Zoo Connections - March 2014 by Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

A newsletter for the valued supporters of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

March 2014

pittsburghzoo.org

Inside this issue: Seeing Spots Donor Spotlight Do you want to make a real difference? Help Raise the Roof for Elephants Wish List

Development Department

Seeing Spots

janet rose, senior director of development

Janet Rose

Senior Director of Development 412-365-2540 jrose@pittsburghzoo.org

The cheetahs have arrived! Four young cheetahs, two males and two females, will now

Lori Elder

offspring. Thus began the journey of four captive born cheetahs from South Africa, who are

Membership Manager 412-365-2534 lelder@pittsburghzoo.org

Amy O’Neill

Foundation and Grants Coordinator 412-365-2543 aoneill@pittsburghzoo.org

Rachel Kisic

Development Coordinator 412-365-2541 rkisic@pittsburghzoo.org

Yasmeen Hatcher

Development Assistant 412-365-2542 yhatcher@pittsburghzoo.org

Emily Beyer

Special Events Assistant 412-365-2503 ebeyer@pittsburghzoo.org

Richard Kalson

Chair, Board of Directors

Dr. Barbara Baker President & CEO

In compiling this report, the development office has made every attempt to ensure that the information is accurate, complete, and all contributions are listed accurately. If there are omissions, misspellings, or other errors, please report them to the development office at 412-365-2541 and please accept our apologies.

call the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium home, and hopefully, one day so might their

now part of an international wildlife conservation effort to help save this highly endangered species. Although they are still in quarantine at the Zoo, you can expect to see these beautiful felines on exhibit soon.

Born on a ranch in the wilds of South Africa, the four genetically valuable cheetahs are

currently spending time behind the scenes at the Zoo’s Animal Care Center, adjusting to

their new home and to their human caregivers. Though unrelated to one another and from

different litters, they have all been together since they were very young. They are acclimated to each other and closely bonded. They play together, eat together, sleep together, and generally enjoy one another’s company.

Following standard Zoo protocol, the cheetahs are in quarantine for a while, a process

required for all new animals arriving at the Zoo. They spend time off exhibit in order to

acclimate to their new surroundings, get to know the staff who care for them, and undergo

regular physicals to be sure that they are healthy and not carrying any diseases or have other medical issues. Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health says, “We want

to be sure that the animal is healthy and verify there are not any preexisting medical concerns that we need to address prior to introducing new animals to an exhibit area.”

During a recent exam, Dr. Sturgeon

and the Animal Health team evaluated

each animal’s overall condition, obtained

radiographs, preformed an echocardiogram, administered an abdominal ultrasound,

took blood, and checked each animal’s vital signs such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. According to Dr. Sturgeon, “The first physical is the most important because

it provides us with a baseline of the animal’s overall health and alerts us to any possible conditions that could arise in the future or the need to be revaluated at a later date.”

Ken Kaemmerer, Curator of Mammals, and other staff began preparing for the cheetahs’ arrival almost one year ago, and he says preparation is always a key factor. “The goal is to be ready for their needs so that once they are in their new environment you can have a smooth transition”, explains Kaemmerer.

The cheetahs were flown from South Africa to New York in December and the animal

health and keeper staff drove from Pittsburgh to New York to pick them up at the airport in the midst of a snowstorm. Each animal was in a comfortably sized crate with food and

water. As is typical for cheetahs, they were constantly chirping to one another. Rather than

roaring, cheetahs purr and chirp and they use the chirping sound as a locator. In addition to this unusual sound, cheetahs are the fastest land animal, reaching speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.

Cheetahs, native to Africa and the Middle East, along with a subspecies from Asia, are built for hunting. Their chests are deep and their waists are narrow. These cats have coarse, short fur that is tan with round, black spots that provide camouflage while hunting. Cheetahs

have small heads with high-set eyes. Black tear marks run from the corner of these cats’ eyes down the sides of their noses to their mouths. These tear marks help to keep sunlight out of the cats’ eyes and aid in hunting and seeing long distances. The overall sleek build of a

cheetah is suited for short bursts of high speed, but not for long-distance running. Cheetahs can accelerate four times as fast as a human thanks to greater muscle power. Despite the

attributes of this lean, mean running machine, they are also in trouble in the wild and their numbers have declined dramatically.

