December 2014 ZOONOOZ

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inside december 2014

Ears” Looking At You, Kit: The Fascinating Fennec Fox The smallest of foxes can make the biggest of impacts as an animal ambassador.

wildlife

The Humpless Camels of South America Can you tell a llama from a guanaco? An alpaca from a vicuña?

Here’s your chance to learn the differences!

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Hallowed Aloes Find out why these succulents have long been preferred by wildlife and humans alike.

Petunia in Bloom at the Safari Park Meet the happy little herbivore kicking up her heels at the Safari Park.

more

conservation WHAT’S IN STORE

Ornamen $14.95

Care Bear A Headstart to Recovery for the Darwin’s Mangrove Finch Resourcefulness plays a major role in saving a little bird in big trouble.

What’s in Store

GOOD

Help for Hawaiian Birds

TIDINGS

Egg by egg, bird by bird, we’re giving Hawaii’s most threatened avian species a wing up.

explore

Spectacled Bear $26.95

Support

Share the spirit of conservation with these intricately handmade, 100-percent wool Peruvian ornaments and animal figurines. Wo artisans in the Andean town of Inkahuasi use d needle felting to transform unspun wool into vib one-of-a-kind creations. All of the proceeds benefi the conservation and research work of the Spectacle Bear Conservation Society Peru, as well as a fair-wag livelihood for the women who make these products.

Small Figuri $14.95

Visit our stores at the Zoo and Safari Park to purchase these featured items.

Large Figurines $18.95

Items and prices may vary based on availability. Available in select stores.

Your purchases support the conservation projects and educational work of San Diego Zoo Global.

Through the Lens

Get a Grip: The Complex, Compelling Coconut Crab One look at Kenny and your imagination is in his grasp.

It Takes All Kinds When it comes to bottle feeding baby zoo mammals, using the right nipple is key—and the variety of sizes, shapes, and textures will surprise you!

Chairman’s Note You Said It From the Archives

on the cover: Fennec fox Vulpes zerda ©Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

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chairman’s note

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Looking Back—and Ahead

Richard B. Gulley, Chairman William H. May, Vice Chairman Sandra A. Brue, Secretary Robert B. Horsman, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES M. Javade Chaudhri Berit N. Durler Clifford W. Hague Nan C. Katona Patricia L. Roscoe Steven G. Tappan Judith A. Wheatley

TRUSTEES EMERITI

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s 2014 draws to a close, I will be signing off on my tenure as chairman of San Diego Zoo Global’s board of trustees. I am honored to have served as chairman these past three years, and I am very proud of all that our organization has accomplished. I never cease to be impressed by the scope and impact of what happens at the Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute, as well as at our field sites and with our conservation education efforts around the globe.

After 12 years of serving on the board, I find I am still learning—about zoos, caring for and protecting species, and conservation science. It’s a fascinating and complex world, requiring great dedication and expertise, and I can tell you that the quality, skill, and passion of our organization’s staff and volunteers are second to none.

When I look back over the past three years, it’s gratifying to note all that San Diego Zoo Global has accomplished. We designed, built, and opened two beautiful new exhibits: the Conrad Prebys Australian Outback at the Zoo and the Tull Family Tiger Trail at the Safari Park.

We also added a number of new experiences and facility improvements at both places, including Panda Trek and Reptile Walk at the Zoo and Nairobi Station and Jungle Ropes Safari at the Park. The Price Learning Center at the Zoo was opened to provide new opportunities for education classes, and we have created a comprehensive strategy for our organization’s learning efforts, now and into the future.

In addition, we reached out beyond our facilities. We established the San Diego Zoo Global Academy with our partner Cypherworx, an online training platform for employees of zoos, aquariums, museums, and parks. Through the generosity of donor Denny Sanford, we launched the San Diego Zoo Kids network, a closed-circuit television channel for children’s hospitals that shares Zoo and Park animal stories with kids and their families, providing a bright spot during the difficulties of a hospital stay.

Another important step for our organization was establishing our new vision: to lead the fight to end extinction. Launching the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy has provided a way for conservationminded people around the globe to support us in that vision by contributing to our worldwide conservation efforts. One such effort is taking on the management of the Biological Research Station in Peru, where

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Frank C. Alexander Kurt Benirschke, M.D. Thompson Fetter Bill L. Fox Frederick A. Frye, M.D. George L. Gildred Yvonne W. Larsen John M. Thornton Albert Eugene Trepte Betty Jo F. Williams

James Lauth, General Counsel Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus

THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Murray H. Hutchison, Chair Maryanne C. Pfister, Vice Chair Susan N. McClellan Secretary Richard M. Hills, Treasurer Mark A. Stuart, President Richard B. Gulley, Ex officio Douglas G. Myers, Ex officio

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christine L. Andrews Joye D. Blount Rick Bregman Lisa S. Casey Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio U. Bertram Ellis, Jr. Arthur E. Engel Craig L. Grosvenor Judith C. Harris Michael E. Kassan Susan B. Major Michael D. McKinnon George A. Ramirez Thomas Tull Margie Warner Ed Wilson

postdoctoral students from around the world can now come to study the wildlife of this extraordinary rain forest habitat. Another is the Alliance for Sustainable Wildlife, a facility near New Orleans that we have helped establish with our partners at the Audubon Institute that will be a safe haven for breeding endangered species that might not have room elsewhere.

During these past three years, we have seen important increases in the populations of such critically endangered species as the California condor, Pacific pocket mouse, mountain yellow-legged frog, giant panda, alala, and Anegada iguana, and we are continuing our conservation support for species such as elephants, Sumatran tigers, koalas, rhinos, okapis, and gorillas. Along with accomplishments in DNA barcoding in primates, curtailing the chytrid fungus in amphibians, and adding to the tissue and genetic samples in our Frozen Zoo®, this has been, and continues to be, an exciting and crucial time in conservation science.

As Robert Horsman begins his tenure as board chairman, and we head into our centennial year in 2016 and the building of Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks at the Zoo, I look forward to seeing what the next few years will bring. We have exciting times ahead and much to accomplish, with the help, support, and enthusiasm of our members, partners, donors, and the San Diego community—all of which have helped make San Diego Zoo Global what it is today. Wherever I go in the world, when I say I’m from San Diego, I always hear “Oh yes, you have a great zoo!” And that’s because of our staff, volunteers, collaborative partners, and you—and I thank you for all you do to make San Diego Zoo Global great.

Rick Gulley Chairman

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you said it

I just love these Rhinos!

Phil Fischman SDZ. You are amazing.

Karen Levy

“BackStage Pass” was an amazing experience! I highly recommend it! Thanks for the great memories. @Nebraskagirlart I started watching Condor Cam a couple of chicks ago and following the growth of these condors is engrossing. Su’nan is a beautiful girl and it’s a privilege to see her and her parents.

Susan O I just fed Giraffes at @sandiegozoo a very, very cool experience! #yearmade @Lipstickcake I am so proud of the work the San Diego Zoo does to preserve and grow endangered species from around the world. I can’t imagine never being able to see a Cheetah again.

Joseph Pemberton

Can’t wait to go to San Diego next week for so many reasons. But honestly, the top one is visiting my favorite place, the @ sandiegozoo. @jillapalooza

I’m gonna get fed by humans but first let me get in the picture. @jonny_debaser

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I just want everyone to know how amazingly committed the people are who work there. Their whole mission is to save animals on the brink of extinction and provide them with the most natural habitat so that they can be studied and brought back through a natural breeding program...I would recommend highly of going to both San Diego Zoo and Safari Park to experience the wonders of animals in their own settings. It’s awesome.

