The 2010 Houston Zoo Conservation Annual Report

2010

The Houston Zoo

Wildlife Conservation 2010 Annual Report

The Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program The Houston Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Program was initiated in 2004 to facilitate leadership in conservation effor ts related to the survival of threatened wildlife, the wise use of natural resources, and the appreciation of our natural world. Six years from the programs inception, we currently suppor t 20 projects in 11 countries around the world.

We develop and manage conservation initiatives in a strategic fashion based upon priorities established at the international, national and regional levels. When implementing or supporting any new program, consideration is often given to the ambassador species represented in the Zoo’s collection, the exper tise of our staff, and the opportunities that exist for partnerships with other zoos, aquariums, and conservation organizations. The Houston Zoo is dedicated to developing relationships which strive to connect people with nature and promote community and stakeholder education and inclusion which will ultimately benefit imperiled wildlife and habitats.

Categories of Support Signature Projects: Long term commitments to comprehensive programs are the key to continued success. The development of infrastructure to protect wildlife, habitat and communities cannot be achieved without the time and funds to develop and see through strategic initiatives.

The Houston Zoo’s Signature Projects includes programs in Malaysia, Central Africa, Panama and Texas.

Regional Support: Regional suppor t includes a number of education and research projects which benefit from in-kind suppor t and HZI staff expertise.

Collaborative Program Support: The Houston Zoo has a long histor y of collaboration and staff suppor t for effor ts ranging from hosting workshops and conferences, capacity building and husbandr y training with range countr y zoos, to education curriculum development and program design.

Department of Conservation and Science Staff Rick Barongi, Zoo Director Deborah Cannon, President and CEO Peter Riger, Director of Conservation and Science Paul Crump, Amphibian Conservation Manager Rachel Rommel, Conservation Programs Manager Renee Bumpus, Conservation Coordinator Aleyda Galan, Houston Toad Technician Conservation Committee: Don Kendall, Cathy Brock, Josh Davidson, Anne Duncan, Gary Ellison, Stephen Kaufman, Cullen Geiselman, Annie Graham, Barbara Nussa, Herman Stude, Randa Duncan Williams

There once was a time that zoos like Houston were exploiters of wildlife, collecting animals from all over the globe solely for public enter tainment. There was little or no regard for species conservation, just an obsession to have the most unusual and cutest animals on exhibit.

That’s all changed, as this repor t will confirm. We now operate one of the most respected zoo conservation programs in the nation. In 2010 alone we contributed over $800,000 to save species and habitats at home and abroad. We have a dedicated staff of four full time conservationists who work closely with field biologists in 11 countries. Many other staff members contribute countless hours towards increasing and improving our conservation impact.

We are truly becoming a conservation powerhouse, forging partnerships with other like-minded institutions and organizations. Close to home we work with state and federal wildlife agencies to save the Attwater’s prairie chicken and the Houston toad, and reintroduce these endangered species back into their former ranges.

Internationally we work in South America, Asia and Africa with the IUCN (the World Conservation Union), IRF (International Rhino Foundation), WCN (Wildlife Conservation Network) and JGI (the Jane Goodall Institute) to protect tapirs, elephants, orangutans, rhinos, painted dogs and chimpanzees.

Conservation is not just about saving species but about improving the lives of the local communities so they see the benefits of sustainable harvesting. Holistic programs that have economic incentives and cultural sensitivity are the only way that local communities will buy into conservation initiatives. This report is full of human par tnerships and friendships that give us hope for the future, as science alone cannot save a species.

While all this sounds encouraging, we continue to lose the war. Despite fifty years of conservation education, humanity continues to destroy wild populations and their habitats at an ever increasing rate. People now influence more than 83% of the Ear th and populations of non human species have diminished by 30% since 1970. The IUCN documents that 47,677 species are now at risk of extinction, including 12% of all birds, 21% of all mammals, and 32% of all amphibians.

So please don’t just read this repor t but support our work and the work of other conservation organizations so together we can make the world a better, and safer, place for all of us.

RICK BARONGI Zoo Director

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Lone Star State

Deep in the Heart of Texas Did you know Texas is one of the most biologically diverse states in our nation? We boast the greatest number of bird and reptile species and the second highest number of mammals. Of approximately 6,000 different kinds of native plants, at least 425 are found nowhere else in the world.

The Houston Zoo believes an appreciation of nature star ts in our own backyard. Therefore, our local conservation and research projects receive a lot of time and attention from our staff.

The Houston Zoo is helping to keep Texas wild from the bottomlands of the Big Thicket all the way to the Gulf Coast Prairies, one of the most endangered ecosystems on the planet.

Conservation Programs

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Attwater’s Prairie Chickens

Texas signature project Houston Zoo Provides Assistance for BP Oil Spill

2010 Highlights: • Captive bred birds were released in June, July and August 2010.

• Houston Zoo volunteers and staff participated in prairie restoration plantings.

• The second annual State of the Prairie conference was held at the Houston Zoo in November.

Houston Zoo Support: • Birds hatched and raised by the zoo’s bird department staff are reintroduced to the wild.

• We conduct ongoing educational programs focused on the ecology of the Gulf Coast Prairie and Marshes with an emphasis on Attwater’s.

Flying the Coop The Att water’s prairie chicken is a critically endangered grouse that was once

• Collaboration with the Coastal Prairie Partnership to provide in-kind support to educate Houstonians on our vanishing prairies.

very common on the coastal prairie. Alarmingly, populations now total less than 100 birds in the wild. However, there was hopeful news in the 2010 season as several captive bred birds successfully raised and fledged chicks in the wild. Since the captive breeding program started in the early 1990’s, many of the captive raised birds have been released to the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, Texas City Prairie Preserve and private land in Goliad, Texas. While many of these birds have made nests, laid eggs, and hatched chicks, this is the first time released birds in the wild have raised and fledged their own young. This is hopeful news for the captive breeding and release program because it proves that captive raised Attwater’s prairie chickens have the ability to be productive in the wild. There were 42 chicks that were parent reared in the wild this year.

Paradise Lost Historically, much of Houston was covered by a vibrant grassland known as the Coastal Prairie. As development proceeded, fires were halted, and trees where grown, the prairie became increasingly rare and is now listed as a critically endangered ecosystem with few native prairies left in Harris County. In 2010, Houston Zoo staff and volunteers par ticipated in growing plants for Project Blazingstar, an initiative to restore several highly visible prairie remnants back to Hermann Park. This initiative is headed by the Hermann Park Conservancy, Texas Master Naturalists and the Coastal Prairie Partnership.

partnership United States Fish and Wildlife Service, NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Attwater’s Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, The Nature Conservancy, and Coastal Prairie Partnership

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/LoneStar

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Houston Toads Texas signature project

A Head Start for Life The Houston toad was the first amphibian placed on the Endangered Species List. Unfortunately, the toad has continued to decline despite receiving this protection in 1976. In 2007, Houston toads were brought to the zoo for the purpose of head starting. Head starting endangered species is the process of rearing them in a protected environment (i.e. the Zoo!) through the young, sensitive stages of their life and then releasing them back into the area from which they were collected.

Head star ting Houston toads is complicated, we must cater to both their aquatic and terrestrial life stages, which require completely different enclosures. Once the toads complete metamorphosis, they eat a surprising number of bugs and grow very quickly, a testament to the ecological value of a population of amphibians in the wild. Once the toads reach the size required, they are released back to the wild at the site which they were collected as eggs. As all toads within a single clutch are siblings, it is possible to tell how many head started toads return and how far they have moved from their release site, by looking at their DNA.

5 2010 Highlights: • February marked the start of the 2010 head starting season with the collection of five eggs strands from a pond in Bastrop State Park.

• The field season ends in June on a high note, toad numbers are up across the range including a few new locations.

• Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine features a 8-page article on the recovery of the Houston toad in the November edition.

• The head start season concludes with the final release in Austin County in September for a total of about 15,000 Houston toads released in 2010.

Creating the Next Generation Of Amphibian Advocates We are proud to announce the completion of the first year of Toad Trackers, an interactive program which aims to teach students field research methods

Houston Zoo Support: • Staff are part of a multiinstitutional field survey team that monitor Houston toad populations range-wide.

used by wildlife biologists to study animal populations and to asses the health of those populations. This is a collaborative education program between the Zoo’s education and conservation depar tments which was made possible by a generous grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Community Outdoor Outreach Program. In addition to encouraging a new generation of wildlife biologists, this program is also a forum in which students are educated about amphibian ecology, global amphibian extinctions, and why monitoring local amphibian populations are impor tant to detecting declines in our own region.

• The Zoo’s Amphibian Conservation Quarantine facility “head starts” Houston toad tadpoles and toadlets each year.

• Staff works with landowners and communities within the range of the Houston toad to increase the availability of suitable habitat for the toad.

partnership United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas State University, Anadarko Petroleum and Environmental Defense Fund

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/LoneStar

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Sea Turtles

Dinosaurs of the Deep 2010 Highlights: • In June, a conservation staff member on nest patrol witnessed a Kemps ridley sea turtle crawl out of the ocean to nest. Responders collected 120 eggs from her nest, the biggest of the season!

• In October, the Houston Zoo and the Sea Turtle Restoration Project presented the first viewing of the highly anticipated sea turtle documentary “The Heartbreak Turtle Today.”

Houston Zoo Support:

Sea Turtle ER Health problems with sea tur tles are generally rare, but if one does become ill, it is brought to the Houston Zoo for diagnostics and a treatment plan under the care of our clinic staff.

• Our Veterinary team provides support for the diagnostics, care and treatment of captive reared or rehabilitated sea turtles.

• Our Kipp Aquarium houses rehabilitated turtles until they can be released.

The most common problem seen is sea turtles that have been caught on hook and line at one of the fishing piers in Galveston by recreational fishermen.

Even if the fisherman repor ts that they have removed the hook, turtles are still brought to the zoo for a radiograph to check for more. If they are taking bait

• We fund 1-866-TURTLE-5 beach signs which alert the public to report nesting, stranded or deceased sea turtles.

from one fisherman, they may have taken bait before and gotten away. Their “record” is three hooks in one sea tur tle!

When the clinic finds a hook in a tur tle they usually anesthetize the turtle (for the staff and the tur tle’s safety) and remove the hook from the mouth or upper esophagus (throat), or perform surgery to remove it from the lower esophagus or gut when necessary. They are given antibiotics and pain medication and held long enough to confirm no complications from their interactions with people before release back in the Gulf. To date we have treated over fifty sea turtles!

partnership National Oceanographic Atmospheric Association, National Marine Fisheries, A&M University-Galveston, H.E.A.R.T, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and Sea Turtle Restoration Project

• Conservation staff conducts nesting patrols to detect the critically endangered Kemps ridley sea turtle.

• Financial and in-kind support for sea turtle education on the upper Texas coast.

7 Providing Assistance for Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill The Houston Zoo contracted with BP to provide assis-

other long term care facilities and were released back to the

tance in this year’s catastrophic oil spill. In July we were

wild when ready.

requested to provide veterinary assistance in assessing treatment and care of tur tles that had been affected

Later in the summer, when the leak was capped, it appeared

by the spill. Veterinary Director, Dr. Joe Flanagan did a

that most of the animals being caught in the gulf had mini-

site visit along with other veterinarians and biologists,

mal oiling, and might no longer need to be brought in to cap-

working for the National Marine Fisheries Service. At the

tivity for treatment. NMFS again requested assistance from

time, almost all of the tur tles that had come in from the

Dr. Flanagan to go out on the boats to assess the health of

Gulf had gone to the Audubon Center for Research in En- turtles being encountered in and near the spill site. By the dangered Species (ACRES) just outside of New Orleans.

middle of August, he had examined and performed on site

The Center was doing an excellent job in triage and

blood evaluation (on-deck) of 16 sea turtles. These tur tles

care of well over 100 sea tur tles of 4 different species

had minimal to no evidence of contact with oil and normal

(Kemps ridley, green, hawksbill, and loggerhead). Staff

blood values. These turtles were returned to the sea where

and volunteers were cleaning and providing emergency

they were captured since there was no evidence to suggest

care to animals as they were brought in from the Gulf.

they needed further assistance from humans. The directed

The tur tles were then set up for holding, observation,

capture effort was scaled down soon after these trips and

and care at the same facility to monitor for longer term

the Gulf is currently being assessed and monitored by biolo-

effects from the oil. Animals were eventually moved to

gists for long term effects from the oil spill.

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/LoneStar

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Black Bears

Return of the Wild to East Texas 2010 Highlights: • In February, we conducted our first ever Black Bears of East Texas Educator Workshop. We had close to 100 educators in attendance.

• Our fourth annual Bear Awareness Day was held at the Zoo in September.

Houston Zoo Support: • Initiate and manage bear awareness campaigns, public education, and outreach programs.

• Provide funding for Attention Hunters: Know You Target and Landowner in Support signs to be distributed throughout the affected region.

• Conduct camera trapping and hair snare research in the Big Thicket National Preserve to document the presence of black bears.

Bear Trapping with a Twist Black bears are a par t of the natural heritage of Texas and were historically distributed all throughout the state. By the 1950’s, they had been completely extirpated. Now, for the first time in over half a century, black bears are returning to east Texas. Just as necessity is the mother of invention, the elusive nature of many species of wildlife has forced researchers to create new, non-invasive methods for surveying and obtaining information about endangered species. One such system is the hair snare and camera trap array. In 2010, HZI staff conducted surveys in parts of the Big Thicket National Preserve for any mammal big enough to trigger a remote camera and leave hair on barbed wire. The species of focus however, was the Louisiana Black Bear. The hair snare is setup as a square around four trees using two strands of barbed wire spaced about a foot apar t and attached to the trees. Bait, in this case, sardines and jelly, were used as an attractant. The idea is simple, an animal (preferably a bear) is attracted by the smell and investigates the site. As it climbs under, over, or bet ween the barbed wire, it’s hair is caught on the barb and a few strands are pulled out and attached to the barb. We “capture” bears without every actually laying hands on them and can obtain very valuable information.

partnership The East Texas Black

After 12 months, several hundred hair samples and thousands of pictures have

Bear Task Force brings together individuals,

been collected. Camera’s have snapped coyotes, bobcat, grey foxes, squirrels,

organizations,

armadillos, opossum, feral hogs, white tailed deer, and even a woodpecker or

universities and state

t wo checking out the bait, but no black bears yet.

and federal government representatives

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Wildlife Road Mortality

Texas Turtles Houston Zoo Provides Assistance for BP Oil Spill

2010 Highlights: • With the beginning of nesting season, May marked the start of the 2010 road surveys.

• In August, The Houston Chronicle highlighted the Houston Zoos research on the front page of Sunday’s City and State section.

• In October Conservation staff presented a poster in collaboration with the Texas Depar tment of Transpor tation at the 2010 Chelonian Symposium at the University of Texas Arlington.

Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road?

Like the chicken of legend and lore, the answer to the question is to get to the other side. But in the process, turtles crossing one East Texas highway are finding the journey fraught with peril and one that could change the very make up of their population and irrevocably alter their future. Each spring, prehistoric, bony plated animals begin an arduous journey in Texas. The journey, one that has occurred since the time of the dinosaurs, is undertaken by a determined and tenacious animal – the female fresh water turtle.

The rate of tur tle mor tality at Steinhagen Lake averages to approximately 105 tur tles killed per mile per year, making this stretch of road second on the list of the top 5 highest mortality spots for tur tles in Nor th America. Because every other top five spot has mitigated the problem with a turtle barrier, this has now moved us into first place. According to published findings at other locations similar to the highway near Steinhagen Lake, research indicates this type of road mor tality is not sustainable and will eventually result in a male biased population resulting in the eventual decline of the tur tle population in the lake. Because of the life-history traits of tur tles, specifically low recruitment and delayed sexual maturity, populations cannot compensate for the loss of adults.

The Houston Zoo will continue to work with partners to implement a mitigation strategy to protect tur tles along this roadway. partnership Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Parks and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Army Corp of Engineers

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/LoneStar

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Global Conservation

Latin America, Asia, Africa

A Diverse Planet The earth is home to a staggering array of diversity. From the dark, humid rainforests of Borneo to the high mountains of the Andes, ecosystems and organisms that have persisted for millennia are under immense pressure from an ever expanding human population and the subsequent consumption of natural resources. Finding ways for humans to peacefully coexist with wild life and to preserve some of these last wild places is the conservation challenge of our generation. The Houston Zoo partners with conservation organizations around the world to help solve these problems. The goal is always to create a bright future for the all biodiversity, including humans, which share space and resources in these fragile landscapes.

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Lowland Tapirs

Brazil Houston Zoo Provides Assistance for BP Oil Spill

2010 Highlights: • Development of National Action Plans for Tapir Conser vation in Argentina, Ecuador, and French Guiana.

• The Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas Atlantic Forest Tapir Program in Brazil managed to reduce tapir roadkill on a highway that crosses Morro do Diabo State Par k in São Paulo from 6 tapirs/year to 1 tapir/3 years.

• Development of a press kit for tapirs.

Houston Zoo Support: • The Houston Zoo publishes the IUCN/SSC Tapir Newsletter which goes out 2 times a year.

• Suppor t to the Lowland Tapir Project to assist researchers in deter mining the Influence of Large Herbivores on Neotropical Forests.

• Financial suppor t for the Pantanal Tapir Program.

Keystone for Conservation The tapir is one of the first species in its habitat to be adversely affected by human disturbance. Habitat destruction and fragmentation, with resulting population isolation, and intensive hunting are main factors behind the decline of the lowland tapir population throughout their geographic range.

Ecological research of keystone species generates information to guide habitat conservation initiatives, as well as to promote education and local community par ticipation. This will then lead to landscape conservation effor ts that will ultimately influence decision- and policy-making. Tapirs are such a keystone species.

By showing the impor tance of large herbivores in maintaining the ecological processes of plant communities, wildlife managers, researchers and park personnel will be able to evaluate their own areas and better justify the implementation of specific management programs designed to prevent the disappearance of large forest herbivores.

partnership IUCN Tapir Specialist Group, and The Instituto de Pesquisas Ecologicas

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation-in-latin-america

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Panamanian Amphibians

El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center signature project

Silent Stream It’s hard to fully ar ticulate the differences before and after amphibian chytrid infects a mountain stream. The numbers are star tling, in a national park in Panama, 40% of the species were extirpated and abundances were down across the board by 80%. These numbers are even higher when genetic variation or evolutionary history is used as the metric.

But if anyone who has spent time in a Central American mountain stream is asked to talk about it, a different story is told. The story quickly changes from numbers and statistics to a description of the eerie, unfamiliar silence, to the lonely feeling of a frog-less walk through the water. Waterfalls still cascade and roar their way down stream, insects and birds still trill and chirp, but to experience a stream without the frogs, where in prior times watching where boots are placed for fear of stepping on one was as common as shouting over the cacophony of vocalizations to be heard by a colleague, to see the stream in such a desperate state and know the difference, is much more star tling than the numbers.

partnership EVACC has many, many partners including AZA institutions, universities, NGO’s, and governmental departments both in the United States of America, Europe, Australia, and of course Panama.

13 2010 Highlights: • Captive reproduction of the critically endangered Tabasara Rain Frog (Craugastor tabasarae) for the first time in September.

• Panamanian Government declares the 14th of August as National Golden Frog Day. • EVACC wins International Conservation Award from AZA in September.

• Modified amphibian shipping container dedicated for housing and breeding the Panamanian Golden Frog arrives at EVACC in October.

• Rusty Robber Frog (Stabomantis bufoniformis) eggs hatched at EVACC for the first time in November.

Houston Zoo Support:

EVACC Project Amphibians are in serious trouble. Habitat loss and pollution are the t wo biggest threats, but disease, invasive species, and collection play

• HZI is the primary financial and logistical supporter of El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center (EVACC) at El Nispero Zoo in western-central Panama and has been since 2005.

significant roles. A specific disease, amphibian chytrid fungus, has swept though Central America causing rapid and unstoppable declines and potential extinctions. Amphibian chytrid is not currently reversible or preventable in the wild, and it has no boundaries. Panama contains some of the last uninfected mountain chains in the Neotropics and possibly the last intact amphibian assemblages in the New World. As a shor t-term measure, colonies of imperiled amphibians are brought into the protection of captivity where they will be maintained until amphibian chytrid can be mitigated in the wild. El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center project began in 2005 as a response to the amphibian chytrid crisis in Panama with the purpose of creating assurance colonies for select endangered species. Since 2005, and after spending the first year of operation working out of a couple of hotel rooms, the facility has opened a public exhibition area and is now home to over 600 amphibians including several species that are quite possibly extinct in the wild.

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation-in-latin-america

• Staff work on development of all areas of capacity for amphibian conservation in Panama.

• Staff participate in field surveys, strategic planning for conservation, and in the initiation of educational programming.

14

Biodiversity of Borneo

Elephants signature project

The State of Sabah The Malaysian State of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, has an partnership Hutan, Sabah Wildlife

extraordinarily diverse assembly of wildlife. These species are currently coping with the detrimental effects of habitat loss and

Department, Danau

aggressive agricultural development to support the palm oil industry.

Girang Field Centre,

The region supports 10 species of primate including the Bornean

and Cardiff University

Orangutan, 25 species of carnivores, Bornean Elephants, Sumatran Rhino, and hundreds of species of birds, reptiles and amphibians.

15 2010 Highlights: • In October, the elephant research team radio-collared their 4th Bornean elephant which they named “Aqeela”.

• In October, zoologist television personality Jack Hanna was in Sukau with his film crew to capture Sabah’s elephants, proboscis monkeys and orangutans on film to be shown in the “Into the Wild” television show in the US.

Elephant Research Program We have partnered with the Danau Girang Field Centre in Borneo on a number of conservation and research programs, including elephants. This center is a collaborative research and training facility managed by Cardiff University and the Sabah Wildlife Department. It is situated in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and is an ideal location to study wildlife and the effects of anthropogenic habitat alteration on biodiversity. The elephant research program is currently focused on learning more about the utilized habitat and social structure of the Bornean Elephant.

The Houston Zoo, along with our par tners, are supporting a Malaysian PhD student, to track collared Bornean elephants to observe social interactions and mating systems.

Elephant Conservation Unit Based out of the village of Sukau in Sabah, Borneo, The long-term goal of the “Elephant Conservation Unit” (ECU) is to ensure the conservation of the elephant population of the Lower Kinabatangan and to reduce the rate of human/elephant conflicts by developing a model communitybased elephant conflict mitigation squad.

They are creating awareness of elephant conservation needs and to provide opportunities for dialogue bet ween villagers, estate managers and government agencies to reach practical solutions to the problem of elephant conflicts.

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/borneo

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Biodiversity of Borneo

Orangutans and Bantengs signature project

The Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project The orangutan population of the Kinabatangan River floodplain numbers approximately 1,000 individuals and its distribution includes a 26,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary.

Outside the sanctuary, forests of this region are being reduced and fragmented, largely by conversion to oil palm plantations.

The Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project is now in its 12th year based out of the Village of Sukau on Borneo. They have multiple program objectives which run the gambit of behavior and ecological research, public awareness programs, capacity building for villagers, and partner assistance.

Recent studies of the Kinabatangan orangutans demonstrate they can adapt to altered habitats, a result that counters earlier assumptions about this species’ dependence on primary tropical lowland forests. Data is presently being collected regarding diet, social organization, habitat utilization, forest productivity, health, genetics, and population dynamics. Continued field research is aimed at determining the long-term viability of this population, both within and outside the proposed protected area. In addition, Hutan staff uses the field research station as a base for professional training programs and public awareness campaigns, and to promote nature tourism focused on orangutans.

17 2010 Highlights: • In February, wild orangutans were observed using man-made rope bridges to cross tributaries for the first time since the programs inception in 2007. These structures will provide connectivity opportunities for orangutans in this highly fragmented landscape.

• In September, the first flat-headed cats, clouded leopards and sun bears were caught on camera traps as part of new Kinabatangan Carnivore Survey Program.

• Houston Zoo keeper fundraiser, Pongos Helping Pongos, raised $25,000 for orangutan conservation in January.

Houston Zoo Support: • The Houston Zoo began its support of the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project in 2005 making this effort one of our longest running partnerships. Today, we work with partners on a number of initiatives all aimed at assisting the Sabah Wildlife Department in developing strategies for wildlife and habitat management programs.

• Provide support to the next generation of wildlife conservation professionals through a research program with Danau Girang Field Centre and Cardiff University.

Banteng Research Banteng are one of the most endangered large mammals in Sabah. Very little is known of the ecology or current population of this very rare, wild

• Funding and in-kind support for orangutan, elephant, small carnivore, amphibian and banteng research, elephant-human conflict mitigation, eco- tourism and capacity building.

cattle species. Estimates suggest the population is unlikely to be no more than 8,000 worldwide and is quite possibly less than 5,000 individuals with potentially no more than 500 living in Sabah.

The Houston Zoo is suppor ting a new research project initiated by a PhD student from Cardiff University. She will focus her work on the population ecology and social organization of the banteng and will utilize satellite

partnership Sabah Wildlife Department,

telemetry, remote camera trapping and molecular analysis to assist in

Hutan, Danau Girang Field

collecting this valuable data.

Centre, and Cardiff University

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/borneo

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Great Apes of Africa

Gorillas in Rwanda and Republic of Congo Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project-Rwanda MGVP helps mountain gorillas survive by providing them with life-saving veterinary care for human-caused or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. Mountain gorilla groups that are habituated to tourism come into direct or indirect contact with humans on a daily basis. Because mountain gorillas are closely related to us, they too can become infected and very sick from our diseases. The MGVP works to minimize transmission by ensuring the people who come into close contact with the gorillas are as healthy as possible. The Houston Zoo is committed as a long-term sponsor of the Employee Health Program. This program fosters a greater sense of purpose among conservation workers for their role and value in the conservation of mountain gorillas, improving their performance, encouraging their

Art of Conservation Rwanda This project works in poor rural communities bordering Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, teaching schoolchildren about the impor tance of maintaining a healthy environment for both people and animals and instilling in them an understanding and respect for themselves, their peers, and the natural world. The project’s main objective is to teach Rwandans good health and conservation habits that will benefit both people and animals – especially the 300 or so endangered mountain gorillas living in the national park. The Houston Zoo provides both financial and technical suppor t to this program and are proud to partner with such an inspirational organization.

Heroes of the Forest Every kid loves to dress up and pretend. What better way to instill a deeper empathy and understanding for their local wildlife than to have the children transform into the animal? Each year in June during Igitaramo, a cultural festival that celebrates Rwanda’s environment and biodiversity, Art of Conservation (AoC) students perform a song and dance called “Heroes of the Forest” while wearing handcrafted animal masks. AoC approaches learning through a unique method, using visual, auditory, and performance arts to teach lessons and inspire creativity in its students.

long-term commitment, and raising their morale.

Our partnership includes the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Art of Conservation, Margot Marsh Biodiversity Foundation, and Mountain Gorilla One Health/UC Davis.

19 2010 Highlights: • In March, the Houston Zoo’s Director of Conser vation visited the Ar t of Conser vation and assited in primar y School 5th grade programs in Rwanda and conducted an assessment of how the Zoo may help in the development of this unique program.

• To combat deforestation, the Mountain Gor illa Veter inar y Project (MGVP) has helped establish a local-owned business in Rwanda producing alter native fuel briquettes composed of recycled materials.

Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program Republic of Congo In the Republic of Congo, we are supporting the Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program in the NouabaléNdoki National Park. This is the only long-term demographic study on western gorillas which uses direct observations to provide important baseline information on the social organization, demography and behavior of an intact population of gorillas. At Mbeli Bai more than 350 gorillas have been monitored since 1995. The results of the monitoring of individual identifiable animals has provided major and unique insights into this elusive species and has repor ted many spectacular behavioral observations such as twin births and the first observation of tool use in free-ranging gorillas. These findings have attracted significant international media attention.

