors, act as hosts in the butterfly garden and even help out at Telus Spark.

“Youth want to volunteer at the zoo because they like science or are interested in conservation or want to be a zookeeper. We want to give them the chance to learn more about the things that

inspire them,” says Renée Fleming, the zoo’s manager of volunteer resources. “KidzKonnect gives them that chance and allows them to develop new friendships at the same time.”

How KidzKonnect worksIn the newly revamped KidzKonnect program, youth can apply to volunteer at the zoo for a week at a time during the summer months. There are also opportunities each week to be a KidzKonnect leader.

Youth have lots of demands on their time, so there are two different options each week:

• Monday to Friday, 9am - 2:30pm • Friday to Monday, 9am - 2:30pm

KidzKonnect volunteers enjoy:

• A different volunteer experience every day

• A presentation from a special zoo guest speaker on Friday mornings

• A chance to volunteer at TELUS Spark

How to apply

Click here to learn more about KidzKonnect or to download an application form.

Applications for KidzKonnect leaders (age 17 and older) and KidzKonnect volunteers (ages 14 - 16) will be accepted until April 14, 2014.

Calgary Zoo Memberships

For more information about members-only events and benefits, visit the Members Centre at calgaryzoo.com

Get Spotted

If you’re an Engage or Inspire member, don’t forget to wear your Get Spotted button when you visit the zoo. If one of our Secret Spotters sees you wearing your button, you could win some great prizes!

Make the most of your Calgary Zoo membership with our members-only events and benefits:

Wild Life Kids Club

Wild Life Kids Club Program

Learn some cool facts, then head out to explore the zoo in this member program for kids. These fun and educational programs are free and exclusively for Engage and Inspire child members. No parents, please.

Date: Sat, April 12

Topic: Cats

Time: 10:30 - 11:45am

Where: DOW Classroom

Ages: 6-15

Wee Ones Wild Life Kids Club Program

Bring your little ones to learn all about our zoo animals. Find out how animals are the same as each other, different from each other and how they are the same as you! Free for Engage and Inspire child members. (Infants 2 and under are included in parent membership.)

Date: Sun, April 13

Topic: Cats

Time: 10:00 - 10:30am or 11:00 – 11:30am

Where: Tiger Amphitheatre

Ages: 0-5

* Check your Get Spotted button to make sure you have a meerkat or a swift fox. Tiger and penguin Get Spotted buttons are no longer valid.

T H E C A L G A R Y Z O O W O U L D L I K E T O T H A N K

ADVOCACY IS OUR BUSINESS

www.jssbarristers.ca

SUPPORTING THE CALGARY ZOO

IS OUR PRIVILEGE

F O R H E L P I N G M A K E

S H I N E F O R Y E T A N O T H E R Y E A R

A N D

Sundays, 9:30am to 1:00pm

z o o a d m i s s i o n c o m b o p r i c e b e f o r e n o o n

One great price. One great day.

calgaryzoo.com

E X P E R I E N C E A N D C R E AT E A W O R L D O F H O P E

JUNE 12, 2014

For more information, contact Tanya Kaynes at (403) 232-9351 or tanyak@calgaryzoo.com

Get closer to the zoo familyGet close to beautiful bears, connect with a charismatic otter, meet our pride of lions or get so close to a tiger you can count its stripes.

Behind-the-Scenes Programs

Each program includes a half-hour interpretive program and a chance to see one of the following animals up close.

Children attending behind-the-scenes programs must be accompanied by a paying adult. Prices include zoo admission.

10% DISCOUNT

FOR DISCOVERY PASSPORT, ENGAGE AND INSPIRE MEMBERS.

