KANSAS CITY ZOO A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE
Welcome, Poppy!
Inside this issue: • Poppy the Tree Kangaroo • Aquarium Coming 2023! • Randy Wisthoff Retires
FALL 2021
Dear Zoo Friends, It is amazing how quickly 18 years can pass. It seems like only yesterday that I accepted the role as executive director of the Kansas City Zoo in 2003. What an incredible journey it has been! As I approach my final days in this position, I have been reflecting on some of our most memorable moments. In 2004, Chuck Eddy, who sat on the city council and was chair of the city’s finance committee, called to gauge the Zoo’s interest in being on a deferred maintenance bond issue that Mayor Kay Barnes was putting together. We were very interested, of course, and with the success of the bond package in the April election, we were able to immediately begin renewing the Zoo with the goal of adding exhibits that guests would love and that were especially kid-friendly. Lorikeet Encounters, Endangered Species Carousel, and a Discovery Barn remodel were all part of that time period, culminating with Polar Bear Passage in 2010. Zoo attendance rose from about 400,000 in 2004 to 625,000 in 2010. We were becoming a go-to place to visit! Friends of the Zoo began the process of creating a tax district with success in the Missouri legislature that led to a public vote in Jackson and Clay counties in 2011. The Zoological District established a stable funding environment for the Zoo and a pathway to continue adding world-class exhibits like Helzberg Penguin Plaza, Orangutan Canopy, Stingray Bay, Elephant Expedition, African Sky Safari, and so many more animal habitats and guest amenities. And now, the aquarium is coming! We began really dreaming of this in 2015 and look forward to providing everyone a fantastic journey from shoreline to the depths of the oceans of the world. You’ll learn more about what’s to come, as well as where we’ve been, on the following pages. When I think back, I am overwhelmed with how fortunate I’ve been to help create a Zoo people love and that our animals love. I will be staying involved with the Zoo until the aquarium is completed and the final funds are raised, and will also help launch an aquarium endowment campaign. Thank you to you, FOTZ members, for joining, visiting, and contributing during my time here. Because of each of you, we have a Zoo to be proud of. I’ve been lucky to always have great support from our board of directors, city hall, and the parks board, and more recently, from the Zoological District. I have also had the pleasure of leading an incredible staff, who are so incredibly passionate about what they do, as are our great volunteers who always answer the call. And finally, a big thanks to my wife of 48 years, Barb, who has supported me over my 44 years in the zoo world. She’s been my rock!
2021 Friends of the Zoo BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hayley Hanson, Chairperson Husch Blackwell LLP
Wesley Fields, Secretary
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
David Sanchez Jr., Treasurer PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Stephanie Ayers, Service Management Group David Barr, Burns & McDonnell Engineering Co., Inc. Brad Bodamer, Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP Dr. Yolanda Cargile, Center School District Sharon Cleaver, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City Jeff Dillon, VanTrust Real Estate LLC Wes Dixon, KeyWest Technologies, Inc. Jan Francis, Community Volunteer Sandra Garcia, Metropolitan Community College Ana Nubia Duin, La Mega Spanish Radio Audrey Hill, Saint Luke’s Health System Gayle Krigel, Community Volunteer Julius Lai, H&R Block Todd LaSala, Stinson LLP Jill Marchant, Hallmark Yvette Miceli, Construction Brokers, Inc. Joe Prenger, ECCO Select Tony Reinhart, Ford Motor Co. Terry Riley, Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas City John Russ, UMB Bank Kathy Smith, Community Volunteer Tom Waggoner, Architect Consultant Representing the City of Kansas City Heather Hall, City Council, 1st District Roosevelt Lyons, KC Parks & Recreation, Interim Director Kevin McManus, Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, City Council, 5th District Brian Platt, City Manager Zoological District Commissioners Greg Canuteson, Clay County Carol Hallquist, Jackson County David Mecklenburg, KC Parks & Rec Representative Jerry Nolte, Clay County Dan Tarwater III, Chair, Jackson County Randy Wisthoff, KC Zoo Representative
Open daily, year round. www.KansasCityZoo.org 816.595.1234 The Kansas City Zoo is a non-smoking environment, except in designated areas which are indicated on the Zoo Map and on grounds with signs and ash trays.
Randy Wisthoff Executive Director/CEO
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The Kansas City Zoo, a private, non-profit organization is operated in agreement with the Kansas City, MO Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, partially funded by the Zoological District in Jackson and Clay Counties in MO, and is accredited by the Assocation of Zoos and Aquariums.
