Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | Wild Magazine | Winter 2020-21

W IN TER

2020–2021

W ild is published quarterly for the members and friends of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

December 17–20, 26–31 | January 1–3

Cedar Waxwing photo by Lisa Patria pg. 19.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Who's Who

16 For the Love of Animals

4 Animal Highlights Range of the Jaguar

18 Lights Out for Birds

6 What's New

20 Animal Highlight Squirrel Monkeys

8 Gardener's Corner

22 Snapshot Society

10 ZooZone for Kids

26 ‘Tis the Season to be Grateful

12 One Day of Zoo Camp

27 Meet Sheila, The Membership Coordinator

14 Social Spotlight

SENIOR MANAGEMENT Tony Vecchio—Executive Director Teresa Kennedy—Chief Operating Officer Dan Maloney—Deputy Director of Animal Care & Conservation Holly Ellis—Chief Financial Officer Paula Shields—Director of Human Resources Leanne White—Director of Education Nikki Smith—Director of Development Kelly Rouillard—Director of Marketing & Sales EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Carl Cannon—VC Capital Campaign Kelly Coker-Daniel—VC Education Jordan Elsbury—COJ Appointed Chuck Ged—VC Finance & Chair Elect John Hayt—Honorary Advisor Lucia Lindsey—VC Gardens & Art John McIlvaine—VC Marketing & Development Janna McNicholas—VC Governance Bill Rowe—Chair Karen Estella Smith—Secretary Kerri—Stewart, VC Specials Projects & Property

*City of Jacksonville Appointed

GENERAL BOARD Paul Blackstone Scott Chamberlyne Asher Chanan-Khan *LeAnna Cumber Anne Marie Cushmac Lenny Curry John Delaney Kenyonn Demps Margaret Hicks Rene Kurzius Barney Lane George Mikes John Naugle *Ju’Coby Pittman Paul Sandler Salmaan Wahidi Darryl Willie Scott Witt HONORARY BOARD Ivan Clare Dano Davis Lenore McCullagh Elizabeth Petway Herbert Peyton Clifford Schultz

Frank Surface Janet Vaksdal HONORARY PAST CHAIRS COUNCIL Martha Baker J.F. Bryan Howard Coker Charles Commander Jed Davis Matt Fairbairn Joseph Hixon J. Michael Hughes Lewis Lee David Loeb Richard Martin Frank Miller John A. Mitchell Thomas Schmidt Carl "Hap"Stewart James Stockton Penny Thompson Courtenay Wilson Editors: Kelly Rouillard, Morgan Purvis Art Direction: Jen Morgan Graphic Design: Mark Sheppe

WHO'S WHO AT THE ZOO

Nicole Monell

By Morgan Purvis

Overseeing the health of over 2,000 animals is a feat, but we are lucky to have a dedicated team of keepers, veterinarians, and technicians that make it possible. They work tirelessly to ensure every animal, from the smallest reptile to largest mammal, receives the best nutrition and medical care.

Animal Health Supervisor Nicole Monell is a key member of the team, leading both the Animal Hospital and Animal Nutrition Center to make sure her staff is supported and getting the tools they need to succeed at their jobs. Some days you may find her coordinating deliveries of medical supplies and food, while others she may be jumping in to help prepare animal meals or assisting with an animal procedure.

Nicole has always been passionate about animal care since her early start as a kennel worker in a veterinary hospital. She worked her way up to become a vet tech and did that for 13 years before going back to college to get a degree in zoology. She graduated from Sante Fe Teaching Zoo with an associate degree in Zoo Animal Technology, before making her way to Jacksonville nine months later.

She started at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 2008 as a keeper working with the African mammals. Her first love towards primates led to becoming a senior keeper and primary gorilla keeper within three years. She was part of the construction of African Forest, her favorite exhibit, and her most memorable experience was helping to hand-rear the infant female gorilla, Gandai.

PHOTOS: MORGAN PURVIS

“I will never forget when we introduced her to her surrogate mom, Bulera. I cried. It was such a relief to see Bulera accept her and care for her, and to know that all of our hard work paid off and she was going to be raised by a gorilla,” said Nicole about the experience of working with Gandai.

When the time came to become a supervisor, Nicole applied for and accepted the position of Animal Hospital Supervisor to have the best of both worlds—helping other employees succeed and continuing to work with animals.

