• Meet Adazee
• Two Years with Tortellini
• World-Class Care for Lady the Elephant
Hello, KCZoo Lovers!
I hope all is well with you as we near the end of summer and some of your families head back to school! July was pretty rough as it seemed like it either rained or was extremely hot and muggy, but August began with a little bit of relief which I hope continues into the fall.
I hope that you have had some time to visit over the past few months and see the improvements at the African Kopje as well as enjoy Dinosaurs Around the World. I have seen many of you taking a ride on the new Flying Flamingo zipline; I often hear laughing every time I pass nearby!
Looking ahead, we have many things on the horizon including three of our favorite fundraising events. Wine Walk for Wildlife is on Friday, August 22, and is always a fun way for our adult fans to enjoy an evening out while learning about animals and conservation. Our annual Zoo Run (which features African lions this year) is the morning of September 20. For those who are regular participants, the widened pathways in the Kopje and new asphalt on the employee road in Africa should make for a better experience in those areas. And, of course, October brings Brew at the Zoo on October 11. While not a fundraiser, Boo at the Zoo is one of our favorite weekends, this year on Oct. 25-26. I always look forward to seeing the fun costumes that kids of all ages wear for our trick-or-treating on Zoo grounds!
Thank you for helping to make GloWild a successful addition for us the past three years. Starting September 5 and running through the end of the year, we’re excited to bring you the fourth edition with an all-new theme that you can read more about inside this issue.
Also in this edition of Expeditions, you’ll read more about our resident animals. Elephants (especially our matriarch Lady), the green sea turtle Tortellini, Wyoming toads, and a couple of new-to-the-KCZoo species are also highlighted. New babies including fennec foxes, cotton-top tamarins, and red-ruffed lemurs are always a crowd favorite!
I hope you enjoy the articles that were put together by some of our amazing staff members. And, hopefully, you get a chance to come out soon and visit the animals that you read about! I look forward to seeing you here!
Sincerely,
Sean Putney Executive Director/CEO
Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Committee
Tony Reinhart, Chairperson – Ford Motor Company
Dave Sanchez, Treasurer – PwC
Al Mauro, Jr., Secretary – Chinquapin Trust Company/ Hallmark
Dr. Yolanda Cargile – Community Volunteer
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Wesley Fields – Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Members
J.C. Alonzo – Black & Veach
Jennifer Bennett – Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists
Pat Contreras – KC Parks & Recreation
Chris Cotten – KC Parks and Recreation
Dr. Ellen Crowe – Metropolitan Community College
Ana Nubia Duin – La Mega KC Spanish Radio
Hayley Hanson – Husch Blackwell
Julius Lai – Community Volunteer
Kate Lambert – Dixon Family Foundation
Katie McDonald – Evergy
Janet Miles-Bartee – Local Investment Commission (LINC)
Salvatore Montalbano – Constellation Energy
Brian Pung – JE Dunn Construction
John Russ – UMB Bank
Willard B. Snyder – Community Volunteer
Mark Swanson – Burns & McDonnell
Todd Trent – Lockton
Tom Wright – Children’s Mercy
Representing the City of Kansas City
Andrea Bough – City Council
Mario Vasquez – City Manager
Zoological District Commissioners
Jay Johnson – Clay County
Greg Canuteson – Clay County
Charlie Franklin – Jackson County
At-large TBD – Jackson County
Beth Haden – KC Parks & Recreation
Sean Putney – Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
Sean at Christmas in July
Two Years with Tortellini
By Tamara Arndt, Animal Care Team Lead
On August 6, we celebrated Tortellini’s second anniversary at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! To celebrate, I wanted to share some milestones she has hit since arriving.
Let’s start by going back to that “gotcha day” in August 2023. Aquatics Curator Stuart Clausen and I had the pleasure of traveling to Clearwater, Florida, to pick up Tortellini from her rehab facility at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Their team had acquired Tortellini after she was found with trauma to the back end of her shell, likely caused by a boat propeller. Thankfully, Tortellini was in great hands and was rehabilitated by a devoted team of animal care specialists and veterinarians.
When Stu and I arrived at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, we were given a tour and told all about how the new turtle loved shell scratches more than anything else. They showed us the enrichment devices they built for her and told us how she got her name (all rehab turtles that season were named after different types of pasta!)
