Houston Zoo WILDLIFE

WINTER 2009

FEATURES

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

Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of Directors E. William Barnett (Director Emeritus) Freda Wilkerson Bass Nandita Berry (Mayor’s Appointee) Jack S. Blanton, Sr. (Director Emeritus) Winfield M. Campbell, Sr. Cathy Campbell Brock Michael Cordúa Jonathan Day (Immediate Past Chair) Linnet Deily Anne Duncan Susan Ehrhardt (Current Zoo Friends President) Barbara Goldfield Martyn Goossen Robert Graham (Chairman) Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr. Stephen Kaufman (Mayor’s Appointee)

Donald R. Kendall, Jr. (Vice Chair - Conservation) Glenn L. Lowenstein (Mayor’s Appointee) Daniel C. McNair Stacy Methvin Stephen D. Newton Charles Onstead Barbara Samuels (Mayor’s Appointee) Tony Sanchez III Cathryn Selman (Vice Chair - Board Governance) Louis Sklar Herman L. Stude Shawn Taylor Lori Vetters George R. Willy (Mayor’s Appointee) E. W. Bill Wright III (Mayor’s Appointee) Austin Young

On the cover: Maned Wolf Photo by: Kelly Russo Wildlife Production Team Editor: Michael Reina Creative Director: Melanie Campbell-Tello Design: Melanie Campbell-Tello Photography by: Stephanie Adams, Dale Martin, Rachel Rommel, Peter Riger, and Terra Incognita Ecotours Postmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 Cambridge Street Houston, Texas 77030

How To Reach Us: Houston Zoo, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6500

6A CLOSER

LOOK AT RWANDA

12

NEW CARNIVORES

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HOUSTON ZOO RANGERS

18 THEN & NOW

ZOO SCHOLARS

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

DEPARTMENTS

Zoo Hours: November 2 through March 7 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.)

March 8 through November 1 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.)

The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 77030. ©Houston Zoo, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Subscription by membership only.

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

DIRECTOR'S DEN 2 AFRICAN FOREST PROGRESS 3 EDUCATION 8

HOUSTON TOADS 10 HOLIDAYS 16

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

DEVELOPMENT 20

DIRECTOR'S DEN Our Zoo holiday season began early this year as we broke ground on the much anticipated African Forest immersion habitat in early September. We have been talking about this project for almost six years, and we finally have the resources and team in place to make it a reality. This issue of Wildlife Magazine will be the first of four that will bring you progress reports on Phase One of this six-acre project opening in December 2010.

This project is particularly gratifying to me as it fulfills a promise we made to the City of Houston back in 2002 when they approved our 50-year public/private partnership agreement. When City Council voted yes to our privatization plan, they did so because it was a blueprint for developing a great zoo. A key element in that long-term

,,

plan was a new type of exhibit experience that would literally open up a window into

It is fair to say that no other area of our planet has such a rich legacy of both real and

,,

a land that most have never seen before except in pictures or films. It would connect people with nature in a more intimate and meaningful way which in turn would inspire conservation commitment and action.

Some of my zoo colleagues are very gracious in saying this project is primarily my vision, but it is truly a shared vision with important contributions from many staff members. I do admit having a special fondness for the equatorial region or Heart of Africa, which I have visited numerous times. It is truly a fascinating area of the world with unique cultures and amazing wildlife. This is the place where legends were born

imaginary stories of

and the fictional Tarzan rescued Jane from a more civilized, yet less satisfying, world.

amazing animals and

imaginary stories of amazing animals and mysterious cultures. We will have our own

mysterious cultures.

symbolizes the wild spirit of this remote destination.

