ZOONOOZ November 2019

ZOONOOZ

®

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

NOVEMBER 2019

Stars of Animal Planet’s THE ZOO: San Diego 2020 Calendar Issue

Eat, Drink, and Be Thankful!

CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING AT THE ZOO AND PARK NOVEMBER 28, 2019

San Diego Zoo Albert’s Thanksgiving Dinner CONTINUOUS SEATING 11 A.M. TO 3:30 P.M. Join us at Albert’s Restaurant

and enjoy a three-course Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings. The menu boasts free-range turkey, slow-roasted prime rib, and vegetarian options; with traditional side dishes, salads, and decadent desserts.

Cost is $42.95 for adults and $15.95 for children ages 3 to 11, plus tax and gratuity. Zoo admission is required for nonmembers.

For reservations, please call 619-557-3964 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, and ask for Thanksgiving Day Dinner. Secure your reservation with a credit card. For complete menus and details, please visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/dining-events.

San Diego Zoo Treetops Thanksgiving Buffet CONTINUOUS SEATING 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. At the Zoo’s Treetops Banquet

Room, a lavish buffet offers Thanksgiving favorites along with traditional side dishes, salads, artisan breads, and a dessert bar.

Cost is $49.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11, plus tax and gratuity. Zoo admission is required for nonmembers.

For reservations, please call 619-557-3964 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, and ask for Thanksgiving Day Buffet. Secure your reservation with a credit card. For complete menus and details, please visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/dining-events.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park Thanksgiving Day Buffet SEATINGS AT 11:30 A.M. AND 3 P.M. Celebrate Thanksgiving Day

at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Hunte Nairobi Pavilion, where you can enjoy a lavish buffet with Thanksgiving favorites and chef’s specialties, as well as a special selection just for the kids.

Guests will be seated at their own reserved table, set for the number in your party. Cost is $49.95 for adults; $19.95 for children ages 3 to 11, plus tax and parking. Nonmembers add Safari Park admission.

For reservations, call 619-718-3000. For complete menus and details, please visit sdzsafaripark.org/dining-events.

November 2019 VOL. XCII–NO. 06

Graphically Speaking 10 Over and Up Some animals have extraordinary jumping and leaping abilities. See how far and how high they can go!

BY AMY BLANDFORD AND WENDY PERKINS

Cover Story 12

Our Animal Stars on Animal Planet When THE ZOO: San Diego premiered on the Animal Planet channel in August 2019, viewers were treated to some amazing and heartwarming animal stories.

BY KAREN E. WORLEY

Feature 16

2020 Calendar

Celebrating 12 animals whose stories were featured on Animal Planet’s THE ZOO: San Diego.

More

2 Nooz Notes 42 Support 48 In the Field ON THE COVER: Southern white rhinos Ceratotherium simum Photo by Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer THIS PAGE: California condor Gymnogyps californianus Photo by Tammy Spratt, SDZG Photographer

N O OZ N OT E S

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Our annual ornament, Elephant Mom and Babies ornament, $24.95

Introducing Hope and Inspiration holiday ornaments. Karen the Orangutan, $12.95.

Also available: Floyd the Flamingo, and Ruuxa & Raina, dog and cheetah, $12.95 each.

“Chubby Unicorn” ornament, $12.95.

Make your list and check it twice—we have the perfect “wild” gift for everyone! From cozy jammies for the whole family to ornaments and plush animals, there’s something here for every stocking. Check out the gift shops at the Zoo and Safari Park or online at shopzoo.com.

Holiday plush: sloth, penguin, elephant, giraffe, red panda, and snow leopard, $19.99 each.

2 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

“Lights Out” women’s or men’s pajama tops, $24.95; Women’s or men’s bottoms, $29.95; Kids’ pajama set, $29.95. Not featured but also available, infants’ union suit, $24.95.

During this year’s Jungle Bells presented by California Coast Credit Union, we’re presenting something exciting and brand new: Aurora, a magical and spectacular experience with lights, projections, music, and more. From December 13, 2019, through January 5, 2020, be transported to a world you’ve never seen before, filled with wonder, wildlife, and winter charm. Aurora will take place each evening during Jungle Bells (except December 24). Plus, look for all your favorite Jungle Bells excitement leading up to the show, including musical performances, entertainers, and animal encounters in locations around the Zoo, as well as visits with Santa (through December 25), tasty holiday treats, specials at Albert’s Restaurant, gift shopping, and holiday photos. ‘Tis the season to celebrate—join us for holiday cheer! presented by

N O OZ N OT E S

NOVEMBER 9, 16 Photography Workshop— Walking Program Join our professional photographers at this two-session early morning class at the Safari Park, open to guests 16 or older. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sdzsafaripark.org. (P)

Save the Date What’s happening at the Zoo and Park this month and next (Z) Zoo events (P) Park events NOVEMBER 2, 16; DECEMBER 7, 21 KinderZoo Animal interaction and fun for children ages 3 to 5, with an adult. To make reservations, call 619-557-3962 or visit sandiegozoo.org. (Z) NOVEMBER 2, 3, 30; DECEMBER 7, 8, 28 Sunrise Surprise Stroll Enjoy the Zoo before it opens, walk the grounds with experienced Zoo educators, learn “inside secrets,” and hear stories about special animals.