The team shared Tortellini's medical history and why her injuries had deemed her non-releasable. Most importantly, they told us how much they loved her and how bittersweet it was to see her go. Tortellini was so popular, in fact, that even former staff and volunteers showed up at the crack of dawn to wish her farewell.
When I saw Tortellini, it was love at first sight. I participated in sea turtle rehab for five years at another facility before coming to Kansas City. I cared for and loved many turtles during that time, but none immediately captured my heart the way that Tortellini did. Upon meeting her, you can immediately see the intelligence in her eyes and tell that she is a curious turtle.
Stu and I spent an entire day learning everything we could about Tortellini and preparing her transport. Since the drive back to Kansas City is 20 hours long, we arranged for another team of animal care specialists to meet us in Nashville and take over the final leg of the trip. While they drove Tortellini to Kansas City, Stu and I flew home so we were ready to receive her upon arrival.
We learned in Clearwater that Tortellini is a huge fan of protein but as a green sea turtle, the majority of her diet should consist of green matter. As juveniles, it is common for green sea turtles to be omnivorous, but as adults they transition to an exclusively herbivorous diet consisting of green algae, seagrass, and seaweed. They actually get their name from the fact that their fat has a slightly greenish hue as a result of their herbivorous diet.
Top: Tamara and Tortellini; photo by Jordan, animal care specialist
Middle: Tortellini; photo by Tamara
Bottom: Tortellini and Aquatics Curator Stuart Clausen; photo by Tamara
At Sobela Ocean Aquarium, we offer a diet that replicates the nutrients she needs by offering lettuce, bell peppers, squash, zucchini, rehydrated algae species, and a gelatin diet manufactured specifically for sea turtles. Tortellini would prefer squid, shrimp, mackerel, herring, capelin, and more, but we save those for special treats.
My first major challenge was getting Tortellini on a diet more appropriate for a turtle of her size and age. She is still growing, so it was important that we get her the balanced diet she needs. Because she's so smart, this was easier said than done. There were many iterations of “tricking” Tortellini into eating her veggies, and each time she managed to catch on to what we were doing so we'd have to try something new.
We discovered that she really only likes the white crunchy parts of the lettuce leaf, so her diet prep became just as specialized as her feeding methods. Once she began eating lettuce, we were able to start sneaking veggies inside the lettuce leaves. If she saw the veggies at all, though, she would go look for something “better.” This is the challenge of having her in a multi-species habitat with the stingrays and sharks who are getting protein-rich diets!
It takes finesse and mental stamina to keep her appropriately occupied and we switched up how and when we fed all of the habitat's residents to prevent her from eating others' diets.
We finally determined it was best to train Tortellini to sit in a stretcher at feed times; she is not removed from the water but the stretcher provides a visual barrier from the rest of the animals.
To train for this behavior, we started by desensitizing her to the stretcher until she was eventually eating on top of it, then we worked on lifting the stretcher around her. Based on past experience, I had predicted it would take six months until she was voluntarily swimming into the stretcher and allowing us to lift her up in it, but smart Tortellini did it in half that time! Not only has this training successfully reduced her protein consumption by 95%, it has also made feeding time quicker, which allows more time for her to play!
Overall, we are incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful turtle, but Tortellini keeps me on my toes. Who needs brain teasers when you have the world’s smartest turtle?! She has a special place in the hearts of so many and she deserves the outpouring of love she receives each day. Thank you for loving her as much as I do! Happy anniversary, Tortellini!
In the next issue of Expeditions, learn more about Tortellini's favorite enrichments and efforts to treat the buoyancy issue caused by her injuries.
Top: Divers with Tortellini; photo by Tamara Middle: Stretcher training; photo by Tamara Bottom: Tortellini; photo by Tamara
Meet Adazee!
In our newly renovated African Kopje habitat, you’ll find an exciting new resident! Adazee is a 13-year-old aardvark originally from the Indianapolis Zoo. Because aardvarks are nocturnal, you are likely to find Adazee taking a snooze in one of her cozy burrows or tunnels during the day.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, the aardvark is often called an “earth pig” because of their pronounced snout and ability to dig deep burrows. Known for its incredible excavation skills, the aardvark has shovel-like nails that help in the digging process and a long tongue that easily catches insects.
