Development VOLUNTEER
of the Year
We have two people to recognize as Development Volunteers of the Year. They are business partners, who have shared the same Zoo journey and we are pleased to recognize them together. They both began their volunteer careers at the Toledo Zoo in 2016. They enjoyed attending Feast with the Beasts, one of the Zoo’s fundraising events, in 2015 and wanted to get more involved. They serve on planning committees for both Feast with the Beasts and Once Upon a Vine, and they have brought creativity and fresh ideas to both of these events.
Bill Davis, volunteer coordinator; Jeff Sailer, director of Toledo Zoo; Jim Moore and Tim Valko
For example, they created some signature drinks for the event, using their own home-made shrub, which is a fermented syrup that can be used as a flavorful base for cocktails. They both bartended at the sample table, which became a very popular location. Indeed, according to Robin Guidera, development manager, the two volunteers have developed quite a following at both Feast with the Beast and Once Upon a Vine. One is more of a food aficionado while the other likes to find and improve fun and festive cocktails; together they become a positive force
at our fundraising events, introducing guests to items that are trendy or even off the grid. Not only do they help plan for these events, they also serve as ambassadors for the Zoo, by bringing guests to visit special exhibits and other fundraising events, soliciting donations, supporting auctions and hosting gatherings at their home. They are both greatly appreciated by the Development staff for their dedication, follow through and charismatic senses of humor. It is our pleasure to recognize them, the dynamic duo of our development department: Jim Moore and Tim Valko.
WHO’S NEW at the Zoo
Cardinal tetra Paracheirodon axelrodi Date of Arrival: September 7, 2017 On Exhibit: Jewels of the Amazon The Cardinal tetra forages for tiny organisms found on underwater plants, roots and leaf litter in areas of slow moving shallow water.
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Safari Magazine • Spring 2018 2017
American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Date of Arrival: Hatched at the Avian Breeding Center on July 14, 2017 On Exhibit: Flamingo Key This American Flamingo chick is the first flamingo chick to ever hatch at the Toledo Zoo.
Elliot’s Pheasant Syrmaticus ellioti Date of Arrival: September 5, 2017 Endangered Status: Near Threatened On Exhibit: Pheasantry The Elliot’s Pheasant is endemic to Southeast China and lives in evergreen and coniferous forest.