Call 619-718-3000 or visit sandiegozoo.org. (Z) NOVEMBER 9; DECEMBER 14 Kids’ Wild Night Out Leave your kids at the Zoo for a wild night out with Dr. Zoolittle and animal friends. Sorry, no grown-ups allowed!

For reservations, call 619-718-3000, or book online at sandiegozoo.org. (Z) NOVEMBER 28 Thanksgiving Dinner

Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving dinner buffet with all the trimmings at the Zoo or Safari Park. See details inside front cover of this issue. (Z) (P) NOVEMBER 29– JANUARY 5 Wild Holidays Celebrate the holiday season at the Safari Park, with special music and entertainment on weekends and select days, all in a magical winter wonderland atmosphere. (P) NOVEMBER 30 Holly Jolly Jungle Roar & Snore This all-ages, holidaythemed sleepover at the Safari Park offers activities and fun for the whole family. Call 619-718-3000. (P) DECEMBER 7, 8 Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus is coming—to the Safari Park! He’ll be here for breakfast, and would love to see you and your family. Call 619-7183000, or book online at sdzsafaripark.org. (P)

DECEMBER 12 Wild Night Out— 21 and Up Join us at the Zoo for an evening of music, socializing, animal friends, and all the fun of Jungle Bells—for ages 21 and up only.

Call 619-718-3000 or make reservations at sandiegozoo.org. (Z) DECEMBER 13– JANUARY 5 Jungle Bells presented

by California Coast Credit Union

An all-new, multisensory winter spectacular called “Aurora” awaits guests this year, as Jungle Bells fills the Zoo with holiday cheer. Plus, enjoy visits with Santa, seasonal decorations, live music, and special presentations. (Z) DECEMBER 28 Winter Winemaker Dinner Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal accompanied by

Welcoming Our New President and CEO!

S

an Diego Zoo Global’s board of trustees is pleased to welcome Paul Baribault as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. Paul begins his tenure this month, on November 1, taking over the role from Doug Myers, who is retiring after 34 years of dedicated leadership with San Diego Zoo Global. As an avid conservationist, Paul is excited about carrying on our organization’s vision of leading the fight against extinction, and working with our team of scientists, animal care professionals, educators, and operations staff to implement plans for the years ahead. One of Paul’s favorite animals is the lion, and he is looking forward to continuing “the roar” that began with Rex the lion in 1916 and launched the San Diego Zoo, and which has become a symbol of our organization’s commitment to wildlife education and saving species. Paul will be moving to San Diego with his wife Emilie, and his three daughters Ellie, Mollie, and Maggie. Please join us in welcoming him to the San Diego Zoo Global team!

4 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

remarkable wines.

Must be 21 or older to attend. Call 619-7183000 or book online at sdzsafaripark.org/ dining-events. (P) DECEMBER 31 Albert’s Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Dinner Join us to celebrate another fantastic year at the San Diego Zoo. Call 619-685-3200, or book online at zoo. sandiegozoo.org/ alberts. (Z)

Let’s Talk Follow @sandiegozoo & @sdzsafaripark.

Share your #SanDiegoZoo & #SDZSafariPark memories on Twitter & Instagram.

NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 7–8, 14–15, AND 20–23 DECEMBER 26–JANUARY 5 The Safari Park is transforming into a dazzling winter wonderland this holiday season. From 4 to 8 p.m. on weekends and select days, be amazed by stilt walkers and acrobats, black-light magic, and a shadow puppet theater. Enjoy live music and holiday food specials in a twinkling, festive atmosphere. Visit with Santa, our costumed characters, and our animal ambassadors. ‘Tis the season to be jolly—come and celebrate the joys of the season at the Safari Park!

N O OZ N OT E S

It’s only a number At the Zoo and Safari Park, it’s apparently easy being green—and pretty much any other color of flora! The 100-acre Zoo boasts more than 700,000 exotic plants, and the Safari Park counts 1.75 million plant specimens as part of its collection.

10

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Steven G. Tappan, Chairman Javade Chaudhri, Vice Chairman Linda Lowenstine, DVM, Ph.D., Secretary Ryan Sullivan, Ph.D., Treasurer BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rolf Benirschke Kathleen Cain Richard B. Gulley Clifford W. Hague Robert B. Horsman Steven S. Simpson Judith A. Wheatley

The width, in feet, of the base of the Zoo’s elephant foot tree, found in Elephant Odyssey.

100

TRUSTEES EMERITI

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

The number of plant species harvested by San Diego Zoo Global for our animals.

200+ The largest collection of boojum plants outside of their native Mexico—in the Safari Park’s Baja Garden.

James Lauth, General Counsel to the Board Paul Baribault, President/CEO

The Zoo’s orchid collection showcases the genus Paphiopedilum, commonly known as the lady slipper orchid.

400 The varieties of herbs found in the Safari Park’s Herb Garden.

Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO Emeritus Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

ZOONOOZ

®

PUBLISHED SINCE 1926 NOVEMBER 2019 | VOL. XCII–NO. 06 MANAGING EDITOR

KAREN E. WORLEY

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

PEGGY SCOTT

STAFF WRITERS

WENDY PERKINS KARYL CARMIGNANI DONNA PARHAM COPY EDITOR

ESTON ELLIS DESIGNER

KERRI ABRAMS SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

KEN BOHN TAMMY SPRATT

SR. IMAGING SPECIALIST

TAMMY SPRATT

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

KIM TURNER AMY BLANDFORD LISA BISSI JENNIFER MACEWEN

PREPRESS AND PRINTING

QUAD GRAPHICS

6 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

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.

