Houston Zoo Wildlife Winter 2010

be

the

first

to

experience

THE AFRICAN FOREST AT THE HOUSTON ZOO

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4. The Houston Zoo: 88 Years of History 7. The African Continent 8. The Adventure Begins 10. Gorilla Tommy 11. Koolookamba

ExxonMobil is proud to support this publication commemorating the opening of The African Forest at the Houston Zoo

12. The Field Guide and Map 14. The Forest Village 16. Tommy’s Treehouse 17. Chimpanzees 21. Rhinoceros 24. Giraffes 28. Cheetahs 29. Conservation: Locally and Globally 30. The Art of Building Africa

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CHIMPS

21

24

RHINOS

GIRAFFES

Wildlife Production Team

Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of Directors

Editor: Rochelle Joseph

Eduardo Aguirre

Anne Duncan

Glenn L. Lowenstein

Tony Sanchez III

E. William Barnett

Barbara Goldfield

Neal Manne

Cindi Scruggs

Creative Director: Melanie Campbell-Tello

Nandita Berry

Written by: Rick Barongi, David Brady, Deborah

Jack S. Blanton, Sr.

Cannon, Hollie Colahan, Amy Harvey, Brian Hill, Rochelle Joseph, Sharon Joseph, Laurie McGivern, Joseph Moore, Peter Riger, Kelly Russo, Chance Sanford.

Joe Cleary

Photography by: Stephanie Adams, Rick Barongi,

Linnet Deily

Dan Breton, Ray Mendez, Paul Swen

(Secretary)

Martyn Goossen Robert Graham (Chairman)

Stacy Methvin Walter Mischer Ali Moshiri

Michael Cordúa

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr.

Bobbie Nau

Rufus Cormier, Jr.

Stephen Kaufman

Stephen D. Newton

Jonathan Day

Donald R. Kendall, Jr.

Charles Onstead

(Vice Chairman)

Barbara Samuels

Cathryn Selman (Vice Chairman)

Herman L. Stude Shawn Taylor Lori Vetters George R. Willy E. W. “Bill” Wright III

Congratulations on the opening of The African Forest!

I am very proud of what has been accomplished at the Houston Zoo since the establishment of the public-private partnership that created Houston Zoo, Inc. in July 2002. The significant capital improvements leading up to the opening of The African Forest have greatly enhanced the Zoo’s guest experience.

As a child, one of my favorite family excursions involved a trip to Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo. As a student at Rice University, the Zoo’s lush landscape provided a welcome environment for a break from my studies. I always enjoy taking my family and out of town guests to the Zoo and showing them a treasured community asset.

I am particularly excited about the magnitude that The African Forest will add to the guest experience at the Zoo. I am especially looking forward to being able to feed those gorgeous giraffes each time I visit, as well as watching the chimps and seeing the return of rhinos to the Zoo. Again, congratulations on this substantial addition to our Zoo.

Welcome to The African Forest After more than six years of planning, The African Forest opens in December 2010. Zoo members will be rewarded with a sneak peek the entire week before the public unveiling on December 10.

The original Zoo master plan, completed in 1999, called for nine separate biomes with several fully enclosed, cold-climate habitats. This was re-evaluated during the privatization of the Zoo and deemed impractical, as it made more sense to take full advantage of our year-round outdoor weather, and focus on a tropical immersion habitat that emulated the remote and fascinating regions of Central and West Africa.

Sincerely,

“ I am p a r t ic u la r l y e x c i t e d abo u t t h e m a g n i t u d e t h a t T he A f r ic a n F o r e s t w i l l a d d t o th e g u e s t e xp e r i e n c e a t t he Z o o .”

Annise D. Parker Mayor

The newly formed Houston Zoo, Inc.

In 2002, the Zoo contracted the services

in the Zoo. It is a totally immersive expe-

Another exciting feature will be the inter-

Board embarked on the largest capital

of PJA Architects, a well-respected Se-

rience that disguises all the operational

nal HD camera system that will record and

Annise D. Parker

campaign in the history of the Zoo to fund

attle firm, to design The African For-

areas and exhibit barriers with natural-

broadcast animal activities and keeper talks

Mayor

the project. We were extremely fortunate

est. PJA had led the creative efforts for

looking rock work, landscaping, and invis-

to hospitals, schools and community groups

that Jonathan Day took the reins when

Disney’s Animal Kingdom, as well as

ible containment (glass and moats). Some

on a daily basis.

our first campaign Chair, Bob Onstead,

many other African-themed zoo exhib-

of the creative features include 20-foot-

suddenly passed away. Jonathan was

its worldwide. We hired Hines as our

high, concrete-earth bank walls with huge

This commemorative edition of our maga-

followed by Anne Duncan as campaign

Project Manager and Gilbane Construc-

tree planters on top, a 50-foot lava tunnel, a

zine will give you a more detailed look at

Chair. Bob Graham, Chairman of our

tion Company as our General Contrac-

mysterious cave, and replicas of Baka pyg-

many of the behind-the-scenes stories that

Board of Directors, has been particularly

tor. These top-notch companies joined

my tribe huts, to name a few.

are part of The African Forest.

important, stepping in to provide wide

with our experienced Zoo staff to form

ranging support. Without him, we would

a “dream team” that would ensure the

Of course the main attraction of The African

We hope you enjoy your safari!

not be opening up The African Forest this

project came in on time, on budget, and

Forest will be the new animals – ten chim-

December. Thanks to all their efforts, the

at the highest quality.

panzees, three white rhinos, greater kudu

Zoo raised over $42 million in private

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antelope, and ostrich – while our giraffes

funds and broke ground on construction

The design of the African Forest is

and cheetahs will also take up residence in

of the 6.5 acre Phase One project in 2009.

uniquely different from anything else

new, more spacious homes.

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

Deborah Cannon President & CEO

Rick Barongi Director

www.houstonzoo.org

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The Houston Zoo’s Rich History

88 years

New Leadership, New Directions

From its humble begin-

Upon accepting the job in 2000, Rick’s one condition was

The actual African forest is not one place; it is a dozen

nings in 1922 as a small,

permission to create a task force to research the eventual

countries, a hundred cultures, a thousand small worlds.

fenced-in area in Hermann

privatization of the Zoo. Two years later, in July 2002, the

It is misunderstood, exciting, and mysterious -- virtually

Park, featuring just a few

Houston Zoo became a private, non-profit organization

unparalleled in terms of the richness and diversity of its

native Texas species and

with a 50-year lease and operating agreement from the

habitats, its flora and fauna, and its distinctive culture. It

a

bison

City of Houston, thanks to the guidance and hard work of

is also plagued with challenging economic issues, which

named Earl, the Houston

the team led by Bill Barnett, Jonathan Day, and McKin-

lead to excess logging, mining, and commercial hunting

Zoo has evolved and grown

sey & Company.

in the form of poaching and the illegal bushmeat trade.

single

donated

All of these activities are contributing to today’s rampant

along with the city.

This new public/private partnership allowed the Zoo to

deforestation and loss of wildlife in this ecologically frag-

The Zoo’s first 80 years under the City of Houston’s

undertake the most ambitious scope of improvements in

ile area.

management reflected the boom and bust cycles of

its history. In the first eight years of privatization, the

Houston’s energy-based economy. During the prolific

Zoo added $34 million in capital improvements. New hab-

For years, the Houston Zoo has directed conservation ac-

years from the 1950s through the 1970’s, and again in

itats included Komodo dragons, okapi, African wild dogs,

tivities and research in countries across the globe, recent-

the 1990s, the Zoo grew to its current size of 55 acres,

giant eland and jaguars. In addition, improved habitats

ly placing a special emphasis on the equatorial regions of

adding many new exhibits, including the Reptile

for spectacled bears, sea lions, Malayan tigers and Afri-

Africa. It is our hope that through their experience of the

House, the Tropical Bird House, the Small Mammal

can lions were also completed. More ambitious new con-

animals and the culture of this distant place, our guest

Building, the Kipp Aquarium, and Wortham World

struction included building the McNair Asian Elephant

‘explorers’ and the community will indeed be inspired, as

of Primates. The Zoo also added new infrastructure,

Habitat and the Carruth Natural Encounters Building,

well as entertained.

including the Brown Education Center and the Den-

as well as adding the Wildlife Carousel, the Moran water

ton Cooley Animal Hospital. John Werler, Zoo Direc-

playground in the McGovern Children’s Zoo, and compre-

And So It Begins…

tor from 1963 to 1992, served during much of this

hensive landscaping, lighting, and interpretive signage

The African Forest at the Houston Zoo is a one-of-a-kind

growth; as a result his name was a household word.

improvements across Zoo grounds.

journey, where you will encounter a diversity of wildlife in an immersive environment and fascinating characters

In 1989, the Zoo’s tremendous growth was recognized

Expectations for modern zoos have expanded far beyond

set in a context of discovery. As you begin your adven-

with official accreditation by the Association of Zoos

what anyone might have envisioned even a few years ago.