“Cheetahs are extremely endangered in the wild,” says Dr. Barbara Baker, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. “Our new cheetahs are genetically valuable as their genetics have not been introduced into the North American population. This is an

continues on page 4 3

continued from page 3 effort to help revitalize the population in zoos around the country. It will be exciting for

visitors to see the cheetahs this spring. They are young and energetic and will provide us with an opportunity to educate our visitors about the plight of cheetahs. This will demonstrate how we can all play a part in helping to save this beautiful species.â&#x20AC;?

Successfully arranging and managing a project like this one, securing the cheetahs, getting the government permits, transporting the animals across the globe, and setting up their

exhibit at the Zoo as well as an eventual breeding program at our International Conservation Center, is a huge undertaking. Thanks to the generosity and support of two of our donors, John and Cathy Miclot, the cheetah project is not only off the ground, it is thriving. John

and Cathy underwrote the costs of bringing these four cheetahs into the United States and the first renovations of their new exhibit. They also named the cheetahs, working with the

animal staff to find names that suited each animal and represented their native geographic

region. While thousands of dollars still need to be raised to continue to advance this cheetah initiative, the project is well underway. Funding is needed for ongoing daily care, breeding efforts, the construction of a holding and breeding facility suitable for cheetahs at our International Conservation Center, and so much more.

Please read more about John and Cathy Miclot and the names their family chose for the four cheetahs in our new Donor Spotlight. If you would like to support the cheetah initiative, please contact our Development team. Breeding of cheetahs is not easily done in the wild or in captivity. However these efforts are vital and will help to counter this speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; endangered status. With the new

group of cheetahs at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, breeding initiatives are a very promising effort. We hope you will

support our cheetah program and contribute to the future of one of the most magnificent wild cats on Earth.

Honor & Memorial Gifts

thank you for thinking of the zoo as you honor or remember someone special

in honor of

Get Well Cliff Needham Henda Kerr Aaden and Alexis Ferrie Carolyn Miszuk Annalee Kuhn Lacey Jakub Aubrey’s 16th Birthday Jim and Carolyn Bouchard Barbara and Wilson Stout’s 50th Anniversary Ruth Wintner Ben Kirby’s 4th Birthday Dana and Khai Dinh Greg and Pam Calig Jessica Olifson Sharon Roth Carol Caroselli Linda Miller Mr. and Mrs. Robert Indovina Goldie Samuels Gail Titus Jason Titus Hadley Kalson Neil and Suzanne Alexander Henry Kacprzyk– reptile expert! Patricia and Sean Casey Len Bach Harrison City Womens Club First United Methodist Church

Lorraine Courtright Elinor and Thomas Getting Marni Linda Pickett Mary Thibadeau and Joseph McCaffrey’s Wedding Charlotta and Christina Klein Ross Rudy Keller’s 80th Birthday Mike Cain Sue Erikson, who has been an active Zoo volunteer for many years Linda and Harry Hamilton Terry and Mario DeIullis Cynthia Jablonowski Butterfly Garden Anonymous

in memory of

Deborah Roth, mother of Dr. Kimberly Roth Glenn and Trudy Kleppinger Kathleen Bodenlos Francis and Elaine Roller Martin Hellman Floyd Ganassi Sara* and David Scaife Helen Jackson Holly Dubiel Lawrence T. McGavin Karen and Keith Johnson

Logan Fochtman Adam and Cheri Foote Loretta Korchok Donna Korchok Elaine Linardi Rachel Sikorski Brian Fallon Katija Koehler Linda Raden Marie-Odile Baretsky Nancy Stinger Nicole Lolly Campbell Rosemarie Moschella Raymond A. Murray, II Lucia Benz Syrietta Kalla Mr. and Mrs. Hans Jonas Terry Casey, who loved going to the Zoo! Carolyn Hunter Wilma T. Orris Estate of Wilma T. Orris Henry’s mother Maria and brother John Kacprzyk Margie Marks *Indicates board member