Louise Centeno

Congratulations to SDZ and LPZ [Lowry Park Zoo]! Thank you for saving the 11 elephants from being culled, and thank you for your dedicated work, day after day, trying to save species from falling victim to the anthropocene. Even if the effort to change things seems futile at times, it gives me such hope to see that people in organizations like yours persevere, and succeed!

Minnie

And of course a trip to the Park isn’t complete without visiting beautiful Joanne. @ohhellochelsea I love ZOONOOZ! I’m currently studying to be a vet tech. My dream job is to work with all types of animals.… Thanks so much for your publication of ZOONOOZ, and your web site…. It’s totally awesome. It’s the next best thing to being there!!!!!

Barb Rice What a fantastic place @sandiegozoo is. I had the best day & it was great to see the grounds so well kept & animals looking so healthy :) @suzyrilley

Yep so this happened today. @natalierosexxoo Our family visited the Zoo yesterday and was part of the Panda Encounter [Early Morning with Pandas] in the morning. It was such an awesome experience. Mr. Wu was sitting in front of the mist fan when we arrived. Bai Yun was having her Boo breakfast.

Panda Di

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through the lens

East African black rhinoceros calf Diceros bicornis michaeli

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Members get up close FREE all year long!

Start your membership today. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sandiegozoo.org

“Ears” Looking at You, Kit The Fascinating Fennec Fox

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Those super-size ears help give the fennec fox amazing hearing and help dissipate heat in its desert habitat.

By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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es, he can hear you now. In fact, Oringo, a fennec fox, can pretty much hear everything—above and below ground.

Resembling something akin to a Chihuahua with wings attached to his head, Oringo is on his way to becoming an animal ambassador for the Zoo, spreading the word about conservation and his species. Given his cute appearance and perky personality, it’s no doubt that Oringo’s public, too, will be “all ears.”

Listen Up, Eat Up

Found in the dry, sandy regions of North Africa, the fennec fox Vulpes zerda is the smallest fox species, measuring only about 15 inches long (plus an 8-inch tail) and weighing some 3 pounds. Large, dark eyes sit above the fox’s tiny, pointed face, which is framed by those character-

istic jumbo-size ears. The largest in relation to body size of all canids, a fennec fox’s ears can be half the length of its body!

Those awesome ears also do double duty: they allow the animal to hear prey moving around underground, as well as help dissipate heat under that hot desert sun. Thick, creamy-colored fur both protects the fennec fox from the blazing heat and insulates against the cold. Its color also helps the fox blend in with its sandy surroundings. Fur grows around the fox’s paw pads, offering heat protection and traction.

Mostly carnivorous and favoring insects, snails, rodents, birds, and bird eggs, fennec foxes still won’t pass up the opportunity to nosh on the occasional fruits and berries. At the Zoo, Oringo dines on meat, a special kibble, and vegetables. Even at this age, the youngSAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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A fennec fox’s ears can measure half its body size!

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Oringo is in training to become a Zoo animal ambassador. He has already mastered the “cute factor.”

ster exhibits the kind of life skills he would need in the wild, explains Clint Lusardi, an animal care supervisor at the Zoo. “His name means ‘he who likes to hunt,’ and he loves pouncing on and trapping his toy mice,” Clint says.

Fennec Family Life

Fennec foxes are monogamous, and the parents live with their offspring in a family group (referred to as a skulk or leash) of up to 10 members. Their underground burrows can be over 30 feet in length and are quite elaborate—and expansive. It sounds like a big job, but these industrious little animals can dig with great speed, and the resulting burrows interconnect, forming a comfy, underground community. Fennec foxes line their dwelling with soft materials such as bits of fur and feathers to make them comfortable when they sleep during the day.

When it comes to raising a family, there’s a cooperative system in place. After the female (called a vixen) gives birth to a litter of two to five kits, the male (a reynard) brings food and watches over the den until the kits are about four weeks old. As the youngest kits grow, their older siblings help with raising them.

Keep Your Ears Open

There could be a love connection forming at the Zoo. Oringo will be introduced to Akela, a female fennec fox who lives in the Children’s Zoo. “Fennecs are used to being part of a pair, and we hope they get

along and maybe even produce a litter,” Clint explains, adding that the foxes are particular about whom they cohabitate with. “Samesex pairings don’t really work well,” he says. “Even with siblings, they only get along for a while.”

Romantic notions aside, Oringo has his hands—er, paws—full as he completes his animal ambassador training. “He’s already used to his collar, and he’s working on clicker training. He’s picking things up quickly,” Clint says, adding that from the beginning, he saw ambassador potential in the little fox. “He was the smallest in the litter but had the biggest attitude. And once we started handling him, he was very accepting and mellow.”

Early handling is essential, Clint explains, because fennec foxes remember people very clearly. “The first people who work with a particular fox are the ones who have the best relationships with them,” he says. Akela, Oringo’s potential mate, is a good example.

“If she hears my voice or sees me across the Children’s Zoo, she lets out a little high-pitched squeal,” Clints says. “It sounds like she’s in pain, but it’s really just excitement. And because she’s used to being handled, we can check her teeth, ears, and eyes when we need to, with no stress to her.”

If his early laid-back temperament is any indication, Oringo should take to life as an ambassador with similar ease. And given his appearance and personality, those fuzzy amplifiers on his head are sure to pick up plenty of “awws” from his public. He’ll be up to his ears in admirers!

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© COLIN MONTEATH, HEDGEHOG HOUSE, MINDEN PICTURES

Vicuñas are one of two species of wild camelids adapted to life in the rugged, mountainous terrain of South America.

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Humpless Camels The

of South America

By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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scouring wind howls across the rocky landscape as a herd of about a dozen hoofed animals nibbles on tufts of grass and lichen. At 13,000 feet in elevation, food choices here are as thin as the air. Fortunately, these leggy, long-necked ruminants are well equipped for both, with three-chambered stomachs efficiently digesting the greens and special red blood cells absorbing four times as much oxygen as other mammals do.

To observers in the distance, these nimble creatures could be one of two species of wild camelids in South America: guanaco or vicuña. Adjusting the binoculars, the animals come into sharp relief against the gravelly terrain: a herd of wild guanacos—the larger of the two species—is headed up the mountain, pointed ears twitching.

Though not especially rare in these parts, it is still exciting to see a wild herd, led by a mighty male that undoubtedly fought hard for the honor.

SHEAR LUCK Large, glistening eyes fanned by extravagant lashes atop a long, slender neck are the hallmarks of the guanaco Lama guanaco and vicuña Vicugna vicugna, as well as their domesticated counterparts the llama Lama glama and alpaca Lama pacos. It is thought that Andean people selectively bred guanacos thousands of years ago to develop the hardy llama as a pack animal. The smaller alpaca was bred for its fine wool, which is spun into yarn and woven into warm, durable clothing. Others insist the vicuña is the ancestor of the alpaca, while the llama descended from the guanaco.

Alpacas sport a highly coveted coat, and in South America, they are shorn every two to three years until the age of about seven, when they are used for meat. Males produce about eight pounds of fiber per year and females about five pounds. The youngsters, called crias, have extra-fine and lustrous fur, with their wool quality just slightly

Top: Guanacos are sociable animals that seem to enjoy the company of their herdmates.