ture, your first steps will echo those first steps taken to-

and Aquariums. As the governing body of zoos and

A great zoo must excel at all aspects of habitat design, an-

ward this transformational exhibit generations ago by

For over 88 years, the Houston Zoo has been

aquariums in North America, the AZA’s accredita-

imal care, conservation, and education. While the Hous-

the founders of the Houston Zoo – people of passion and

one of Houston’s most popular cultural attrac-

tion is an important distinction, giving validation to

ton Zoo had grown exponentially since privatization, to

vision who helped lead the Zoo to this momentous goal.

tions. More than 1.7 million guests visit the Zoo

the quality of the facilities and animal care provided

reach our full potential we set about planning the largest

each year. This attendance is a great reflec-

at the Houston Zoo.

exhibit in the Houston Zoo’s history: The African Forest.

most diverse visitorship of any cultural venue

The last ten years of the century brought the most

From Vision to Reality

in the city. A sanctuary of nature in the heart

aggressive growth yet, with, among other facilities,

How do you begin to transform 13 acres of prime Hous-

of an ever-growing urban environment, the Zoo

the opening of the McGovern Children’s Zoo, a proj-

ton real estate into a sensation of life, a brief glimpse

offers all Houstonians a unique educational op-

ect covering three acres. It became clear that if the

into a world few people will ever see? The process must

portunity to connect with the natural world, and

Zoo was to rise to new heights, a new governance

start with a vision, then continue with a talented group

model would be required. That is when Rick Barongi,

of people who believe that this can substantially impact

the Zoo’s fifth and current Director, took the reins.

people’s lives.

tion of the city itself, as the Zoo welcomes the

gain understanding of the complex relationships between animals, plants, and people.

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Generations have posed with our iconic lion water fountain.

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

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“Af r ica is t he cr adle of mankind . A land r ic h in lif e and lo v e , ye t t o r n apar t by m ans s e lf is h w ays .” T h a b o Mo ko ko n ya n e, G a b o r o n e, B o t swa n a

The Robert R. and Kay M. Onstead Foundation Chimpanzee Observation Site Robert “Bob” Onstead served on the Task Force that was responsible for privatizing the Houston Zoo. He believed so strongly in its mission and the role the Zoo plays in the quality of life of all Houstonians, that he also agreed to serve on the Zoo’s Board of Directors subsequent to its privatization. Bob then stepped up even further to Chair the Capital Campaign, which was created to raise the funds to build The African Forest. Bob believed that the Kathy McGovern with Kiva

The Dr. John P. and Katherine McGovern Foundation Giraffe Exhibit

Zoo is an important resource for the city and for families, providing both a fun and safe environment for them to visit together, and a way for children who don’t normally have access to the outdoors to enjoy. Unfortunately, Bob died suddenly in the summer of 2004 and was not able to see his vision become reality. However, his family made

AFRICA

Dr. John P. McGovern was widely celebrated as a

the first major gift to The African Forest Campaign in his

physician, educator, author, medical historian, phi-

honor, assuring that it got off to a great start. His wife,

Houston’s “founding fathers” are still giving back

Lush and verdant, the forest of Western equatorial Africa owes its incredible

lanthropist and humanitarian until his passing in

Kay, and his family have continued to be strong support-

to the city. By providing over 40% of the funding

growth to the hot, humid temperature. Even in its cities, you are surrounded by

2007. He and his wife, Katherine (Kathy), were long-

ers. Charles Onstead, one of Bob and Kay’s sons, now

for The African Forest, the foundations created by

abundant vegetation. As soon as you get into the bush, life is as it was 200 years

time, avid supporters of the Houston Zoo, and she

adds his expertise and represents his family on the Zoo’s

those who made Houston what it is today – The

ago. Red dirt roads cut through the dense green growth; some go as far as the

Board of Directors today.

Brown Foundation, Houston Endowment Inc., The

eye can see, disappearing on the horizon.

continues to be a generous donor and frequent visitor.

Kathy and Dr. McGovern would visit the Zoo regu-

Wortham Foundation, Fondren Foundation, and The

larly, often simply to watch the children enjoy their

Cullen Foundation – truly made this project possi-

The forest is far more silent than it used to be. Though there is a healthy bird

experience here. Kathy also has a particular fondness

ble. We are incredibly grateful to them not only for

and invertebrate population, the large animals are shy, having been mercilessly

for giraffes; she and Dr. McGovern once sat for hours

their generous philanthropic support, but also for

hunted by poachers and greatly reduced in number. Those that are left have

watching one of our giraffes give birth. Later, after Dr.

having confidence in us and in this vision – the larg-

retreated deep within the forest and move about cautiously.

McGovern’s passing, we named another giraffe calf

est undertaking in the Zoo’s history – to become lead

“Jack” in his honor. For this reason, it is especially fit-

campaign donors when The African Forest was still

A web of river systems, in places carving deep channels in the face of rock es-

ting that the giraffe exhibit will be named after these

just a distant dream. In so doing, they inspired many

carpments, are lined by local villages where the people of Africa are at work, rest

two cherished Zoo supporters, whose genuine love for

others in the community to join them in helping to

and play. Their markets are filled with sound and color.

the Zoo even today inspires Kathy to continue their

make The African Forest a reality, and gave a gift not

family foundation’s legacy by helping to make the Zoo

just to the Zoo, but to the entire city. We take great

The Houston Zoo has created a window into this remote and very special place,

the best it can be for all the citizens of Houston.

pride in this accomplishment, and we can only hope

so that you can experience a realistic glimpse of a world like no other. Turn the

our founding fathers would feel proud as well.

page and enter The African Forest.

Kay Onstead with Dr. Jane Goodall

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The Legacy of Houston’s Founding Fathers

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

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“Af r ica is not a place. It ’s many, many place s and m any dif f e r e nt c ult ur e s t hat ar e c o m bine d in a unique w e alt h o f adv e nt ur e .”

Pa u l S wen , Ph o t o g r ap h er , H o u st o n

The Adventure Begins You hold in your hands the definitive guidebook to The African Forest and an introduction to some of the fascinating characters and animals that you will meet along the way.

Your journey will transport you to the heart of the Western equatorial African rainforest in search of the mysterious Koolookamba. Is it a subspecies of chimpanzee, perhaps a gorilla-chimp hybrid – or nothing more than a figment of the ever-fertile human imagination? This real-life legend reminds us that biologists have yet to discover and classify many of earth’s living species.

While there is no signage pointing you in the right direction, you will see indications and likely even glimpses of the Koolookamba throughout The African Forest. There are multiple images hidden along the trail… so in essence, a Koolookamba waits around many corners.

Your African Forest expedition will introduce you to Gorilla Tommy, an adventurer and opportunist who undergoes a surprising transformation – from exploiter of the natural world, bent on finding proof of the mythical Koolookamba, to protector of not only the legend of the creature, but of the wonderful diversity of wildlife, the land and its people.

Tommy may not always be available on your visit to The African Forest but you will find many examples of his work and care. His Treehouse is filled with information on the Koolookamba and possible sightings by the local people. He is constantly working in his search to find the elusive ape.

Just past our African wild dog exhibit, your adventure

chimps are enticed to return frequently to search for

with the world’s tallest mammal and feed them by

starts with your first steps into The African Forest, as

food in a termite mound or from the limbs of fallen

hand.As you continue on to the new cheetah exhibit,

the surrounding urban landscape gives way to rug-

trees. The building is designed to allow you and the

your walking expedition through The African Forest

ged rock walls topped with a towering canopy of trees.

chimps to interact through expansive glass walls.

will be complete, but it is our hope that your journey of discovery will have only just begun. Like the ex-

Surprises await. Footprints, artifacts, unique sounds, cryptic writings, video images, and other clues entice

The building’s inside walls contain posters and

plorer Gorilla Tommy, we hope that your stay in The

the curious to explore an environment teeming with

graphics describing the plight of chimpanzees in Af-

African Forest creates such a sense of caring and pas-

fascinating stories, characters and, of course, animals.

rica. At various times of day, a local guide will talk

sion for the land, the animals and the people of Afri-

about animal training, behavior and care.

ca, that you will become an advocate on their behalf.

The African Forest opens with the Herzstein Trading

Leaving the chimpanzee study site, you’ll round the

There are many ways for you to continue this journey

Post, where you can stock up on food provisions for

bend to view the chimps in the open air. Following

throughout your life. Conservation programs exist

your journey. Small huts surround a central fire pit

the route through a lava tunnel, you will come upon

for many animals of Africa, and certainly traveling

that will be the site of storytelling and listening for

an unobstructed vista presenting a mixed species

and experiencing Africa first-hand is the ultimate

the sounds of local wildlife. Here, guides will present

habitat for white rhinos and greater kudu.

dream. Stay connected to The African Forest and the

Following a path through a rock portal, the world of

conservation programs supported by the Houston

entertaining, educational programs about The African Forest wildlife and invite guests to participate in

Continuing along the trail brings you to a wide plaza

Zoo by visiting our web site at www.houstonzoo.org/

local conservation efforts.

featuring the Shani Market gift shop, the Twiga Ter-

africanforest.

race restaurant and an all-encompasing view of our

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From the Trading Post, you will wind through a wood-

friendly family of Masai giraffe. One section of their

Of course we hope to see you back in The African For-

ed canopy to a large building overlooking a troupe of

habitat provides you with an unique opportunity:

est many times, to experience yet another magnifi-

chimpanzees. This is an observation study site where

Several times each day guests can come face-to-face

cant African adventure!