2013 Individual Donors

(Annual gifts received from January 1, 2013 – December 31, 2013)

$50,000 & above

DSF Charitable Foundation Jan and Jeff Fisher Robert and Janine Fragasso Laurel Foundation John* and Cathy Miclot PPG Industries PPG Industries Foundation Service Systems Associates Somerset Trust Company

$25,000 to 49,999

James and Carolyn Bouchard Jack Buncher Foundation The J. Christopher and Ann C. Donahue Charitable Fund Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Vein Institute of Pittsburgh

$10,000 to 24,999

A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust American Eagle Outfitters Anonymous Children’s Zoo Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation Fair Oaks Foundation Robert and Kim Fanelli Helen V. Brach Foundation Lanxess Corporation National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Estate of Wilma T. Orris Palumbo Charitable Trust

Phillip H. and Betty L. Wimmer Family Foundation Richard King Mellon Foundation The Florence Boyer Foundation The Frank E. Rath* Spang and Company Charitable Trust

$5,000 to 9,999

Aivaliotis Corporation Bluming and Gusky, LLP BNY Mellon Dorothy A. Boyer Campayno Consulating Gloria Casey Cleveland Brothers Equipment Co. Compton Family Foundation Diehl Automotive Group Inc. Duane Morris, LLP Laura Ellsworth and Bruce Teitelbaum Hawksglen Foundation Howard* and Marilyn Bruschi I.B.E.W. Local No. 5 Jane Fox Bradley Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation Kerrish Family Trust Patrick and Rachel Kerrish Lisanti Painting Mr. and Mrs. Howard Loevner Patrick* and Candy Loughney Marianne Sufrin CLAT Mascaro Construction Co., C.P. McKamish, Inc. Sandra and Henry Mordoh*

Pittsburgh Zoological Society Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation Ralph and Dorothy Schugar Charitable Foundation Roy A. Hunt Foundation Ruthrauff | Sauer Scalise Industries Corporation Snyder Brothers, Inc. Steel Supply and Engineering Co. T.D. Patrinos Painting and Contracting Co. Mike and Belinda Terzich Alba and Thomas Tull The Thomas Marshall Foundation The Norbell Foundation Wholesale Business Supply

$2,500 to 4,999

Linda Bailey Mr. and Mrs.* Carl W. Borntraeger Robert M. and Thelma Y. Brown Foundation Louise and David C. Cannon Mr. and Mrs. Gary Claus * Carol Caroselli* CSD Engineers, LLC Dominion Foundation Eat ‘n Park Mr. and Mrs.* Steven Elliott Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh First Commonwealth Bank Drs. R. Kent and Karen Roche Galey* Henderson Brothers Sara Horsman James and Donna Hudson

Kristin and Rick* Kalson Michael LaRocco* Denise Letcher and Joe McDonough Christopher and Kristine McGinley* ParenteBeard LLC Dr. and Mrs. John Payne* PNC Bank Rita Randall* Susan and John Skowron Deborah A. Smith Karen Tritten Suzanne and Bill Warnick Julie and William Weil Winchester Thurston

$1,000 to 2,499

A.C. Dellovade, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Craig R. Andersson Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Bach* Barbara* and Dayton Baker Barry and Diane Balliet Jane S. Barnes Suzanne L. Barley Dotti and John Bechtol Leanne Bentz Deborah Bergren* Georgia Berner Benjamin Bosler Fund of the Community Foundation of the Alleghenies Mrs. William Boyd Stephanie Bozic Susan and David Brownlee Bunting Graphics Inc. The Burke Family Foundation Rosalind Chow and Jeff Galak Pam Coates Mr. and Mrs. John Conomikes

