Issuu

FA L L

2021

MEMBER APPRECIATION NEWBORNS CONSERVATION JAX ZOO TUBE VIDEOS

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

Cheery and Bright Dates Coming Soon

Table Of Contents 2 Who's Who: Member Stories 6 Member Appreciation 8 Newborns: Western Lowland Gorilla 10 Newborns: Reticulated Giraffes 12 Jax Zoo Tube Videos 13 Annual Board Meeting 14 What's New: Births, Hatchings, Acquisitions 16 Gardener's Corner: Do You Have a Favorite Plant or Garden? 18 Social Spotlight 20 Conservation: Wellness and Wildlife Conservation 22 Conservation: Prevent Manatee Mortalities 23 Animal Programs: Conservancy and Recovery

of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad

24 Spooktacular 2021 25 Snapshot Society: Spooktacular Photography 26 Development: At the Heart of our Mission 27 Zoo Zone for Kids: Word Search 29 Holiday Shopping 30 Development: Support the Zoo this Holiday Season 31 Save the Date: ZOO-A-THON 32 Book Your Next Event 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 William Rowe, Chair Chuck Ged, Chair Elect / VC Finance Karen Estella Smith, Secretary Ann Harwood-Nuss, M.D., VC Animal Care, Conservation & Wellness Carl Cannon, VC Capital Campaign Janna McNicholas, VC Governance John Hayt, Honorary Advisor John McIlvaine, VC Marketing & Development Jordan Elsbury, Mayoral Appointee* Kelly Coker-Daniel, VC Education Kerri Stewart, VC Special Projects & Properties Lucia Lindsey, VC Gardens & Art *City of Jacksonville Appointed

GENERAL BOARD Paul Blackstone Scott Chamberlayne Asher Chanan-Khan, M.D. *LeAnna Cumber Anne Marie Cushmac Kenyonn Demps Jessica Fowler Margaret Hicks Rene Kurzius Barney Lane George Mikes John Naugle *Ju’Coby Pittman Paul Sandler Joel Swanson Salmaan Wahidi Darryl Willie Scott Witt HONORARY BOARD Ivan Clare Dano Davis Lenore McCullagh Elizabeth Petway Herbert Peyton Clifford Schultz

Frank Surface Janet Vaksdal Weaver 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

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

WHO'S WHO AT THE ZOO

Member Stories As a Member of Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, you may be familiar with the fun benefits of being a part of our organization. Many people choose to become Members for the exclusive discounts, events, news around the Zoo—and of course unlimited admission to see their favorite animals and gardens.

We have noticed it is the “bonus” benefits that keep Members supporting our Zoo though. Continuous visits here reinforce our Members’ passion for nature and wild places. We love watching this passion grow through your families and continuing for many years. Every Member has a unique story and here are a few thoughts from your Member family.

John and Kathleen Neel Members for 15 years. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens has been a regular and ongoing part of our lives, individually and as a family, for more than 50 years. From childhood memories of visiting the polar bear and eating ice cream cones by the kiddie rides near the Trout River; to admiring the new baby giraffes with their mothers; from celebrating our daughter’s birthdays; to picnics with family and friends, we have seen many changes and improvements that we believe make our Zoo one of the premiere zoos in the nation. While Kathleen’s favorite animal at the zoo is definitely the elephant and John likes to visit the big cats, we have no particular favorite exhibit but enjoy spending time at all the exhibits and, lately, you can find us being entertained and fascinated by the Greater Flamingos in the African Loop. We have been Zoo Members for 15 years and, in addition to participating in the Snapshot Society, we enjoy the free general admission to be able to visit the zoo any time it is open as well as discounts at the gift shop and restaurants. As Zoo Members, we are excited to be a part of the future of this valuable city resource and look forward to seeing and being involved in its continuing efforts in conservation and education. .