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

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The Great Apes of Africa

GORILLA TOMMY

The chimpanzee, gorilla, and bonobo range

KOOLOOKAMBA

across a region of 21 countries in Central and West Africa. Today habitat loss and the

From James Bruce and Mungo Park to David Livingstone

spiritual connection with their environment and the an-

From mythical unicorns and dragons to the more mod-

The controversy lingers as Du Chaillu’s description

commercial bushmeat trade have both se-

and Sir Henry Mortan Stanley, the history of Africa is

imals. Although he remains a newcomer to the forest, he

ern day Yeti and Bigfoot, humans have a long history of

differs from subsequent reports. The skeleton of du

verely fragmented the ranges and reduced

crisscrossed with the footprints of European adventur-

becomes a worthy student of its ways.

fascination with animal legends and lore.

Chaillu’s Koolookamba can still be seen in the British

the populations of all of Africa’s great apes.

Museum of Natural History, but its features resemble

Humankind’s closest relative, the chimpan-

or search for the source of the Nile, some who followed

Tommy found himself captivated by stories of the Koo-

In 1860, the French-American explorer Paul du Chaillu

those of a mountain gorilla (rather than a lowland go-

zee, has declined by nearly 70% in less than

came with decidedly more selfish motives: seeking fame,

lookamba, a legendary and mysterious ape. He suspected

became famous as the first modern outsider to describe

rilla), so it doesn’t seem possible that this was a type

one hundred years, from an estimated 1 mil-

fortune and profit from the continent’s resources.

that the Koolookamba was a species that scientists had

the existence of gorillas in Central Africa. After his ex-

of chimpanzee.

lion individuals to fewer than 300,000. The

ers. While early explorers sought to map the continent

yet to describe, so he searched for clues about the crea-

pedition, he also claimed, in his controversial 1861 book,

But for others, Africa cast a magic spell… which brings

ture, attempting to photograph and record its vocaliza-

Explorations and Adventures in Equatorial Africa, to

In Gabon today, 150 years after du Chaillu’s first expe-

dangered great ape, supports a population

us to our storied explorer, Gorilla Tommy.

tions. Days built into months and as they did, he awak-

have discovered a species he called the Koolookamba.

dition, there remains a belief among the human popu-

of no more than 300 individuals, while the

lation in a chimpanzee-gorilla hybrid, which they still

Mountain Gorilla of Rwanda, Uganda and the

call the ‘Kooloo-kamba’.

Democratic Republic of Congo are only 700

ened to a far deeper understanding of Africa. Stirred by Tommy began as an exploitive collector with the get-

the land, its people and their ways, he began to protect

In fact, du Chaillu shot a male primate in Southwest

rich-quick agenda of trading animals. That is, until his

the animals from which he once sought to profit.

Gabon and described it as a new sub-species of chim-

Cross River Gorilla, the world’s most en-

in number.

panzee, smaller than an adult male gorilla, but stockier

Fact or fiction, this forest creature ignited Gorilla Tom-

his timely rescue by indigenous people who treated his

From his slippery beginnings as a financial opportun-

than a female gorilla. He declared it more closely re-

my’s transformation from exploiter of the earth to a

The Houston Zoo works with field research-

severe injuries. The experience resulted in a newfound

ist, Tommy became a man transformed into a passionate

sembled a man than any other ape and that its name

protector of the environment. If the Koolookamba is a

ers and communities to support Great Ape

respect for the deep wisdom of his benefactors and their

defender of nature.

mimicked its call of “Kooloo, kooloo.”

myth, it’s a myth with a powerful impact.

conservation programs in Rwanda, Senegal

cargo plane went down. He survived, barely, thanks to

and the Republic of Congo.

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AFRICAN FOREST 2010

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“Africa is my solace, my place of peace. Where you learn that life is about basics and where the beauty of the world and the people around you is what really matters most.” Jane Quick, Botswana

African Marketplace

Strange Bedfellows?

Not at all. The giraffes in the new African Forest will be sharing their home with ostriches and the Southern white rhinos will be rooming with a family of greater kudu antelope, mirroring the natural living ar-

The African Forest Field Guide Your journey through The African Forest has been made easier thanks to a great deal of work done by Gorilla Tommy. He created this hand-drawn map

rangements of these species in the wild.

after many years of living and working among the animals and the area’s

Naturalistic, mixed-species exhibits offer

eros, giraffe, and other animals, as well buildings and landmarks.

guests a view into the ecosystems and social interrelationships found in nature.

Throughout The African Forest, the Zoo has designed and created authentic forest and savannah habitats that serve to educate its guests and meet all of the physical and social needs of the animal residents.

The result is an experience that is both aesthetically pleasing for you and enriching for the animals.

We sincerely hope you will fully immerse yourself in The African Forest and all that the new “neighborhood” has to offer.

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The Outpost

indigenous peoples. On it you will find his drawings of chimpanzees, rhinoc-

This Field Guide points the way through The African Forest and provides information that will assist you in the greater pursuit of knowledge about Africa, its people, and the animals found there.

In addition to Tommy’s crudely drawn map of The African Forest, the Houston Zoo has added information to aid in your educational experience. You’ll learn more about the Baka Pygmy tribe, who are native to the region, as well as important conservation stories such as the bushmeat crisis, which is a great threat to not only the animals, but the people of Africa. The Guide provides ways to learn more, including how you can help.

Tommy’s Treehouse

A complimentary Field Guide will be provided to you upon entrance to The African Forest. It is the hope of everyone at the Houston Zoo that your walk through The African Forest is just the first step in a greater pursuit of exploration and education.

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

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“ Af r ica , t h e wild co nti ne n t; s h e i s k no w l e dg e a b l e a n d c a rri e s o u r h e ri ta g e , wi th a s tro n g l i fe fo rc e a n d a m a zi n g d iver sit y.”

Thabo Mokokonyane, Gaborone, Botswana

The Houston Zoo: Broadening Horizons

THE FOREST VILLAGE You begin on a path through a rock portal, emerging

storytelling setting for entertaining and educational

Zoos have evolved markedly over the past several de-

cation and conservation resource for the Houston com-

of their own classroom. Not only would they get the

in an open area that is home to the Herzstein Trad-

presentations by Zoo staff about The African Forest

cades. What once were mainly family recreational and

munity. The African Forest will provide a new venue

chance to learn about such a topic, but they would also

ing Post and a nature-based travel camp. Here, you’ll

wildlife.

entertainment venues have transformed into education

for both, as well as the exciting addition of technology-

have the unique opportunity to ask our Zoo educators

and conservation resources with regional and interna-

integrated exhibits which will enable the Zoo to take

questions in real time! This camera system will bring

tional impact.

its curriculum well beyond its grounds – with distance

a valuable element to K-12 classrooms in the Houston

learning.

area and beyond. Soon, students from across the globe

learn about the larger context of life in equatorial West Africa and the challenging issues facing the people of

Near the village, you can visit a Communications Hut

the region such as illegal poaching and the bushmeat

where conversations taking place throughout equato-

trade.

rial Africa are broadcast via a simulated shortwave

While the habitats of The African Forest are excep-

radio. Over the crackling, whining airwaves, Gorilla

tional educational tools in and of themselves, of equal

The African Forest features a state-of-the-art video cam-

Upon entering the forest beyond, you will find yourself

Tommy can be heard discussing incidents of poach-

importance is the Houston Zoo’s commitment to wild-

era system that can capture animal activities occurring

immersed in the exotic sounds and smells of the jungle.

ing and the bushmeat crisis with government officials.

life conservation. Each exhibit incorporates compelling

behind the scenes and after hours, as well as our Meet

What’s more, through distance learning, our Interac-

The path leads you to a modest Baka Pygmy Village of

Adjacent to the Communications Hut, keep an eye out

messages and timely information about the status of

the Keeper Talks. In addition, our Education staff will

tive Marketing department will bring the Zoo to chil-

small, round, leaf-covered huts where Tommy spent his

for piles of confiscated wire snares and insidious traps,

the animals in the wild.

have the ability to use video conferencing to conduct dy-

dren at neighboring hospitals in the Texas Medical

time recovering from the crash of his cargo plane.

underscoring the ongoing battle with poachers and the

namic presentations using bio-facts, live animals, and

Center. Launching in 2011, a video feed from a studio

video clips of the animals in their new homes.

based inside The African Forest will broadcast several

In the center of the settlement there is a fire pit, a

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progress being made by officials who are striving to

Over the years, with Camp Zoofari, the Zoo’s summer

prevent poaching – an illegal and destructive practice.

day camp series, and Wild Winks, the overnight oppor-

could be served by the Houston Zoo’s distance learning program.

times each day to children who are unable to visit the

tunity for families, adults and school and Scout groups,

Imagine a rural school in West Texas being taught about

Zoo in person, providing an original and entertaining

the Houston Zoo has solidified its position as an edu-

rhino conservation efforts as they sit in the comfort

platform for our education and conservation programs.