Crawford Ellenbogen LLC Henry* and Sarah Cook Molly and Tom Crooks Mr. Dave DeFide Mr. Jack* and Mrs. Cathy Demos Mr. Jim and Mrs. Peggy Douglass John and Colette* Dugan William J. Eismont Joan Ellenbogen* ESB Bank William E.* and Joanne O. Fallon BJ Ferguson Ferry Electric Company Bruce G. and Ann L. Gabler John and Tracy Geyer Giant Eagle Market District Goldby, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Fund Edward J. Goncz* David Grubman* William and Georgeann Hadley Jason and Stacey Harper Andrew* and Darlene Hasley Hill, Barth and King LLC David McL. Hillman Phyllis I. Hoge Honkus-Zollinger Foundation Frank* and Courtney Horrigan David Huang and Jia Liu Ideal Integrations Inc. Mrs. W. Arch Irvin, Jr. James and Linda Kasunick Kirby Electirc, Inc. Mark Kochvar and Vicki Helgeson Kana and Detlef Koll Koppers Industries Rob Kozel Mr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Kublack*

Katherine King Lalor Debra and Kurt Limbach Donald and Mary Lucidi Kim M. Macey Stephanie Martin Mary C. McCormick Peggy* and Steve McKnight Mr. Richard Prosser Mellon Merwin Memorial Free Clinic for Animals Jeanne Minnicks The Anne R. Monroe Foundation Mazzy and Elodie Morel Dr. and Mrs. Joshua G.F. Nagin Maurice and Nancy Nernberg Ryan Neupaver Mr. and Mrs. Larry Noble F. Brooks* and Alexandra Robinson William and Linda Roemer Cindy* and Andy Russell Sara* and David Scaife Schreiber Industrial Development Co. William H. Singer The Sloan Family Toby Smith and Denise Fazio Leslie Ann and Richard A. Snow James C.* and Judith A. Stalder Mr. and Mrs. Douglas W. Stirling* *Indicates board member

2013 Individual Donors, continued Mrs. Susette G. Stone* The Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Foundation, Inc. The Tippins Foundation Gail and Jim Titus Mrs. Becky* and Mr. Herb Torbin W.G. Tomko, Inc. V. Wayne and Cordelia Whitten Barker Fund and Pittsburgh Foundation Weiner Family Foundation Gregory* and Laurie Weingart Bruce and Barbara Wiegand Julie and William Weil The Wheelchair Exchange Sarah Hayes Wiggin* Stuart T. Wise* Craig and Sally Wolfanger Zottola Steel Corp.

$500 to 999

Jodi Affuso and Patrick Juola Anonymous Valentina and John Barsom Bruce Bartholomew Cynthia A. Bognar Patricia and Sean Casey Robert B. Czerniewski Rev. and Mrs. James K. Donnell Gail and H. William Doring Equitable Resources, Inc. John A. Fiesta Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Paula S. Gesselberty Daniel Glosser Grune Family Foundation 8

Christopher Haupt Steven Hecht Indovina Associates, Architects International Animal Exchange Michele and S. Manoj Jegasothy Julius Jones* Mr. and Mrs. Hans Jonas Kevin Keane Mr. and Mrs. R. Drew Kistler Jeff Kumer Laurel Highlands Financial Services Scott and Susan* Lephart Sherri Macierowski Marsh USA, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth C. McCrory* Mr. and Mrs. William D. McIlroy Metso Minerals Industries, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. David Newell* Al Patterson Mark Pasquerilla Precise, Inc. John Reed J. Eric* and Janet Renner William R. Rost Ryan Memorial Foundation Sargent Electric Company Grant M. Shipley Gift Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation Andrea N. Spade Geoffrey B. Stillson* Myra Toomey Susan and Timothy Vismor Carla and John Weidman Amy and Gregory J. Winokur