LOOK FOR THIS SYMBOL ON ELIGIBLE PROGRAMS:

PROGRAM AGES TIME DATE PRICE

Bears 5 + 9 - 9:45am Sat, May 24Sat, Jun 28

Adult $60 Child $55

Tigers 8 + 10:30 -11:15amSun, Apr 20Sat, May 17Sun, Jun 15

Adult $60 Child $55

Giraffes 8 + 11:30am - 12:15pmSun, Apr 13Sat, May 31Sun, Jun 22

Adult $60 Child $55

Otters 8 + 2:30 - 3:15pm

Sun, May 4Sat, May 24Sun, Jun 15Sat, Jun 21

Adult $60 Child $55

Lions 8 + 2:30 - 3:15pm Sat, May 17Sun, Jun 22

Adult $60 Child $55

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M PENGUIN BEHIND THE SCENES

PREMIER PENGUIN BEHIND THE SCENES

ZOOKEEPER FOR A DAY

JUNIOR ZOOKEPER FOR A DAY

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Come learn all about the zoo’s five species of penguins, see how zookeepers work with them and enjoy a up-close visit with the penguins right in their exhibit. Maximum of four people per program. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Price includes zoo admission.

Take your appreciation for these flightless wonders to a whole new level as you tour the penguins’ home and help zookeepers hand-feed and scatter-feed them their fishy meal right inside the exhibit. Maximum of four people per program.

Spend the day with staff in the zoo’s animal care department and find out what this fascinating career is all about. Choose from Destination Africa, Eurasia, Canadian Wilds, Birds, Primates, Carnivores or Hoofstock. Call Estelle at 403-232-9362 for more information or to register.

Teens can spend half a day in the shoes of a zookeeper too! Choose from Destination Africa, Eurasia Carnivores or Canadian Wilds. Each program can accommodate one teen, two siblings or two friends. Call Estelle at 403-232-9362 for more information or to register.

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8+14+

(can attend on their own)

18+ 14-17

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Mar 29 - Jun 29

April6, 12, 20, 26

May3, 11, 17, 25, 31

June8, 22, 28

Please phone for 2014 dates

Please phone for 2014 dates

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9 - 9:45am 1 - 1:45pm 7am - 3pm 7 - 11:30am

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Adult $95 Child $75 $225/person $375/person $275/person

To register, call (403) 232-9300 or visit calgaryzoo.com

Programs for the Young at Heart

Family Fun & Adventure

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SUMMER LIVING WREATH

CONTAINER WORKSHOP

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See how the zoo’s four resident feline species – lions, tigers, snow leopards and cougars – use different hunting strategies, habitats and behaviours. You’ll enjoy an information session, tour and a chance to take a trip behind-the-scenes to visit tigers and lions up close. Adults only.

Why limit wreaths to winter décor when they can be summer showpieces? Learn how to turn annuals into a living wreath for your doorway, fence, porch or deck.

Don’t let small spaces confine you – learn how to grow everything from colourful annuals to tempting tropicals in containers. Find out how to choose the right soil, containers and plants to last all season as you fill a 10-inch pot with plants for sun or shade. Supplies included. Please bring gardening gloves.

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Adults Only 16+ 16+

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Sat, Jun 14 Sun, Apr 27 Sat, May 24

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11:30am - 1:45pm 10am - 12 noon 10am - 12 noon

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$120/person $85 $85

To register, call (403) 232-9300 or visit calgaryzoo.com

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Rise and shine for a hearty pancake breakfast, enjoy an interpretive program all about one of these amazing animals and then venture over to their habitat for a private viewing opportunity. This program does not include a behind-the-scenes component.

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All Ages

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8 - 9:15am

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Adult $45 Child $29

Speakers Bureau Our Calgary Zoo experts can bring the zoo to your next special event with nature, travel and horticulture presentations. Visit our website for details.

Forget clowns, invite a giraffe to your next birthday.Book your next birthday party at the Calgary Zoo and choose from our hosted themed parties or build-your-own birthday packages.

For more information, stop by Guest Relations or visit calgaryzoo.com

Preschool Programs Zoo Camps

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BUTTERFLY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

PRESCHOOL DIG A DINO

STORYTIME AT THE ZOO

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Does your preschooler love penguins? Then you’ll both love our penguin story, costumes and activities. After the fun, we’ll waddle over to visit the penguins.

Flutter on down to the zoo to explore the world of butterflies with your 3- to 5-year-old. Enjoy a butterfly-themed craft, story and activities, along with a visit to see the butterflies.