Bottom: The guanacos at the Zoo are sheared every couple of years. The animals seem to appreciate it! They also rub against trees and other rough surfaces to maintain their coats.

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into a cluster for shearing. Each adult animal produces about 17 ounces (yes, ounces) of fiber per year, barely enough to create a (very expensive!) scarf. In Inca times, only royalty could wear this lush fabric; now, you just have to be really, really rich.

A POCKET GUIDE TO NEW WORLD CAMELIDS Charles Darwin described the guanaco as “an elegant animal, with long slender neck and fine legs,” but this could also apply to the other three types of South American camelids. Like their relatives the Bactrian and dromedary camels, these New World herbivores have a split upper lip; they lack the tensor skin between the thigh and body, which makes their legs appear longer; they can go extended periods of time without water; and they may spit when annoyed. But there are telltale differences between them that, with a little practice, can be mastered. Here’s a pocket guide to some distinguishing characteristics.

Guanacos have soft, padded feet that give them traction on gravelly terrain and do much less damage to soil and vegetation than the hard hooves of livestock.

behind that of the wild vicuña. However, the vicuña is much more difficult to capture to “shear and release” (despite its smaller size) than its domesticated counterparts.

It is said that vicuña wool is the rarest fabric around, due to the animals’ skittish nature, diminutive size, refusal to live close to humans, and a ban on hunting them. Kiton, a luxury clothing company in Naples, Italy, claims that it likely has the last bolt of a creamywhite fabric that is softer than cashmere, the final harvest of vicuña fiber gathered from the back and neck of a vicuña the old-fashioned way. Using the ancient method of the Incas, Peruvian campesinos get hundreds of farmers to join hands in a circle to herd the vicuñas

© NANCY NEHRING, ISTOCKPHOTO

Vicuñas were hunted to near-extinction for their fine fur.

Having dwindled to about 10,000 animals, it took serious conservation efforts for the species to recover. There are now over 420,000 vicuñas, and their fur is taken in a sustainable manner.

Splitting hairs: There are two kinds of alpacas, the huacaya and the suri. Huacaya alpacas have fluffy fur (left) and suri alpacas have long, shiny locks like soft, slightly curly hair (right).

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LLAMA This sturdy, domesticated creature is used as a pack animal, carrying 50 to 75 pounds and able to cover 20 miles in a day. If the load is too heavy, the llama simply refuses to budge. Pack trains of llamas can reach several hundred animals moving significant amounts of goods over treacherous terrain in the Andes. They are also used for recreational trekking, carrying camping gear and supplies for hiking parties. They graze on grass and chew their cud. They are about twice the size of alpacas and sport large, banana-shaped ears. The San Diego Zoo has a llama animal ambassador that you may meet strolling the grounds with a keeper.

© KEITH RUSHFORTH, FLPA, MINDEN PITCURES

The huacaya (pronounced wah-KI-yah) alpacas grow soft, spongy fur with a dense crimp, making a naturally elastic yarn well-suited for knitting.

ALPACA

VICUÑA

Docile, darling, and domesticated, alpacas make ideal companions and promising moneymakers. They are prized for their wool, which has 22 natural shades ranging from black to mahogany to creamy white. Even their dung is a commodity, used for fertilizer and fuel.

There are two types of alpacas: suri, whose hair grows in silky dreadlocks, and huacaya (wah-KI-yah), which has dense, crimped fleece.

Most of the alpacas in the United States are of the huacaya variety.

About 3 million alpacas live in Peru, Argentina, and Chile. Due to their small size and gentle nature, children can handle them; in tourist cities throughout South America, children thrust young alpacas at visitors, who seize the photo opp as the child demands payment. Since they are cherished pets and fiber producers, alpacas are often adorned with ear tassels and other colorful ornaments. Their burly-by-comparison cousin the llama is never accessorized.

About half the size of guanacos, vicuñas thrive in the mountainous regions of northern Peru and Chile, eking out a living at altitudes of about 14,000 feet. Highly social, these animals live in family groups, while young males and deposed older males form separate groups.

These wild herbivores undertake daily migrations, descending to grasslands and marshes to graze and returning to the chilly slopes for sleeping sites. Tearing at all those grasses is tough on dentition, so their teeth grow continuously throughout their life, like rodents.

They have a curiously “craning” gait, leading with their neck outstretched.

GUANACO Easily mistaken for a llama, the guanaco is a hardy, nimble creature that can weigh up to 200 pounds when fully mature. Guanacos can run 40 miles per hour, and their “soft-soled” hooves gain traction on the gravelly terrain. They are usually cinnamon brown on the top of the body, which fades to creamy white on the undercarriage.

Life in a guanaco herd consists of about 10 females and their offspring (called guanaquitos) and a dominant male, whose status is fleeting. Intense sparring between males, involving biting, spitting, and pushing the opponent to his knees, ensures the gene pool stays diverse—winner takes all, for a time. Guanacos survive at altitudes of up to 13,000 feet, roaming scrublands, savannas, grasslands, deserts, forests, and rocky terrain. Human activities resulting in habitat loss are the main threat to their survival. At the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey you can see a guanaco herd that resides with capybaras and Baird’s tapirs.

ORIGINS Camelids are among the earliest artiodactyl (even-toed) mammals, appearing in the late Eocene epoch. The camel family originated in North America, roaming the plains from Alaska to Florida for about 30 million years until some split off and trotted across the 1,000-mile-long Bering land bridge into Asia about 13,000 years ago. This temporary finger of land connected present-day Alaska to Siberia, where camels (and other species) could migrate south to the Middle East and Asia. Bactrian camels (with two humps) of the Mongolian steppe area are wild, while dromedary camels (sporting one hump) of southwest Asia and North Africa are domesticated.

Other camels headed south, perhaps following better food and weather, taking the Panama land bridge into Central America and beyond. Camels that remained in North America became extinct by the end of the last Ice Age from hunting and disease. Regardless of which direction they headed, camelids as sources of meat, milk, and wool, as well as their vigorous strength as pack animals and adaptability to harsh weather and unforgiving altitude, have made these intrepid animals critical to the survival of humans in temperate and high-altitude deserts.

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“Petunia” in Bloom

at the Safari Park

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By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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atching her kicking up dust alongside her mother is a royal treat for even the most jaded observer. Petunia, a greater one-horned rhino calf, is definitely her mother Tanaya’s “mini me,” with her matching folds of “armor,” stubby legs, and nub of a trademark horn. This little jewel is the 67th greater one-horned rhino born at the Safari Park, which is the foremost breeding facility in the world for this species.

Born on August 1, 2014, Petunia was a bit petite at a dainty 128 pounds—typically, greater one-horned rhinos weigh between 132

and 176 pounds at birth. Keepers kept a close watch on the newborn calf 24 hours a day to make sure she was nursing enough and keeping up with her mother in the boma (nursery yard). Tanaya was given a supplement to kick-start lactation, and the pair continued to bond.

At about five weeks old, after Petunia had gained weight and strength, the dynamic duo was released into the Asian Plains habitat. “She is rockin’ it out there,” said Jake Shepherd, senior keeper.

Indeed, the calf eagerly explores her new home and keeps up with

Mother and daughter enjoy some “spa time” at the pool.

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Nothing beats a good mud wallow as part of a rhino’s skin-care regiment. Start ‘em young!

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Above: Tanaya’s “mini me” calf Petunia trots into fame as the 67th greater one-horned rhino born at the Safari Park.

RIght: Rhinos have changed little over the past 30 million years.

There are five rhino species: white, black, greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan. They are all impacted by poaching.

her mother while checking out other rhinos and the different species around her.

Jane Kennedy, lead keeper and greater one-horned rhino studbook keeper for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, speaks of the giant herbivores like close relatives, revealing their quirks and secrets. For instance, one day fellow keeper Amanda Lussier found Petunia by herself. Tanaya had left her youngster alone while she headed to the feeder. Petunia stood by the keeper’s truck looking for her mom. Jane explained to Amanda that Tanaya is following in her mother Shanti’s footsteps with her “casual, easygoing-but-devoted” take on parenthood, just as she was raised— Shanti used to leave Tanaya alone when she was young.

Greater one-horned rhinos are the largest of the three Asian rhinoceros species. Both males and females have a single horn, which explains the scientific name Rhinoceros unicornis. This species came very close to extinction when only a few hundred individuals survived in the wild in India and Nepal in 1975. Aggressive conservation efforts helped the species to rally, and today more than 3,300 survive in remaining grasslands of northeast India and southern Nepal. They are now the most numerous of the Asian rhino species.

Poaching still poses a significant threat to all rhinos, as ground-

up rhino horn is used in traditional Asian folk remedies for fevers and epilepsy, despite contrary scientific evidence. Relentless hunting, combined with habitat loss and degradation, and ever-rising human populations, lead to an increase in rhino-human conflicts, which pose further threats to these animals. Nevertheless, these mighty grazers are shining examples of what successful conservation can accomplish. As Jane noted, “Petunia is a success story, and her survival helps San Diego Zoo Global achieve our vision to end extinction.” And that’s something worth kicking up some dust for!

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Glowing like torches, an aloe’s upright flower stalks add an elegant touch to a garden landscape.

HALLOWED

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Tammy Spratt SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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inter is usually considered a dormant time as far as blossoming flowers are concerned. But that’s not the case among aloe plants. In the wild and in the curated collections at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, aloes take center stage from December through early March with their flaming bursts of color.

An aloe’s simple but elegant inflorescence adds visual interest in the garden.

Well Adapted Once classified in the lily family, aloes are currently considered members of the Xanthorrhoeaceae family, which also includes day lilies and the grass trees of Australia. Aloes are well adapted to the arid environments they inhabit. In true succulent style, these plants cache copious moisture in the tissue of their leaves, relying on the stored fluid during times of drought.

The leaves of many tree aloes like this Aloe barberae make use of the vertical space available by growing downward as well as out and up.

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Above: Some aloe hybrids show off beautiful colors, like these contrasting red, purple, and green shades.

Left:To reach the nectar in the tubular blossoms of aloes like this Aloe petricola, a hummingbird must press against the protruding, pollen-filled stamens. Pollen deposited on the bird’s chest is then carried to the next flower.

There are about 500 aloe species, ranging from the low-growing, scrambling aloes to the towering tree aloes—some of which can reach heights of more than 50 feet! Hundreds of years ago, to see an aloe one would need to travel to its native range, which stretches across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and Arabia. But the adaptable aloe was carried to other parts of the world by explorers and travelers, and it has made itself at home on nearly every continent.

Spiked Treasure Aloes have long been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, and the plants were prized and plucked for their healing properties.

Many people are familiar with at least one species in this group: aloe vera Aloe barbadensis. Just beneath the tough outer skin is a thin layer of yellow sap; under that is a clear, thick gel. In some cultures, the foul-smelling, bitter sap is used as a laxative. The inner gel of this particular aloe is used to soothe and help heal burns, psoriasis, and other skin conditions. Research is showing some potential for its beneficial effect in lowering blood glucose and cholesterol as well.

Aloes even pop up in legends and literature. In ancient Egypt, aloe vera was revered as the “plant of immortality,” and images of the plant

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have been found in the tombs of pharaohs. In some parts of the world, an aloe plant hung in a doorway is believed to protect the household from bad influences. In One Thousand and One Nights, Scheherazade entertains the sultan with stories of Sinbad, a sailor who sets out to trade his cargo for precious stones, cloves, cinnamon, pepper, and aloes, and ends up finding unexpected adventures. More recently, famed South African playwright Athol Fugard addressed apartheid with his award-winning play A Lesson from Aloes. However, humans aren’t the only life-form to benefit from these hardy plants.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Succulent Garden displays a wide variety of striking aloes.

Popular and Protected

Aloe dichotoma from South Africa is also known as the quiver tree. According to unsubstantiated stories, indigenous people cut and hollowed branches of the plant for use as quivers for their arrows.

Wherever they grow—be it in their native habitat or gardens around the globe—aloes are a favorite nectar source for many birds, insects, and small mammals. Sturdy stalks proffer the nectar-rich blossoms high above the possibility of a painful encounter with the plant’s toothed leaves. Many aloes bloom in winter, serving as an oasis of nourishment for nectar-eating creatures during a time when food is scarce. Understandably, this makes aloes a popular plant among wildlife. In some cases, the popularity of aloe nectar goes beyond calories. Aloe ferrox is known to have a narcotic nectar, which may be why it is especially popular with monkeys and baboons.

Whether it’s for the healing properties of some species, the food source they provide for wildlife, or the stunning design impact they add to a garden, aloes are high-value plants. Protections are in place for them, both on a national and international level. Most aloes native to South Africa are protected, making it illegal to remove plants from their natural habitat without collection and transport permits.

On a global scale, all aloe species (except aloe vera) are covered by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The convention controls trade in aloes in an attempt to protect them from extinction. Under CITES, trade in about 20 aloe species is only permitted in exceptional circumstances. All other aloes can be collected and traded, but only with proper permits. These wise and necessary restrictions haven’t dampened the spirits of aloe enthusiasts, however, as propagating plants already outside their native habitats is allowed.

Many aloe plants reproduce not only by seed but also by budding. Small “babies” that sprout from the sides of the base of a main plant can be carefully removed, potted, nurtured, and sometimes shared. Browse the Internet, and you’ll find that physical specimens aren’t the only things exchanged when it comes to aloes. Tips for everything from temperature to soil mix to placement abound, as do pictures highlighting the varied textures, colors, and forms of this plant group. Human interest in aloes stretches back centuries, and from aloe vera on the kitchen windowsill to greenhouses filled with the more rare species, people’s passion for these succulents persists.

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A Headstart to Recovery

for the Darwin’s

Mangrove Finch

By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Beau Parks SDZG SENIOR KEEPER

Illustrations by Tim Reamer SDZG GRAPHIC DESIGNER

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ne boat, two cruise ships, a helicopter, and a jar of Vaseline® Jelly Baby. In the world of field conservation, resourcefulness is often the secret to success. In the case of the mangrove finch, that last item, in the hands of dedicated researchers, proved to be a crucial piece in the puzzle of how to save a little bird facing huge obstacles.

In late 2013, the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research joined forces with the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and Galápagos National Park to try to save the mangrove finch Camarhynchus heliobates (one of the 15 finch species studied by Charles Darwin). The situation was beyond dire for this sparrow-sized songbird. The most threatened bird in the Galápagos Islands, its population had been decimated to the point of only 60 to 80 birds remaining in two tiny patches of habitat on the island of Isabela. And while rats, cats, and disease were dangers faced by the species, the biggest threat, ironically, was the smallest in size.

“For the mangrove finches, Public Enemy No. 1 is an inconspicuous and harmless-looking fly called Philornis downsi,” explains Richard Switzer, an associate director of applied animal ecology at the Institute. Beau Parks, a senior bird keeper at the Zoo and a member of the field team, says “This species of botfly lays its eggs in the nests of the finches. The larvae infest the nostrils and ears of the chicks, sucking the blood from the body and eventually killing them.” He adds that according to CDF research, the mortality rate for nestlings is virtually 100 percent.

Boots (and Biologists) on the Ground In January 2014, Richard and his team returned to Isabela with the goal of implementing a head-starting program to aid mangrove finch chicks through their youngest and most vulnerable stages. This meant collecting eggs, and perhaps newly hatched chicks, from nests on remote Isabela and then transporting them to a specially developed artificial incubation and hand-rearing facility on the island of Santa Cruz, 80 miles away.

The partnership team created that facility by refurbishing an unused lab at the Charles Darwin Research Station. Incubators, brooders, veterinary equipment, electrical supplies, and the husbandry supplies needed to care for the chicks all had to be packed, shipped, and set up. Meanwhile, a prerelease aviary was constructed among the mangroves on Isabela to house the project’s “successes” before they would ultimately be released to the wild.

On the first collection trip, Francesca Cunninghame, mangrove finch project leader for the CDF, located nests containing eggs and also found three tiny, newly hatched chicks. The team was prepared for this scenario, and Richard readied the nestlings for the transfer back to base camp. “I put them in a cotton wool-lined nest cup within a thermos, and we carefully navigated the lattice of mangrove roots,” Richard

Once they had been successfully raised to f ledglings, the mangrove f inches learned to forage in their pre-release aviary.

The f irst cohort of hand-reared f inches was prepared for release in their aviary at Playa Tortuga Negra, Isla Isabela.

tion on Santa Cruz, Galápagos. Richard notes that this was possibly the first time ever that a mangrove finch had hatched in managed care. More hatchings followed, and the researchers certainly had their hands full, feeding and caring for baby birds of varying ages.

At the same time, they were planning to move the finches to a pre-release aviary at Isabela Island’s Playa Tortuga Negra before their ultimate return to a habitat in their home range.

As the birds grew, Beau noticed how quickly they developed. “We were surprised at how soon they took to the food pans. Some as early as 16 to 18 days of age,” he says.

Finch See, Finch Do recalls. “We passed the chicks hand-over-hand across the particularly tricky obstacles and then along the beach to our base camp. There, they were put in a portable incubator, which was set at the appropriate temperature.” The eggs and chicks were now ready for their flight across the ocean to the propagation room at the research station.

To help the young birds prepare for life in the wild, researchers attempted to introduce them to as much of their future existence as they could. “In their aviary, we gave them materials to shred and leaf litter so they could prac-

Challenges Big and Small The chicks were in good hands but not out of the woods.

During one of the hourly feedings, Richard noticed telltale gray specks in the tiny chicks’ nostrils and ears. The chicks also showed signs of anemia. Diagnosis? The botflies had already infested the little birds. Luckily for them, Beau had a trick up his sleeve—or, rather, in a jar.

“We had used Vaseline on the table legs to keep ants away,” Beau explained. “So I applied the jelly to the birds’ nostrils and ears, hoping it would cut off the botfly larvae’s oxygen supply and drive them out.” Sure enough, the tiny terrors began to emerge from the orifices, and Beau patiently extracted them with a pair of forceps.

The work hours were long, with Beau and Nicole LaGreco, the Zoo’s Avian Propagation Center manager, feeding their charges every hour for 15 hours. The menu included such finch favorites as ground-up wasp larvae, moth guts, canned wax worms, and even scrambled egg. Over the next 3 weeks, 2 more nest “search-and-rescue” trips took place, resulting in a total of 21 eggs and 3 neonate chicks being collected.

All those efforts culminated in the best way possible. On February 10, 2014, a mangrove finch chick—weighing less than a penny—hatched at the Charles Darwin Research Sta-

tice foraging,” Nicole says. “And if one finch did it, the others caught on quickly. They learned by example.” She adds that the birds seemed to have the spirit to persevere. “I was amazed at how hardy they were. They are so resilient when compared to other chicks we’ve hatched.”

A drop of blood was drawn from under the wing of each bird (like pricking a finger) for DNA sexing. Once all of the chicks were fledged and transferred to the pre-release aviary on Isabela, research associate Michelle Smith, the last remaining member in the field, cleaned and packed up the lab.

Then the San Diego Zoo Global team eagerly awaited news from Francesca and her team tracking the birds in the mangroves. All the birds had been fitted with a unique combination of color bands on their right leg for identification from a distance, as well as a silver, numbered band on their left leg.

Every step along the way, great care was taken to keep the finches as protected as possible. Transport crates were in-

spected by the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency to ensure that quarantine conditions would be maintained during the chicks’ transfer. The gear the field team took with them was sprayed with insecticide and put into quarantine before it was allowed to leave for Isabela.

Given the remoteness of the nests and even the camp locations, the logistics involved in getting the participants from Point A to Point B required elaborate maneuvering, multiple modes of transportation, and a considerable amount of luck. “Over the course of five round-trip excursions to Isabela (three egg harvests and two chick transfers), we took the Galápagos National Park boat six times and a helicopter twice,” Beau says. “And we even caught a ride aboard cruise ships twice.”

A Brighter Future Fledges By mid-April 2014, 15 chicks had been raised, transferred to Isabela Island, and then released into the mangrove forest. The CDF field team is monitoring the released chicks along with the rest of the population. The CDF is also working on eliminating the botfly. Beau is hopeful that another expedition can be made to add to the success—there can’t be too many mangrove finches. “It was incredibly rewarding to put our unique set of skills to use to help the mangrove finch, and we are encouraged by the success that we had on our first attempt,” Beau says. “If we can replicate our results next year and beyond, we hope to buy the species enough time for the botfly to be eradicated.”

You Can Be a Hero for Wildlife The collaborative efforts of all of us together will make a difference in fighting against species extinction—and you are a vital part of that. To discover more conservation stories and find out how your support impacts the survival of species across the globe, visit the new San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy website at endextinction.org. By joining the cause as a Hero for Wildlife, you will be helping to protect and save endangered animals, ensuring they continue to be part of our world for generations to come. Thank you!

Above, top: The pre-release aviary had to be constructed before the rescue mission could begin. Above: Anita Carrion of the Charles Darwin Foundation and Paula Castano from Island Conservation load mangrove f inches into their transport crates for their voyage to Isla Isabela.

HELP FOR

HAWAIIAN BIRDS

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By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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buttery breeze wafting the perfume of tropical blossoms.

The scent of the sea across a lush, verdant landscape. A symphony of exotic birds calling. The Hawaiian Islands are a treat for the senses, and without these aspects, what many people consider paradise would be less so. Unfortunately, some of Hawaii’s native bird species are in danger of extinction, and they need help to be able to keep singing.

We are using our expertise and resources to provide that help, aiding in the recovery of Hawaii’s most threatened native birds through the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program. The program encompasses two bird propagation facilities—one on the Big Island of Hawaii and one on Maui—as well as release sites and support stateside at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. Using propagation and reintroduction as crucial management techniques, everyone involved is dedicated to preventing the extinction and promoting the recovery of Hawaii’s most threated native birds.

ALALA IN THE FAMILY The alala Corvus hawaiiensis, or Hawaiian crow, has major significance in Hawaiian culture. It also plays a key role in regenerating native forests by dispersing the seeds of fruit it eats. In most places around the world, crows are a common sight. But the alala is one of the world’s most threatened birds due to habitat destruction, introduced predators, and avian disease. In fact, this iconic bird has been considered extinct in the wild since 2002.

We have been working with the species since 1993, when there were just over 20 alala left. Such a drastically low population requires intensive aid, and in 1993, we embarked upon a rear-and-release program. In 1996, we also became responsible for the management of the small flock. As females lay eggs, staff place them in incubators, and the hatchlings are then hand-raised. An alala puppet is used to feed the chicks so the youngsters won’t imprint on humans. Today, the total alala population is 114 birds, including 9 newcomers that hatched in 2014.

With the alala population now exceeding 100 birds, the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program continues to be in a strong position to make plans with our partners for releasing and reestablishing these birds in the wild.

MOTHER AND FATHER OF THE YEAR Last year, at the facility on the Big Island, a young alala female named Po Mahina became the first alala in over 20 years to hatch and raise chicks on her own. This year brought another milestone: Po Mahina’s mate, Kukui, was given the opportunity to help raise his offspring. The astonishing results have redefined our understanding of fatherhood for the alala, according to Amy Kuhar, a research associate.

“Before last year,” explains Amy, “it was not known whether alala could or would raise young in managed care, but Po Mahina showed us the light. This year, we wondered about the male’s role.” Last May, when a remote camera revealed that Po Mahina had a chick in her nest, staff also noticed Kukui watching from the aviary next door.

“The breeding biology of alala in the wild is still incomplete,” says Amy. “Male alala probably help protect the territory and maybe bring food to the female on the nest.” However, the staff understood that these alala were in a unique situation. In managed care, there are no predators and no need to search far and wide for food. What would Kukui’s role be? The research team decided to see.

When the chick was 19 days old, the door between the parents’ chambers was opened, and staff watched and waited. Kukui immediately flew in, landed near the nest, and observed his mate brooding the chick. After a little while, he flew out of the camera’s view. However, he quickly returned, with food in his beak. “The chick opened SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Left: The open, rural settings of the bird propagation facilities allow for a variety of housing options for the different species being cared for. Right: Meeting the nutritional needs of the endangered birds is important. Since the facilities are located in the birds’ native range, collecting appropriate food is possible, albeit time consuming.

PROTECTING PALILA

Young birds imprint easily, so the staff uses an alala puppet to feed hatchlings. Covering the rest of the employee’s body reduces the chance the chicks will imprint on humans.

its beak wide, expecting to be fed by Dad,” Amy shares. “And that’s exactly what happened!”

Fatherhood seemed to come naturally to Kukui. In fact, he started doing the majority of the feedings. “Watching Po Mahina and Kukui interact with their chick at the nest has given us valuable insight,” says Amy. “Everything we learn by watching this alala family will help us prepare for the eventual release of the alala into the wild.”

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The palila Loxoides baileui is a finch-billed honeycreeper that feeds on the flowers and seeds of the mamane tree Sophora chrysophylla, an endemic Hawaiian plant belonging to the pea family. Much of the palila’s habitat of mamane forest has been unprotected from introduced, feral sheep and goats, which eat the trees’ bark—leaving them vulnerable to disease and pests—and devour young saplings. In addition, feral cats and black rats are predators that eat palila eggs and chicks in nests. With a population estimated at only 1,000 birds and declining rapidly, the palila has been a focal species for conservation help since 1996.

Breeding palila is a challenging task. Through persistent team efforts, we have been refining techniques and building a viable population. The results have been encouraging, with 34 of these critically endangered birds now at our breeding center.

Reintroduction by Helicopter Between 2003 and 2009, we undertook experimental trials to release palila, in hopes of establishing a new sub-population in mamane habitat that was being restored. The birds were airlifted to Puu Mali, an area separate from the main population on the Big Island but within the historical range of the palila. There, the birds were released into acclimation aviaries, where they remained for about two weeks, orienting themselves to the mountain slopes soon to become their home.

“The site was selected because efforts were being made to restore the mamane forest and control mammalian predators,” explains Richard Switzer, associate director for the program. “At an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet, Puu Mali experiences surprisingly bitter-cold nights. so this was also an opportunity for the palila to acclimate themselves to temperatures while being fueled by the

Palilas measure about seven-and-a-half inches long. A male, seen here, usually bears a brighter shade of yellow than a female or juvenile bird.

unlimited food provided by the field crew.” After release, the field crew used radio-telemetry to monitor the success and survival of the birds. Although short-term post-release survival was encouraging, the long-term restoration process was not successful, and, unfortunately, the Puu Mali subpopulation eventually disappeared.

“This showed us that the limiting factors threatening the palila had not been fully mitigated. This is indicative of the multitude of threats that continue to impact the Hawaiian forest ecosystem and the native birds that live within it,” Richard notes.

Egg by egg, bird by bird, our conservation program moves toward its goal of establishing or augmenting self-sustaining populations of the few native Hawaiian bird species remaining. Other endemic Hawaiian bird species taken under our wing include the puaiohi Myadestes palmeri and kiwikiu Pseudonestor xanthophrys, both critically endangered. The nene or Hawaiian goose Branta sandvicensis was also part of the program until recently. We bred and released more than 400 nene, helping to bring the wild popula-

We would like to thank: Moore Family Foundation Max and Yetta Karasik Family Foundation Wallace Research Foundation An Anonymous Foundation Dr. James Sheldon and Mrs. Carolyn Werner Sheldon and many other public and private supporters of the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

Top: During their acclimation period, the palila are provided with mamane branches and blossoms for foraging. Bottom: Before the birds are released into their native habitat, they spend time in an acclimation aviary. This gives the birds a chance to adjust to the temperatures, sights, and sounds of the environment.

tion to over 2,000. Conservation of the nene has turned the corner for the better, and our participation is no longer required. Building on past successes and staying focused on the future, the Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program raises reasons for hope for Hawaii’s most imperiled native birds.

The Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program is a field program of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research in partnership with the State of Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. To learn more about this program, visit endextinction.org.

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Get a Grip The Complex, Compelling Coconut Crab

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The coconut crab is the largest land-living arthropod in the world.

By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

O

ne look at the coconut crab Birgus latro, and it’s easy to understand the hold this amazing creature has on the human imagination. While its size, appearance, and strength may deem the coconut crab a suitable subject for a cable-TV horror movie, the truth about this captivating crustacean is more interesting—and yes, stranger—than (science) fiction.

More Than a Pinch

A relative of the diminutive hermit crab, the coconut crab can weigh up to nine pounds and, according to some reports, measure some three feet from leg tip to leg tip. These impressive stats have earned it the distinction of being the largest land-living arthropod in the world. The coconut crab makes its home on islands across the Indian Ocean and part of the Pacific Ocean. The largest population lives on tiny Christmas Island. Measuring just 52 square miles, this island doesn’t offer a lot of real estate for some really big crabs.

The coconut crab’s common name has much to do with its appetite. The crab’s habitat coincides with the range of the coconut palm,

which bears one of this arthropod’s favorite foods—the coconut. The crabs feed on the fallen fruits, and they are strong enough to dig the meat out of an open shell or gouge a hole into one of the pores with their claws. They are also world-class scavengers, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter.

The first pair of legs on the coconut crab (they have five!) is modified into massive chelae, or claws, in order to readily manipulate the world around them. The next two pairs are large and powerful and used for walking and climbing up vertical surfaces. The fourth pair of legs is smaller, with tiny pinchers at the end, allowing young coconut crabs to grip the inside of a shell or coconut husk and carry it for protection. The very small remaining pair, usually held inside the carapace, is used by females to tend their eggs and by males during mating.

Coconut crab reproduction is a story unto itself. After mating on land, the female carries the fertilized eggs beneath her abdomen, held in place by those specialized legs. When the eggs are ready to hatch, the female makes her way to the ocean’s edge during high tide and releases them. The larvae float in the sea for up to 28 days SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Above: Keeper Kelli Walker monitors Kenny’s growth.

Right: The coconut crab’s second and third pairs of claws are powerful and used for walking and climbing—even up vertical surfaces.

while they develop, after which they enter an amphibious stage of about the same duration. During this time, the young crabs use the discarded shells of sea creatures such as snails and abalone for protection, and then they eventually migrate onto terra firma.

Coming Out of Its Shell

The rest of the coconut crab’s body makeup—well, it can’t be made up. Like its hermit crab cousins, the juvenile coconut crab finds discarded gastropod shells to “wear” for protection because its own exoskeleton is thin. Once it grows past a certain stage, however, the coconut crab’s exoskeleton hardens, resulting in a sturdy, tough-tocrack abdomen. It then abandons its temporary shelter for good.

That hardy exoskeleton is wonderful protection, but it also has an expiration date. Since the exoskeleton’s outer layer is non-living, it cannot grow larger like our skeletons do as we mature. Instead, as Paige Howorth, animal care manager for the Zoo’s Entomology Department, explains, arthropods must molt, or shed, the old exoskeleton in order to grow. “It can be very difficult to keep coconut crabs in a zoo or other facility because they need the right materials, and enough space, for this process to occur—and often only they know what those resources are.”

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The exoskeleton also makes the large crab susceptible to desiccation (particularly during a molt), and once the animal seals itself into a suitable burrow for molting, it could be months before it emerges again. Ever resourceful, coconut crabs recoup the calcium and other nutrients in their shed exoskeleton in the most direct way possible—by eating it.

In Their Grasp

Crab-servation

Even the largest land arthropod needs help to survive. Humans like to eat crabs, and the coconut crab’s slow-growing life history does not keep pace with demand in many locations. For this reason, it is regionally protected on certain islands and subject to size limits and seasonal regulation on others. The coconut crab has been completely extirpated from the island of Mauritius.

The coconut crab’s other common names—such as robber crab and palm thief—were likely a result of the animal’s larcenous proclivities. Since their foraging behavior can be “grab first, evaluate later,” the sticky-clawed animals make off with whatever isn’t (and sometimes is) nailed down. “Early researchers studying coconut crabs found them dragging off abandoned shoes, camera lens covers, and other inedible items to their underground burrows,” Paige explains.

A coconut crab’s nightly jaunts to find food (fruit, nuts, seeds, and carrion, to name a few) may lead it into human domain, and any items they encounter along the way are apparently fair game. There’s even a theory that the coconut crab is involved in one of the greatest mysteries of our time: the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. As early as the mid-20th century, there was speculation that the aviator met her end on or near Gardner Island and that her remains were scavenged or hidden by coconut crabs. Whether fact or just another “big fish story,” the mere possibility has added to the coconut crab’s mystique.

Kenny’s exhibit, which he rearranges to suit himself, includes the substrates he needs to properly molt his exoskeleton.

The Gift of Grab

The Zoo acquired its young coconut crab this past winter. Senior keeper Ester Chang, the crab’s primary keeper, says it has been an exciting experience to work with the sometimes-enigmatic animal.

“Getting him through a molt here and finding food items that he enjoys have been really rewarding, especially since so little is known about this species’ needs in managed care.”

Affectionately named Kenny (though the crab’s sex is as yet undetermined), this fascinating animal routinely remodels his home in the Insect House in the Children’s Zoo. Kenny has excavated additional burrows, rearranged tank “furniture,” and pulled down the screen of the lid in his enclosure (sometimes all in the same day).

Also on Kenny’s lists of “likes”? Setting his own schedule (he’s nocturnal when he feels like it), crunching popcorn, and munching on a rodent or two. “We continue to offer him novel food items and enrichment, but more often than not, he prefers two things: mice and popcorn,” Paige says. Given the species’ specialized strength and smarts, there are certainly worse things he could be crunching.

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It Takes All Kinds 38

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Above: Bottle feeding requires concentration on the part of the keeper to make sure the formula is flowing at the proper rate.

Adjusting the angle of the bottle helps keep a perfect pace for babies like this koala joey. Below: Finding the most comfortable position for a feeding baby takes persistence and flexibility—especially with a species like this Rodrigues fruit bat pup.

By Janet Hawes LEAD KEEPER, NEONATAL ASSISTED CARE UNIT, SAN DIEGO ZOO

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

T

he next time you take a trip to your local drugstore, pass by the baby section and check out the dizzying array of bottle nipples available. Commercially available bottle nipples for human babies come attractively packaged in many shapes and sizes; some are made of silicone and others of latex. Ask any new mom, and she will attest that babies can be finicky about which bottle nipple or pacifier they prefer, and once they choose one, they are stubbornly loyal. Consider that humans are a single species.

Now, imagine you must find an appropriate bottle nipple for every mammal in the San Diego Zoo’s animal collection, from the tiny newborn pygmy marmoset weighing less than half an ounce to a baby elephant weighing 200 pounds at birth!

Finding the perfect bottle nipple for every mammal species is a major hurdle in the assisted-care process at the Zoo and Safari Park.

Though this small piece of equipment may seem simple, it is essential to a healthy baby and a successful outcome. Baby mammals SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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There’s Something for Everyone This orthodontic nipple—designed for humans—is preferred by large primates like this baby lowland gorilla.

Designed for human “preemies,” the Ross special care nipple works well for small to medium animals, like this serval kitten, newborn giant pandas, and small primates.

There’s a reason this bottle-topper looks familiar—it’s the same type commonly used for human babies. In this case, what’s good for a person is good for a red river hog piglet.

A nipple designed for domestic hoofed animals is just right for a lesser kudu calf.

Some manufactured nipples have a softer texture than others. animals sometimes show a preference for the feel.

Wallaby joeys have a shallow nursing behavior rather than a strong nursing reflex, so we use a nipple that is both soft and narrow.

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craftsperson who can sew, knit, bead, and make almost anything creatively. She devoted her considerable talents to the creation of a suitable water deer nipple. First, Pam located some liquid latex and fashioned a mold using the probe of a thermometer. After powdering the mold to prevent sticking, Pam painted the latex over it. When it dried, we tried it out—the result was a resounding success with the water deer fawns. Pam had created the first “zoo-manufactured nipple.” We continued to use the nipples for many years to bottle feed various small hoofed species. Unfortunately, they eventually wore out, and the latex Pam used was no longer available.

Knowing the position a baby would be in for feeding from its mother is key. Mimicking the natural posture helps ensure this young fossa takes in food efficiently and with less risk of aspiration.

rejected or orphaned by their mothers are our most precious and vulnerable patients, and to serve their nutritional needs, we must consider the natural situation. We mimic nature whenever possible, knowing that it is our best resource. We consider several things: what is the shape and size of the natural nipple? What is the shape and size of the baby’s palate? What do we have available that most closely matches the natural situation?

Thankfully, there are some commercial products at our disposal.

Bottle nipples manufactured for humans (including those made for premature babies) work well for primates and some carnivores.

Those intended for puppies and kittens are useful for some exotic species. Domestic goats, sheep, and cows are reared on specific nipples available through ranch supply houses. Some mammals have quite specific needs: for marsupials, we obtain bottle nipples from Australia made specifically for them.

In addition to the shape, the texture and softness of the nipple must be taken into account. And, of course, the size of the hole that allows the milk to flow must be just right. If the nipple is too soft, or the hole is too large, milk flows out too quickly. This can overwhelm the baby and cause serious harm if the milk is inhaled into the lungs.

On the other hand, when the milk flow is too slow, the neonate consumes insufficient nutrition.

Inside the Zoo’s Neonatal Assisted Care Unit, we have a cupboard where we keep our bottle nipple selection. This treasure trove is extensive, and we are lucky to have it, but sometimes even this resource falls short. Creativity and innovation are needed in extraspecial cases.

Several years ago, the nursery was charged with hand-rearing Chinese water deer. These fragile babies were especially challenging, since they were tiny with small, narrow palates. The females had given birth to multiple babies, all with finicky appetites. None of the nipples we tried were ideal. Feeding times were lengthy and frustrating; when the last fawn in the bunch was fed, it was almost time to start over again.

Keeper Pamela Sturm (now retired) was one of our senior staff frequently pulled into the nursery when we were busy. Pam is a true

Until this Wolf’s guenon baby is able to reunite with its family, bottle feedings provide comfort and security as well as nutrtion.

We needed to secure a reliable, more durable product. We were lucky to find Jeff Broz, a model maker who kindly and patiently took on our project. He began by experimenting with different types of food-safe silicone and creating various mold designs. After some trial and error, Jeff arrived at the perfect design and found a soft, stretchy silicone called dragonskin. The new product delivers the proper “mouth feel” as well as reliable durability. The resulting nipple has been used extensively in our facility and shared with zoos worldwide.

So, the next time you see a nursery keeper bottle feeding a baby on Zoo or Safari Park grounds, take time to notice and appreciate the not-so-simple nipple on the end of that bottle. It can be a life saver for the newborns we care for each day.

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what’s in store Ornaments $14.95

re Bear

GOOD

TIDINGS

Share the spirit of conservation with these intricately handmade, 100-percent wool Peruvian ornaments and animal figurines. Andean women of the Lambayeque region in Peru use dry needle felting to transform unspun wool into vibrant, oneof-a-kind creations. All of the proceeds benefit the conservation and research work of the Spectacled Bear Conservation Society Peru and provide a fair-wage livelihood for the women who make these products.

Spectacled Bear $26.95

Small Figurines $14.95

Visit our stores at the Zoo and Safari Park to purchase these featured items.

Large Figurines $18.95

Items and prices may vary based on availability. Available in select stores.

Your purchases support the conservation projects and educational work of San Diego Zoo Global.

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Need a WILD Holiday Gift Idea?

If you’re searching for a unique gift for the holidays, the wild world of animals might be the perfect present for friends and family! With a gift membership, your recipient can visit giant pandas, polar bears, koalas, elephants, tigers, and other amazing animals at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park every day of the year. Also, our Wildlife Adoptions holiday special provides plush critters to snuggle, a colorful tote bag, and more.

Membership: Give Your Zoo to the Ones You Love!

For an imaginative, affordable gift that keeps on giving all year long and includes animal adventures and fun, a Zoo membership is ideal for the animal aficionados in your life. Membership benefits include unlimited entrance to the Zoo and Safari Park for an entire year—and you are directly helping all the precious animals in our care! To purchase your gift membership today, visit zoomember.com or call 619-231-0251.

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Giant Pandas, Tigers, and More: Wildlife Adoptions To celebrate the holidays, we’re offering a Wildlife Adoptions special that’s a charming and cuddly gift for any age!

Our $100 adoption special includes: Plush animal toy Tiger reusable tote bag Adoption certificate and fact sheet Window decal Your tax-deductible adoption benefits San Diego Zoo’s global wildlife conservation efforts and provides toys and treats for our Zoo and Safari Park animals. To order, visit sandiegozoo.org/adopt or call 619-557-3914. Quantities are limited. Orders must be placed by December 12 to ensure delivery by December 25, 2014 (US only).

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from the archives

Our First Greater One-horned Rhino One-year-old Lasai came to the San Diego Zoo from the Basel Zoo in Switzerland in

1963. With his arrival, the Zoo’s collection could boast black, white, and greater one-horned rhinoceros species. Each was housed in newly constructed, moated exhibit areas on the large mammal mesa. According to a ZOONOOZ article at the time, “these enclosures are equipped with allmodern conveniences a rhinoceros might need for luxurious living, including spacious exercise, eating, and retiring quarters, as well as mud baths. Lasai’s home is the newest and has the added feature of a swimming pool.”

A volume of correspondence reflected our efforts to obtain a mate for him before Jaypuri, a young female born in India’s Kaziranga National Park, joined our boy in 1965. Transferred to the fledgling Wild Animal Park (today’s Safari Park) in 1972, breeding hopes ran high for the pair. But it wasn’t until 1978 that we welcomed the birth of our first surviving greater one-horned rhino calf, Gainda. Her parents produced five more calves together over the years.

Today, the Safari Park has had seven generations of greater one-horned rhino births, making it the foremost breeding facility in the world for this species!

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PUBLISHED SINCE 1926

DECEMBER 2014

MANAGING EDITOR

KAREN E. WORLEY

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

PEGGY SCOTT DEBBIE ANDREEN

STAFF WRITERS SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL™ PHOTOGRAPHER DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL™ VIDEOGRAPHERS

LXXXVII–NO. 12

WENDY PERKINS KARYL CARMIGNANI KEN BOHN TAMMY SPRATT DAMIEN LASATER CHRISTOPHER MARTIN HEIDI SCHMID-ROMERO STEPHANIE BEVIL-PAGADUAN DENNIS CORBRAN KAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANI KRISTIN NIELSEN TIM REAMER LISA BISSI JENNIFER MACEWEN LEE RIEBER MARIA BERNAL-SILVA DUSTIN TRAYER

The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in October 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation that currently does business as San Diego Zoo Global.

This digital edition of ZOONOOZ® is currently published every month. Versions are available for download on iPad and Kindle Fire, and a PDF version is available for viewing on desktops, Android devices, and smartphones. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515.

Copyright® 2014 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. Office. All column and program titles are trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global. Annual Memberships: Dual $125, new; $110, renewal. Single $102, new; $90, renewal. Membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS: December 1–12 and 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; December 13–23 and 25–31; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS: December 1–25: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; December 26–31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information about our animals and events, visit sandiegozoo.org or call 619-231-1515.

sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz