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Hello again, Zoo & Aquarium supporters!

I hope you have enjoyed your summer and have been able to visit the Zoo. Based on the number of guests we’ve had this year, I know many of you have been here at least once! We welcomed 1.07M visitors in 2023, the largest yearly attendance in our 115-year history. We set a goal of 1.1M guests for 2024, and after seven months of the year, we have hosted nearly 900,000 people. That’s 160,000 people ahead of schedule year-to-date!

Though we have had a few hot stretches, we’ve been blessed with decent weather throughout much of the year. Many of you have commented how much you like the addition of the Aquarium; it has definitely lived up to our expectations and has provided a great retreat from the heat during the summer months.

We have several things on the way which will continue to enhance your visits. We are very close to getting permits for two projects: the Flying Flamingo zipline ride which will be located beside the Aquarium, and the renovations in the Kopje area of Africa near the lions. We hope to have the zipline operational this fall and the kopje project completed in the spring.

Speaking of the months to come, there is always excitement at the Zoo in the fall. If you haven’t had the opportunity to join us at a Wine Walk for Wildlife yet, it is a fun evening for adult guests. You can explore the topside of the Zoo and learn about our conservation projects while also tasting 40 wines. As September begins, we will be opening our third rendition of GloWild. Like last year, we will have a whole new lantern festival this year and we’re also adding many family-friendly activities.

And, October is just around the corner! Hoots and Howls provides fun the first three weekends followed by the Boo at the Zoo trick-or-treat event the final weekend. These are all free with admission.

In this month’s edition of Expeditions, you will find multiple stories about what’s new at the zoo. From Dr. Stockinger’s spotted skunk project to the newest animal additions, I think you will enjoy hearing about each of them. There’s even a story about our new electric train which will be sure to please crowds now and for years to come.

Have a wonderful end of your summer and I hope to see you all out at the Zoo and Aquarium soon!

Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee

Wesley Fields, Chairperson - Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP

Tony Reinhart, Secretary - Ford Motor Company

Jan Francis, Treasurer - Community Volunteer

Dr. Yolanda Cargile - Center School District

Jeff Dillon - VanTrust Real Estate LLC

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, Treasurer - Jackson County

Carol Hallquist, Vice Chair - Jackson County

Jerry Nolte, Vice Chair - Clay County

Sean Putney, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium

Sincerely,

Sean Putney Executive Director & CEO

Sean hard at work during Hallmark volunteer day at the Zoo.

Plains Spotted Skunk Distribution and Relative Abundance in the Missouri Ozarks

By Brian Stockinger, DVM, Associate Veterinarian I

In early 2024, I had the pleasure of engaging in field work to continue my efforts to support plains spotted skunk (Spilogale interrupta) research and conservation through a Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium grant. This grant has been approved and funded in various forms since 2017. From January through April of this year, numerous Zoo staff members and I made five trips into the field to work in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and University of Missouri (MU).

The plains spotted skunk was previously known as a subspecies of the eastern spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius interrupta), but DNA studies in 2023 elevated the subspecies to full species status. The eastern spotted skunk (S. putorius) is now only recognized in states east and southeast of Missouri. The plains spotted skunk has a range that includes much of the Midwestern United States, including a statewide historic distribution in Missouri. Despite this broad range, the population has experienced a drastic decline since the 1940s.

This decline is largely believed to be due to habitat loss, but other considerations include overharvest for the fur trade, disease, and environmental toxins (pesticides). Regardless of cause, the population remains low throughout the range of the species. MDC lists the plains spotted skunk as “endangered” in the state of Missouri (one of only four endangered mammal species in the state), and a “species of conservation concern.” The species is under review for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act, following petitioning and initial review in 2012.

The plains spotted skunk is aptly named for its unique haircoat pattern and exhibits unexpected characteristics compared to the more common striped skunk. Plains spotted skunks are about 1-to-2 feet long and weigh 1-to-3 pounds. They are adept climbers and exhibit a defense response of rapid foot stomping followed by a handstand. In fact, they typically spray their musk forward at a target while in this handstand position!