Perhaps no scenario better exemplifies her commitment than the positivity she spreads every day. In her spare time, Nicole explores Jacksonville with her daughter. She finds it rewarding seeing herself through her daughter’s eyes when she talks about her work adventures.

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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ANIMAL HIGHLIGHTS

Range Of The Jaguar

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). Located to the left of the Lost Temple in Range of the Jaguar.

The capybara is the largest living rodent in the world. They are strong swimmers and can even stay under water up to five minutes!

Inca Tern (Larosterna inca). Located in the Emerald Forest Aviary.

They are best known for their "mustaches" on both males and females. They live on the Pacific coast of South America, feeding on small fish.

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WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

PHOTOS: KELLY ROUILLARD (TOP), MARK SHEPPE (BOTTOM)

Jaguar (Panthera onca). Located in Range of the Jaguar.

The jaguar is the third largest cat in the world, behind the tiger and lion. They have unique spots called "rosettes" and powerful jaws.

Cotton-top Tamarin (Saguinus oedipus). Located in the Emerald Forest Aviary.

The species is critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and the pet trade. They are found only in a small region of Colombia.

PHOTOS: JOHN REED (TOP), MARK SHEPPE (BOTTOM)

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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WHAT'S NEW

Births Hatchings Acquisitions

By Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management and Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer

Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) While popular for bright red and orange coloring, the corn snake’s belly also has an interesting pattern that shares a likeness to piano keys or a black and white checkerboard. Some even believe the snake was named after the pattern resembling Indian corn. Within a single clutch, a female can lay as little as three eggs or as many as 40. Corn snakes mostly eat small mammals, but will also eat birds, eggs, lizards, amphibians, and other snakes.

While they swallow small prey live and whole, larger prey will be killed by constriction before swallowing. Corn snakes are often confused with the copperhead and the best way to distinguish them is coloration and body proportion. Like their name suggests, copperheads have a solid copper coloring on their heads, while corn snakes have distinct lines that converge to a point between the eyes. Corn snakes are moderately proportioned while copperheads are heavy-bodied like the eastern diamondback with hourglass patterns.

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes typically favor pine flatwoods, palmetto thickets, and turkey oak woodlands for their homes, making the Lower Coastal Plain of the U.S. the perfect habitat for them. Their location ranges from southwestern Mississippi to southern North Carolina, plus all of Florida including the Keys. Diamondbacks do not lay eggs, but instead give birth to live young. They stay with the mother for three weeks before venturing out on their own, already capable of defending themselves. As the largest and heaviest venomous snake in North America, eastern diamondbacks are considered one of the most dangerous because of their venom. Death can occur in 24 hours if injected into a human adult’s bloodstream and left untreated. While a diamondback only bites as a last resort, its striking distance can be up to two-thirds of its body length. Therefore, a 6-foot snake could potentially strike up to 4 feet.

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PHOTOS: CHRIS CARUSO (TOP), CAYLE PEARSON (BOTTOM)

Golden-breasted Starling (Lamprotornis regius) This bird is a beautiful iridescent starling with a metallic blue back and wings, a violet throat, and a yellow underbelly. These birds are found throughout southern and eastern Somalia, eastern Kenya, and northeastern Tanzania in very dry bush and semi-arid areas. Because of their magnificent coloring, golden-breasted starlings are subject to capture in the wild bird trade. These birds are cooperative, monogamous breeders which means there can be up to nine adults attending the nests, including the breeding pair and up to seven helper adults. All participate in nest building.

The female incubates for 14 days and is fed by the male and the helpers. The helpers assist in the care of the offspring. Golden-breasted starlings nest in tree cavities and feed on insects and some fruit. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has housed golden-breasted starlings since 1994.

We have produced offspring for this species for the first time in 2020. You can see these beautiful birds in our straw-colored fruit bat exhibit at Elephant Plaza.

July–September, 2020 Births & Hatchings

Acquisitions

LEGEND: 0.1.2

0.0.6......................................... Eastern Rat Snake 0.0.2 ............................Golden Breasted Starling 0.0.9........Eastern Diamondback Rattle Snake+ 0.0.255..............................................Striped Newt 1.0.0......................................................MANDRILL 0.0.2 ....................................................Corn Snake 0.0.1.............................African Pancake Tortoise

0.1.0 — FLORIDA MANATEE† 0.0.12 — ARROYA TOAD* 0.0.7 — Golfodulcean Poison Dart Frog

• • • • •

PHOTO: JOHN REED

First digit male. Second digit female Third digit sex unknown Two digits only represent male and female CAPS = Endangered Species * (Asterisk) = First time at the Zoo

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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GARDENER'S CORNER

Trees for North Florida

By Chris Dailey, Horticulture Manager

Here are some of my favorite trees you can find and plant in north Florida. As native trees, these species are important to our area and support local wildlife. These and many other native trees will soon be planted in our newly-renovated parking lot. You should plant them too!