Preschool dinosaur fanatics are sure to enjoy a fossil dig, flannel-board story, and basic dinosaur talk with cool dino “stuff” in a private classroom setting and a short tour of the dinosaurs in Prehistoric Park (weather permitting).

Gather together in a cozy group to listen to favourite zoo and animal stories in the Karsten Discovery Centre Atrium. Education volunteers read from a selection of children’s books and share amazing animal artifacts children can see and touch.

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3-5 3-5 3-5 Toddler - 5

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S Wednesdays Apr 1

May 27Jun 24

TuesdaysMay 6 Jun 10Jun 17

WednesdaysMay 21Jun 25

Every Thu through Dec 11

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11 - 11:45am

10 - 10:45amor

11 - 11:45am

10 - 10:45amor

11 - 11:45am10:30 - 11am

PR

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$12/child

(Adults do not require tickets. Zoo admission not included for entrants.)

$12/child

(Adults do not require tickets. Zoo admission not included for entrants.)

$12/child

(Adults do not require tickets. Zoo admission not included for entrants.)

Voluntary fee of $2

(Zoo admission not included for entrants.)

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Get ready for the most zoo-nique summer camps in town! Children and teens will enjoy games, crafts and activities as the zoo’s animals watch them. Register today! A hat is included for every camper! See website for more information including lunch options and after care.

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4-15

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Jul and AugT

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8:30am - 4pm

PR

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$160 - $285 /child

Register them for Summer Camps today.

Sign your kids up for a week of fun with a Calgary Zoo Summer Camp Program. They’ll have access to more than 1000 animals and will discover some of our planet’s most incredible things. You’ll be impressed at how much they’ll learn.

Maybe your kids actually do belong in a zoo.

WILD LIFE SPRING 2014 PAGE 25

Spend The Night

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FATHER’S DAY SLEEPOVER

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Bring mom down to the zoo for an evening celebrating one of them most important roles in nature – motherhood! Learn about some of the animal kingdom’s smartest moms, including gorillas, then bed down in the TransAlta Rainforest. Includes a themed tour and activities, stories, snack, a special craft for mom and buffet breakfast. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Think that your dad is the greatest? Then treat him to an overnight stay in the Discovery Centre. We’ll celebrate one of our favourite fathers from the natural world – penguin dads! Program includes a themed tour and activities, stories, snack, craft and pancake breakfast. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

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5+ 5+

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Overnight Fri, May 9

Overnight Sat, Jun 21

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7pm - 8:30am 6pm - 8:30am

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$60/person $70/person

How was bedtime?

Bedtime was great! We slept in the Cequel Energy Lodge and it was like a big cabin. The girls were comfortable and warm and the cots we slept on were surprisingly comfortable.

What would you say to someone thinking about a sleepover?

We’ve done lots of sleepovers at various places in the city, but the girls thought that this one was the best one. It was really well done – we could enjoy hanging out with the girls and didn’t need to worry about the programming. It was enjoyable for everyone – the girls, the parent volunteers and the leaders. I would recommend it.

Penguin SleepoverWhen Susan Tomalty was planning her Brownie group’s first sleepover of the year, she wanted to try something different. So she brought her group of 23 Brownies to the zoo for a Penguin Sleepover.

What was the best part?

There were lots of favourite moments during our sleepover experience. The girls really liked the penguin tour. For lots of them, it was the first time they had seen the penguins and they were really excited to get so close, learn so much and have fun. They also really enjoyed the moonlit tour of the Canadian Wilds and the education program about birds. They still talk about wearing bird costumes – they were incredible – and they had so much fun and learned a lot at the same time.

To register, call (403) 232-9300 or visit calgaryzoo.com

What made you choose the Master Gardener program?

I’ve always been a really keen gardener, but didn’t have any formal training. I started with the Woody Plant ID course (it’s a prerequisite for the Master Gardener Program) and persuaded my husband, Dave, to take the course with me. He enjoyed it as much as I did and now we’re both Master Gardeners.

Master Gardener

What’s next?

