February 2015 ZOONOOZ

inside february 2015

The Giraffe Cat: How to Spot the African Serval Felines can’t fly, but this athletically gifted small cat comes close when hunting prey!

wildlife Nilgai in Town: Meet the Asian “Blue Bull” Thanks to a recent baby boom, a herd of Asia’s biggest antelope is living large at the Safari Park!

Hibiscus: More Than a Pretty Face Explore this botanical beauty’s astonishing array of forms and see why the lei is just the beginning of its allure.

more

wildlife

What’s in Store

Rest in Peace, Angalifu Take a moment to celebrate the life of our male northern white rhino, Angalifu, who passed away recently.

explore

Support

Through the Lens At the Intersection of Care and Leks, Likes, and Losers: Caution Breeding Opportunities for Arena Birds How do you handle the medical

Chairman’s Note

needs of venomous snakes? Very carefully! Check out the intricate steps involved in a dangerous reptile’s checkup.

From the Archives

on the cover: Serval Leptailurus serval ©Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

What makes female birds swoon?

How do male birds try to rise above the flock? Meet some birds that lay it all on the line in their lek!

You Said It

chairman’s note

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Robert B. Horsman, Chairman Sandra A. Brue, Vice Chairman Judith A. Wheatley, Secretary Steven G. Tappan, Treasurer

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

M. Javade Chaudhri Berit N. Durler Richard B. Gulley Clifford W. Hague Linda Lowenstine, D.V.M., Ph.D. Patricia L. Roscoe

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Charging Ahead WE ARE OFF TO A GREAT START for the year at San Diego Zoo Global, and I would like to thank all our members, donors, volunteers, and staff as we continue to work together to advance the important mission and goals of this world-class organization. We have already started planning for our landmark centennial anniversary in 2016, as well as developing strategic plans that will set the stage for the next 100 years of operations, expand and enhance visitor experiences— and lead the campaign to end extinction. I am continually inspired by the innovation and positive impact our organization has on research, sustainability, and wildlife around the world.

That impact has been clear in the last month, as the news about the critically endangered northern white rhino has been widely covered in the media. Sadly, our male northern white rhino at the Safari Park, Angalifu, passed away of old-age-related causes in December, and our female, Nola, is now one of only five northern white rhinos left in the world. The plight of these rhinos has touched many people around the world, and it has brought into sharp focus the dire need for conservation of all rhinos. The situation is sobering: more than 1,200 southern white rhinos were killed in 2014 alone. At that rate, they will become extinct in the wild in the next 15 to 20 years.

San Diego Zoo Global has long been involved in rhino conservation activities: in the 1970s, we brought southern white rhinos to the Safari Park to develop a breeding herd; we have had marked success with our greater one-horned rhino breeding efforts; and we continue to support anti-poaching efforts in countries where rhinos are found.

Now, as one of the last remaining northern white rhinos is living with us, we will be embarking on scientific efforts at our Institute for Conservation Research to see what might be done to save the subspecies.

As your chairman, I am committed to working with my fellow board members and the staff to advance San Diego Zoo Global’s vision to lead the fight to end extinction. As we have before with species like the California condor, Arabian oryx, and giant panda, we will continue to work with our partners to lead the charge to give rhinos—and many other species—a future.

Robert B. Horsman Chairman

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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 Robert B. Horsman, 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

Members get up close FREE all year long!

Start your membership today. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sandiegozoo.org SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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you said it

I had always wondered if pandas were as cute in real life as they seem in pictures... #sandiegozoo just confirmed it! @sarahkirksey Wow, what great news! Saticoy was my first condor. He has a special place in my heart and it’s so wonderful to see he and Cuyamaca living the free life that they were meant to live…thank you to all who made it possible for them to fly free and be healthy. Wish I could lie on a patch of grass in the Tejon Ranch area and just watch Saticoy fly around free!!!

Sheryl No big, just feeding a 5,000-pound rhino. @sammy_powell

My kindergarteners are LOVING our virtual field trip to the zoo! The vocab is flowing & they are happy! @TCENicholson I’m so glad to hear that Joanne [gorilla] is thriving.

It’s so amazing that she was able to overcome so much in her short life. She’s beyond adorable.

Orangutansam

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Here at the office where we work, [we] have grown so fond of the Ape Cam daily that it has become a habit in our work day, every week! We want you to know that we’ve all nicknamed the adult male orangutan “Big Daddy.” It is just funny to watch him when he’s being a grouch, a bit playful with the other orangutan (naughty boy!) or simply just himself. We also want you to know that the baby Aisha is such a pleasure to watch and to see her confidence is just priceless! Thank you San Diego Zoo for taking such good care of these animals that are so important, just like any other animal! Kudos to you all at SDZ! Sylvia

My life was made today getting to take a selfie with one of these beautiful creatures. Hopefully I will get to see one in the wild on my travels around Asia. @charliemayemiles When I saw Kalluk in person, I was really shocked at how large he was. Part of me feels like all the animals should be respected for their wildness. But on the other hand, if the zoo polar bears were not on the [Polar] Cam, I would not have been as motivated to read and learn about them….

Carol_lizard Great birthday at the Zoo! @MLEstylist

Thank you @sandiegozoo for taking care of the cutest animal alive. This little girl made my day yesterday. @RaphtheRaph @sandiegozoo hands down has the best Instagram. @soccker_shanny I think today was one of the best days of my life.

Had a blast at the @ sandiegozoo. @cd1167

One cool damp pile of sand = elephant heaven! Funny to watch them enjoy, roll, throw, and just lie in it.

Ken

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through the lens South African cheetah Acinonyx jubatus

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The Giraffe Cat How to Spot the African Serval

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By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Ken Bohn

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he African serval Leptailurus serval is a cat of a different color—and shape. More golden than other small-cat family members like the caracal and with different spot patterns than the ocelot or some lynx species, this sleek feline’s coat alone could be reason enough to set it apart. But the serval’s physique—especially its neck—also goes to great lengths to make this cat stand out.

Small Cat, Large Presence Native to Africa, mostly south of the Sahara Desert, the serval makes its home along waterways in savannas and forests, where it preys on rodents, birds, and fish. Its tawny, golden coat, patterned with both black spots and lines, allows the cat to blend in with grasses and

Even as a kitten, the serval’s coat sports both spots and stripes.

PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

Climbing is just one skill Kamari the serval kitten is learning in his exhibit at the Zoo’s Kopje.

shadows. Worshipped by ancient Egyptians for its power and grace, the serval is perhaps the hunting king of the cat world. While other wild cats are successful in just one of every five or six attempts to kill prey, servals bag that meal in about half of all tries.

Part of this hunting prowess can be attributed to the feline’s unique physiology. With a body weight topping out at 40 pounds, the serval has the longest legs and largest ears for its body size of any cat. How does that help when it comes to landing a meal? Those lanky legs can easily propel that lean body a significant distance to grab the prey that those big ears can hear from far away. Those long, slender front legs can reach far into a burrow to retrieve its unlucky inhabitant. That extra-long neck, which earned this cat the nickname the giraffe cat, gives the serval a good—if not quite SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Upper left: The white spots on the back of a serval’s ears can look like eyes to a predator, discouraging an attack. Upper right: Along with helping dissipate the desert heat, the serval’s prominent ears allow the cat to hear potential prey crawling underground. Bottom: Visitors to the Safari Park can catch a demonstration of the serval’s astonishing leaping skills.

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As a serval grows, its coat becomes sleeker as the cat loses its “baby fluff.”

bird’s-eye—view of its surroundings. “They can jump nine feet in the air,” says Liz Johnson, a keeper at the San Diego Zoo. “They can catch birds right out of the air. And their hearing is so good, they sometimes don’t see prey until they land on it.” Between its patient, “wait-watch-pounce” strategy, its anything-but-picky palate (they’ll eat birds, reptiles, frogs, crabs, and large insects), and the serval’s willingness to venture into water to nab fish, it’s no wonder the serval is so good at bringing home the groceries!

as part of the animal encounters at Wegeforth Bowl. His brother, Jabari, takes part in the Zoo’s Backstage Pass experience.

At the Safari Park, there are three male and three female serval animal ambassadors. Two of the newest, brothers Emmett and Boise, are lending a helping hand—er, paw—with spreading the word about conservation. This dynamic duo took quickly to the role of “spokescats.” At 10 months of age, they have already taken part in the Park’s Behind-the-Scenes: Cheetah and Friends tour and have appeared on local and regional news programs. Early on, the boisterous brothers showed promise as training all-stars. “At eight weeks, they were quick to learn their names and start clicker training,” says Shannon Smith, a senior animal trainer at the Park. Animal trainer Jessica Holland adds that the boys’ differences showed up early.

“Boise is a little smaller but is the more dominant one,” she says.

“And Emmett’s the ‘deep thinker.’ They’re progressing quickly.”

The serval ambassadors also wow guests during special animal encounters throughout the day. The flying felines demonstrate their aerobatic abilities while “hunting” lures, giving their audiences a look at how wild servals might pursue prey. Females Tani and Zuri, offspring of the Park’s serval pair Bella and Jabari, can be seen on grounds and taking part in media appearances. All the servals take turns participating in the Behind-the-Scenes: Cheetah and Friends tour.

While animal ambassador training can look like it’s all fun and games, Shannon notes that the methods are geared to encourage and nurture natural behaviors and that the whole process has an important purpose. “We want people to care about animals and their habitats,” she says. “And it’s so much more relatable when there is this beautiful animal in front of you to tell the story.” n

Air Show (and Tell) At the Zoo and Safari Park, servals are on exhibit or make appearances as animal ambassadors to help represent their species. The Zoo’s Kopje exhibit is home to our newest serval, an almost-four-month-old male named Kamari, and his mother, Onshe. From the beginning, the curious little cutie was very playful and independent. “He loves to play in the tall grass and stalk his toys—and especially his mom’s tail!” says Liz, adding that Onshe, a first-time mother, was an excellent parent from day one. “She was better than we could expect.” Kamari’s father, Dakari, also lives at the Zoo in his behind-the-scenes home.

Shani is the grande dame of serval ambassadors at the Zoo, having been here for more than a dozen years.

Jasiri, a 12-year-old male serval, represents his species

Kamari’s kittenish face will elongate as he grows.

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Rest in Peace, Angalifu

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Angalifu was one of a handful of northern white rhinos left in the world. He passed away at the Safari Park of natural causes.

By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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hen the elderly northern white rhinoceros Angalifu passed away on December 14, 2014, he left a gigantic hole in many hearts. “Angalifu’s death is a tremendous loss to all of us,” said Randy Rieches, curator of mammals for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, “not only because he was so well loved here at the Safari Park but also because his death brings this wonderful subspecies one step closer to extinction.” Estimated to be about 44 years old, Angalifu was being treated for a variety of age-related conditions and died of natural causes. Like the remaining five northern white rhinos left in the world (one female at the Safari Park, one at a zoo in the Czech Republic, and three at a sanctuary in Kenya), all are in their post-reproductive “golden years.” Despite the dire odds, San Diego

Zoo Global remains committed to finding a solution to this gloomy conservation story. Biological samples have been preserved in our Frozen Zoo®, with the hope that new reproductive technologies will allow recovery of the northern white rhino.

In honor of Angalifu and all our rhinos at the Zoo and Safari Park, as well as their wild counterparts, the May issue of ZOONOOZ will be a special issue focusing on rhinoceroses. Look for articles about the different types of rhinos, the relentless threats they face in their native countries, the conservation work that is taking place to try to save them, and San Diego Zoo Global’s role, past and present, in caring for and supporting these noble animals. n

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Nilgai in Meet the Asian “Blue Bull” 16

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Nilgai mothers decide when it’s time for their offspring to leave their “tucked in” hiding places and join the herd. Then there is no stopping the youngsters!

By Peggy Scott ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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ith the recent births of four nilgai calves, the Safari Park’s multi-species field exhibit in the Asian Savanna territory is certainly a place where “the deer and the antelope play.” In this 40-acre habitat, the various groups of animals coexist and even mingle, much as they might in the wild. “Everyone is usually pretty mellow,” says Amanda Lussier, a keeper at the Park. “There’s not a lot of drama, just minor territory stuff. I’ve even seen the gaur grooming a couple of the female nilgais.” A fondness for unusual friendships is only one interesting facet of the nilgai, Amanda notes, adding that in some places, this unusual ungulate is even revered.

Feeling “Blue”

The largest antelope in Asia, the nilgai Boselaphus tragocamelus cuts a dashing—and formidable—figure. Adult males can weigh up to 700 pounds and stand almost 5 feet at the shoulder. Females are

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considerably smaller, topping out at around 450 pounds. Native to India, the nilgai’s range includes parts of southern Nepal and eastern Pakistan. The word nilgai means “blue bull” in Hindi, possibly because of the animal’s slight resemblance to a cow. Like its bovine brethren, the nilgai is considered sacred to Hindus. In parts of the United States, however, a population has been introduced for hunting purposes.

Sexual dimorphism is quite pronounced in this species. Along with the notable size difference, male and female nilgais are antelopes of a different color: grayish-blue for males and light brown to orange-brown for females and calves. Another distinction is right on top of their heads: only male nilgais sport horns—and they’re like daggers. “Their horns are relatively short, but they’re sharp,” Amanda explains. “They’re bone that is fused to the skull, covered with a keratin sheath.”

Patches of white adorn the nilgai’s face and below the chin, extending into a wide, white dewlap patch on the throat. With males,

Above: Along with the Park’s 17 nilgais, the Asian Savanna is home to axis deer, blackbuck, wapiti, gaur, sika deer, Indian sambar, mouflon sheep, and greater one-horned rhinos.

RIght: The nilgai’s coat features white areas on the face, under the lips, their chin bib, and underbelly. The notches on this female’s ears serve to identify her to the herd’s keepers.

this characteristic is larger, and it’s partially for show.

“When it’s fluffed out, it helps make the male look larger and more intimidating,” Amanda says, noting that this white beard also helps dissipate heat.

The narrow white band that runs along the nilgai’s brisket area broadens over the abdomen and spreads between the hind legs to form a narrow rump patch that is edged with darker hair. An adult nilgai’s tail is white, as are the leg bands slightly above the hooves. These white accents, Amanda notes, are informally referred to as follow-me marks or bobby socks, and they help calves keep track of the herd.

Near and “Deer”

The Park’s 17 nilgais (4 males and 13 females) share their home with 2 elderly female axis deer (who have SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Only male nilgais grow the species’ characteristically short, dagger-like horns.

been affectionately dubbed Laverne and Shirley), Indian blackbuck, Bactrian wapiti, gaur (also called Indian bison), Indochinese sika, Indian sambar, mouflon sheep, and greater one-horned rhinos.

Two adult male nilgais currently lead the herd, and their naming is a story unto itself. Several years ago, a male nilgai named Fred came to the Safari Park. He was cute but so feisty at first that keepers whimsically referred to him as Fred Savage—invoking both the adorable youngster from TV’s “The Wonder Years” and the spirit of late professional wrestler, Randy “Macho Man” Savage. Keeper Eric Wiggins quips that when a second young male was added, “We had Fred Savage, so we had to call this one Ben,” a nod to human Fred’s sibling and fellow actor.

A third, especially spirited male followed, and keepers realized they had finally found their own Randy Savage. Fred moved to another facility a couple of years ago, leaving the Park’s nilgai herd in the capable hands (or hooves) of Ben and Randy.

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Two as-yet-unnamed male calves were born in early November 2014; a female followed later that month, and a second female arrived on December 1. The Park’s nilgai herd is following the natural history of the species to the letter: in the wild, nilgais live in herds of 10 to 20, with 1 to 2 dominant males. “As the young males get older, we might move them to another area if sparring takes place,” Amanda says.

Hide-and-Seek

As the Park’s nilgais expand their ranks via reproduction, keepers need to keep their sleuthing skills sharp. “Some species are ‘tuckers’: when the females give birth, they tuck their babies into a safe hiding spot,” Amanda explains. “And while we know their favorite tucking spots, sometimes they’ll surprise us and put them somewhere else.” The calves’ light coloring doesn’t help keepers spot them, of course, because they blend right into the rocks. As Amanda and Eric

point out, that is exactly what is supposed to happen in the wild. “If predators can’t see them, they can’t get them,” Amanda says.

To gain some advantage, keepers start watching pregnant females and note their favorite hangouts.

They do a head count at the beginning and end of each shift. They also consult an expansive binder of each animal’s health and reproductive history. If a particular animal has had difficulty with previous births or is a first-time mother, keepers pay extra attention. Even after a healthy calf is born, Amanda says, the guessing game isn’t necessarily over. “The moms will tuck their babies and go graze,” she says. “And then they’ll stand facing a certain way and we think ‘oh, the calf must be over there.’ It might be, or the mother could be throwing us off the track. When they’re protecting their young, they’re really clever. They keep us on our toes!”

Guests participating in Park safaris may find themselves venturing into the Asian Savanna as part of their adventure. If you’re one of them, keep an eye out: you may spot a tucker—and that’s no (blue) bull! n

Nilgais are “tuckers,” meaning the females find safe hiding places to leave their babies while they graze.

The Safari Park’s male nilgais, Ben and Randy, are imposing in size but gentle with the calves.

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Hibiscus MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE

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Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘High Voltage’

By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Tammy Spratt SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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he big, bold presence of hibiscus flowers is eye-catching, whether they are on the lushly leaved plant or tucked behind an ear. But beyond the kaleidoscope of colors is a group of plants with a fascinating history and unique uses, not to mention popularity in the landscape. Hibiscus are mallows, related to, yes, the marshmallow plant. In another relative, the hollyhock, you can see the family resemblance in the shape of the flowers. Other family members are surprising: okra and cotton!

ORIGINS OF THE SPECIES

There are hundreds of known species, but most are not genetically compatible, so they cannot reproduce with each other. Yet the home garden market is filled with hybrids. In fact, most of the hibiscus that non-hobbyists know and include in their landscape are hybrids produced from eight “ancestor” species. These were originally native to Mauritius, Madagascar, Fiji, Hawaii, and India or China. They still exist today and are recognizable as hibiscus, but their blossoms are smaller than the hybrids they gave rise to.

Poised to open, this hibiscus flower will only bloom for a single day.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fifth Dimension’

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG

Once the official flower of the islands, the Hawaiian red hibiscus Hibiscus kokio ssp. kokio is now considered rare in its native range.

THE “ROSE OF CHINA”

The first hibiscus described and named was Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which means rose of China. It grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 8 to 16 feet tall and up to 10 feet wide. Wide, glossy leaves are beautiful (and useful!) in their own right, but they also make the perfect backdrop for the four-inch-wide, five-petaled red flowers that appear from summer through fall. This is the “mother” of most hybrid species. Yet botanists are not certain where it originated—China, as its name suggests, or India. Some think that it originated in India and was then carried to China.

THAT’S A HIBISCUS?

The most unusual-looking species of the group, H. schizopetalus, was discovered on Madagascar. Schizopetalus means split petals and describes the unique and delicate look of the flowers of this hibiscus.

Since its discovery, the flowers have made this species highly desired by plant collectors. It is now found in private and public gardens around the world, spread mostly by propagation.

ISLAND DELIGHTS

The island of Mauritius is the home of three of the ancesteral hibiscus: H. genevieve (pale pink flowers), H. fragilis (red flowers),

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and H. liliiflorus (bright pink flowers). Only a few dozen H. fragilis are known to still exist in the wild, but many botanical gardens around the world have specimens and are striving to keep this species from extinction through propagation. Mauritius has been an important seaport for centuries. Back in the 1700s and 1800s, it was a major stopping point for ships sailing around the southern tip of Africa on their way to or from India and China. Mauritius was controlled by several European countries at different times in its history, but during the English rule in the 1800s, it was discovered that H. liliiflorus cross-pollinated with H. rosa-sinensis yielded new, fertile hybrids.

HAWAIIAN STYLE

Found on the Hawaiian islands, the flowers of Hibiscus arnottianus are white, and the bush is well branched though less tall and upright than African hibiscus species. Once H. arnottianus was spread among the islands, the species formed various subspecies as they evolved. These subspecies, though very similar, vary slightly from one another. Today, it is rather difficult to determine a particular subspecies, because many are collected, traded, or sold as H. arnottianus without making the distinction. Hibiscus kokio is a smaller, less vigorous hibiscus that makes small red flowers.

its image is printed on coins and paper currency. In Hindu mythology, the hibiscus blossom is connected to the goddess Kali, who is said to honor them as offerings.

UNIQUELY USEFUL

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG

One type of hibiscus, the roselle H. sabdariffa, is prized for its culinary and medicinal uses. In Australia and other parts of the world, the flowers are sold as a gourmet item that can be stuffed with soft cheese, just as some people do with squash blossoms. After the bloom has faded, the bright-red calyces around its base are transformed into hot teas,

Left: The binturong is just one of many animals at the Zoo that delight in munching a mouthful of hibiscus. Right: When keepers created holiday wreaths for the meerkats, hibiscus flowers made the decorations merry.

ONE-DAY WONDER

For all their bold beauty, hibiscus blossoms are “short timers,” opening for the first and only time in the morning and beginning to wilt by late afternoon. Since the purpose of a flower is reproduction through pollination, this doesn’t seem, at first, like a plan for success. Yet what its flowers lack in longevity, the plant makes up for in productivity, producing copious amounts of flowers.

TREASURED BLOOMS

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG

Hibiscus tiliaceaus, a lso known as sea hibiscus or hau in Hawaii, grows as a tree reaching up to 30 feet tall. Its crooked trunk measures about six inches in diameter, and the three-inchwide flowers are bright yellow with a dark red center. The fibrous inner bark has been used for ropes and grass skirts, and it was beaten into bark cloth, called kappa, to be woven into mats. The wood has been used—sparingly—by Hawaiian craftspeople to make carved bracelets and bowls.

It is said that the freshly cut wood smells like coconut.

PHOTO BY KEN BOHN, SDZG

Galápagos tortoises enjoy the leaves as well as the blooms.

Red flowers are especially popular with this species.

Hibiscus flowers have deep meaning in human culture, too. The state flower of Hawaii is also the national flower of Malaysia, and

cool drinks, and even wine. The calyces are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Dried and used in supplement form, roselle is believed to help lower blood pressure and is being investigated for cholesterol-reducing effects.

Other uses for spent hibiscus blossoms take a more cosmetic bent. When decaying flowers are crushed, they release a black liquid that has been used for decades as shoe black. And some ladies in China have used the inky substance as hair dye!

At both the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park, our many varieties of hibiscus do double duty by providing eye-catching color for guests and a plentiful source of tasty leaves and flowers for the animals. In all regards, hibiscus plants are truly marvelous mallows! n SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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AT THE INTERSECTION OF

CARE AND

By Wendy Perkins STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

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Venomous reptiles, like this Mexican lancehead rattlesnake, receive the same high level of health care as other Zoo animals, thanks to the resourcefulness of the animal care staff.

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aring for venomous reptiles takes attention to detail, animal care protocols, and vigilance to keep both animal and keeper safe from harm. The team at the San Diego Zoo’s Reptile House excels at the daily challenge. Sometimes, the stakes are raised, such as when a venomous reptile needs more hands-on care.

THE CASE OF THE STUCK SPECTACLE

Snakes shed their skin periodically. Sometimes it comes off in one piece; at other times it may slough off in sections. When a snake is shedding, keepers monitor the animal’s progress. When keepers recently noticed that a green mamba still had its old eye scale, called a spectacle, they watched carefully for a few days to see if it would

drop off. When it didn’t, they were ready to give the snake a hand— but not directly!

“We had ‘shift boxes’ made for species we don’t want to handle,” explains Brett Baldwin, animal care manager. The small box is attached to the snake’s larger habitat by a tube. There are two doors at the juncture between the spaces: one closes off access to the exhibit, and the other closes the shift box once the snake is inside. Moving the green mamba into this tube was the first step in helping it.

With the snake enclosed, the box was removed and placed on a work surface. A sliding panel gently but firmly squeezed the snake against the side of the box so it would remain still. The treatment box also has two tops—one solid and opaque, the other transparent and equipped with small holes. Opening the first lid gave staff a vi-

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Venomous snakes are transported to the veterinary hospital in a large container. This keeper is positioning the plastic tube near the snake’s head for the reptile to enter. The pole can be used to guide the snake; the hooked portion can be used to safely scoop the snake up.

sual to locate the animal’s head and a way to monitor its behavior.

Small holes in the transparent lid allowed the keepers to use a long hemostat and a syringe of water to moisten and gently remove the stuck scale from the snake’s eye. When the procedure was finished, they reattached the box to the exhibit and opened the doors.

While a syringe fits through the openings of the box, another technique is used when it becomes necessary to give a venomous snake an injection. Snake scales overlap, forming a fairly hard barrier. However, thin skin lies under the scales, and that is where a needle can be inserted for an injection. But how do you access the right site when your patient is, understandably, less than cooperative? Turn to a tube.

Keepers select a clear, plastic tube based on the size of the snake. After stuffing fabric in one end of the tube, they place the opposite end in an opening on the shift box, slide the door open,

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Top: Once the snake is in the tube, the keeper has a tight grip on the snake’s body and the end of the tube. Center: Snakes are surprisingly flexible. Although the tube is quite narrow, the snake can quickly turn and try to exit. Bottom: A sedative is injected into the snake before the anesthesia is administered. A relaxed snake is important to the success of the anesthesia, because the reptile might otherwise hold its breath.

Forceps and tongue depressors are used to manage the in-the-mouth aspects of intubating a venomous snake. There may still be venom in the mouth, so no chances are taken.

and wait. The snake moves into the tube, and once it is far enough in—how far depends on the type of snake—a second keeper grabs hold of both the remainder of the animal’s body and the tube. As the keeper holding the snake focuses on keeping a good grip, another keeper or a veterinarian can stretch the animal’s scales to expose the skin and give the injection. Since the snake is likely a bit agitated now, returning it to the enclosure requires swift, smooth action. The fabric at the one end is removed, and the tube opening is snapped back into the shift box. The “snake holder” releases the snake, and it slides into home.

At times, it’s necessary to anesthetize a venomous snake. In one case, a Huamantlan rattlesnake had somehow gashed himself on a branch in his exhibit. He needed a few stiches, but to do that, he needed anesthesia. To transport him to the Zoo hospital, keepers used a snake hook to place him in a large, lidded bucket. Once there, they used the long hook to remove him from the bucket and set him on the floor. Using long tongs to hold the tube, they gently directed the snake’s head toward the tube opening with the smooth, curved edge of the hook. It’s a bit of a dance, keeping out of strike range while nudging a venomous serpent into a small opening. And, of course, the dance doesn’t end when the snake’s head is in—it can quickly turn and strike. Again, the keepers needed to wait until the rattlesnake was far enough in that they could hold his body without a chance of being bitten, in case he suddenly turned around in the tube.

Once the rattlesnake was secured in the tube and sedated, the procedure could begin. However, the snake needed to be more than sleepy when the stitching commenced. The veterinarians administered gas anesthesia and inserted a tracheal tube to facilitate breathing. The challenge with a venomous reptile is that a bite isn’t the only way you can be harmed. An agitated snake can have venom salivating inside its mouth. If a keeper, veterinarian, or veterinarian assistant has fingers in the snake’s mouth, the venom can be transferred to their skin—and through any cuts. Keeping safety first, a spatula is used to hold the snake’s mouth open and forceps position the tracheal tube.

Last summer, a new anesthesia became available in the US that is giving reptile treatment a boost. “The great aspect of the new medication, alfaxalone, is how rapidly it works in most of the reptiles we have used it on,” says Ben Nevitt, D.V.M., associate veterinarian at the Zoo. “The reptiles go to sleep quickly and wake up quickly, which is different from most other anesthetics, and beneficial because it lessens the time of the procedure. We’re working out the dosages for snakes, but we’ll get there!”

Making adjustments, overcoming challenges, and finding solutions is business as usual for keepers and veterinary staff at the Zoo. Whether a creature is great or small, wary or aggressive, vivacious or venomous, all animals deserve—and receive—attentive, top-notch care. n SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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Leks, Likes, and Losers Breeding Opportunities for Arena Birds

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By Karyl Carmignani STAFF WRITER

Photos by Ken Bohn SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

B

Raggiana bird-of-paradise in Lost Forest Golden-collared manakin in the hummingbird aviary in Discovery Outpost Andean cock-of-the-rock in the Parker Aviary and next to the bus tour loading Guianan cock-of-the-rock in the Children’s Zoo Capuchinbird in the Parker Aviary Ruff at Polar Bear Plunge in the Arctic Aviary Peacocks flaunt their “exploded lek” behavior all around the Zoo.

PHOTO BY WINFRIED WISNIEWSKI, MINDEN PICTURES

irds, mammals, fish, and insects do it. It’s not the only game in town, but it’s sure a doozy. When birds do it, it is truly a sight (and sound) to behold!

Lekking behavior occurs when a group of males collects at a traditional site called an arena, or a lek. Each male stakes out and defends his own “court,” where he will perform intricate courtship displays to entice females. Raucous, distinct calls attract the female birds to the lek. They saunter through it, comparing each male’s “song and dance” before selecting a mate, usually one that is literally center stage—leaving scores of peripheral underdogs in their wake. Though males exert a great deal of energy at the lek, after breeding they are exempt from nesting and brood-rearing responsibilities.

Lekking is a fascinating, winner-take-all breeding strategy, and ornithologists have been studying it for decades. For Dave Rimlinger, curator of birds at the Zoo, lekking is his “favorite breeding strategy because it is so elaborate, and it is easy to see in the wild as the male birds return to the same site year after year.” There are tomes written about leks, and yet there remains something mysterious about the phenomenon. The paradox of the lek is that all the females usually mate with a minority of

Get “lekky” at the Zoo and check out these fascinating species:

Male ruffs look wildly different, even from each other, during the mating season. Here, the female on the right is weighing her options.

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PHOTO BY TAMMY SPRATT, SDZG

Ruffs rendezvous at leks located in moist, grassy meadows. After molting their extravagant mating plumage, the males don drab winter plumage to match the smaller female bird.

Capuchinbirds are a lek species from South America. Part of the male’s display is showing off his bright orange Cheeto-looking feathers in the back. Who could resist?

males, which raises many questions. Why do other males bother to show up at the lek if only one male gets his genes represented? Are females in lek species more reproductively successful? Are mistakes made, leading to hybridization? Such inquiries are what Ph.D.s are made of. For the rest of us, we can observe and marvel at the several lekking species at the Zoo.

Ruff and Tumble

Few shorebirds commit to lekking behavior, but one that does is the ruff, so named for the almost wig-looking ruff around its head

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and neck. Anywhere from 5 to 50 males congregate in moist, grassy meadows and mock-fight others, puffing out their neck collars, erecting ear tufts, and fluttering their wings to deter their rivals.

Attracted by the commotion, females gather at the lek to watch the males duke it out.

Highly unusual is the variance of coloration among males in this species. They can look wildly different from each other, sporting white to black ruffs and head tufts with grays, browns, beiges, and reddish tones added for good measure. This gives females even more to consider in their mate choice. They visit solo or in small groups, with peak visits shortly after sunrise. Despite the lower light level at this time of day, breeding errors are minimal, and there is little hybridization in ruffs.

Within ruff leks, males demonstrate several types of hierarchical behavior: lek-centered, independent, resident, marginal, satellite, and peripheral. These positions can change over time, and satellite and periphery males can gain resident status and increased mating opportunities. A great many male ruffs even go it alone and either optimistically follow females for breeding or try to intercept them at resource-rich sites. Following mating season, males molt their bright “nuptial” plumage and grow drab-colored feathers called eclipse plumage, which resemble the plumage worn year-round by female ruffs.

The Joy Lek Club

Cotingas are a large family of passerine bird species found in Central America and tropical South America. Perhaps two of the most spectacular cotingas are the Andean cock-of-the-rock and Guianan cock-of-the-rock, so named for the male’s rooster-like color and the female’s penchant for building mud nests in caves or rock outcroppings. While both species lek, the Guianan variety forms its leks on the ground, while the Andean cock-of-the-rock displays in trees.

produce considerable noise to attract females and engage in courtship bouts in hopes of mating. Yet each individual invests minimal energy in the lekking enterprise.” Even the most active male, performing as many as 140 courtship displays per day, uses only about 5 percent of his daily energy, because each display is less than 10 seconds. Despite the manakins’ dramatic displays, they are able to maintain a tropical “slow pace of life” metabolic strategy. No wonder the females find them so alluring!

Runaway Selection

One way for males to temper competitive aggression is to form “exploded leks,” which are social

Above: The colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock (above) prefers to perform his lek display in the trees, while the Guianan cock-ofthe-rock leks on the ground. Right: The golden-collared manakin gets “lucky in lek” using his startling yellow “beard” to attract females.

The two species occupy different habitats: the Andean variety is found primarily in cloud forests at elevations of 1,500 to 8,900 feet in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. It is the national bird of Peru. The lowland-loving Guianan cock-of-the-rock is somewhat smaller than the Andean, but, like its highland brethren, males have an eye-catching red to orange plumage by the time they are two years old. Females remain a subtle, rusty brown. The Guianan cockof-the-rock stakes out a lek area on the ground, clearing it of debris with powerful wing beats. Each male occupies his display stage and a low perch for parading; individual courts can be side by side or up to 32 feet away from the competition. Females return to the lek several times and mate with multiple males, although the alpha male snags about one-third of the matings.

Manly Manakin

Another type of bird known for its extravagant displays is the manakin, the “feathered jewel” of the New World (not to be confused with the Old World finches called mannikins). The lekking golden-collared manakin is found in Costa Rica, Panama, and western Colombia and is named for its dazzling yellow and black feathers. It is known to hybridize with the white-collared and white-bearded manakin—surely an honest mistake!

The prolonged tropical breeding season (up to seven months each year) means the male manakin must use a tremendous amount of energy in male-to-male conflict and male-to-female courtship displays. Instead of using a wingman, these birds use “wingsnaps” and rapidly hop from one sapling to the next with feathered “beard” extended, making loud, rhythmic clicking noises. The elaborate display should tucker out the little fellows, but according to a recent study published in The Royal Society scientific journal, “males

display grounds where males gather, but reamain farther apart than in traditional leks. The males are often out of sight of one another, which provides a modicum of privacy when a female discovers them. Yet they remain within earshot of their rivals. The male’s calls lure the female, and she may even forage and nest in his expanded territory away from other males.

Peacocks are a great example of exploded leks. The peahen may travel a longer distance to check out each male, but his booming call and shimmering tail make it worth the effort. As she continues to choose males with the longest, mightiest tail, she then passes those genes on to her offspring, which propels this trait through evolution.

The far-reaching impact of female mate choice cannot be overstated.

Visitors to the San Diego Zoo can see and hear the showy peacocks wooing the peahens in spring and summer with their boisterous song and flashy feathers, as well as other lek species holding court.

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what’s in store

F rom the

Animal Lover Tshirt $34.95

Heart Love Animals Tshirt $21.95

Sloth Socks $9.95-$14.95

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

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

Nuubia Gourmet Chocolates $14.95-$32

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

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Every day our team works around the globe to save and protect Earth’s precious wildlife. Together, with your generosity, we can do even more.

Please call Kirstin at 619-557-3914 to save endangered species or go online to become a Wildlife Hero, and get more information.

endextinction.org SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

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support

2014 President’s Clubs Photo Contest Winners

Mammals at a Zoo or Wildlife Park, by Sarah Levi

President’s Clubs

Plants at a Zoo or Botanical Garden, by David Sharpe

Reptiles or Amphibians at a Zoo or Wildlife Park,

by David Sharpe

Friends, Philanthropy, and Fabulous Photos!

W

hen people become members of our President’s Clubs, they enjoy greater involvement with the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park as well as with our animals. “Inspirational,” “rewarding,” and “fun” are words we often hear from these members when describing what President’s Clubs mean to them.

Through four levels of annual giving—Ambassadors, Patrons, Partners, and Associates—President’s Clubs members are philanthropic friends who share our commitment to conservation and wildlife. They are provided with many benefits, including an insider’s perspective of the work we do, special events, occasional trips, unique animal encounters, and activities that feature engaging speakers such as keepers, veterinarians, curators, and researchers.

One of our recent activities was the annual Wildlife Wonders

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Birds at a Zoo or Wildlife Park, by James R. Milne

Donors Spotted Breaking Ground for Asian Leopards

New homes for two critically endangered big cats, Amur and snow leopards, will open this summer adjacent to Panda Trek. Construction began following our October 2014 groundbreaking event, where major donors symbolically shoveled the earth, aided by the digging talents of Phoenix the wombat.

Pictured from left to right are Board Chairman Rick Gulley, joined by donors Keith Behner, Cathy Stiefel, Kathy Hattox, Maryanne Pfister, and Irv Pfister.

Senior keeper Victoria Girdler is Phoenix’s companion.

More than 1,000 donors contributed $3 million to build the habitats, which will include multi-level living space with rock outcroppings, slopes with felled trees and shrubs, and other features that will encourage the leopards’ natural behaviors.

Photo Contest, which included publishing the first place photos in this digital edition of ZOONOOZ. Please enjoy these winning photos and consider joining President’s Clubs so you can experience a deeper relationship with the Zoo and perhaps even enter the photo contest in 2015. n

To join one of the President’s Clubs or to receive more information, please contact Nancy Howard at 619-685-3219 or nhoward@sandiegozoo.org or visit sandiegozoo.org/presidentsclubs.

You can help secure the future for wildlife!

Heritage Guild Animals in Their Native Habitats, by Susan Leubben Maddox

By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or including the Zoological Society of San Diego in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information, please visit our website at zoolegacy.org or call 619-557-3947.

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from the archives

A Monster Named Butch The Gila monster is a beautiful lizard with a nasty—yet undeserved— reputation. In the late 1930s, students at Grossmont High School in San Diego’s East County discovered the truth about this species through first-hand observations of Butch, a handsome “monster.”

For eight years, Butch lived in the school’s Biology Department during the school year and spent his summers at the San Diego Zoo as part of our Gila monster exhibit. According to teacher Winifred King, “Butch developed an interesting habit of climbing up the wire of his cage and hanging there until he became tired, when he would drop back with a resounding ‘plunk,’ to the great detriment of whatever classwork was then in progress.” She said students “nearly burst with pride” when a photo of Butch (reproduced here—the photo was taken with him lying on glass with mirrors above and below to show all his sides) accompanied an article about Gila monsters in the February 1943 issue of ZOONOOZ. How did they know it was Butch? By the identifying spot on the skin of his side that looked like the letter P. Ms. King wrote that the students learned to “find beauty and interest in what is often considered horrible…” by observing Butch, an amenable monster. n

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PUBLISHED SINCE 1926

FEBRUARY 2015 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

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WENDY PERKINS KARYL CARMIGNANI KEN BOHN TAMMY SPRATT DAMIEN LASATER CHRISTOPHER MARTIN HEIDI SCHMID-ROMERO STEPHANIE BEVIL-PAGADUAN DENNIS CORBRAN KAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANI KRISTIN NIELSEN KIM TURNER 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 now does business as San Diego Zoo Global.

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

Copyright® 2015 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: February 1–28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS: February 1–13: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

February 14–16: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

February 17–28: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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