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Conservation of the West African Chimpanzee in Southeastern Senegal

TOMMY’S TREEHOUSE

The West African chimpanzee in Senegal

Leaving the Herzstein Trading Post and Baka

survives in a region where temperatures

Pygmy Village behind, you’ll encounter Pygmy

during the dry season can reach over 115

art on a path through a shady grove. Word is Ko-

degrees in the shade, and rainfall is only 35

olookambas have been sighted here. Continue to

inches per year. Chimpanzees here live in

Tommy’s Treehouse, Gorilla Tommy’s home and

a habitat that is almost devoid of forest.

base of operations, said to be one of his favorite

Over 95% of their extensive home range

chimpanzee viewing areas.

consists of grassland or woodland, with tiny patches of forest making up the rest. Hunt-

Inside Tommy’s Treehouse, get a peek into Tom-

ing with tools, using caves, living with fire

my’s life in The African Forest by viewing his

(natural and human-made), soaking in water

personal effects, biological collections, Kooloo-

pools, and living in a more cohesive com-

kamba-related artifacts, photos, and videotape

munity are all behaviors that may be unique

archives.

to this chimpanzee community when compared to studies of this species elsewhere.

From these artifacts it’s clear that Tommy has

A new long-term project on the behavior

devoted a lot of time and energy to pursuing and

and ecology of the chimpanzee populations

protecting the mystery ape. Tommy is nowhere

in this region will be specifically address-

to be seen, but a message indicates he’s some-

ing imminent conservation problems asso-

where in the forest on a Koolookamba-related

ciated with chimpanzee communities which

field expedition.

have not been previously studied.

A video monitor shows shaky video clips of alleged Koolookamba sightings. Another clip

Chimpanzee Paradise: A Forest Playground

presents an interview with an African man who

The first place you are likely to get a

the keeper by a mesh wall, through which

out the treats, a behavior first seen by Dr.

the chimps to find some private space if

describes his own true-life encounters with the

glimpse of a chimpanzee is from inside

food treats can be passed as a reward for

Jane Goodall just fifty years ago.

they need a break from the group. Tree

ape. In yet another video, a clearly shaken man

Tommy’s Treehouse. A long expanse of

their participation. Guests can view this

describes a terrifying encounter with a bush-

windows provides a clear view into the

through a glass window and meet the

Further up the hill, a large climbing tree

partments for concealing food and provid-

meat poacher.

chimps’ habitat – a perfect place for pho-

keepers to ask questions.

provides both a comfortable resting spot

ing enrichment opportunities, which will

and a place for a game of chase. Round

help to keep the chimps active through-

tographing them. There, lucky guests

stumps and branches house hidden com-

In this setting, African Forest explorers can

may get as close to nose-to-nose as is pos-

Within the chimp exhibit, a termite

the bend and view the chimps in an open

out the day. The tall rock walls hide the

closely observe chimpanzees and gain insight

sible with these incredible apes.

mound is a popular gathering place when

yard across a rocky ravine. Shade trees

4000-square-foot, climate-controlled

it’s teeming with the chimps’ favorite

provide them with a cool spot for loung-

holding building where the chimps spend

tions with each other in much the same way

Keepers can work in close proximity with

snacks. Arrive at the right time and you

ing. It’s another great place for photos.

the night (with plenty of room to play).

that Gorilla Tommy collected his own research.

the chimps while demonstrating training

will see keepers load it up with tasty

that usually goes on behind the scenes. A

items like mustard and peanut butter.

More subtle features of the yard in-

With nearly a half acre to explore, every

chimp can enter a room, separated from

The chimps make tools from sticks to fish

clude the plantings and hills that allow

day is sure to be packed with activity.

into the animal’s behavior and their interac-

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MEET THE CHIMPS Abe, The Character ID: tall and wiry adult male

Lulu, The Thinker

Notes: Abe likes to put on a big display

ID: older adult female, look for her

but without the strength and size to

droopy lower lip

Charlie, The Patriarch

Lucy, The Mother

ID: adult male, gray beard and back

ID: older adult female, more pink on her face than the others

back it up, he stays in the background.

Notes: Charlie is not the biggest but his quiet

He does love the ladies, and has a

Notes: All the females follow Lulu and

particular fondness for Maizey.

the males know she has their support.

confidence makes him an ideal leader.

Notes: Lucy has excellent maternal skills and will

Captured in Africa as an infant and kept as a

even help raise another female’s baby. She can be

Lulu loves to watch people but watch

pet before living with the Lilles (see page 20),

a little bossy though, and has been known to send

out if she doesn’t get her way – she’s

Charlie seems to be enjoying his new home

the younger males running.

been known to throw quite a fit!

the most.

Sally, The Independent Riley, The Butterball ID: younger female, tall and lanky like ID: largest adult male, often seen

her dad, Abe

grooming Charlie Notes: More than any of the other Notes: Riley likes to make a lot of noise

chimps, Sally likes to spend some time

but the girls don’t pay much attention to

alone. The rest of the time, Sally is

him. He is old enough and strong enough

Willie’s best friend; they play for hours

to lead the group but backs up his dad

every day.

Charlie instead.

Mac, The Teenager ID: young adult male, often walks upright

Annie, The Sweetheart Maizey, The Gourmet

ID: younger adult female with a tiny white beard

Notes: Mac is excitable and vocal, more interested in people than all the other

ID: youngest and smallest of the group, his big ears and pink face make him easy to spot

ID: largest of the adult females

males. He likes the girls but they tend to push him around.

Willie, The Troublemaker

Notes: Maizey is Lucy’s daughter and they share many of the same traits. Maizey does love her food and has been known to get impatient if it’s not available when she wants it.

Notes: Annie tends to be quiet and stay out of the fray. She always comes

Notes: Willie has boundless energy for

over to greet people, making her a

playing and will resort to extreme methods

favorite of the staff.

to engage the others – jumping on them or slapping them and running away. But he’s also a peacemaker, the first to run up and hug everyone if a skirmish breaks out.

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What led you to make this decision?

ditioning, lights etc… It takes a lot of effort, funds and vision to get something like this done.

By Rick Barongi,

Carol: Greg and I talked a lot about what was going

Director of the Houston Zoo

to happen as we reached retirement age. Our goal was

And the outdoors is as incredible as the inside! It sim-

always to find or create a place to house the chimps into

ulates the wild as much as anyone ever could. There’s

Rhinos and their ancestors have walked

retirement.

plenty of room, and no caging, just open sky, flora, climb-

the earth for over 50 million years. Only

ing apparatus, water -- everything a chimp needs to be

five species remain (two in Africa and three

Greg: The chimps were fed and happy with us, but you

happy. In bad weather, the chimps can go in and be very

in Asia) barely clinging to survival in most

always want something more for them. We’ve been do-

comfortable.

of their ranges. With less than 22,000 rhi-

ing this for 38 years, I’m in my 60’s… Economics worked

Empty Nest, Full Hearts

Rhinos on the Brink

nos left on this planet, we have little time

against our plan to build a facility, so we began research-

Carol: The facility allows the chimps the freedom to

ing: Where do you go? How do we do this? The answers

use all their natural abilities to forage, brachiate across,

were very limited.

climb, swing, rest, and play. From an emotional stand-

The white rhino made an incredible come-

left to save them.

point, since they were raised around people, it’s also

back from the brink of extinction and is one

Carol: We worked really hard at keeping them as

comforting that the design of the back area allows keep-

of the truly legendary conservation suc-

chimps, not humanizing them, and also didn’t separate

ers to still interact with them.

cess stories. Reduced to less than 30 ani-

them but kept a group together, since social aspects are so important to their species.

mals in all of South Africa in the 1890s, to-

Greg: And the keepers are so dedicated! There are vets

day the white rhino numbers some 18,000

on staff, and the whole enterprise is taking care of the

animals – the majority of which reside in

Carol and Greg Lille are the previous own-

Greg: Because they were so well adjusted, we were ad-

chimps by running the business side, keeping funding

Kruger and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe reserves.

ers of our family of ten chimpanzees. The

vised they’d be unusually good candidates to adapt into

coming in.

