KANSAS CITY ZOO A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE
2022 – Q2
Meet Our Band of Brothers
Inside this issue: • Alligator Alley Coming Soon! • Bird Strike Prevention • Saving Chimpanzees
Hello, Kansas City Zoo Friends!
2022 Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As I write this, it is a mere 54 degrees. This spring has certainly had its share of weather ups and downs, but the trend is upward, and we can all look forward to summer at the Zoo. Personally, I am so excited about our newest project that will be opening at the end of May. Alligator Alley will provide another great place for your family to enjoy when you visit the Zoo. We have worked with the architects from SFS and the construction management team from Mega KC to have a habitat that the animals will enjoy and that will also give our guests an up-close view of these amazing crocodilians…but not too close! American alligators are a conservation success story and it is important for us to tell this tale so people understand that when groups work together, it is possible to give proper protection to species of animals that are in danger and build sustainable populations. While we seem to have more stories of animals in plight than those who have recovered, we will continue to work towards creating more successes. I hope that you will come and see Alligator Alley when it opens and watch its residents grow over the years.
Hayley Hanson, Chairperson
We have other exciting ventures occurring throughout the year which will make your experience here at the Zoo even better. We will be renovating our sea lion area in September to make it more accessible to our guests, able to seat more visitors, and will also expand our behind-the-scenes area. Though this will mean that our sea lions will be out of sight this fall and winter, we are excited for you to see the finished product in early 2023. I hope you’re peeking through the construction fence as you walk along the promenade to Elephant Expedition. The aquarium continues to go vertical! The entire public pathway of the building now has concrete poured. JE Dunn Construction is working on the upper mezzanine area now and has already begun to set some of the acrylic exhibit windows in place! With 50+ contracted employees here daily, you will see the improvements being made every time you walk by. In addition to bringing back our evening Wine Walk for Wildlife in June and our annual Jazzoo in August, we have added a few more after-hours events for people to enjoy. Locked Zoo will make its debut here in July and GloWild will be coming this fall. I am certain that these will be fun for all. As members, you get first shot at the dates you want when GloWild tickets go on sale exclusively for Friends of the Zoo on May 16. I hope you enjoy this issue of Expeditions as it is filled with many great stories about our conservation work, our amazing animals, and upcoming activities. I look forward to seeing you at the Zoo this summer. Please say “hi” if you see me out and about!
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Ford Motor Company
David Sanchez Jr., Treasurer PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Stephanie Ayers, Service Management Group David Barr, Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc. Brad Bodamer, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP Dr. Yolanda Cargile, Center School District Chris Cotten, KC Parks and Recreation Jeff Dillon, VanTrust Real Estate LLC Wes Dixon, KeyWest Technologies, Inc. Ana Nubia Duin, La Mega Spanish Radio Jan Francis, Community Volunteer Sandra Garcia, Metropolitan Community Colleges Audrey Hill, Saint Luke’s Health System Gayle Krigel, Community Volunteer Julius Lai, Community Volunteer Jill Marchant, Hallmark Katie McDonald, Evergy Yvette Miceli, Construction Brokers, Inc. Janet Miles-Bartee, Local Investment Commission (LINC) Joe Prenger, ECCO Select Terry Riley, Transformation Consultants, LLC John Russ, UMB Bank Kathy Smith, Community Volunteer Representing the City of Kansas City Heather Hall, City Council, 1st District Kevin McManus, Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, City Council, 5th District Brian Platt, City Manager Zoological District Commissioners Greg Canuteson, Chair, Clay County Carol Hallquist, Vice Chair & Treasurer, Jackson County Jerry Nolte, Clay County Alex Perez, KC Parks and Recreation Representative Dan Tarwater III, Jackson County Kansas City Zoo Sean Putney, Executive Director/ CEO Kansas City Zoo Foundation Randy Wisthoff, Executive Director
Open daily, year round. www.KansasCityZoo.org 816.595.1234
Sincerely,
Sean Putney Executive Director/CEO
Husch Blackwell LLP
Tony Reinhart, Secretary
Sluggerrr, Sean, and Ollie the Otter after the honorary first pitch at Kauffman Stadium
The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Assocation of Zoos and Aquariums.
Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
Alligator Alley We are counting down to the opening of Alligator Alley at the Zoo! Set to open May 28, this new crocodilian habitat will be located across from Discovery Barn. If you’ve been to the Zoo recently, you’ve seen the transformation of that area taking shape. To create the outdoor habitat for alligators, the koi pond has been divided in half beneath the bridge. Koi will remain on the north side, where you will still be able to feed them. The south side, though, is becoming the new home of American alligators. Part of the fencing around the outdoor habitat will be glass, allowing guests to get an up-close look at the five female alligators that will reside there. Gertrude, Lucy, Eudora, Agnes, and Rita range in age from 5 to 9 years old. They arrived at the Kansas City Zoo in April from a facility in Florida and are currently in our Veterinary Health Center. They will go through a 30-day quarantine and thorough exam to ensure the health of the new residents. As all of our alligators are female and still juveniles, they will continue to grow until reaching about eight feet in length. Males grow slightly larger, an average of about 11 feet long. Their tails are already extremely powerful, and along with webbed feet, help them propel through the water. Luckily for them, the alligator is at the top of its food chain. It eats fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. As they grow, so does the size of their prey. A building will be located behind the outdoor “swamp” that will provide indoor facilities for use by the alligators and their care specialists. While alligators can be outdoors most of the year, the building will include a viewing window that will allow guests to see the alligators when they are inside. While the outside habitat will be completed Memorial Day weekend, construction of the building will continue and be done later this summer. When completed, the new habitat should provide a comfortable home that mimics the alligator’s native range in the southeastern United States, where they are usually found in slow-moving freshwater rivers, swamps, marshes, and lakes. Threatened by extinction, American alligators were added to the endangered species list in 1967. However, once state and federal laws were put in place to protect the species, their population increased and became sustainable again. They were taken off the endangered species list in 1987. We can’t wait to tell this conservation success story and to share Alligator Alley with you starting May 28. Plan now to visit soon and meet the scaly beauties that will reside there!
www.kansascityzoo.org
DID YOU KNOW? As an American alligator’s sharp teeth wear down or fall out, new ones come in. An alligator can go through 3,000 teeth in a lifetime!
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Bird Strike Prevention Dots What a difference dots can make! On your visit to the Zoo, you may notice that there are dots applied to the habitats’ surrounding glass. As a partner of the SAFE North American Songbird program, we are using window treatments to help in bird strike prevention. Songbird populations are in decline, with building collisions listed as a major cause. These bird-friendly dots are one way to help, particularly during migration. The bird strike prevention project was spearheaded by animal care manager Amy Mohr and her conservation and research work with the North American Songbird initiative. “Migratory songbirds have always had a special place in my heart,” Mohr explained. “Over the years, I started hearing more about bird glass strikes. I was able to visit some other zoos around the country that had already implemented dots, so when the conservation grant program really got underway, it seemed like a great opportunity to try and do something here at our Zoo.”
Image courtesy of AZA SAFE
Once the project was accepted, Mohr was able to dive into her research on the number and location of bird strikes at the Zoo. The fruits of that labor can now be seen in the strike prevention dots installed at various Zoo habitats. “It is amazing and so fulfilling to see the years of work come to fruition,” Mohr said. “We are preventing the needless deaths of native wildlife.” Mohr is quick to point out that Conservation Manager Stacia Pieroni and others at the Zoo provided help and support throughout the process.
Amy Mohr, animal care manager
“It is a collaborative effort where everyone is a part of the conservation process, and all staff members play an important role in the data collection and surveying aspect of the process,” Mohr explained. “It is another great example of a successful collaboration with the Veterinary Health department.” Mohr continues to monitor any windows that may also benefit from the dot treatment and has switched to an electronic tracking system to save paper.
