UPROAR, 2019 Spring

UPROAR SPRING 2019 • PUBLISHED BY THE POTAWATOMI ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Painted Dogs pg. 6

Zoo Volunteers pg. 8

Field Trip Scholarships pg. 10

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UPROAR FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Marcy Dean Executive Director

We’re continuing to work toward our goal of having a state-of-the art facility that helps our community learn, grow, and be inspired while offering our animals a superior quality of life.

We know coming to the Zoo might be more of a challenge this year, but we hope you join us to see how we progress. The work we’re doing is more than just bricks and mortar: it’s a stepping stone into the Potawatomi Zoo of the future.

And we couldn’t do it without support from the staff, donors, community partners, and members like you. Thank you!

A POTAWATOMI ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS

Editor: Kristina Barroso Burrell Photo Credits: Kristina Barroso Burrell Zoo Staff 2019 General Info: Open March 29 – December 1 Open daily from 10 am – 5 pm Last admission at 4:30 pm www.potawatomizoo.org

Departments: Community Outreach: (574) 235-7654 Concessions: (574) 235-5614 Development: (574) 235-7654 Education: (574) 235-7621 Gift Shop: (574) 235-5615 Guest Services: (574) 235-7620 Marketing: (574) 235-7576 Membership: (574) 235-7651 Special Events: (574) 245-6163 Volunteers: (574) 235-9801 Zoo Camps: (574) 235-9070 Zoological Society: (574) 288-4639 Copyright 2019: All rights reserved.

Potawatomi Zoological Society, Inc. Postmaster: Send address changes to P.O. Box 1764 South Bend, IN 46634 (574) 235-9800 The Potawatomi Zoological Society is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization.

Cover Photo: This female Sichuan takin calf was born on February 26. She is already a crowd and zookeeper favorite.

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Welcoming

By Kristina Barroso Burrell Marketing and Communications Manager

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t the beginning of the 20th century it was estimated that over 500,000 rhinos of all species lived throughout the world. Today there are fewer than 30,000 wild rhinos across five subspecies in Africa and Asia. This year, on a recommendation from the White Rhinoceros Species Survival Plan, we are joining the worldwide effort to save the rhinoceros by bringing a male southern white rhino to the Zoo.

Photo Credit: Melly95, Pixabay

There are around

20000 southern white rhinos in the wild.

As a subspecies, white rhinos are considered near-threatened, with around 20,000 animals living across Africa. That may seem like a lot, especially compared to the Sumatran and Javan rhinos, which each have fewer than 80 individuals left in the world, or the greater one-horned and black rhinos, which have around 3500 and 5000 individuals respectively. However, conservation of white rhinos, or any megafauna species, is critical to the protection of a vast and varied ecosystem.

Megafauna are large animals that have significant impact on their ecosystem. Rhinos are one of the few truly giant land megafauna left on the planet. Scientists have found that these animals shape their environment and affect the diversity and population of many other species, from smaller mammals to plants to tiny insects. The loss of a megafauna species can have a devastating effect on the ecosystem, possibly for thousands of years.

Rhinos eat

120

pounds of grass per day.

Poaching and habitat loss are the biggest threat to rhinos around the world, so cooperative preservation efforts between zoos, conservation organizations, and governments in the rhinos’ native regions are essential.

These groups work together to monitor population trends, protect individual herds, and responsibly care for and breed animals in human care to maintain genetically diverse bloodlines with the hope of reintroducing rhinos to the wild.

Simply by bringing a male southern white rhino to the Zoo, we are contributing to rhino preservation. For one thing, it will help other zoos continue rhino breeding programs and artificial insemination research.

But it is just as important for our visitors to experience rhinos in person.

Rhinos are a charismatic and fascinating species. When people see such an amazing animal up close and learn about the importance of rhinos and the role they play in the wild, we hope they will be inspired and share their experience with others. Together, we can all be a part of saving this magnificent species from extinction.

A male rhino can weigh

5000 pounds.