The printed ZOONOOZ® magazine (ISSN 0044-5282) is currently published bimonthly, in January, March, May, July, September, and November. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515.

Periodicals postage paid at San Diego, California, USA, and at additional mailing offices.

ADDRESS CHANGES: Please send to Membership Department, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112.

Copyright© 2019 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: Two adults in same household $174; $159 renewal. One adult $112; $102 renewal. Student (must live in and attend school in San Diego County) $95.20, Senior (age 65 and older): two adults in same household $147.90; $135.15 renewal. One senior adult $95.20; $86.70 renewal. Each membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Subscription to ZOONOOZ magazine: $25 per year, $65 for 3 years. Foreign, including Canada and Mexico, $30 per year, $81 for 3 years. Contact Membership Department, P.O. Box 120271, San Diego, CA 92112, for subscription information.

As part of San Diego Zoo Global’s commitment to conservation, ZOONOOZ is printed on recycled paper that is at least 10% post-consumer waste, chlorine free, and is Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified.

SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS November 1–2: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

November 3–December 12, and December 24: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

December 13–23, and December 25–January 5: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

SAFARI PARK HOURS Most days in November and December: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

November 2–3: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

November 29–30; all December weekends; December 20, 23, 26, 27, 30, 31; and January 1–5: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

WEBSITE sandiegozoo.org PHONE 619-231-1515 ZOONOOZ® Online web publication zoonooz.sandiegozoo.org FSC® is not responsible for any calculations on saving resources by choosing this paper.

Judith C. Harris, Chair U. Bertram Ellis, Jr., Vice Chair Joye D. Blount, Secretary Susan N. McClellan, Treasurer David Wu, President Amy B. Parrott, Vice President Paul Baribault, Ex officio Steven G. Tappan, Ex officio BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christine L. Andrews Valerie E. Armstrong, DVM Sophie W. Bryan Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler Chris Eddy Nikita Kahn Ellison Arthur E. Engel JJ Fetter Susan Guinn Lynelle Lynch Susan B. Major Susan F. McCarthy Diane McKernan Barry Munitz Joshua A. Pack Maryanne C. Pfister Philip C. Seeger Elizabeth W. Shoemaker Rosa Sinnott Carter Skeath David M. Tehle Kathryn J. Vaughan

Looking for the perfect holiday present for the animal lovers in your life? Our exciting tours, programs, and special CALL 619-718-3000 experiences at the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park make truly memorable TO RESERVE gifts! We have something for everyone, and a visit with cheetahs, koalas, HOLIDAY GIFTS flamingos, gorillas, tigers, rhinos, and giraffes is sure to be their favorite FOR FAMILY AND gift this holiday season. Visit sandiegozoo.org and sdzsafaripark.org to FRIENDS. browse the many options and make your selections today!

Match Game

Visit the San Diego Zoo Kids website to find out about

these and other animals, plus videos, crafts, stories, games, and more! kids.sandiegozoo.org

In the 12 illustrations below, there are 6 pairs of identical “twin” rhinos. By comparing ears, counting lines, and considering horns, you can help these “chubby unicorns” meet their perfect match!

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

Did you know? Each rhinoceros’s horn is unique, and the name “rhinoceros” actually comes from the Greek words for “nose” and “horn.”

8 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

ANSWERS: 1 AND 7; 2 AND 11; 3 AND 8; 4 AND 9; 5 AND 10; 6 AND 12.

?

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2019, 9 TO 10:30 A .M. Santa Claus is coming—to the Safari Park! He’ll be here for breakfast, and would love to see you and your family. Gather at the Park’s scenic Kilima Point for a bountiful breakfast buffet with the jolly ol’ elf himself.

Cost is $32.95 for adults, $18.95 for children ages 3 through 11, plus tax and Safari Park parking. Nonmembers add Safari Park admission.

CALL 619-718-3000 TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT. VISIT SDZSAFARIPARK.ORG/DINING-EVENTS FOR MORE INFORMATION AND THE MENU.

BUILD AND MANAGE YOUR OWN ZOO AVAILABLE ON PC - 5 NOVEMBER 2019 - PLANETZOOGAME.COM

G R A P H I C A LLY S P E A K I N G

Over and Up Ready, set, leap year! 2020 is one of those years when February has an extra day—a "leap," if you will. Some animals are legendary in their ability to go higher or farther than others. Who springs to the head of the class? It depends on how you look at it! Is the criterion pure distance, or in relation to body size? Jump in and decide for yourself.

BY WENDY PERKINS | STAFF WRITER

ILLUSTRATIONS BY AMY BLANDFORD | STAFF ILLUSTRATOR

Midair Maneuver

The Long Jump

Whether they're trying to reach the safety of a ledge, ambush prey, or escape a predator, adaptations that enable impressive leaps are a plus for many animals. For snow leopards, it helps them catch nimble, cliffsidedwelling wild sheep.

10 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

The Coquerel's sifaka, a type of lemur, is amazing in terms of both distance and style of its leaps. Clinging to a tree trunk, it pushes off with powerful hind legs to clear a distance of up to 40 feet. Once launched, it twists its body 180 degrees to come in for a landing— chest, arms, and legs first.

Boneless Bounders

The title for Most Dramatic Leap might go to one of many invertebrates (animals without bones).

They're small but mighty, and the distances they cover in relation to their body size are dramatic.

