Zoo View - Summer 2024

SUMMER

24 ISSUE

contents

MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES Karen Bass

SUMMER 2024 VOLUME LVIII // NUMBER 2

COUNCILMEMBER, FOURTH DISTRICT Nithya Raman

THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION

LOS ANGELES ZOO COMMISSION Karen B. Winnick, President Bernardo Silva, Vice President Justin Mikita Daryl Smith Elnie Vannatim Richard Lichtenstein, Ex-Officio Member LOS ANGELES ZOO ADMINISTRATION Denise M. Verret, Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director Mei Kwan, Deputy Director of Administration & Operations Misha Body, Deputy Director of Animal Programs Dr. Carol Armstrong, Director of Sustainability and Capital Programs Dan Benner, Director of Construction and Maintenance Mae Huey, Director of Human Resources Dan Keeffe, Director of Learning and Engagement Dr. Dominique Keller, Director of Animal Health & Wellness Dr. Jake Owens, Director of Conservation Max Pulsinelli, Chief Communications Officer Beth Schaefer, General Curator and Director of Animal Programs

EDITOR Brenda Scott Royce ASSOCIATE EDITOR Autumn Hilden EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Misha Body, Janet Dial, Dan Keeffe, Dr. Dominique Keller, Mei Kwan, Emily Marrin, Dr. Jake Owens, Dawn Petersen-Amend, Max Pulsinelli, Beth Schaefer, Denise M. Verret PHOTO EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Pham

GLAZA OFFICERS Erika Aronson Stern, Chair Rob Ellis, Vice Chair Phyllis Kupferstein, Secretary Matthew Wilson, Treasurer Dawn Petersen-Amend, Interim GLAZA President

Copyright © 2024 Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents of this publication without written permission is prohibited. Periodical postage paid at Los Angeles, CA.

PROOFREADERS Michele Goodman, Laura Parada

BIRTHS & H AT C H I N G S

ZO O V I E W

8 PRECIOUS CARGO A giant otter’s journey to Argentina is

5 ENGAGING GIRLS IN STEM

14 EXPLORE, EMPOWER, ENGAGE Teen leaders build community at

the latest example of the L.A. Zoo’s leadership in conservation translocations.

TOURISM

the Zoo.

DEPARTMENTS DONOR SPOTLIGHT

6 ZOO-M IN Members’ photo gallery

13

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING

ON THE COVER LA824 is one of 17 California condor

Bouncing Baby Bighorn

chicks that hatched at the L.A. Zoo this

Three bighorn sheep lambs were born at the L.A. Zoo in recent months. This California native is an important part of our region’s biodiversity.

Follow us @LAZoo on Facebook, Insta-

year—an epic egg-laying season for this critically endangered species.

Photo by: Jamie Pham

LET’S BE SOCIAL gram, and X (formerly known as Twitter), and TheLosAngelesZoo on YouTube.

Share your memories and photos on Instagram, X, and Facebook using #LAZoo.

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

6

POSTMASTER send address changes to: ZOO VIEW, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1498

2

4 A NEW ZOO HQ 5 RESPONSIBLE SUPPORTING

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CARL MYERS

GLAZA ADMINISTRATION Janet Dial, VP, Institutional Advancement Rob Woolley, Associate VP, Advancement Jennifer Chan, Director of Events Lisa Correa, Director of Membership Kirin Daugharty, Director of Volunteer Programs Eric Happe, Director of Finance Emily Marrin, Director of Marketing and Communications Brenda Scott Royce, Director of Publications

PRINTING LithoGraphix

F E AT U R E S

CARL MYERS

TRUSTEES EMERITI Lloyd Levitin, Mrs. John F. Maher, Thomas R. Tellefsen

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lisa Brink, The Brink Creative

ZOO BRIEFS

BRIAN CALDERON

GLAZA TRUSTEES Courtney Appell, Michael Armstrong, Alma Banuelos, Shainaz Donnelly Burg, Esther Chao, Vivian Chow, Marlyn Day, Wendy M. Denham, Brian Diamond, Justin Enbody, Sam Enoch, Alfred Fraijo, Jr., Richard Lichtenstein, Steve O’Connell, Beth Price, Morgan Roth, Marc L. Sallus, Slash, Jay Sonbolian, Randy Strait, Madeline Joyce Taft, Franco Terango, Ellia M. Thompson, Laura Z. Wasserman, Jennifer Thornton Wieland, Grant Withers

Saving Wildlife. Enriching Our Communities.

Creating Connections to Nature.

ZO O V I E W

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contents

MAYOR OF LOS ANGELES Karen Bass

SUMMER 2024 VOLUME LVIII // NUMBER 2

COUNCILMEMBER, FOURTH DISTRICT Nithya Raman

THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE GREATER LOS ANGELES ZOO ASSOCIATION

LOS ANGELES ZOO COMMISSION Karen B. Winnick, President Bernardo Silva, Vice President Justin Mikita Daryl Smith Elnie Vannatim Richard Lichtenstein, Ex-Officio Member LOS ANGELES ZOO ADMINISTRATION Denise M. Verret, Chief Executive Officer & Zoo Director Mei Kwan, Deputy Director of Administration & Operations Misha Body, Deputy Director of Animal Programs Dr. Carol Armstrong, Director of Sustainability and Capital Programs Dan Benner, Director of Construction and Maintenance Mae Huey, Director of Human Resources Dan Keeffe, Director of Learning and Engagement Dr. Dominique Keller, Director of Animal Health & Wellness Dr. Jake Owens, Director of Conservation Max Pulsinelli, Chief Communications Officer Beth Schaefer, General Curator and Director of Animal Programs

EDITOR Brenda Scott Royce ASSOCIATE EDITOR Autumn Hilden EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Misha Body, Janet Dial, Dan Keeffe, Dr. Dominique Keller, Mei Kwan, Emily Marrin, Dr. Jake Owens, Dawn Petersen-Amend, Max Pulsinelli, Beth Schaefer, Denise M. Verret PHOTO EDITOR & PHOTOGRAPHER Jamie Pham

GLAZA OFFICERS Erika Aronson Stern, Chair Rob Ellis, Vice Chair Phyllis Kupferstein, Secretary Matthew Wilson, Treasurer Dawn Petersen-Amend, Interim GLAZA President

Copyright © 2024 Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents of this publication without written permission is prohibited. Periodical postage paid at Los Angeles, CA.

PROOFREADERS Michele Goodman, Laura Parada

ZO O V I E W

8 PRECIOUS CARGO

A giant otter’s journey to Argentina is the latest example of the L.A. Zoo’s leadership in conservation translocations.

TOURISM

5

14 EXPLORE, EMPOWER, ENGAGE Teen leaders build community at

ENGAGING GIRLS IN STEM

the Zoo.

DEPARTMENTS DONOR SPOTLIGHT

6 ZOO-M IN

13

Members’ photo gallery

BIRTHS & H AT C H I N G S

ONE ENCHANTED EVENING

ON THE COVER LA824 is one of 17 California condor

Bouncing Baby Bighorn

chicks that hatched at the L.A. Zoo this

Three bighorn sheep lambs were born at the L.A. Zoo in recent months. This California native is an important part of our region’s biodiversity.

