Expeditions - Winter 2020

KANSAS CITY ZOO A QUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF THE

Nuniq Makes His Debut!

Inside this issue: • Berlin & Nuniq • Koalas Coming Soon!

WINTER 2020

Dear Zoo Friends, We’ve nearly made it through 2020, a year we won’t ever forget.

For the first time in the Zoo’s history, we had to close indefinitely and then limit the number of guests coming through the gates.

Instead of revisiting the challenges that 2020 threw at us, I’d rather focus on the positives that came out of the year. Believe it or not, there were many so I’ll just hit a few highlights…

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Four endangered primates have been born at the Zoo, a 9-month-old white-cheeked gibbon and three cotton-top tamarins, all of which are important additions to their species.

We have been able to keep our Zoo staff employed and will go into 2021 better prepared as many staff members are now cross-trained. I think all of us now have a real appreciation for other departments!

We opened Elephant Expedition! This $10 million dollar renovation completely changed the look and feel of our elephant habitat and is appreciated by both our guests and our elephants.

We welcomed Nuniq, a 4-year-old polar bear, to Kansas City. At 1,100 pounds, he is much bigger than our 31-yearold female, Berlin, and brings the exuberance and energy of youth to Polar Bear Passage.

As we look forward to 2021, we are excited to bring koalas back to Kansas City. It’s already been five years since we last had this species and we’ve heard many pleas to host them again. We expect two males to be here April through October, on loan from San Diego Zoo. They will be located in the current Allen’s swamp monkey habitat, which was originally built for koalas in 2016. The swamp monkeys will be temporarily moving behind the scenes.

We hope that by the time the koalas arrive, the pandemic is coming to an end and we can return to more normalcy. 2020 has proven, though, that the Kansas City Zoo is up to any challenge thrown its way, thanks to the wonderful support of our community and our dedicated staff. Thank you for being a Friends of the Zoo member for another year. We hope to make 2021 the best one yet!

Happy New Year!

Randy Wisthoff Executive Director/CEO

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2020 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, Heartland Golf Development Sandra Garcia, Metropolitan Community Colleges Ana Hernandez, La Mega Spanish Radio Audrey Hill, Saint Luke’s Health System Gayle Krigel, Community Volunteer Julius Lai, Community Volunteer Todd LaSala, Stinson Leonard Street LLP Jill Marchant, Hallmark Cards, Incorporated Yvette Miceli, Construction Brokers, Inc. Joe Prenger, ECCO Select Tony Reinhart, Ford Motor Co. Terry Riley, Transformation Consultants, LLC Kathy Smith, Community Volunteer Tom Waggoner, HOK Architects Representing the City of Kansas City Kevin McManus, Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, KC City Council, 5th District Earnest Rouse, Acting City Manager Terry Rynard, Director of Parks of Recreation Zoological District Commissioners Greg Canuteson, Clay County Carol Hallquist, Jackson County David Mecklenburg, KC Parks & Recreation Rep 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.

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 – Winter 2020

Animal Transports What it takes to move an animal from there to here!

By Sean Putney, Chief Zoological Officer There are many things that happen behind the scenes at the zoo which go a bit unnoticed by our guests. We are often asked “how an animal gets here” by visitors. The answer to this can vary a lot, involves many people to do successfully, and takes time.

Giraffe Transport

Photos by Josh Murray

The starting point for bringing an animal to the Zoo goes back to the need. This need may be the result of an aging population of animals that are already here, the addition of a new exhibit, or because we want to add a new species in an existing space. We could also be bringing in an animal based on recommendations made by an Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). An SSP looks at a species’ population based on genetics and recommend animal moves on so that the species maintains genetic variability in AZA-accredited facilities.

When it’s been decided that an animal will be coming to the Zoo from an outside entity, a plan starts to develop. The animal curatorial staff begins with making first contact with the other facility involved and determines when would be a good time for the animal to arrive.

At this point, our registrars take over most of the planning. They send information to our animal health staff so that they can work with their counterparts on what testing should be completed before the animal is sent. The registrars also look at transportation options.

Sometimes the transport requires flying which has specific crate requirements for each type of animal. Some, like koalas, even get their own seat within the cabins of aircraft! Some animals may be transported by qualified animal haulers.

www.kansascityzoo.org

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Gorilla Transport There are actually companies that specialize in moving large animals like elephants, giraffes, hippos, and other larger animals. Some animals may be able to be transported by our own staff.

The registrars also ensure that all the paperwork is completed before shipping.

This always includes health certificates from the veterinarians as well as important health and husbandry historical information.

Any endangered species must also have a government permit accompany the animal.

Overseas shipments not only have regulations set forth by the United States government, but also have exporting permits required where the animal is coming from. Some of this paperwork and permitting can take months, or even years, to complete!

