Expeditions - 2023 - Q4

SAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM

KAN A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE

Celebrating 10 Years of Penguins!

Inside this issue: • Meet Christie & Zuri • Conservation Around the World • Penguins of KCZoo

2023 – Q4

Hello again, Zoo Friends!

Though only three months have passed, much has happened since our last Expeditions! Thanks to you, the opening of Sobela Ocean Aquarium was a huge success. We had the largest September attendance ever at the Zoo and, despite a bit of cold and rainy weather in October, we just hit one million visitors this year! This only happened once before in 2016 and we hope that we can reach a record attendance!

We appreciate all the positive comments about the Aquarium and hope you feel it adds value to your membership and experiences. The additional revenue generated has also allowed us to make other improvements at the Zoo. While some will improve your guest experience, others will make life better for the animals and employees. West Africa has been repaved, making it much easier to traverse. We also resurfaced the road from the Aquarium to the elephant pathway (formerly Beaks & Feet Blvd., now Aquarium Ave.) which makes that area easier to walk. New fencing at the flamingo area makes for better viewing into their habitat.

We have additional improvements to come over the winter. We will be putting new planks and side rails on a few bridges in Africa and we will begin modifications to the kopje area near lions in Africa. The pathways there will be widened and improved, and we will finally replace our last port-a-potties with permanent bathrooms. We will also modify a few of the animal habitats in that corridor. Though this will require some temporary path adjustments during construction, the final result will make it a much better area for you, the animals, and our employees.

We also had another huge reason to celebrate this past month when we welcomed two female elephants to our herd! We have been trying to create a breeding herd of elephants in Kansas City for over 20 years. With the Zoo’s female elephants aging beyond reproductive years, the only way to do this was adding to the group. We were very fortunate to be chosen by the Association of Zoos & Aquarium’s Elephant Species Survival Plan to receive Christie and Zuri from Utah’s Hogle Zoo. Unfortunately, we’ve also lost some beloved animals. You may have seen in the news that we recently lost 29-year-old Mahali giraffe and 22-year-old Nala lion. Both lived well past the median life expectancy for their species, which is a testament to the amazing care provided by our animal care and veterinary health teams. It is extremely hard to experience these losses but with nearly 10,000 animals, with widely varying life expectancies, loss is inevitable. We are thankful for the animals that have been part of our lives and such wonderful ambassadors for their species.

With the addition of the Aquarium, we have plenty of places that can help you avoid the cold this winter, while still spending a fun day with the family. And, if you haven’t been to GloWild yet, it is a beautiful way to enjoy an evening with your loved ones.

Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS Wesley Fields, Chairperson Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Tony Reinhart, Secretary Ford Motor Company

Jan Francis, Treasurer Community Volunteer J.C. Alonzo, Black & Veatch Jennifer Bennett, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists Dr. Yolanda Cargile, Center School District Chris Cotten, KC Parks and Recreation Jeff Dillon, VanTrust Real Estate LLC Ana Nubia Duin, La Mega KC Spanish Radio Sandra Garcia, Metropolitan Community Colleges Julius Lai, Community Volunteer Kate Lambert, Dixon Family Foundation Al Mauro, Jr., Hallmark Katie McDonald, Evergy Janet Miles-Bartee, Local Investment Commission (LINC) Joe Prenger, ECCO Select Brian Pung, JE Dunn Construction John Russ, UMB Bank Todd Trent, Lockton Companies Representing the City of Kansas City Ryana Parks-Shaw, Mayor Pro Tem Brian Platt, City Manager Zoological District Commissioners Greg Canuteson, Chair, Clay County Charlie Franklin, Jackson County Carol Hallquist, Vice Chair & Treasurer, Jackson County Jerry Nolte, Clay County Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium Sean Putney, Executive Director/ CEO

Open daily, year-round. www.KansasCityZoo.org 816.595.1234

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,

Sean Putney Executive Director & CEO

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Randy Wisthoff & Sean at the FOTZ annual board meeting in October. Randy was awarded Director Emeritus for his 20 years of service to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, a private, nonprofit 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 – 2023 – Q4

Introducing Christie & Zuri!