The program gave me a lot more confidence. I’m now a member of the Calgary Horticultural Society and volunteer as one of the open garden coordinators. I’m opening my own garden this summer for tours. I plan to take the zoo’s landscape design courses too.

What would you say to someone who’s thinking of becoming a Master Gardener?

Definitely do it! It’s a lot of work, but so worthwhile.

What was your favourite part?

I loved the hands-on training and getting to know other people who were passionate about gardening. I enjoyed all of the classes, but the one on vegetables by Kath Smyth stands out. Her class inspired Dave and I to build raised planters and much success growing our own vegetables.

Jill Parkhurst has always been passionate about gardening, so when her employer suggested she take a course outside of her role in a pediatric dental office, nurturing her love of gardening seemed like the perfect choice.

Botanical EducationP

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PLANT I.D.WOODY PLANT I.D.

SPRING GARDEN CENTRE TOUR

MASTER GARDENER TRAINING

LANDSCAPE DESIGN LEVEL I

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Take an in-depth look at 60 different hardy perennial plants. Learn how to identify, cultivate and use perennials in every situation – shade, sun, front of border or at the back of garden beds. Our horticulture staff instructor will provide you with the essential knowledge you need.

This challenging, but rewarding course will teach you how to identify trees and shrubs using Latin plant names, introduce you to woody plant material in Calgary and show you how to use it in the landscape effectively. Course materials are included. Additional texts are suggested in class.

Join fellow gardening enthusiasts for a fun-filled day touring some of our favourite garden centres. We’ll load up the luggage compartment of our luxury bus with garden treasures – a great way to beat the May long weekend rush! Call 403-232-9300 or buy your tickets online.

The first step in planning a backyard paradise is a professionally-executed landscape design. Whether you’re considering a career in landscaping or just designing your own yard, this entry-level course will provide you with a wonderful introduction to the art of planning, drafting and designing beautiful yards. Prerequisite: Woody Plant ID

The first step in planning a backyard paradise is a professionally-executed landscape design. Whether you’re considering a career in landscaping or just designing your own yard, this entry-level course will provide you with a wonderful introduction to the art of planning, drafting and designing beautiful yards. Prerequisite: Woody Plant ID

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FridaysApr 25 - Jun 20

Spring Session: Sat, Apr 26 - Jun 21

Fall Sessions: Wed, Sept 3 - Oct 29

- or -Sat, Sept 6 - Nov 1

Wed, May 14 Saturdays Nov 8 - Mar 14

Wednesdays Nov 12 - Mar 18

- or -Saturdays

Nov 8 - Mar 14

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9am - 12 noon 9am - 12 noon 7:30am - 5pm 9am - 3:30pm 9am - 2:30pm

PR

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$249/person $249/person $60/person $549/person $1,250/person

Make Your Own Elephant!

1 Print the elephant out on card stock or paper.

2 Cut out each piece and assemble with glue.

3 Add your own creative touches - googly eyes, colour, or whatever else you can think of! Finished Craft:

T R N E T D A C A X T V

W E R I J S N A C K R J

M S E A U G C U A S E L

A O U T I E U R O C E T

N T R F H N M S O R S J

D S S P U S F L G Q G J

R S D U Y F O O M J O M

I E P I Y U K T R Q T D

L S D F R E O S T E L P

L O I F E U V G I J S R

S N U H T S E G G I B T

Y L C N A J I L E J H T

Mandrill Word SearchLearn some cool facts about mandrills, then look for the bold words in our mandrill word search.

• Mandrills are the world’s biggest monkeys. • They have red noses and lips. • Mandrills have colourful bums. • Their cheek pouches are the perfect place to store a snack. • Male mandrills have big canine teeth. • Mandrills live in the rainforest, but not in the trees. • They use their long arms to look for food on the ground.

Look Who’s ComingUnscramble the names of the new animals that are coming to the zoo and then colour their pictures.

Answers: KO

MO

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dragon, greater one-horned RHIN

O, M

AND

RILL

• M O D O K O Dragon • Greater One-Horned H I N R O • L D I R M A N L

We hope you enjoyed this issue.Thanks for reading!