Catapult

Caracals, the fastest and largest of the small cats in Africa, can spring up to 10 feet high to swat and snatch a flying bird for a meal.

Froghopper Only 1/4 inch long, the meadow froghopper Philaenus spumarius jumps to heights of more than 27 inches, about 100 times its length.

Desert Locust Leapin' locusts!

This species, Schistocerca gregaria, uses its powerful hind legs to vault more than 10 inches into the air.

Jumping Spider In a controlled study, Phidippus audax (one type of jumping spider) averaged jumps six times its body length. For comparison, humans hit the mark at 1.5 times their height.

Every Which Way Some animals' adaptations take them both higher AND farther in one breathaking-to-witness leap.

High Hooves Impalas are so famous for their agility that a car was named after them. When the herd needs to make a quick getaway, they bound off with jumps spanning 30 feet wide and 8 feet high.

At times, herd members end up leaping over each other!

Lift Off One might

expect a cat or a goat to hit dramatic heights, but a flightless bird like the cassowary? Surprise! When startled, a southern cassowary (about 5 feet tall and nearly 170 pounds) can clear 7 feet straight up.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 11

12 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

Our

Animal Stars on

Animal Planet On August 10, 2019, a whole new audience was introduced to San Diego Zoo Global and its amazing animals: viewers of the Animal Planet channel!

S

BY KAREN E. WORLEY | MANAGING EDITOR PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN AND TAMMY SPRATT | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHERS

an Diego was featured as the newest location in Animal Planet’s THE ZOO series, taking viewers San Diego of the cable channel behind the Welcome to Our World! scenes at the San Diego Zoo, Animal Planet’s show about Safari Park, and Institute for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Conservation Research. THE Research takes viewers around ZOO: San Diego was filmed from the parks and behind the scenes to meet our amazing animals, as January to May, 2019, with two crews that worked well as the dedicated animal care five days a week with San Diego Zoo Global’s staff and researchers who care for them and work to end extinction. keepers, veterinary staff, nutritionists, horticulture staff, researchers, and marketing and public relations staff, among many others—it took a zoo to create this show! The crews followed and produced stories about San Diego Zoo Global’s animals, conservation projects, and day-to-day operations, bringing our zoo world to Animal Planet’s global audience.

THE ZOO

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 13

BY THE NUMBERS

1MM

An average of one million people tuned in each week.

One of the show episodes took viewers behind the scenes at the Safari Park’s Butterfly Jungle event, to see how the butterflies, like these blue morphos, emerge from their chrysalis, and how the exhibit is prepared for them.

There were eight episodes in the first season, which first aired on Saturdays from August to October— and you can still see them in repeats and on the Animal Planet GO app.

The stories represented aspects of San Diego Zoo Global that many people are unaware of. These included the extensive efforts of the animal care team to diagnose and treat animals that are ill or injured, the care that is taken in working with endangered species in conservation release programs, and the dedication and commitment the staff shows for all the animals every single day.

The episodes featured stories about everything from saving Ajani the baby klipspringer and getting him back on his feet, to saying goodbye to giant pandas Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu, to bringing Andean bears Alba and Turbo together for mating. The crews also followed researchers as they released burrowing owls in Jamul, and developed the steps to artificially inseminate southern white rhino Victoria and achieve success in the birth of her calf, Edward.

27

Species of animals featured in season one.

18

Weeks of filming at the Zoo and Safari Park.

8

Episodes produced for season one.

14 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

Seeing the care, attention, and scientific knowledge that goes into raising endangered California condors at the Safari Park was an eye-opening segment.

Heartwarming, compelling, funny, occasionally tearful, but always inspiring, THE ZOO: San Diego shares our organization’s animal care efforts and mission to save species from extinction with people who may not have a chance to visit us in person. It also gives regular visitors and longtime members new perspectives and access to areas they ordinarily wouldn’t see, providing a more in-depth understanding of all we do.

We hope you’ll enjoy this calendar issue that highlights some of this season’s Animal Planet stars.

Look for them in their episodes, repeating now, and on the Animal Planet GO app.

WINTER WINEMAKER DINNER SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019 5 P.M. | RECEPTION WITH ANIMAL AMBASSADORS 5:30 P.M. | DINNER AT MOMBASA PAVILION Enjoy a four-course gourmet meal at the Safari Park, accompanied by remarkable sparkling wines from around the world.

Price is $89 per person, plus tax.

Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Call 619-718-3000 or book online at sdzsafaripark.org/dining-events.

CELEBRATE

THE HOLIDAYS

AT THE ZOO

AND PARK

ALBERT’S MILDLY WILD NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2019 SEATING BEGINS AT 5 P.M. Join us to celebrate another fantastic year at the San Diego Zoo, and enjoy a gourmet dinner prepared by Executive Chef Carissa Giacalone and Albert’s Chef Grant Toraason.

Cost is $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

Admission required for nonmembers. Wine pairing is available for an additional $15.

For complete menu and details, visit zoo.sandiegozoo.org/dining-events. For reservations, call 619-685-3200 between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. daily, or book online.

Young Obi (left) had a rough start in life and needed help from his keepers and veterinarians. Turns out, so did Yodha (right), another giraffe calf that was born only a few weeks later.

Their introduction and watching them become buddies was a heartwarming story.