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Grandiflora is one of my favorite Latin plant names.

It translates to “big flower” and few trees have bigger flowers than the southern magnolia.

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WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Massive white fragrant flowers adorn this stately tree in the spring. Even without flowers, the tree is quite magnificent with leaves that are bright and glossy on the top side and fuzzy and brown on the underside.

PHOTOS: CHRIS DAILEY

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum) This tree has a lot going for it.

One of its most treasured features i s f o l i a g e c o l o r. I n t h e f a l l , t h e feathery leaves turn shades of gold and orange before they drop. And in the spring, the vibrant lime green leaves announce that winter is over.

Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii) Autumn coloration also occurs with the swamp chestnut oak at the onset of seasonal change. The large leaves with unusual wavy smoothtoothed edges fade to shades of red in late fall and early winter. The attractive, flaky bark on the trunk is another unique and desirable characteristic of this tree.

Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata) F o r s m a l l e r t re e s , i t i s h a rd t o b e a t t h e u t i l i t y and toughness of the sand live oak. Oak species are extremely valuable to our insect population, especially insects that are eaten by songbirds. So, if you are into bird watching and want more songbirds in your yard, this is the tree for you. They would look great in your own yard too, so why not give them a try?

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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ZOO ZONE FOR KIDS

Marshmallow Zoo While enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with delicious melting marshmallows, use your extra marshmallows to create some of your favorite animals! Can't think of an animal to build? Make an animal that lives in a cold environment such as a polar bear, penguin, or arctic hare!

What You'll Need • • • •

Assortment of marshmallows (extra-large, regular, mini, etc.)

Toothpicks or dried spaghetti noodles Optional: paper, markers, scissors Optional: hot chocolate

Some Science Connections Behind the Fun: Here at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, animal wellness is one of our top priorities. We are dedicated to providing a thriving environment for our resident animals. Habitat design and animal wellness go hand-in-hand, so we strive to simulate natural environments with all our exhibits!

Before you build your marshmallow animals, do some research on the animals you plan to make. Where do they live and what do they need in order survive and be happy in their habitat? Do they have any special adaptations to help them better survive in their environment? What other animals share the same environment? Incorporate what you learn into your designs!

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1

Use toothpicks or dried noodles to help the marshmallows stay together. Sometimes licking the marshmallows first helps them stick to each other better.

2

Add some details to your animals using paper or markers like eyes and a nose.

Be sure to not eat your marshmallow animals if you use markers.

3 Once you have created some marshmallow animals, design and build a habitat for them to live in.

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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EDUCATION

One Day of Zoo Camp One Lifetime of Memories

By Amy Feinstein, Education Specialist

What are your favorite memories of camp as a kid? Do you close your eyes and recall lazy days floating on your back in a lake? Maybe you smile when you think about taking archery lessons or tromping into the dining hall after a long hike. I bet you are absolutely ecstatic when you remember the day you made friends with snakes and tarantulas, right? No? Just me? Well, if your kids attend Zoo Camp at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, getting up close and personal with the creepy crawlies may turn into an experience they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Each day of Zoo Camp has an educational focus, but campers are often having so much fun they do not even know they are learning! During Winter Zoo Camp we might test out a blubber glove to demonstrate how some animals stay warm; during Summer Zoo Camp we might peek inside of a pitcher plant to see what insects it has caught and digested. Zoo walks are coordinated with the theme of the day, so if we are talking about animals who live in groups, do not be surprised if our travels take us to the gorilla or elephant exhibits. On an extra special day, we might even get to chat with a keeper or visit a behind-thescenes area.

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WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

One of the highlights of Zoo Camp is getting to see (and often touch) animals that are not on exhibit out in the Zoo. Campers enjoy daily encounters with our Education Animal Ambassadors, from adorable “aww-inducing” mammals such as skinny pigs and tenrecs to somewhat divisive pythons and roaches. There is nothing like feeling fur or scales under your fingers to inspire a special connection with the natural world.