$100 to 499

Ronald Aldom Amshel Charitable Foundation Anonymous Lynn Ashe Donald and Janis Baumann Family Fund at the Pittsburgh Foundation Henry and Anne Bent Ms. Louise R. Brown* Susan Summers Brown Clifford Chen and Robin Ziegler Church Brew Works Foundation Frank Cimimo and Rachel Peoples Elry and Kathleen Cramer Denise Crosby Mrs. Dianne Danziger Carolyn A. Davis Rocklynn DeMarco Brian Fallon Sara Fand Alvin Filstrup Leslie A. and Hans Fleischner Pat and Steve Froman Kathleen Gasper Terri and David Hepps James T. and Hetty E. Knox Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation Jason Holmes and Jayme Andrisko Becca and Neal Huntington Sherwood Johnson Jack and Jean Ann Jones Fund Stephen Kalinowski Mike Kane Kerchner Family Fund No. 2 Diana Lamer

Leona K. LaValley Thomas and Patricia D. LeClere Steve and Janean Lish Gail and Tom Litwiler Mrs. Paula Lockhart Bryan and Cathy Lohr David and Roseann Maegle Jeffrey and Nancy Martin Edith McClain Thomas Merriman Mark C. and Mary Ellen Meyer Matthew Morrow Heather Murray Mr. Bernard and Mrs. Nancy Picchi Leslie Re Donald E. Rhoten*

Susan Salyards Janis Schmidt Sharon and Gary Schultz Jennifer Seng* Paul F. Skirtich Edward and Amy Sorr Henry and Mary Wynn Snyder Julius L. and Libbie B. Steinsapir Family Foundation Jason Thomas Jennifer Tis Rev. Thomas A. Wagner Charles and Linda Watson Margaret Watson Susan M. Zeff Brian Zimmerman

*Indicates board member

pittsburghzoo.org

Donor Spotlight

Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving: A Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Membership A Zoo Membership is a passport to family fun and adventure. Treat somebody you love to a gift Membership. It includes 12 months of unlimited free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, free parking, discounted admission to 130 other zoos, education and program discounts, exclusive access to events, and much more. Click here for more information.

John and Cathy Miclot, Cheetah Sponsors The call went out: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium had the opportunity to acquire

four young captive-born cheetahs from South Africa. This would allow the Zoo to become part of a vital cheetah conservation and breeding program. The initial costs were great, but the benefits were significant. John and Cathy Miclot answered the call. While not new to

the Zoo (John has been involved as a board member, campaign chair, and donor for many years), they were new to this cheetah initiative. The project and its urgency, as well as the opportunity to name these four young cheetahs, hit the right chords.

John says, “How often in your life do you get the opportunity to bring four magnificent

breeding cheetahs to a community and a Zoo that will assure generations of enjoyment,

education, and interaction for all of us, as well generations of cheetahs? It was an honor for our family to have the opportunity to support the Zoo’s efforts.”

The mission of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium focuses intently on wildlife conservation, perpetuating the viability of thousands of animal species, education, and enjoyment.

This was a mission that John says really resonated with him. “When we make gifting

decisions, believing in the mission of the organization and having faith and confidence in the institution’s ability to utilize the gift to carry out its stated mission is critical. The Zoo has consistently and with great enthusiasm done this.”

In addition to underwriting the international efforts to bring these exotic animals into the United States, the Miclot family had the

opportunity to select names for the four young animals. The family worked closely with animal staff to get to know each cheetah and his or her personality. The Miclot family also extensively researched the part of the world to which cheetahs are native. In this collaborative and culturally sensitive way, the family members chose four beautiful names. “We wanted to make the naming of the cheetahs a family effort. We all felt it was important to respect the heritage of the cheetahs’ African bloodlines. We then asked our family members, son

Jake and his girlfriend Marie, son Adam and his fiancée Grace, son Sam, Cathy’s sister, Melanie, and niece Elsie, to research and propose names. We also felt it was important that the Zoo’s curators and caregivers liked the names. We love the result, and here are their names: Ajamu, he fights for what he wants; Zola, tranquil, quiet, but productive; Ramses, begotten by the sun god; and Nahla, successful, beloved honeybee.”

