KANSAS CITY ZOO A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE
Alligator Alley Now Open!
Inside this issue: • Meet the gator gals • GloWild • Baby rhino announcement
2022 – Q3
Hello, FOTZ Members!
2022 Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS
I hope that you have all had the opportunity to visit the Zoo this summer despite some incredibly hot days over the past two months. It was great to see many of you at the FOTZ sneak peek of the aquarium and I hope that you are as excited as I am to see it when finished in a mere 12 months! For those of you who haven’t seen the aquarium yet, the building has been growing by leaps and bounds. We have approximately 60-80 contractors working in, on, and around it every day. Plumbers, electricians, roofers, drywall installers, pipe fitters, HVAC installers, concrete specialists, and others all work around each other to complete their portion of the work. By this fall, the entire building will be enclosed so that work can continue throughout the winter months and by spring, the animals will start to arrive.
Hayley Hanson, Chairperson
If you haven’t had the opportunity to see the new Alligator Alley, I would also suggest a trip to see these crocodilians the next time you are here. Our five female alligators have settled into their new home and I think that it will be fun for all of our members to watch them grow over the years. Though we always have a great deal going on at the Zoo, we are even busier than usual this year. We have many upcoming events that staff and volunteers are putting together including Jazzoo, GloWild, the Zoo Run for the Sharks, and Brew at the Zoo. There is other construction in the works as well. We will be replacing our train barn over the next couple months and renovating our sea lion area this fall. Though the sea lions will be spending six months away from their habitat, they will enjoy a new behind-the-scenes area. When the project is complete, guests will appreciate a much better, more accessible place to view them and their training sessions next spring. We have also been hard at work putting our future plans together. The 5-year strategic plan was finalized earlier this spring, and the finishing touches on the master plan are underway. I look forward to revealing the roadmap for the next ten years very soon. Though we are all gearing up for the aquarium’s opening in 2023, I am just as excited about the improvements we will be taking on in the decade that follows. Thanks for your continued support, and I look forward to seeing you at the Zoo!
Husch Blackwell LLP
Tony Reinhart, Secretary 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.
Sincerely,
www.KansasCityZoo.org 816.595.1234 Sean Putney Executive Director/CEO
Sean speaking at the Topping Out ceremony for the aquarium (see pg.6)
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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 - Q3
GloWild! Get ready to see the Zoo in a whole new light this fall! Production is in full swing for the GloWild lantern festival that will be wowing Zoo crowds from September 1 through December 11. Custom-made for the Kansas City Zoo, these handmade steel and silk sculptures are carefully crafted by the Zigong Lantern Group over the course of six months. Visitors will see hundreds of lanterns that feature such themes as animals, botanicals, local landmarks, and Asian culture along a one-mile walking path through the Zoo. What exactly does it take to create these enormous, luminescent sculptures? The first steps are focused on the conceptual design and the floor sketch process. Zigong Lantern Group worked closely with Zoo staff in creating the perfect set of lanterns for the Kansas City area. After final decisions are made on the themes and designs, the works shifts to welding, electrical work, and placement of 50,000 LED lights. Silk is then added once the skeleton of the sculpture is in place. The artistry doesn’t stop there, however, and fine details may be added to the sculptures during this time. When the vision is realized, the production team begins placing the structures throughout the Zoo. Zoo guests began to see the sculptures on grounds in late July. While they are not ready for their “glow,” these sculptures give you a sneak peek at what GloWild has to offer. From mid-July until the end of August, the lower section of Cheetah parking lot has been closed to provide a work and staging area for the lanterns, but the lot will be reopened by the time the event opens September 1. Less than one month away, GloWild is already causing quite a buzz with guests! Be one of the first to experience the radiance of the largest event of its kind in the Midwest. This one-of-a-kind festival of lights is not to be missed and we do expect some nights will sell out so don't delay in making your plans! A separate ticket is required from daily Zoo admission or FOTZ membership. For more information and tickets, please visit www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild.
Thank You to our sponsors
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Oh Baby! The Zoo has been an exciting place to visit recently with lots of new life. Many of these young ones are ambassadors for species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their arrivals bring hopeful news that will ensure the longevity of their species for generations to come. The next time you visit the Zoo, be sure to see these incredible new additions!