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Installation of bird dots
Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
Photo by Richard Wells
Photo by Amy Attaway
The Buzz About Bees With the arrival of the beautiful spring weather, we will once again begin to see the bees in public areas at the Zoo. We understand that the presence of bees can affect your visit so the Zoo continues to seek solutions that will draw the bees away from public areas. Because the honeybee species is facing a decline, pesticides are not an option at the Zoo. The chemicals in pesticides would also pose a risk to the Zoo’s animal residents. However, the Grounds team has been actively experimenting with other safe methods to draw the bees away from public areas, and the results have been mixed thus far. Among the methods tested have been: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Spraying bleach and water in affected areas Spraying disinfectant in affected areas Powerwashing the trash bins daily Rotating the trash bins Removing trash cans to have fewer on grounds Moving the beehive to a different location Pulling trash every night Placing Kona Ice syrup buckets in areas behind the scenes Adding scents/herbs to discourage bees Placing eucalyptus in trash bins Rubbing eucalyptus on trash bins Placing sugar water in a field near the beehive Eliminating self-serve stations for refreshments to avoid overflowing cups Choosing a clear color of syrup for ice treats
The Kansas City Zoo staff will continue to keep our grounds clean and discourage bees gathering, but our bee friends are doing their job, too. While they may appear in public areas, honeybees are typically not aggressive and will not sting without provocation. We encourage guests to BEE calm and let these beneficial insects move on. We appreciate the public’s patience as we work toward finding a solution that will benefit both guests and the bees!
www.kansascityzoo.org
Ray-Pec Client Connected Project: Increasing Guest Satisfaction and Protecting Native Pollinators for the Kansas City Zoo Bees are pollinators that are extremely important to our local ecosystem, and we want them to thrive and be successful. However, we also want to make sure our guests are having the best zoo experience possible- and sometimes it can be difficult to address both goals at the same time. Our Education team recently posed this challenge to students from Ray-Pec High School. The team of RayPec students were tasked with finding a creative and humane way to decrease the number of bees in areas of the Zoo that directly impact guests.
Results From Ray-Pec Students: “Our group had been tasked with finding a solution to a growing, irritating bee problem that has arisen throughout the years at the Kansas City Zoo. We tested insect repellent trash bags and a 200 Hz tone played by the speaker in two different testing areas. There was no difference between the bag that had the Hertz and the bag that had none. There is no way to tell how long the tone was played since we weren’t supervising the bags the entire time. The second test using insect repellent trash bags also did not show a difference; the bees seemed to like the bag better! Although our experiments failed, we learned from the experience. We now know what doesn’t work and hope that our ideas help to find an effective solution.”
We look forward to having the students implement their ideas at the Zoo and continuing to experiment this spring.
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Tina Cloutier Barbour, Ph.D.
Rich Bergl, PhD; North Carolina Zoo
Tami Brightrall; Detroit Zoological Society
Lion Country Safari
Pamela Carter; Maryland Zoo
SAFE Chimpanzee Program
Jennifer Ireland; North Carolina Zoo
With Contributions By:
Candace Sclimenti; Los Angeles Zoo
Steve Ross, Ph.D.
Lincoln Park Zoo
Maura in Messerly Creating Hope for Endangered Apes Sierra Leone Los Angeles Zoo
The Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has Sharon been Bowen a leader in conservation efforts to ensure the survival of endangered species throughout the world. As an AZA-accredited facility, the Kansas City Zoo is proud to participate in the AZA’s Saving Maryland Zoo Animals From Extinction (SAFE) program, which allows our employees to apply their knowledge and skills to a growing Cover Photo Credit: number of conservation initiatives. John Ireland Last year the Zoo began working in the SAFE chimpanzee program, which strives to improve the population status of chimpanzees through conservation action, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness. Over the next few years, the Zoo will be supporting the Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project to help provide camera traps for the Tonkolili field site based in Sierra Leone. Along with developing strong partnerships with the Conservation Society of Sierra Leone and Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the SAFE initiative also places an emphasis on empowering local communities to become partners in conservation strategies.