The cheetah, as you read in the feature story, is an endangered species. Zoos today, and our Zoo especially, are on the frontlines of wildlife conservation. We are at the forefront of educating the public, raising awareness, and conducting breeding programs and other efforts that

will further our wildlife conservation efforts. Animals in the wild who need our help and the role that the Zoo can play in saving wildlife is something about which people are continually learning. This was something very important to John. “When I joined the board of the Zoo

I did not fully realize the commitment and importance of wildlife conservation. I have come to learn and appreciate the impact our Zoo is making to insure conservation of wildlife. Look at the many examples: the International Conservation Center, gorillas, our wonderful red panda, the pollinating bees, polar bears, the Animal Care Center, our breeding programs; all result in many new lives, and now cheetahs. What next?”

John adds, “I have been a member of the board for over ten years and have seen first-hand the passion and the progress our Zoo has made

in delivering on its mission. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful asset with a commitment to grow, educate, entertain, conserve,

employ, and thrive. One of our favorite exercise venues is the Zoo. A brisk two-loop walk provides hours of healthy walking and observation of all of our beautiful animals and horticulture. Of course it pays to have a Zoo Membership in the Grow Wild Society!”

John sums up his family’s commitment this way: “If you are interested in making a difference in our community and looking to have a legacy for generations to come, I would highly recommend visiting with the Zoo staff. There are so many opportunities to make a

difference and the Zoo team is outstanding at bringing to life your vision to assure your gift has a significant impact.” John’s greatest hope is that the cheetahs will thrive and produce generations of offspring. We hope so too.

Do you want to make a real difference? Please consider joining the Grow Wild Society of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Purpose The purpose of the Grow Wild Society is to develop, enhance, and grow an ongoing base of support for the Pittsburgh Zoo &

PPG Aquarium; to cultivate and engage new donors in our mission; and to engage and cultivate current donors in the future of the Zoo.

The Grow Wild Society encourages all members to become more involved with the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium leading to greater support of our efforts and for our mission.

Background of Grow Wild Society The Grow Wild Society grew out of the Grow Wild capital campaign that supported Water’s Edge and the Animal Care Center.

It was founded in 2006 for donors giving $1,000 or more. The Grow Wild Society has since evolved into a permanent, growing group of people committed to the Zoo’s mission of wildlife conservation and education and an exceptional visitor experience.

Membership in the Grow Wild Society includes: • Private, behind-the-scenes tours guided by curators, exclusively for Grow Wild Society members.

• Special events at the Zoo with the Zoo’s President & CEO, Dr. Barbara Baker. • Opportunities to invite your friends to join you at special events at the Zoo. • Special, private events for you to enjoy with your family at the Zoo.

• Special recognition for Grow Wild Society members on a plaque at the Zoo. • Opportunities to travel throughout the world with Zoo curators.

Society Membership Membership in the Grow Wild Society is based on annual donations to the Zoo. It is a rolling program where donations are accepted at any time. The benefits are effective for one year from the donation date. The different levels of support are as follows: Annual gift of $1,000

Annual gift of $2,500 Annual gift of $5,000

Annual gift of $10,000

For gifts greater than $10,000, please contact the Senior Director of Development. 12

Affiliated Membership This level was created for donors who own small companies or manage family foundations

who would realize similar benefits from being included in Grow Wild Society. There are a few exceptional donors who have been honored with a Lifetime status. This membership

level is decided and approved by the President & CEO and the Director of Development. For inclusion in Grow Wild Society, donations can be made a number of ways, such as: • Board giving

• Annual appeal

• Contributors Choice (United Way) • Restricted gifts

The Grow Wild Society level is determined by the total of all donations made by the donor in a given year.

• Example 1: a donor who contributes $500 and has their company match the gift will be recognized at the $1,000 level.

• Example 2: a donor who contributes $500 though the Contributors Choice program, $250 for the Sea Turtle Second Chance program and $250 though the annual appeal would be recognized at the $1,000 level.

The Value of Annual Giving Annual giving is vital to the successful operation of the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Membership and ticket sales alone do not cover the cost of all that we

One of the many benefits of Grow Wild Society is that a membership in the Zoo at

the Family Membership level is included. The Grow Wild Society is much more than

a membership the Zoo. It is a society comprised of donors who have made a significant

commitment to the Zoo. As a small token of appreciation, a Zoo membership has been given.

offer in sustaining our mission. Annual giving helps to fill this gap. Contributing to the Zoo plays an important role in providing care for our animals, supporting our educational

Grow Wild Society: Levels and Benefits

programs, and aiding in our

$1,000 annual gift

• Family Zoo Membership plus four complimentary Zoo admission passes

• Private invitations to Grow Wild Society events (minimum of four times annually) • One (1) behind-the-scenes tour for up to six people

on-site and international conservation efforts. Thank you to the individuals on the following pages for being a part

• Reduced admission to educational lectures

of our donor family.

continues on page 14 13

continued from page 13

$2,500 annual gift

• Family Zoo Membership plus 10 complimentary Zoo admission passes

• Private invitations to Grow Wild Society events (minimum of four times annually) • Two (2) behind-the-scenes tours for up to six people

• A Zoo educational program sent to a classroom of your choice • Reduced Admission to Educational Lectures Give a bear for a birthday, a tiger to your team, or a howler monkey for the holidays. Adopting an animal is a great gift for any occasion. When you adopt, your gift helps provide for the care, feeding, and enrichment of Pittsburgh Zoo

$5,000 annual gift

• Family Zoo Membership plus 20 complimentary Zoo admission passes

• Private invitation to Grow Wild Society events (minimum of four times annually) • Private invitations to special dinners, special exhibit/lectures and preview parties • Three (3) behind-the-scenes tours for up to six people

• A Zoo educational program sent to a classroom of your choice • Complimentary admission to educational lectures

• Twenty-five (25) Zoo admission passes donated to Tickets4Kids on your behalf

& PPG Aquarium animals. All resident animals are available for adoption with packages ranging from $30 to $500 per year, depending on the benefits you choose.

$10,000 annual gift

• Family Zoo Membership plus thirty (30) complimentary Zoo admission passes

• Private invitation to Grow Wild Society events (minimum of four times annually) • Private invitations to special dinners, special exhibit/lectures and preview parties • Four (4) behind-the-scenes tours for up to six people

• A Zoo educational program sent to a classroom of your choice Visit our website at pittsburghzoo.org for special adoption packages. Please call 412-365-2542 to learn more

• Zoo birthday party for a child or one week of Zoo Camp for a child of your choice • Complimentary admission to educational lectures

• Fifty (50) Zoo admission passes donated to Tickets4Kids on your behalf

• Award-winning photo print signed by acclaimed Zoo photographer Paul Selvaggio

about this rewarding gift idea. For gifts greater than $10,000, please contact Janet Rose, Senior Director of Development Email: jrose@pittsburghzoo.org | Office: 412-365-2540

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is Proud to Announce… Our New Development Coordinator, Rachel Kisic Rachel Kisic is the Zoo’s new Development Coordinator. A graduate of Duquesne University, Rachel joins the

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium from Opera Theater of

singing, running, and spending time with her two-year-old

You can donate to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium with just one click of a button.

Our New Special Events Assistant, Emily Beyer

By supporting the Zoo, you

Emily Beyer grew up in Warren, Pennsylvania and has always

places. Gifts to the Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh where she served as the organization’s Business and Rachel Kisic

Development Manager. When not working, Rachel enjoys son, who also happens to love the Zoo.

loved animals and nature. A graduate of the University of

Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, she spent a month in Yellowstone National Park where she stayed on Emily Beyer

a horse ranch, hiked in Yellowstone and the backcountry six

days a week, and studied geology, biology, and environmental ethics topics related to the park. Emily graduated from Point

Park University in December 2013 with her M.Ed. in Secondary Education, with a Biology certification. No stranger to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Emily worked at the

Zoo in a number of different capacities over the past decade. Married to husband Eli, the couple has a pit bull mix, Dinah, a bunny, Arnold Palmer, and two goldfish.

help save wildlife and wild Zoo & PPG Aquarium help us fulfill our mission to be a leader in zoological conservation, education, and research, while providing the region with exceptional exhibitry and unique family-centered recreation. Visit our website for a fast, convienient, and secure way to support the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium at pittsburghzoo.org/donate. 15

Zebras Return

Help Raise the Roof for African Elephants The Pittsburgh Zoo &

Stripes are returning to the

PPG Aquarium has long been a

Zoo, zebra stripes that is,

world leader in the management,

thanks to generous support

training, care, and breeding of

from the Vein Institute of

African elephants. The International

Pittsburgh. They heard our

Conservation Center, or ICC,

appeal for funding to help

a 724-acre facility in Somerset

us build new housing for the

county is now taking this effort

zebras and they answered

one more giant step forward into

the call. This project means

the future.

visitors will soon see zebras grazing at the Zoo. Special thanks to the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh. Looking for a way you or your organization, company, or business can help with important Zoo initiatives? Please consider our giraffe feeding program, which features new overlooks and offers an intimate experience with our giraffes. If you would like to support or participate in this exciting project please contact our Development Director, Janet Rose, at 412-365-2540 or jrose@pittsburghzoo.org

Our goal at the ICC is to build a state-of-the-art maternal health center or elephant

cow/calf facility that will house elephant mothers and their babies and assist in their care

and handling. This barn will provide an indoor birthing center, training arena, education area, and research laboratory for African elephants.

In October 2013, The Zoo held its first barn-raising benefit at the ICC by invitation.

The maternal health center is a $4.5 million dollar project and over $100,000 was raised

at this first event. Several donors took advantage of naming or sponsorship opportunities for different parts of the maternal health center.

If you would like to support this effort and help the Zoo and ICC to build the barn,

please contact the Development department. Your contribution to the ICC will help the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium raise the roof on this new maternal health facility, and give hope for the future of African elephants in North America.

For more information about the African elephant maternal health center or to support this effort, please contact Janet Rose, Director of Development, at 412-365-2540.

Donors oft en ask what the Zoo nee they want to ds the most help. W hil because e needs are there are se always chan veral worth ging, while proje cts under w From food ay. and veterin ary care to storage buil new dings, moto rized vehic topsoil, the les and list is endle ss. This mea ever y gift, ns that restricted an d unrestrict helps us do ed, what we do , day in and out. This is d ay always v ita l for the an imals and the v is itor experie nce. Here are som e current nee ds:

Cheetahs

ute

• Cheetahatched Cost: $10,000 Estim

reeding fa Cheeta h b

•

cility at the

ost: $25,000 Estimated C

ICC

rium/ a u q A G P P dom: Kid ’s King tion

ltra support /fi 1. New life tunnel tank in the ig on the b Pav il ion e v Disco ry 00

ost: $3,0 Estimated C

Lion and Leopard Enclosure:

•

Animal handling chute

Estimated Cost: $10,000

This wou ld allow the lions to have access to two additional bed rooms..

Elephants

• Two scales to weigh elephants (one for the Zoo and

one for th

Estimated Cost: $5,000 e ICC) each

• Two electric pressure washers with scrubbe Estimated Cost: $1,000

r attachments

• Utilit y vehicle with a dump

Estimated Cost: $10,00bed and attachments 0

Giraffes:

gira ffe runway

alt up • New asphed Cost: $3,500

Estimat

ffe • Soil folartegiyarard

and

ungu

: $5,000 Estimated Cost

pittsburghzoo.org One Wild Place Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-665-3640 Zoo Connections is a newsletter for the valued supporters of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Sponsorships are now available. Please contact Janet Rose at 412-365-2540 for more information.

Zoo Connections is a newsletter for the valued supporters of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium