Houston Zoo WILDLIFE Magazine Summer 2010

SUM MER 2010

FEATURES

The Houston Zoo is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of Directors Eduardo Aguirre E. William Barnett Freda Wilkerson Bass Nandita Berry Jack S. Blanton, Sr. Winfield M. Campbell, Sr. Cathy Campbell Brock Michael Cordúa Jonathan Day Linnet Deily Anne Duncan Susan Ehrhardt Barbara Goldfield Martyn Goossen Robert Graham Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. Stephen Kaufman

Donald R. Kendall, Jr. Glenn L. Lowenstein Daniel C. McNair Stacy Methvin Ali Moshiri Stephen D. Newton Charles Onstead Barbara Samuels Tony Sanchez III Cathryn Selman Louis Sklar Herman L. Stude Shawn Taylor Lori Vetters George R. Willy E. W. Bill Wright III Austin Young

4 CHIMP INN 6 CHIMPANZEE

On the cover: Chimpanzee

FAMILY TREE

Wildlife Production Team Editor: Rochelle Joseph Creative Director: Melanie Campbell-Tello Design: Melanie Campbell -Tello Photography by: Stephanie Adams, Brian Hill, Kristi Holder, Rick Barongi, Greg & Carol Lille, Baylor College of Medicine, Andreas Wilting, Dale Martin, and Stephen Kaufman Postmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 Cambridge Street Houston, Texas 77030

14 ELEPHANTS

How To Reach Us: Houston Zoo, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6500 Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6739 Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6835 Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6710 Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6701 Public Relations/Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6531

www.houstonzoo.org Zoo Hours: March 14 through November 7 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.)

November 8 through March 13 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.)

The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 77030. ©Houston Zoo, Inc., 2010. All rights reserved. Subscription by membership only.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

18 DINOS

DEPARTMENTS DIRECTOR'S DEN 2 THE AFRICAN FOREST PROGRESS 3 KEEPERS 8

CONSERVATION 10 SUPPORTING THE ZOO 12 TRAVEL 13 MEMBERSHIP 16

The Official Airline of the Houston Zoo Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks

EDUCATION 17 CHILDREN'S ZOO 20

DIRECTOR'S DEN Wow — do we have a lot happening at the Zoo in 2010! February began with a major renovation of our jaguar exhibit which added a pool and waterfall for these water-loving cats. Then we upgraded several areas of our Children’s Zoo to make it even more kid-friendly and naturalistic. At the end of April our Zoo Friends’ volunteer organization put on one heck of a ball, 'A Way to Africa,' raising over a half million dollars for the Zoo! April was also elephant pregnancy watch for the Zoo as both staff and volunteers camped out in our new McNair family elephant barn waiting for our 19-year-old Asian elephant, Shanti, to give birth. We now have a big, healthy new elephant calf named Baylor born on May 4, 2010. We’re very optimistic that this calf won’t have

,,

We cap off the year with the December

to worry about a deadly elephant herpes virus due to the incredible advances in research by the Baylor College of Medicine’s team of dedicated scientists. The BCM and Zoo partnership is the type of unique and innovative approach required to save both wild and zoo elephants from this serious threat.

opening of the African

For the first time in over 60 million years dinosaurs have returned to the Zoo! No,

Forest, the largest and

and ferocious calls. DINOSAURS! will only be here from Memorial Day to September

,,

most beautiful animal habitat we’ve ever

created at the Zoo.

they’re not real as some guests asked, but are incredibly realistic, with moving parts so make sure you don’t miss them.

During the summer our first African Forest residents will arrive: a family of ten chimpanzees. They won’t be available for their public debut until late November, giving them ample time to adjust to their spacious new digs described in this issue.

In September we’re hosting the annual AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Conference for 2,000 zoo and aquarium professionals. This is the premier zoo conference in the world. The keynote speaker is Jim Collins, author of, among other books, the best-selling Good to Great.

RI C K B A RO N GI Zoo D i r e cto r

We cap off the year with the December opening of the African Forest, the largest and most beautiful animal habitat we’ve ever created at the Zoo! On a personal note, this summer marks my ten-year anniversary at the Zoo. When I arrived in 2000 we were just about to open the $6 million McGovern Children’s Zoo. Since that time we’ve added another $80 million in improvements to your Zoo and are recognized as one of the top zoos in the country. A key milestone was the privitization of the Zoo in 2002, which allowed us to dramatically improve every facet of our operation.