The Tonkolili Chimpanzee site is situated between two communities of chimpanzees. Due to habitat loss over the years, this region’s chimpanzees have sought out crops grown by humans to survive. The need for resources often results in increasing humanchimpanzee interactions. In many circumstances, apes are often hunted by humans defending their resources or captured for the illegal pet trade. The Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project seeks to address these concerns while protecting chimpanzees.
FIELD PARTNERSHIPS
Jenna Felix, Ruwenzori team lead and caregiver for the Zoo’s 10 chimpanzees, jumped at the chance to be the social media coordinator for the SAFE chimpanzee program. “After visiting Africa, I learned just how passionate many of the locals are to help save wildlife and educate the next generation in hopes to decrease the human-animal conflicts that are going on currently,” said Felix. Felix actively posts updates from the field sites, informs the public about program partners, and provides updates on fundraising events. With this essential information, the SAFE chimpanzee program will reach new audiences that will help to ensure the ape population flourishes in Sierra Leone.
Wildlife Conservation Society Nigeria
The Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project (Pan troglodytes verus)
The Goualougo Triangle Ape Project (Pan troglodytes troglodytes)
The Ngogo Chimpanzee Project (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii)
The SAFE chimpanzee program is one of many initiatives created by the AZA to protect endangered species throughout the globe. To learn more about all of the AZA SAFE programs, please visit www.aza.org/aza-safe. Images courtesy of SAFE Chimpanzee
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Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
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Sustainability by the Numbers
REDUCE
2021
REUSE Onsite composting diverts 75% of animal waste into about
2.4 million pounds of compost
Reduced energy usage 57% by upgrading HVAC system in our orangutan building
Installed rooftop solar panel chargers on 5 golf carts
3 rain gardens on site to reduce pollutants in storm runoff
2,770 pieces of single-use
3,000 lbs. of trash removed from local waterways by Kansas City Zoo Steam Team cleanups
plastics saved from the landfill by staff & community members who participated in Plastic Free July Challenge
32 water refill stations diverted over 100,000 plastic bottles from the landfill
1 green roof at
Polar Bear Plaza
Solar panels on 9 buildings produced 193,822 kWh in 2021
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Equivalent to the electrical use in 27 homes for 1 year
3 buildings totaling 83,677 sq feet of
The Zoo consistently assesses its product procurement to assure they are only purchasing certified sustainable palm oil products
LEED certified space
RECYCLE 3,100 lbs. of electronics were recycled by the IT department
www.kansascityzoo.org
111 cellphones and small electronics recycled through our eco-cell program
Recycled 900 lbs. of holiday lights through holiday recycling program
Diverted 99% of construction waste during phase 1 of aquarium construction
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Since arriving in November, our African painted dog brothers have become acquainted with both their new Kansas City Zoo home and the care specialists on Team Ruwenzori. Arli, Digya, Chobe, Faro, and Zakouma were previous residents of the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, California, and were recommended to be transferred by the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. Our former painted dog residents, River, Pele, and Bomani are now making a home at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The African painted dog is one of the most endangered species in Africa. Highly social animals, these dogs are known for their skilled hunting abilities and structured hierarchy. While our five brothers are a close-knit group that do seem similar, the dogs are revealing their unique personalities and physical characteristics every day.
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(Ar-lee) Has more white than other dogs, mostly on his left side.
White spot just below nose.
Notch on right ear.
White parenthesis marks “()” on left side of body.
(Cho-bay) Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
Squiggly forehead line.
Date of birth: 4/24/2019
(Dig-ya) Darkest coloration of them all (less white).
(Far-ro) White spot between shoulder blades. Two white stripes on left side of chest.
Black dot in white strip on right side of tail.
Has more orange than other dogs.
Notch on left ear.