No matter how the animals are moved, there are many parameters that are required that help to ensure a safe journey. Each species has specific “crating” regulations which will allow for the proper space an animal needs, plus access to water. Some animals may need perching. There are temperature parameters that need to be followed as well. A polar bear may be best to move when the temperatures are cooler, though they are usually moved in a climate-controlled vehicle. An elephant, on the other hand, is better to be moved in weather that is not too cold yet not too hot where it may overheat. Each species has ideal temperatures, and our goal is to ensure that we do not go outside of these parameters.

Photos by Marie Balano

Photo by Josh Murray

Aquatic species bring other challenges. In addition to having adequate spacing and keeping the temperatures steady, water chemistries play a factor. Making sure that the animals have enough oxygen for the trip and cannot build up too much waste, which pollutes the water, are primary goals.

Even after an animal has been successfully transported to the Zoo, its journey isn’t quite over. An animal usually spends additional time at our animal health facility in quarantine away from other animals. This gives our veterinary

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Expeditions – Winter 2020

team the ability to do some final testing before the animal may join other animals that are already here. This helps to ensure that we do not introduce any new diseases or parasites and helps the animal health team to establish some baselines for the animals. The quarantine period typically takes about a month and the animal is then moved to its final destination. Once there, it could still be days, weeks, or even months before it is able to be seen by our guests.

Though each species is different, it can take some time to introduce animals into a new setting and an existing group. If the habitat is new or unoccupied, this step is usually much easier and faster to complete. Often, we must allow time for the animal to get used to the new environment and if other animals are involved, it can take time for the “new kid on the block” to be welcomed into the flock, herd, pack, or troop.

Photo by Cinnamon Williams

These moments are referred to as introductions. It starts as soon as the new animal comes into the building. Though it may not be seen, or even heard, the other animals can smell their new neighbor.

This introduction process varies widely depending on the species but the goal is always the same: getting animals together as safely as possible.

For animals that may take some time to introduce, a plan is designed that will help all involved to be on the same page. The new animal usually starts off as far away from the existing group as possible. This allows the animals to smell and hear each other without the potential threat of being side-by-side. Gradually, the zookeepers move the animals closer together until they are beside each other. This is called a “howdy” and is the final step before the animals are able to share a space. During this entire process, the zookeepers watch reactions from the animals to detect any aggressive behaviors.

Photo by Josh Murray

www.kansascityzoo.org

When staff feels the animals are ready to be put together, a great deal of energy is

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put into making sure that it goes well.

Zookeepers will often add extra food and enrichment and give the animals as much space as possible to make the process less stressful for all of the animals. The zookeepers also make plans for how and when to separate the animals if there are negative interactions. If all goes well, staff will continue to closely monitor the group and make adjustments depending on how the animals interact.

White-Spotted Bamboo Shark Photo by Sean Putney

Transferring an animal from another facility to our Zoo may be much more involved than most guests realize, but the wellbeing of the animal is always our primary concern. We want all the animals that reside at the Kansas City Zoo to be healthy and happy, and in turn bring joy to all our guests!

Photo by Josh Murray

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Photo by Sean Putney

Expeditions – Winter 2020

Photo by Amy Kelly

Monkey Business Our smallest primates in Tropics welcomed a tiny addition this fall! The cotton-top tamarin group is now one member larger with a baby born to mom, Sara, and dad, O’Brien. This is the third offspring for these parents, who are getting help raising the baby from their two previous youngsters, a boy and girl born last year.

If at first you don’t see it, you will find the baby hanging out on the family members’ backs, looking like a tiny, fluffy backpack.

The siblings will carry the baby most of the time and hand them off to mom for nursing. The baby is already starting to swing and jump from tree limb to tree limb just like its older relatives.

Cotton-top tamarins are critically endangered. They are found in Colombia and are easily distinguishable by their long fan-like fluffy white hair at the top of their head. They eat mostly fruit, seeds, and insects.

Little Leilani On your next visit to Tropics, you may not recognize our white-cheeked gibbon youngster, Leilani. She’s undergoing her transformation from ivory-white to gray-black. Young gibbons are all born the same color as their mother to blend in with her coat for camouflage. As they mature into adolescence, they turn black like their fathers. Since she is female, Leilani will transform once more as she reaches sexual maturity at 4-5 years and become pale again!

Zookeepers report that Leilani’s personality is really beginning to show, and that she’s rambunctious and very curious.

She’s gaining some independence from mom Kit but doesn’t stray far from her side. Leilani will wrestle with the browse and slide down the overhead glass on her belly or run with her long arms in the air for balance. Be sure to visit Tropics to watch our little ape grow up!

Photos by Amy Kelly

www.kansascityzoo.org

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31 years ago, on December 11, twin cubs were born at the Cincinnati Zoo. It was Berlin and her late brother Yukon.

Berlin was given that name because she was born in 1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell.

Berlin spent much of her life in Duluth Minnesota until a devastating river flood covered two thirds of the zoo with water and destroyed her enclosure in June of 2012. She swam a short distance away, and waited on a rock for her keepers to rescue her. Berlin then went to live with her younger uncles, Neil and Buzz, at the Como Zoo in St. Paul until coming to Kansas City to breed with our male polar bear Nikita. Unfortunately, it was a longshot at her age and she never bore cubs.

Berlin is now the second oldest polar bear in the United States.

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Expeditions – Winter 2020

Our 1,100-pound male polar bear pal has settled in and is adjusting to the new routine at Kansas City Zoo. Introductions to Berlin have begun; however, we’re in no rush for the bears to share the exhibit as it will happen on their own time. Berlin is now currently enjoying the behindthe-scenes bedrooms, complete with a private yard and pool, plus the one-on-one attention from the Zookeepers who dote on her.

Nuniq loves to play in the pool! He can often be found splashing in the waterfall or pouncing on a green pickle toy! Sometimes, though, you may spot what looks to be a brown bear in Polar Bear Passage, but that’s actually Nuniq, as he enjoys rolling in the dirt and digging in the sand pit.

At least four times daily, he’s presented with zookeeper interaction – either treats, toys or training. His zookeepers report he loves lard as it’s similar to the diet of seal blubber wild polar bears eat. It is also calorie-dense so provides energy for these amazing carnivores. Zookeepers have started training with him and it’s a process of learning trust for the team, his habitat, and routine.

www.kansascityzoo.org

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Urgent Primate Rescue

By Stacia Pieroni, Conservation Manager In September, a truck smuggling 25 monkeys from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to South Africa was intercepted in Zimbabwe on a route that some investigators believe is commonly used to traffic wildlife before exporting them overseas. The smugglers had papers which were signed

by DRC and Zambian authorities, but the standard procedure in the transportation of animals is that Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) are told prior to their arrival, so when these primates arrived at the border without prior notice, the papers were inspected and verified to be fake.

When the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), an association of 23 rescue centers and sanctuaries for apes and monkeys across Africa, was alerted to this situation, it immediately began conducting the largest primate rescue in its history. A path to safety for the illegally transported monkeys, some of which were endangered species, was mapped. Fortunately, PASA member JACK, a sanctuary located in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), agreed to take in and help rehabilitate the 25 monkeys.

JACK typically rescues chimpanzees, not monkeys. Therefore, it urgently needed funds to build enclosures so it could accept the monkeys. The Kansas City Zoo was able to support this urgent need by immediately sending PASA $5,000 from its Conservation Fund upon learning of this important conservation effort.

Wildlife trafficking of monkeys and many other animals is becoming a huge illegal business. The value of the smuggled primates is in the region of $6,000 to $12,000 depending on the market. Illegal wildlife trafficking is ranked as the fourth most profitable transnational crime, only behind the drug trade, arms trade, and human trafficking. The illegal trade in wildlife, including monkeys and apes, combined with habitat loss, contributes to their possible extinction.

This rescue is critical in fighting illegal wildlife trade as well as the welfare of these confiscated animals. PASA and JACK are working diligently to ensure that as many of the rescued monkeys will be returned to the wild as possible.

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Expeditions – Winter 2020

Two, Too Cute As part of a Species Survival Plan recommended breeding, we recently welcomed two sand cat kittens to first-time mom Alya! While they were very young, staff kept their distance as much as possible, only checking on them once per week to ensure mom was caring for them adequately.

During their six-week-old routine neonatal exams, we discovered we have one girl and one boy! They now weigh just over one pound, and are healthy and very active. They are great climbers and play a lot with each other and with their mom. They love to chase her tail! They are starting to nibble at solid food but are still nursing.

Photos by Meredith Graham

www.kansascityzoo.org

Sand cats’ conservation status is “least concern� as their numbers are believed to be stable in their native habitat of Northern Africa. These cute kitties are still behind the scenes due to the cold temperatures, follow our social media for updates!

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School at the Zoo

By Dr. Stephani Reynolds, Director of Education

Collaborate. Innovate. Educate. This is the motto of two high school courses hosted on zoo grounds during the academic year. The Southland Center for Advanced Professional Studies gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of different careers in the field of their choice. Each year, Animal Health Science students and Turf Management and Horticulture students share the Learning Cottage to become immersed in the professional world.

Unlike traditional school, students have the chance to collaborate with business partners, learn hands-on in their career field, and sometimes are provided internships with various companies around the Kansas City area. For example, the Animal Health Science class works hard every year to design a new zoo exhibit and pitch their idea to a panel made up of zoo employees. They have the chance to receive feedback from this panel to further their knowledge about what it takes to have a successful zoo exhibit. In addition, students hear from professionals in the animal health field. Guest speakers donate their time to provide insight to the working world. Past guest speakers from the zoo include Chief Zoological Officer Sean Putney, Conservation Manager Stacia Pieroni, and a variety of zookeepers and personnel.

Students also learn about professionalism. Resume writing, interview skills, and business etiquette are all topics covered in the course. This helps prepare students for future jobs and internships. Through this preparation, students may have the opportunity to dive into an internship of their choice. Businesses across the metro have hosted students in the past.

Some of these companies include Kansas City Zoo, Wayside Waifs, KC Pet Project, the Pet Resource Center of Kansas City, Lakeside Nature Center, Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, and many more!

Currently, the program serves students in Raytown, Hickman Mills, Raymore-Peculiar, and Lee’s Summit school districts.

For more information on the program, please visit the course website at https://southlandcaps.yourcapsnetwork.org.

Winter Scenes at the Zoo

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Photos by Bill Arimborgo

Expeditions – Winter 2020

How Your Two Cents Worth Is Used Did you know that customer satisfaction at the Zoo has increased 40% over the past 14 years? As a Friends of the Zoo member, you’ve likely made many trips to the Zoo and every time, you’ve likely received a slip of paper inside your map asking for your feedback. Maybe you’ve taken the survey; last year, 58,724 were completed.

But maybe you’ve never completed the survey because you had no idea what happened to that information. The data provided by our guests is extremely important in the Zoo’s continuous efforts to improve. It’s so important that we thank survey takers with $5 in Zoo Bucks. Surveys can be completed for one visit per month. Zoo Bucks that aren’t redeemed go back to the Zoo to help with operating expenses.

Once you click the “submit” button at the end of the survey, your anonymous feedback is combined with others’ responses, and used in three key ways: • Comments are reviewed weekly by management staff so that action can be taken immediately on timely issues. In addition, alerts are sent regarding unresolved problems or employees that should be celebrated for great service.

• Overall performance is evaluated monthly. A report comparing the data for 13 key performance measures is shared with Zoo managers so adjustments can be made as needed.

• Results are fully analyzed annually. At the end of each year, all the data is compared to evaluate successes and determine the best opportunities for improvement. The data is presented to the FOTZ Board and results are incorporated into goal setting, strategic planning, and performance reviews.

We owe a huge thanks to our generous partner, SMG, for providing these valuable services to the Kansas City Zoo. SMG and its amazing team have been invaluable in helping the Zoo to implement this visitor satisfaction program. With their help and yours, the Zoo intends to just keep getting better and better for you, our most loyal customers!

www.kansascityzoo.org

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Thank You We are grateful for the continued support of our exhibit sponsors. Thank you for your steadfast support which helps make our world-class Zoo possible.

Great Southern Bank – Ring-Tailed Lemurs

Kansas City Zoo Railroad

Sumatran Tigers

California Sea Lions 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.

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Expeditions – Winter 2020

Adopt a Wild Child Show your favorite animal that you care. As an adopting individual, family, group, or corporation, you will receive a personalized adoption certificate, framed animal photo, an invitation to the annual adoption picnic, and other fun wild perks throughout the year.

Visit the Kansas City Zoo often–you’ll see your adoption at work! Learn more at kansascityzoo.org/donate.

Spend the Night at the Zoo We are excited to be able to offer modified private overnight options Friday and Saturday nights! Private overnights are available for family groups of up to 10 people. Stay in Helzberg Penguin Plaza or Polar Bear Passage, take a night hike through the Zoo, and enjoy a movie. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and other activities. The cost is $500.

Private birthday parties are also available for booking. Call 816.595.1765 or email education@fotzkc.org to book either occasion. An event at the Kansas City Zoo guarantees a wild time for all of your guests!

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Check our website for up-to-date information on Zoo events! www.kansascityzoo.org

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November–February 9:30am-4pm Daily

6800 Zoo Drive | Kansas City, MO 64132 816.595.1234 | www.KansasCityZoo.org

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Closed Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

LOOK INSIDE!

Sand Cat kittens!

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

Can you find the names of all our Great Apes?

Orangutans Berani TK Rufus Jill Kalijon Dusty Josie

Gorillas Curtis Charlie Makena Makari Tufani Masika

Chimpanzees Dekese Bondo Milo Dafina Teeoni Teetoo Halla Kioja Ruw Gracie