GIRAFFES

OBI AND YODHA

January

26

San Diego

27

20

19

6

30

13

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

FEBRUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Monday

12

5

29

THE ZOO

Wild Holidays ends (Park)

Jungle Bells ends (Zoo)

DECEMBER 2019 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday

Tuesday

28

21

14

7

31

New Year’s Day

29

22

15

8

1

Wednesday

9

2

New Moon 0

3

17

10

31

24

Last Quarter Moon T

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

Full Moon @

Friday

Lunar New Year

Breakfast with Kangaroos (Park)

Breakfast at Elephants (Zoo)

1

25

18

11

4

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

30

23

16

First Quarter Moon G

Thursday

February

What do you do when a tiger is too tough on his teeth? An animal root canal and a change in diet to help keep him a fit feline.

MALAYAN TIGER

CONNOR

2

26

San Diego

THE ZOO

New Moon 0

23

24

17

16

3

27

10

Presidents Day

MARCH S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Monday

9

World Wetlands Day

Groundhog Day

JANUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday

18

11

4

28

25

Washington’s Birthday

Rosa Parks Day

Tuesday

Ash Wednesday

Lincoln’s Birthday

26

19

12

5

29

Wednesday

International Polar Bear Day (Zoo)

Love Your Pet Day

Thursday

Maha Shivaratri

28

Plant Day and and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

29

22

Last Quarter Moon T Valentine’s Day

21

Breakfast with Tigers (Park) Valentine’s Day Dinner (Park)

15 Albert’s Valentine’s Celebration of Love (Zoo)

Full Moon @

8

First Quarter Moon G

1

Albert’s Valentine’s Celebration of Love (Zoo)

14

7

31

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

27

20

13

6

30

Friday

March Born on an unusually cold and rainy night, Ajani’s chances didn’t look good. But with the intensive care and attention of veterinarians and keepers, he got back on his feet and back to his mother, giving his story a happy ending.

AJANI

KLIPSPRINGER

8

1

24

25

18

11

4

Spring Equinox

Thursday

26

19

12

5

FEBRUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

6

20

13

27

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

Friday 7

Butterfly Jungle begins, through May 10 (Park)

Breakfast at Elephants (Zoo)

28

21

14

Plant Workshop (Park)

Saturday

San Diego

THE ZOO

29

30

César Chávez Day

31

1

3

4 APRIL S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

2

National Science Day

New Moon 0

St. Patrick’s Day

17

10

3

Wednesday

World Water Day

23

16

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

Purim begins

Holi begins

9

Tuesday

Isra and Mi’raj

22

15

2

First Quarter Moon G

Dr. Seuss Day

Monday

Spring Break begins, through April 12 (Zoo)

Daylight Saving Time begins

International Women’s Day

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

Sunday

It was time for breeding in the Zoo’s koala colony, and Hunter’s chance to find a mate. Would he make a match? The film crew followed his adventure, from visiting the females to finally being accepted by Thara.

And the pairing was a success— Hunter is now a dad!

QUEENSLAND KOALA

HUNTER

April

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12

5

29

Monday

20

27

26

13

6

30

19

MAY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

San Diego

THE ZOO

Easter Sunday

Easter Brunch (Park)

Easter Brunch (Zoo)

Spring Break ends (Zoo)

Palm Sunday

MARCH S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday

14

7

31

Yom Ha’atzmaut begins

28

21

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

Tuesday

29

First Quarter Moon G

1

24

17

10

3

4

World Penguin Day (Zoo)

2

25

18

Nativescapes Garden Tour (Park)

11

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

30

Arbor Day

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

Good Friday

Ramadan begins

23

16

9

2

Friday

New Moon 0

22

15

8

Thursday

Earth Day

Passover begins

First Quarter Moon G

April Fools’ Day

1

Wednesday

This tortoise story took a dramatic turn when Jaws was diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

Veterinary treatment, medication, and extra care from his keepers brought him around, though, and he was back to enjoying his favorite things: showers from a hose and soaks in the pool.

GALĂ PAGOS TORTOISE

JAWS

May

San Diego

1

25

24

31

18

17

4

27

11

Memorial Day

JUNE S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Monday

10

3

26

THE ZOO

Eid al-Fitr begins

Mother’s Day Brunch (Zoo) Mother’s Day Brunch (Park) Butterfly Jungle ends (Park) Mother’s Day

Epiphyllum Show and Sale (Park)

APRIL S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Sunday

5

28

Cinco de Mayo

2

26

19

12

Teacher Appreciation Day

Tuesday

3

27

20

13

6

29

Wednesday

14

Shavuot begins

7

30

15

8

1

5

29

22

First Quarter Moon G

New Moon 0

Bike to Work Day

Endangered Species Day

Plant Day (Zoo)

Friday

World Turtle Day

Summer Safari begins, through August 16 (Park)

Armed Forces Day

Breakfast at Elephants (Zoo)

International Migratory Bird Day

Nativescapes Garden Tour (Park)

Epiphyllum Show and Sale (Park)

6

30

23

16

9

2

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

4

28

21

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

Thursday

Shoebills are rare in zoos, so the chance to film a story about Handsome and his keepers at the Safari Park was quite a feather in the show’s cap.

Viewers were treated to a behindthe-scenes look at how we care for these wild and wonderful birds.

SHOEBILL

HANDSOME

June

21

14

8

7

28

San Diego

THE ZOO

First Quarter Moon G

Father’s Day

Father’s Day BBQ Buffet (Park)

World Giraffe Day (Zoo)

World Oceans Day

29

22

15

Sundown Summer Safari begins, Mondays and Tuesdays, through August 11 (Park)

1

Monday

30

Nighttime Zoo begins, through September 7 (Zoo)

Flag Day

Plant Day (Zoo)

Breakfast with Kangaroos (Park)

Sunday

Tuesday

30

23

16

9

2

1

24

17

10

3

Wednesday

Wild Night Out— 21 and Up (Zoo)

Thursday

MAY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Plant Day (Zoo)

3

26

19

Last Quarter Moon T

12

World Environment Day Full Moon @

5

4

27

JULY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

New Moon 0

Summer Solstice

R • I •T • Z: Rendezvous in the Zoo (Zoo)

20

13

6

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

2

25

18

11

4

Friday

July Edward was a singular sensation before he was even born—he was the first southern white rhino conceived through artificial insemination in North America. The film crew was able to follow his amazing story from the science to his birth, sharing this incredible success with the world.

SOUTHERN WHITE RHINO

EDWARD

San Diego

27

First Quarter Moon G

New Moon 0

THE ZOO

Parents’ Day

26

National Zookeeper Week begins

19

20

13

12

29

6

AUGUST S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Monday

5

28

Last Quarter Moon T

JUNE S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Sunday

Tuesday

28

21

14

7

30

Global Tiger Day (Park)

29

22

15

8

1

Wednesday

World Snake Day

Thursday

31

24

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

17

10

3

Breakfast at Elephants (Zoo)

Independence Day Full Moon @

4

1

25

18

11

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

30

23

16

9

2

Friday

August

POLAR BEARS One of the season’s splashiest stories was a fun one about the Zoo’s polar bears going fishing, using their polar bear skills to hunt some scaly prey.

KALLUK AND TATQIQ

31

30

17

10

3

27

24

Last Quarter Moon T

Full Moon @

SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Monday

23

16

9

2

26

San Diego

THE ZOO

Summer Safari ends (Park)

Friendship Day

JULY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday

1

25

18

11

4

28

First Quarter Moon G

New Moon 0

Sundown Summer Safari ends (Park)

Tuesday

World Orangutan Day

World Elephant Day

2

26

19

12

5

29

Wednesday

13

6

30

Muharram begins

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

Friday

4

28

21

14

7

31

5

29

22

15

8

Plant Workshop (Park)

1

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

3

27

20

Kenya Days begin, through August 16 (Park)

Thursday

September

Elvis had been king in the Zoo’s baboon troop, but Impo, another adult male, was eyeing one of his mates. How to keep the peace?

Introduce two new females that Impo could have as his own.

It was a social soap opera!

HAMADRYAS BABOON

IMPO

7

31

28

27

San Diego

THE ZOO

Yom Kippur begins

21

20

World Rhino Day Fall Equinox

29

22

15

8

Stepfamily Day

30

First Quarter Moon G

23

16

9

2

New Moon 0

3

10

Patriots Day

Friday

18

11

4

2

25

26

19

12

3

Food, Wine, and Brew Celebration (Zoo)

Breakfast at Elephants (Zoo)

International Vulture Awareness Days, through September 7 (Park)

5

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

1

24

17

Last Quarter Moon T

Thursday

Rosh Hashanah begins

14

Full Moon @

1

Wednesday

Grandparents Day

Labor Day

Nighttime Zoo ends (Zoo)

OCTOBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Tuesday

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

13

6

30

Monday

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

AUGUST S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday

October When the Safari Park’s five ostrich females—named Cinnamon, Pepper, Chili, Paprika, and Clove—get revved up, their strutting, twirling, and racing antics are definitely worthy of reality TV.

AFRICAN OSTRICHES

THE SPICE GIRLS

San Diego

THE ZOO

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

25

HalGLOWeen (Zoo) Ellen Browning Scripps Day

18

Columbus Day

26

19

12

11

28

5

NOVEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Monday

4

27

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Sunday

Tuesday

27

20

13

6

29

28

21

14

7

30

Wednesday 1

Full Moon @

First Quarter Moon G

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

New Moon 0

9

2

30

23

16 HalGLOWeen (Zoo) Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

Last Quarter Moon T

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

Friday

31

24

17

Full Moon @

Halloween

Kids Free ends (Park)

Kids Free ends (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

HalGLOWeen (Zoo)

3

10

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

29

22

15

8

Kids Free begins, through October 31 (Park)

Kids Free begins, through October 31 (Zoo)

Thursday

Polly and Spike’s story had an element of suspense: would they, or wouldn’t they? As part of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for this species, the Safari Park hoped this pair would breed—but introductions could be tricky. All’s well that ends well: this tale concluded with a brand-new joey in Polly’s pouch!

MATSCHIE’S TREE KANGAROO

POLLY

November

8

1

30

29

San Diego

THE ZOO

23

22

9

2

16

Full Moon @

Monday

15

Last Quarter Moon T

Daylight Saving Time ends

Sunday

Election Day

Tuesday

2

1

18

25

Veterans Day

11

4

24

17

10

3

Wednesday

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving Dinner (Park)

Thanksgiving Dinner (Zoo)

Thursday

OCTOBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

4

27

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

20

13

6

7

21

5 DECEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

28

First Quarter Moon G

Breakfast with Tigers (Park)

Wild Holidays begins, through January 3, 2021 (Park)

New Moon 0

Diwali

Breakfast at Elephants (Zoo)

14

Plant Workshop (Park)

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

3

26

19

12

5

Friday

December There’s always something interesting going on in the Safari Park’s elephant herd, and the recent addition of two calves thickened the plot. Viewers got a special look at all a calf like Mkhaya needs to learn—including how to use that confounding appendage called a trunk!