Now they face a more serious threat to

Lilles have spent most of their lives caring

the zoo world. A facility like this one at The African For-

for and raising these chimps with obvious

est is rare. The Houston Zoo wanted a large group and

love and deep devotion. When they heard

it’s always been our goal to keep them together, since

of our plans for The African Forest they

they’ve been together all their lives.

were extremely impressed, which led them

their existence – organized poachers with

What’s next for you?

helicopters and automatic weapons. Nature is a tough place to survive, and when

Greg: That’s unknown. We’re still in this phase of help-

you are wearing a very valuable horn it is

ing the chimps adapt. We’re taking it one step at a time.

almost impossible.

to the decision to donate their chimps to

Carol: That was the key that made it work for us. If not,

But as we go on in life, we know they’ll be taken care of

the Houston Zoo.

it wouldn’t have happened.

best in this amazing facility. So we’ve met our goal. It’s

The rhino’s most defining feature is also its

Ironically, the rhino’s horn is not a true

that is where zoos play an important

tunity to see these magnificent crea-

the best example of win/win/win/win – the chimps, the

Achilles’ heel. The rhino’s horn (or two horns

horn but a compact mass of agglutinated

role. The real wild places are already

tures in the wild. Recent studies have

zoo, us and the public.

in the case of the African rhinos) is currently

Since the chimps arrived in mid-July, the

Greg: It was the perfect marriage between the Houston

hair-like fiber that is similar to our fin-

gone and most wildlife lives in small

confirmed that experiencing wildlife in

Lilles have been here, assisting our keep-

Zoo and us. There was much mutual respect and appre-

gernails. It is hard to believe that ingest-

pockets of protected habitats sur-

person is a powerful motivator for get-

ers to acclimate the chimps to their new

sold in the Asian black markets for over $1,000

ciation between the Zoo and us as private individuals.

an ounce (almost the same price as an ounce of

home.

We sat down with them to find out how this

What do you think of the Houston Zoo’s chimp building and exhibit?

came about, and learn of their thoughts on the transition.

20 |

ing “fingernails” could be more effective

rounded by humanity. Even Kruger

ting people to care about and support

gold!). Never has the price and demand been

for reducing fever and arthritis than

National Park rhinos have to be man-

conservation. Seeing and working with

this high and that is promoting “rhino ter-

over-the-counter everyday drugs, but

aged and moved out when their num-

rhinos in zoos was the primary reason

rorism” in even the most protected parks like

age-old cultural beliefs are almost im-

bers exceed the carrying capacity of

I became so passionate about saving

Kruger. Nowhere are African rhinos safe from

possible to dispel.

the park’s boundaries.

them. I hope our three new rhino am-

Greg: It’s phenomenal! What’s impressive to me is that

poachers’ bullets; our three rhinos had to have

it’s expensive but there is no waste. It’s put together as

armed guards protecting them 24 hours a day

well as any building such as a hospital. There’s air con-

before we flew them to Houston.

bassadors will have the same effect on Rhino conservation involves more than

Most of our Zoo’s 1.7 million annual

you when you visit them (and their fu-

just protecting species in the wild, and

visitors would never have the oppor-

ture offspring) in our African Forest.

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The largest residents of The African Forest will

quite calm. Most zoo rhinos become relaxed with

be three white rhinos, weighing in at about 3,000

their keepers and seem to enjoy being scratched

pounds, and still growing! They had the longest jour-

and hand fed.”

ney, coming from a special rhino holding facility in South Africa. Born in Kruger National Park, these

Due to their strength and size – second only to

young adults have been in acclimation bomas since

the elephant as far as land mammals in Africa

June to prepare them for their flight to Houston.

– white rhinos don’t have many enemies, except for man. With a 4,000 pound mother backing you

The Houston Zoo’s original pair of white rhinos, Bu

up, rhinos calves aren’t born with an innate fear

and Marcy, also came from Africa in the early 1970’s

of other animals. There are many stories of hand

and were beloved ambassadors for their species for

reared orphan rhinos (a result of poachers kill-

over 30 years. So we are very excited that rhinos are

ing their mothers) and how strongly they bond

returning to the zoo and expect this trio (one male

with people and other animals for companion-

and two females) to produce rhino calves and add

ship. If treated with care and affection, they can

some much needed genetic diversity to the North

be gentle giants. That is why we can put a group

American zoo population. White rhinos are the most

of kudu antelope in their exhibit and know ev-

social rhino species and breed better in a group than

eryone will get along.

as a pair.

Our rhinos were carefully selected for temperaThere are two species of rhinos in Africa, the white

ment and overall health. We chose young adults,

and the black rhino. Both are actually grey in color.

because they seem to acclimate quicker to zoo

It is believed that the white rhino got its name from

environments. They had to be treated for ticks

a mispronunciation of the Afrikaans word for wide

and other parasites and converted to a more nu-

(for their wide mouths). The white rhino’s distinc-

tritious diet to get them ready for their 54 hour

tively broad, square lip is ideally adapted for graz-

journey to their new home at the Houston Zoo.

ing grass. It is also called the “square-lipped” rhino, while the smaller black rhino is often referred to as

The new rhino habitat in The African Forest fo-

the “hook-lipped” rhino, because of its grasping up-

cuses on quality of space and daily enrichment

per lip.

to keep the rhinos active, both physically and psychologically. It will have shade and green

22 |

RHINOS RETURN

Rhinos are truly amazing animals and a personal

grass and a big mud wallow, which rhinos love,

favorite of Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi, who

especially in hot weather.

has worked with rhinos in several zoos and spent considerable time with them in African national

It’s the Houston Zoo’s hope that our impressive

parks. Rick said, “Their ill-tempered, aggressive

white rhinos will raise your awareness about

reputation is more the exception than the rule. You

their serious plight. Without increased protection,

do have to be careful approaching them in the wild,

all rhinos could disappear in the wild in the next

as they are very nearsighted.” He adds, “But they

20-50 years, and we cannot allow that to happen.

have excellent hearing and smell. Once they become

Humanity’s indifference is the rhinos’ most seri-

familiar with your voice and scent, they are usually

ous threat. Their survival is in our hands.

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High Masai Giraffe Conservation Giraffes are a common sight both at zoos and on nature documentaries. Many people do not realize that giraffes are as much in need of con ser vation at tention as rhinos, apes

and

giraffe

elephants.

sub - species

Many across

Africa are facing pressures from poaching, habitat loss and

fragmentation,

and

even human -wildlife conflict.

Current

population

esti -

mates range from 8 0,0 0 0 to 14 0,0 0 0

individuals,

which

shows a need for intensive monitoring and census tech niques

for

giraffes

across

the African continent, in order to ensure their sur vival.

Masai giraffe at the Houston Zoo aspire to great

to associate with humans, unless allowed to

heights. Their new habitat in The African Forest

groom her herd mates. Her brothers and half-

is helping our herd of seven achieve that.

brothers have all sported ‘hairdos by Neema.’

Neema is only three, and like many kids, she

Tall and graceful at age 15, herd bull Kiva is in

isn’t keen on eating green vegetables either,

his prime. He is the virtual master of all he sur-

preferring carrots and yams. We’ll see if the

veys, and with the visual acuity of giraffes, that’s

lure of human interaction at the feeding plat-

quite a lot! He stands 16 feet tall and weighs

form overcomes this.

2,500 pounds. That size allows him to go where he pleases, eat the choicest morsels and keep tabs

Juvenile males Jack, Hasani and Miles make

on his cows. With a palate akin to a wine con-

up the rest of our herd, ranging from one to

noisseur, Kiva uses a remarkable combination of

three-years-old. Most of their time is spent

scent and taste to determine exactly when the

eating, browsing and ruminating, interspersed

girls will be responsive to his advances.

with some socializing and running.

Leggy Tyra, our oldest cow, is 12 years old and

Meet the Neighbors

currently pregnant with calf number six. With

Ostriches are the giraffes of the bird world and

a 15-month gestation, giraffe females, like most

can grow to nine feet tall. Two female ostriches

hoofed animals, spend most of their adult life

will join giraffes in their African Forest exhibit.

pregnant. Tyra gives birth to large calves and

Like giraffes, ostriches are tall, with long legs

provides excellent maternal care for about 12

and excellent eyesight. If they see a predator

months.

coming they can run 45 mph for short distances and maintain 30 mph for longer. If cornered,

Not Your Average New-Home Construction!

Masai giraffe are the most numerous of the nine

they can deliver a strong kick with their two-

giraffe subspecies, but only 90 are exhibited in

toed foot.

North American zoos. To maintain genetic diver-

Incredible location! One of a kind new

The Zoo’s extended family of giraffes has

tall, with 18-foot doorways to accommo-

windows. Outside, the giraffes have a third

sity in such a small population, Mtembei, a three-

Their diet is omnivorous, but relies heavily on

construction on an oversized lot: this

moved into their new digs in The African

date the world’s tallest animals, giving a

of an acre to roam with their ostrich room-

year-old bull, was brought in from Cincinnati as a

plants and fruits. Similar to giraffes, ostriches

new home features a lovely brick exterior,

Forest. Not only were the giraffes in need

whole new meaning to the term “vaulted

mates and delight in the new opportunity for

future breeder. He is our darkest giraffe; at 1,800

drink when water is available, but are normal-

dramatic two-story entry, vaulted ceil-

of a spacious and more modern new home,

ceilings.” With around 4,000 square feet

personal experiences with you at the much

pounds and 13-feet tall he has some growing to

ly able to gain sufficient water from their food.

ings throughout, private balcony, plenty

their move made way for the expansion of

inside, the giraffes are enjoying spacious

anticipated giraffe feeding platform.

do before he catches up to Kiva. Mtembei spars

of storage and work space, and upgrades

the habitat for our Asian elephant herd.

and comfortable overnight quarters that

galore. This is urban living at its finest,

lightly with him, but isn’t big enough yet for a

Our giraffes are content in their brand new

are ventilated in the summer and heated

The keepers were the ones to unpack the box-

real necking session, the giraffe equivalent to

barn, and have been eagerly awaiting the ex-

in the winter.

es as the giraffes got settled into the newest

arm wrestling.

hibit’s Grand Opening, so they can hang out

with a unique floor plan and large family

Taking nine months from start to occu-

room that are well suited for entertain-

pancy, building the new giraffe exhibit

ing guests, and a nicely landscaped back

was certainly not your average new-home

When they are indoors, you can view the

history. Don’t miss this stop along the trail of

Every group has a diva and Neema is ours! She

see how you measure up. The giraffes highly

yard, big enough for a growing family.

construction. The edifice had to be 30 feet

giraffes through three seven-foot tall

The African Forest!

sometimes forgets she’s a giraffe and prefers

recommend it!

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and most exciting neighborhood in the Zoo’s

with you at the public feeding platform. Come

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F eed Our Hungry Herd – And Yours Since the Zoo has become one of Houston’s entertaining hot spots, can you give some examples of unique dishes you have created for specific events?

Will there be any new African-themed menu items?

There is a new way to visit with our Masai giraffe family, who have

stranger. Imagine them meeting you, batting their long lashes as they

been among the most beloved at the Houston Zoo for their charm and

lower their giant heads and gently take a crunchy lettuce leaf from

obvious curiosity about their visitors.

your hand!

In addition to 270 degrees of open viewing of their yard and barn,

The giraffe exhibit lies just off the broad dining plaza of The African

one highly anticipated feature of the giraffe habitat will be a nearly

Forest’s new restaurant, Twiga Terrace – a lovely place to feed your-

eye-level feeding platform! Standing seven feet higher than the plaza

self! The architecture has a French Colonial feel, with soaring ceilings

We’ve produced some awesome events, with really im-

foods, but it’s got to be familiar to them. So we’re doing

level, the platform will elevate you that much closer to the

lit by chandeliers, arch top windows graced with Bermuda shutters,

pressive food. One that comes to mind is Feast with the

a twist on known foods that are cooked with indigenous

world’s tallest animal. At certain times of the day, you will

decorative brackets, and a terra cotta tile roof. Sit inside or on dual

Beasts in the Bud Light Lounge. We made all items

techniques and flavors.

be able to make your way up a ramp to the feeding

terraces outside, where your choice of rhinos or giraffes are the view!

on that menu cooked with Bud Light beer! The mini

offer a snack to your long-necked pals.

beer-brats on a pretzel bun were my personal favorite.

to entertain in Houston, there are a variety of spots throughout this Feeding giraffes is arguably one of life’s

I think it is appropriate to have a menu to reflect our

This is just one of several new sites within The African Forest that can serve as an event space. If you are looking for one of the hottest places brand new environment where you can hold your party.

peak experiences. Our group is par-

Catching up with Chef Shane

diversity. We’ve created indigenous dishes from Africa,

Imagine your employees or clients enjoying

As the chef you obviously manage the menu and preparation of the food but you really are involved in much more than that.

Asia and Brazil, to name just a few.

ticularly friendly. As Laurie Mc-

Just across the path is the Shani Market where the same design influ-

cocktails in the Reptile House and dessert

Givern, our Supervisor of

ence is found in details, such as arched pediments over the doorway

surrounded by our majestic elephant herd!

Hoofed Stock says,

and sculpted French columns. Here you can browse through and pur-

Over 150 businesses and organizations al-

they have nev-

chase a variety of items that represent The African Forest and the

ready take advantage of this beautiful and

Houston Zoo, as gifts or a memorable keepsake.

affordable option for entertaining each year.

Tying all the components of an event to the location is

And now those options have expanded.

the goal. After the menu comes together, I turn my fo-

er met a

already bought a bunch of rustic decor and designed menus, keeping in mind that we want people to try new

area (getting a birds-eye view of the giraffes and ostriches in the process) and, for a reasonable fee,

In anticipation of The African Forest opening we’ve

With the new restaurant in The African Forest being so close to the Medical Center do you see it as a new lunch option for visitors and employees?

Absolutely. With the diversification of our new cafes and stands, why wouldn’t you want to come over, grab a bite, sit, and watch the rhinos during your lunch hour?

cus on how we’re going to display the items. I want to In The African Forest there are even more

be as unique as the venue is, so I try to find things that

opportunities to host your guests, now in

aren’t your ordinary way to put things together or pres-

the setting of equatorial Africa. The most

ent them. The goal is to have people’s reaction be one of,

picturesque venue in Houston will be in the

“Holy cow! They did that at the Zoo?”

new chimpanzee viewing building. Parties

African Forest for your group!

When you think about The African Forest and the potential for events, what are some of the things that get you most excited?

The best part about using the Houston Zoo

I’m really excited about the backdrop for our events

for your event is that it‘s turn-key. Our event

-– the actual habitats themselves. The designers have

professionals will take care of all of your

done a top notch job creating them. Even before we saw

party’s details, while the Houston Zoo’s own

The African Forest completed, it was blowing away any-

Chef Shane will help prepare a feast that

thing I’ve seen at other zoos! It will be fun to work off of

meets your culinary needs.

that as our inspiration, for both the décor and the menu.

can also be hosted in the Forest Village, the Twiga Terrace restaurant and The African Forest Plaza. You can also rent the entire

26 |

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27

Cheetahs and Dogs Together Again in a New Home Continuing on after the giraffe barn you will find the

well as hills and rocks that are the cheetahs’ favor-

Did you know Kito, Kiburi and Taji are also animal

new cheetah habitat. Like giraffes, the cheetahs were

ite resting spots. Taji has her own private yard in

ambassadors that leave their exhibit to make spe-

given a new home to make way for the continued ex-

the back but spends time on exhibit with one or the

cial appearances around the Zoo and at events? We

pansion of our elephant exhibit. Our cheetahs, Kito and

other of the cheetahs as well. On those hot Houston

raised our cheetahs from just a few days old with Taji

Kiburi, brought along their favorite Anatolian shepherd

days, a mister and fan help keep the exhibit cool and

so that they would grow up as companions. Anatolian

dog Taji to a new yard that’s just as big as the old one,

comfortable.

shepherd dogs are used in Africa to help farmers pro-

with a nicely upgraded barn.

tect their livestock. The large size and intimidating This new exhibit also provides plenty of opportuni-

bark of an Anatolian shepherd dog scares off chee-

The viewing area for the cheetah exhibit is surrounded

ties for our keepers to do training demonstrations

tahs so farmers no longer shoot them. Kito, Kiburi

by the same realistic rockwork seen throughout The Af-

and set up the lure course, which is always a favorite

and Taji help us share the story of how a dog is help-

rican Forest. You have a clear view of a shallow pool as

of guests and animals alike.

ing to save cats.

The Conservation Challenge, Locally and Globally

28 |

Zoos and aquariums of the 21st century are challenged to go

Since 2005, the Houston Zoo has expanded its role to encompass a

beyond the care, exhibition, and breeding of wildlife to be-

number of global and regional conservation and research initiatives in

come centers for conservation and partners on the ground in

countries across the world, recently placing a special emphasis on the

global efforts to preserve threatened wildlife. The Houston

equatorial regions of Africa. Whether right here at home in Texas, or

Zoo strives to be a leader in conservation as it relates to the

in Latin America, Asia or Africa, the Houston Zoo Wildlife Conserva-

survival of threatened wildlife and habitats, the wise use of

tion Program partners with leaders in the field to support and protect

natural resources, and the appreciation of our natural world

wildlife and their habitats, by combining conservation with education,

by the Zoo’s audiences.

and the promotion of sustainable livelihoods in local communities.

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

www.houstonzoo.org

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29

One of the words used to describe The African Forest is “immersive.”

From an architect’s point of view, what does that mean?

process in creating them and what purpose they serve?

There is a need to create barriers to keep the animals in.

How do you do that naturally? Our landscape architect

A totality, not something that is applied. Viewing

likes to develop a geological story and involve it with

structures, the restaurant, the gift shop -- all are de-

the design. For example, we imagined that at one time

signed down to the last detail. For example, we really

a river had cut these mud banks, and that is why the

researched the right fixtures for the gift shop. It isn’t

trees are at the top. It’s not necessarily a story we tell

like we just built the building, went out to a craft shop,

the public, but that‘s what we used as we worked on this.

bought some African masks and said, “You’re in Africa.”

We actually went to Gabon, studied the architecture and really tried to bring that back and recreate it.

My first reaction to that is that Afr i c a i s s o b i g. H o w c a n y o u r e c r e ate it?

Architects of Africa

We looked at just piece of it and tried to give Zoo guests

An

give them a sense of being taken away on a journey. We

Interview

with

Patrick

Janikowski,

AIA, of PJA Architects, designers of The African Forest Before a shovel ever broke ground or the animals you’re seeing occupied this acreage, a team of architects and designers took the dream of The African Forest and started creating the reality. Accomplishing this entailed trips to Africa, many hours spent researching, interviewing important constituents, and writing the stories of The African Forest.

Patrick Janikowski spent some time talking with us about this vision and what it took to achieve the final results.

30 |

The animal exhibits are amazing but there is so much more to The African Forest – Twiga Terrace Restaurant, the Herzstein Trading Post and the forest walk, for example. Can you explain how it all ties in?

the feeling we had when we were there. We want to mimicked plants that would be in the African forest region and matched the rockwork in the riverbanks, all to suspend disbelief.

The Houston Zoo told you what they wanted to accomplish with The African Forest, which is so different than anything else that has been done. How did you get started?

It’s always about the animals first. You look at how

may be, and where to give them a respite from visitors.

I want the guest to say, “I enjoyed it because I had a

enjoy what they do, so they take better care of the animals.

It is very much like set development for a movie. The

Then you determine: what do we need for barriers for

great experience. I learned something, I was in there

If the animals are happy, they look good and the guests are

the animals first and then how can we bring some of

with them. Now I want to do something.” If they be-

happy. That is a win/win situation. I think we have accom-

the elements of those barriers into the public spaces?

come members, support conservation or leave wanting

plished that.

that story.

When you walk through The African Forest, you feel

to do more, then we have done something important.

like you are in the animal’s space, not that they’re in

We’re looking for that moment of connection between

Also, I want to walk through the exhibit and hear people

Some of the most impressive pieces of The African Forest are the rock walls. Can you briefly explain the

your space. The guests come and go, but the animals

the guest and the animal. If you’re up close with a

ask, “Is it real? Look at the animals, look how natural it all

are here for the rest of their lives. They need to be com-

chimp and they are looking into your eyes, you’re going

is.” I hope this exhibit shows the community what can be

fortable and feel safe.

to want to do something.

done, and what needs to be done for Phase Two and Three.

first thing we do is write a story narrative and then express it in the immersion. The design needed to reflect

they may move through or use an exhibit, then look

What are you most excited for the guests to see?

Of what are you most proud?

If you have happy keepers, they enjoy going to work. They

at where the best locations for viewing those animals

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

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31

“In Af r ica, we ar e blessed t o be sur r ounded by wilde r ne s s and w e s t ill hav e t he o ppo r t unit y t o de m o ns t r at e t hat w e c an liv e in har m o ny w it h t he e ar t h.” R eb ec c a K l ei n , B o t swa n a

“Ensuring that individuals not only get fed, but get an appropriate diet can be a challenge,” said Laurie McGivern, hoofed stock supervisor. “Creating a food holder for a crane that a 16 inch okapi tongue can’t get into is a major feat.”

Because the hoofed stock department has such diversity (which you can read about on page 8)r one seems to be the Masai giraffe feedings. any animals for public interaction requires a lot of teamwork, and the hoofed stock crew knows a thing or two about it. During training sessions, each keeper is responsible for an individual giraffe, while the rest of the team provides back up support.

The completion and Grand Opening of

The extended impact of The African For-

The African Forest is a historic moment

est is most visible at the Houston Zoo’s

for the Houston Zoo and the City of

McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. While

Houston. Several years, tens of millions

our herd is made up entirely of Asian el-

of dollars, and countless hours have been

ephants, they are benefiting greatly from

invested to make this a monumental mo-

The African Forest opening.

ment for our community.

In addition to the donations raised for

WHAT’S NEXT? If you love The African Forest, just wait until you see what’s next!

32 |

The significance of The African Forest

the expansion, a portion of The African

will have a long lasting impact both on

Forest’s budget has been dedicated to not

our community and on the guest experi-

only expand our elephant’s living space,

ence at the Houston Zoo. But the expe-

but to add amenities to it, including an

rience is not just contained within the

80-thousand gallon, elephant-sized swim-

20-foot high rock walls that border the

ming pool, a presentation area for both

exhibits. Nor will the experience end

Meet the Keeper Talks and training dem-

with the six-and-a-half acres of land that

onstrations, and an abundance of shade

make up this new addition to the Zoo.

structures and trees.

When an animal has a medical procedure, working This newest elephant exhibit is sched- makes plans to grow The African Forest together as one is required. Most animals are seuled to open in May 2011. Construction across another six-and-a-half acres with dated, then carried by five or six keepers to get to started in late November, after our Ma- Phases Two and Three. the clinic (though our vets do make house calls for sai giraffe herd moved from their previthe bigger animals). ous Zoo home to their beautiful new barn Highlights of the next two phases include and habitat in The African Forest. It also gorillas, Nile crocodiles, hippos and more “Taking a nyala antelope to the dentist is quite difrequired the relocation of our cheetahs chapters in the story of Gorilla Tommy ferent from transporting the family dog to the vet,” and Taji, our Anatolian shepherd dog, and the Koolookumba. These expansions said McGivern. to a new home just outside The African combined will equal the current size of Forest, where they become back-to-back Phase One of The African Forest.

The job requires enormous commitment and hard neighbors with our African wild dogs. work. Communication and coordination of details As has been the case with Phase One, are key. And yet, the rewards are great. Each of the As you make your way along the forest construction of the next phases will be keepers have special memories. For some it may be walk in The African Forest and enjoy the largely determined by community supbottle feeding Miles the giraffe when he was first largest expansion in Zoo history, try to port. This includes but is certainly not born, for another it might be a time when Olive the imagine the exhibit being twice as big. limited to contributions in the form of doanteater stuck her nose in their boot, and tickled That is exactly what’s in store as the Zoo nations and Zoo memberships. their toes with her tongue! With such a wide assortment of animals it’s clear that the keepers in the

To f i n d out how you can conti nue to support the Houston Zoo hoofed stock department get to have some pretty a n d Th e A fri can Forest by vi si ti ng www.houstonzoo.org/afri canforest.