Adazee’s habitat is located next to the rock hyraxes in the African Kopje. Stop by to say hello to one of the newest KCZoo residents on your next visit!
See the Sitatungas!
The Zoo is thrilled to introduce two new antelope residents you’ll find in West Africa near the red river hogs. Sitatunga brothers Mushroom and Chili are both one year old and can be seen on alternating days with the lesser kudu, another African antelope species.
Sitatungas live in the swampy, marshy areas of Africa and have high-stepping legs and hooves that prevent them from sinking. When hiding from predators, the sitatunga can completely immerse itself in the water with only its nostrils above the surface. They range in weight from 100 to 250 pounds, and can reach 32-46 inches height at the shoulder.
Mushroom and Chili are still a bit shy, but their care team is working hard to get the boys comfortable in their new home. Their personalities are starting to emerge, and younger brother Chili is especially warming up to his care specialists quickly.
The next time you visit West Africa, see if you can spot these breathtaking new antelope!
Left: Napping Adazee
Photo by Julia, senior animal care specialist
Wild Beginnings
The Zoo has seen a baby boom in the last few months, and we are excited for you to meet our newest residents! These youngsters may be small in size, but they are already showing their big personalities. With the birth announcements, we are thrilled to introduce a new program sponsored by Saint Luke’s called “Wild Beginnings” that celebrates the “zooborns” at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Saint Luke’s commitment to innovative, patient-centered maternity care has helped local families flourish for more than 140 years and is a perfect sponsor for the Zoo’s growing animal families.
Bitro
On April 21, red-ruffed lemurs Fred and Hydra became parents to a baby boy. With the birth occurring the day after Easter, the baby was named Bitro, which translates to “rabbit” in the Malagasy language that is spoken in the species’ native range.
After a day of careful observation, Hydra did not appear to be nursing and the decision was made to move mother and son to the veterinary health center where they could bond and receive round-the-clock critical care. Bitro and Hydra solidified their bond, but Bitro was still not nursing at the level one would expect for a growing baby lemur.
An assisted-rearing approach was taken while Bitro and Hydra continued living together. The animal care and veterinary health teams would come in day and night to provide supplemental bottle feeds to ensure Bitro had the nutrition he needed to grow. This process also demonstrated the strong relationship between mother Hydra and the care team as she was willing to let the dedicated staff retrieve her baby for feedings and regular weighing. All the while, Hydra taught her son important lemur behavioral skills.
We are excited to share that Bitro no longer needs assisted feeding sessions and is mastering solid foods. You’ll find this active youngster now playing most of the day with his parents at the Birds of Africa aviary!
Native to Madagascar, the red-ruffed lemur is among the largest of all lemur species, weighing up to 9 pounds and measuring 3 to 3.5 feet from the nose to the end of the tail. Red-ruffed lemurs are listed as critically endangered primarily due to severe habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Have you heard the news? Two male fennec foxes named Radar and Echo were born to mother Beshte and father PJ on June 3. The brothers are in excellent health and growing rapidly. After an extended period of bonding with mom behind the scenes, the kits made their public debut in the newly renovated African Kopje habitat on July 18.
Native to North Africa, fennec foxes are petite animals that blend in exceptionally well with desert habitats because of their pale color. Furry paws provide protection from hot sand, while their large ears allow them to hear prey like insects, lizards, and small rodents.
Radar and Echo currently have access to both the behind-the-scenes and public viewing areas of their African Kopje habitat. These active kits are quickly coming out of their shells, and you’ll often find mom Beshte sprinting to keep up with the youngsters!
Echo & Radar
Photo by Carla Farris
Photo by Tessa, animal care specialist
Estrella & Cielo
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is excited to announce the birth of two cotton-top tamarins on May 19 to mother Sarah and father O’Brien. Guests and staff alike have stars in their eyes when they see these two cuties, so it’s no surprise the babies have been named Estrella and Cielo, which translate to mean “star” and “sky” in Spanish, the language of their species’ native country of Colombia.
Estrella and Cielo spent their first few months on the backs of various family members, and we are thrilled to report that these brave young ones are now venturing about a foot away from their tamarin chaperones. We are still awaiting confirmation from the veterinary team on the sex of each monkey.
Cotton-top tamarins are classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Cotton-top tamarin populations have been on the decline primarily due to deforestation. The KCZoo is one of the accredited facilities within the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) that participates in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to ensure a genetically diverse and stable population of cotton-top tamarins.
On your next visit to the Zoo, stop by Sobela Ocean Aquarium to visit these adorable and spry monkeys!
TOAD-al Success
We have TOAD-ally tremendous conservation news! Although the Wyoming toad species nearly went extinct in 1994 due to factors like toxic pesticides and the chytrid fungus, their numbers have improved thanks to the conservation efforts of the Wyoming Toad Breeding, Reintroduction, and Field Survey Program. The KCZoo and other facilities participate in this initiative designed to restore these critically endangered amphibians to their native range.
This year, the KCZoo team produced a total of 6,663 tadpoles – a new record for our facility. In June, the tadpoles made the 10-hour trek with animal care specialists to Laramie, Wyoming. From the total number produced this year, 75 tadpoles remain at the KCZoo for future breeding and reintroduction. Our facility joins institutions like U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to conduct field surveys to monitor population growth.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Wyoming Toad SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) initiative is one of many programs that is providing hope for endangered and critically endangered animals. Learn more about the AZA SAFE programs at www.aza.org/aza-safe
Photo by Bayley, animal care specialist
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World-Class Care for Lady
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is home to a variety of geriatric animal residents, all of which require specialized care for their age-related issues. One of those is 57-year-old African elephant Lady, who is the oldest African elephant in a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Lady continues to be an amazing ambassador for her endangered species, and her long life is a testament to the incredible care provided by the Zoo's veterinary health and animal care teams.
Preventative care exams are essential for every animal in our care, but Lady receives scheduled blood panels and stool sample tests to monitor her specialized needs. With her advanced age, Lady requires care to address issues like hypertension, or high blood pressure. Each week, her blood pressure readings are taken via a groundbreaking method developed by Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer, director of veterinary health and conservation research. This test is conducted with a blood pressure cuff being placed on the tail of the elephant. To maintain healthy blood pressures readings, Lady receives hypertension medication, much like humans with similar conditions.
Lady has also been diagnosed with degenerative arthritis, which is treated with weekly laser therapy. Along with this treatment, Lady receives nutritional supplements and anti-inflammatory medications.
Healthy feet are essential to these animals that carry a large amount of weight – a bull elephant can weigh up to 7 tons, while a female can weigh around 5 tons.
The entire herd, which numbers nine elephants, has regular foot care throughout the week as a preventative measure. These sessions go far beyond a typical “pedicure” and involve cleaning, examining, trimming, and attending to the foot pads and nails.
Eating is an important aspect of an elephant’s health, with this species having six sets of progressive molars in their lifeitime. Each set sheds every 8-10 years with the new molar gradually pushing the old one forward and out. Lady is on her last set due to her age, so she cannot chew her food in its complete form. Her care team chops Lady's hay before giving it to her, and she also receives a grain supplement to provide better nutrition and maintain her weight.
The herd receives weekly trunk washes to monitor any signs of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a virus that can be found in elephants worldwide. It is a naturally occurring hemorrhagic infection with many strains. There is currently no vaccine for elephants, though researchers are developing them.
Relationship-building between the elephants and the animal care specialists is critical to their health care. The animals' willingness to voluntarily participate is due to the tremendous training with their caregivers and the trust that has been developed through positive reinforcement. The Zoo is lucky to have such an extraordinary staff to ensure the health of Lady and the entire herd. We thank them for their dedication and knowledge!
GloWild: Time Traveler
Presented by
Prepare for an illuminating journey at the Zoo this fall! GloWild: Time Traveler presented by Saint Luke’s returns from September 5 to December 28 with a brand-new theme and breathtaking lanterns. Now in its fourth year, this unique and immersive nighttime experience allows guests to adventure through beautiful handcrafted artworks on display at the Zoo. This year’s event features a journey through time to nineteenth-century Paris, the American centennial, a sci-fi themed trip to the future, and much more.
The Zoo’s lantern partner, LEKTRIK ART, is using more than 34 tons of steel and nearly 89,000 feet of silk-like fabric to create the spectacular displays. Along with breathtaking photo opportunities, guests can enjoy concessions, shopping, and entertainment that includes a musical dance program called Time Flies. While animals will not be available for viewing during GloWild, Sobela Ocean Aquarium will be open on Wednesday evenings and available with admission to GloWild.
Guests may want to visit multiple times to enjoy GloWild in both autumn and winter to experience all it has to offer.
Special fall-themed lanterns are returning this year that can only be seen from September 5 to October 31. Fall activities like pumpkin decorating and a hayride are also included with admission. Santa will be returning November 1 to December 28 to greet guests with holidaythemed lanterns and holiday activities.
The lowest prices of the season are only available through August 27! Tickets purchased before August 28 will receive up to a $7 discount on general admission at just $18. Tickets will be valid any evening GloWild is open, and no reservation is required. Unlimited passes for the season are also available at early bird prices of just $36 for children and $38 for adults; the pass will pay for itself in just two visits! The first 500 unlimited passes sold will also receive a GloWild membership card and lanyard. Learn more and purchase tickets at www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild
This project is supported in part by the City of Kansas City, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund.
Giraffe Plaques
We can't wait to unveil the new giraffe complex that will open in the summer of 2026! Leave a lasting mark on this endeavor with a commemorative exterior plaque. Whether you are honoring the memory of a loved one, celebrating a special occasion, or proclaiming your family’s love of the Zoo, these plaques are the perfect way to show you care.
The new complex will feature a large indoor giraffe habitat directly adjacent to the outdoor yards so weather will no longer be a barrier to seeing the animals year-round. Guests will also be able to interact with the giraffes through feeding stations both inside the barn and outside on the African savanna. New restrooms with toddler seats will be ADA-accessible and include a universal changing table, plus a mother’s room. A new concessions area will address another guest need in the Africa section of the Zoo near the mid-point of the pathway loop.
Help us stand tall for giraffes with a giraffe plaque! Learn more at kansascityzoo.org/giraffe-habitat.
Meet the Team - Retail
When you enjoy a visit to the Zoo, a stop at one of our gift shops is always the perfect way to complete your day. The Zoo’s retail team aims to provide exceptional customer service in every season, and the busy summer months are no exception.
From the Deja Zoo and Turtle Cove gift shops to the Stroller Barn and pop-up kiosks, the retail team is ready to supply guests with must-have souvenirs and zoo-riffic merchandise. This department even added a new shop earlier this year called Africa Market. This shop, located near the African Sky Safari, allows you to not only choose from a wide selection of souvenir items, but also sells rides tickets and wristbands.
Assisting the public and creating a positive and memorable experience are daily focuses for this team. For guests with mobility issues, our retail staff is ready to assist you in renting a wheelchair or electric scooter to ensure a smooth visit. For those with children, you can always find this team ready to help with your wagon needs at the Stroller Barn.
These employees are also responsible for Deja Zoo gift shop’s scrumptious fudge! When the team is not busy attending to customers in the shop, they are stirring up a new batch of fudge in a variety of flavors for every taste.
The next time you stop by one of our retail shops, be sure to thank this team for their incredible commitment and service!
Plaque and donor wall art not final
Events Calendar
August
September
Scan the code or visit kansascityzoo.org/events for more information on each event.
Interested in being a vendor or sponsor at one of these events? Email askthezoo@fotzkc.org
Wine Walk for Wildlife*
Friday, August 22 | 6pm-10pm | 21+
Wine lovers and animal lovers unite! The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening of both! Guests will stroll through the topside of the Zoo (excluding Africa), sip and savor 40 different types of wine, enjoy a variety of musicians, and talk with our animal specialists. Food trucks and Tuxedo Grill will be available to purchase a wide variety of tasty treats. Custom wine bottles featuring our conservation projects will also be available for purchase. kansascityzoo.org/wine-walk-for-wildlife
GloWild: Time Traveler*
Presented by Saint Luke's
Friday, September 5 - Monday, December 29 | Hours vary
The GloWild lantern festival is set to dazzle the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium once again this fall. This year’s event features a journey through time to nineteenth-century Paris, the American centennial, a sci-fi-themed trip to the future, and much more!
kansascityzoo.org/glowild
Zoo Run for the Lions
Saturday, September 20 | 8:30am-12pm
Join us for the 22nd annual Kansas City Zoo Run! Each year, the run features a different threatened animal to help raise awareness and contribute to the Zoo's conservation efforts. This year, we are celebrating the lions! There are 4-mile and 1-mile races with both in-person and virtual options. It's the only race that goes through the Zoo, passing animals along the way! kansascityzoo.org/event/zoo-run
Brew at the Zoo
Saturday, October 11 | 6:30pm-11pm | 21+
Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious bites, and a variety of beer and wine from local breweries and vineyards. This year, we are celebrating the rhinoceros hornbill, and the event will also include GloWild! kansascityzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo
Boo at the Zoo*
Saturday, October 25 - Sunday, October 26
Celebrate Halloween with us at Boo at the Zoo! Bring the kiddos in their family-friendly costumes and join us for this not-so-scary, safe trick-ortreating experience on Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Bags will be provided at the entrance. Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members may join us from 8:30-9:30 am for an exclusive hour! Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring this event and to Russell Stover for being the candy sponsor.
This August through October, we’re teaming up with Keebler® to bring families a sweet and striped-filled adventure at Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! It’s all part of the Keebler® Find the Stripes Scavenger Hunt – a magical celebration of all things stripes, fudge, and fun. Visit now through October to play. kansascityzoo.org/event/keebler-stripes-scavenger-hunt
Host your event at the Zoo!
The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the purr-fect location for your next event. See the Rent the Zoo section at kansascityzoo.org to learn more about company outings, evening rentals, birthday parties, and more. Contact Group Sales at 816-595-1210 or at groupsales@fotzkc.org for all event options.
Education Programs
For more information, call 816-595-1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.
School's Out Camps
School's out! Join us at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for an exciting day filled with activities to learn about your favorite animals. These single-day and multiple-day camps are available for ages 5-12.
Single-day cost: $65 per camp (FOTZ members get a 10% discount) kansascityzoo.org/camp/schools-out-camp
Overnights
Spend the night at the Zoo! It is the WILDEST place in town for an overnight adventure! Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Sobela Ocean Aquarium, or the Zoo Learning Center, then take a night hike through the Zoo and enjoy a movie. Feeling more adventurous? Pitch your tent for one-of-a-kind camping in our Outback or African campgrounds! Overnights are scheduled for Friday or Saturday nights only. kansascityzoo.org/overnights
Sponsored by
In Memoriam
Blue
We are sad to share that Blue, a 12-year-old chinchilla ambassador in our education program, passed away in late June. The difficult decision was made to euthanize Blue following a decline in health. Blue was born at the KCZoo in 2013 and received his name due to the distinctive blue spots on the backs of his ears. Blue left a lasting impact in our community as one of our ambassador animals who regularly went out on Zoomobiles to visit schools, libraries, and nursing homes. Blue was beloved by his care staff and will be fondly remembered for his love of ear scratches and his tendency to jump onto the laps and shoes of animal care specialists who were cleaning his habitat. Blue surpassed the average lifespan of a chinchilla, a testament to his incredible care. He will be dearly missed.
Gnocchi
The Zoo is mourning the loss of macaroni penguin Gnocchi, who hatched at the Kansas City Zoo in November 2021. The difficult decision was made to euthanize Gnocchi after his health declined due to complications from an inoperable abdominal mass. Hatched from an egg that was sent to the KCZoo from SeaWorld San Diego, Gnocchi was raised by gentoo penguins Raptor and Gromit and quickly partnered up with his fellow macaronis. He loved to interact with his care specialists and was fond of enrichment like laser pointers, bubbles, mirror balls, and anything he could stand upon. His favorite partner-in-crime was macaroni Rigatoni, and the two would love to find mischief together. Gnocchi had a wonderful relationship with the animal care and veterinary health teams, who provided him with amazing care during his illness. Gnocchi will be greatly missed by his penguin friends, his care team, and guests of all ages.
Rocky
The Zoo is sad to announce the passing of 23-year-old rock dove Rocky, who was a beloved participant in the Animal Adventures LIVE and Wings of Wonder programs. Rocky had liver cancer, and was euthanized in late June due to declining quality of life. Rocky arrived at the Zoo after being rescued, and since that time he had been helping to educate audiences about his species and connecting with guests of all ages. Known for his quirky personality and sassy attitude, Rocky left an impression with his onstage shenanigans, particularly when he refused to leave the stage. Rocky was also a wonderful mate to fellow rock dove Adrienne, who passed away in the summer of 2024. Rock doves, also known as rock pigeons, typically live 3-6 years in their native range, so Rocky’s long life is a testament to the amazing care he received at the Zoo. He will be dearly missed.
Blue photo by Olivia, school & community engagement educator Gnocchi photo by Jennifer, advanced animal care specialist
Rocky photo by Olivia, animal shows speaker
1909 Lion’s Pride Society
The 1909 Lion's Pride Society was founded in 2011 to recognize and honor the valuable contributions of friends who express their commitment to our mission by including the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in their estate plans. Over the years, the "pride" has grown strong. We invite you to join us!
Our benefits include:
Introduction at the Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Annual Meeting
Invitations to sneak previews and exhibit openings
Invitations to estate-planning seminars
Prominent recognition on Zoo Grounds
Create your legacy
With a little planning, you have the opportunity to ensure that future generations are able to experience the adventure and wonder of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. By including a charitable gift within your overall estate and financial plans, you can provide your support far into the future.
Why Lisa is giving...
"Our Zoo is a lifeline to animals that are endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and pollution. I want to contribute towards the future of the Zoo to continue creating habitat environments that will promote natural animal behaviors and their quality of life, inspire conservation action, provide specialized animal healthcare, and educate our community."
– Lisa Jane Kern, Lion’s Pride Society member
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We are grateful for the continued generosity of our sponsors. Thank you for your steadfast support that helps make our world-class Zoo & Aquarium possible.
If your company would be interested in sponsoring an animal or area of the Zoo, please contact lisafickenscher@fotzkc.org.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium sponsorship is a great way to increase visibility for your business and support the incredible work that our Zoo does year-round.
Thank you to all of our 1909 Lion’s Pride Society members for their continued support.
Anonymous
Jan Armstrong
Raymond & Nancy Benoist
Dee & Joe Carlisle
Marlee Carroll
Jim & Linda Cole
Debbie & Jim Eads
Jeanne Hays
Betty & Leonard Hershman
Louise & Gary Hicks
Sarah Hopkins
Harold Hudson
Joanna Ioannidis
Richard Jensen
Audrey Keairnes
Patricia Keairnes
Lisa Jane Kern
Gayle & Bruce Krigel
Judith Layton
Kay Lippincott
Leslie & John Martin
Kentucky McDaniel & Carol Murphy
Patrick & Amy McHenry
Mary & Michael McNiel
Anne & Sam Mollet
Kathryn Morgan
Elizabeth Norton
Sean & Cyndie Putney
Brad Redburn
Marjorie Roberts
Debra & Michael Ryder
Dianne Schmidt
Don Shanks
Barb Sherer
Kathy Smith
Linda & Harlan Smith
T.J. Snyder
Juston Taylor
Grace Thornton
Sandie & John Valentine
Frank & Gerry Victor
Jean & Don Wagner
Richard Wells
Barb & Randy Wisthoff
Contact Richard Wells, donor relations manager, at richardwells@fotzkc.org or 816-595-1217 or visit kansascityzoo.org/planned-giving to explore the many ways you can extend your legacy at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for years to come.
African Tram Wild Beginnings
Red Kangaroo
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 | KansasCityZoo.org
If you would like to work in a fun, unique environment and help families create lasting memories, you’ll feel right at home as a part of our Guest Services team. In this role, you’ll be providing customer service in retail, rides, or admissions. The Zoo is an equal opportunity employer that offers a starting rate of $14.25 an hour. Flexible, weekend and/or weekday shifts are available! No nights. Flexible schedules for students/retirees. Visit kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.
We’re on a mission to improve our map! Our new digital map shows realtime updates about which animals are on habitat, as well as expanded info about attractions and amenities. If you’re at the Zoo, open the map on your mobile phone to view your own location as you move through the park, to make finding your way around easier.
kansascityzoo.org/zoo-map