Expeditions - 2024 - Q1

SAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM

KAN A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE

Sea Lion Splash Reopens!

Inside this issue: • Black Mamba AntiPoaching Initiative • Saving Grey Crowned Cranes • Meet Phoebe tiger

2024 – Q1

Hello again, Zoo & Aquarium friends!

Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS

We’ve made it through the chills of January, spring is just around the corner, and we are excited about 2024!

Tony Reinhart, Secretary - Ford Motor Company

Executive Committee Wesley Fields, Chairperson - Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Dr. Yolanda Cargile - Center School District Jeff Dillon - VanTrust Real Estate LLC

But first, let me do a quick recap of 2023 for you. Thanks to you, we had our largest attendance ever! Over 1,070,000 guests came through our gates. Following the grand opening of Sobela Ocean Aquarium, we had the best September, November, and December attendances in our history.

The Aquarium has certainly added one more amazing place to visit at the Zoo and adds value to your membership or ticket.

With this attendance and financial success, we have been able to make so many needed improvements to the facilities over the past few months.

Some of these include repaving West Africa, new planks and side rails on three pedestrian bridges in Africa, new flooring in the upper level of Discovery Barn, new carpet in Helzberg Penguin Plaza, and a new train station in Australia to make loading and unloading there a much better experience for all. We have also purchased a new electric train! While it will not make its debut until this summer, this is a first step to replace our aging fleet with new “greener” technology.

While the Aquarium was the most expensive endeavor in our history, we have several other exciting projects in the works. The California sea lions are now back in their home. In March, we expect glass to replace the wire mesh around their pool to make the guest experience there better than ever. The project to enhance the "kopje" area of Africa is also set to get underway soon.

This issue also includes articles about a new ride that will be installed this summer, the Flying Flamingo, as well as updates on many animal youngsters. There’s more exciting announcements to come later in the year, so stay tuned!

We look forward to seeing you soon at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium!

Jan Francis - Community Volunteer Sean Putney, CEO/Executive Director - Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium Members J.C. Alonzo, Black & Veatch Jennifer Bennett, Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists Pat Contreras, McCownGordon Chris Cotten, KC Parks and Recreation 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 Mark Swanson - Burns & McDonnell Trent Todd, Lockton Companies Representing the City of Kansas City Andrea Bough, City Council Brian Platt, City Manager Zoological District Commissioners Greg Canuteson, Chair - Clay County Pat Contreras, KC Parks & Recreation Charlie Franklin, Jackson County Carol Hallquist, Vice Chair & Treasurer - Jackson County Jerry Nolte, Clay County Sean Putney, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Sincerely,

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

Sean Putney Executive Director & CEO

Sean congratulating the Gourley family for being the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium's millionth guest of 2023.

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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 – 2024 – Q1

Partnership Continues with Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Initiative

By Joni Hartman, animal curator I arrived in Transfrontier Africa’s volunteer camp on November 6, 2023, and spent ten days there. This is my third trip to this area on behalf of Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. I again participated in some of the research and volunteer projects for Transfrontier Africa, which is the parent organization for the Black Mambas, an allfemale anti-poaching unit based out of Balule Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger National Park, South Africa. I have stayed in the volunteer camp each time I have gone and met people interested in conservation from around the world. Many are from European countries and nearly all have been younger than me – often taking a gap year or doing a college internship. I was happy I was able to keep up with them when working and hiking, but my knees had something to say when crouching in the bushes!

During this recent excursion, activities included: • Participation in an eDNA study by interns from Denmark’s Aalborg Zoo, which is also a part of the Black Mamba Alliance.

The interns used a drone to do air sampling over set locations near waterholes, then sampled the water and did soil testing.

The accuracy will be checked against camera traps that were set up in the area to see what animals have been in that location. This study was conducted through Aalborg University.

• Combating invasive vegetation, especially queen of the night and prickly pear cacti that were likely introduced by people who moved into the reserve. During this time, we sat on the bank of a waterhole for lunch and observed giraffe, elephants, and zebras taking turns getting water. The camp aides are fantastic at knowing the wildlife, directing us how to behave around them, and at times how to camouflage ourselves in the bushes!

• Snare sweeping with the Black Mambas. No snares were located this day.

• Spent a morning at the Black Mamba compound. The Black Mambas have military training and performed a military parade for us. This was also my opportunity to present them with some small gifts from the Zoo. All the Mambas are incredible, as they do cycles where they spend three weeks away from their families and then go home for 10 days. They do this year-round, holidays and all.

• Witnessed rhinos in the wild: two black rhinos and one white rhino. As Transfrontier monitors the rhino population, it is important to be able to identify the animals when seen.

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Although I did not see the classroom for the Bush Babies program, a community school-based conservation education initiative, I was able to hear a presentation from Lewyn, the Black Mamba in charge of this aspect. She explained the program, its goals, and accomplishments. I also presented her with some school supplies from the Zoo. Clearing roads and staining decks for the Bush Babies environmental camp and deck-staining at the camp.

The camps are a reward to the top achievers of the Bush Babies school program that introduces the youth to an immersive conservation experience.

In spite of being fortunate enough to see elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and other animals up-close for many years in the Zoo, there is nothing so awe-inspiring as seeing them wandering through the bush, especially if you are on foot! It makes my heart beat faster just thinking about it. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity the Zoo has given me to participate in this worthwhile program.

Learn more about Transfrontier Africa and the Black Mambas by visiting www.transfrontierafrica.org/the-black-mambas

Conservation Takes Flight: Saving Grey Crowned Cranes in East Africa In 2022, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium began its work with the International Crane Foundation (ICF) in the Rugezi Marsh. This region in Rwanda is a perfect nesting habitat for cranes and has become a focus of the ICF. This project, championed by senior animal care specialist, Ben Klopf, is also an example of how successful wildlife conservation must often address the needs of the human population near animal habitats. Many people who live around the marsh rely on it for resources like grass, which can be used for weaving sleeping mats and animal feed.

These needs created a conflict between humans and wildlife because the cranes also rely on these resources for nesting materials essential for successful reproduction.

Georgia Eckett, conservation manager, traveled to Rwanda this past fall to work with the ICF in efforts to save the grey crowned crane from extinction, and marveled at how nature and animals are woven into every aspect of life.

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Top: Grey crowned cranes

Bottom: The Rugezi Marsh

Expeditions – 2024 – Q1

“The Rugezi Marsh, which is part of the headwaters of the Nile, is invaluable for the country as it provides a large amount of Rwanda’s hydropower,” Georgia shared. “Over 38,000 households surround the marsh and rely on it for so many resources. They know that it must remain healthy.”

Community outreach was a focal point of Georgia’s expedition. The Zoo’s Conservation Grant Committee partnered with the ICF to provide mattresses and stoves that help reduce the community's need to take vital nesting materials and bank stabilizing plants from the marsh. Georgia said meeting the locals was an amazing experience.

“I was overwhelmed by the hospitality of Rwanda and the warm reception that every person welcomed me with,” Georgia said. “As we were driving around the corner of a dirt road, I could hear the incredible singing voices of a beautiful choir, which was made up of the women who were recipients of the resources. I was extremely humbled to represent the work of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.”

Georgia added that one particular woman made a lasting impression upon her.

“An older woman in the crowd rose slowly and shared how incredibly grateful she was. At 81 years of age, she had never slept on a mattress but had woven mats from the grasses of the marsh her whole life. She shared that after receiving her mattress she has never felt more beautiful because now she was getting so much beauty rest!”

Rwanda’s grey crowned crane population has risen from 300 birds in 2012 to 1,000 in late 2023, and Georgia’s team witnessed an increase in the number of crane chicks at Rugezi Marsh.

“Interventions like these do make a difference,” Georgia said. “I’m honored to be part of the work that is changing the landscape both for animals and people.”

Top: A community member using her stove provided by KCZoo 2nd: Georgia (right) with Dr. Adalbert Aine-omucunguzi, East Africa Regional Manager (middle), and Maurice Ngiramahoro, Rwanda Project Officer (left), in front of the marsh 3rd: The marsh Bottom: Georgia with Dr. Aine-omucunguzi (right), Olivier Ngabonziza (left), and community members

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Meet Phoebe!

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is excited to welcome Phoebe, a Sumatran tiger who transferred from Oregon’s Wildlife Safari in late 2023. The twoand-a-half-year-old tiger arrived following the departure of former resident Bintang, who now resides at Wildlife Safari on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan (SSP).

Phoebe is the first female Sumatran tiger to make her home at the Zoo! Guests will notice that Phoebe is much smaller compared to past male tiger residents. While an average male Sumatran tiger weighs 250-275 pounds, Phoebe is a petite 160 pounds. She has already mastered several trained behaviors to participate in her health care and has proven to be a quick learner and very intelligent. Her care team is excited to learn more about Phoebe and continue her behavioral training.

Photo by Kelsey, senior animal care specialist

The SSP makes decisions on placement and mating of animals to ensure the genetic diversity of endangered species and hope for their future. Unfortunately, less than 400 Sumatran tigers have been recorded in their native range, primarily due to habitat loss and poaching. Learn more about conservation efforts to protect the Sumatran tiger species and see Phoebe during the daily 3pm informational chats at Phoebe’s habitat!

Christie & Zuri Update Since Christie and Zuri’s arrival from Utah’s Hogle Zoo in October, they have been settling into their new home. The mom and daughter duo successfully completed a 30-day quarantine period and have had trunkto-trunk contact with the rest of the elephant herd. Once the weather is consistently warmer, they will share space with the other elephants as the next step in the introduction process.

Christie, 37, and Zuri, 14, were already trained for many behaviors to participate in their own health care and are getting comfortable working with new care specialists and a new environment. During quarantine, they received physical examinations as well as full blood and fecal analyses plus thermography. Preventative care is key for all animals in the Zoo’s care and for Christie and Zuri, that means ongoing weekly trunk washes and blood samples plus yearly blood pressure testing and radiographs.

The veterinary health and elephant care teams are being especially vigilant because Zuri’s age puts her at a higher risk of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). EEHV is one of the deadliest viruses for Asian and African elephants worldwide, both in their native ranges and in human care. This is a naturally occurring hemorrhagic infection that has evolved with elephants for millions of years. While there are many strains of EEHV and no vaccine, all of the KCZoo elephants have antibodies to the strains that affect African elephants, and diagnostic tests from the trunk washes and blood samples would alert the veterinary health team quickly to any concerns. Successful training and relationship building between elephants and care specialists is critical to EEHV monitoring as well as all the herd’s excellent health care.

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Expeditions – 2024 – Q1

Baby Updates

Jeri & Jiggi & Obi photos by Kelsey, senior animal care specialist Nanas photo by Sara, senior animal care specialist Yoshi photo by Whitney, senior animal care specialist Lumi photo by Nikki, animal care specialist

Red Kangaroo Four new joeys have joined the red kangaroo mob! The animal care staff has been working with moms Mrs. Brisby, Martha, Jeri, and Barb on voluntary pouch check behaviors to monitor their joeys as they grow. So far, Jeri and Mrs. Brisby’s joeys have made their big reveals to the team and have been named Jiggi and Roxby! Jiggi is the oldest of the four joeys and you may see this youngster hopping around in the Australia habitat.

Bornean Orangutan Last fall we introduced you to Josie’s baby, Nanas, and the young male orangutan continues to thrive! Climbing lessons have begun under the watchful eye of his 21-year-old mother Josie, and Nanas is using his naturally long arms, hands, and feet to start exploring his surroundings. This 9-month-old orangutan is growing teeth, including some molars, and is starting to eat solid foods.

Gentoo & King Penguins Yoshi hatched to parents Mario and Ackbar on December 10, 2023, and this gentoo chick has been growing quickly since that time! While Yoshi still depends on his mom and dad for a good portion of his diet, he is beginning to eat fish on his own. Yoshi just started his swimming lessons now that he has grown most of his waterproof adult feathers!

We are also excited to announce that two female king chicks have hatched to respective parents Kingsley/Dumpling and Peepers/Wasabi. You will find these two families in protective playpens while the chicks grow their waterproof feathers, which can take up to a year. They have been named Clay and Jackson in honor of the counties that are part of the Zoological District!

Black Crested Mangabey If you follow our social media channels, you likely have already learned about Lumi, the newest member of the black crested mangabey family! This monkey was born on October 20 to mother Sunniva and father Zingo, but due to some health issues at birth, Lumi has been under the expert care of veterinary health staff and has been hand-raised by the Zoo’s dedicated animal care specialists. We checked in with animal care manager Nick Kridler for the latest Lumi news: “It’s hard to believe that as of February, Lumi is 4 months old! In the past month, she has continued to gain more teeth which has allowed her to start eating more solid foods, an important skill for her to be able to go back in with the troop. Unlike her big sister, Demi, some of Lumi’s favorite foods have ended up being greens!”

The animal care specialists have been focused on reuniting Lumi with her family, and we are excited to share that she now has successfully had a full-contact reunion with her mom and sister! In the coming weeks, Lumi will start full-contact sessions with her father as well. Excellent progress has been made thus far, and Lumi is doing very well spending time with Sunniva and Demi.

We will continue to update you on Lumi’s reintroduction process!

Matschie's Tree Kangaroo Meet mom Nokopo’s new joey, Obi! This male Matschie’s tree kangaroo was estimated to have been born overnight on May 22, 2023, and Nokopo was trained to participate in voluntary pouch checks to monitor the joey as Obi grew. Although Obi can leave the pouch and is now exploring solid foods, he will often return to feel secure and to nurse.

Classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Matschie’s tree kangaroo is only found in the cloud forests of the Huon Peninsula of northeastern New Guinea. With less than 40 of this species in facilities accredited by The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this joey’s birth is an important and exciting one!

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Visitors can once again say “hello” to the Zoo’s four fabulous California sea lions! Last year, we announced a project that would make Sea Lion Splash more accessible for all guests.

During this time, female sea lions Luna, Pepper, Delilah, and Tamale resided in a behind-the-scenes area on Zoo grounds away from the construction. Most of the updates have been completed, and the sea lions have returned to the pool and can be seen by guests. Thanks to their very strong vocal cords, you can probably hear them, too!

Sea Lion Splash now has increased seating capacity, improved ADA accessibility, and additional indoor space for the sea lions. Clear panels will eventually replace the green mesh fencing surrounding the pool and the railings in the grandstand. DRAW Architecture provided the exhibit’s new design, while Fogel-Anderson Construction Co. has been the team completing the renovations. Part of the funding for this project was provided from the City of Kansas City’s GO Bonds designated for ADA improvements.

While a portion of the guest seating is blocked for ongoing work, guests may visit the sea lions daily. The Sea Lion Splash daily shows sponsored by US Bank are expected to return this summer!

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Photo by Darcy, Water's Edge team lead Front to back: Delilah, Pepper, Luna, Tamale

Expeditions – 2024 – Q1

Born: 2010 Arrived in KC: 2010 Rescued as a pup and could not go back to her native habitat due to domoic acid poisoning caused by toxic algae, for which she receives specialized care.

Physical Characteristics: • Smaller, shortest, and lightest in weight • Dark in color • Large eyes

• Very long, white whiskers • Unable to use her back end, moves around using front flippers only

Behavior: • Very smart, eager to learn, thrives under variability • Usually only vocal when care specialists are around; makes frog-like noises

Born: 2014 Arrived in KC: 2015 Rescued twice as a pup before being determined unable to survive in her native habitat.

Physical Characteristics: • Lighter in color • Small hole in front right flipper from release identification tag

• Spots/freckles on chest • Shorter, white and dark whiskers • Largest and heaviest

Behavior: • Playful and curious • Very vocal, foghorn sounds

• Fast learner, great at learning behaviors • Good social skills with other animals

Born: 2014 Arrived in KC: 2015 Rescued twice as a pup before being determined unable to survive in her native habitat.

Physical Characteristics: • Large scar under chin • Spot on face between eyes • Small hole in front right flipper from release identification tag

• Very dark in color • Dark, short whiskers

Behavior: • Not usually vocal • Very dedicated to learning new things • Very curious and the bravest in new situations

Born: 2012 Arrived in KC: 2014 Transferred from SeaWorld Orlando.

Physical Characteristics: • Copper coloring • Longer and taller

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• Large prominent forehead • All white whiskers

Behavior: • Very attentive and athletic • Her barks are very deep, loud, and commanding

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City Nature Challenge Our cities are filled with wildlife that we need to better understand now more than ever. The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Heartland Conservation Alliance are inviting citizen scientists of all ages from across the metro area to participate in the 2024 City Nature Challenge.

We can’t fully protect nature without knowing what is living in cities. Each year, thousands of people join in this global challenge to see how many observations of wildlife we can gather. Every photo you take contributes to vital wildlife research. The international database helps scientists and naturalists better understand the types of wildlife living in our urban areas in order to make them better places for humans and wildlife to live.

Participation is easy: 1) Download the iNaturalist App on your device.

2) Search for and join the 2024 Greater Kansas City Metro Area City Nature Challenge project.

3) From April 26 until April 29, take pictures of wild plants and animals using the iNaturalist app.

4) Share your photos with the iNaturalist community.

We are looking for photos of plants, birds, insects, and other animals that are in their natural habitat. Hike your local trails, visit a nearby park or nature center, or check out a lake or river you’ve been wanting to explore. Any wildlife in the Greater KC metropolitan area is eligible.

Join us in discovering the nature of your neighborhood and help change the world one observation at a time. You can find out more about the challenge, including helpful videos and observation tips, at www.citynaturechallenge.org

Any wildlife pictures you share through the iNaturalist app during this time will automatically count towards the challenge. If you aren’t sure what you just took a picture of, the app will even help you identify it. Scientists all over the world will also work to verify the species you upload as well.

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Renovations to the kopje section of Africa, which includes lions, fennec foxes, caracal, and others in that area, are scheduled to begin in the coming weeks! The main focus of this project will be to create new-and-improved viewing areas, ADA-compliant concrete walking paths, and ADA-accessible restroom facilities. Some animal habitats will also be improved during the renovation, which is expected to be completed by summer. Part of the funding for the kopje improvements is being provided from the City of Kansas City’s GO Bonds approved in 2017 and designated for ADA updates. Planning is still underway, but every effort will be made to keep the impact on Zoo guests to a minimum. We will keep you updated on the progress of this important project!

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Expeditions – 2024 – Q1

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Courtesy of PGAV Architects LION & KOPJE AREA IMPROVEMENTS SITE PLAN - DEMOLITION

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The Flying Flamingo The Zoo is about to reach new heights! We are excited to announce that a zipline ride called the Flying Flamingo will be added this summer. This fun attraction will accommodate four guests per ride and stretch from Elephant Expedition’s tram loading area south so that riders have birds-eye views of the flamingo habitat as well as elephants. Reaching a top speed of 30 mph, the Flying Flamingo will provide an exhilarating experience that lifts you nearly 130ft in the air! Guests must be at least 48” tall to ride alone, while those 42-48” in height will need an accompanying adult.

Construction has not yet begun on this summer addition, but we will continue to provide details in the coming months. Fly with us this summer at the Zoo!

Meet the Team: Rides For many guests, a trip to the Zoo just isn’t complete without a ride on the KCZoo Railroad or the Endangered Species Carousel.

Regardless of which is your family's favorite, you can always rely on the staff of the rides department to keep the available attractions running smoothly and efficiently.

Erric Schultz, rides manager, says that customer service and knowledge of the Zoo are priorities in the day-to-day activities of his team.

“In the rides department we truly enjoy having fun and pride ourselves on world-class guest service,” Erric said. “Day in and day out, we greet, educate, and communicate with guests.

Our staff works hard to collect information from animal care specialists and other resources to provide a great experience for the guests and to educate them on our conservation efforts.”

Along with tasks such as conducting safety checks and providing transportation to guests on the African Tram, KCZoo Railroad, Endangered Species Carousel, African Sky Safari, and Kenyan Cruise, the rides team is also dedicated to leaving a lasting impression through a positive customer service experience.

“We are always out and about in the park and available for the guests to answer questions or to help them out in different ways,” said Erric. “We work closely with other departments when we can because creating a team environment is so important for a great guest experience!”

The next time you’re at the Zoo, be sure to thank the amazing members of the rides team!

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Events Calendar February International Polar Bear Weekend

Saturday, February 24 - Sunday, February 25 In celebration of International Polar Bear Day, we are partying with our polar bear pal, Nuniq! Watch as he enjoys special enrichment and visit with his care team during animal chats at 10:30am and 2pm. Polar Bear Passage will be full of fun; touch polar bear bio-facts, grab an activity page to take home, try your hand at our blubber glove experiment, and more!

Teddy Bear Clinic

Saturday, February 24 | 10:00am-2:00pm Bring your favorite stuffed friends and let the volunteers from Kansas City Young Matrons nurse them back to health. We will fix rips, tears, and holes and give them a good fluff. Once they are back to tip-top shape, they will receive a clean bill of health. Every stuffed animal deserves a little TLC at the Zoo’s Teddy Bear Clinic.

Final patients accepted at 1:30pm.

Pickleball for Polar Bears

Sunday, February 25 | 4:00pm-7:00pm Chicken N Pickle - Overland Park The Kansas City Zoo is proud to partner with Polar Bears International (PBI) in its efforts to conserve polar bears and the sea ice on which they depend. Funds raised from the Pickleball for Polar Bears tournament go directly toward our efforts with PBI. While the tournament is sold out, spectators are welcome!

April Party for the Planet

Saturday, April 20 - Sunday, April 21 Join the Kansas City Zoo and Rotary Club 13 to celebrate Mother Earth with Party for the Planet. Learn about conservation, pollinators, and the migration path of monarch butterflies by visiting booths from local organizations around the Zoo. Learn how to attract pollinators to your garden by taking home a native plant seed packet to plant in your garden. Visit our website to reserve yours today. Don't forget to take home your own ZooManoo to help your native plants thrive in your garden! Get two skid steer buckets full for just $35!

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

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Expeditions – 2024 – Q1

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.

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

Travel with the Zoo! Have you ever wanted to just get away from winter in Kansas City to a warmer destination where you can see amazing wildlife? We are pleased to announce the first Zoo travel opportunity with Executive Director Sean Putney! We will be traveling to the unique Galapagos Islands on February 28, 2025. You can experience life on the Celebrity Flora, a luxury, all-inclusive ship, which will be your base while travelling around the islands for a week enjoying the majesty and mystique of this extraordinary environment with its wide variety of plants and animals. We will be hosting an informational seminar in the Zoo’s Beastro Lobby Auditorium on Tuesday, March 19, at 5:30pm to share more about this adventure. If you are interested, please RSVP to corastorbeck@fotzkc.org so we can prepare appropriately and gauge interest as there will be limited availability for this trip. We look forward to seeing you!

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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 Buddy The Zoo is mourning the loss of 41-year-old animal ambassador, Buddy. This beloved double yellow-headed parrot seen in our education programming passed in early January from age-related issues. According to his care specialists, Buddy was not your average parrot. They added that if he was an employee at the Zoo, his evaluation would have read “exceeds all expectations.” Buddy loved participating in his training sessions and the treats that would soon follow. A superstar in the Zoomobile program, Buddy helped thousands of people across the metro learn about parrot adaptations and how to help conserve his species. Behind the scenes, he also helped the staff develop their whistling skills! Buddy would do a variety of whistles and eagerly awaited people to whistle in response. Buddy and his whistles will be missed dearly.

Runty The Zoo is sad to announce the passing of 17-year-old red river hog Runty. Following a decline due to age-related issues, the veterinary health and animal care teams made the difficult decision to euthanize Runty in December 2023. Surviving well past a red river hog’s median life expectancy, Runty fathered multiple litters of piglets and was an attentive and gentle father while at the Zoo. He would greet his care team as they walked down the hallway of the barn and loved to receive peanuts as positive reinforcement in training sessions. In the summer, you could usually find him resting in one of the multiple mud wallows he had dug in his habitat. Runty will be missed by staff and guests alike.

Inala Eight-year-old Parma wallaby Inala passed away in January. Born at the KCZoo in 2015, Inala was the offspring of residents Pierah and El Quattro. Small in size, the Parma wallaby is often commonly referred to as a baby kangaroo. Inala’s care specialists describe her as a sweet girl who would love to follow wallaby Gosford around the habitat. Inala will be dearly missed by her care team and the many guests who visited the Australia habitat.

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Expeditions – 2024 – Q1

Lion’s Pride Society

Thank you to all of our 1909 Lion’s Pride Society members for their continued support.

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 Expeditions 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 Barb is giving...

"The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium gives me hope for the future of this planet. By allowing us to see and experience animals in natural habitats and by educating us about our connectedness with these animals, the zoo inspires us to conserve the earth for future generations."

– Barb Sherer, Lion’s Pride Society member

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Sea Lion Splash

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.

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.

Sumatran Tiger

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

Outback Campground Stingray Bay

African Tram

Red Kangaroo Seasonal Camps

kansascityzoo.org

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

OPEN DAILY!

PA I D

KANSAS CITY, MO #4831

February 9:30am – 4pm Daily

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

March - October 9:30am – 4pm Mon-Fri 9:30am – 5pm Sat-Sun

Let’s Get Social!

LOOK INSIDE!

Meet Phoebe!

See page 6

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

Mobile Map!

HIRING NOW!

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.

The Zoo is an equal opportunity employer that offers a starting rate of $14 an hour. Flexible, weekend and/or weekday shifts are available! No nights. Flexible schedules for students/retirees.

Visit kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.

We’re on a mission to improve our map! Our new digital map shows realtime updates about which animals are on habitat, as well as expanded info about attractions and amenities. If you’re at the Zoo, open the map on your mobile phone to view your own location as you move through the park, to make finding your way around easier.

kansascityzoo.org/zoo-map

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

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