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

www.houstonzoo.org

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33

Adams, Stephanie

Brewer, Laura

Crump, Paul

Galan, Aleyda

Hime, Elaine

King, Larry

Mays, Stan

Owens, Kendall

Robinson, Silvester

Ufer, Kirsten

Ali, Jihad

Brothers, T

Daly, Amanda

Galvan, Al

Hodge, Kevin

Klein, Kim

McAuliffe, Judy

Ozuna, Michele

Rommel, Rachel

Valdez, Viviana

Alvarado, Luis

Brown, Allison

Darjean, Antoine

Garcia, Adriane

Hoffman, Daryl

Kleinworth, Emma

McCoy, Travis

Partello, Louise

Rossi II, Napoleon

Van Wert, Jessica

Amie, Krystal

Brown, D

Davis, Jonah

Garcia, Denise

Holmes, Chris

Koneval, Maureen

McCreery, Kelly

Patterson, Brandon

Roth, Ashley

Vandenberg, Joshua

Anders, LaKila

Browning, Russell

De Anda, Nicte

Garcia, Juan

Howard, Dr. Lauren

Kuntz, Kathy

McGallian, Tiffany

Patterson, Cortney

Russo, Kelly

Varela, Abby

Anderson, Kathleen

Bryja, Judith

DeKanter, Cassandra

Garibaldi, Shaun

Howard, Steve

Lackey, Debbie

McGivern, Laurie

Patzer, Holly

Ryan, Rene

As we celebrate the opening

Anderson, Lucy Dee

Buhrmester, Tammy

DeLeon, Belinda

Garner, Teia

Huber, Heather

Land, Anna

McLain, Jen

Pepin, Marjorie

Sanders, Walter

of the African Forest, we want

Anderson, Tammie

Bumpus, Renee

Devine, Jr., JD

Garza, Elizabeth

Hughes, Cotney

Latham, Ashley

McWilliams, Glen

Perez, Glenda

Sanford, Chance

to extend a special thanks to

Arriaga, Fred

Burkell, Liz

Dones, Bennett

Garza, Yuli

Hutto, Drew

Lavergne, Amy

Menefee, James

Perez, Rosa

Santos, Giovanni

our dedicated staff for their

Avendano, Lisa Marie

Burnett, Laura

Dorris, Oren

Giddins, Lilly

Ingram, Charlona Vee

Lavictoire, Kara

Merlos, Ashley

Peterson, Tess

Santos, Ron

hard work and continued ser-

Baccus, Marcy

Cadriel, Patrick

Drabek, Cynthia

Gillis, Chris

Jackson, Dianne

LeBlanc, Chanika

Meza, Nick

Petre, Martha

Santoyo, Maria

vice. Thank you for all that

Bailey, Hannah

Campbell, Melanie

Durkee, Stephanie

Godambe, Rachel

Jaramillo, Juliann

LeBoff, Cory

Mickens, Kendrick

Pierre, Jenee

Saunders, Cathren

you do to foster appreciation,

Barnhill, Amy

Cannon, Deborah

Easely, Megan

Gomez, Alexandra

Jeffers, Erica

Lechner, Damian

Miranda, Janie

Pietrucha-Mays, Phyllis

Schaefer, Beth

knowledge

Barongi, Rick

Carpenter, Tina

Ellis, Rick

Gomez, Martha

Jesudason, Audra

Leeson, Cindy

Montgomery, Sam

Pine, Jack

Schmit, Matt

Webber, Krista

Barrera, Edgar

Carter, Joel

Espinosa, Nick

Gomez, Silvestre

Johnson, ShaTara

Lemon, Erica

Moon, Ginger

Pizano, Jody

Scroggins, Ryan

Webster, Tricia

Barrera, Juan

Casey, Kirby

Farley, Priscilla

Gonzalez, Carlos

Jolicoeur, Nathalie

Ligon, Courtney

Moor, Tequera

Pohlman, Andrea

Sears, Katie

Whitaker, Alicia

Barrera, Renato

Castorena, Kevin

Farr, William

Gonzalez, Yxzel

Jones, PJ

Lippman, Kathryn

Moore, Joseph

Posey, Brett

Shea, Diane

White, Regina

Bednarski, Chris

Castrejon, Elena

Fernandez, Ruben

Goodie, Brittany

Joseph, Rochelle

Lomas, Courtney

Moorhead, Beth

Pyle, Angie

Shepard, Susan

Whitted, Jeremy

Bergman, Jason

Cavazos, Jesse

Fisher, Beunka

Gordon, Maurice

Joseph, Sharon

Lomas, Sabrina

Morales, Modesto

Quassa, Erin

Sheppard, Callian

Whitted, Leigh

Bernardy, Rob

Cecil, Jeremy

Flanagan, Dr. Joe

Guerra, Omar

Junker, Sam

Lytle, Sheri

Morgan, Debra

Rabon, Michelle

Shotola, Kim

Williams, Brittney

Berry, Leighann

Clark, Jessica

Flores, Maria

Gutierrez, Hernando.

Junker, Tim

Machuca, Jose

Morgan, Lee

Ramsey, DeAndra

Siegl, Kim

Williams, Ciera

Berting, Amy

Clarke, Taylor

Fontenot, Christine

Haley, Kyle

Jurek, Suzanne

Macias, Maribel

Morrison, Wendy

Ratcliff, Troy

Sigle, Jessica

Williams, Joe

Bethke, Vanessa

Coburn, Thomas

Forester, Eddie

Hamilton, Isahia

Kaleel, Brooke

Macomber-Ramirez, Courtney

Morse, Ellie

Reed, Paul

Silas, Shanaeya

Bibeau, Bonnie

Cockrell, Bresean

Forestier, Leslie

Hannon, David

Kalla, Joe

Maitran, Mersing

Murphy, Billy

Reyes, Erick

Simpson, Greg

Bishop, Paul

Colahan, Hollie

Francis, Melvin

Harmison, Greg

Kandiko, Ben

Malek, Phil

Neal, Megan

Reyes, Sharon

Smith, Cedric

Blackmon, Amy

Concannon, Mike

Frenzel, Jeff

Harvey, Amy

Kazen, Cheka

Malone, Kaylie

Nosakhere, Nkosane

Reynolds, Thomas

Sokol, Victoria

Boostrom, Helen

Conkin, Megan

Frey, Anita

Hawkins, Tommy

Keel, Danny

Mann, Rodney

Nunn IV, Ernest

Riger, Peter

Solis, Henry

Boyd, Tinker

Contreras, Carlos

Fries, Elizabeth

Hayes, Sundra

Keith, Cathy

Marin, Dr. Maud

Nusbaum, Amelia

Riger, Sara

Soria, Vanessa

Bradley, Eugene

Copley, Dante

Fuhrman, Alissa

Henigar, Ryanne

Kemery, Alicia

Martinez, Michael

Oliver, Gerald

Rinkenberger, Kamryn

Soussan, Lila

Brady, David

Cortez, Elizabeth

Fuhrman, Grant

Hernandez, Yanira

Kenney, Susan

Masharani, Kara

Olivo, Sylvia

Rinker, Mandy

Spillman, Renee

Brandy III, George

Coym, Mollie

Futch, Becky

Herrera, Paula

Killam, Lynn

Massop, CB

Ortega, Paul

Ritter, Jessica

Sprague, Karen

Zewe, Carolyn

Branstetter, Jr., Carter

Cross, Seth

Gadus, Pame

Hill, Brian

King, Ben

Matthews, April

Orth, Ami

Robbins, Melissa

Stevens, Martina

Zuma Jr., Paul

THANK YOU!

and

natural world.

Houston Zoo Staff (As of October 2010)

34 |

care

of

the

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

Vass, Rachel Villarreal, Chris Vincent, Brooke Wachsmann, Mike Warfield, Pam Warren, Christine Watts, Mark

Williams, John Winecki, James Witek, Michelle Wooden, Errol Woodford, Kim Young, Josh Zelmer, Amber

www.houstonzoo.org

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35

36 |

The Brown Foundation, Inc.

Strake Foundation

Catherine Campbell Brock

Sam W. Gainer

Houston Endowment Inc.

Linnet F. Deily

Austin and Susan Young

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Miller

The Wortham Foundation, Inc.

The Lillian H. & C.W. Duncan Foundation

Suzanne and Bob Nimocks

S. Shawn Stephens and James M. Jordan

The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation

The Favrot Fund

John, Sally and Kate Cox

Randa and Charlie Williams

The Robert R. and Kay M. Onstead Foundation

Jonathan and Barbara Day

Docents and Volunteers of the Houston Zoo

Karen W. Johnson

Kathrine G. McGovern

Devon Energy Corporation

Fort Bend Mechanical

The Gerson and Margolis Family

Annie and Bob Graham

Kinder Foundation

Bob and Vicki Harvey

Julie and Drew Alexander

The Cullen Foundation

The Nau Family and Silver Eagle Distributors

Mary Lou Henry

Atlantic Trust Private Wealth Management

The Fondren Foundation

Rick Barongi and Diane Ledder

Sheila and Ron Hulme

Baker Hughes Incorporated

Chevron

Judy O. and Kenneth C. Margolis

Courtney and Christopher Sarofim

E. Philip Cannon

John P. McGovern Foundation

AIM Foundation

J. Michael and Patricia Solar Family Fund

The Chaney Foundation

Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation

Lynne S. and John Averett

Kay and Max Watson

Debbie and Kent Chenevert

Albert and Ethel Herzstein Charitable Foundation

Charles T. Bauer Foundation

M. Carolina Weitzman

Meg Goodman and Mike Bonini

Zoo Friends of Houston, Inc.

BMC Software

Charles and Anne Duncan

CFP Foundation

The Dan L. Duncan Family

James and Molly Crownover Family Foundation

H-E-B

Hamill Foundation

Vic and Barbara Samuels

The Tapeats Fund

Vivian L. Smith Foundation

The William Stamps Farish Fund

Sodexo

United States Department of Education

Michael and Carol Linn

The Carruth Foundation

The Lowenstein Family

Nancy and David Pustka

The Hildebrand Fund

Barbara and Louis Sklar

Isla and Tommy Reckling

The Meadows Foundation

Andrew and Freda Bass

Sara Lou Brown

Estate of Billie Lee Danz

Jeffrey C. Hines / Hines Interests L.P.

Cristina and Jim Buaas

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development

Deborah and Gardner Cannon

Burguieres Family Foundation

Donald and Diane Kendall, Jr. Family Foundation

Ann and Stephen Kaufman

Elkins Foundation

Herbert D. Simons

M.D. Anderson Foundation

Cathryn and Doug Selman

M.D. Matthews Foundation

Merrill and Joe Hafner

Scurlock Foundation

Shannon and Gary Margolis

William S. and Lora Jean Kilroy Foundation

George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell

Sylvie and Gary Crum

The W. T. and Louise J. Moran Foundation

Shell Oil Company

Tess K. Peterson

Texas Parks & Wildlife

Bonnie and David Weekley Fund

them for believing in this vision and for helping to make

Service Systems Associates

Toni and Noel Noble

this incredible dream a reality.

Sterling-Turner Foundation

Johanna A. Favrot Fund

Laura and John Arnold Foundation

Peggy and Bill Barnett

Win and Lynn Campbell Britten Fund The Holthouse Foundation for Kids Lawrence and Mildred Lieder Betty and Stephen Newton Barbara Segal Goldfield

Sunny and Mac Haik /Mac Haik Enterprises The Lee and Joseph D. Jamail Foundation Penny and Paul Loyd Macquarie Energy Capital DeeDee and Wallis Marsh Memorial Hermann Patterson and Sheridan, LLP Macey and Harry Reasoner Janet & John Springer Tricia and Paul Swen Kelli and John Weinzierl/The Weinzierl Family Fund George, Shanti, Shangrila and Shivanti Willy Wortham Insurance & Risk Management

THANK YOU! The African Forest would not be possible without our amazing donors and their generous support. We thank

*Donors listed, $5000 and above

AFRICAN FOREST 2010

Dr. Jane Goodall with Mac, in The African Forest’s new chimpanzee viewing building

“I became totally absorbed into this forest existence… For those who have experienced the joy of being alone

with nature there is really little need for me to say much more.”

– Jane Goodall