A day at Zoo Camp can spark a lifetime of love for animals and plants. We cannot wait to have you join us on our environmental adventures!

Winter Zoo Camp 2020

DECEMBER 28–31

GRADES K–5

A n o t h e r y e a r, a n o t h e r t r i p around the sun! We have our own ways to mark the seasons, but what do the animals and plants do as the weather changes? Join us at Winter Zoo Camp to celebrate the cycles of the natural world through games, activities, Zoo walks, meetings with Education Animal Ambassadors, and more.

members

$50 One Day

$175 Four Days

jacksonvilleZoo.org/zoo-camps

Safety First We held a safe and fun camp this summer and will continue to prioritize safety and health! We are taking many precautions in order to safely run our in-person camps this year: • Masks required for campers, staff, and volunteers •

Temperature checks and symptom questionnaires at drop-off

•

Group size limits of 10 campers

•

Frequent cleaning, sanitizing, and hand-washing

•

Signed COVID-19 Waivers before attendance

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

@kvol30

tythenikonguy

Tag your posts with #jaxzoomember for a chance to see your photos here!

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WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

@kvol30

cjweather

tythenikonguy

keith_reynolds

redfraggle32

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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ANIMAL PROGRAMS

For the Love of Animals Loaning for Species Survival

By Donna Bear, Curator of Species Management

During one of your visits to the Zoo, have you asked yourself or a keeper, “Where do we get our animals?”

As one of only 240 accredited facilities by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens focuses on cooperative conservation of species and responsible breeding programs.

Accredited zoos emphasize the well-being of animals as well as the well-being of populations. Species Survival Plans (SSP) seek to preserve genetic viability over time by matching compatible partners and sharing detailed pedigree information. SSP’s typically seek to maintain genetic diversity over one to two hundred years. We hope that a century from now, sufficient habitat will be protected and suitable opportunities will exist so that animals may be potentially reintroduced to the wild.

To maintain genetic diversity as well as healthy bloodlines, accredited zoos often loan animals so that a variety of pairings can be achieved. For example, if a pair of giant river otters are successfully housed together for a few years, but no pups are produced after many attempts, a zoo may lend out an animal to another zoo to potentially pair up with a new compatible partner. A new compatible mate may also be introduced to the original pair for a better match.

Due to his under-represented wild genes, the adult male giant river otter at our Zoo, Buddy, is the most valuable animal within the giant otter SSP’s collective population. He came to us from a wildlife rehabilitation 16

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

center in Guyana as a non-releasable, blind juvenile.

For several years, he lived with a female, but they never produced pups unfortunately. She was sent to another accredited zoo and new mate, Sarave, came to us from Zoo Miami. Since her arrival, Sarave and Buddy have produced and raised 1.3 offspring—three females and one male!

Another example involves Cleo, a giraffe we loaned to Lee Richardson Zoo in Kansas. Since her arrival there in 2014 she has already been a mom twice, including a male born this past August. The terms of the loan agreement state that her second calf could potentially return to Jacksonville if our herd ever requires an additional animal from the same genetic line.

Loans allow for better, interconnected collaborations between all AZA-accredited zoos. This is not just for the propagation of species across the US, but also cooperation among responsible international zoological associations.

There are many environmental, governmental, and political pressures making negative impacts on wild animals. Until such a time when large natural spaces and their species are effectively protected, accredited zoos and aquariums are striving to serve as genetically viable reserves for a time when we can reintroduce a species to the wild. Until then, we will do our very best to care for each and every one of our zoos’ treasured residents.

GIANT RIVER OTTER PHOTOS: JOHN REED

CONSERVATION

Lights Out for Birds

By Lucas Meers, Conservation Program Officer

Indigo Bunting

During some months of the year when we are peacefully asleep, billions of birds are flying overhead on their way to their nesting or wintering destinations.

Northeast Florida is the second-largest bird migration region along the Atlantic Coast. Using the light from the moon and stars, birds fly north to their nesting grounds between February and May, and south to their wintering grounds between September and November.

During these flights, these birds must endure several obstacles. A recent and increasing threat is the use of artificial light at night. These lights attract and confuse birds, throwing them off their natural migration path and causing collisions with buildings and windows.