The Zoo is thrilled to welcome two African Elephants, Christie, 37, and daughter, Zuri, 14, who transferred from Utah’s Hogle Zoo in late October!

This move was made on the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for African elephants, which helps to ensure genetic diversity of the species. Christie and Zuri bring the KCZoo’s herd to nine elephants.

In the months leading up to the transfer, KCZoo’s animal care and veterinary health teams spent time in Utah getting to know Christie and Zuri. The two teams also shared documents, videos, health information, and stories on weekly calls. Animal care specialists from Hogle Zoo’s elephant team have remained with Christie and Zuri at the KCZoo for some time to help make the transition as smooth as possible for the elephants’ well-being.

Christie and Zuri are currently undergoing a quarantine period to give them time to acclimate to their new home and to protect all the elephants’ health.

When the veterinary health and animal care teams feel it’s appropriate, introductions to the rest of KCZoo’s elephant herd will begin.

“We are thrilled to welcome these new elephants to Kansas City. I am proud of the time and resources that have been put into this move to ensure the highest level of animal care and wellbeing. This is really what our network of AZA-accredited zoos is all about, working together for the benefit of wildlife, and I have never seen a better example of that than during this process,” said Sean Putney, executive director and CEO of Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Utah’s Hogle Zoo and the KCZoo are both accredited by AZA, meaning they meet and exceed the highest standards in animal care, wellbeing, and facilities.

Top: Zuri & Christie, courtesy of Utah's Hogle Zoo Middle: Christie & Zuri after arriving at KCZoo Bottom: KCZoo & Hogle Zoo staff

GloWild: Around the World

Guests are raving about GloWild: Around the World! Our spectacular lantern festival is back with new, more immersive lanterns that celebrate the iconic landmarks and animals of the seven continents. The event created in partnership with Zigong Lantern Group is even bigger than last year, with several lanterns reaching 50 feet in height! Guests walk a one-way path through the displays with opportunities to stop to enjoy concessions, shopping, and entertainment.

GloWild will also include North Pole Village starting November 17. The jolly old man himself, Santa, will be making nightly visits November 17 through December 23!

Scan the QR to view our calendar with operation details.

GloWild runs through December 30 and is open Christmas evening, though the Zoo will remain closed during the day on this holiday as usual.

Be sure to secure your tickets now! kansascityzoo.org/glowild

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Conservation Around the World Freshwater Mussel Propagation and Reintroduction Program Freshwater mussels have been declining in numbers throughout North America, where scientists consider over 70 percent of all mussel species to be at risk. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has been working with the Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW), and Missouri State University to reintroduce freshwater mussels into the wild. Senior animal care specialist Tracy Divis leads the Zoo's efforts and explains that the mussels are considered an indicator of water quality, which makes them extremely important to freshwater ecosystems.

On September 27, endangered Neosho Mucket mussels raised at the Zoo were introduced back into the wild. This species only lives in the Neosho River Drainage, an area where the Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma borders meet. Officials from the USFW Neosho fish hatchery, Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, and the Zoo placed over 1,300 animals into the Neosho River near Erie, Kansas. Approximately 800 of those were raised at the Zoo. The released mussels were measured and laser-tagged with an identification number in order to track how many animals survive, how they grow, and if reproduction occurs. Other mussels were placed in other areas of the river that appeared to be good mussel habitat.

This important program has been operating since 2007 and will continue to provide mussels for increasing existing populations of Neosho Mucket and other mussel species.

The Zoo is also excited to announce that the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) has added the North American freshwater mussel species to its SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) initiative. This program helps protect threatened animals, builds established recovery plans, implements strategic conservation, and reports on conservation progress.

Polar Bears International The KCZoo continues to be a proud partner of Polar Bears International (PBI), a nonprofit dedicated to conserving polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. Jessica Kems, one of our Zoo educators, recently participated in PBI's Climate Alliance Program in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, to learn more about the polar bear species and how we can positively affect its natural habitat.

“I was honored to represent the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium" said Jessica. “Thanks to funding from the Zoo's Conservation Fund, I was able to participate virtually over an 8-month period with 19 other professionals from the USA, Canada, and Belgium, culminating in a trip to Churchill."

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Expeditions – 2023 – Q4

“The opportunity to see a wild polar bear was definitely a rare experience that I will cherish, but what had the most impact on me as a member of the Zoo's Education department was the opportunity to learn from locals native to Churchill as well as professionals from other PBI Arctic Ambassador facilities like ours” Jessica continued. “I am excited to apply my training and help guests and visitors understand climate change and what we can do together to mitigate its effects on our community.”

Wyoming Toad Reintroduction Program In 1994, the Wyoming toad species was nearly extinct in the wild due to issues like pesticides and fungal disease. To ensure a future for this amphibian species, scientists in Wyoming brought the last remaining wild toads into human care. The Zoo is proud to continue these efforts with the Wyoming Toad Reintroduction and Field Survey Program, which is led by Sean Putney, executive director & CEO of the Zoo, and Kelsey Goens, senior animal care specialist.

The Wyoming toad was listed as federally endangered in 1984, and over the years, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has raised tadpoles that have been introduced into the native habitat. Over the summer, several Zoo staff attended the annual Wyoming toad Species Survival Plan (SSP) meeting and conducted field surveys.

“The Laramie Basin is the only place in the world that this species is found, so being a part of that experience was truly special,” Maddy Hall, advanced animal care specialist, explained.

“We spent several hours daily surveying four reintroduction sites where these animals reside. We would weigh, photograph, and obtain samples from each toad before placing them back where we found them. All this data then goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to help with future efforts to save this species.

Approximately 6,500 tadpoles hatched at the Zoo were reintroduced this year into the Laramie Basin. Maddy explains there were other promising observations.

“We did encounter several toadlets (juvenile toads) during our surveys,” Maddy said. “In years past, groups have not encountered a single toad during surveys, so to be fortunate enough to have seen several each day was encouraging and a reminder that this population is improving. I have worked with the toads at the Zoo for over a year now and see the care that my team puts into them, so to see it making an impact in its wild ecosystem was a truly awesome experience.”

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Marine Mammal Center This past summer, the Zoo offered a unique opportunity for one staff member to attend a release event hosted by the Marine Mammal Center (MMC), one of the Zoo's conservation partners in Sausalito, California. The MMC provides critical care to wild animals in need. Natalie Cornell, retail supervisor, was selected to witness the release of three rescued sea lions at Baker’s Beach. Natalie said that the “graduating” animals wasted little time before heading through crashing waves into the ocean.

“After the release, I toured their center and learned about the impact they have in their communities,” Natalie said. “The Marine Mammal Center has multiple locations across California and Hawaii. In the 48 years they have been open, they have rescued 24,000 animals and been able to successfully release over 10,000 animals back into their native habitat. They use the pillars of rescue & rehabilitation, research, and education to advance global ocean conservation.

“It really stuck with me how it just takes any ordinary person to take an extraordinary action,” Natalie continued. “For the Marine Mammal Center, it’s someone picking up a phone to call about an animal that might be stranded or looking sick. Maybe it’s choosing to bring that reusable water bottle to reduce single-use plastic waste or just eating seafood that was responsibly harvested. Even if you think one choice won’t have a big impact, it all adds up similarly to how our complex ecosystems are all interconnected.”

Through our partnership with the MMC, the Zoo has provided a home to four rescued sea lions: Delilah, Sunshine, Luna, and Pepper. Learn more about their important work at marinemammalcenter.org

Doug and Pablo Join the Chimpanzee Troop This past summer, the Zoo welcomed two new chimpanzees from the Sacramento Zoo, which has relocated its chimpanzees to AZAaccredited facilities with larger ape troops. We are thrilled to report that 21-year-old Doug (also known as “Dougie”) and 33-year-old Pablo have been successfully introduced to the KCZoo's entire chimpanzee troop!

The groupings may alternate from day to day as we continue these first introductory steps. This is called fission fusion, a natural process in which chimps split into subgroups as a way to explore more land and protect territory. The smaller groupings also help to build stronger bonds among the apes.

Prior to these introductions, otherwise known as howdies, careful planning took place as animal care specialists from both zoos worked

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Doug and Pablo's first day at KCZoo

Expeditions – 2023 – Q4

together and with the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan (SSP) advisory team. By the end of July, Pablo and Doug began to explore their indoor surroundings at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, while the care team also built relationships with the new apes.

Throughout August and September, Doug and Pablo were introduced to the Zoo’s other eight chimpanzees. The howdy process begins with visual access to one another with a barrier in between. Once positive behaviors are observed (panting on one another, reaching through to touch on another, kissing, and head bobbing), the barrier is removed.

Females Halla and Ruw were the first to be introduced, and these two females helped give the newcomers a tour around the outdoor habitat.

Animal care team lead Jenna Felix explained that observations will continue to see which bonds are being created in the troop. “Since chimpanzees are a highly social species and dynamics change constantly it gave us the opportunity to see relationships,” Jenna said. “We are very fortunate that we saw mostly positive behaviors throughout the whole process and that Doug and Pablo are fitting in great. They continue to find their place in the troop through socialization – especially with the girls!”

Top: Doug; Bottom: Pablo

An Ocean of Thanks A very special thanks to our generous major sponsors for helping us make waves.

Thank you to Jackson and Clay County for your support!

Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Foundation Sunderland Foundation Dixon Family Foundation Don and Jean Wagner Charitable Foundation JE Dunn Construction Junior League of Kansas City, Missouri Zoo Learning Fund Mallouk Family Foundation State of Missouri Tom Grant Deramus Foundation Evergy Francis Family Foundation, discretionary of Janis and David Francis Joe & Joyce Rodier Family Lockton Bonnie and Herb Buchbinder Capitol Federal David and Nancy Yeamans Abe & Anna Bograd Memorial Trust Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, Peter W. Brown, Barton J. Cohen, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustees

kansascityzoo.org

Carter Community Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Bank of America, n.a., Trustee Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, John H Mize Jr. and Bank of America, N.A., Trustees Edward F. Swinney, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee Edward G. and Kathryn E. Mader Foundation Gay Dannelly and Richard Jensen Myron and Nicole Wang Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Foundation Trust E, David Frantze and Bank of America, N.A., Trustees

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Amelia & Popeye

Helzberg Penguin Plaza turned 10 years old this year! Its opening marked the beginning of a new growth trajectory for the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. The Zoo’s flock of penguins has grown to include five species and 88 birds.

In celebration of this facility’s anniversary and the return of our winter Penguin Marches, we want to introduce some of the individuals that live at Helzberg Penguin Plaza:

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• Species: Gentoo • Named for the very short toenail she has on her right foot • Loves her animal care staff and will bow, a typical gentoo greeting • Is a regular at Penguin Marches • Met the Disney Princess Elsa during Snow Zoo

• Species: Macaroni • Was hand-raised with Fez by animal care staff • Loves to preen toys and people • Will roll around in fresh snow piles • Is known for being extremely sweet and patient

• Species: Chinstrap • The first chinstrap to hatch here at KCZoo & Aquarium • Will greet staff by raising and swaying her head, a typical chinstrap greeting • Is participating in voluntary target training • Likes to yell at fish that are accidentally dropped during feedings Expeditions – 2023 – Q4

• Species: King • Weighed less than half of his expected weight at hatch • Demands petting and scratches from staff and volunteers • Was known for the ring of down around his neck that took a long time to molt as a juvenile • Will interact with divers in his pool

The penguins experience GloWild

Bud & Elvis

• Species: Humboldt • Was hatched here at KCZoo in 2019 to Filomena and Seamus • Is very playful and likes to chase shiny things • Is an expert at scale training • Is in his first serious relationship with Esperanza kansascityzoo.org

PENGUIN MARCHES RETURN! The Penguin March returns! The fun kicks off November 24-26 at 11am in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza.

These fun events will then occur every Saturday and Sunday at 11 am through the month of the February!

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Twenty Years of the Kansas City Zoo Run On Saturday, September 23, we celebrated an important milestone with the 20th anniversary of the Kansas City Zoo Run. The event saw a record number of 1-mile and 4-mile participants, with 3,967 attending the Run for the Sea Otters. An incredible record-breaking $36,957 was raised! In 2023 the focus was on the sea otter, which is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

The Kansas City Zoo Run was created two decades ago by Event Midwest L.L.C., who partnered with the Zoo and Kansas City Parks and Recreation. The initial event saw approximately 1,000 participants who joined together to raise awareness for the eastern black rhinoceros.

Since that time, the Kansas City Zoo Run has raised over $365,000 for the Zoo's Conservation Fund. Each year, the event also raises awareness for a different threatened or endangered species and has included tree kangaroos, African elephants, Humboldt penguins, chimpanzees, and many more. Thank you to the volunteers and participants who have made this event successful. Plan now to join us in 2024 for the Run for the Sea Lions!

Tortellini Update Guests are falling in love with one of our Sobela Ocean Aquarium residents, Tortellini! This inspirational green sea turtle was rescued in February 2020 after she was found floating off the coast of Florida and went through rehabilitation at Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Tortellini was likely struck by a boat, which resulted in buoyancy issues. The injury caused Tortellini to often rest in a vertical position, almost like a handstand – or “flipper stand." Now that Tortellini has been placed in her permanent home, KCZoo staff worked to help her achieve neutral buoyancy.

The animal care and veterinary health teams determined that adding weights to her carapace, or upper shell, was the best way to make it easier for Tortellini to move. She is now sporting a new “accessory,” a black pouch with approximately two pounds of weight that is attached to her carapace. The weights are removable and can be adjusted to accommodate Tortellini’s needs as her caregivers continue to monitor her progress.

Green sea turtles are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List due to issues like habitat loss, hunting, vessel strikes, and disease. Sea turtles are now protected under the Endangered Species Act, which was established by the federal government to conserve endangered and threatened species.

Visit Tortellini and the other Sobela Ocean Aquarium residents daily! Entry into the Aquarium is included in the price of admission or membership, but we do require a free timed reservation. Visit kansascityzoo.org/tickets-and-pricing to get yours!

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Expeditions – 2023 – Q4

Improvement Projects West Africa Pathway Project The Zoo recently completed a major repaving project in the West Africa section! Crews were hard at work in October replacing the old pathways with asphalt, while also adding concrete to the gorilla viewing area. Guests can expect a smoother, more accessible experience while they visit some of their favorite African animals like the gorillas, Amur leopard, and red river hogs!

Kopje Renovation The kopje section of Africa, which includes animals like the lion, fennec foxes, and caracal, will be getting an update starting later this year. Part of the funding for this project is being provided from the City of Kansas City’s GO Bonds approved in 2017 designated for ADA updates. New-andimproved viewing areas, ADA-compliant concrete walking paths, and ADA-accessible restroom facilities are among the featured updates.

Some animal habitats will also be improved in this project with funding from the Zoological District.

While full plans are still being developed, we expect construction to be completed by next summer.

Sea Lion Splash Renovations for Sea Lion Splash are expected to be finished in the coming months. Guests can expect increased seating capacity, improved ADA accessibility, and additional behind-the-scenes space for the sea lions. DRAW Architecture provided the exhibit’s new design, while Fogel-Anderson Construction Co. has been the general contractor. Partial funding for this project was provided from the City of Kansas City’s GO Bonds for improved accessibility.

Throughout the renovation process, the Zoo's four California sea lions (Delilah, Tamale, Pepper, and Luna) have been residing on Zoo grounds away from the construction. Stay tuned to our social media channels to learn the latest developments on Sea Lion Splash presented by US Bank!

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Events Calendar

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

GloWild: Around the World

Now - Saturday, December 30 | Hours vary The GloWild lantern festival is back this fall with an exciting "Around the World" theme. It showcases stunning handcrafted steel and silk lanterns representing global landmarks, as well as animals and botanicals from all seven continents. The event is even grander than before, featuring lanterns towering up to 50 feet tall. kansascityzoo.org/glowild

FOTZ Bring A Friend Free Weekend

Friday, November 24 - Sunday, November 26 9:30am - 4:00pm The more, the merrier, on Thanksgiving weekend at the Zoo! Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members are invited to bring up to FOUR guests per membership to receive complimentary admission Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to make your timed Aquarium reservation in advance for you and your guests here:

Meet Santa at the Zoo

Saturday, December 2 - Sunday, December 3 Santa and Mrs. Claus will be making a special stop at the Zoo 10am-3pm in North Pole Village near Sheep Station. Be sure to bring your camera to capture those candid moments. You can also catch our cold weather penguins as they take a walk in the chilly outdoor air during our Penguin March at 11am.

Santa Delivers

Saturday, December 16 - Sunday, December 17 10:00am - 3:00pm Santa is back one last time before the big day and this time, he is visiting some extra special animals! All weekend long, guests can catch a glimpse of Santa as he is delivering gifts to some of the animal residents that have made the top of the nice list this year.

Zoo Year's Eve

Sunday, December 31 | 10:00am - 12:00pm Roar in the Noon Year at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! Why wait until midnight to celebrate the New Year? We are kicking off the party early with a countdown to noon! Some of the animals will also be receiving special themed enrichment.

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Expeditions – 2023 – Q4

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.

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2024

November 20, 21, 22 December 18, 19, 20, 21-22, 27-29

January 2, 3 February 9, 16 March 11-14, 18, 22, 25-28 April 1, 2-5, 15, 19

Single-day cost: $65 per camp (FOTZ members get a 10% discount) kansascityzoo.org/camp/schools-out-camp Sponsored by

PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION

Overnights Spend the night at the 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. Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza or Sobela Ocean Aquarium, 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

Your Holiday Gift Guide Give the Gift of the Zoo! We have the perfect holiday gift to create memories year-round!

Purchase a 2024 Premier Family Membership as a gift and receive a free plush sea turtle! Your friends and family will be able to enjoy the Zoo throughout the year, partake in unlimited rides, and receive discounts on retail and concessions. Thank you to our partners at IKEA for providing the plush and a special coupon for your next IKEA purchase!

Adopt a Wild Child

Warm a loved one’s heart this holiday season by adopting one of the Zoo’s beloved animal residents, including a llama, donkey, capybara, red panda, hippo, and sea turtle! This $75 Adopt a Wild Child Special includes a lovable plush of your selected animal, a framed photo, a personalized adoption certificate, and an animal fact sheet. Your adoption is a unique, fun way to help us feed and care for the 10,000-plus animals that call the Zoo home. To ensure delivery by Christmas, all orders must be placed

by Friday, December 15. You may also choose a pick-up option at Guest Relations. The pick-up deadline is Thursday, December 21.

Scan the QR code or visit www.kansascityzoo.org/aawc to adopt today! ¡También disponible en español!

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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.

In Memoriam Rowl The Zoo staff is mourning the loss of Rowl, a 34-year-old spectacled owl who passed away in July from age-related issues. This beloved bird hatched at the San Diego Zoo on March 3, 1989, and came to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium in 2001. Rowl became a favorite in the animal ambassador shows and eventually retired from those to participate in education programming.

Described by his cargivers as a “calm and stoic” owl who made a “hooty” greeting each morning, Rowl taught many audiences about owl adaptations and will be dearly missed by bird fans of all ages.

Dolly Dolly the llama, aged 12, was euthanized in September due to chronic issues that were not responding to treatment. Born to mom Bella on March 2, 2011, Dolly was known for her striking white hair and curious nature. She was quick to learn new behaviors and enjoyed treats like sweet potatoes and grain. Dolly could frequently be seen going on walks with the Zoo's docents and meeting guests. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Dazzle We are sad to share that Dazzle, an Arapawa goat known for his big personality, was euthanized in October due to a urinary blockage that was not responding to treatment. Dazzle was born April 2, 2019, to mother Katara and could often be seen spending time with Sawyer, his “bestie” amongst the goats. Dazzle loved receiving pets and attention from guests, and he was always the first goat to bravely try out any new enrichment. He will be dearly missed by all at the Billy Goats Gruff Yard.

Cai Cai, a beloved Asian small-clawed otter that lived in Tropics habitat, was euthanized in October due to renal failure at the age of 16. Born on February 28, 2007, Cai came to the KCZoo in 2015 from the Brookfield Zoo. She and male otter Ian were wonderful parents to six pups over the years: Otis, Conner, Clover, Han, Luke, and Leia. Cai was very vocal, as well as extremely skilled at learning new behaviors that allowed her to participate in her health exams. Cai will always be known as a small-but-mighty otter and will be dearly missed.

We are also mourning the loss of two additional animals previously announced in the media.

Read more about Mahali and Nala at www.facebook.com/kansascityzoo

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Expeditions – 2023 – Q4

Lion’s Pride Society The 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 • Frequent mention in the FOTZ newsletter 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 Kentucky is giving...

"My wife and I joined Lion’s Pride to help ensure that future generations would have these beautiful creatures to share with their families. The Zoo is my happy place and staff is like family.”

– Kentucky McDaniel, Lion’s Pride Society member

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 Marlee Carroll Teri Chandler Debbie & James Eads Billie Harrison Jeanne Hays Betty & Leonard Hershman Louise & Gary Hicks Sarah Hopkins Harold Hudson Joanna Ioannidis Richard Jensen Audrey Keairnes Patricia Keairnes Gayle & Bruce Krigel Judith Layton Kay Lippincott Leslie & John Martin Kentucky McDaniel & Carol Murphy Patrick & Amy McHenry

Mary & Michael McNiel Glynda Miller Anne & Sam Mollet Debra Myers Elizabeth Norton Richard Ong Pamela Ratliff 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 to explore the many ways you can extend your legacy at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for years to come.

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.

kansascityzoo.org

California Sea Lion

Kansas City Zoo Railroad

American Alligator

Courtney S. Turner Charitable Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee

Outback Campground

Red Kangaroo

Seasonal Camp Sponsor

Stingray Bay

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

OPEN DAILY!

PA I D

KANSAS CITY, MO #4831

November-February 9:30am – 4pm Daily

6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 | KansasCityZoo.org

Let’s Get Social!

CLOSED Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day & Martin Luther King Jr. Day

LOOK INSIDE!

Meet Christie & Zuri!

See page 3

MISSION: The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium connects all people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.

Mobile Map!

Work at the Zoo! 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.

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.

And 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

The Zoo is an equal opportunity employer that offers a starting rate of $14 an hour. Flexible, weekend and/or weekday shifts are available!

Sign up for our weekly insider email and stay up to date on all the Zoo News!

Visit kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.

Sign up online at kansascityzoo.org/zoonews or scan the QR code.