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See the Zoo Overnight The EdZOOcation Department is introducing a new way to view the Potawatomi Zoo: overnight at a Zoo Snooze Sleepover.

Although in the past, groups could book an overnight sleepover, EdZOOcation is now offering two scheduled overnight adventures with after-hours behind-the-scenes experiences, animal encounters, family-friendly activities and more. On Saturday, June 22, the Zoo Snooze Sleepover will focus on nocturnal animals that are most active after dark. On Friday, July 26, Sleepover attendees can experience the tropics and learn more about the animals that call the rainforest home.

Zoo Snooze Sleepovers are $30 per person for members and $35 per person for non-members. Participants are asked to bring their own tents for camping out under the stars safely inside the Zoo grounds.To register, visit www.potawatomizoo.org/ edzoocation/sleepover.

However, even if those dates aren’t convenient, guests can still book a private Zoo Snooze Sleepover on any Friday or Saturday night during the Zoo’s open season (May to November) from 7 pm to 9 am the next day (excluding a few dates with Zoo special events already booked). Zoo Snooze Sleepovers require a minimum of 20 guests. For more information, contact EdZOOcation at (576) 235-7621 or zooeducation@potawatomizoo.org.

New Vet Joins Zoo Staff The Potawatomi Zoo is proud to welcome a new Zoo veterinarian, Audrey Siegrist, DVM. She brings more than 12 years of experience in Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited institutions and is an accomplished welfarecentered animal medical and surgical professional.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Dr. Siegrist on board as our new veterinarian,” says Josh Sisk, director of Animal Programs and Education. “As we continue to modernize the Potawatomi Zoo, animal welfare and health are our top priorities. We look forward to the knowledge and skills Dr. Siegrist brings, and we are excited about our future together.”

Dr. Siegrist grew up in Milwaukee, WI, and received her DVM in 2007 from the University of Wisconsin. She began her career in Tucson, AZ, and quickly distinguished herself as a contract veterinarian for the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum and as the exotic animal veterinarian for several animal hospitals in Tucson. She was even an adjunct professor at Pima Community College. Dr. Siegrist has enjoyed working with some very interesting species, including raptors, bears, and a variety of venomous animals. She is also a USDA-accredited and DEA-licensed veterinarian.

“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Potawatomi Zoo,” says Dr. Siegrist. “This is an exciting opportunity to work with many new and different species, but I admit, I’m especially looking forward to working with the okapis and baby Sichuan takin.”

Dr. Siegrist and her husband are also looking forward to returning to the Midwest to be closer to her family.

They are bringing a menagerie of “fur babies” with them, including horses, dogs, cats, a green iguana, a turtle, and two tarantulas.

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Visitors Enjoy Winter Early 2019 Classes 04/06, 04/09, 04/27, 05/04, 05/07, 05/25 06/01, 06/04, 07/09, 07/13 Tiny Explorers (3-4 year olds) 04/13, 05/11 Junior Naturalists (5-6 year olds) 04/20, 05/18 Future Zoologists (7-9 year olds) 05/12, 05/25 Evening Safari (Deserts) 06/22 Zoo Snooze Sleepover 06/15, 06/23 Evening Safari (Grasslands)

Zoo Camps 04/01 - 04/05 Spring Break Camp (7-9 year olds) 06/10 - 06/14 Junior Naturalists Camp (5-6 year olds) 06/17 - 06/21 Future Zoologists Camp (7-9 year olds) 06/24 - 06/28 Wild Rangers Camp (10-12 year olds) 07/08 - 07/12 Junior Naturalists Camp (5-6 year olds)

Winter Days are an important tradition at the Potawatomi Zoo that gives guests access to the Zoo when it is normally closed for the off-season. Winter Days are free for members and discounted for non-members.

One of the fun features of Winter Days is the craft wristband.

For $5, guests can purchase a wristband that includes a different craft experience each week inside the Learning Center classroom and a souvenir cup with a free drink from concessions.

There is also a bake sale inside the Learning Center each week, with proceeds benefiting different areas of the Zoo, such as volunteer and keeper projects.

There were four Winter Days scheduled in 2019, but the first was canceled due to weather issues. However, the other three days (February 2, February 15, and March 2), proceeded with no issues.

07/15 - 07/19 Future Zoologists Camp (7-9 year olds) To register for EdZOOcation camp or classes, visit www.potawatomizoo.org/edzoocation

Animal Celebration Days* 04/20 Earth Day 05/18 Endangered Species Day 06/08 World Oceans Day

Special Events 04/26 Roars & Pours Family Night 05/11 Roars & Pours Wine Night (Zoo closes at 2 pm) 06/13 Roars & Pours Family Night 06/17 Zoo at the All-Star Game (Four Winds Field) 07/11 Roars & Pours Family Night Zoo Members get in FREE * Animal Celebration Days may involve activities at the Zoo. Check Facebook for up-to-date information.

Roars & Pours Kicks Off Due to its popularity last year, the Potawatomi Zoo is expanding its Roars & Pours series in 2019 with two additional Family Night evenings.

Roars & Pours offers guests a chance to visit the Zoo after hours for discounted admission. Each Roars & Pours night will also have a special tasting opportunity for adults 21 and over.

“We want to give a wide range of people the opportunity to experience the Zoo and enjoy themselves while they’re here,” says Marcy Dean, executive director of the Potawatomi Zoo. The 2019 Family Nights, open to anyone, are April 26, May 11 (with a special wine tasting “wristband”), June 13, July 11, August 23, and October 3. The July 11 Family Night will be free for members.

There is also a special 21 and over Roars & Pours event on September 21. It will be a brew night featuring a range of local beer tastings.

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Saving Painted Dogs

By Gretchen Pitser, Zookeeper

Meet Colby and Bleu! These sisters are two years old and serve as ambassadors at the Potawatomi Zoo to one of the most unique species in Africa. Painted dogs, also known as painted wolves or African wild dogs, are skilled pack hunters with fascinating and complex family dynamics. You may have seen Colby and Bleu during keeper encounters show off their pack hunting skills with enrichment activities like foraging together for hidden meatballs or jumping to grab meat from an overhead wire.

Unfortunately, painted dogs are the most endangered carnivore in Africa. Historically there were up to 500,000 dogs in the wild but now their population is down to as few as 5,000. They face many dangers in the wild such as habitat loss, poisoning, car mortality, and disease from domestic animals. However, their greatest threat is from snare traps set to catch bush meat.

Over the years, the Potawatomi Zoo has partnered with several other zoos to raise money to support painted dog conservation in Africa done by the Painted Dog Research Trust and the Painted Dog Protection Initiative. These groups have partnered to work towards protecting painted dogs in the wild through field research and local education. With the help of zoos here in the US they have developed an anti-snare collar to help reduce Colby and Bleu, the painted dog mortality.

Potawatomi Zoo’s When a painted dog in the painted dog sisters. wild is outfitted with one Fun fact: They’re of these collars the metal part of a litter of plates on them catch and 12, all named after cheese! break the snare wires allowing the dog to get free unharmed. These collars are also outfitted with GPS tracking which provides valuable information on how and

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where the packs of dogs are living and traveling.

Each collar costs $250 and the goal is to be able to outfit 100 painted dogs with them.

Although the sisters look similar, Colby, above, has more white on her back and tail than Bleu, left.

The Zoo has been fortunate enough to have Dr. Greg Rasmussen, a field researcher from Zimbabwe and founder of the Painted Dog Research Trust, visit us the past five years to share his stories and research. He also provides us with unique painted dog items, including dog figurines made of actual snares collected from the wild and made by local villagers, that we sell in our gift shop to raise money that goes directly back to painted dog conservation in the wild. It’s just one way our visitors can help us raise money for these wild animals in need.

We are also excited to announce that our pack of painted dogs will be adding a new member!

African painted dogs are part of a Species Survival Plan (SSP) that manages all the dogs in zoos with the goal of having a sustainable genetically diverse captive population. The SSP makes recommendations on what dogs will be transferred from one Zoo to another, as well as what dogs should breed based on their genetics. We will be receiving a male dog named Maurice this year to introduce to Colby and Bleu with hopes for breeding. While this is very exciting for all of us at the Zoo, we are also very cautious. When introducing a new dog to a pack, there will typically be aggression between the animals as they figure out their roles and dominance.

It is completely normal for fighting to occur within the group. Our keepers and vet staff will be keeping a watchful eye on the dogs during their interactions, so the painted dogs might not always be visible to the public as we try to give them the best environment possible for a calm introduction. Maurice will spend at least a month in quarantine once he arrives at our Zoo before he is introduced, so we hope he will be smoothly integrated in the pack by early summer.

We’re proud to have this opportunity to do more for this species. Your contributions to the Zoo and painted dog research organizations have a real and direct effect on saving the amazing painted dogs in the wild.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT how zoos and conservation programs are making significant efforts to protect this beautiful and unique animal in its natural habitat, visit www.painteddogresearch.org or www.painteddogprotection.org.

Anti-snare collars help protect and track painted dogs in the wild.

Photos by painteddogprotection.org

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Volunteers Heroes of the Zoo Volunteers from Bethel College help clean up landscaping for winter.

By Amanda Brunson-Cruz Education and Volunteer Manager

V

olunteers are invaluable members of the Potawatomi Zoo team. Our volunteers are passionate about animals, conservation, and our community. In 2018, our regular volunteers donated almost 4,000 hours of their time and groups from local schools and organizations volunteered another 1,000 hours. We wouldn’t be the same Zoo without these dedicated helpers.

“I grew up with this Zoo, and I love it,” says Jamie Holland, who has been a Zoo docent for about a year.

“Volunteering provides me with a platform to share my enthusiasm with others.”

There are several different categories of volunteers at the Zoo, and special training for each. Most of our volunteers work in the Education Department or Animal Care. In Education, there are four types of volunteers.

Docents, ZooCrew, and event volunteers are adults, and junior educators are teenagers. Animal Care has two categories of adult volunteers.

Event volunteers help during special events ranging from Zoo Boo to Winter Days. We had event volunteers handing out mugs at Roars & Pours, collecting tickets at Zoo Boo, and helping with crafts during Winter Days. We even had a volunteer train to run the carousel during a special event when we needed extra help.

If you have walked through the Australia yard, you have likely seen a ZooCrew volunteer in there helping to insure animal and guest safety. ZooCrew volunteers also help during special events, and in addition, they volunteer to do on-site interpretation and volunteer in the Australia exhibit. On-site

Docents Don Blaha and Patty Fowler take the Zoo to Science Alive at the St. Joseph County Public Library.

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interpretation kits include animal pelts and skulls, as well as learning activities, and are useful to help to educate guests about our animals and conservation.

Docents are volunteers who receive extra training to handle animals and work with education programs and special events. They often travel with educators to off-site programs and help with animal encounters throughout the Zoo during special events. “Sharing my interest and love for animals with others during programs and spending time with volunteers and staff who feel the same is a blessing in my life,” says Judy Ferrell, who has been a Zoo docent for about five years. “Another unexpected benefit of volunteering is that probably about 50% of the time when I am wearing a Zoo volunteer t-shirt at a store or restaurant, people will ask if I work at the Zoo. They either tell me they love visiting the Zoo, or they intend to visit.

It’s very satisfying to have the opportunity to do a little PR for the Zoo.”

S

haring my interest and love for animals with others ... is a blessing in my life. ~Judy Ferrell

The last group of Education volunteers are Junior Educators. Junior Educators are between 13 and 17 and help with events, on-site interpretation, as well as camps and classes. They work with program attendees on crafts and activities and help ensure everyone stays safe and has a fun experience.

Animal Care volunteers assist keeper staff. They may clean up exhibits, sanitize dishes, and help feed animals. They also have the opportunity to observe the animals up close. Diet Kitchen volunteers aid our dietitian in the preparation of the animal diets. With over 400 animals, each with specific diet requirements, a lot of chopping, weighing, and measuring is required.

We also have many groups coming throughout the year to complete service hours. Groups range from corporate employees to church and student organizations. Groups often help tend the landscaping throughout the Zoo, pulling weeds and planting flowers. Groups can also make enrichment items for the animals. One fun group activity is making papier-mâché shapes which can be stuffed with food or sprayed with scents and given to the animals to enjoy.

Volunteers share their time and talent out of the goodness of their hearts to make the Zoo better for our animals, guests, and staff. By channeling their passion for animals and conservation, they’re able to educate guests and share their love of the Zoo with the community. If you are interested in learning about becoming a volunteer, please check out the volunteering page on our website or attend one of our Volunteer Open Houses.

Volunteers from Marian High School carve pumpkins for Zoo Boo.

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Field Trip Scholarships now le b a l i a v

By Margie Anella, Director of Development

R

A

eaching out to children through education is an integral part of all Association of Zoos and Aquariumsaccredited programs and facilities, including the Potawatomi Zoo. Here, children can make discoveries, deepen interests, and connect their natural curiosity to the wider world.

To further this goal, the Potawatomi Zoo has opened the application process for its Educational Assistance Program, or EAP. The EAP is a donor-funded program that provides scholarships for admission and transportation costs for under-served and low-income school age children in the Michiana community who may not otherwise be able to attend the Zoo. We are so grateful for our 2019 season EAP donors: The Pokagon Fund, PNC Bank, Kerry’s Kids, and Enterprise Holdings.

Janet Cocciarelli, director of the Pokagon Fund, says “The Pokagon Fund believes that field trips provide children with experiential learning, which is different than traditional classroom-based learning. It’s an opportunity to socially and physically interact with cultural institutions and to experience new environments.”

In 2019, our goal is to fund 20% of our annual field trip attendance with scholarship awards. In 2017 and 2018, about 17% of our field trips were covered by EAP funds.

Poot, screech owl, and Amanda Brunson-Cruz, education Early childhood development programs and schools and volunteer manager, during a fall field trip. throughout St. Joseph County, Elkhart County, and surrounding areas serving children ages 3-14 can apply for field trip funding by filling out a two-page application and submitting it to the Potawatomi Zoological Society. Qualifying applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.

For details and to download the application, please visit www.potawatomizoo.org/plan-your-trip/field-trips.

Thank you to our EAP sponsors!

Looking for an animal program to be part of your field trip?

Teachers can schedule a 30-minute animal education program for students to meet and learn about three different animals during their field trip.

Select from our available topics to enhance students’ experience or talk to us about adapting a program to fit your class discussion!

Programs start at $40. To schedule, contact (574) 235-7621 or zooeducation@potawatomizoo.org.

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Roaring Forward

2019

By Kristina Barroso Burrell Marketing and Communications Manager

E

ach year, the Potawatomi Zoo hosts a development event to celebrate the upcoming year. It is also an opportunity to thank many of its top donors for their participation in making the Potawatomi Zoo a premiere destination in Michiana.

The 2019 Roaring Forward took place February 23, 2019, at The Armory in South Bend. More than 150 friends of the Zoo attended the event to help raise funds to benefit the habitat and continued upkeep of the new southern white rhino, who will be joining the Zoo later this year.

“I really enjoyed myself, all for a great cause,” said Tim Poppens from the Wells Fargo Foundation. “It was absolutely top shelf.”

Along with silent and live auctions and “Raise the Paddle,” guests also enjoyed meeting ambassador animals like Luca, the ball python, and Cachicamo, the three-banded armadillo. A video of the Zoo’s progress and plans for the future was also part of the program.

One of the audience’s favorite events was a conservation presentation by Josh Sisk, director of Animal Programs and Education. Sisk discussed animal care at the Zoo and featured several large ambassador animals: Ms. Travis, the black-throated monitor lizard; Copper, the serval; and Barry, the barred owl.

Left to right: Decor reflected the fundraising goal for the southern white rhino. Guests enjoyed the evening’s entertainment, including live auction. Ms. Travis, the black-throated monitor lizard was part of the conservation presentation with Dan Madigan, Animal Care manager.

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Thank You Corporations, Foundations, & Trusts

Individuals

Anonymous Donors AmazonSmile Foundation Ancon Construction Co. Inc. Barak Group LLC Barnes & Thornburg LLP Bottling Group LLC Community Foundation of Elkhart County Community Foundation of St. Joseph County Concord Cars Cressy Commercial Real Estate Edward Jones Explore Media, LLC Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Freeman-Spicer Charities Inc Fresh Thyme Farmers Market Girl Scout Troop #51001 Give with Liberty Camaign Give With Liberty Employee Donations Grace Steel Service, LLC Hartzell Propeller Inc. Indiana Trust Wealth Management ITW Foundation 3-For-1 Matching Gift Program James A. Leep James L Management, Inc. Kruggel, Lawton & Company, LLC Kuert Concrete Inc Lake City Bank LaVille Summer League Inc.

Anonymous Donors Mark Adey John Anella Louise Anella John Anthony Panos Antsaklis Melinda Aven Brian Babin Jennifer Barker Kristina Barroso Burrell Denise Beidinger David Betz Richard Beymer Clayton Bill Brittany Black Lori Boecher David Boone Barbara Brook Janette Burkhart-Miller Heather Cameron Andrea Canarecci David Cantos Thomas Cassady Robert Cebrat Jennifer Chadwell Connie Chalko Myra Chapman Drew Chuppe Aaron Cleveland Jeffrey Cole Anne Coleman Cody Collier Yolanda Collins Michael Cook Daniel Cory Michael Cox Dolores Craddick-Polk Mark Criniti Alice Crowley Paul Crowley Timothy Curran Raymond Daly Philip Daub Adam Davidhizar Cindy Davis David Deahl Marcy Dean Debra Dieterly Michael Disbrow Doug Dodd Patc Dunning Marsha Eilers Regina Emberton Michelle Engel

Lazar Scientific Incorporated Lincolnway Veterinary Clinic LLC Lothary Family Charitable Fund Lyons Industries, Inc. Martin’s Super Markets McDonald Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab Center, P.C. Microsoft Matching Gifts Program - via Benevity.org Paypal Charitable Giving Fund Pershing LLC / TIAA Plews Shadley Racher & Braun Attorneys at Law Princess City Dental Care Radiology Inc Foundation Radiology Inc. Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc., The Olson Group Rotary Club of Granger Serve with Liberty - Liberty Mutual Foundation South Bend Clinic, LLP South Bend Firefighters Association, Inc. South Bend Regional Chamber St. Joseph Church Stifel - The Elkhart Group The Cressy Foundation, Inc. The Healy Group Wells Fargo Advisors Wells Fargo Foundation Whole Foods Market

THANKS TO OUR 2018 CORPORATE SPONSORS!

SOUTH BEND & ELKHART

Melinda “Myndi” Aven

Would you like your business’ name on our Corporate Sponsor sign and Zoo maps, seen by over 200,000 people annually? Contact the development office at (574) 245-6138.

We are so grateful to all of our 2018 donors, including those who wish to be anonymous, who helped make the Zoo a better place for guests, staff, and animals.

You’re the reason we’re here!

Lissa Eshowsky Phil Faccenda Daniel Farrell Sylvia Feicht James Fergus Judith Ferrell Chris Fielding Enid Fisher Ken Fisher Elizabeth Flowers Jennifer Fortener Bernard Fox Roland Fox Joseph Fragomeni Barbara Freel Elizabeth Fulnecky Kari Gallagher Sandra Garland Trevor Gasper David Go Rachel Hall Robin Hall Stacey Hall Susan Hammes Jodie Hardesty Al Harding Ryan Harding Sarah Hardy Brock Haut Debra Hogan Angela Honesty Christopher Hubbard Danielle Hudson Brett Hummer Nancy Ickler Stephen Infalt Becky Isza Michael Joines Ben Jones Julia Jordanich Josh Jusko Kevin Kaiser Julia Kanczuzewski George Keegan Richard Kennedy Jenna Kissel Todd Kizer Helen Kloswick Patricia Koers Brian Kubicki Daniel Laidig Gregory Lazarczyk Damon Leichty Sue Leonard

Jennifer Lipscomb Margaret Lloyd Michele Loudin Andrew Lovell James Luccki Patrick Luecke Gerald Lutkus Douglas MacGregor James Magera Teresa Maginn Dan Manier Julie Markiewicz Ryan Matthys Laurence McHugh Linda McKee Kelly McNally Laura McNally Tami McNally Nicole McNeil Kathy McQueary Stephen McTigue Matthew Meersman Jennifer Miller Richard Millie Brian Moloney Guy Morrical Colleen Morrison Beth Motz Brigette Mulvehill Kathleen Neal Jeffrey New Susan Nichols David Nufer Brendan O'Shaughnessy Barb Osthimer Scott Osthimer Hyungwon Park Kathryn Park Edward Patzer Aaron Perri Jeanette Petty John Phair Chris Phelan Beth Ann Pomeroy Kristin Pruitt Betsy Quinn Barbara Ragan Robert Raster Maura Ratigan Kim Redman Christi Risk Diane Ritchey Lawrence Roberts Jeanetta Robinson

Kevin Roche Pat Rogers Randolph Rompola Debbie Rosenfeld Patricia Rowan Nathan Rumely Molly Russo Jennifer Sager Nancy Sakaguchi Joan Scarberry James Schmiedeler Christopher Schommer-Pries Noah Schultz Anita Schwarz William Scott Phil Seng Margaret Shea Sonjia Shelly Bruce Shepard William Shephard Peter Shidler James Short Joyce Skillern Jennifer Smoker Aubrey Sousley Joann Sporleder Bob Steury Robert Steury Harold Stream Ronald Stuckey Brooke Swanson Michael Szedenik Bryan Tanner James Turnwald Jane Utterback Laura Utz Marcia Vargo Jesse Vasquez Michael Waldrop Eileen Walsh Abe Washington Gary Wetzel John White Rita Wilson Debra Winslow Vickie Wipperman Thomas Wisniewski Todd Woelfer Sherrie Wolf Stanley Wruble Warren Young Lucile Zilky Matthew Zimmerman

Every effort has been made to include all of our donors. If, however, we have unintentionally omitted someone or if we have named you in error, please accept our apologies.

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AAZK UPDATE otawatomi Zoo

P Hello from your

AAZK,

r Rhinos and r Rummage fo ou ng ri du 0 0 5 r Rhinos raised over $2 ZK’s Bowling fo A A of rt In 2018, we pa st and we hinos events as raised in the pa er ev ve Brewing for R e’ w 19. It is is is more than en more in 20 ev ng ti na do fundraiser. Th by ino to e trend going hern white rh ut so a ng gi in hope to keep th inos, are br Bowling for Rh ningful as we t ea ou m ab ly n al io ci at pe es form 50 to Eastern ar. For more in so donated $3 al e W . the Zoo this ye os in rh hank you to /bowling-foris past year. T th on ti visit aazk.org va er ns attlesnake co possible!

Massasauga R us make this d pe el h o h w everyone ore community e plan to do m w as and have 19 0 2 r cited fo our local area, ex in ry ts ve ec e oj ar pr e r with W ntee tion! To keep up involved in volu va t er ge ns , co ch r fo ea tr ou e money Facebook page ts to help rais ation visit our rm fo in more fun even e om. or m r ents or fo iaazk@gmail.c our upcoming ev zk or email us at potawatom ooaa shop and @potwatomiz se in the gift di an ch er m K Z A t AAZK e out for our A dise or suppor an ch er m K Z A Also, keep an ey yA vation. Some of ts. When you bu t animal conser fi at special even ne be s it of les that can of the pr and water bott gs ba events, 100% y er oc gr e reusable our items includ more green by help people be nsumption of reducing the co tics. single-use plas t all your suppor Thank you for d ar rw looking fo in 2018! We’re 19! to a great 20 Sincerely, Erin Brunk dent Chapter Presi

DID YOU KNOW? AAZK stands for the American Association of Zoo Keepers and is a nonprofit

volunteer organization made up of professional zoo keepers and other interested persons dedicated to professional animal care and conservation. The national AAZK fosters a professional attitude in animal keepers through publications, conferences, and chapter activities at local zoos. As well, the national AAZK and local AAZK chapters hold many fundraising events to support wild animal conservation and promote public awareness and education.

The keepers at the Potawatomi Zoo worked with the National AAZK to create our current chapter in 2014.

We are pleased to be part of the national AAZK organization and we look forward to contributing to animal conservation in the coming months and years.

2019 Membership Benefits

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Tips Especially For

Members

• Free unlimited admission to the Potawatomi Zoo for one year.

As we get ready to open for our 2019 season, here are a few important things to keep in mind about your membership.

• Discounted admission to more than 150 zoos and aquariums nationwide.

Who can use my membership?

• 10% off all purchases at the Zoo gift shop.

• Discounts on all Zoo education programs, camps, and birthday parties.

• Free exclusive conservation calendar each year.

• Free admission to a Roars & Pours Family Night (exact date to be announced each year).

• Free admission Zoo Boo, Michiana’s favorite Halloween tradition.

• Be the first to hear about news around the Zoo with a free subscription to UPROAR, the Zoo’s full-color member magazine.

• Free admission to Winter Days at the Potawatomi Zoo when it’s closed for the season.

• Access to Member Mornings, from 9-10 am Saturdays and Sundays, Memorial Day to Labor Day, to experience the sights and sounds of the Zoo before it opens. Train and carousel open.

• Free copy of the conservation book (donation level memberships only).

Did You Know?

You can purchase a membership online and use it immediately with your receipt!

Just visit

www.potawatomizoo.org/join

Your membership is only for you and your family, meaning it is for the two named adults and the number of children listed on the card. If a named adult with photo ID is not present with the membership card, then the membership cannot be used,

UNLESS

My child is coming to the Zoo on a field trip. Can they use my membership?

Yes, your child may use the membership on a field trip to the Potawatomi Zoo, even without a named adult present. To do so, you need to send a membership card (or copy of the membership card) and a copy of one of the named adults’ photo ID with your child. This is the only time a child may use the membership without a named adult present.

I have a guest on my membership. How does that work?

If you have an unnamed guest on your membership then you may bring in a different person with you for each visit, provided that one of the named adults is there. Unnamed guests cannot come into the Potawatomi Zoo under a membership without a named adult present. If you have a named guest, then that person can come into the Zoo under your membership without a named adult present. However that guest slot can only be used by the named guest.

Is there a special entrance for members?

Since we are currently under construction, there is no special entrance for members. We have two windows this year, and while we will do our best to get everyone into the Zoo as quickly as possible, we do want you to be aware that you may have to wait in line before entering. If you want to help make this process move quicker and smoother, please have your membership card and the photo IDs of all the named adults present out of your purse or wallet when you join the line.

NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID SOUTH BEND, IN PERMIT NO. 19 Potawatomi Zoological Society 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. South Bend, Indiana 46615 Call 574-235-9800 for more information www.potawatomizoo.org

From camps to classes to Zoo Snooze Sleepovers, EdZOOcation has adventures for all ages!

potawatomizoo.org/ edzoocation