Our collaborative work earlier this year took us to southwest Missouri in the Pilot Knob Conservation area managed by MDC. The goal of this project is to accumulate data that may help to better understand aspects of the species’ distribution and abundance across potentially desirable habitats in the Ozark region. The Pilot Knob site was one of 12 sites managed throughout the 4-month study period. At any one time, six of those 12 sites were active with each site containing 20 trail cameras for a total of 240 cameras.

At Pilot Knob we provided support in deploying, baiting, and maintaining trail camera stations in hopes of capturing images of the plains spotted skunk. The field work is driven by the time of year when skunks may be most active, and as such, we worked in the variable Missouri winter weather! We worked in conditions ranging from snow and very cold temperatures to sunshine and pleasant days. Camera stations were all off-trail and access required varying degrees of hiking to and through irregular wooded terrain. After deployment of trail cameras in January we alternated camera site management with MDC field technicians. Trail cameras and sites were checked every two weeks. Cameras were deemed to be secure, settings were verified and/or adjusted, and bait was placed at each two-week interval. The bait utilized was perhaps not what one might expect but has been proven effective – canned sardines!

Initial review of trail camera images revealed 10 photos of plains spotted skunk(s) at the Pilot Knob site, and a few from another single site. While the 10 Pilot Knob images were obtained from a single camera and most likely the same individual(s), this was the largest number of images obtained at any one site since the grant was initiated in 2017! Further image evaluation comparing coat patterns and other variables to identify the number of individual(s) is ongoing. Despite the highest number of images acquired at this site, the relatively small number of images acquired across all sites is consistent with a historical low image capture rate and suggestive of a small population in the study area(s).

This conservation project has provided a wonderful opportunity for the Zoo to continue direct participation in regional conservation efforts supporting an endangered mammal species right here in our state! The collaborative

nature of this project continues to strengthen relationships with other local organizations and institutions. Thank you to our collaborators for their efforts, the Zoo for its support, and thank you for reading! I hope you continue to think of our unique spotted friends!

GloWild: Legends & Lore

Presented by

Enchantment awaits this fall and winter at the KCZoo! The GloWild lantern festival presented by Saint Luke's returns from September 6 to December 29 with a brandnew “Legends & Lore” theme. This year’s event features two loops: an adventure loop including Atlantis, dinosaurs, pirates and more, and a fantasy loop journeying through mystical lands like an enchanted forest and a fairy garden.

Our partners at LEKTRIK ART have already started to construct these detailed lighted sculptures, which will be spread along a 1-mile route through the Zoo. More than 34 tons of steel and nearly 89,000 feet of silk-like fabric have been used to create the breathtaking lanterns.

Guests will walk a one-way path through the displays with opportunities to stop and enjoy photo opportunities, concessions, shopping, and entertainment. This year, guests can also visit Sobela Ocean Aquarium on Wednesday evenings with admission to GloWild.

New to GloWild are special fall-themed lanterns that can only be seen from September 6 to October 31. Be sure to look out for the Fun Zone located near Helzberg Penguin Plaza that will include activities this fall like pumpkin decorating, a pint-sized hay maze, pedal tractors, games, and entertainment. Santa will be returning November 1 to December 29 to greet guests in his North Pole Village with new holiday-themed lanterns and activities.

“We are excited to bring the GloWild lantern festival back to Kansas City and always intend to outdo the prior year,” said Justin Corsa, CEO of LEKTRIK ART. “We can’t wait to unveil this year’s unique and entertaining experience!”

Early bird tickets are on sale now at the lowest price of the year! Tickets purchased before August 30 will receive a $7 discount on general admission at just $18. Tickets will be valid any evening and no reservation is required. Unlimited passes for the season are also available at early bird prices of just $36 for children and $38 for adults; the pass will pay for itself in just two visits! The first 500 unlimited passes sold will also receive a VIP GloWild membership card and lanyard.

Get ready to light up your fall nights at GloWild! Purchase tickets at www.kansascityzoo.org/glowild

New Cheetah Trio

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium welcomed three new cheetah residents this past spring! Bizayo, Sebu, and Kimbia Radi transferred from Wildlife Safari in Orgeon to the KCZoo in May, and these 6-year-old boys are quickly becoming guest favorites. The animal care team provided a few helpful hints on how you can tell them apart:

• Bizayo (translates in Zulu to mean “expensive” or in Swahili, "beginning of the month"): He is the darkest of the three and has tear lines that are thicker. The backs of his ears are the blackest, while his tail is the darkest with a touch of white at the end.