Addax Mariano and Arwen are the newest members of the herd! These two-month-old addax additions are now residing in the African plains area, where guests can see them daily. First-time mom Ashley gave birth to Arwen on June 7, while Mariano was born on June 1 to Mary Kate. Both Arwen and Mariano enjoy playtime under the watchful eye of their mothers, with Arwen often getting the zoomies. The addax is a species of antelope native to the deserts of Africa that can withstand the harshest of temperatures. Critically endangered in the wild, the addax population has continued to decrease over time primarily due to overhunting. The Kansas City Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) to ensure preservation of the addax. Arwen and Mariano
Goats The Billy Goats Gruff Yard is always memorable to visit, but in the last few months we’ve introduced even more delightful pint-sized additions! The yard is now home to four new Arapawa kids: Buttons was born to mom Poppy on May 15, Sirius to mom Gretel on May 21, and Clove and Nutmeg to mom Katara on July 10. All of the young goats are flourishing thanks to their doting mothers, and you can visit them daily at the Zoo! Native to the Arapawa (or Arapaoa) Island of New Zealand, these goats have been in danger of becoming extinct in the wild. We are thrilled to share that those numbers are rising thanks to breeding programs initiated at AZA-accredited zoos throughout the United States.
Clove and Nutmeg
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Poppy and Buttons
Sirius
Expeditions – 2022 - Q3
Red Pandas The Tiger Trail section of the Zoo just got more precious! The Zoo is happy to announce the birth of two red panda cubs, Zhúzi and Sundara, on May 23 to first-time mom Kashmir. Dad Randy Pandy is an experienced father who has sired cubs in years past. The twins were born with their eyes closed and weighed just over 100 grams, but they have been steadily growing and are getting stronger each day. Native to the mountainous Himalayan regions of Myanmar and China, red pandas are listed as endangered by the IUCN due to poaching, habitat loss, and the illegal pet trade. The Kansas City Zoo participates in the AZA's red panda SSP. The cubs will soon be big enough to venture out on their own, so you may catch a glimpse of them in the habitat. Guests can now view them behind the scenes on a monitor in front of their habitat. We will provide updates on social media as this adorable duo reaches more milestones!
Zhúzi and Sundara
Rhinoceros Hornbill Venture a little further down Tiger Trail, and you’ll come across the habitat of another happy addition! A rhinoceros hornbill hatched on April 24, but this chick has not yet been visible as it spends its first months of development in a nest box. The little one should be ready to make its big reveal any day now! Though born without feathers, the chick will be fully feathered upon exiting the nest box. Mother Boni mudded herself into a nestbox that mimics a tree cavity, similar to the structure she would use in the hornbills' native range of Indonesia. During this time, her mate, Raja, has brought food to mother and chick. Boni stayed inside the nest for the duration of the incubation period. The chick was then large enough to thermoregulate on its own. Mother hornbills will always reseal the nestbox upon leaving. Raja giving food to Boni and chick inside nestbox
The animal care team currently does not know the sex of the chick. While this species will have light gray eyes initially, the males develop red eyes and the females reveal a light blue color. The casque, which is the growth on the upper side of their bills, will also change with maturity. Males’ casques will grow much larger than their female counterparts. The next time you’re at Tiger Trail, be sure to see if you can spot the proud parents’ new bundle of joy!
Boni and egg in nestbox
Boni and chick in nestbox
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We’re Expecting! The Kansas City Zoo is excited to announce a BIG bundle of joy arriving this winter! Fifteen-year-old Zuri, an eastern black rhinoceros, is expecting a calf in December 2022 or January 2023. The father of the calf is Ruka, 11, and this is the first offspring for both parents who arrived in Kansas City from the Oregon Zoo in April 2018 on the recommendation of the AZA's SSP. The black rhinoceros gestation period is typically 15-16 months, and Zuri is currently in her third trimester. The expectant mother receives weekly ultrasounds and blood hormone monitoring to ensure that the pregnancy is advancing normally. Zuri’s animal care specialists trained with her in preparation for the regular checkups by our veterinary health team, so Zuri is able to participate in her own care by patiently standing for the ultrasounds. Eastern black rhinoceros are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. With only about 740 left in the wild, it is the rarest of the three remaining black rhino subspecies and can be found in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. There are just 53 eastern black rhinos in facilities accredited by AZA, so this impending arrival is not only exciting for the Kansas City Zoo but is very important for the subspecies as a whole. We look forward to providing more updates on this exciting news!
Become an Ocean Ally If you have not paid it a recent visit, you’ll be amazed at how far along JE Dunn Construction and our other partners have come in making this aquatic endeavor a reality. In July, a ceremony was held to commemorate the final beam being hoisted into place. Zoo employees, volunteers, and donors were invited to sign the symbolic beam and celebrate this momentous event, which marks a huge milestone for the exhibit. Slated to open in fall 2023, the 600,000-gallon aquarium will be situated near Helzberg Penguin Plaza, within easy distance of the front gate and accessible year-round. Creating a world-class aquarium is one of the most exciting projects the Kansas City Zoo has ever embarked upon, and we invite you to help us in this journey! Become an Ocean Ally with a monthly recurring gift to the Kansas City Zoo and join other loyal donors who support bringing the ocean to the midwest, especially for those who might never have an opportunity to experience the wonders of the sea firsthand. For as little as $10 a month, you can join a group of dedicated supporters committed to making an ongoing, monthly contribution. The aquarium will be a true treasure and asset for this community that will support the Zoo’s mission to connect all people to each other and to the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation. Learn more about becoming an Ocean Ally by visiting www.kansascityzoo.org/form/become-an-ocean-ally.
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Expeditions – 2022 - Q3
The Marine Mammal Center
The Marine Mammal Center (MMC) in Sausalito, California is the world’s largest marine mammal hospital. Its mission includes advancing global ocean conservation through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education. With a volunteer force numbering more than 1,300 and the support of a concerned public, the Center is able to respond to marine mammals in distress. Sick and injured animals are treated and rehabilitated until they can be released back to their ocean home. Since 1975, the organization has rescued more than 24,000 marine mammals along 600 miles of California coastline and the Big Island of Hawai'i. The Kansas City Zoo is a proud partner of the MMC and not only invests through the Zoo’s Conservation Fund, but also sends Zoo staff to assist in the work. Recently, Jessica Cunningham, animal care manager of Shows and Ambassador Animals Team, visited this incredible facility in her role as principal investigator for the partnership. At the time of her visit in mid-July, the MMC housed 62 patients including 14 California sea lions, 30 Northern elephant seals, 8 Pacific harbor seals, and 10 Guadalupe fur seals. On Wednesday, July 20, two California sea lions, named “Blackbeard” and “Maitake,” and two Northern elephant seals, named “Aramis” and “Finch,” had been deemed fully rehabbed and were released that afternoon. Jessica was able to be a part of their success story by helping with the release event. While visiting, Jessica was able to work alongside many of the MMC's dedicated volunteers and veterinary health staff. She was part of the animal care volunteer staff for the first three days. During this time, she fed animals, prepped medications, weighed patients, moved animals to new enclosures as needed, cleaned the enclosures, and
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assisted in any tube feedings of young animals needing extra nutrition. The second half of her week included observing and assisting the veterinary health team. These two days included radiographs, ultrasounds, weights, blood draws, urine samples, and release examinations. Since her time at the Center, many more animals have already been released, a testament to the amazing work the facility is doing with ocean wildlife. MMC is a great partner for the Kansas City Zoo as it helps us to exemplify our mission of connecting people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation. This particular conservation project is escpecially meaningful for the Kansas City Zoo as three of our California sea lions are rescued animals. These three females were deemed unreleasable, so the Kansas City Zoo is providing them a home where they are also amazing ambassadors for their species. You can learn about them and the work our organization is doing to keep their wild counterparts safe by visiting one of their daily shows at Sea Lion Splash through August!
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Meet the Our five new American alligators have been making a splash with guests since arriving at the Zoo earlier this year. Gertrude, Lucy, Eudora, Agnes, and Rita have become more acquainted with their new Zoo home and are even participating in training sessions with their animal care specialists. Currently, our heaviest alligator weighs about 38 pounds, but each female has the potential of reaching more than 200 pounds! We are still putting the finishing touches on Alligator Alley’s indoor area, which includes a viewing window that will allow guests to view the reptiles year-round. In the meantime, the exhibit’s outdoor design allows our care specialists to train with the alligators while also presenting informational chats at 12 pm daily. While susceptible to hunting and listed as critically endangered at one time, state and federal laws have protected the alligator and its numbers are now sustainable again thanks to these conservation efforts. We are thrilled to be a home to these fascinating reptiles! Let’s dive into a few ways you can tell these ladies apart…
• 9 years old | 38lbs | 5.3ft • Missing the first digit on her left rear foot • Yellow coloring around her eyes • Most dominant and will chase others off
• 8 years old | 17lbs | 4.5ft • Features more white on her belly
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Expeditions – 2022 - Q3
• 9 years old | 25lbs | 4.8ft • The "ham" of the group • Likes to hide under the the tree branches semi-submerged in the pond
• 5 years old | 18lbs | 4.6ft • Has a darker-colored pattern on body
• 8 years old | 29lbs | 5.1ft • Has a slight underbite • Missing the third digit on her right foot and one on her rear left and right • Eager to train for food • Basks in the sun more often than others
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Sea Lion Splash Construction Be sure to visit our four California sea lions in August before they spend the winter behind the scenes! The area around Sea Lion Splash will be undergoing renovations from September 2022 through March 2023. Delilah, Tamale, Pepper, and Luna will be residing on Zoo grounds in an area away from the construction. Upon the completion of this project, Sea Lion Splash will have increased seating capacity, improved ADA accessibility, and additional indoor space for California the sea lions. DRAW Architecture provided the exhibit’s new design, while Fogel-Anderson Construction Co. has been selected to do the renovations. Part of the funding for this project has been provided from the City of Kansas City's GO Bonds, approved in 2017, that were designated for ADA updates. We are excited to update this fan-favorite exhibit that has been a part of guests’ memories since the 1950s and make it more accessible for all of our visitors. Dive into the entertaining and educational Sea Lion Splash show presented by US Bank daily at 10am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm before our California sea lions move to their winter home!
SEA LION EXHIBIT � KANSAS CITY ZOO | JUNE 06, 2022
Image courtesy of DRAW Architecture
Train Barn Updates Rides like the train and African tram always add special memories to our guests’ visits, and the Zoo continues to make updates to ensure these mobile attractions are operating smoothly and efficiently, even in behind-the-scenes areas. The train barn, which houses many of our Rides Departments’ vehicles and acts as a base for any repair work, is getting an update! The former structure will be demolished and a new one will be constructed in its place. With MEGA KC at the project’s helm, the new train barn will accommodate the existing track lines which will remain in place. The prefabricated metal building was delivered to the Zoo in late May, and this exciting and beneficial project is now in motion. These updates will not affect any rides experiences during your visit. Although this project is not completely visible to every visitor, we are excited at the benefits it will provide for our Rides Department and the Zoo in the future!
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Expeditions – 2022 - Q3
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
Homeschool Join us for the Kansas City Zoo’s hands-on homeschool class for this school year. Students PreK-12th Grade can explore the world of science through animals and nature in a fun and interactive way! Registration for 2022-2023 When Science Attacks classes is now open. www.kansascityzoo.org/camp/homeschool
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 or 2pm-4pm and Sundays at 2pm-4pm. www.kansascityzoo.org/birthdays
For more information, call 816.595.1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.
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Events Calendar August Jazzoo
Friday, August 26 | 7:30pm-12am | 21+ 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.
4 MILE & 1 MILE RUN THROUGH THE ZOO 4 MILE & 1 MILE 4 MILE & 1 MILE
RUN THROUGH THE ZOO
COLLECTIBLE FINISHER COLLECTIBLE COLLECTIBLE September MEDALS FINISHER FINISHER GloWild MEDALS MEDALS 8:30AM - 4 MILE WALK/RUN RUN THROUGH THE ZOO
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! www.kansascityzoo.org/jazzoo
Thursday, September 1 - Sunday, December 11 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 8:30AM - 4 MILE WALK/RUN steel and silk works of art that include animals, local landmarks, botanicals, and Asian cultural creations. In partnership with 9:45AM - 1 MILE WALK/RUN REGISTERZigong AT 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. WWW.KANSASCITYZOORUN.ORG
9:45AM - 1 MILE WALK/RUN 8:30AM - 4 MILE WALK/RUN 9:45AM - 1 MILE WALK/RUN REGISTER AT
REGISTER AT Guests will walk a one-way path through the display with opportunities to stop and enjoy photo-ops, concessions, shopping, and WWW.KANSASCITYZOORUN.ORG PRODUCED BY EVENTMIDWEST, LLC entertainment. This evening event will require a separate timed ticket from daily Zoo admission. WWW.KANSASCITYZOORUN.ORG PRODUCED BY EVENTMIDWEST, LLC
PRODUCED BY EVENTMIDWEST, LLC
Zoo Run for the Sharks
Saturday, September 17 The 19th annual Kansas City Zoo Run, Run for the Sharks, will be held at the Kansas City Zoo, featuring a fourmile run/walk at 8:30am and one-mile family run/walk at 9:30am. Participants will receive a collectible finisher medal. Register at www.kansascityzoorun.org Produced by Event Midwest, LLC.
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Girl Scout Night at the Zoo
Friday, September 23 | 6pm-8am Explore the Zoo after sunset with night hikes and s'mores. This special overnight also will include fun activity stations related to STEM and Conservation. Campers will need to provide their own tent and sleeping gear. Sleeping arrangements will be outdoors. This program is rain or shine. If you have any questions, please call 816-595-1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.
Expeditions – 2022 - Q3
October
Brew at the Zoo
Hoots & Howls Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pumpkin toss, photo ops, and more! Our animals will also be receiving pumpkin enrichment at scheduled times each weekend! Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring these events.
Saturday, October 15 | 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 Eastern spotted skunk, and the event will also include GloWild!
Beastly Bash Saturday, Oct. 1 - Sunday Oct. 2 Let your inner beast ROAR! Join us in your most wild costumes for a weekend of animal-themed Halloween fun!
Friends of the Force Saturday, Oct. 8 - Sunday Oct. 9 Find the droids you are looking for this weekend only at the Kansas City Zoo as the 501st Legion joins us from a galaxy far, far away.
Hoots & Howls - Week 3 Saturday, Oct. 15 - Sunday Oct. 16 Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pumpkin toss, photo ops, and more!
Ghostbusters Saturday, Oct. 22 - Sunday Oct. 23 Join us at the Kansas City Zoo as the Midwest Ghostbusters take over, they’ll be meeting guests and getting rid of ghosts from 10am-3pm. Stop by to explore the Ecto-car! Familyfriendly costumes are encouraged!
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 29 - Sunday, October 30 Celebrate Halloween with a not-so-scary, safe trick-ortreating experience. Bring the kiddos in their familyfriendly costumes and join the fun. Trick-or-treat bags will be provided. Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pumpkin toss, photo ops, and more! FOTZ members may join us from 8:30-9:30am for your exclusive hour! Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring this event.
Scan the code for more information on each event.
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Interested in being a vendor or sponsor at one of these events? Email askthezoo@fotzkc.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 - Q3
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.
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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
Now through October 9:30 am-4 pm Mon-Fri 9:30 am-5 pm Sat-Sun
Let’s Get Social!
LOOK INSIDE! Baby Rhino Coming Soon! See page 6
ZOO MISSION: The Kansas City Zoo connects people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.
In Memoriam Karai Karai, an ambassador who helped educated the public on her singing dog species, passed away in May at the age of 14 from geriatric-related issues. Retired for several years from performing in the Amazing Animal Ambassador Show, Karai loved to take walks on grounds with her care team. The singing dog species, native to New Guinea and known for its melodic howling, is one of the rarest dogs on the planet. Karai shared her unique style of “singing” and often harmonized with her sister, Koko. Karai will be dearly missed by staff and so many guests who met her on their visits.
Arwen & Thyrea Arwen and Thyrea (also known as “Shortie”), ring-tailed lemurs who captured the hearts of many at the Discovery Barn, passed away from geriatric-related illnesses in early July at the ages of 23 and 29, respectively. Part of a tight-knit family group, Arwen and Shortie could be seen napping together, grooming one another, or sitting like adorable couch potatoes while basking in the sun. When they moved to the Discovery Barn in 2006, these lemurs often climbed up the trees in their exhibit and looked out at the sky lights while they sunned themselves. Arwen and Shortie also enjoyed Easter eggs with their diet hidden inside, and their care team loved watching the duo discover their treats. Arwen and Shortie will be dearly missed by all.