AFRICAN ELEPHANT

MKHAYA

27

20

13

6

29

San Diego

Monday

21

28

First Quarter Moon G

Winter Solstice

New Moon 0

14

Full Moon @

29

22

15

30

23

16

New Year’s Eve

Albert’s Mildly Wild New Year’s Eve Dinner (Zoo)

Christmas Eve

Hanukkah begins

9

2

Thursday

Last Quarter Moon T

8

1

Wednesday

Wild Night Out— 21 and Up (Zoo)

7

30

Tuesday

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

JANUARY 2021 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

THE ZOO

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

NOVEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Sunday

11

Christmas Day

1

25

Plant Day and Orchid Odyssey (Zoo)

18

Happy Holidays Happens at Albert’s, though January 3, 2021 (Zoo)

Jungle Bells begins, through January 3, 2021, except December 24 (Zoo)

Holiday Lounge (Zoo)

4

5

Kwanzaa begins

2

26

19

12

Holiday Lounge (Zoo)

Saturday

sandiegozoo.org/animalplanet

31

24

17

10

3

Friday

Wondering what to get for those hard-to-shop-for people? Give them an animal adventure! This year’s stunning gift card features our festive, multi-animal design and can be used toward any purchases at the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park. Purchase a gift card of $50 or more and receive a FREE plush animal, which can be shipped to any domestic street address you specify GIFT (shipping and handling CARDS MAY charges apply). What BE PURCHASED ONLINE OR could be better than

BY CALLING giving that special someone 619-718-3000. a visit with their favorite Zoo and Park animals?

Not valid with any discounts. Offer valid through January 13, 2020, while supplies last.

S U P P O RT

READY, SET,

BUILD!

The New Denny Sanford Children’s Zoo at the San Diego Zoo

A

BY SHANNON FOGG | DIGITAL FUNDRAISER, DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

n exciting new experience for San Diego Zoo members and visitors is in the making! The complete redesign of the Children’s Zoo will offer fresh opportunities to intrigue and amaze guests of all ages. This new space will include up-close encounters with animals, hands-on learning opportunities, and cutting-edge technology.

More than one million children visit the San Diego Zoo every year, and nearly all of them visit the Children’s Zoo. What we hear again and again is that what kids want most is to touch animals and meet the people who work with them. The new Denny Sanford Children’s Zoo will make this a reality. You’ll have opportunities to interact with wildlife, hear from keepers, and experience the world from an animal’s point of view.

Conservation happens one person, and one animal encounter, at a time. This brand-new Children’s Zoo will inspire future generations to protect our incredible planet and all its amazing species.

42 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

COMPASSION. UNDERSTANDING. RESPECT. This is what we hope to teach our young visitors, who will grow up to be the conservationists of tomorrow. Connecting with nature early in life ignites a passion for wildlife and wild places, and when children are inspired by plants and animals, they are more likely to protect them.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 43

CURIOSITY. EXPLORATION. APPRECIATION. Carefully designed, hands-on opportunities for adventure and education will encourage creativity, confidence, patience, collaboration, and optimism—all essential skills for future conservationists.

EXPLORE DIVERSE ENVIRONMENTS The new Children’s Zoo will highlight four distinct environments: Desert Dunes, Wild Woods, Rain Forest, and Marsh Meadows.

Each area will incorporate play and learning opportunities for youngsters—alongside benches where adults can relax, as kids explore nature on a whole new level.

DISCOVER DESERT DUNES The desert-themed area will showcase a unique “flash flood” experience, which coordinates a water element with an audio recording of distant thunder. This will help children see that water in the desert 44 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

is a temporary and unpredictable resource. Desert Dunes will also include rope- and rock-climbing opportunities, with climbable webs where kids can experience a spider’s point of view.

From the flash flood demonstration, you’ll meander to nearby animal habitats and meet native San Diego species like burrowing owls and desert tortoises, as well as prairie dogs. Learn why these animals are vulnerable to extinction and what we can do to help.

WALK IN THE WILD WOODS This woodland habitat will feature waterfalls, shallow pools, and caves. Kids will enjoy a multi-

JOYFUL. INCLUSIVE. WILD. This is our vision for the new Denny Sanford Children’s Zoo at the San Diego Zoo.

MAKE A DONATION

Double Your Impact with the Rady Matching Gift Challenge Right now, your donation will go twice as far! Help us reach our goal, and when you do, your gift will be matched dollar for dollar, thanks to a generous challenge gift by Ernest and Evelyn Rady.

DONATE ONLINE sandiegozoo.org/childrenszoo

MAIL A CHECK

San Diego Zoo Global Development Department P.O. Box 120271 San Diego, CA 92112-0271 To honor your generous support of $1,200 or more, your name (or that of a loved one) will be included on a plaque in the Denny Sanford Children’s Zoo at the San Diego Zoo. To learn more, visit sandiegozoo.org/ childrenszoo.

story treehouse—complete with an oversized bird’s nest, bridges, and a slide. Nearby, a family of clever squirrel monkeys will charm guests of all ages.

REVEL IN THE RAIN FOREST Step into the rain forest’s two-story invertebrate building, which will include kid-sized tunnels and a larger-than-life beehive. You’ll be amazed by the view from inside a honeycomb! There will also be opportunities to see sloths, iguanas, and birds, as well as the chance to interact with reptiles.

An incredible “flyover migration” will amaze everyone! This immersive experience positions people as tiny bugs hiding in the grass, while images of enormous insects are projected onto walls and ceilings around them. Butterflies, dragonflies, and fireflies will soar overhead, inspiring surprise and wonder.

MEANDER THROUGH THE MARSH MEADOWS A unique underwater viewing experience awaits you in the Marsh Meadows, where you’ll come faceto-face with submerged caimans,

crocodiles, giant salamanders, turtles, and fish. The “bog walk” is sure to delight as you traverse a movable walkway set over soft ground, surrounded by cattails and other marshy plants.

Guests of all ages will enjoy encounters with our Rady Animal Ambassadors—including Xena the sloth and Diego the ocelot—who will be available for meet-andgreets and special presentations.

JOIN US IN TRANSFORMING YOUR ZOO Saving endangered species from extinction will take the determination and dedication of future generations. With your support, each one of the more than one million kids who visit the Zoo every year will have the potential to grow up and protect wildlife. You can inspire today’s young visitors to become tomorrow’s conservationists.

Thanks to friends like you, the new Denny Sanford Children’s Zoo will encourage, motivate, and inspire countless children in years to come—they will continue on the path that we have started. Let this be your legacy.

Special Opportunities!

Within the new Denny Sanford Children’s Zoo, there are a variety of naming opportunities where you may recognize a friend, loved one, or special child, by naming them on a donor recognition plaque at the San Diego Zoo.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 45

You are their

second chance— DON’T LET THEM DISAPPEAR FOREVER.

Wildlife is vanishing at an alarming rate. San Diego Zoo Global is saving species from extinction in more than 40 countries around the world, but we can’t do it without you. Your monthly gift to the Wildlife Conservancy helps rescue and protect endangered species worldwide and ensures their survival for generations to come. Monthly donors are the heartbeat of everything we do. Become a monthly donor today and join us in the fight to end extinction.

endextinction.org/heartbeat

December 12, 2019 5:30 to 9 p.m.

Have a Wild Night Out this holiday season at the San Diego Zoo— just for guests ages 21 and up!

• Get a special preview of Jungle Bells presented by California Coast Credit Union.

• On this night only, receive a 10 percent discount off items in participating gift shops.

• Enjoy special keeper presentations. $40 per person. Tickets available online at zoo.sandiegozoo.org/ wild-night-out, by calling 619-718-3000, or purchase at the Zoo. Tickets for Wild Night Out—21 and Up include admission, entertainment, music, and keeper talks around the Zoo, and one complimentary beverage of your choice (beer, wine, soda, or water). Additional beverages and food available for purchase.

For ages 21 and up only. Participants must show ID/proof of age at the entrance gate. For more information, visit sandiegozoo.org.

There is a $20 Exclusive Donor discount price for members at the Keeper Club level and above.

These discount tickets (limit of two) must be purchased by phone at 619-718-3000, or at any ticket window at the Zoo (this discount is not available online). Valid membership card required at time of purchase.

Come join us for a Wild Night Out at the Zoo!

IN THE FIELD San Diego Zoo Global’s mission to end extinction takes place not just at the Zoo, Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, but also through fieldwork in projects around the globe. Each issue, we share an update on these projects.

BURIED (TINY) TREASURE

BY DONNA PARHAM | STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY TAMMY SPRATT | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

The winter rains that provided abundant spring blooms in 2019 meant that the researchers at SDZG’s Native Plant Seed Bank had lots of work to do last summer. They collected dried seeds from more than 40 of San Diego County’s rare, endangered plant species—trekking to deserts, vernal pools, rocky river washes, grasslands, and everywhere in between.

Sandstone bluffs overlooking the sea are the only habitat for the rare, endangered, short-leaved dudleya Dudleya brevifolia. This particular dudleya is endemic to San Diego County, centered in and near Torrey Pines State Park, where only five populations remain on the entire planet. Though they are located in nature preserves, their biggest threat is trampling by visitors who ignore signs and barriers.

Our Plant Conservation team, working with Torrey 48 / ZOONOOZ / NOVEMBER 2019

Pines State Natural Reserve and The Chaparral Lands Conservancy, collected seeds from the smallest, most imperiled population—a vital contribution to our Native Plant Seed Bank. Earlier, they reintroduced some tiny D. brevifolia plants grown from seed collected in 2017. Even in bloom, this small-scale succulent is inconspicuous, with a roughly twoinch-wide rosette that produces a five-inch flower stalk. And as summer progresses, the flowers and succulent leaves die back—an adaptation for avoiding water loss. But even when you can’t see it, this plant’s underground stem lies dormant below the sand, ready to spring into growth mode at the first winter rains. With the help of our Plant Conservation team, this buried treasure will thrive into the future. Learn more at institute.sandiegozoo.org.

Give a year of adventure and fun!

Check everyone off your holiday gift list with a membership to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

They’ll go wild, and you’ll give back by supporting the threatened wildlife in our care, as well as our critical conservation work worldwide.

Save $10

*$10 discount applies to new adult Annual Pass memberships only and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion. Offer expires 12/31/19.

per person* at zoomember.org/save