It is fair to say that no other area of our planet has such a rich legacy of both real and mythical Koolookamba in The African Forest (more on the KK in future issues) that

Much has been written about this mysterious land, beginning with the travels of the 19th century explorer, Sir Henry Morton Stanley, and continuing with the mega transect of Mike Fay over 100 years later in the 1990s. Stanley was sponsored by King Leop-

R I CK BA RO NG I Z oo D i rec t o r

old of Belgium and looking for a new colony, while National Geographic had Fay looking for a cover story. Despite all these expeditions and colorful literary accounts, there is still so much we do not know about this region. We even had our own mini-expedition of zoo professionals visit the West African country of Gabon in 2005 to bring back some first-hand stories of the people and wildlife that inhabit this fascinating corner of the world.

The African Forest will be beautifully realistic with many amazing and endangered animals, but what will make it really unique will be the underlying storylines that will touch people’s hearts as well as their minds. For The African Forest to truly be judged a success, it has to make a difference. It has to benefit the people and animals in the lands we are attempting to emulate. That is why we are supporting several major conservation initiatives in Africa and connecting our exhibits with the habitats they represent. So every time you come to the Zoo you are helping to save a part of the world that we cannot afford to lose. Now that’s something to be proud of and to keep coming back for.

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AFRICAN FOREST BREAKING GROUND Pictured above is an aerial view of The African Forest taken from the rooftop of the Memorial Hermann Hospital parking garage. Slated to open in late 2010, this dream is only a year away from officially becoming a reality.

Where cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts are currently at work will be the future habitat of exotic African animals, including chimpanzees, rhinoceroses, and Masai giraffes.

Strategically-placed cameras will showcase animals after hours, as well as allow us to broadcast special programs and keeper talks to patients at the Texas Medical Center. Just minutes from downtown Houston and literally seconds from the Medical Center, The African Forest will give Houstonians an unprecedented immersion experience and view of African wildlife and the natural world.

WILD LIF E

| WINTER 2009 | 3

allowance. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk encourage Ricky to share $1.25 of his weekly allowance with a charity

HE

T

or cause of his choice. For 21 weeks Ricky gave 25

0 1 20

O

In exchange for his help, Ricky is given a five dollar

ZO

and father by doing five chores around their house.

COMING T O IS

cents to his church and one dollar to the Houston Zoo to help take care of our animals.

N

Each week, six-year-old Ricky Kirk helps his mother

AFR ICA

R

Profiles in Giving: Ricky Kirk

H O U S T OTravel

to Africa

No Passport Needed!

Ricky’s mom, Jennifer Kirk, says that Ricky was inspired to

Make a tax-deductible, year-end gift

donate his money to the Zoo after a recent visit. “Ricky saw

to the Zoo’s African Forest Campaign

someone driving by with a bucket of food for the Zoo ani-

and help bring Africa to Houston. You

mals and made the connection that the Zoo has to feed their

can make your gift online, at the Zoo’s

animals much like we have to feed our own pets,” Kirk said.

admission gate, or by calling (713) 533-

After that moment, Ricky decided that he was going to save

6701. You can also show your support for

his money and help the Zoo take care of our animals.

the campaign by purchasing an African Forest bracelet, pin, or t-shirt – all pro-

Each year, the Houston Zoo relies on the generosity of donors

ceeds will go toward making this project

like Ricky to help us feed and care for more than 4,500 ani-

a reality. For more information about

mals who represent 800 different species. Find out how you

The African Forest, visit our website at

can be just like Ricky at www.houstonzoo.com/support.

www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest.

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T

HE HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

While The African Forest will have its fair share of awe-inspiring animals, it isn’t just about magnificent wildlife and beautiful habitats. It’s about people and the wonderful, rich cultures that we all can share. To be a conservationist is to actively preserve and protect something, especially through planned management of a natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

The concept of conservation in the context of zoos and aquariums can mean many things to many people: wildlife protection, habitat restoration, environmental protection, and more.

What we frequently do not discuss is the human component of wildlife conservation. What are we doing to enact the “careful preservation and protection of something” if that something is the people who have historically lived side-by-side with the wildlife we intend to protect? To that end, the Houston Zoo’s conservation efforts will focus on developing wildlife, habitat, and human conservation programs in central Africa over the next year.