(Za-koo-ma)
www.kansascityzoo.org
Photos courtesy of Living Desert Zoo
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Education Programs Day Camps Explore nature and the wonderful world of animals at the Kansas City Zoo. During day camps, your children will have adventures in a safe and fun environment that is sure to get a ROAR of approval! www.kansascityzoo.org/day-camps
School’s Out Camp School’s out? No problem! Spend the day at the Zoo! School’s Out Safari Day Camps are one-day camps that are a fun and educational option when school is closed. 8:30 am-3:30 pm | $60 per camp / $54 FOTZ www.kansascityzoo.org/camp/schools-out-camp
Summer Break Camp Make your summer a little wilder with Summer Break Camp. Camp runs June 6 through August 18. Our day camp curriculums are age-appropriate and are properly chaperoned at all times. Activities may include, but are not limited to: educational games, crafts, shows, rides, science experiments, and educational movies. Full day camps are available for ages 5-17, Monday-Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm. COST: $260 for full week camps, $60 for single-day camps FOTZ members receive a 10% discount. www.kansascityzoo.org/camp/summer-break-camp
Overnights Spend the night at the Kansas City Zoo! It is the WILDEST place in town for an overnight adventure! Want an experience and memories that will last a lifetime? We are now booking private overnights for family groups. Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza or Polar Bear Passage, take a night hike through the Zoo, and enjoy a movie. Feeling more adventurous? Pitch your tent for one-of-a-kind camping! Overnights are scheduled for Friday or Saturday nights only. www.kansascityzoo.org/overnights
Birthday Parties A birthday party at the Kansas City Zoo guarantees a wild time for all your guests! Join us for a celebration like no other! All parties are on Saturdays at 10am12pm and 2pm-4pm and Sundays at 2pm-4pm. www.kansascityzoo.org/birthdays
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For more information, call 816.595.1765 or email education@fotzkc.org. Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
Events Calendar
Scan the code for more information on each event.
May 21 22
Endangered Species Weekend
Learn about the Zoo’s conservation initiatives and how you can get involved. Guests will receive an “Endangered Species Passport” upon entry, which you can use to discover different endangered species at the Zoo. Find them all and return your passport at the Zoo exit and you’ll be entered into a special drawing to win a Zoo prize pack!
June 11 12
World Oceans Weekend
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FOTZ Breakfast
Swim on over to the Kansas City Zoo to celebrate World Oceans Weekend. Find out how all water is connected with special displays near the aquarium construction site. Throughout the zoo, many of our animals will be receiving special ocean-themed enrichment to help us celebrate. Pledge your commitment to clean oceans in the lobby by signing the 30x30 pledge and creating ocean-themed crafts from recycled items commonly found in our oceans and on our shorelines. Our Zoo mascots will be walking around the zoo and your favorite shark family will also be swimming by to take photos with guests!
FOTZ Members, we’re treating the whole family to a continental breakfast! Join us at the Tropics Event Pavilion from 8:30-10:30am and start off your day at the Zoo right. Breakfast will be provided to those covered by your current membership. Watch your email for details.
July 15
FOTZ Evening
Friends of the Zoo members have the Zoo all to themselves! Stay late and enjoy live entertainment, special animal chats, and meal deals while the Zoo stays open until 8pm.
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www.kansascityzoo.org
Snow Zoo
It is cooling down at the Kansas City Zoo this weekend for Arctic Sea Ice Day! Over two tons of ice will be delivered to the Zoo for our polar bears to enjoy, while many others will also be getting “cool” enrichment throughout the weekend. Coloring sheets and crayons will be available in the lobby. Meet your favorite ice queen and her sister... if the cold doesn’t bother you, anyway! These cool characters will be taking photos with guests 10 am-3 pm.