• Sebu (a name likely derived from the Sebou River in Northern Africa): The lightest in color, with spots that are a bit smaller. His face is rounder, while the backs of his ears have the least amount of black. Sebu’s tail has thin stripes of black and white at the end.

• Kimbia Radi (translates to “Running Thunder/Flee the Lightning” in Swahili): His face is longer, and his tail has thicker bar-like stripes at the end.

Former cheetah resident, 8-year-old Viserion, transferred to another accredited facility in May per a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP makes decisions on placement and mating of animals like the cheetah to ensure genetic diversity and hope for the species’ future.

All Aboard!

We are thrilled to announce that your KCZoo Railroad experience now includes an electric train! This new addition, which is replacing one of the previous gas-powered trains, is estimated to save approximately 3,240 gallons of gas per year. The new train, which has been dubbed “Cannonball,” features a variety of sustainable and guest-friendly details:

• Zero emissions/no exhaust or fumes

• A longer train with enhanced capacity

• Only starts to charge at 50% battery life or lower

• Only charges up to about 70% to maintain longevity of batteries

• Computer-managed speed control

• Only builds air pressure on the charging pad if air pressure gets below 100psi

• Cooler experience for the train conductor

• Includes a chiller for summer and heater for winter to maintain battery life

• Wider seats for guest comfort

The cheetah species has been classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to loss of habitat and hunters. The AZA's Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program helps to conserve this species through public engagement, population sustainability, and animal reserves to help increase cheetah population numbers in southern Africa.

The next time you’re at the Zoo, see if you spot Bizayo, Sebu, and Kimbia Radi playing or perhaps enjoying a cozy cuddle puddle!

Meet Jayde!

We are jumping for joy as we welcome red kangaroo Jeri’s second joey in a year! Meet Jayde, a female who was confirmed to be growing via voluntary pouch checks back in February. Jayde and Jeri’s other joey, Jiggi, join three other growing red kangaroos that made their big reveals within the past year: Walt (son to Barb), Wee Woo (son to Martha), and Roxby (daughter to Brisby).

The red kangaroo species has a fascinating life cycle, where a fertilized embryo can enter “embryonic diapause,” a stage that halts development until the joey currently occupying the pouch leaves. This unique process is what occurred in the case of Jeri.

Animal care manager Amy Mohr provided these other interesting facts about red kangaroo birth:

• Newborn kangaroos are the size of a lima bean. They are born with well-developed tongues, jaw muscles, nostrils, forelimbs, and digits, but the rest of their external features are embryonic.

• Young are born 33 days after mating, and mating can occur again a day or two after giving birth.

• The newborn joey makes its way from the birth canal to the pouch by following a trail of saliva left by the mother. Once it reaches the pouch, it permanently attaches to one of her four nipples for about 70 days.

Sea Lion Splash Returns!

Presented by

Dive into summer and fall fun with the return of Sea Lion Splash presented by US Bank! Watch this fun and educational program daily at 10 am, 1:45 pm, and 3:30 pm. Starting August 31, we will host two daily shows at 10 am and 1:45 pm. You may recall reading that we recently finished renovations to Sea Lion Splash, which now features increased seating capacity, improved ADA accessibility, and additional indoor space for the sea lions. Guests will also notice that the original fencing surrounding the pool has been replaced by clear panels for a better viewing experience for all.

The California sea lion stars of Sea Lion Splash – Pepper, Luna, and Delilah – were rescued by the Marine Mammal Center (MMC) after being found in harsh conditions on the Pacific coast. These inspirational ambassadors help the public better understand the plight for sea lions in the wild. We are proud to partner with the MMC, which continues to provide life-saving care to aquatic animals in need!

• Individual females can have, simultaneously: 1) A joey outside the pouch; 2) A joey in the pouch, and 3) A blastocyst awaiting implantation.

• Female kangaroos are able to produce different types of milk at one time if she simultaneously has multiple joeys at different ages.

• Joeys will leave the pouch at about 235 days old. They will continue to nurse until about one year old (or longer). Given favorable conditions, a female typically produces an average of three young every two years!

Hop on down to the red kangaroo habitat sponsored by UMKC to catch a glimpse of Jeri's joeys, Jiggi and Jayde!

Mama & Hadada

Be sure to soar over to the Birds of Africa aviary to catch a glimpse of some new residents! We are excited to share that the hadada ibis pair Dot and Freckle are now parents! The new chicks are estimated to have hatched on June 6, and the doting mom and dad have kept a watchful eye on them. The chicks have fledged and can now be seen wandering throughout the aviary. Dot and Freckle moved to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium last year on a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan.

The hadada ibis gets its name due to its distinctive call that sounds much like “haa-daa-daa”. Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, the hadada ibis has a long, curved beak that is helpful when hunting for food like insects, crustaceans, and small reptiles in a muddy habitat. The eye-catching species has a brownish grey body with iridescent purple and green colorations on the wings.

Visit this ibis family along with other feathered species like the taveta golden weaver and hamerkop the next time you’re at the Birds of Africa aviary!

Photos by Danielle, animal care specialist

A Sssensational New Home!

Originally a resident of the snake building, 25-year-old Burmese python, Louise, can now be found on the lower level of the Discovery Barn! Animal care lead Kayleigh Kisner and her Discovery Zone team led the renovation process of Louise’s new home with the help of other animal care teams and the maintenance department. Over the spring, this hard-working group created the perfect spot for Louise to slither, bathe, and lounge.

The new home, which was formerly inhabited by Zack the Prevost’s squirrel (who now resides with Arnie the sloth on the upper level of the Discovery Barn), underwent a variety of updates, including:

• Installation of a wood frame opening as well as supports and walls for a platform

• Removal of the floor to install aluminum framing and a pool

• Plumbing of the pool and installation of a humidifier

• Installation of heating elements and UVB lighting

• Painting the ceiling, walls, and platforms

• Adding vegetation for the habitat

On your next visit, be sure to stop by the Discovery Barn to see Louise and a vast array of other animal residents!

Welcome, Willow!

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is thrilled to announce that 12-year-old Masai giraffe Makali gave birth to a female calf on June 30! Thanks to the public's input in a voting contest, the calf has been named Willow. A neonatal exam was performed and showed that the calf is in excellent health.

Standing approximately 6 ½-feet-tall, Willow can now be seen in the outdoor habitat daily (weather permitting) with the entire herd, including her father Aidan (4), Chandy (4), and Alika (2). Willow initially met with the other females during her first introductions, and eventually met Aidan, who the care team described as being curious but gentle during this process.

Willow has had a variety of “firsts” since being born! She recently sampled willow – her namesake tree and mom's favorite – and she loved every bite. The care team also says her introduction to sand was a big hit with the active and curious youngster.

Willow is Makali’s second calf and Aidan’s first. Makali’s first calf, Maxwell, was born in 2018 and left the Zoo in 2020 per a breeding recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Species Survival Plan.

Along with wowing guests with their statuesque appearance, these ambassadors are representatives for their Masai giraffe subspecies, which is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Over the past 35 years, giraffe numbers have decreased by nearly 30%. The KCZoo is partnering with Save Giraffes Now in working to ensure a safe future for the giraffe species. From reintroduction and rescue to anti-poaching units, this group has many on-the-ground efforts that include both the giraffe species and the communities living beside them.

On your next trip to the Zoo, visit Willow and the herd in the African plains section!

Get To Know the Herd!

• Born 9/27/2019.

• Came to KCZoo October 2022 from Brevard Zoo.

• Our only male.

• Our darkest, next to Makali.

• He loves his ladies and tends to follow their lead.

• Calmest of the group.

• Very food motivated, his favorite treat is crackers.

• Loves to train.

(AY-den)

(CHAN-dee)

• Born 9/22/2021.

• Came to KCZoo May 2023 from Franklin Park Zoo.

• Same size/coloration as Chandy but has a browner face and her ossicones are wider set. She is still growing!

• Shy and not as brave as the others.

• Loves to hang out with the new baby, Willow.

• Favorite snack: Sweet nutritional grain.

• Born at KCZoo 9/3/2019.

• Similar size and coloration to Alika with brighter lines between her spots. Small for her age.

• Independent and nosey. Loves to people-watch.

• Delicate and confident.

• Favorite Snack: Prairie Bundleflower.

• Born 6/6/2012.

• Came to KCZoo May 2014 from San Diego.

• Darkest features.

• One of the tallest; Aidan is quickly passing her.

• Leader of the group.

• Willow's mom.

• Favorite Treat: Willow and sweet nutritional grain.

• Very smart/good trainer but very stubborn.

• Born at KCZoo 6/30/24.

• Loves exploring. Curious.

• Likes to hang out with Mom and Auntie Alika.

• Still tiny but now weighs over 200 lbs and is over 6 ½-feet-tall.

• Favorite snack: Milk.

(a-LEE-ka)

(ma-KAY-lee)

Meet Marlin!

Meet the newest resident of the Humboldt penguin colony! Marlin weighed 70.1 grams upon hatching, but has been growing rapidly. His care team says that mom Cocotea and dad Lio have been attentive parents thus far.

Marlin’s juvenile feathers, which are essential to swimming, are still growing. While he awaits this important adaptation, Marlin is residing behind the scenes. He still has plenty of time with his family and is also starting introductions with other birds that the care specialists believe will be an excellent influence on the chick. These meetings will help Marlin become well-acquainted with penguin behaviors and manners before he makes his return to the main habitat.

The Humboldt penguin is a warm-weather species native to the coast of Chile and Peru. These birds have pink areas around their eyes that can release heat – an important adaptation in warm climates. Humboldts are closely related to other banded species like Magellanic and African penguins.

The KCZoo is proud to participate in the Humboldt Penguin Consortium that aims to protect Humboldts located in Punta San Juan, Peru, while also helping to monitor the populations from year to year. Because of human encroachment, competition for food, and El Niño weather conditions, the Humboldt penguin populations have unfortunately declined over the last century.

When you visit the Zoo, a portion of your admission ticket goes toward our Zoo Conservation Fund, which is helping to save animals like penguins and their native habitats around the world!

Jackson Update

Jackson may be the new kid on the ice block, but she has mom and dad by her side! This king penguin chick hatched on January 31 and is now as big as parents Kingsley and Dumpling. “Jackie” has been residing in the playpen area of the habitat for the past few months while awaiting her adult feathers to grow, but these important adaptions are now present so supervised swimming lessons have started!

The care specialists tell us that the other king penguins are very interested in Jackson, and her parents Kingsley and Dumpling have been following their daughter everywhere to make sure that she is doing well. While Jackson has not quite perfected her swimming moves yet, she is getting better each day.

The king penguin is the second largest penguin species and looks similar in appearance to the emperor. These statuesque penguins can reach up to three feet in height and weigh 20-30 pounds. It can take anywhere from six months to a year for a king chick to fully grow its adult swimming feathers.

If you don’t see Jackie in her playpen on your next visit to Helzberg Penguin Plaza, she may just be taking a swim with the rest of the colony!

Top photo by Whitney, senior animal care specialist

Bottom photo by Jennifer, animal care specialist

Meet Espresso & Latte

The Zoo welcomed two rock hyrax pups in July! Born to mom Idaho and dad Perseus on July 12, Latte and Espresso currently have access to both the indoor and outdoor habitat as they become comfortable with their new surroundings. Female Latte and male Espresso are doing very well and have already started demonstrating their natural climbing ability inside the habitat.

While you may find it hard to believe, the rock hyrax’s closest animal relative is none other than the elephant. Although these mammals native to Sub-Saharan Africa have a rodent-like appearance and are small in stature, they share anatomical similarities to the elephant species such as feet and skull structure. Perhaps most interestingly, the rock hyrax has two large incisor teeth that look like tusks.

Guests can visit the rock hyrax family in the Africa section of the Zoo near the lions!

Parking Project to Begin in the Fall

Guests can look forward to more parking options next year! In partnership with Starlight Theatre, the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is excited to announce that Musselman and Hall Construction will begin a project in October to pave two grass areas that have been traditionally used for overflow parking. The State of Missouri is funding half of this $4 million project as an investment in tourism. Through the agreement, the KCZoo and Starlight will also each contribute $1 million.

The parking project is expected to be finished in late February 2025. These exciting parking updates will help to make your visits to the Zoo and Starlight Theatre smoother and more accessible in 2025!

Education Programs

For more information, call 816-595-1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.

School's Out Camps

School's out! Join us at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for an exciting day filled with activities to learn about your favorite animals. These single-day and multiple-day camps are available for ages 5 - 12.

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

Overnights

Spend the night at the Zoo! It is the WILDEST place in town for an overnight adventure! Want an experience and memories that will last a lifetime? We are now booking private overnights. Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Sobela Ocean Aquarium, or the Zoo Learning Center, then take a night hike through the Zoo and enjoy a movie. Feeling more adventurous? Pitch your tent for oneof-a-kind camping in our Outback or African campgrounds! Overnights are scheduled for Friday or Saturday nights only. kansascityzoo.org/overnights

Events Calendar

August

September

October

Wine Walk for Wildlife

Saturday, August 24 | 6-10pm | 21+

Wine lovers and animal lovers unite! The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium has the only event in town where you can enjoy a summer evening of both at Wine Walk for Wildlife! Guests will stroll through the topside of the Zoo (excluding Africa), sip and savor 40 different types of wine, enjoy a variety of musicians, and talk with our animal specialists. Food trucks and Tuxedo Grill will be available to purchase a wide variety of tasty treats. Custom wine bottles featuring our conservation projects will also be available for purchase. kansascityzoo.org/wine-walk-for-wildlife

GloWild: Legends & Lore

Presented by Saint Luke's

Friday, September 6 - Sunday, December 29 | Hours vary

The GloWild lantern festival is set to dazzle the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium once again this fall, featuring a new “Legends & Lore” theme! Visitors will be treated to an enchanting nighttime journey through two distinct loops: the adventure loop, with elements like Atlantis and dinosaurs, and the fantasy loop, which includes an enchanted forest and a fairy garden. kansascityzoo.org/glowild

Zoo Run for the Sea Lions

Saturday, September 21 | 8:30am-12pm

Join us for the 21st annual Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium Run! Each year, the run features a different threatened animal to help raise awareness and contribute to the Zoo's conservation efforts. This year, we are celebrating the sea lions! There are 4-mile and 1-mile races with both in-person and virtual options. It's the only race that goes through the Zoo, passing animals along the way! kansascityzoo.org/event/zoo-run

Brew at the Zoo

Saturday, October 12 | 6:30-11pm | 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 tree kangaroo, and the event will also include GloWild! kansascityzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo

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

Friends of the Force

Saturday, October 5 - Sunday, October 6 | 10am-3pm

Hoots & Howls

Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pint-sized hay maze, photo ops, and more. Activities are included in the price of Zoo admission or membership!

Find the droids you are looking for this weekend only as the 501st Legion joins us from a galaxy far, far away!

Hoots & Howls - Weekend 2

Saturday, October 12 - Sunday, October 13 | 10am-3pm

Enjoy fun fall activities for the whole family, including a pint-sized hay maze, photo ops, and more!

Ghostbusters

Saturday, October 19 - Sunday, October 20 | 10am-3pm

Charge up your proton packs because the Midland Empire Ghostbusters are taking over the Zoo this weekend! Join us as these special guests pose for photo ops and keep the Zoo ghost-free, and see their version of the Ectomobiles!

Boo at the Zoo

Saturday, October 26 - Sunday, October 27

Celebrate Halloween with us at Boo at the Zoo! Bring the kiddos in their family-friendly costumes and join us for this not-so-scary, safe trick-or-treating experience on Saturday and Sunday, October 26-27, from 9:30 am to 5 pm. Bags will be provided at the entrance. Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) members may join us from 8:30-9:30 am for an exclusive hour! Thanks to Ford Motor Company Fund for sponsoring this event and to Russell Stover for being the candy sponsor.

Host your event at the Zoo!

The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium is the purrfect 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

Dekese

The KCZoo is mourning the loss of chimpanzee Dekese, who passed away on July 19 at the age of 26 due to congestive heart failure. Dekese had been receiving treatment for heart disease for several years and thanks to exceptional training, he voluntarily participated in regular medical checkups.

Dekese was born at Zoo Miami in 1997 and moved to the KCZoo in 2003. He became the alpha male, the highest-ranking chimpanzee within a troop, following the passing of the former alpha in 2013. In this important role, Dekese guided his troop, provided discipline when necessary, and worked on vital social bonds. Dekese will be remembered as a playful and intelligent ape who loved painting, enrichment, and relaxing with his feet up on the wall. He leaves behind three offspring: Milo (9), Ruw (8), and Gracie (6). Please see our social media post announcement for additional information. Dekese will be dearly missed by all.

Floyd

The Zoo is sad to announce that red-capped mangabey Floyd was euthanized in June at the age of 29 due to chronic age-related health issues. Born on January 27, 1995, Floyd was called a sweet monkey with a big personality by his care specialists. He loved snack time, particularly when it involved yogurt smoothies, homemade granola bars, and peanuts. Floyd walked with confidence and was a strong presence that will be dearly missed.

Lulu

The Zoo is heartbroken to announce the passing of Arapawa goat kid Lulu on July 13. Born June 3, Lulu and twin sister Lily both struggled learning how to nurse and required supplemental feedings in their early weeks. While Lily eventually began nursing from her mother, Lulu required bottle feedings multiple times throughout the day. The dedicated care team arrived early in the morning and stayed late into the night for these sessions. Despite the amazing efforts of the staff, Lulu was unable to thrive. Lulu will be remembered for her adorable bounce and love of a mid-morning nap. Described as a sweet goat by the care team, Lulu enjoyed being fed by the staff and would often fall asleep on their laps. Mom Love and twin Lily continue to reside in the Billy Goats Gruff Yard along with grandmother Gretel and her kid Teddy. Lulu will be fondly remembered.

Mabel

With great sadness, we announce the loss of trumpeter swan Mabel, who passed away in June at age 13 due to renal failure. The KCZoo became Mabel’s home five years ago when she was transferred from the Saint Louis Zoo. She was beloved by staff and guests, who would greet Mabel and habitat companion, Melvin, immediately upon entering the Zoo.

As an animal ambassador, Mabel helped educate the public on her once-endangered species’ plight. The KCZoo participates in the Trumpeter Swan Restoration Project, which helps reintroduce this species into its natural habitat. Mabel will be remembered for her gentle personality, love of lettuce, and excellent nest-building skills. Her care team says that Mabel would bury her eggs so far in the nest, they were hard to find. She will be missed by all.

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 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

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

Anonymous

Jan Armstrong

Raymond & Nancy Benoist

Kenneth Campbell

Dorothy & Joe Carlisle

Marlee Carroll

Teri Chandler

Debbie & James Eads

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

Anne & Sam Mollet

Kathryn Morgan

Debra Myers

Elizabeth Norton

Sean & Cyndie Putney

Brad Redburn

Marjorie Roberts

Debra & Michael Ryder

Dianne Schmidt

Don Shanks

Barb Sherer

Kathy Smith

Linda & Harlan Smith

T.J. Snyder

Juston Taylor

Grace Thornton

Sandie & John Valentine

Frank & Gerry Victor

Jean & Don Wagner

Richard Wells

Barb & Randy Wisthoff

Contact Richard Wells, donor relations manager, at richardwells@fotzkc.org or 816-595-1217 or visit kansascityzoo.org/planned-giving to explore the many ways you can extend your legacy at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium for years to come.

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.

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

If you would like to work in a fun, unique environment and help families create lasting memories, you’ll feel right at home as a part of our Guest Services team. In this role, you’ll be providing customer service in retail, rides, or admissions. The Zoo is an equal opportunity employer that offers a starting rate of $14.25 an hour. Flexible, weekend and/or weekday shifts are available! No nights. Flexible schedules for students/retirees. Visit kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.

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

kansascityzoo.org/zoo-map