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Amber J. Members for 9 years. We have been Members for 9 years! We received a membership as a gift for our daughter’s first birthday and have happily renewed over the years. We love the flexibility of being able to come for a full day or just drop in for a few hours to see our favorite exhibits. There is no pressure to see everything in one day because we know we will be back! This has certainly changed over the years, but my daughters will always love the giraffe exhibit. On one of our recent visits, we spent over 30 minutes watching the new babies and talking with the keeper. We are proud to now know several of the giraffes by name! We always make time to visit the Asian Bamboo Garden. It is such a peaceful and beautiful spot, and we all love spending time there.

Marilyn S. Members for 8 years. Some of the things we enjoy the most is our frequent visits, even when it’s just to see our favorite animal friends or to take a morning or evening stroll since we can go any time. We love ALL the animals and think our gardens are simply spectacular. I have 15 grandchildren, so needless to say they have all been introduced at early ages to the zoo and is one of their favorite local outings to take. Many of our grands are so familiar with our zoo and the animals, they can take us for a guided tour. This summer we have thoroughly enjoyed going to the IllumiZoo Summer Spectacle, with all its activities and cooler temps it’s been a great way to do a family night out. I sure hope the zoo continues with the zoo night celebrations again next summer. I have to say that I love the Gorilla exhibit as one of my favorites, some of my kids’ favs are the Komodo dragon, the lions & tigers, the African fields and being from Jacksonville and a Jaguar fan we like the jaguars! We love the entire Zoo, so to pick a favorite area is almost impossible, but the riverfront area and gardens are very nice. Thank You on behalf of the Solorzano Family

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Nathan B. Members for 1½ years. I try to take my family to the zoo once a week. Jacksonville has one of the best zoos I’ve ever been to, and with moving so much with the military, I’ve seen a lot of zoos. We love to go early in the morning right when they open, we feel we have the place to ourselves for a while. All the zookeepers and volunteers are knowledgeable and very helpful. I always bring my camera and have gotten some really amazing photos of the animals. My favorite exhibits to visit with my family and camera are the flamingos, the jaguars, the tigers and the reptile exhibits. I love the snakes, lizards, turtles, gators, etc. If it has scales, I want to see them. Some days you’ll find me alone at the zoo with just my long-range camera lens and I’ll spend hours at the zoo just taking photos, observing, and learning about the animals. The zoo is truly one of my favorite places to go.

Sofiya H. Members for 1 year. My daughter and I love the zoo for all the activities it has to offer. We get to learn about the animals while we have fun. We can get close and personal with some of the animals and feed them. The staff is always really friendly and answer all the questions we have about the animals which helps us learn so much about them. We know the animals by their names because we love going to the zoo so much. We also love bringing family and friends so we can watch how much they enjoy the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the first time as they learn so many new facts about the animals!

Lauren P. Members for 5 months. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is by far my favorite zoo that we have ever been to! Becoming a Member was a no brainer for us! I have never met a staff member that was not friendly and helpful! The primates always seem like they are loving life and will show off a bit each time we visit! (The bonobos in particular)! Maybe it’s too hot for your liking…you have the option for yourself and your kids to cool off at the splash pad! And I can’t forget my daughter's favorite things: petting the goats, the otters and finding the talking parrots!

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Did you know you can get your Zoo pictures published in Wild Magazine? Tag your social media posts with #jaxzoomember for a chance to see your photos in the Social Spotlight.

Member Appreciation

Thank You, Members! With appreciation and gratitude, we thank our Members. Your ongoing support contributes to the care we provide animals here and around the world.. Saturday and Sunday Mornings 8–9 a.m. • Free access to Carousel, Train, and 4D Theater • Free feedings as available

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Member Night Friday, September 17, 2021 from 6–9 p.m. Total Experience included Food and beverage available for purchase at Trout River Grill and Palm Plaza Click here for more information

Member Night September 17th 6–9 p.m.

Exclusively for You

NEWBORNS

Western Lowland Gorilla Kevin was born on April 9, 2021

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

PHOTOS: JOHN REED

Zoo Exhibits African Forest

Habitat Tropical forests

Diet Primarily plants including leaves, seeds, roots, shoots, and fruit.