We want to raise awareness on how people and businesses in our community can prevent unintentionally disrupting birds along their migration routes, many of which are small, colorful songbirds. To help reduce our impact on these birds, Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens teamed up with the Duval Audubon Society and St. Johns County Audubon Society to launch Lights Out Northeast Florida. Our goal is to educate our passionate community about the effects these lights have on the birds we love so much and share ways we can help them along their migration twice a year.

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WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Ideally our community would turn out all their lights at night, but we understand that is not always possible.

Instead, here are alternative options you can take: •

Turn off your lights during the darkest period of the night between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

•

Direct your lights to point downward instead of upward

•

Switch your outdoor lights to timed lights or motion sensing lights

•

Switch to soft white lights, instead of bright white LED lights

•

Encourage the businesses you frequent to take the same actions

Visit JacksonvilleZoo.org/lights-out to learn how we can save our colorful migratory birds during the Spring migration in 2021. Help us in protecting these birds so they can continue to visit our bird feeders for years to come.

PHOTO: CONNIE LONG

Cedar Waxwing

American Robin

PHOTOS: LISA PATRIA (TOP), CAROL BAILEY-WHITE (BOTTOM)

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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ANIMAL HIGHLIGHTS

Squirrel Monkeys

Squirrel Monkeys are curious primates with gregarious personalities. Even though their name includes the word squirrel they are not related to squirrels. However, they are similar to squirrels in some ways. They are small, spend most of their lives in trees, are very fast, and agile. They differ from many other monkey species because they only use their tails for balance and not for gripping branches.

Zoo Exhibits Play Park and Range of the Jaguar Diet Fruit, leaves, insects, frogs, and invertebrates Habitat Tropical forests Range Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, Paraguay and Venezuela; a small population has been introduced to Southern Florida and many of the Caribbean Islands

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PHOTOS: MARK SHEPPE

PHOTOS: JOHN REED

WILD MAGAZINE • WINTER 2020–2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

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SNAPSHOT SOCIETY

Zoo Photography Notes from the Field

By John Reed, Photography Volunteer & Snapshot Society Teacher

While we all enjoy seeing and photographing the various animals at our Zoo, let us remember this is the Zoo and Gardens—fauna and flora! The horticulture team does a terrific job of ensuring the flora is healthy, vibrant, and beautiful all year, so there is always something great to photograph.

If you are able to arrive early on your next visit, you may catch dew or sprinkler water drops on many of the plants. This makes for some really great shots.

Get as close as you can or zoom in to make the water drops the clear subject of the photo. Each is like a tiny gem and for those of you with a macro lens, you can get really close and observe that the drops act like tiny magnifying glasses!

All I had to do was walk around the flower so the light hit the back of the flower. Look at the difference. The nice, dark background and flower glows.

Sometimes you cannot get around to the other side of the flower because you would have to leave the walkway, but there will be other opportunities with so many gardens to explore. Here is another option if your visit is long enough: come back to the same flower later after the sun has moved in the sky and you might have a different angle. Watch for flowers on your way in and on your way out. You will notice the light is different.

No water drops? No problem. There are many other great opportunities to photograph plants. One thing you can do to make flowers “pop” is to shoot into the light. This type of light is called “backlight” and it makes anything translucent look almost electric.

Take a look at these two photos. One is sort of “flat” with a bright background because the light (sun) was behind me. This is called “front light” because the light is hitting the front of the subject.

Finally, if you are looking for another type of photograph, go for wider shots that show whole patches of flowers. Different colors in the scene can make for a wonderful color palette. What appeals to most people are complementary colors such as yellow and blue, or red and green.

Remember, do not be shy if you ever see me at the Zoo. Please feel free to say hello and ask any photography questions you may have.

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VOLUNTEERS

Next Step: Volunteer!

By Derek Mock, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator

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SPOOKTACULAR 2020 VOLUNTEER PHOTOS: MARK SHEPPE

Over the years, many Members have taken the leap to get even more involved with Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens by becoming volunteers. Volunteering here is both rewarding and educational. Our volunteers strive to provide excellent care for both animals and guests alike! Volunteering spans across the entire Zoo in almost every department including Education, Facilities, Special Events, Animal Care, and more.

Our Members have a vast knowledge of our animals and the history of our Zoo. We would love for you to join our volunteer family so that you can share your knowledge and experiences with all our guests! You are already helping us achieve our mission with your membership contribution. Volunteering takes your role a step further by helping us spread our message of conservation and environmental stewardship.