Follow us @LAZoo on Facebook, Insta-

year—an epic egg-laying season for this critically endangered species.

Photo by: Jamie Pham

LET’S BE SOCIAL gram, and X (formerly known as Twitter), and TheLosAngelesZoo on YouTube.

Share your memories and photos on Instagram, X, and Facebook using #LAZoo.

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

6

POSTMASTER send address changes to: ZOO VIEW, 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027-1498

2

4 A NEW ZOO HQ 5 SUPPORTING RESPONSIBLE

SU MME R 2024

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8

14

CARL MYERS

GLAZA ADMINISTRATION Janet Dial, VP, Institutional Advancement Rob Woolley, Associate VP, Advancement Jennifer Chan, Director of Events Lisa Correa, Director of Membership Kirin Daugharty, Director of Volunteer Programs Eric Happe, Director of Finance Emily Marrin, Director of Marketing and Communications Brenda Scott Royce, Director of Publications

PRINTING LithoGraphix

F E AT U R E S

CARL MYERS

TRUSTEES EMERITI Lloyd Levitin, Mrs. John F. Maher, Thomas R. Tellefsen

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Lisa Brink, The Brink Creative

ZOO BRIEFS

BRIAN CALDERON

GLAZA TRUSTEES Courtney Appell, Michael Armstrong, Alma Banuelos, Shainaz Donnelly Burg, Esther Chao, Vivian Chow, Marlyn Day, Wendy M. Denham, Brian Diamond, Justin Enbody, Sam Enoch, Alfred Fraijo, Jr., Richard Lichtenstein, Steve O’Connell, Beth Price, Morgan Roth, Marc L. Sallus, Slash, Jay Sonbolian, Randy Strait, Madeline Joyce Taft, Franco Terango, Ellia M. Thompson, Laura Z. Wasserman, Jennifer Thornton Wieland, Grant Withers

Saving Wildlife. Enriching Our Communities.

Creating Connections to Nature.

ZO O V I E W

3

briefs GIRL POWER

LET’S BE SOCIAL!

FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, the L.A. Zoo hosted the

FOLLOW @LAZoo on JAKE OWENS

Facebook, Instagram,

Twitter, and TheLosAngelesZoo on YouTube

SHARE your mem-

ories and photos on

Instagram, Twitter, and

JAMIE PHAM

Facebook using #LAZoo

D

A New Zoo HQ

uring this spring’s Wild for the Planet celebration, the Zoo launched a new collaborative initiative called Project Pollinator, dedicating a reimagined space in the Children’s Zoo as Project Pollinator Headquarters (HQ). The goal of Project Pollinator is to establish and promote native plant habitats and create healthy homes for local wildlife and migratory species. The Conservation Division has led a number of habitat restoration projects in and around the Zoo in recent years, collaborating with the Theodore Payne Foundation and other local partners. The HQ builds on these

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activities, providing a space to engage our guests in this important work.

“Project Pollinator HQ is a beautiful spot that I hope our guests will enjoy both as a peaceful place to sit and relax, and to become inspired about how they can create their own native habitat at their home or in their community,” says Director of Conservation Dr. Jake Owens. “Pollinators are crucial in the health of our environment, and by planting a native plant in a pot on your windowsill or yard at home, everyone can play a role in wildlife conservation.” Stop by on your next visit!

LEARN MORE lazoo.org/projectpollinator

Supporting Responsible Tourism

T

he L.A. Zoo took a bold leap in its efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade, joining forces with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop and design an educational display at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 26-foot-long attention-grabbing display, which includes illegal wildlife contraband confiscated by USFWS and CDFW, was installed at the Tom Bradley International Terminal in May. It aims to engage travelers before they embark on their adventures—providing tips on how to avoid illegal wildlife products they might encounter when shopping for souvenirs, dining on local delicacies, or going on wildlife excursions.

“The illegal wildlife trade is one of the primary drivers of extinction globally,” says Director of Conservation Dr. Jake Owens. “And as an international hub, LAX is an incredibly important place to engage travelers in ways that encourage them to not take part in activities that support this trade.

Even if we only get someone’s attention for thirty seconds, hopefully it will inspire them to learn more.”

With roughly 9.1 million travelers passing through the Bradley terminal each year, the display has tremendous potential to impact behavior, inform decision-making, and ultimately, save wildlife. Owens gives a shout-out to JCDecaux, a global leader in airport advertising displays, for facilitating the installation, and to partner organizations Aquarium of the Pacific and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, for contributing to the design and ongoing evaluation of the project.

LEARN HOW you can travel with wildlife in mind: itravelforwildlife.org

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Engaging Girls in STEM Festival in collaboration with the L.A. County Office of Education. More than 300 students attended the event, designed to get middle and high school girls excited about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Attendees met with a variety of STEM ambassadors, who shared their unique career paths and advice for success. Among those inspiring the next generation were four L.A. Zoo representatives: Dr. Cathleen Cox (Director of Research), Anna Becker (Community Conservation Coordinator), Candace Sclimenti (Curator of Mammals), and Dr. Dominique Keller (Chief Veterinarian & Director of Animal Health and Wellness).

“Having the opportunity to talk to young women about careers like mine in veterinary medicine is so rewarding,” says Keller. “We need more motivated and bright young people to be engaged now, so that they can succeed us in this work. The best part of the day for me was seeing several girls’ faces light up when talking passionately about their goals for their future.”

Many of the ambassadors brought along materials they use in their work, says Cox. “Being a behavioral researcher at the Zoo, I brought a pair of binoculars and a plush tiger from the gift store.

The props enabled us to show and tell about our daily activities, inspiring young women to reach for fulfilling positions in the world of science.”

ZO O V I E W

5

briefs GIRL POWER

LET’S BE SOCIAL!

FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, the L.A. Zoo hosted the

FOLLOW @LAZoo on JAKE OWENS

Facebook, Instagram,

Twitter, and TheLosAngelesZoo on YouTube

SHARE your mem-

ories and photos on

Instagram, Twitter, and

JAMIE PHAM

Facebook using #LAZoo

D

A New Zoo HQ

uring this spring’s Wild for the Planet celebration, the Zoo launched a new collaborative initiative called Project Pollinator, dedicating a reimagined space in the Children’s Zoo as Project Pollinator Headquarters (HQ). The goal of Project Pollinator is to establish and promote native plant habitats and create healthy homes for local wildlife and migratory species. The Conservation Division has led a number of habitat restoration projects in and around the Zoo in recent years, collaborating with the Theodore Payne Foundation and other local partners. The HQ builds on these

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activities, providing a space to engage our guests in this important work.

“Project Pollinator HQ is a beautiful spot that I hope our guests will enjoy both as a peaceful place to sit and relax, and to become inspired about how they can create their own native habitat at their home or in their community,” says Director of Conservation Dr. Jake Owens. “Pollinators are crucial in the health of our environment, and by planting a native plant in a pot on your windowsill or yard at home, everyone can play a role in wildlife conservation.” Stop by on your next visit!

LEARN MORE lazoo.org/projectpollinator

Supporting Responsible Tourism

T

he L.A. Zoo took a bold leap in its efforts to combat the illegal wildlife trade, joining forces with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to develop and design an educational display at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The 26-foot-long attention-grabbing display, which includes illegal wildlife contraband confiscated by USFWS and CDFW, was installed at the Tom Bradley International Terminal in May. It aims to engage travelers before they embark on their adventures—providing tips on how to avoid illegal wildlife products they might encounter when shopping for souvenirs, dining on local delicacies, or going on wildlife excursions.

“The illegal wildlife trade is one of the primary drivers of extinction globally,” says Director of Conservation Dr. Jake Owens. “And as an international hub, LAX is an incredibly important place to engage travelers in ways that encourage them to not take part in activities that support this trade.

Even if we only get someone’s attention for thirty seconds, hopefully it will inspire them to learn more.”

With roughly 9.1 million travelers passing through the Bradley terminal each year, the display has tremendous potential to impact behavior, inform decision-making, and ultimately, save wildlife. Owens gives a shout-out to JCDecaux, a global leader in airport advertising displays, for facilitating the installation, and to partner organizations Aquarium of the Pacific and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, for contributing to the design and ongoing evaluation of the project.

LEARN HOW you can travel with wildlife in mind: itravelforwildlife.org

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Engaging Girls in STEM Festival in collaboration with the L.A. County Office of Education. More than 300 students attended the event, designed to get middle and high school girls excited about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Attendees met with a variety of STEM ambassadors, who shared their unique career paths and advice for success. Among those inspiring the next generation were four L.A. Zoo representatives: Dr. Cathleen Cox (Director of Research), Anna Becker (Community Conservation Coordinator), Candace Sclimenti (Curator of Mammals), and Dr. Dominique Keller (Chief Veterinarian & Director of Animal Health and Wellness).

“Having the opportunity to talk to young women about careers like mine in veterinary medicine is so rewarding,” says Keller. “We need more motivated and bright young people to be engaged now, so that they can succeed us in this work. The best part of the day for me was seeing several girls’ faces light up when talking passionately about their goals for their future.”

Many of the ambassadors brought along materials they use in their work, says Cox. “Being a behavioral researcher at the Zoo, I brought a pair of binoculars and a plush tiger from the gift store.

The props enabled us to show and tell about our daily activities, inspiring young women to reach for fulfilling positions in the world of science.”

ZO O V I E W

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MEMBER PHOTO GALLERY

m

IN

ZOO-M IN

The Eyes Have It

SUB MIT YOUR PHOTOS

Courtney Marsell and her boyfriend have been GLAZA members since 2021, visiting the Zoo at least three to four times a month. “We love it there,” she enthuses. One of the couple’s must-see species is the redlegged seriema. “They are such cool and beautiful birds,” she says of the Zoo’s resident pair, George and Audrey. “What caught my eye was the vibrant blue patch around their eyes and their long eyelashes. We make a point to visit them every time.”

To be considered for inclusion in future installments of Zoom-In, submit your best images taken at the L.A. Zoo. No more than two images per member per month, please.

Include your name in the file name for each photograph (e.g., Giraffe-John Smith). Do not send images that include people unless you will be able to provide a signed release from all parties pictured in the event your photo is selected for publication. If there’s a special story behind the photo, let us know!

LEFT PAGE The seriema is one of the largest terrestrial birds in South America. It rarely takes flight, preferring to walk in search of food.

Photo by COURTNEY MARSELL

SUBMIT PHOTOS BY EMAIL photos@lazoo.org

RIGHT PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Chimpanzee by ARTHUR BOHLMANN; Aldabra tortoise by ALYSSA TAYCO; howler monkey by DEBORA SUTERKO; Indian gharial by BRIAN CALDERON; Grevy’s zebra by ELAINE DOUGLAS

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MEMBER PHOTO GALLERY

m

IN

ZOO-M IN

The Eyes Have It

SUB MIT YOUR PHOTOS

Courtney Marsell and her boyfriend have been GLAZA members since 2021, visiting the Zoo at least three to four times a month. “We love it there,” she enthuses. One of the couple’s must-see species is the redlegged seriema. “They are such cool and beautiful birds,” she says of the Zoo’s resident pair, George and Audrey. “What caught my eye was the vibrant blue patch around their eyes and their long eyelashes. We make a point to visit them every time.”

To be considered for inclusion in future installments of Zoom-In, submit your best images taken at the L.A. Zoo. No more than two images per member per month, please.

Include your name in the file name for each photograph (e.g., Giraffe-John Smith). Do not send images that include people unless you will be able to provide a signed release from all parties pictured in the event your photo is selected for publication. If there’s a special story behind the photo, let us know!

LEFT PAGE The seriema is one of the largest terrestrial birds in South America. It rarely takes flight, preferring to walk in search of food.

Photo by COURTNEY MARSELL

SUBMIT PHOTOS BY EMAIL photos@lazoo.org

RIGHT PAGE CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Chimpanzee by ARTHUR BOHLMANN; Aldabra tortoise by ALYSSA TAYCO; howler monkey by DEBORA SUTERKO; Indian gharial by BRIAN CALDERON; Grevy’s zebra by ELAINE DOUGLAS

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ROSE LEGATO

JAMIE PHAM

TION S A V R E CONS LOCATION osaotter R als TRANS : Giant m

f Mam P LEFT OM TO o; Curator o send-off; R F E ’s WIS s Zo CLOCK Los Angele rsees Rosario hed; e e ig h v t e o t i w a t rio 24 is gs men ce Scli or chick LA8 oo-bred fro Z Canda d e n s o a c rele nia Califor s prepare to t is g . t lo bio bita tive ha into na

JAMIE PHAM

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by BRENDA SCOTT ROYCE

IAN RECCHIO

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limbing into a specially designed shipping crate may have been one small step for Rosario—an eight-yearold giant otter born and reared at the L.A. Zoo—but the ensuing two-day trip to Argentina was one giant leap for her kind. Giant otters disappeared from Argentina decades ago, and aside from a few isolated sightings, the species is considered functionally extinct there. As part of an effort to restore the species to the country, Rosario was selected to take part in a breeding and reintroduction program led by Rewilding Argentina, an Argentine nonprofit dedicated to ecosystem restoration.

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DEFINITION The terms “reintroduction” and “translocation” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Translocation is an umbrella term for the movement of animals for the benefit of species’ conservation.

Reintroduction—returning a species to a region from which it has disappeared—is one type of conservation translocation.

ZO O V I E W

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ROSE LEGATO

JAMIE PHAM

TION S A V R E CONS LOCATION osaotter R als TRANS : Giant m

f Mam P LEFT OM TO o; Curator o send-off; R F E ’s WIS s Zo CLOCK Los Angele rsees Rosario hed; e e ig h v t e o t i w a t rio 24 is gs men ce Scli or chick LA8 oo-bred fro Z Canda d e n s o a c rele nia Califor s prepare to t is g . t lo bio bita tive ha into na

JAMIE PHAM

ZO O V I E W

C

by BRENDA SCOTT ROYCE

IAN RECCHIO

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PRECIOUS CARGO

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limbing into a specially designed shipping crate may have been one small step for Rosario—an eight-yearold giant otter born and reared at the L.A. Zoo—but the ensuing two-day trip to Argentina was one giant leap for her kind. Giant otters disappeared from Argentina decades ago, and aside from a few isolated sightings, the species is considered functionally extinct there. As part of an effort to restore the species to the country, Rosario was selected to take part in a breeding and reintroduction program led by Rewilding Argentina, an Argentine nonprofit dedicated to ecosystem restoration.

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DEFINITION The terms “reintroduction” and “translocation” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Translocation is an umbrella term for the movement of animals for the benefit of species’ conservation.

Reintroduction—returning a species to a region from which it has disappeared—is one type of conservation translocation.

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Rosario’s mid-May move made history on many fronts, says Sebastián Di Martino, Conservation Director for Rewilding Argentina. “It’s the first time in history that humans are reintroducing the giant otter and the first time an extinct mammal is being reintroduced in Argentina. Further, Rosario is the first animal from the United States that we are incorporating into a reintroduction project led by Rewilding Argentina. International cooperation is crucial to carry out such an ambitious project. Thus, the L.A. Zoo’s involvement in this initiative is genuinely thrilling.”

All animal transfers are logistically complex, but international moves involve “a whole other universe of complication,” says Director of Animal Programs Beth Schaefer.

Years of careful planning, permitting, and other paperwork went into the trip—beginning with the decision of which otter would make the journey. Curator of Mammals Candace

Sclimenti, who also serves as the giant otter program leader for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, worked with the species’ studbook manager and a population genetics advisor to identify Rosario as the best candidate.

In December 2022, L.A. Zoo Director of Conservation Dr. Jake Owens traveled to Argentina’s Iberá National Park to visit the proposed release site and meet some of the project partners. Owens, who serves on the Conservation Translocation Specialist Group for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), wanted to ensure that the site met IUCN requirements—and the Zoo’s standards of care. “We don’t want to just send a giant otter down there and call it a day,” Owens says. “We want to contribute to increasing their chances of success.”

Once the site was approved and all the red tape ironed out, a pre-ship veterinary exam determined that Rosario

was healthy for travel, and she departed Los Angeles in the company of Senior Animal Keeper Samantha Derman and Curator Rose Legato. Rosario was a trooper throughout the trip, which involved multiple layovers and a long drive to the final destination. “We were able to check on her throughout the trip, to make sure she was okay and not experiencing any stress,” says Legato. “And she did great.”

Whereas many animals take their time emerging from their transfer crates after a long trip, Rosario didn’t miss a beat, according to Legato. “She came right out and was very inquisitive, quickly exploring and adapting to her new surroundings.” One adjustment involved a shift in diet, as the L.A. Zoo otters dine on different types of fish than are found in Argentina. Once again, Rosario proved unperturbed, gulping down her first native fish—a piranha—with gusto.

Once she completes quarantine, Rosario will be paired

TRANSLOCATION SCRAPBOOK

ANDEAN CONDOR

with a male otter from a European zoo—and their anticipated offspring will be candidates for release into the wild.

A HISTORY OF HELPING

Rosario’s trip is just the latest example of the Zoo’s involvement in conservation translocations. Early issues of this magazine, which debuted in 1965, detail our pioneering efforts to breed Arabian oryx—and later California condors— for release to the wild. Working with partners, the L.A. Zoo has since helped many species rebound from the brink of extinction.

“The Los Angeles Zoo has been a globally recognized leader in conservation for decades,” says Owens. “That’s primarily due to our leadership in conservation translocations for the California condor, which is one of the most notable and well-known success stories in conservation.” Our work

TRANSLOCATION SCRAPBOOK

ARABIAN ORYX

PENINSULAR PRONGHORN

CALIFORNIA CONDOR

GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

MOUNTAIN BONGO

In the early 1980s, the California condor’s extinction seemed inevitable. But thanks to collaborative conservation efforts, the world population has climbed to more than 550 individuals (from an all-time low of about 22). The Los Angeles Zoo has been integral to the species’ recovery, developing pioneering breeding techniques, providing medical care for ill and injured wild birds, assisting with field work, and much more. We became the first zoo to house this species when a starving fledgling was brought to us by wildlife officials in 1967. That bird—Topatopa—ended up being the most genetically valuable condor on the planet and the program’s most prolific breeder. To date, 249 condors have hatched at the L.A. Zoo, including a record-breaking 17 in 2024. The first L.A. Zoo-hatched condor released to the wild took flight in 1992. Since then, approximately 200 condors raised here have been released—and at least 11 are slated for release this summer.

In December 1989, a family of golden lion tamarins from the Los Angeles Zoo was released at Poco das Antas Reserve in Brazil. Forty-three institutions participated in the reintroduction program, which released a total of 146 zoo-born golden lion tamarins into the wild between 1984 and 2001. With dwindling wild populations augmented by zoo-bred tamarins, the species’ status was upgraded from critically endangered to endangered in 2003. Today, it is estimated that three-quarters of the current wild population are descendants of translocated zoo tamarins.

In January 2004, a group of 18 zoo-bred mountain bongos (including a female from the Los Angeles Zoo) were flown to the Mount Kenya Game Ranch in Africa. “These individuals represented the greatest hope for the mountain bongo’s population recovery,” according to the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

While the species all but vanished from Kenya, the repatriated bongos became founders for a breeding colony, which grew to about 400 individuals. In 2022, descendants of the original 18 were released into the wild.

Photo by CHARLIE MOREY

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

(AKA BERRENDO) The Zoo’s first Arabian oryx arrived in 1967. Once widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, the species had been hunted to near extinction, and captive breeding was its last hope for survival. Over the years, 129 oryx were born here. In 1978—six years after the last remaining wild oryx was shot—the Zoo transported eight individuals to a reserve in Israel.

It was the first of many such efforts undertaken by zoos (including San Diego and Phoenix) to return the species to its homeland. L.A. Zoo-born oryx were later reintroduced to Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

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Photo by JAMIE PHAM

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Arabia

More than 20 years ago, the L.A. Zoo joined the Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project, a joint effort of the Mexican government, the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, and several zoos. In addition to providing field assistance and financial support, the L.A. Zoo imported a group of pronghorn to establish a U.S. breeding program, with 55 fawns born at the Zoo so far. In 2021, Zoo staff traveled to Baja California Sur, Mexico, to participate in the first-ever release of collared pronghorn to the wild.

r

Not many people know the role the Andean condor played in saving its California cousin. Prior to releasing California condors, experimental releases were conducted using the less rare Andean condor.

Dr. Mike Wallace, then Curator of Birds for the L.A. Zoo, spearheaded the program, which temporarily released zoo-hatched Andean condors into the Los Padres National Forest. Monitoring these birds allowed biologists to assess and refine rearing techniques and release protocols, setting the stage for future success.

In 1989, the Andean condor itself needed help in its native Colombia. Despite being the country’s national bird, it had all but disappeared there. Andean condors from L.A., San Diego, and other zoos were translocated to Colombia for release to their native skies. These and successive zoo-led releases are helping the Andean condor defy extinction.

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Rosario’s mid-May move made history on many fronts, says Sebastián Di Martino, Conservation Director for Rewilding Argentina. “It’s the first time in history that humans are reintroducing the giant otter and the first time an extinct mammal is being reintroduced in Argentina. Further, Rosario is the first animal from the United States that we are incorporating into a reintroduction project led by Rewilding Argentina. International cooperation is crucial to carry out such an ambitious project. Thus, the L.A. Zoo’s involvement in this initiative is genuinely thrilling.”

All animal transfers are logistically complex, but international moves involve “a whole other universe of complication,” says Director of Animal Programs Beth Schaefer.

Years of careful planning, permitting, and other paperwork went into the trip—beginning with the decision of which otter would make the journey. Curator of Mammals Candace

Sclimenti, who also serves as the giant otter program leader for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, worked with the species’ studbook manager and a population genetics advisor to identify Rosario as the best candidate.

In December 2022, L.A. Zoo Director of Conservation Dr. Jake Owens traveled to Argentina’s Iberá National Park to visit the proposed release site and meet some of the project partners. Owens, who serves on the Conservation Translocation Specialist Group for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), wanted to ensure that the site met IUCN requirements—and the Zoo’s standards of care. “We don’t want to just send a giant otter down there and call it a day,” Owens says. “We want to contribute to increasing their chances of success.”

Once the site was approved and all the red tape ironed out, a pre-ship veterinary exam determined that Rosario

was healthy for travel, and she departed Los Angeles in the company of Senior Animal Keeper Samantha Derman and Curator Rose Legato. Rosario was a trooper throughout the trip, which involved multiple layovers and a long drive to the final destination. “We were able to check on her throughout the trip, to make sure she was okay and not experiencing any stress,” says Legato. “And she did great.”

Whereas many animals take their time emerging from their transfer crates after a long trip, Rosario didn’t miss a beat, according to Legato. “She came right out and was very inquisitive, quickly exploring and adapting to her new surroundings.” One adjustment involved a shift in diet, as the L.A. Zoo otters dine on different types of fish than are found in Argentina. Once again, Rosario proved unperturbed, gulping down her first native fish—a piranha—with gusto.

Once she completes quarantine, Rosario will be paired

TRANSLOCATION SCRAPBOOK

ANDEAN CONDOR

with a male otter from a European zoo—and their anticipated offspring will be candidates for release into the wild.

A HISTORY OF HELPING

Rosario’s trip is just the latest example of the Zoo’s involvement in conservation translocations. Early issues of this magazine, which debuted in 1965, detail our pioneering efforts to breed Arabian oryx—and later California condors— for release to the wild. Working with partners, the L.A. Zoo has since helped many species rebound from the brink of extinction.

“The Los Angeles Zoo has been a globally recognized leader in conservation for decades,” says Owens. “That’s primarily due to our leadership in conservation translocations for the California condor, which is one of the most notable and well-known success stories in conservation.” Our work

TRANSLOCATION SCRAPBOOK

ARABIAN ORYX

PENINSULAR PRONGHORN

CALIFORNIA CONDOR

GOLDEN LION TAMARIN

MOUNTAIN BONGO

In the early 1980s, the California condor’s extinction seemed inevitable. But thanks to collaborative conservation efforts, the world population has climbed to more than 550 individuals (from an all-time low of about 22). The Los Angeles Zoo has been integral to the species’ recovery, developing pioneering breeding techniques, providing medical care for ill and injured wild birds, assisting with field work, and much more. We became the first zoo to house this species when a starving fledgling was brought to us by wildlife officials in 1967. That bird—Topatopa—ended up being the most genetically valuable condor on the planet and the program’s most prolific breeder. To date, 249 condors have hatched at the L.A. Zoo, including a record-breaking 17 in 2024. The first L.A. Zoo-hatched condor released to the wild took flight in 1992. Since then, approximately 200 condors raised here have been released—and at least 11 are slated for release this summer.

In December 1989, a family of golden lion tamarins from the Los Angeles Zoo was released at Poco das Antas Reserve in Brazil. Forty-three institutions participated in the reintroduction program, which released a total of 146 zoo-born golden lion tamarins into the wild between 1984 and 2001. With dwindling wild populations augmented by zoo-bred tamarins, the species’ status was upgraded from critically endangered to endangered in 2003. Today, it is estimated that three-quarters of the current wild population are descendants of translocated zoo tamarins.

In January 2004, a group of 18 zoo-bred mountain bongos (including a female from the Los Angeles Zoo) were flown to the Mount Kenya Game Ranch in Africa. “These individuals represented the greatest hope for the mountain bongo’s population recovery,” according to the Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy.

While the species all but vanished from Kenya, the repatriated bongos became founders for a breeding colony, which grew to about 400 individuals. In 2022, descendants of the original 18 were released into the wild.

Photo by CHARLIE MOREY

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

(AKA BERRENDO) The Zoo’s first Arabian oryx arrived in 1967. Once widespread across the Arabian Peninsula, the species had been hunted to near extinction, and captive breeding was its last hope for survival. Over the years, 129 oryx were born here. In 1978—six years after the last remaining wild oryx was shot—the Zoo transported eight individuals to a reserve in Israel.

It was the first of many such efforts undertaken by zoos (including San Diego and Phoenix) to return the species to its homeland. L.A. Zoo-born oryx were later reintroduced to Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

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Photo by JAMIE PHAM

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SU MME R 2024

SU MME R 2024

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Arabia

More than 20 years ago, the L.A. Zoo joined the Peninsular Pronghorn Recovery Project, a joint effort of the Mexican government, the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, and several zoos. In addition to providing field assistance and financial support, the L.A. Zoo imported a group of pronghorn to establish a U.S. breeding program, with 55 fawns born at the Zoo so far. In 2021, Zoo staff traveled to Baja California Sur, Mexico, to participate in the first-ever release of collared pronghorn to the wild.

r

Not many people know the role the Andean condor played in saving its California cousin. Prior to releasing California condors, experimental releases were conducted using the less rare Andean condor.

Dr. Mike Wallace, then Curator of Birds for the L.A. Zoo, spearheaded the program, which temporarily released zoo-hatched Andean condors into the Los Padres National Forest. Monitoring these birds allowed biologists to assess and refine rearing techniques and release protocols, setting the stage for future success.

In 1989, the Andean condor itself needed help in its native Colombia. Despite being the country’s national bird, it had all but disappeared there. Andean condors from L.A., San Diego, and other zoos were translocated to Colombia for release to their native skies. These and successive zoo-led releases are helping the Andean condor defy extinction.

ZO O V I E W

11

GRANT SUPPORT

In May, funding from the Zoo’s Montgomery Advanced Field Studies Grant enabled Animal Keeper Mike Bona to

travel to Africa to assist Giraffe Conservation Foundation with the translocation of 13 Angolan giraffes from Namibia to Angola—where the species had gone locally extinct.

“These are Angolan giraffes, named after the country, yet they’ve been absent from that country for decades,” Bona says, citing civil unrest, poaching, and habitat loss as the chief reasons for their decline. “But the political climate has stabilized, and there’ve been assessments done to assure that returning the species to Angola would be a safe venture.

So, now giraffes are back in Angola, and it was very exciting to play a small part in that.” Bona brought two decades of giraffe care experience to the field—and returned with a renewed vigor for spreading the Zoo’s conservation message.

Funding from the Zoo’s conservation grant program has also supported reintroduction of the world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander, in Shaanxi Province,

TRANSLOCATION SCRAPBOOK

SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN

BALI MYNA

THICK-BILLED PARROT

In the 1980s, the L.A. Zoo was the staging point of a widespread effort to send Bali mynas from U.S. zoos to Indonesia to begin a breeding program, with resulting chicks released to the wild. The Zoo is a longtime participant in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for this critically endangered species.

This colorful species once ranged into Arizona and New Mexico, but by the 1930s, it had disappeared from the U.S., and remaining populations in Mexico were threatened by logging and the illegal pet trade.

Efforts were made to translocate birds confiscated from smugglers to Arizona to reestablish the species there. L.A. Zoo staff provided veterinary support and assisted in the early releases.

YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (SMYLF)

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

Th

Photo by TAD MOTOYAMA

-billed Parrot ic k

The southern mountain yellow-legged frog was once widespread in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Due primarily to wildfires, non-native predators, disease, and drought, populations severely declined. In 2007, the L.A. Zoo signed on to participate in a conservation project that is a joint effort of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other partners. After fine-tuning its facilities and techniques, Zoo staff achieved tremendous success breeding these endangered frogs.

To date, more than 6,000 L.A. Zoo-bred offspring have been released into portions of their historic habitat.

We’ve also transferred several hundred tadpoles to the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Santa Ana Zoo to raise to adulthood, head-starting them for future release.

SMYL

F

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

Bali

12

ZO O V I E W

Myna

S U MME R 2024

China, and African grey parrot rehabilitation and release in Cameroon.

ON THE HORIZON

Zoo staff have been busy laying the groundwork for additional translocations.

In her role as co-chair of the Animal Care & Welfare Advisory Group for GRACE Gorillas, Schaefer shares that GRACE has been making great strides toward a planned re-release of rescued Grauer’s gorillas to wild forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. GRACE—the world’s only sanctuary for rescued Grauer’s gorillas—is a valued and long-standing conservation partner of the Zoo. Great ape reintroductions are complex and rare, so Schaefer calls the anticipated move “stunningly exciting.”

The Zoo recently signed on to a recovery program for the New Mexican ridgenosed rattlesnake spearheaded by herpetologist Dr. Andrew Holycross. A federally endangered species, this snake has nearly disappeared from the U.S., but a healthy wild population persists in Mexico. L.A. Zoo Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians Ian Recchio once searched for the snake in its mountainous New Mexican range.

“They’re gorgeous snakes, and I wanted to photograph one in the wild. I consider myself a pretty good rattlesnake finder, but I spent all day looking and never found one. They’re super rare.”

Soon, Recchio may get his wish. Once the permits are in place, an L.A. Zoo team will help collect wild specimens in Mexico.

Some of those snakes will be brought here to serve as founders for a new breeding program. The ultimate goal is to release offspring into parts of its historic U.S. range.

Recchio notes that while drought and climate change contributed to this snake’s decline in the U.S., there are some areas where habitat has improved. “In the southwest, we’re getting some relief from the drought, so that will help.” He adds that ongoing research into the snake’s habitat preference and ecological niche will guide decision-making, so that when releases ultimately take place, “we will be setting them up for success.”

SU MME R 2024

One Enchanted Evening

JAMIE PHAM

to restore mountain yellow-legged frogs and peninsular pronghorn populations also date back decades. “Translocation is not only part of our history, but also an incredibly important tool in species recovery.”

Zoos are uniquely suited to the challenges involved in conservation translocation, Owens adds. “There’s nobody that’s better suited to breeding healthy populations of animals that can potentially be returned to the wild—either to start new populations where they used to exist, or to augment populations that are too small or that lack genetic diversity—and give them a strong long-term outlook for survival.”

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

THE 2024 BEASTLY BALL, HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 1, WAS A STELLAR SUCCESS! The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s annual gala raised an amazing $1.25 million—including more than $60,000 for direct conservation and community empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The event paid tribute to GLAZA trustee Esther S. M. Chui-Chao and the Angela Collier Foundation (represented by its president, Mohammad Virani) for their combined 55 years of support for GLAZA and the Zoo. Returning for a fifth year as emcee, actor, comedian, and television host Joel McHale kept the program rolling with his lighthearted banter, and a rousing paddle raise benefiting the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation

Education (GRACE) Center in the DRC ended the program in a spectacular fashion. A valued conservation partner of the L.A. Zoo, GRACE’s mission is to care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas and work alongside Congolese communities to promote the conservation of wild gorillas and their habitat.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, donated, or participated in the silent auction, as well as GLAZA’s board of trustees, and the staff and volunteers who helped make the event such a success. GLAZA Interim President Dawn Petersen-Amend remarks, “It was a very special and meaningful night celebrating the L.A. Zoo’s achievements in animal care, conservation, education, and more—while honoring those who help make them possible.”

Special thanks to the 2024 Beastly Ball Committee Courtney Appell, Shainaz Donnelly Burg, Wendy Denham, M.D., Brian Diamond, Robert J. Ellis, Sam Enoch, Brian Hodous, Dawn Petersen-Amend, GLAZA Interim President, Erika Aronson Stern, Franco Terango, Denise M. Verret, Los Angeles Zoo CEO and Zoo Director, Jennifer Thornton Wieland

ZO O V I E W

13

GRANT SUPPORT

In May, funding from the Zoo’s Montgomery Advanced Field Studies Grant enabled Animal Keeper Mike Bona to

travel to Africa to assist Giraffe Conservation Foundation with the translocation of 13 Angolan giraffes from Namibia to Angola—where the species had gone locally extinct.

“These are Angolan giraffes, named after the country, yet they’ve been absent from that country for decades,” Bona says, citing civil unrest, poaching, and habitat loss as the chief reasons for their decline. “But the political climate has stabilized, and there’ve been assessments done to assure that returning the species to Angola would be a safe venture.

So, now giraffes are back in Angola, and it was very exciting to play a small part in that.” Bona brought two decades of giraffe care experience to the field—and returned with a renewed vigor for spreading the Zoo’s conservation message.

Funding from the Zoo’s conservation grant program has also supported reintroduction of the world’s largest amphibian, the Chinese giant salamander, in Shaanxi Province,

TRANSLOCATION SCRAPBOOK

SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN

BALI MYNA

THICK-BILLED PARROT

In the 1980s, the L.A. Zoo was the staging point of a widespread effort to send Bali mynas from U.S. zoos to Indonesia to begin a breeding program, with resulting chicks released to the wild. The Zoo is a longtime participant in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for this critically endangered species.

This colorful species once ranged into Arizona and New Mexico, but by the 1930s, it had disappeared from the U.S., and remaining populations in Mexico were threatened by logging and the illegal pet trade.

Efforts were made to translocate birds confiscated from smugglers to Arizona to reestablish the species there. L.A. Zoo staff provided veterinary support and assisted in the early releases.

YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (SMYLF)

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

Th

Photo by TAD MOTOYAMA

-billed Parrot ic k

The southern mountain yellow-legged frog was once widespread in the San Gabriel, San Bernardino, San Jacinto, and southern Sierra Nevada mountains. Due primarily to wildfires, non-native predators, disease, and drought, populations severely declined. In 2007, the L.A. Zoo signed on to participate in a conservation project that is a joint effort of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other partners. After fine-tuning its facilities and techniques, Zoo staff achieved tremendous success breeding these endangered frogs.

To date, more than 6,000 L.A. Zoo-bred offspring have been released into portions of their historic habitat.

We’ve also transferred several hundred tadpoles to the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Santa Ana Zoo to raise to adulthood, head-starting them for future release.

SMYL

F

Photo by JAMIE PHAM

Bali

12

ZO O V I E W

Myna

S U MME R 2024

China, and African grey parrot rehabilitation and release in Cameroon.

ON THE HORIZON

Zoo staff have been busy laying the groundwork for additional translocations.

In her role as co-chair of the Animal Care & Welfare Advisory Group for GRACE Gorillas, Schaefer shares that GRACE has been making great strides toward a planned re-release of rescued Grauer’s gorillas to wild forests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. GRACE—the world’s only sanctuary for rescued Grauer’s gorillas—is a valued and long-standing conservation partner of the Zoo. Great ape reintroductions are complex and rare, so Schaefer calls the anticipated move “stunningly exciting.”

The Zoo recently signed on to a recovery program for the New Mexican ridgenosed rattlesnake spearheaded by herpetologist Dr. Andrew Holycross. A federally endangered species, this snake has nearly disappeared from the U.S., but a healthy wild population persists in Mexico. L.A. Zoo Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians Ian Recchio once searched for the snake in its mountainous New Mexican range.

“They’re gorgeous snakes, and I wanted to photograph one in the wild. I consider myself a pretty good rattlesnake finder, but I spent all day looking and never found one. They’re super rare.”

Soon, Recchio may get his wish. Once the permits are in place, an L.A. Zoo team will help collect wild specimens in Mexico.

Some of those snakes will be brought here to serve as founders for a new breeding program. The ultimate goal is to release offspring into parts of its historic U.S. range.

Recchio notes that while drought and climate change contributed to this snake’s decline in the U.S., there are some areas where habitat has improved. “In the southwest, we’re getting some relief from the drought, so that will help.” He adds that ongoing research into the snake’s habitat preference and ecological niche will guide decision-making, so that when releases ultimately take place, “we will be setting them up for success.”

SU MME R 2024

One Enchanted Evening

JAMIE PHAM

to restore mountain yellow-legged frogs and peninsular pronghorn populations also date back decades. “Translocation is not only part of our history, but also an incredibly important tool in species recovery.”

Zoos are uniquely suited to the challenges involved in conservation translocation, Owens adds. “There’s nobody that’s better suited to breeding healthy populations of animals that can potentially be returned to the wild—either to start new populations where they used to exist, or to augment populations that are too small or that lack genetic diversity—and give them a strong long-term outlook for survival.”

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

THE 2024 BEASTLY BALL, HELD ON SATURDAY, JUNE 1, WAS A STELLAR SUCCESS! The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association’s annual gala raised an amazing $1.25 million—including more than $60,000 for direct conservation and community empowerment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The event paid tribute to GLAZA trustee Esther S. M. Chui-Chao and the Angela Collier Foundation (represented by its president, Mohammad Virani) for their combined 55 years of support for GLAZA and the Zoo. Returning for a fifth year as emcee, actor, comedian, and television host Joel McHale kept the program rolling with his lighthearted banter, and a rousing paddle raise benefiting the Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation

Education (GRACE) Center in the DRC ended the program in a spectacular fashion. A valued conservation partner of the L.A. Zoo, GRACE’s mission is to care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas and work alongside Congolese communities to promote the conservation of wild gorillas and their habitat.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, donated, or participated in the silent auction, as well as GLAZA’s board of trustees, and the staff and volunteers who helped make the event such a success. GLAZA Interim President Dawn Petersen-Amend remarks, “It was a very special and meaningful night celebrating the L.A. Zoo’s achievements in animal care, conservation, education, and more—while honoring those who help make them possible.”

Special thanks to the 2024 Beastly Ball Committee Courtney Appell, Shainaz Donnelly Burg, Wendy Denham, M.D., Brian Diamond, Robert J. Ellis, Sam Enoch, Brian Hodous, Dawn Petersen-Amend, GLAZA Interim President, Erika Aronson Stern, Franco Terango, Denise M. Verret, Los Angeles Zoo CEO and Zoo Director, Jennifer Thornton Wieland

ZO O V I E W

13

ANNA BECKER

Explore, Empower, Engage Teen leaders build community at the Zoo

by CARL MYERS Communications Director, L.A. Zoo

“You see people come in during the first meeting not knowing anybody, kind of timid,” shares Alan Ruiz, a student mentor in the L.A. Zoo’s Teen Council for Conservation (TCC), a community conservation program co-designed with youth that is now in its second year. “Then they come out of it feeling comfortable and part of the group.” The sense of community and belonging is not an accident—it’s a testament to the inclusive environment fostered by the TCC.

F 14

or its members, the Council is more than just a program—it’s a catalyst for change, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive conservation efforts and solutions forward.

ZO O V I E W

The TCC was developed out of the Zoo’s Conservation Strategic Plan to drive impactful social and environmental change by resourcing youth communities in Los Angeles, where nearly onethird of the City’s four million residents

are under the age of 24. Those numbers mean engaging our city’s youth is crucial, given that youth are key actors in implementing change—including change for a healthy, just environment—and programs co-designed with youth commu-

S U MME R 2024

nities are more likely to be effective and have a greater impact.

After serving as a council member in the TCC’s inaugural year, Ruiz transitioned to serving as a mentor, along with Mia Moore-Walker and Yajayra Figueroa.

As the 2024 season was wrapping up, the three members-turned-mentors shared their reflections on the program’s impact.

For Alan, the TCC was a transformative experience that aligned with his evolving interests. “When I first joined, I was starting to think about what I wanted to do. Zoology, animals, and nature were always passions of mine, but I didn’t know much about the conservation field,” he recalls. Through the TCC, he gained exposure to the diverse aspects and careers of conservation. “This was an excellent opportunity for me to get exposure to what was out there.” Alan is now leaning toward a STEM career in math and acknowledges the significant role TCC played in this development.

Like Alan, Mia joined the TCC as a high school junior. “I was just realizing that I wanted to be involved in zoology, ecology, and conservation, but at the time, I didn’t even know what conservation meant,” she explains. The TCC provided her with a deeper understanding of conservation and showed her that there is space for everyone in the field.

Meeting diverse professionals and peers helped Mia see the broad spectrum of opportunities. “It showed me that conservation isn’t just hiking in the trees or being a professor. There are so many different routes and diverse people represented in all of these careers.”

This realization has empowered her to delve deeper into ecology and evolution, knowing she has a supportive community behind her. “I feel like I found a family at the Zoo,” she says.

Yajayra’s involvement in the TCC reinforced her commitment to integrating social justice with environmental advocacy. “It allowed me to grow an interest in conservation that has to do with animal care and social justice,” Yajayra explains. She emphasizes the importance of bringing conservation education to communities and

SU MME R 2024

creating sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. More importantly, over these last two years, Yajayra found her voice, and she plans to use it to advocate for more urban green spaces in Los Angeles.

Living in downtown Los Angeles, Yajayra is particularly passionate about land usage. She believes that transforming underutilized spaces into gardens and habitats can significantly enhance urban biodiversity and provide educational opportunities. “I think more should be done to create green areas and places that people can go to and pick produce or enjoy nature.”

In addition to the mentors, this year’s Council includes 27 new members from nearly every Los Angeles City Council District. Such diverse representation ensures that many voices within the city are heard and included as the Council unites youth in Los Angeles and creates a supportive network that encourages leadership development and drives social and environmental action.

As they prepare to pass the torch to the next cohort, Alan, Mia, and Yajayra have valuable advice for future Teen Council for Conservation members.

“Jump in. Make friends. It’s great to have your own opinions, but it’s even better to be in a safe space where you can share them and collaborate,” Alan advises. Mia encourages new members to embrace the experience fully. “Enjoy being around people who care about what you care about,” she says. Yajayra emphasizes the importance of curiosity and engagement.

“Ask so many questions. Take advantage of different resources and make connections with other people. Learn where they’re from and what they care about.”

The profound impact of the TCC on young minds is evident through the experiences of Alan, Mia, and Yajayra, all of whom plan to return to the Zoo as part of its Paid Internship Program to continue growing in the conservation field. As they look to the future, their stories will inspire countless others to join the Zoo in working toward its vision of creating a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together.

EXPLORE

Catalina Island served as a living classroom during a TCC field trip.

Photo by ANNA BECKER

EMPOWER

Mia and the other mentors mastered and modeled leadership skills.

Photo by ANNA BECKER

ENGAGE

Firsthand experiences in nature can spark a commitment to conservation.

Photo by ANNA BECKER

ZO O V I E W

15

ANNA BECKER

Explore, Empower, Engage Teen leaders build community at the Zoo

by CARL MYERS Communications Director, L.A. Zoo

“You see people come in during the first meeting not knowing anybody, kind of timid,” shares Alan Ruiz, a student mentor in the L.A. Zoo’s Teen Council for Conservation (TCC), a community conservation program co-designed with youth that is now in its second year. “Then they come out of it feeling comfortable and part of the group.” The sense of community and belonging is not an accident—it’s a testament to the inclusive environment fostered by the TCC.

F 14

or its members, the Council is more than just a program—it’s a catalyst for change, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and passion to drive conservation efforts and solutions forward.

ZO O V I E W

The TCC was developed out of the Zoo’s Conservation Strategic Plan to drive impactful social and environmental change by resourcing youth communities in Los Angeles, where nearly onethird of the City’s four million residents

are under the age of 24. Those numbers mean engaging our city’s youth is crucial, given that youth are key actors in implementing change—including change for a healthy, just environment—and programs co-designed with youth commu-

S U MME R 2024

nities are more likely to be effective and have a greater impact.

After serving as a council member in the TCC’s inaugural year, Ruiz transitioned to serving as a mentor, along with Mia Moore-Walker and Yajayra Figueroa.

As the 2024 season was wrapping up, the three members-turned-mentors shared their reflections on the program’s impact.

For Alan, the TCC was a transformative experience that aligned with his evolving interests. “When I first joined, I was starting to think about what I wanted to do. Zoology, animals, and nature were always passions of mine, but I didn’t know much about the conservation field,” he recalls. Through the TCC, he gained exposure to the diverse aspects and careers of conservation. “This was an excellent opportunity for me to get exposure to what was out there.” Alan is now leaning toward a STEM career in math and acknowledges the significant role TCC played in this development.

Like Alan, Mia joined the TCC as a high school junior. “I was just realizing that I wanted to be involved in zoology, ecology, and conservation, but at the time, I didn’t even know what conservation meant,” she explains. The TCC provided her with a deeper understanding of conservation and showed her that there is space for everyone in the field.

Meeting diverse professionals and peers helped Mia see the broad spectrum of opportunities. “It showed me that conservation isn’t just hiking in the trees or being a professor. There are so many different routes and diverse people represented in all of these careers.”

This realization has empowered her to delve deeper into ecology and evolution, knowing she has a supportive community behind her. “I feel like I found a family at the Zoo,” she says.

Yajayra’s involvement in the TCC reinforced her commitment to integrating social justice with environmental advocacy. “It allowed me to grow an interest in conservation that has to do with animal care and social justice,” Yajayra explains. She emphasizes the importance of bringing conservation education to communities and

SU MME R 2024

creating sustainable solutions that benefit everyone. More importantly, over these last two years, Yajayra found her voice, and she plans to use it to advocate for more urban green spaces in Los Angeles.

Living in downtown Los Angeles, Yajayra is particularly passionate about land usage. She believes that transforming underutilized spaces into gardens and habitats can significantly enhance urban biodiversity and provide educational opportunities. “I think more should be done to create green areas and places that people can go to and pick produce or enjoy nature.”

In addition to the mentors, this year’s Council includes 27 new members from nearly every Los Angeles City Council District. Such diverse representation ensures that many voices within the city are heard and included as the Council unites youth in Los Angeles and creates a supportive network that encourages leadership development and drives social and environmental action.

As they prepare to pass the torch to the next cohort, Alan, Mia, and Yajayra have valuable advice for future Teen Council for Conservation members.

“Jump in. Make friends. It’s great to have your own opinions, but it’s even better to be in a safe space where you can share them and collaborate,” Alan advises. Mia encourages new members to embrace the experience fully. “Enjoy being around people who care about what you care about,” she says. Yajayra emphasizes the importance of curiosity and engagement.

“Ask so many questions. Take advantage of different resources and make connections with other people. Learn where they’re from and what they care about.”

The profound impact of the TCC on young minds is evident through the experiences of Alan, Mia, and Yajayra, all of whom plan to return to the Zoo as part of its Paid Internship Program to continue growing in the conservation field. As they look to the future, their stories will inspire countless others to join the Zoo in working toward its vision of creating a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together.

EXPLORE

Catalina Island served as a living classroom during a TCC field trip.

Photo by ANNA BECKER

EMPOWER

Mia and the other mentors mastered and modeled leadership skills.

Photo by ANNA BECKER

ENGAGE

Firsthand experiences in nature can spark a commitment to conservation.

Photo by ANNA BECKER

ZO O V I E W

15

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Wild Nights Await This Summer!

There’s a summer event for everyone at the L.A. Zoo! For guests 21 and older, Brew at the L.A. Zoo: A Sip & Stroll Event (August 3) and Roaring Nights: Totally ‘80s (September 14) offer afterhours tasting and musical adventures. At the all-ages Zoo Friday Nights starting August 9, families and zoo lovers of all ages can experience the magic of the zoo at twilight. Don’t miss these unforgettable evenings filled with wildlife, entertainment, and fun!

For tickets and details, visit lazoo.org/specialexperiences

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