Range Central and western Africa

Conservation Status IUCN Redlist Critically Endangered

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

NEWBORNS

Reticulated Giraffe Calves Born July 2, July 21, and August 20

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

PHOTOS: JOHN REED

Zoo Exhibits Giraffe Overlook Diet Leaves and shoots of trees and shrubs.

Habitat Open woodlands and wooded grassland

Conservation Status IUCN Redlist Least Concern

Range Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

VIDEOS

Jax Zoo Tube

Giraffe Tower Grows by Another Long Neck

What can gorillas “tell” us?

Sassy and Splashy Sheena

Critically Endangered Gorilla Infant Born at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

How do we feed over 2,000 animals?

Welcoming Kipenzi to the Crash

To see additional videos please visit our YouTube Channel 12

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

The Jacksonville Zoological Society cordially invites you to the

2021 Annual Board Meeting October 20, 5–6 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. As a valued member, you have the opportunity to lear n more about the Zoo as an organization and participate in a review of our past year. We will honor past board members and look to the future by introducing new board members.

RSVP if you would like to attend: annualmeeting@jacksonvillezoo.org.

Information will be sent at a later date to those that reply. Include your name and number of guests attending.

Please note this an adult event.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

WHAT'S NEW

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

April–June 2021 Births & Hatchings African Pancake Tortoise.....................................................0.0.1 Angolan Colobus.....................................................................0.2 Aruba Island Rattlesnake*...................................................0.0.3 Black-Faced Ibis......................................................................0.0.5 Boat-Billed Heron..................................................................1.1.1 Cotton-Top Tamarin.............................................................0.0.1 Cownose Ray.........................................................................0.0.4 Eastern Black-and-White Colobus.........................................1.0 Golden-Breasted Starling.....................................................0.0.1 Magellanic Penguin.................................................................2.0 Prehensile-Tailed Skink.........................................................0.0.2 PUERTO RICAN CRESTED TOAD †............................... 0.0.1920

Cownose Ray

Roseate Spoonbill.................................................................0.0.6

(Rhinoptera bonasus)

Southern Toad.....................................................................0.0.16

Due to the shape of their foreheads, these cartilaginous fish are aptly named the cownose ray. In Spanish they are called cara de vaca, which translates to “face of cow.” An open-ocean species, cownose rays typically live in warm, temperate, and tropical waters; but they can inhabit shallow bays and estuaries as well. They can be found in the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, Atlantic Coast of the US, and even western Africa. While the size of a full-grown cownose ray may differ depending on their habitat, the average width of the body ranges between 2–3 feet, with their tail being up to twice as long. Cownose rays are often confused with sharks when their fin tips break the surface of the water, appearing much like a shark’s dorsal fin. Since sharks and rays are both in the taxonomic subclass Elasmobranchii, the confusion is understandable. There are about 700 species of rays in the world, most of which originated 250 million years ago during the Paleozoic Era. Here at the Zoo, we have five species of rays, including the cownose ray. The other species are freshwater stingrays, bluntnose stingrays, Atlantic guitarfish, and Atlantic stingrays. While you might be able to spot the freshwater stingray in the Lost Temple, you will be able to see, and maybe even interact, with the rest of the species at Stingray Bay.

Striped Newt..................................................................... 0.0.357 WALDRAPP IBIS........................................................................0.1 WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA.............................................1.0 Yellow-Backed Duiker.............................................................0.1

Acquisitions EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE .......................................................0.1 Eyelash Palm Pitviper ...........................................................0.0.2 Flat-Tailed Gecko .....................................................................1.1 Giant Anteater ........................................................................1.0 Southern Copperhead ............................................................1.0

LEGEND: 0.1.2 • • • • • • 14

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 †(Dagger) = Released back into the wild WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) As the name suggests, these wading birds are mostly rosy or pink in color with darker splotches on the wings and body. Many people do not realize that their tails are also slightly orange. When these birds are born, they actually start off greyish-white in color. Their most prominent feature is their spatula-like bill, which they expertly use when foraging for food in shallow waters. While they prefer marshes, flooded pastures, and natural pools, they can also be found in tidal ponds, mangrove pools, and streams searching for food. Their diet mainly consists of aquatic organisms, such as small fish, crustaceans, water insects, and mollusks. Since roseate spoonbills are gregarious, it is common for them to feed in colonies that can also include other species such as ibises, herons, and storks. These birds thrive best in neotropical areas. They can be found in the southeastern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and throughout South America— typically east of the Andes Mountains. At Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, you can find them in the Emerald Forest Aviary.