Adult and Special Event Teen Programs Our Teen Programs start at age 14 and our Adult Programs begin at age 18. Check our website today f o r o u r A d u l t a n d S p e c i a l E v e n t Te e n v o l u n t e e r applications and details on those opportunities.

THE PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE WERE TAKEN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC

ZooTeens!

Our ZooTeen! program will kick off again in the spring. ZooTeens! is a specialized program for teens ages 14–17 that fosters leadership, growth, skill development, and teamwork. ZooTeen! applications will be posted in February.

Groups We are also always looking for group volunteers.

We provide service hours for school groups, corporate groups, religious groups, and more. If you have a group of any kind that would like to volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

Unpaid Internships Like our volunteer opportunities, we have internships in many departments throughout the Zoo. Most people see the Zoo as a place just for those hoping to pursue a career in animal care, however our Zoo is full of opportunities in a variety of career paths such as marketing, exhibit design, education, and of course animal care.

Applications for Spring 2021 Unpaid internships a re a v a i l a b l e a t j a c k s o n v i l l e z o o . o r g / i n t e r n s h i p s.

Applications will close on January 1, 2021.

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DEVELOPMENT

‘Tis the Season to be Grateful

By Ausu Anaraki, Major Gifts Officer

Generous donations from our supporters helped carry us through these uncertain times, but we still have quite a way to go. As we near the end of 2020, we hope that you will consider supporting our recovery efforts if you have not already done so.

The Zoo needs you!

When we closed our doors during our busiest months, we had no idea what to expect moving forward. Since re-opening in May, we continue to operate at reduced capacity for the safety of our staff and guests. Although we are beyond grateful to be open, the struggle to operate under our “new normal” has been a challenge.

T h a n k f u l l y, o u r J a c k s o n v i l l e Z o o a n d G a rd e n s community has been there for us every step of the way. Because of your support during COVID-19, we have made huge strides toward recovering from our revenue loss since March.

Did you hear about the ZOO-A-THON? From this fund raiser alone, you helped us raise over $440,000!

Here are a few easy ways to help: • Make a one-time gift through our online Giving Portal, text GIVE to (904) 560-5600, o r m a i l a c h e c k t o AT T N : D e v e l o p m e n t , Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32218. Why not make your donation in honor or memory of someone to take care of two holiday gifts in one?

• Become a Pollinator by signing up to make monthly, recurring gifts to the Zoo and Gardens.

Like our pollinating friends in nature, you can commit to a monthly gift, no matter how small. Our Pollinators are essential for the Zoo’s survival. Sign up online.

• S y m b o l i c a l l y a d o p t a z o o a n i m a l a t jacksonvillezoo.org/Animal-Adoption . This makes a great holiday gift.

It is easy to make Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens part of your holiday plans, and trust us, all the animals, plants, and employees will be grateful. For more information on how to make your year-end gift to the Zoo, email development@jacksonvillezoo.org or call (904) 757-4463 x208.

Thank you for your support

Did you know?

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress in March 2020. It includes new tax incentives that might make it beneficial for you to make a gift to Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens in 2020.

Learn how at: JacksonvilleZoo.org/Cares-Act

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MEMBERSHIP

Meet Sheila

By Morgan Purvis, Communications and Public Relations Representative

She has been a familiar face in Guest Services and our Member Office collectively for 12 years— and now we are excited to introduce her to you as your Membership Coordinator.

Sheila will assist with member engagement initiatives, planning Member events, and ensuring satisfaction while helping members get the most out of membership. Like many Members, Sheila’s favorite thing to do here is feed the giraffes and visit ZOOLights with her family.

Your membership team loves to hear from you!

Say hello by emailing members@jacksonvillezoo.org.

Ask about gift memberships for this holiday season.

Membership Click here to purchase a gift membership or contact us by email at members@jacksonvillezoo.org.

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HOLIDAY SHOPPING Find perfect gifts at our gift shop

DECEMBER 1

Do you have stocking stuffers?

3

5

6

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Click here to Adopt An Animal

Does anyone on your list like to read?

Don't forget your pet sitter, coworker, teachers…

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Running out of time?

Give a Zoo Membership! pg. 27

Happy Holidays!

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13 17 We have unique animals masks and LED masks

Create a gift basket!

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