Expeditions – Fall 2021
Photos by Bill Arimborgo
Making Waves! The Kansas City Zoo announced the construction of a world-class aquarium during a vibrant kick off celebration on October 25. During the event, special guests provided insight on the benefits of the aquarium, which is set to open in 2023. Speakers included KCZoo CEO/ Executive Director Randy Wisthoff, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, Clay County Commissioner Jerry Nolte, Jackson County Legislator Dan Tarwater III, and Friends of the Zoo Board Chair Hayley Hanson. By bringing the ocean to the Midwest, the Zoo will be able to offer visitors an up-close-and-personal experience they will never forget. The 600,000-gallon aquarium will feature thousands of species, including octopuses, sharks, sea turtles, and rescued sea otters. The 34 habitats will tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals across the globe. The aquarium will be located between Helzberg Penguin Plaza and Elephant Expedition, in the valley area that was once the Bear Grotto. The new facility will provide a broad perspective of aquatic habitats, with such exhibits as a tropical lagoon, live coral, Pacific reef, and a kelp forest. The aquarium will be included in the Zoo admission price. Zoological District residents in Jackson and Clay counties will continue to get four free visits a year, making the aquarium accessible to all. This exciting endeavor will help continue the Zoo’s mission to connect all people to each other and to the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation. Learn more at www.kansascityzoo.org/aquarium.
www.kansascityzoo.org
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A Look Inside the Aquarium Warm Rocky Shore Primary Animals: Fish, Urchin, Anemone This habitat will greet all of our guests as they enter the building. The sounds of waves crashing against the rocks will emulate what one might hear in the intertidal zone of a Caribbean island, where these fish and invertebrates are found.
Tropical Lagoon Primary Animals: Colorful Fish, Stingrays, Sharks Protected from the waves and currents, the waters of a tropical lagoon are warmed by abundant sunlight. Plants, algae, corals, sponges, anemones, young fish, and invertebrates thrive here.
Pacific Reef Primary Animal: Shark Reefs support an abundance of plants and animals in a vibrant underwater community that includes corals, sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Nearly 25% of the ocean’s marine animals hide and hunt here. The reefs provide shelter and food for fish of many different shapes and colors. However, the deeper waters also allow for larger predators to lurk and hunt for meals of their own.
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Expeditions – Fall 2021
coming in 2023... Pelagic Primary Animal: Blubber Jelly All day, every day, jellyfish are in motion. They’re hunting shrimp and fish larvae, but they can’t swim against the ocean current. Instead, their muscles squeeze with constant contractions, forcing water in and out, propelling the jellyfish forward. They are really pulse-powered!
Mangrove Forest Primary Animal: Toco Toucan Beyond being vibrant, the toucan’s bill is functional. Its length makes reaching fruit easier, and a serrated edge helps peel fruit. A toucan moves body heat to its bill to cool off, which is helpful in a hot, muggy mangrove! Though toucans do not stray quite as far north as Colombia, they do reach into the northern portions of the Guianas.
Temperate Reef Primary Animal: Moray Eel This beautiful rock mount in the cylindrical habitat has multiple caves throughout. These will be homes for California moray eels. Each have three rows of teeth pointing backwards so that once a fish goes in, it probably isn’t coming out. Though not high on the “brainy” list, California spiny lobsters will often share caves with moray eels where they reap the benefits of some leftovers and also get a home protection plan from the eels!
www.kansascityzoo.org
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G’bye, Mates! Thackory and Chuckels, you will be missed! Our guest koalas have been winning over Kansas Citians’ hearts since their arrival in the spring, but they will be headed back to their San Diego Zoo home in December. Be sure to swing by the koala habitat and see this dynamic marsupial duo through the end of November! With the koalas’ departure, we also will be re-welcoming our Allen’s swamp monkeys. In December, you’ll find these highenergy primates in the habitat directly across from Stingray Bay!
Jambo!
Koala photos by Candace, advanced animal care specialist
Welcome our new painted dogs: Arli, Digya, Chobe, Faro, and Zakouma! These young males are two years old and made their last home at the Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert, California. Per recommendation from the AZA’s Species Survival Plan, our former painted dogs River, Pele, and Bomani have been sent to the Oklahoma City Zoo. African painted dogs are highly social animals and can be found in packs of 2 to 20 individuals in the wild! These carnivores native to southern Africa are known for their skilled hunting abilities and structured hierarchy. The African painted dog is one of the most endangered species in all of Africa. On your next visit, be sure to visit these boys in the Africa section of the Zoo!
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Expeditions – Fall 2021
Meet Poppy Introducing Popondetta (or Poppy, for short), the first tree kangaroo born at the Zoo in 20 years! The child of 11-year-old mom Nokopo and 9-year-old dad Gru, Poppy was named after the city in Papua New Guinea. First revealing herself on March 16, 2021, this little joey stayed in the pouch for about 24 weeks before first showing her head on September 2. In midOctober, Poppy ventured out of the pouch! While Poppy explores from time to time, our young tree kangaroo still spends most of the time cozy and secure in Nokopo’s pouch. This endangered species is arboreal and solitary, with most tree kangaroos ignoring each other – even when sharing the same tree! Tree kangaroos spend about 60 percent of their time sleeping and are known for finding cozy spots in trees to curl up and nap. Tree kangaroos are endangered due to habitat loss and hunting. The Zoo participates in the Tree Kangaroo Species Survival Plan, a breeding program developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) that helps ensure longevity of the species.
Photos by Kelsey, senior animal care specialist Cover photo by Sara, advanced animal care specialist
www.kansascityzoo.org
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African Sky Safari
As Randy retires, let’s take a look back at what has been accomplished.
Endangered Species Carousel
Randy Wisthoff hired as CEO of Kansas City Zoo
Zoological District Passed
Tiger Trail Tropics Renovation
2004 2003
2006 2005
2008 2007
2010 2009
2011
Front Entry Plaza
Zoo Learning Center
Polar Bear Passage
Lorikeet Encounters
Discovery Barn & Peek-A-Boo Tree
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Snakes Alive Expeditions – Fall 2021
Billy Goats Gruff
Aquarium Announcement
Helzberg Penguin Plaza
Learning Cottage Orangutan Canopy Tropics Event Pavilion Matschie’s Tree Kangaroo
2012
2014 2013
2016 2015
Discovery Barn Playground
2018 2017
2020 2019
2021
Exploration Play Koala/ Swamp Monkey Habitat
Tuxedo Grill Elephant Expedition
Tiger Terrace www.kansascityzoo.org
Stingray Bay
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Give the Gift of the Zoo! This year, we have the coolest gift idea for you! Purchase a 2022 Premier Family Membership as a gift and receive a free plush penguin in a box ready to go under the tree! Your friends and family will be able to enjoy the Zoo year-round, partake in unlimited rides, and receive discounts on retail and concessions - and they will have you to thank. Online purchases will have a $12 shipping fee. Gift memberships may also be purchased in-person at the Zoo’s Guest Relations. Additional plushes can also be purchased, but be sure to order by December 15, 2021, to ensure delivery by Christmas Day.
HOLIDAY EVENTS Activities for the whole family! December Sat/Sun
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Meet Santa
Have you been naughty or nice? Santa is stopping by to hear your holiday wishes! Kids can write letters to Santa Claus in the lobby and then meet the jolly old elf and Mrs. Claus in person. Bring a camera and capture a FREE photo with St. Nick!
FOTZ exclusive 8:30am-9:30am Saturday, December 4 only.
Sat/Sun
18-19
Santa Delivers
Santa is back at the Zoo one more time before the big day. Join us to see who made it to the top of the nice list this year. All weekend long, you may spot Santa on his sleigh as he delivers gifts to animals throughout the Zoo.
Check out our calendar of events online at KansasCityZoo.org to find more information.
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Expeditions – Fall 2021
Holiday Gift Ideas Find the perfect gift this holiday season at our Deja Zoo gift shop! Snare wire jewelry makes a beautiful and bold statement. Mulberry Mongoose has partnered with anti-poaching organizations to create these striking accessories created from confiscated snare wire. Designed by Zambian craftswomen, this beautiful jewelry line empowers African artisans while spreading the importance of wildlife conservation.
Our cuddly and soft plush toys are the perfect fit for kids of all ages! Whether the person on your gift list enjoys mammals, reptiles, or birds, we have you covered with our vast selection of animal toys.
Puzzles are perfect for the cozy winter days! Whether you purchase as a gift or for a family activity, our animal-themed puzzles will be great options for an indoor activity this holiday season.
Our sleek and eye-catching water bottles are a perfect fit for the entire family. Stay hydrated in style!
Find the perfect home accent while supporting international artisans. Our Stoneage Arts collection features everything from decorative wooden masks to soapstone statuary. These products are not only beautiful, but most are also produced from organic, sustainable, recycled, or natural materials.
www.kansascityzoo.org
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THANK YOU
to these generous sponsors for supporting the Kansas City Zoo. Hayley Hanson & Todd McGuire
BABOON SPONSORS Boulevard Brewing Company Bonnie and Herb Buchbinder Central States Beverage Company Garmin International, Inc. Keywest Technology, Inc. Major Brands Premium Beverage Distributors United Beverage
LION SPONSORS Bally’s Kansas City Burns & McDonnell EPR Properties JE Dunn Construction MegaKC Corporation Stinson LLP Summit Homes UMB Financial Corporation VanTrust Real Estate Jean and Don Wagner
GIRAFFE SPONSORS
American Funding Solutions Rick and Cathy Baier Foundation Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Kris and Harry Campbell Commerce Bank DeBruce Foundation Dentons Jeff and Tracy Dillon ECCO Select EHDD, El Dorado & Space Haus Electrical Corporation of America Enterprise Holdings Foundation Euronet Worldwide Inc. Evergy Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Exemplar Holdings First Business Bank H&R Block Hallmark Shirley and Barnett C. Helzberg Jr. HUB International Midwest Limited IMA, Inc. J.E. Fehsenfeld Family Foundation Cassandra and Joshua Landy McCownGordon Construction, LLC MMC Corp Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation Paragon Capital Management PGAV Architects Power Partners Jami and Fred Pryor RSM US LLP Cheryl and Tom Shireman
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SMG T-Mobile Turner Construction WireCo WorldGroup Rick and SueAnn Wright
cHIMP SPONSORS
Jan Armstrong Black & McDonald Christine and Dan Blegen Block & Co., Inc. and David, Vicki and Alex Block Block Real Estate Services and the Kenneth and Lisa Block Philanthropic Fund Lori Schultz and Brad Bodamer Sasha and Al Boulware Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP Capitol Federal Foundation CBC Real Estate Group, Benson Method and Visor Consulting Children’s Mercy Kansas City Jeannette and Jerome Cohen Foundation Cole & Winkel Family Construction Brokers Country Club Bank CyTek Corp Dairy Farmers of America Tim & JJ Danker Mike and Linda Falk Fast Forward Home Loans Ford Motor Company Francis Family Foundation GEICO Graves Garrett Great Range Capital Guettermann Family Carol and Allan Hallquist Hartsook Beth and David Hazels Heritage Tractor, Inc INFINITI of KC/Elevated Automotive JMW & Associates, LLC JoAnn Cobb Realtors John A. Marshall Co. Kiewit Power Lead Bank Bob and Bobbie McCauley McCray Lumber & Millwork Shelly Doris Milburn, Realtor The Miller Group Missouri Employers Mutual Mooney Family Foundation MULTIVAC Inc. Northland Pool Management Company P1 Group Powerful Performance Solutions, LLC. PwC
Rand Construction Company The R.H. Johnson Company Ravello Medical Spa & Wellness Reynolds Polymer Marissa Schaffner Sherman Foundation Summit Fair SumnerOne Terracon UES Consulting Services, Inc. Whitco Business Services Whitco Financial Group Inc.
FLAMINGO SPONSORS
Blue Springs Animal Hospital & Pet Resort Gamble & Schlemeier Ltd Amy Guerich, Stepp & Rothwell, Inc. Harvesters - The Community Food Network Kansas City Public Schools Kimmel Management Services Venus and Bradley Krzysztow The Pfeiffer Family Visit KC Women in Security Mentors Inc.
PAST cHAIR SPONSORS Debby and Gary Ballard Gail and Tom Cluen Gayle and Bruce Krigel Jackie and Lynn Johnson Uryasz Family Foundation
IN KIND
All Packaging Company Big Mouth Prints Candid KC Photobooth Cintas Commenco Diamonds Direct Drexel Technologies Inc. Evergy Harvest Productions Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company Hiland Dairy Illusions Unlimited Liberty Fruit Company Mac’s Screenprinting Marquee Event Rentals Modern Litho MTAR LLC. ORI Rob Smith Photography Ripple Glass SECT Theatre Supplies, Inc.
Expeditions – Fall 2021
Now Hiring! Become a part of our team! Visit kansascityzoo.org/careers to apply.
Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas? If you’ve ever wanted a hippopotamus for Christmas, now is your chance. For a limited time, you can adopt our hippopotamus Cairo for $75. Does your loved one favor a different Zoo animal? You can adopt it instead! Your adoption is a unique, fun way to help us feed and care for our more than 1,700 animals, including Cairo who has a huge appetite for her favorite food, romaine lettuce! Adoption for $75 includes: • A framed animal photo of Cairo the hippopotamus • A hippopotamus plush toy • An animal fact sheet • Personalized adoption certificate • A subscription to Expeditions, the Friends of the Zoo newsletter Scan the QR code or visit kansascityzoo.org/aawc to adopt today! Last day to order: December 15
Thank You
Photos by Bill Arimborgo
We are grateful for the continued generosity of our exhibit sponsors. Thank you for your steadfast support that helps make our world-class Zoo possible. If your company would be interested in sponsoring an animal or area of the Zoo, please contact lisafickenscher@fotzkc.org. Kansas City Zoo sponsorship is a great way to increase visibility for your business and support the incredible work that our Zoo does year-round.
Great Southern Bank
Kansas City Zoo Railroad www.kansascityzoo.org
Ring-Tailed Lemurs
Sumatran Tigers
California Sea Lions 13
Educational Opportunities Day Camps Explore nature and the wonderful world of animals at the Kansas City Zoo. During day camps, your children will have adventures in a safe and fun environment that is sure to get a ROAR of approval! https://www.kansascityzoo.org/day-camps
School’s Out Camp School’s out? No problem! Spend the day at the Zoo! School’s Out Safari Day Camps are one-day camps that are a fun and educational option when school is closed. 8:30 am-3:30 pm November 24 December 22, 23 January 3 $60 per camp / $54 FOTZ https://www.kansascityzoo.org/camp/schools-out-camp
Winter Break Camp Join us for day camp when school is out. Winter Break Camp includes hands-on learning, encounters with our ambassador animals, Zoo tours, arts and crafts, animal shows, and so much more. $250 per camp / $225 FOTZ | December 27-30, 8:30 am-3:30 pm. https://www.kansascityzoo.org/day-camps
Overnights Spend the night at the Kansas City Zoo! It is the WILDEST place in town for an overnight adventure! Want an experience and memories that will last a lifetime? We are now booking private overnights for family groups. Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza or Polar Bear Passage, take a night hike through the Zoo, and enjoy a movie. Feeling more adventurous? Pitch your tent for one-of-a-kind camping! Overnights are scheduled for Friday or Saturday nights only. https://www.kansascityzoo.org/overnights
For more information, call 816.595.1765 or email education@fotzkc.org.
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Expeditions – Fall 2021
Birthday Parties
Homeschool Program
A birthday party at the Kansas City Zoo guarantees a wild time for all your guests! Join us for a celebration like no other! All parties are on Saturdays and Sundays at either 10am or 2pm. https://www.kansascityzoo.org/birthdays
Join us for “When Science Attacks,” the Kansas City Zoo’s hands-on homeschool class for this school year. Students Pre-K through 12th grade can explore the world of science through animals and nature in a fun and interactive way! Age-appropriate lessons are designed to expose students to animals and nature while exercising important scientific skills and practices. https://www.kansascityzoo.org/homeschool Fall Semester Dates: November 17, 18 December 1, 2, 15, 16
Photo by Bill Arimborgo
Spring Semester Dates: January 5, 6, 19, 20 February 9, 10, 23, 24 March 9, 10, 23, 24 April 6, 7, 20, 21
Photo by Candace, advanced animal care specialist
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. www.kansascityzoo.org
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OPEN DAILY!
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PA I D
KANSAS CITY, MO #4831
November-February 9:30 am-4 pm Daily
6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816.595.1234 | www.KansasCityZoo.org
Let’s Get Social!
CLOSED Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year’s Day
LOOK INSIDE!
Aquarium Coming 2023! See page 3
ZOO MISSION: The Kansas City Zoo connects people to each other and the natural world to promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation.
Penguin Marches Are Back! See our penguins up close as they take a stroll in front of Helzberg Penguin Plaza.
November 26 - February 27 11:00am | Weekends only