Aruba Island Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus unicolor) As the name might imply, this rattlesnake can only be found the Aruba Island rattlesnake is a part of the Species Survival on Aruba Island, located in the southern Caribbean Sea almost Plan. For the first time in Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens’ history, 20 miles north of Venezuela. The Aruba Island rattlesnake was we have three new, healthy Aruba Island rattlesnakes born even featured on the island’s currency, the florin note, in the June 30. The young had their first weigh-in the same day, early 1990s and from 2003 to 2019. Unfortunately, the Aruba each of them being about 15–17 grams, which is just a little Island rattlesnake is one of the rarest in the world. The most heavier than a AAA battery. When full-grown, an Aruba Island recent population count was less than 250 mature specimens rattlesnake can be about 450 grams and reach 2–3 feet in in their natural environment. Habitat loss and the introduction length. You can meet the adult counterpart of these young in of boa constrictors are two major factors for their dwindling the Lost Temple. population. While adult boa constrictors eat larger prey than the rattlesnakes, young boas compete for the same type of prey: mainly lizards and birds. Due to its endangered status,

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

GARDENER'S CORNER

Do You Have a Favorite Plant or Garden? By Anthony Lopez, Horticulture Technician 2

Over the years, our Members have observed its transformation into the place we know and love today. We all enjoy seeing animals, but perhaps the plants are what you love too, visit after visit. From the sea breeze bamboo (Bambusa malingensis) that tower over the path approaching Asian Bamboo Garden, to the Madagascar palm (Pachypodiun lamerei) overlooking the lily pool at Savanna Blooms Garden, our Members love many of our botanical spaces.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

The next time you walk through the gardens, take a moment to see if you can spot a few of my own favorite plants. Stroll down Main Path toward the Gardens at Trout River Plaza. Along the front of Trout River Grill, caranday wax palms (Copernicia alba) boast bluish-green leaves with hook-like spines. Native to a few South American countries, this is known to many as the 'tree of life' in honor of its many uses—including wax produced on the leaves used to make candles, and a hardy trunk that is commonly used as fence posts.

PHOTOS: JOHN REED

Continue your journey to Asian Bamboo Garden. Just after you enter the moon gate, look across the water to the bridge and you will find one of our Roxburgh fig trees (Ficus auriculata). New leaves emerge in copper-colored reds and browns, eventually growing up to 21 inches long and 12 inches wide. Noted for these big and round leaves, it is also called an elephant ear ficus. At 5 to 7 years of age, the Roxburgh will produce purple fruits clustered throughout the tree, even from the roots. Walking further along the pathway, you will enter Land of the Tiger. Surrounding the “strangler fig” that connects the tiger trails, you will enjoy clumps of Disney scarlet ginger (Hedychium coccineum 'Disney').

The delicate ornamental flowers, atop sturdy stocks, bloom summer through fall and emit a sweet fragrance that attracts swallowtail and giant sulphur butterflies. These are just a few of the many native and exotic plants that adorn our pathways. As a Member, you have the pleasure of coming back repeatedly in awe of the gardens, as they transform from season to season. While enjoying your visit, take a moment to spot something new in the gardens and share your favorites with our horticulture team.

Have you seen this video featuring our gardens? Click the Beach (Dune) Sunflower picture.

Gardener's Corner: What's in Bloom

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

my_enchanting_florida_life

kvol30

Tag your posts with #jaxzoomember for a chance to see your photos here. 18

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

dragonslair_photography

redfraggle32

Melissa Martin

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

CONSERVATION

Wellness and Wildlife Conservation By Fátima Ramis, Assistant Curator of Conservation

This past winter was a critical time for our beloved Florida manatees, and thanks to the support of Members, we made a big impact. The Florida manatee (Tirchechus manatus lairostris), is a sub-species of the West-Indian Manatee and geographically occupies the northern limit of the species range, utilizing rivers and coastal habitats of southeastern United States. However, when water temperatures fall below 68°F during the winter, the Florida manatee is restricted to thermal basins and warm water discharge refuges in the state of Florida. While rotund in shape, manatees do not have enough blubber for insulation and need to consume about 10 percent of their body weight daily in seagrass. In these refuges, manatees congregate in large numbers and feed primarily on seagrass until water temperatures rise again. Though the Florida manatee has been legally protected since 1893 through the Florida State Law, and later through other state and federal protections, populations experienced substantial decline in the 20th century due to human activities and natural circumstances. Thanks to collaborative partnerships like the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP), including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a consortium of zoos and aquariums, and academic entities who work together to rescue and rehabilitate stranded manatees, their numbers have been increasing. Twenty years ago, there were around 2,000 Florida manatees in the wild. In the year 2020, there was an estimated 7,520.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Not only are we a member of the MRP, but we also have the only critical care facility in northeast Florida. This rehabilitation facility provides life-saving medical treatment to rescued manatees. Manatee rescue and rehabilitation is the Zoo’s largest regional conservation initiative, caring for 35 manatees at the Manatee Critical Care Center since the center opened in 2017. Our Members are active contributors to the MRP through their membership support and attendance—and this year, your support was critical. Unusual Mortality Event of 2021 Though manatee deaths usually increase during the winter because of cold stress syndrome, often caused by manatees enduring colder than ideal temperatures, manatees experienced something extreme this winter. The 2021 Unusual Mortality Event along the east coast of Florida resulted in approximately over 800 perished manatees. Though the event continues to be investigated, it is likely that manatees were affected by lack of access to seagrass in warm water sites, resulting in starvation. While the causes of this lack of seagrass are not yet clear, it may be related to water quality. This year, you made a large impact: In winter 2020, in collaboration with FWC, we rescued and released seven manatees for various reasons, some of which were related to cold stress. The care, rehabilitation, and release of these animals would not be possible without your membership support and attendance. Thank you for protecting and saving Florida’s beloved gentle giant.

Learn how you can help prevent manatee injuires and mortalities. Click the rescued manatee picture.

Prevent Manatee Mortalities

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

CONSERVATION

Prevent Manatee Mortalities By Emily Long, Social Media & Advertising Specialist

It’s been a tough year for manatees, and we are experiencing the impacts at our Manatee Critical Care Center. Devastating rates of manatee deaths this past winter has triggered what's called an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). This allows government and nonprofit organizations to determine the cause of manatee die-off through ongoing, in-depth investigations. Though it's still early, initial data shows a significant decline in seagrass leaving them without food supply. As of August, we’ve received 11 manatees in 2021, which is already more than double the total intakes compared to all of 2020. Of the 11 manatees, nine are associated with the current UME as they came in thin and from the east coast, and most had other accompanying issues such as cold stress and boat strike wounds. Unfortunately, three of the manatees have died this year, despite our best efforts to continue rehabilitating these animals. Two deaths were related to the UME and one was related to boat strike injuries.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

In 2017 we received eight manatees, which up until this year was our highest number on record, and the majority were quick rehabs and releases. Though the length of time manatees spend onsite effects how many and how often we can accommodate more, we are still pacing ahead of 2017’s number, indicating the grim reality manatees currently face in our local waters. Although this year has been difficult so far, there are things you can do to help! To help prevent a decline in water quality and seagrass growth, use environmentally safe products and properly dispose of toxic materials. Keep our waters free of trash and recycle monofilament line in specified bins throughout the state. While out on the water, remember to go slow and steer clear of shallow areas where manatees are more likely to congregate to feed. Stay up-to-date on the latest UME news and learn how to stay involved on our social media pages. Your ongoing support as Members allows our mission to help protect plants and animals, whether abroad or in our own backyards, possible.

ANIMAL PROGRAMS

Conservancy and Recovery of the Puerto Rican Crested Toad By Jasmine Alvarado, Species Management Officer

Your membership not only supports the care of our animals, but also animals who will go on to be released to help wild populations. On May 13, 2021, we shipped nearly 2,000 Puerto Rican crested toads to the Puerto Rico Department of Environment and Natural Resources (PRDENR), the government organization who manages the land on which the toads are released. As the name suggests, the crested toad has a notable ridge, or crest, above each eye. These toads can grow up to 4.5 inches in length and vary in color, from yellowish green to dark brown, and have pebbled skin. Males are smaller than the females and have less prominent crests. Juvenile toads are easy to distinguish from adults since their coloration is much lighter and they have an hourglass-shaped marking on their backs. Known by the locals as the sapo concho Puertorriqueño, this is the only toad native to the island of Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rican crested toad was first discovered in 1868. When sightings stopped sometime during the 1930s, it was assumed that they were extinct. It was not until the 1960s when they were rediscovered in the municipality of Isabela, located in the northwestern region of Puerto Rico. In 1984, another population of the species was found in Guánica Commonwealth Forest, located south of the island. That same year, the Puerto Rican crested toad

became the first amphibian to receive Species Survival Plan (SSP) status through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). In 1987, the Puerto Rican crested toad was federally recognized as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The crested toad’s habitat varies as does the landscape in Puerto Rico. They can be found in rainforests, grasslands, and even arid land. These habitats form temporary bodies of water during the breeding season where the eggs and tadpoles can grow. By the time the raining season is over, the tadpoles have become toadlets and can survive outside of water. Another feature these habitats have in common are limestone rock formations called karst. Since crested toads are nocturnal, during the day they hide and sleep within holes and fissures throughout the karst to protect themselves from the heat. Depending on the time of year, the average maximum temperatures can go between 82 to 90 degrees. F ro m t h e t i m e t h e P u e r t o R i c a n c re s t e d t o a d recovery plan started, the captive toad population has increased from 300 toads to approximately 1,500 toads throughout all the participating institutions in the United States and Canada. Over the years, PRDENR, AZA, USFWS, and a variety of institutions and community groups have put their resources together to protect this species. In doing so, these groups also provide outreach education to the public, carry out research studies, and safeguard the remaining undisturbed habitat of the Puerto Rican crested toad. With two more shipments planned later this year, approximately 600,000 tadpoles will have been released in seven different locations in Puerto Rico since the SSP program began in 1984.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

October 15 – 17, 22 – 31 6:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Buy Member Tickets

Sustainable Palm Oil Palm oil is an ingredient in many candies and foods. Click here for more information on the impact palm oil has on wildlife and our environment. As an additional conservation effort, we feature environmentally-friendly candy options whenever possible. 24

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

SNAPSHOT SOCIETY

Spooktacular Photography Notes from the Field

Wish Flash

Fall will be here soon—and with fall comes Spooktacular. You might think photography is not as easy because most of the fun is at night, but now with the latest digital cameras and smart phones, that is not the case. You can get some cool shots of the transformed exhibits and gardens, so here are some tips. The most obvious thing to do is use your flash. This works great for family remembrances and snapshots with all types of cameras, so do take lots of photos to remember the evening. Then you can also experiment by seeing how much “spookier” the shot without flash looks. Although most smart phones do not provide a lot of flexibility in their settings, the good news is that they do a pretty good job automatically. Fire away without flash to see what you may be able to get. With adjustable cameras like DSLR, mirrorless, or advanced point and shoot types, you have much more flexibility. If you are not familiar with how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO all work together, do some research with your camera manual and get up to speed. We are going to dive a little deeper on how each of these settings play into night photography. The first thing you want to do is try AUTO mode. Depending on the camera, it may or may not turn out decent results. If it does not perform, then you must go to one of the other modes such as program, shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual. Which one you choose will

By John Reed, Photography Volunteer & Snapshot Society Instructor

Without Flash

determine how many settings you must set yourself. Again, your camera manual will help you, but here are some fundamentals. When not in AUTO mode, you must choose an ISO; sometimes a shutter speed and aperture as well depending on the mode you select. The higher the ISO setting, the less light is needed to create an image. Use a higher ISO setting for photos at night. A higher ISO setting will permit the faster shutter speeds needed to capture sharp images. If you set the aperture yourself, set it to the smallest f/stop number. This also lets in the most light. Usually, a high ISO and small f/stop number are needed to get a fast enough shutter speed to stop action and have sharp images. If you set the shutter speed, be sure it is at 1/60 sec or faster. If your photos are blurry due to movement, use a faster shutter speed. Note that you may also need to raise the ISO to get that faster speed. Use these suggestions, read your manual, and practice beforehand to set yourself up for success before your next visit.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

DEVELOPMENT

At the Heart of our Mission By Ausu Anaraki, Individual & Major Gifts Officer

Members are the lifeline of our organization. With a portion of memberships and ticket sales benefitting our conservation and education initiatives, visiting the Zoo and being a Member is as important as ever. After all, it is only with your support that we have been able to contribute more than $1.45 million to protect plants and animals in the last six years alone, and establish more than 45 conservation partners across the globe. Membership and ticket sales are not the only ways that we generate the funds needed to support our efforts. Every year, we rely on a strong network of committed and passionate individuals who connect deeply with our mission of conservation and education: The Heart of the Zoo Society. In 2020, Heart of the Zoo Society Members donated over a half million dollars to our numerous programs and initiatives, which are funded by the Zoo’s Annual Fund. With nearly 200 Members and growing, this group’s capacity to make a significant impact is clear.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

While all Heart of the Zoo Society Members receive a membership, they also receive additional benefits depending on their membership level. These include General Admission tickets and Total Experience bands; an exclusive, quarterly e-newsletter; invitations to donorexclusive events, like Wine, Dine, Discover, Toast to Conservation, and ExZOOberation; an annual, private behind-the-scenes tour; and more. Most importantly, by being a Heart of the Zoo Society Member, you are taking your support for us to the next level. With an annual gift of $500 or more, you can be a part of this incredible group of donors. Plus, the majority of your membership is tax-deductible (total varies per level). For information on how to be a part of the Heart of the Zoo Society, please email anaraki@jacksonvillezoo.org or call (904) 757-4463, ext. 196.

ZOO ZONE FOR KIDS

Word Search S

Bat

Newt

Elephant

Owl

Flamingo

Pig

Frog

Rhino

Giraffe

Tiger

Jag

Zebra

Manatee

Answers on next page.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

ZOO ZONE FOR KIDS

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Membership

Click here to purchase a gift membership or contact us by email

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

HOLIDAY SHOPPING Find perfect gifts at our gift shop

DECEMBER 1

Do you have stocking stuffers?

Click here to Adopt An Animal

Tree Ornaments

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

Running out of time? Give a Zoo Membership!

Happy Holidays!

13 17 We have Bubble Poppers

Create a gift basket!

DEVELOPMENT

Support the Zoo this Holiday Season By Ausu Anaraki, Individual & Major Gifts Officer

Don’t forget to include us in your holiday planning. There are many ways you can support your favorite place while also knocking out a few holiday gifts. Make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one by going to jacksonvillezoo.org/donate and scrolling down to the “Memorial / In Honor Gifts” sections. Symbolically adopt a zoo animal. From penguins, tigers, manatees, and more, say “Happy Holidays” by choosing one of four adoption packages. Shop using Amazon Smile. Before making your next Amazon purchase, shop through smile.amazon.com and select "Jacksonville Zoological Society Inc" as your charity.

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

It’s easy to make the Zoo part of your holiday plans, and trust us, the animals and plants will be forever grateful! For more information on how to make a year-end gift, email us or call (904) 757-4463 x 196.

ZOO-A-THON

SAVE THE DATE & TUNE IN October 3, 6:30–7:30 p.m.

TIGER PHOTO: JOHN REED

WILD MAGAZINE • FALL 2021 • JACKSONVILLE ZOO AND GARDENS

Book Your Next Event Dynamic indoor and outdoor spaces available jacksonvillezoo.org/venue-rentals