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation-in-africa

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Great Apes of Africa

Chimpanzees in Senegal and Republic of Congo 2010 Highlights: • Largest exhibit expansion in the Houston Zoo’s 88 year histor y, Afr ican Forest, opened in December 2010.

Our conser vation program set out to develop a regional focus for suppor t of wildlife and communit y par tnerships for Great Ape Conser vation in preparation.

• Jane Goodall visited the Houston Zoo in October to exper ience our new Chimpanzee exhibit and speak to our staff.

Jane Goodall Institute Tchimpounga is the largest chimpanzee sanctuary in Africa, housing and caring for over 160 orphaned chimpanzees in the Republic of the Congo. These animals are products of the horrendous Bushmeat Trade, the illegal harvesting of wildlife for commercial gain. Most of these animals were confiscated by Congolese authorities, after the rest of their families were killed for food and souvenirs. While this is an animal welfare project, rather than true conservation, you only have to look into their eyes to understand why it is impossible to ignore this desperate situation. Since 2004 our zoo has been donating $10,000 in cash annually to suppor t this “orphanage”.

The Houston Zoo will continue to help Tchimpounga until a better future can be secured for these homeless apes. The Jane Goodall Institute is solely responsible for the operation of this facility and desperately needs more donors.

West African Chimpanzee Conservation In Senegal, the Houston Zoo is working closely with researchers at Iowa State University in developing a long-term strategy for suppor t and resource allocation for the protection of the West African Chimpanzee. Hunting with tools, using caves and soaking in water pools are just a few of the behaviors that may be unique to this chimpanzee community. A new long-term project on the behavior and ecology of the chimpanzee populations in this region will be specifically addressing imminent conservation problems associated with chimpanzee communities which have not been previously studied.

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation-in-africa

Cheetah Conservation

21 Botswana 2010 Highlights: • In November, CCB completed its livestock guarding dog demonstration area at their base in the Ghanzi farmlands.

• Kraals, herder accommodation and shelters for the goats and dogs were built and with the arrival of a small herd of goats, the set up was complete.

Houston Zoo Support: • The Houston Zoo has offered financial support since 2009 for initiatives tailored to meet community needs and priorities and promote coexistence with the cheetah.

Safe Livestock. Happy Farmers.

Many rural communities around the globe are almost completely dependent upon livestock farming for their livelihoods. The common perception that predators have a significant impact upon rural welfare can lead to indiscriminate retaliatory killings.

Wildlife/human conflict is largely responsible for the loss of 90% of the cheetah population throughout the course of the last century. Demonstrating predatorproof farming techniques in local workshops, live theater and video production, Cheetah Conservation Botswana empowers farmers to secure their livelihoods while sharing land with cheetahs.

Guarding dog demonstration areas that were completed in 2010 will act as a demonstration livestock guarding dog project for far mers’ workshops and visitors to the camp. With this initiative, CCB will showcase the predator-friendly farming techniques that we promote in an attempt to minimize livestock losses to predators and in turn mitigate human-predator conflicts. When farming in a wild landscape like Botswana, which is rich with a diversity of predator species, it is essential to keep your livestock safe. partnership Wildlife Conservation Network and Cheetah Conservation Botswana

For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation-in-africa

22

Rhinoceros

Southern Africa Estimated population sizes: White rhino: 19 ,000 Black rhino: 4,000 Greater one-horned rhino: 2,750 Sumatran rhino: 200 Javan rhino: 35-55

Run Rhino Run If rhinos were people their entire world population would not even fill half of a football or baseball stadium. They are being slaughtered for their horns, which are literally worth their weight in gold on the retail market in Asia and the Middle East.

With this kind of price tag, even the most closely guarded populations are not safe from poacher’s bullets. When the Houston Zoo acquired three young rhinos from Kruger National Park last year we had to hire armed guards round the clock while they were in their acclimation corrals.

All five rhino species will disappear from the wild in our lifetime, if we do not take serious and concerted action. If that is not incentive enough then reserve a private tour to meet and scratch our very friendly rhino ambassadors. You will be amazed how gentle and trusting this powerful, prehistoric behemoths are when there are not being persecuted by Man. This is why the Houston Zoo has made rhino conservation one of its top priorities over the past seven years and contributed over $300,000 for rhino programs. Most of our money goes to the International Rhino Foundation to distribute directly to the front line rhino warriors who risk their lives protecting rhinos. In addition to hard dollars we contribute many hours of staff time in terms of field visits and serving on the Board of the IRF. For more information on this project, visit www.houstonzoo.org/conservation-in-africa

Communication

23 Connecting Conservation to Our 1.8 Million Visitors

Call of the Wild Speaker Series The Call of the Wild Speaker Series features four special events hosted by renowned wildlife exper ts from around the world, both educational and enter taining, the speaker series highlights conservation efforts that help to ensure the survival of threatened species and their habitats. The lectures cover a broad range of contemporary conservation topics and are generously suppor ted by our par tners at The Charles T. Bauer Foundation, Tapeats Fund, KUHF-FM and Continental Airlines. In 2010, the Houston Zoo featured guest speakers were Cristina Mittermeier (International League of Conservation Photographers), Frans Lanting (National Geographic photographer), Susie Ellis (International Rhino Foundation), and Carter Smith (Texas Parks and Wildlife).

3rd Annual Feed Your Wild Life Conservation Luncheon The Feed Your Wild Life Conservation Luncheon launched in 2008 as an intimate fundraising event to help support the Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program. World renowned conservationists are the focus of each year’s fall luncheon. Since inception, this event has raised over $250,000 in the three shor t years for our growing conservation program.

In October of 2010, we welcomed world renowned National Geographic photographer, Frans Lanting.

Conservation Kiosk When we designed a new kiosk to educate Zoo visitors about our conservation programs, we had no idea it would become the hot spot to see and be seen at the Zoo. Our giraffe, rhino and chimpanzee sculptures quickly became a popular spot to be photographed for families. Additionally, we were able to design and install t wo interactive conservation signs on Zoo grounds, one in the Children’s Zoo highlighting Texas conservation, and one in front of the Reptile House for Panamanian amphibians.

Conservation Marketplace Far from large cities, villagers create works of art while balancing their traditional way of living. These communities are the closest neighbors to some of the world’s most precious wildlife. Their villages have little running water or electricity and the people have traditionally made their living through subsistence agriculture and ranching but when offered the oppor tunity, these families develop and design local crafts in order to improve their lives with added earnings that are making a difference. The Houston Zoo Conservation Depar tment supports efforts through the sales of these products in the zoo’s gift shop. Programs such as Virunga ArtisansRwanda, Par tners in Conservation-Rwanda, Painted Dog ConservationZimbabwe and Proyecto Titi-Colombia are all supported through this program.

24

Greening

the Zoo

Thinking Globally, Starting Locally.

The greatest threats to wildlife and wild places the world over is the unlimited consumption of natural resources, emissions, air, and water pollution. We are striving everyday to become more eco-friendly and sustainable and to pass those tips along to our visitors. Although 2009 was hard to beat with the inception of our Green Task Force, in 2010 we diligently continued our efforts, instituting several new “green” initiatives into our Zoo operations: • Adding public recycling of plastic and aluminum to our in-house cardboard, paper and bi-metal efforts in 2010, we have recycled an estimated 55 tons or more in these materials!

• 287 Houston Zoo staff members and volunteers took a Green Pledge in 2010 to adopt one or more green living practices.

• We incorporated living roofs on the top of the rock work in the new African Forest exhibit.

• We have a new greenhouse which was designed with a cistern to collect rain water which can be used for watering plants at the Zoo. • Recycled rubber tires were used for new environmentally friendly pathways and soft play areas around the Zoo that will last for 15-20 years.

• Sodexo, Inc., our food concessionaire’s, new intiatives brought innovative recycling and sustainability programs for our facility. Examples are a farm to market program and conversion of over 80% of disposable products to compostable items. All chicken products are now a free-range, naturally fed, antibiotic free birds and our two indoor eateries we have started using permanent wares (reusable plates and flatware) instead of disposable vessels.

• Our housekeeping and grounds departments recently made a big switch to environmentally-sound, 100% biodegradable cleaning products and garbage can liners. In reducing the number of total cleaning products from 28 to just 13.

• Our cell phone recycling program received over 1,000 phones this year. We are not only helping to keep hazardous waste out of our local landfills but also reducing the need for coltan mining in the African Congo.

25

We’re Driving on Sunshine, Whoa-oh!

The Zoo is proud to join hands with NRG Energy and Reliant Energy to bring solar powered carts to Zoo grounds for the first time in our history. Thanks to this generous joint sponsorship, the Zoo’s fleet of electric car ts were outfitted with solar panels, transforming them into mean, green, energy-saving machines!

“NRG Energy, Reliant Energy and the Houston Zoo share a strong commitment to sustainable, zero-emission renewable energy like solar and wind power,” said John Ragan, President of NRG’s Texas region.

“Conver ting the Houston Zoo’s electric carts to get their power from the Texas sun is a tremendous way to support our local community and show the many visitors to our great Zoo how solar power can help us all have more environmentally responsible lifestyles.”

In May, NRG and Reliant helped to convert our first cart to solar power, and ten more carts are scheduled for solar conversion by the end of the year. “There are things that each of us can do to protect the environment and our natural resources,” said Jason Few, President, Reliant Energy. “We’re excited to work with the Houston Zoo – a place that fosters appreciation, knowledge and care for the natural world – to demonstrate one way we can all make a difference.”

26

Staff Conservation

Staff Conservation Fund The Houston’s Zoo Staff Conservation Campaign began in 2004 as a mechanism for staff involvement in the generation of zoo conservation dollars.

In 2010, $20,000 of employee raised conservation dollars were allocated to a fund in which staff can apply to par ticipate in conservation research, education and implementation.

Staff Raise Critical Conservation Dollars Spotlight on Species A keeper driven fund-raising initiative held for the public on zoo

The following conservation and research projects were funded in 2010: Barton Springs Salamander Survey Rodent & Insectivore Survey of the Big Thicket National Preserve Sundown Island Bird Habitat Maintenance Weekend Galapagos Tortoise Translocation Komodo Dragon Field Research Howler Monkeys of Belize

grounds. The focus is on raising awareness and educating zoo guests about a specific animal species, group or ecosystem, and its conservation.

Flamingo Flocking The bird staff plants plastic

Daily Distance and Movement of HZI Elephants

flamingos in local Houston yards

The Herpetology of Tamaulipas, Mexico

at the request of friends or family.

They offer this service year round and have raised over $5000 for the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

Pongos Helping Pongos Natural Encounters and Primate Keepers hold an annual event at a local ar t gallery where they exhibit and sell individual paintings done by our orangutans, elephants, siamangs, babirusa and clouded leopards. This event raised $25,000 for orangutan and elephant conservation for Borneo projects in 2010.

Research

27 At the Houston Zoo

Wildlife Conservation and Research at the Houston Zoo In suppor t of its conservation and research missions, the Houston Zoo encourages, conducts, and suppor ts applied and basic research. Collaboration with experts from universities, zoological parks, museums, and conservation organizations are encouraged.

• Characterization of Innate Immune Systems in the Komodo Dragon (McNeese State University) • Striking Mechanics of Vipers (Lehigh University) • Houston Toad Vitamin A Study (Houston Zoo Veterinary Department) • Determination of Prevalence and Environmental Causes of Keratitis in Pinnipeds (Aquatic Animal Eye Care) • Evaluation of Captive Gibbons for Infection and Transmission of an Epizoonotic Agent: the Gibbon Ape Leukemia Virus.

(National Institute of Health) • An Investigation into the Geographic Origins and Mean Kinship of the Southern Cassowary in North America (Smithsonian National Zoo) • Evolution of Pinniped Feeding Biomechanics: California Sea Lions (Texas A&M Galveston) • Impact of Aging on Endocrine Function in Asian Elephants: Do Elephants Experience Menopause?

(Tulsa Zoo) • Lungworm Survey in North American Red Pandas (University of Tennessee) • Identifying Causes of Poor Reproduction in Captive Maned Wolves (Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center) • Evaluation of Maned Wolf Sperm After Exposure to Hypertonic Solutions (Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center) • Evaluation of Acute Phase Protein Quantitation as a Diagnostic and/or Prognostic Marker of EEHV infection in Elephants (University of Miami Miller School of Medicine) • MHC Class 1 variation and expression level of endotheliotropic herpes virus in elephants (Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research) • Behavioral Responses of African Wild Dogs to Feces from Novel and Familiar Conspecifics (The Bronx Zoo) • Pharmacokinetics of Topical and Oral Administration of Enrofloxacin in Houston Toads (Houston Zoo Veterinary Department) • An Investigation of Sea Lions Understanding of MIrrors (St. Mary’s University)

28 Conservation Success Through Long-Term Planning The challenge to the 21st century zoo and aquarium is to go beyond the exhibition, care, and breeding of animals, and to promote conservation action through partnerships with on the ground efforts to preserve biodiversity. Since 2004, the Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program has expanded its commitment by providing financial and logistical suppor t to conservation and research initiatives in countries across the globe. Whether right here at home, or in Latin America, Asia, or Africa, our program partners with leaders in the field to protect wildlife and their habitats by combining research and education. Conservation happens through the promotion of balanced and sustainable livelihoods in local communities.

To help our par tners meet their goals, we must help them secure long-term funding for long-term success.

The Houston Zoo’s Wildlife Conservation Program supports a number of Signature Projects, those projects which the Houston Zoo may play a leadership role in and provides significant financial, technical and logistical suppor t.

Houston Zoo’s Top Seven Projects in Terms of Financial Contributions (2004- 2010) Att water’s Prairie Chicken Reintroduction - Texas $500,000 El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center - Panama $430,000 Rhino Conservation in Africa - $300,000 Houston Toad Recovery - Texas $235,000 Chimpanzees and Gorillas - Africa $150,000 African and Asian Elephant Conservation - $140,000 Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project - Borneo $100,000

All Projects Supported by the Houston Zoo Wildlife Conservation Program in 2010: TEXAS: Att water’s Prairie Chicken, Houston Toad, Big Thicket National Preserve Research, East Texas Black Bear Task Force, Coastal Prairie Partnership, Wildlife Road Mortality Research, Sea Turtles of the Gulf of Mexico, Bar ton Springs Salamander Research, Sundown Island Bird Sanctuary LATIN AMERICA: El Valle Amphibian Conservation Center, Galapagos Tortoise Program, IUCN Tapir Specialist Group, Lowland Tapir Project, Wildlife Care Center of Belize, Herpetology of Tamaulipas AFRICA: Ar t of Conservation Rwanda, Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, Cheetah Conservation Botswana, Conservation of West African Chimpanzees, Jane Goodall Institute, Mbeli Bai Gorilla Program, Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, Painted Dog Project, International Rhino Foundation SOUTHEAST ASIA: Danua Girang Field Centre, Education for Nature Vietnam, Elephant Conservation Unit, Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, Turtle Conservation Center Vietnam, Philippine Eagle Foundation, Conservation of Carnivores in Sabah

29 Conservation Program Funding We are continually working to identify long-term revenue streams to support programming, rangecountry staffing, and capacity building for conservation projects. Ecosystem management, where wildlife and people coexist, is only possible if all available resources are balanced to benefit the needs of all.

2010 Conservation Revenues - $855,000 Total Dollars

1% Recycling Rebates 1% Private Donations 2% Wildlife Tour Program 3% Conservation Marketplace 3% Staff Conservation Campaign

2% of Houston Zoo annual operating budget

59%

7% Fundraising Events 15% Grants 10% Foundation & Corporate Gifts

We would like to acknowledge and thank our supporting zoos, foundations, corporations, agencies, and groups for their generous support in 2010: Amphibian Ark

NRG / Reliant Energy

Anadarko Petroleum

Oklahoma City Zoo

Baton Rouge Zoo

Phoenix Zoo

Brown Foundation

Project Golden Frog

Buffalo Zoo

Sedgwick County Zoo

Charles T. Bauer Foundation

Tapeats Fund

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Terra Incognita Ecotours

Continental Airlines

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Dickerson Park Zoo

US Fish and Wildlife Service

Elmwood Park Zoo

Velasquez Elementary

KHUF Houston Public Radio

Zoo Boise Conservation Fund

Little Rock Zoo

Conservation annual report photo contributions Brad Wilson (front cover), Paul Swen (back cover), Peter Riger, Rick Barongi, Paul Crump, Rachel Rommel, Stephanie Adams, Dale Mar tin, Thomas Breuer, Patricia Medici, Bill Konstant, Matt Strauser, Edgardo Griffith, Molly Feltner, Tun Min Poh, Stephen Kaufman, Francisco Laso, Jill Pruetz, Chris Bednarski, Ar t of Conservation, Rebecca Klein, Claudia Tavares, Ged Caddick, Andy Hearn/Jo Ross

Printed on FSCTM mixed sources paper cert. no. SWC-COC-001530 www.fsc.org