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Dive into after-hours fun at Hump Day Happy Hour! Join us for the return of this popular 21-and-over event featuring five cash bars, food trucks, music, free carousel and train rides, trivia, games, and more. Plus, proceeds will go toward our aquarium which is slated to open in 2023. Hump Day Happy Hour will be ocean-themed, so wear your favorite wardrobe with an aquatic flair! Wednesday, May 25 | 5pm-8:30pm www.kansascityzoo.org/event/hump-day-happy-hour
Wine lovers and animal lovers unite! The Kansas City Zoo has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening of both at Wine Walk for Wildlife! Guests will stroll through the topside of the Zoo, sip and savor more than 20 different types of wine, enjoy a variety of musicians, food trucks, and even hear special animal chats led by experts. Friday, June 3 | 6pm-9pm | 21+ www.kansascityzoo.org/wine-walk-for-wildlife
Escape room fans, come take a walk on the wild side! If you love mysteries or puzzles, you won’t want to miss Locked Zoo: Finders Keepers. The adult-only (age 18+) interactive event puts you and your team up to the task of exploring select areas of the Kansas City Zoo to search for clues and solve puzzles. In this particular game, you are a zookeeper in training and must follow specific instructions about what it takes to keep our animals happy and healthy. The task is up to you to save the day! There will be plenty of animals to see along the way, and a great menu of dinner options for pre-purchase are available. Saturday, June 25 | 5pm-9pm | 18+ https://www.kansascityzoo.org/event/locked-zoo
Be a part of the wildest fundraiser in Kansas City! Party animals from across the metro will gather to enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment — all while raising money for the Kansas City Zoo. Your support of this event provides food and care for our 1,700 animals as well as educational opportunities for children in our community. Become a sponsor to get all the perks, or purchase tickets today. Hurry, though, because a limited number of tickets are available! Jazzoo takes place outdoors on the Zoo grounds. We call it “creative black tie” — a fun and lively mixture of formal wear and frivolity. No jeans, please! Friday, August 26 | 7:30pm-12am | 21+ www.kansascityzoo.org/jazzoo
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Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2022 19TH ANNUAL
Light up your night this fall with GloWild, an immersive and illuminating lantern festival that will be the largest of its kind in the Midwest. The not-to-be missed event will feature massive steel and silk works of art that include animals, local landmarks, botanicals, and Asian cultural creations. In partnership with Zigong Lantern Group (www. zigonglanterngroup.com), GloWild will illuminate the topside of Kansas City Zoo with custom handmade lighted sculptures from September 1 to December 11. Guests will walk a one-way path through the display with opportunities to stop and enjoy photo-ops, concessions, shopping, and entertainment. This evening event will require a separate timed ticket from daily Zoo admission. Tickets go on sale online exclusively for Friends of the Zoo members on Monday, May 16. The general public will be able to purchase tickets starting Monday, May 30.
Enjoy an evening of live music, delicious bites, and a variety of beer and wine from local breweries and vineyards. Saturday, October 15 6:30pm-11pm 21+
?
4 MILE & 1 MILE
RUN THROUGH THE ZOO
COLLECTIBLE FINISHER MEDALS 8:30AM - 4 MILE WALK/RUN 9:45AM - 1 MILE WALK/RUN REGISTER AT WWW.KANSASCITYZOORUN.ORG PRODUCED BY EVENTMIDWEST, LLC
Interested in being a vendor or sponsor at one of these events? Email askthezoo@fotzkc.org
www.kansascityzoo.org
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Adopt a Wild Child The Purrfect Gift for Animal Lovers Celebrate a special occasion by symbolically adopting an animal in their honor. Adoption packages include official certificate of adoption, framed photo, species fact sheet and more - making it the perfect gift idea that ships anywhere in the US! Adoption makes it easy to show your support for your favorite animal, both here at the Zoo and around the world. Who will you adopt? Scan the QR code or visit www.kansascityzoo.org/aawc to adopt today! Photo by Bill Arimborgo
Lion’s Pride Society
First founded in 2011, the Lion’s Pride Society recognizes and honors the valuable contributions of donors who express their commitment to the Kansas City Zoo by including the Kansas City Zoo in their estate plans, enabling the conservation and protection of our world’s wildlife, and assuring future generations can experience the awe and diversity of our natural world. The financial contributions of Zoo friends help to continue enriching the lives of our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, well into the future. Thank you to all of our 1909 Lion’s Pride Society members for their continued support. Jan Armstrong Sandra & Donald Breckon Kenneth Campbell Dorothy & Joe Carlisle Teri Chandler Debbie & James Eads Billie Harrison Jeanne Hays Betty & Leonard Hershman Louise & Gary Hicks Sarah Hopkins
Harold Hudson Joanna Ioannidis Audrey Keairnes Patricia Keairnes Gayle & Bruce Krigel Judith Layton Kay Lippincott Leslie & John Martin Kentucky McDaniel Patrick & Amy McHenry Mary & Michael McNiel
Glynda Miller Anne & Sam Mollet Debra Myers Elizabeth Norton Richard Ong Terry Pritchett & Don Shanks Marjorie Roberts Debra & Michael Ryder Dianne Schmidt Barb Sherer Kathy Smith
Linda & Harlan Smith Juston Taylor Grace Thornton Sandie & John Valentine Frank & Gerry Victor Jean & William Wagner Richard Wells Barb & Randy Wisthoff
Contact Merritt McShane, annual fund manager, at 816-595-1216 or merrittmcshane@fotzkc.org to explore your many support options that will extend your legacy at the Kansas City Zoo for years to come.
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Expeditions – 2022 - Q2
Charitable Stock Gifts Make your biggest impact yet, at less cost. Interested in making a more financially conscious gift to Kansas City Zoo? Consider one simple way to increase your own financial savings while supporting your animal friends: donating your appreciated stock! Many of our amazing supporters donate appreciated stocks to help us support the 1,700 animals in our care. These gifts can often help you avoid paying the capital gains tax as well as provide an immediate deduction. It allows you to give more, while giving smarter! To make your donation, scan the QR code to be redirected to our stock giving site! Or you can visit www.FreeWill.com/Stocks/KansasCityZoo
Thank You to Our Sponsors We are grateful for the continued generosity of our exhibit sponsors. Thank you for your steadfast support that helps make our world-class Zoo possible. If your company would be interested in sponsoring an animal or area of the Zoo, please contact lisafickenscher@fotzkc.org. Kansas City Zoo sponsorship is a great way to increase visibility for your business and support the incredible work that our Zoo does year-round.
Kansas City Zoo Railroad
Polar Bear
California Sea Lions
Sumatran Tigers
Llama
Gunter Construction Company Cornell Roofing & Sheet Metal Co. CJ Industries LLC Mark One Electric Co., Inc.
Work at the Zoo!
Sign up for our weekly insider email and stay up to date on all the Zoo News! Sign up online at www.kansascityzoo.org/zoonews or scan the QR code.
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 $13.75. Flexible, weekend and/or weekday shifts are available! Visit www.kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.
www.kansascityzoo.org
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OPEN DAILY!
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816.595.1234 | www.KansasCityZoo.org
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
KANSAS CITY, MO #4831
March-October 9:30 am-4 pm Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm Sat-Sun
Let’s Get Social!
LOOK INSIDE! Alligator Alley Coming Soon! See page 3
ZOO MISSION: The Kansas City Zoo connects people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.
In Memoriam Blossom Blossom, a Polish chicken who was well known in our animal ambassador program, passed away in April at the age of 10. She and her two sisters (Bubbles and Buttercup) arrived at the Zoo a few days after hatching and were hand-raised by staff. Blossom loved to train and would do just about anything for a cricket or mealworm treat. You may remember her from her “Chicken in a Wagon” Zoo To You segment, in which she won the hearts of many. Blossom taught the community about the Polish chicken breed and domestic animals, and she will be dearly missed.
Socks Socks, a beloved llama who was a mother to Dario and Piyama, passed away on May 2, 2022, at 20 years of age. Born on June 7, 2001, Socks loved to run around the yard in the sunshine even in her older years. This barnyard favorite enjoyed training with her animal care specialists and was a fantastic herder of her fellow llamas. Socks will be dearly missed. Blossom photo by Katie Siverly Socks photo by Gail Webb Cianciolo