Right now, there are few places left on earth where humans do not coexist with native wildlife. There are also few national parks and protected areas anywhere where humans did not coexist with wildlife before these park boundaries were put in place. And there are even fewer places where the decision to designate a protected area does not somehow intimately affect the human population living around its borders.

If the ability for native people to coexist with their habitat is taken away from them without offering a sustainable solution, then wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are bound to fail. The most successful conservation efforts are those in which indigenous communities are empowered in the management of local natural resources and supported through capacity building programs.

Model community initiatives lead to socioeconomic and conservation gains by establishing and strengthening alternative community initiatives for sustainable development which can be compatible with the long term conservation of local natural resources.

Today, wildlife can be a much more valuable asset alive than dead.

Human-wildlife conflicts are worldwide: jaguars and livestock in Latin America, elephants and humans in Asia, wolves and livestock in North America, and many, many others. As conflicts continue to increase with habitat loss and human population growth, we must consider a positive solution to the issues facing both wildlife and humans. Learn more about the Houston Zoo's global initiatives at www.houstonzoo.org/global.

WILDLIFE

WILD LIF E

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A Closer Look At Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas and Human Health Initiatives

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T

he founding mission of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP) is to help mountain gorillas survive by providing them with lifesaving veterinary care for humancaused or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. However,

the MGVP’s work is not limited to just treating wild mountain gorillas in their native habitat. Mountain gorilla groups that are habituated to tourism come into direct or indirect contact with park workers, researchers, and veterinarians on a daily basis. On top of that, habituated gorillas are visited by thousands of ecotourists each year, who come from every part of the world. Because mountain gorillas are affected by infectious diseases just as humans are, the MGVP works to minimize transmission of human diseases to mountain gorillas by ensuring that the people who come into close contact with the gorillas are as healthy as possible.

It is clear that the health of mountain gorillas is inextricably linked to the health of the people with whom they share their forest habitat. Because of this, in 2001, the MGVP launched its Employee Health Program (EHP) in Rwanda, which ensures that every mountain gorilla tracker, guide, porter, researcher, and veterinarian receives a comprehensive annual health evaluation. Any worker determined to have a health issue is sent to the local referral hospital for further diagnostics and treatment as necessary, all paid for by the MGVP. As a result, the MGVP has administered thousands of health checks to gorilla conservation workers through its EHP. In countries where the typical local two-room community health clinic is the only medical care available for 100,000+ people, it goes without saying that health care is minimal to non-existent for most people. The value of the program is thus, quite literally, incomparable. Not only does it help ensure that humans coming into close contact with mountain gorillas are healthy, perhaps more importantly, it fosters a greater sense of purpose among the conservation workers for their role and value in the conservation of mountain gorillas, improving their performance, encouraging their long-term commitment, and raising their morale.

Ecotourism raises awareness about wildlife while producing other benefits as well. The trek to see Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas can take one hour, or it can take all day. Both climbs will take you high up into the Virunga Mountains with a base elevation of 8,000 feet or more. The local porters help carry ecotourists’ gear, water, and supplies up the mountain. Base pay for a porter’s assistance is about $10 for their time, a fair wage for the area. What is more important is many of these porters are former poachers and loggers. Thus, ecotourism has offered them the ability to make a sustainable wage without the need to illegally hunt wildlife out of the forests. Read more about the MGVP and mountain gorillas at www.houstonzoo.org/mountaingorilla.

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HOLIDAY EDUCATION EVENTS

Spend The Night At The Zoo Friday, December 18 Camp-out under the stars and see the Zoo during a unique

W inter Camp Zoofari

overnight experience. Spaces are available in our family

Children ages 4 –12 learn about the natural world, conser-

www.houstonzoo.org/overnights

vation, and the animals that call the Houston Zoo home

and adult-only programs.