Obviously, we would not have been able to do a fraction of these improvements if it weren’t for the support and generosity of you, our members and donors. You also helped us achieve an all-time attendance record for the month of March – 245,000 guests. Let's hope the dinos and the African Forest give us some more record attendance months in 2010 and beyond!

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AFRICAN FOREST UPDATE

6

5 1 GIRAFFE BARN & EXHIBIT

CHIMP HOUSE, VIEWING AREAS & EXHIBIT

TRADING POST

2 RESTAURANT, OUTDOOR SEATING & GIRAFFE FEEDING PLATFORM

4 3

WHITE RHINO BARN & EXHIBIT

GIFT SHOP & RESTROOMS

THE AFRICAN FOREST: RAPID GROWTH Progress continues on the most exciting project the Zoo has undertaken in its entire 88-year history! The African Forest site, pictured above, is more than halfway through construction and the excitement is mounting as we prepare to receive our first new animals – the chimpanzee family. The difference between this and our Winter 2009 issue’s aerial shot is quite dramatic.

1 To the far left, the large structure with strik-

ing brick work and the tell-tale tall, narrow doors is the Masai giraffe barn. The walls are complete and the roof is on. The inside is absolutely beautiful, with wood beams across the high ceiling and lots of light.

2 The next building to the right is the restaurant. Those soaring wooden arches are interior architectural additions.

3 The large cement building next to it, just above the white roof of our Medical Center gate, is the sizeable new gift shop, which was not even visible in the last picture.

4 Continuing up and right of center, the gray walls you see are the start of the rhino barn beside what will be their exhibit yard.

5 The small roofed building behind the rhino barn is the Trading Post, which you will be hearing more about in the months to come.

6 Lastly, that very large light colored building furthest right, is the chimp house, which will be completed first. The smaller cement structure at the far upper right will become the glassed viewing area into the chimps’ expansive outdoor habitat. You can read more about the chimps' wonderful new home on the next page!

Learn how you can contribute to making the African Forest come alive at www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest.

WILD LIF E

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THE CHIMP INN The centerpiece of the African Forest will be our new

medical issues. One of the rooms is dedicated solely to

chimpanzee habitat. During operating hours our chim-

training and vet care. Additionally, there will be plenty

panzee family will spend most of their time outside,

of space for the keepers to feed and interact with the

but at the end of the day they will retire to their indoor

chimps. It has its own kitchen, food storage, computer

facility to bed down for the night.

area, and human bathroom.

In the old days of zoo design, most nighttime animal

Another unique feature will be the three feet of natu-

holding areas were nothing more than small, dark,

ral bark mulch that will cover the dayroom floor. This

sterile cubicles, but our new chimp building is raising

natural substrate material will provide a softer sur-

the bar to a new standard of comfort and spaciousness.

face for playing and more enrichment opportunities.

With an indoor living space of over 4,000 square feet,

All the rooms will have numerous ropes, climbing

our chimps will be living in the lap of luxury.

structures and platforms for making nests to sleep in, as many chimps do in the wild.

The chimp building has been designed for both chimp and keeper comfort and safety. The entire building is

There will be two high-definition cameras inside the

air conditioned and heated with 16 skylights that not

dayroom to capture all activities of the chimps, day

only let natural light in, but open for fresh air. Eight

and night. These cameras will also be linked to our

individual chimp rooms, measuring approximately 12’

distance learning system, allowing young patients at

x 8’ with 20’ ceilings, surround a giant central day-

the Texas Medical Center to enjoy these incredible

room, which is 25’ x 46’ and 23’ high.

animals while talking to a keeper.

While all rooms interconnect so the chimps can choose

And if that isn’t enough, our “Chimp Inn” also comes

where they want to be, it also will allow us to tem-

with a lifetime of complimentary room service and free

porarily separate animals in case of behavioral or

room rates!

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THE HOUSTON ZOO WELCOM ES A NEW FA M ILY When the African Forest opens in December, zoo guests will see

carriers specially designed to transport them in comfort,

a family of ten chimps out in their new, naturalistic habitat.

and ride in an air conditioned truck for the 30 hour trip to

This means the zoo’s primate staff has a lot of work to do.

Houston.

Our first task was to find chimpanzees. Timing and maybe a

During their first weeks here at the Zoo, only a small group

little luck was on our side when we learned of ten privately

of people, including the Lilles, will work with the chimps.

owned chimpanzees that needed a home. Zoo Director Rick Bar-

This consistency will help them settle in to their new home

ongi and Primate Curator Hollie Colahan traveled to California

and routine more quickly. Once acclimated, we’ll start the

to meet the chimps and their owners, Carol and Greg Lille, who

process of putting them together into one large group. All

have raised these chimps and are now retiring. This group was

ten chimps know each other, but not all of them have been

ideal for our needs. The Lilles were impressed with our plans

living together recently. This reintroduction process could

and decided to donate the chimps to the Zoo. This is truly a win-

take a few hours or a few months… it’s all up to the chimps.

win for everyone, especially the chimpanzees.

In late September when the outdoor exhibit is complete,

By June, the chimp building will be completed and staff will

we’ll start letting them outside during the day. By the time

then spend a few weeks getting ready – everything from hang-

the African Forest opens to the public, our chimpanzees will

ing ropes for them to play on to stocking the kitchen with their

be ready to show off their new home and introduce all of

favorite treats! Meanwhile, the chimpanzees will be placed into

Houston to a chimpanzee’s world.

WILDLIFE

WILD LIF E

| SUMMER52010 | 5

chimpanzee family tree CHARLIE

ABE LULU

LUCY

Sally Riley

Maizey

Mac

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Annie

Willie

N

ow that you’ve read all about where the chimps are from, how they got

here and where they will live, it’s time to meet them!

CHARLIE, 38 The Patriarch

ABE, 37 Mr. Laid Back

LUCY, 38 The Caretaker

LuLu, 32 Mama of Four

MAIZEY, 24 Best Pal of Annie

SALLY, 24 Sister to Annie

RILEY, 27 The Boss-in-Training

ANNIE, 23 Sister to Sally

MAC, 16 The Kid Brother

WILLIE, 6 The Mischievous Tyke

W

hile this family tree tells you who’s who, it’s really just an introduction.

If you’d like to learn more about our engaging chimp family, please visit w w w. hous to nz oo.org/ch imps where each chimp has their own personal page! The best way to get to know them though, will be to come visit them as soon as the African Forest opens in December.

Having chimps at the Zoo will do more than delight and entertain visitors; it will help raise awareness for their endangered counterparts in Africa, and teach us all the importance of protecting wildlife.

WILD LIF E

| SUMMER 2010 | 7

{

T his primate – a Ri ng -tai l ed Lemur – is a v e r y s o c ial an ima l and l i ves i n the wi ld on the A f r ic a n i slan d o f Madag ascar and a few n e a r b y is la nd s .

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THE HOUSTON ZOO’S PRIMATE TEAM GROWS The Houston Zoo is growing every day, and with the opening of the new African Forest exhibit set for December of this year, one area that’s also growing is the Primate Department. Our current team of two supervisors and 13 keepers will add an additional supervisor and two more keepers to oversee the 10 new chimpanzees to be housed in the African Forest.

Primate keepers start the day with a quick meeting at 7:00 a.m. The next order of business is to give breakfast and any medications to the animals while tidying up their outdoor habitats. Once the animals are out on exhibit, it’s time to clean their night houses. Because primates are similar to humans, they can transmit diseases very easily, so keepers help ensure the safety of all by wearing masks and gloves while cleaning. Foot baths are also used upon entering and exiting all primate area buildings to help prevent cross contamination.

Then it’s time for keepers to give the animals their daily enrichment.

“Our goal is to continually help them to live the same type of life in the Zoo as they do in the wild,” explains Primate Supervisor Lynn Killam.

“We’re always looking for new ways to enrich our animals and all of us really enjoy watching them have fun.”

Enrichment varies based on the animal, but typically consists of the use of different scents, foods and toys. Some of the most popular are various sizes of cardboard boxes, rolls of paper towels and our bubble machine.

In addition, the primate team works hard to raise money for the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Borneo. In 2004 they hosted their first Pongos Helping Pongos gallery event, featuring artwork created by the orangutans themselves for purchase by event attendees. All funds raised go toward conservation efforts. So far in 2010, Zoo staff has raised over $28,000 in Pongos Helping Pongos fundraisers, bringing the total amount for this project to over $150, 000 over the last six years!

“That’s pretty remarkable, since it is mainly done by our Zoo keepers,” said Primate Supervisor Dena Strange. “We’re all very proud of this project.”

Perhaps one of the most unique characteristics of the Primate staff is the bond that they all not only share as a department, but with their animals. Because primates are very similar to humans, the keepers are afforded continual opportunities to create new ways to enrich and train them, which keeps the team on their toes. From learning the complexities of husbandry for each animal to overcoming the potential dilemmas of animal introductions, this team works together as one to accomplish many goals that they

FROM RIGHT TO LEFT: Rachel Vass, Elliott Rosenthal, Judy McAuliffe, Amy Berting, Dena Strange, Joy Oria, Lynn Killam, Diane Shea, Tammy Buhrmester, Helen Boostrom, Cindy Leeson, Marjorie Pepin, Lucy Dee Anderson, Ron Santos, Alissa Fuhrman, Cheka Kazen

would not be able to as individuals.

WILD LIF E

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Or p h a n ed ch im ps at Tc h im po u n g a i n t h e R ep u blic o f Co n g o , A f r ic a.

CHIMPS CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE It’s been fifty years since Jane Goodall stepped onto the

to be extinct in five of the 25 countries they once inhabited,

beach at Gombe, Tanzania to begin her study of wild chim-

while populations in four other countries are on the verge of

panzees. With that, the chimpanzee would become pro-

extirpation. It’s believed that only 10 countries have chim-

foundly more than just a wild beast in a children’s book or

panzee populations of 1,000+ individuals. Can you imagine

a character in Tarzan movies. Chimpanzees exhibited in-

if there were only 10,000 humans left on earth?

dividual personalities and a wide range of emotions. They showed both empathy and aggression toward each other, a

The long term sustainability of chimpanzee populations is

complex social structure, and cognitive thought. And they

threatened for a variety of reasons. Illegal bush meat trade,

were found to be both foragers and hunters – utilizing primitive “tools.” Until this dis-

What we have le a r ne d is tha t s imp ly la b e ling a speci es as endan g e r e d is not e noug h to p r ote c t it

commercial and illegal logging, mining operations and converting their habitat

covery, anthropologists saw tool making as a defining trait

to agricultural land are all contributors. A lack of coordina-

of mankind. When Jane wrote of her discovery to Louis

tion between government agencies, extreme rural poverty,

Leakey, the man who set her on course for her life’s work,

and a shortage of incentives to protect wildlife are other

he replied: “Now we must redefine ‘tool,’ redefine ‘man’ or

factors.

accept chimpanzees as humans.”

There are few places left on earth where humans do not coToday, chimpanzees are distributed across Central and

exist with native wildlife, few national parks and protected

Western Africa in fragmented populations and continue to

areas where humans did not co-exist with wildlife, and even

decline across their historical range. Sadly, they are believed

fewer places where the decision to designate a protected

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THE HOUSTON ZOO &

area doesn’t somehow intimately affect the human population living around its borders. Herein lies the conflict.

If we rob native people of the ability to harvest natural resources and wildlife without offering a feasible, sustainable

CHIMPANZEE

CONSERVATION: Since 2004, The Houston Zoo has supported the

solution, then conservation efforts will ultimately fail and ille-

Jane Goodall Institute’s Tchimpounga Natural Re-

gal activity will increase. The most successful conservation ef-

serve (TNR) in the Republic of Congo. The area is

forts are those in which indigenous communities are empow-

characterized by a mosaic of dry open savannahs,

ered to manage natural resources and train through capacity

densely forested gorges, flood plains, mangrove

building programs on alternate ways of generating income.

swamps, and coastal Mayombe forest -- Africa’s most endangered ecosystem type, of which only

How can the average person influence these global wildlife

approximately 10% remains. These forests shelter

problems? Westerners may feel there’s little relation between

many endangered species such as chimpanzees,

the problems affecting great apes and the decisions we make in our day-to-day lives. But we support a globally charged economy and there is a trickle down affect with everything we purchase. Several resources we consume come from this region, such as wood products, gold, diamonds, and other gems and minerals. Your cell phone, video game system, and some computers include one of these minerals, known as coltan.

forest elephants, and western lowland gorillas, as well as guenons and mandrills. Due to the close proximity of this highly diverse and important area to the Republic of Congo’s second largest urban area (Pointe Noire), TNR faces many of the pressures that human populations place on natu-

Eighty percent of the world’s coltan comes from the Congo –

ral resources. To prevent poaching, JGI employs

home to both gorillas and chimpanzees – and it’s turned into

local Eco-guards to protect the reserve, and is per-

a multi-million dollar trade! Mining it destroys critical wild-

forming intensive biological surveys to determine

life habitat and fuels civil unrest. Civil war takes its toll by

the best sites for possible reintroduction of captive

increasing the availability of guns and displacing local human

chimpanzees into the wild.

populations who turn to hunting wildlife for subsistence. With civil unrest and instability comes an increase in the bush meat trade and the illegal removal of natural resources.

How great apes live, think and interact has been part of our evolving consciousness about wildlife for the last fifty years.

Realizing how similar they are to humans inspires us to want to protect them. Fifty years should have been enough time to safeguard this iconic species and ensure their survival; unfortunately, it has not. What we have learned is that simply labeling a species as "Endangered" is not enough to protect it.

How can you help chimpanzees?

•

Visit the Houston Zoo’s new African Forest exhibit opening this December and learn more about these fascinating apes.

•

Support wildlife conservation efforts focusing on great ape species, especially the Jane Goodall Institute at www.janegoodall.org.

•

Be an informed consumer. Know where your products come from.

•

Keep your current cell phone longer and recycle it outside of the Houston Zoo gift shop. Recycle other electrical components wherever possible.

WILD LIF E

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DE VE LOP M E NT

"Wildcats" Raise Funds For Endangered Wildcats The Houston Zoo extends our special thanks to the students of Velasquez Elementary of Richmond, TX, a.k.a.

“Wildcats”, for raising $700 for the Zoo’s Cat Conservation program through their holiday Cash for Cats fundraiser.

This money will help the Zoo to support researchers in identifying and monitoring five threatened wild cat species in Malaysian Borneo.

“Our students were donating money from getting good grades on their report cards, which they worked very hard

Preserve Memories & Honor Someone Special Looking for the perfect way to commemorate a special occasion, like a birthday, wedding or special trip to the Zoo? Or, want to leave a legacy for a beloved friend, family member or pet? Say it with a brick paver for the Zoo’s front entry!

Your personalized brick represents a unique and lasting memory to be cherished for years to come.

Create your own memory today! Your tax-deducible gift of $100 or more will earn you a spot in the Zoo’s front entry!

For more information and to order your brick, visit www. houstonzoo.org/brickpaver.

for,” said fourth grade teacher, Beth Yockey, “as well as money found in their couches, their parents’ cars – even the dryer! Once they saw one person do it, everyone followed.

Help Us Bring Africa to Houston!

It was inspiring.”

On your next visit, purchase a limited edition African ForThe kids celebrated their hard work with a trip to the Zoo!

est bracelet and pin at the ticket counter. With this donation, you are playing a role in building the historic African

We hope their love for these endangered animals will lead them to become the next generation of nature’s guardians.

Forest expansion. Learn more at www.houstonzoo.org/ africanforest.

Learn how your own donations or fundraiser can support animals at the Zoo and around the globe at www.houstonzoo. org/support and www.houstonzoo.org/conservation.

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$2 donation

$5 donation

Experiencing Nature Inspires Us to Respect & Protect When was the last time you had a once-in-alifetime experience? We’re offering two!

Join the Houston Zoo for 5 days / 4 nights on the water in Baja and the Sea of Cortez. Escape to a world teeming with wildlife, where the beaches show no footprints except your own, and the setting sun seems to glow orange for hours.

Kayak. Hike. Take an adjunct Zodiac Cruise to search for whales and dolphins or snorkel with sea lions and vibrant reef fish.

Prefer solid ground? Then trekking with the Mountain Gorillas of Rwanda is for you. First we’ll visit Akagera National Park in the east, with its beautiful undulating plains, its woodlands, sprawling lakes and wetlands. Spot wildlife in the park – elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, crocodile and antelope. The highlight: tracking the endangered Mountain Gorillas in Parc National des Volcans. Seeing some of the remaining 700 mountain gorillas is a truly aweinspiring experience.

Go to www.houstonzoo.org/safari or email conservation@houstonzoo.org for more information.

Call of the Wild Speaker Series Lectures resume in October with a very special guest. Enjoy nature, wildlife, and landscape photography from around the globe as acclaimed National Geographic photographer Frans Lanting joins us for this evening event on October 13 in the Houston Zoo’s Brown Education Center.

Then on November 17, join us in welcoming Carter Smith, Executive Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife. Go to www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries for details.

Call of the Wild Speaker Series is sponsored by the Tapeats Fund, Charles T. Bauer Foundation, Continental Airlines and KUHF-FM (88.7).

WILD LIF E

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{

Mom Shanti wi th baby Bayl or, the ne we s t me mb e r of o ur H o usto n Zoo el ephant herd, b or n on Ma y 4, 2010.

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ELEPHANT KEEPERS

ON DOUBLE DUTY The daily routine at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is returning to normal after the arrival of Baylor, the newest addition to the Houston Zoo’s Asian elephant herd.

As the newborn settles in with his mom, Shanti, and the rest of the herd, the Houston Zoo veterinary staff and the elephant care team find themselves in a unique situation – both observing and monitoring Baylor’s early development while preparing for the arrival of a second calf this fall to mom Tess.

For about the first two years of his life, Baylor’s primary source of nutrition will be mother’s milk. Elephant milk is high in fat and protein. In fact, it contains 100 times more protein than cow’s milk. On average, Baylor will consume approximately 20 pints of mother’s milk a day.

But at about six months of age, the keepers will begin to introduce Baylor to solid food, like small bits of apples or yams. Baylor will be ready to go to ‘school’ soon and his keepers will need a ready incentive to reinforce the learning process. What better reward than a nice sweet apple slice?

As Shanti and the rest of the herd teach him what it means to be an elephant, the keepers will begin teaching Baylor how he will take an active role in his care.

One of the first things he’ll learn is to be still, a task that has

A CARING COLLABORATION In 2009 the Houston Zoo and Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) established a unique collaboration.

Created following the untimely loss of the beloved 2-year-old calf Mac, the partnership returned results in less than a year with development of a new test that specifically diagnoses elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses, or EEHV, commonly called elephant herpes.

Dr. Jeff Stanton, postdoctoral fellow in the department of molecular virology and microbiology helped develop the new test while working with Dr. Paul Ling, an associate professor in the same department.

vexed even the most patient human parents. Keepers will teach Baylor to open his mouth so they can check his teeth, tongue

Prior to the development of the new test, the diagnos-

and oral tissues, and he’ll learn to lift up his legs so keepers can

tic screening process for EEHV looked for all types

check his foot pads and toenails.

of viral infections that an elephant might have. As Dr. Stanton explained in a recent issue of the BCM

While Baylor goes to school, the elephant care team will repeat

magazine Solutions, the new test looks specifically

the birth preparation process for delivery of Tess’ calf in the fall.

for the most common deadly strain and its subtypes.

Keepers and vet staff will conduct an encore performance of regular ultrasounds and blood tests to check progesterone levels

The new test can be used on blood, urine, trunk

while monitoring Tess’ diet to ensure the calf is healthy.

washes and even tears. “Right now we receive fluid samples from the Zoo once each week for testing. We

Baylor’s first year will be a time of discovery. In addition to learn-

want to catch the virus as soon as possible so treat-

ing about his environment and the other members of his Hous-

ment can begin immediately,” said Stanton.

ton Zoo elephant family, Baylor will soon discover that amazing device on the front of his face – his trunk. He’ll watch the other

The Human Genome Sequencing Center at BCM is

elephants and attempt to mimic their behavior, much to the

sequencing DNA from tissues of infected elephants

amusement of the keepers and Zoo guests. But after a couple of

to try to determine the herpesvirus genome. “A com-

months he’ll get the hang of it.

plete sequence of the virus genome could help in making a vaccine and that would give us more in-

Read our elephant blog at houstonzooblogs.org/elephant.

formation about how the virus works,” said Stanton.

WILD LIF E

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M E MB E RS H IP Take a Walk on the Wild Side Join one of our expert animal keepers for an insider’s look at the Houston Zoo. Our staff will be your personal guides as they share their passion for the critters in their care.

Listen to stories of the animals’ antics and personality quirks that will open your eyes and tickle your funny bone. Walk on the Wild side this summer! Visit www.houstonzoo. org/tours for available tours and dates.

Members First Saturdays Beat the summer heat and lead your pack to the Zoo on the first Saturday of every month at 8 a.m. for early entry. This is an exclusive opportunity for members only.

Adopt a Houston Zoo Animal Why not adopt a bear for your brother or a sea lion for that special someone? Or how about our newest resident the red panda? Not only will you be contributing to the care of your animal, you’ll support important education and conservation programs at the Houston Zoo. So give an adoption as a gift --to yourself or someone special. Packages start at just $35! Purchase your adopt online today at www.houstonzoo.org/adopt.

2010 Member's Rewards Members can now make food and gift purchases at the Zoo and earn Member Bucks to be used toward

purchases in the Houston Zoo Gift Shop. Inquire at the membership booth or gift shop next time

you are here.

Explore Your Membership benefits!

Current members receive many benefits throughout the Zoo. Did you know you can bypass normal admission lines and go straight to the front by member-only Express Lanes?

Additionally, members receive 10% off in our store. Member discounts apply to a spin on the Wildlife Carousel too. Go to www.houstonzoo.org/memberlevels for the full list of Houston Zoo member benefits!

Dinosaurs are Here – Don’t Miss It This summer, prehistoric dinosaurs are returning from extinction for a stay at the Houston Zoo. Members will have an exclusive opportunity to visit this exciting exhibit twice before the general public.* See what all the excitement is about. Don’t miss getting the first chance to meet with a fearsome T-Rex or a massive Brachiosaurus! For more information go to www.houstonzoo.org/dinos.

DINOSAURS! Member-only dates: Thursday, May 27, & Friday, May 28, 2010 *$2 fee per person to enter DINOSAURS!

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EDUC ATION

BG NORTH AMERICA SUPPORTS CONSERVATION AT THE ZOO. The Houston Zoo and BG North America kicked off the Eco-Learning Lab on February 13, 2010. Ten teachers from the Houston Independent School

CALLING ALL KIDASAURUSES

District gathered at the Zoo for an exciting morn-

This summer, dinosaurs won’t be the only creatures descend-

about water conservation using real life examples.

ing upon the Houston Zoo! With the arrival of the new dino-

In May, the teachers and their third grade students

saur exhibit set to debut on Memorial Day weekend, both our

returned to the Zoo for water quality testing at the

Camp Zoofari kids and the Wild Winks overnight guests will

Zoo’s Reflection Pond and tours of aquatic exhibits.

ing, learning how they can teach their students

have a chance to step back in time.

Beginning June 1, children participating in Camp Zoofari will go on a scavenger hunt that promises to be a fun-filled adventure leading back to a time when prehistoric creatures roamed the earth. They’ll learn all kinds of fascinating facts about the habitats dinos lived in before they went extinct nearly 65 million years ago, and how they directly relate to

Through BG’s unique partnership with the Zoo, the Eco-learning lab is providing valuable science education and teaching youth to be stewards of our beautiful yet fragile world!

many animals that call the Houston Zoo home today!

During the summer months we’re also featuring Doze with the DINOSAURS!, giving you and your family or scout group a chance to spend the night as part of our Wild Winks program. Guests will tour grounds, the Reptile House, giraffes and the Kipp Aquarium as well as the new DINOSAURS! exhibit – and create their very own fossil as part of their craft project.

If you or the kidasauruses you know are all about dinosaurs, this summer the Houston Zoo is definitely the place to be!

For more information on our Camp Zoofari or Wild Winks overnight programs, please visit www.houstonzoo.org/education or call 713-533-6739.

WILD LIF E

| SUMMER 2010 | 17

A S U O R N S I !

D INVADE THE HOUSTON ZOO

THIS SUMMER

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M

illions of years ago, well before people inhabited the earth, the

world was populated by dinosaurs -- one of several kinds of prehistoric animals.

This was during a time known as the Mesozoic Era, also known as the Age of the Dinosaurs, which spanned 180 million years. To get a sense of how long that was, modern humans have only been here for about 200,000 years, with early humans dating back to barely one million years.

Dinosaurs, ranging in size from as small as a

how they hunted

chicken to the size of a building, roamed the land

and moved, their

feeding mostly on plants, though some ate meat

height and weight,

or hunted each other! But approximately 65 mil-

what they looked

lion years ago, during the Cretaceous period, the

like

structurally

majority of dinosaurs went extinct. There was a

and

their

lot of tectonic plate movement and volcanic ac-

And with more

tivity then that could have caused their demise,

being uncovered

through attendant earthquakes, tsunamis, and

all the time, the bigger picture continues to

changing weather and food sources. Another oft-

evolve and grow clearer.

diet.

cited cause of extinction is the theory that an asteroid strike brought climate changes to which the dinosaurs could not adapt.

Is your interest piqued yet? We hope so because on Memorial Day weekend, the Houston Zoo debuted a special, limited engagement ex-

For hundreds and even thousands of years

hibit featuring ten animatronic dinosaurs that

there’s evidence of people unearthing dino-

use futuristic technology to come alive again

saur bones and fossils. So while the first dino-

in a prehistoric landscape. From the mighty

saur was scientifically described as recently as

T-Rex and plated Stegosaurus to the massive

1824, the Chinese, Greeks and Romans recorded

Brachiosaurus and horned Triceratops, these

finding them as far back as 2000 years ago! Dis-

snarling, roaring creatures will evoke wonder

covering giant bones in those days may be where

and tons of fun for every person who dares to

their idea of dragons and griffins originated.

meet them face-to-face.

While dinosaurs can be named

There’s dino-themed food and

after the person that found

drink, and we’ve brought in

them, the place where they

special dinosaur memorabil-

were located or a feature

ia so you can take something

unique to them, they are usu-

home from your visit. And

ally made up of two words

what a place to have your

– either Greek or Latin – il-

party! Capture the imagina-

lustrating their genera and

tion of all your guests and

species. Even the word ‘di-

make it something they’ll

nosaur’ originated by this method, deinos

talk about for centuries!

meaning terrifying, and sauros meaning lizard.

Our prehistoric herd is a

WILDLIFE

From found skeletons and fossils it’s difficult

thrill for all ages, but only

to tell their coloring, how they sounded, even

until September. For more

if they were male or female. But there is much

information, please go to

that can be determined, such as when they lived,

www.houstonzoo.org/dinos.

WILD LIF E

| SUMMER19 2010 | 19

LOOK WHAT'S NEW AT THE CHILDREN'S ZOO !

This summer, what better place to take the kids than to

Two places where there’s always something new happen-

the Zoo? Some recent additions have made it better than

ing: the Butterfly Stage, where new storytelling and inter-

ever for them and for you.

active animal shows will be going on all summer long, and the Swap Shop in the Discovery Center. Stop by, especially

We’re excited to announce a beautifully crafted walkway

if you haven’t yet; it’s a whole new way to engage your child

as you exit the bald eagle exhibit area. There's added

and help them learn about the natural world.

rock formations, which also carry into the deer’s habitat, and log fencing that runs past the otter exhibit to two

While there, check out the changes to the Discovery Gar-

new rope climbing play areas! Located near the otter

den. Fresh flowers and plants abound, flanking a brand

slide and next to the pelican pool, with spongy rubber

new path just beside the main entrance, making it that

mulch underneath, climbing on these ropes is a great

much easier to exit and enter the Children’s Zoo.

way for kids to learn balance and get strong while having fun.

Because we know the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo is a place that our guests return to again and again, we have

Now if you’re looking for a nice place to sit, you’ll find

even more improvements planned throughout the summer.

several inviting new benches under the arms of a big

So come back, discover, and enjoy!

shade tree nearby. A refreshing little stream winds its way through, adding extra cool and calm. It’s a perfect place from which to view the playgrounds.

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Go to www.houstonzoo.org/McGovern for information.

IT'S A POSTER! DINOSAURS! are invading the Houston Zoo this summer. Go back in time to when these awe-inspiring beasts dominated the earth.

Come meet the Parasaurolophus, Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops pictured here, along with the other dinosaurs now on exhibit from May 29 through September 6.

To read more about them all, log on to www.houstonzoo.org/dinos.

The Houston Zoo 1513 Cambridge Street Houston, Texas 77030

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

Visit online at www.houstonzoo.org

Houston, Texas Permit No. 8963

PA I D

CHECK OUT

WHAT’S HAPPENING

BEHIND THE

SCENES! Guess what? You can book tours of up

close and personal visits with our meerkats!

Or how about our African wild dogs, amusing otters, velvety okapi, or spectacled bears, not to mention a wide variety of our birds and primates, or the Kipp Aquarium... and that’s just to name a few!

If you’ve never experienced a Behind the Scenes Tour at the Houston Zoo, it’s the most awesome way to spend a day, and make it one you’ll never, ever forget.

What are you waiting for? Discover the entire menu of our tours by visiting www.houstonzoo.org/events/tours/behind.