Rainforest Adventures | Monday, December 28

Attention Scout Leaders Workshops Offered Weekly

Button up your raincoat as we investigate the wet world of

Earn badges or enjoy an evening walkabout on Zoo grounds.

animals that run, slither, and swing through our tropical

Spaces are available in wolf and tiger cub achievement pro-

rainforests. Learn about the importance of these rapidly de-

grams and night prowls for brownies and boy scouts.

creasing habitats and what we can do to save them.

www.houstonzoo.org/scouts

Underwater Adventures | Tuesday, December 29 lands and explore the unique animals, from strange to famil-

Homeschool Day Januar y 2010

iar, that thrive in these liquid habitats.

Join the Houston Zoo education staff for a day of fun and

through interactive lessons, exhibit visits, and more.

Travel the tides of our surrounding oceans, lakes, and wet-

Savanna Safari | Wednesday, December 30

learning dedicated to homeschoolers! The day will include special presentations, activities, and tours for homeschool-

Slather on your sunscreen as we explore the hot, arid ex-

ers and their families.

panses of savannas and deserts. Find out what animals can

www.houstonzoo.org/homeschool

survive in these blistering habitats and how they adapt to

Winter Wildlife | Thursday, December 31

W ild Wheels Beginning in Febr uar y

Pack your parka and discover animals in the frozen reaches

Bring your infant or toddler for a stroll around Zoo grounds

of the poles and the snowy peaks of mountains as we travel

that concludes with a touchable animal encounter. Walk-

to some of the coldest spots on the globe for some frosty fun!

up registration accepted. Individuals and mom groups are

the extreme temperatures.

welcome.

Register today – space is limited. www.houstonzoo.org/camp

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www.houstonzoo.org/wildwheels

Safari Central Travel Program

Call of the W ild Lecture Series

This year, the Houston Zoo is offering several exciting and affordable opportunities to explore exotic destinations, observe wild animals in their natural realms, and experience local cultures.

January 28, 2010: Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director, International Rhino Foundation (IRF): The IRF is dedicated to

Join us in Rwanda to track endangered mountain gorillas, in Borneo for a riverside walk with wild elephants, or in Brazil’s Pantanal region as we search for jaguars, giant otters, anteaters, and over 100 different bird species.

Looking for something closer to home? We’re heading to Yellowstone National Park for a wolves and bears excursion in the spring and to the Sea of Cortez near Baja, California for whale and dolphin watching in the winter.

Itineraries, dates, and prices are available online at www.houstonzoo.org/safari.

the survival of the world’s rhino species through conservation and research. While all five rhino species remain in peril from poaching, forest loss, habitat conversion, and human encroachment – all five are in much better shape directly due to the IRF’s efforts.

March 25, 2010: Cristina Mittermeier, Executive Director, International League of Conservation Photographers: Cristina’s work has appeared in major magazines around the world, including National Geographic, National Geographic Explorer, Nature’s Best, American Photo, Latina, Elan, and Organic Connections. Her photographs of wildlife, animal habitats, and indigenous communities have been the focus of numerous books and TV shows.

More information and tickets are available at www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries.

WILD LIF E

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HOUSTON TOADS The Houston toad once inhabited the city it was named after, but disappeared decades ago in the wake of office buildings, shopping malls, and sports arenas. Originally discovered on the south side of Houston in the 1950s, its high-pitched trill is difficult to hear these days. It vanished from neighboring lands as well, to the point that its very survival was in question, and it became the first amphibian granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Urban expansion remains the principal threat to the toad’s existence, but extended droughts have also contributed to its decline. Today, small populations, thought to be fewer than 300 total, represent the species’ final stronghold.

Led by Amphibian Conservation Manager Paul Crump, the Houston Zoo is collaborating with Texas State University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Environmental Defense Fund to hatch and raise thousands of toads to return to nature.

Four releases were done this year, in May, June, August, and December at three locations throughout the toad's range. For the first time this year, 2,500 Houston toads were head started into Austin County, with the remaining 1,500 going back to the Bastrop State Park and the Griffith League Ranch in Bastrop County, for a total of about 4,000.

There’s still a long way to go before the Houston toad gets off the endangered species list, but great strides have been made over the past few years to bring our namesake toad back to Houston.

Visit www.houstonzoo.org/houstontoad to find out more about our city’s toad.

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GET CONNECTED

WITH THE HOUSTON ZOO! Byte-Sized Animals

Houston Zoo On Demand

This fall, the Houston Zoo became the first zoo in the world to offer a free iPhone application. Improving guest experience with GPS mapping linked to daily schedules and a database of animal facts and photos, this new wave of technology now puts the Houston Zoo in the palm of your hands.

Another exciting use of technology for the Houston Zoo comes with our Comcast On Demand Channel. Comcast subscribers can now “have a safari from their couch” by choosing “Get Local” on their On Demand menu and scrolling to the Houston Zoo section.

Not too long after the release of the app, some of our newest (and tiniest) animals got a chance to see how they measured up on the iPhone. On a recent behind-the-scenes tour of Natural Encounters, our pygmy marmosets, golden lion tamarins, and cotton-top tamarins (pictured above) took a stab at modern technology and the results couldn’t have been better.

We have dozens of videos on a variety of animals, including Meet the Keeper Talks (sponsored by Target), behind-thescenes experiences, conservation initiatives, and more.

Now, you can see our animals in action and get a glimpse of what you’ll see on your next Zoo visit right from your couch.

Find out more at www.houstonzoo.org/comcast.

See how they reacted at www.houstonzoo.org/iphone-app.

Search "Houston Zoo" in the app store to download the free application today.

HOUSTON ZOO TELEVISION

WILD LIF E

| WINTER 2009 | 11

SCORES OF

CARNIVORES

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Lions

The lion pride at the Houston Zoo is increasing to five, the largest it has been in over five years. Three new females arrived here this fall from just up the road at the Fort Worth Zoo. Uzima, Matungulu, and Nimu were all born last summer, so at their young age, they should be a great addition to our exhibit and our pride.

After their quarantine period, required for all new animals at the Zoo, and some time to get familiar with the exhibit, we will begin the introduction to Jonathan and Celesto. First, we will allow them to see each other through a mesh door, known as a “howdy.” The lions’ reactions will tell us the best way to proceed, and soon you will see all five of them lounging together in our lion exhibit.

Ocelot

The next time you come to the Zoo be sure to check out the newest resident in our small cats area, a male ocelot named Gustavo who arrived this fall from the San Francisco Zoo. Ocelots are small spotted cats (about 25 pounds) that spend most of their time on the ground.

They range throughout Central and South America, but one of the most endangered populations is right here in Texas, where there are less than 100 animals remaining in the wild.

Maned Wolf

Our carnivore staff recently traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to pick up a female maned wolf named Lucy, who you can now see on exhibit with our male, Seis.

Also known as the “fox on stilts” due to their red coat color and long legs, maned wolves get their name from the long fur on their neck, which stands up when they are excited or threatened.

Fossa

Fossa (pronounced “foo-sah” or “foosh”) are the largest carnivore on the island of Madagascar, even though they are only a little bigger than a housecat. This lack of larger predators gives the fossa a fearless disposition, although we have found that they can be quite nice in exchange for a tasty rat! Hansel, our resident male, received a mate this fall from the San Diego Zoo. WILD LIF E

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HOUSTON ZOO

S

troll the shaded pathways that wind

responsible for delivering guest services,” said

among the Houston Zoo’s landscaped

Houston Zoo Operations VP Joe Kalla.

exhibits and a host of questions will invariably cross your mind. What is

Responsibility defines the role of Zoo Rangers and

that strange thorny tree at Duck Lake? What

the individual members of the team. “First of all,

time do the keepers feed the pelicans at the

Zoo Rangers are probably the most knowledge-

Children’s Zoo? When do the elephants get their

able of all Zoo staff,” added Kalla. Out of neces-

baths? When will The African Forest open, and

sity, a Zoo Ranger's knowledge base must be broad

what new exhibits will be included? And, oh

and far reaching – from facts about Zoo exhibits

yeah, where’s the nearest restroom?

and animals, to natural history, to Zoo safety and emergency protocols.

Whether you’re a member and know the Zoo like your second home or a first-time guest, chances

Training is constant. Each Zoo Ranger is first aid

are your questions about the Zoo have been an-

and CPR trained and must know the Zoo’s safe-

swered by a Zoo Ranger, a member of a very spe-

ty and emergency operations manuals front to

cial group of Zoo employees who approach each

back. Regular “pop quiz” emergency drills test the

day with one goal in mind – making sure guests

team’s abilities and response times. Newly hired

enjoy their Zoo visit.

Rangers are paired with a veteran Ranger for orientation and initial training. For the first several

“Zoo Rangers perform an absolutely vital service.

weeks, new Rangers ‘debrief ’ with their mentor

Of all Zoo staff, Zoo Rangers are the ones most

at the end of each day’s shift, reviewing the day’s

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RANGERS Zoo Rangers, Top Row: Napoleon Rossi, Chris Adams, Luis Alvarado, Rachel Atkins, Renato Barrera, Laura Brewer, Amy LaDawn Blackmon, Carlos Contreras Bottom Row: Alexandra Gomez, David Quiroz, Viviana Valdez, Cassandra de Kanter, Michael Watchman, Jody Pizano, Paul Ortega, Stephen Leidner

activities and identifying areas for guest service

the day’s tour schedule, and construction and main-

improvements.

tenance schedules are checked. “Rangers escort all vehicles coming into public areas of the Zoo,” added

There is no routine day for a Zoo Ranger. “For

Rossi. “We’re also responsible for securing any pub-

Zoo Rangers, it truly is a new Zoo every day,”

lic areas where construction may be scheduled. The

said Operations/Guest Services Manager Napo-

safety of our guests and Zoo staff is a top priority.”

leon Rossi. “A day could start with the Ranger staff getting 3,000 school children into the Zoo

The skill set required of Zoo Rangers is as varied as

for their field trips and end with preparations for

the tasks they perform. “First of course is the ability

an evening reception at the Natural Encounters

to absorb, retain, and communicate a vast amount of

Building. In between, we may be called to escort

information about a wide variety of subjects. They’re

construction vehicles into and out of the Zoo or

walking and talking encyclopedias,” said Kalla.

accompany the transport of animals to and from the Zoo hospital for routine exams and check

Mix in an abiding passion for guest service, unbound-

ups. It’s never dull.”

ed patience, a generous supply of understanding and empathy, and last but certainly not least, add the

Early each morning, a myriad of daily tasks are

ability to remain calm under pressure. That’s what

reviewed, from the schedule of VIP and behind-

it takes to create a Houston Zoo Ranger.

the-scenes tours, to the daily schedule of Meet the Keeper Talks and presentations. The Zoo’s

“It takes a very special person to handle the job,”

fleet of golf carts is washed and prepared for

said Kalla.

WILD LIF E

| WINTER 2009 | 15

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Christmastime is here, and that means it’s time for our annual Breakfast with Santa.

Join us this December for a scrumptious meal and a visit by the jolly guy himself – Santa Claus! There will even be keepers on hand during the event with some cute, furry critters guests can meet and greet.

S es s io n s Saturday, December 19 | Two Seatings 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m. - Noon Sunday, December 20 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

T i c k et s Adults: $25 Member, $30 Non-Member Children: $17.50 Member, $21.50 Non-Member Infant (under 2 years): FREE This event fills up quickly, and reservations are required.

Sign up soon at www.houstonzoo.org/breakfastwithsanta.

Don’t forget to stop by our Houston Zoo

holiday booth at the Galleria this holiday season!

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GIVE A SPECIAL GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Yo ur h o l i d a y s h o p p i n g j u s t g o t easier!

Have you been trying to find that perfect gift for your

with some of our most popular animals? Visit us at

friends and family? Well, look no further than pur-

www.houstonzoo.org/gifts or call (713) 533-6550 to

chasing a membership to the Houston Zoo. Pro-

book a tour for someone special today.

ceeds directly benefit the Zoo and the care and conservation of wildlife.

G if t S h o p D i s c o u n t D a y s

Ado pt an Animal Why not adopt a bear for your brother or a sea lion for

Members will receive an exclusive opportunity

that special someone this holiday season? Or how about

for a 20% discount on purchases in the Houston

adopting our cutest resident, Toby the red panda? These

Zoo gift shop during our special member shopping

gifts are fun and educational. In addition, you will be

days. The Zoo is a great place to do your shopping

contributing to the care for your adopted animal, as well

without the typical holiday hassles. Choose from toys,

as supporting important education and conservation

puzzles, soft plush animals, magnets, tote bags, jew-

programs at the Houston Zoo. Adopt your animal online

elry, and shirts.

today at www.houstonzoo.org/gifts.

Upcoming Earlybird Member Shopping Hours: Saturday, December 12, 2009: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

T he Hou sto n Zoo Brick Pav er Pro g ra m

Saturday, December 19, 2009: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Buy your brick today, and leave your legacy at the Houston Zoo for generations to come. These personalized brick

*Members receive a 20% discount all day during these

pavers will be installed in the front entry of the Zoo and

shopping days.

are a great way to recognize your family, your friends,

G o Beh i n d t h e S c e n e s

and your love for the Houston Zoo! Bricks ordered by February 1, 2010 will be placed in the Zoo’s front entry in

What do you give to the person who has everything?

April 2010. Buy a personalized brick for your friends and

How about the opportunity to go behind the scenes

family at www.houstonzoo.org/brickpaver.

WILD LIF E

| WINTER 2009 | 17

& NOW

THEN

CATCHING UP WITH FORMER ZOO CREW SCHOLAR, SARAH SCHEWITZ Read Sarah’s full interview at www.houstonzoo.org/scholars.

NAME: SARAH SCHEWITZ | AGE: 20 COLLEGE: LSU | MAJOR: ANIMAL SCIENCES

Q: What kind of activities did you get

Q: What made you interested in working with

to participate in?

the Houston Zoo when you were younger?

A: An example would be a behavioral study I did on African

A: I have always been interested in animals ever since I

wild dogs – researching and observing dominance traits, play-

was a little girl. And actually, for the first month at the

ful traits, and social interactions. I was able to determine which

Houston Zoo, I was still living in Louisiana and would come

dog was dominant and tell when dominance was shifting.

to Texas on the days I worked.

Q: What was it like at first to work with animals at the Zoo?

A: At first, working at the Zoo was just flat out cool. It was

Q: How did your experience at the Zoo change your perspective of life in general?

A: I was encouraged to come out of my shell, offer help whereever I can, and be confident in my knowledge. My creative

so exciting waking up every morning knowing that I would

thinking has expanded tremendously since working at the Zoo.

be doing something none of my friends were doing. But as I

The Zoo has helped shape me into the person I am becoming by

grew closer to narrowing down what I would want to study

instilling confidence and a vivaciousness in me that I can share

in school, it became more of a passion.

with everyone. I absolutely love it!

18 | HOUSTON ZOO | w w w.h o u s t o n zo o .o r g

ZOO SCHOLARS

Each year the Zoo awards six $1,000 scholarships to our graduating seniors. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

THE ZOO CREW PROGRAM

Pictured from left to right: Deborah Cannon, David Daballen, Dr lain Douglas Hamilton, Ingrid Velasco, Lane Franklin, Korinn Mallory, Julian Post, Jessica Moore, Andrew Christensen, Diane Kendall, Karen Hinson

The Zoo Crew program is a unique volunteer experience that allows teens ages 13 - 17 to gain insight into careers in the zoo field, make new friends, and increase their knowledge about animals and conservation efforts at the Houston Zoo. In 2009, the Houston Zoo accepted over 200 exceptional teen volunteers committed to serving at least 100 hours in a ten-week period during the summer. These dedicated teens completed a total of 22,167 volunteer hours this summer alone, equivalent to more than 10 full time staff members.

During their volunteer time at the Zoo, teens were involved with exhibit projects; they conducted animal observations, assisted camp teachers in the classroom, and enhanced the Zoo guest experience with presentations and interactive activities to educate the public about conservation and animals. In addition to serving the Zoo, participants gained valuable life skills such as leadership, public speaking, time management and working in a team environment.

WILDLIFE

WILD LIF E

| WINTER 19 2009 | 19

Corporate Volunteering:

Another Way to Give Now more than ever, employees appre-

to help make a better campground

cently, working right alongside our Zoo

ciate opportunities for unity, together-

for overnighters and a more beautiful

staff – pulling weeds, saving trees, and

ness, and camaraderie. The Zoo’s cor-

lawn for everyone else as well.

learning a lot about green practices at

porate volunteer program promotes

the Zoo.

teamwork and company pride in an

ExxonMobil volunteer, Jeffrey Neu,

exciting and inspirational outdoor set-

had this to say about his experience

One Halliburton volunteer raved: “This

ting. Corporate volunteer events are

at the Zoo: “Volunteering with the

has been my favorite volunteer activ-

an excellent way to encourage citizen-

ExxonMobil

program

ity of all time. My fellows and I were

ship, inspire cooperation and team

was a great way to give back to two

discussing that probably the best part

spirit,

perfor-

of the most important members of the

was that it was nice to be around people

mance, and help the Zoo to achieve its

Houston community – our youth and

who were so passionate about animals

goals and spread the word about green

our Zoo. A valuable program like Wild

and the environment. Living in a big

practices, environmental stewardship,

Winks takes a lot of work to maintain,

city like Houston, it’s easy to forget the

and habitat conservation.

and while laying sod may seem like a

little (but important) things, like being

supercharge

future

Wild

Winks

small task, I know it will enhance the

kind to tree roots, slowing down when

In the heat of August, ExxonMobil

camping experience for the kids. As a

a baby bird is crossing the sidewalk in

volunteers helped our horticulture

member of this community, I am proud

front of you, and how there are animals

staff re-sod and spruce up the lawn in

I was able to give back in that way.”

in other countries that are endangered

front of the Brown Education Center;

Halliburton

made

and people are fighting to save them.

the company even made an additional

their volunteer debut at the Zoo re-

I admired how much the Houston Zoo

employees

also

monetary gift to cover the

staff cared about these

cost of the sod and other

environmental issues and

materials. This area is used

that they shared their

by scouts and other over-

message with us through

night campers through our

their actions. Everyone

Wild Winks and Scout Wild

was amazing. Best morn-

Winks programs, the lat-

ing ever!”

ter of which is generously sponsored by ExxonMobil.

Through this effort, employees were able to lend a hand

The Houston Zoo was one of several nonprofit organizations that benefited from the annual Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament. Our ZooMobile and several animal ambassadors delighted hundreds of golfers.

20 | HOUSTON ZOO | w w w.h o u s t o n zo o .o r g

IT'S A POSTER! There are approximately 740 mountain gorillas left on earth. They live only in two small parks: one in Uganda and one that includes a corner of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Are you looking for a gift to buy for your dad, teacher, or your hard-to-buy-for grandmother? We have the solution‌ A Houston Zoo membership is a gift that keeps on giving all year long. As a member, you know the great benefits of having a membership. Why not give a gift that will provide a year of memories?

Discounts are currently available on Individual, Family, Family Plus, Grandparent, and Supporting-level memberships purchased as a gift for someone in another household.

Be sure to use promotional code HOL2009 online at www.houstonzoo.org/gifts

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

15% OFF!

or by calling (713) 533-6713.

Offer expires December 31, 2009.