ZOONOOZ September 2017

ZOONOOZ

®

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

SEPTEMBER 2017

Tiger Brothers at the Park Meet Animal Ambassadors Caring for Fred the Giraffe Diving in Africa Rocks

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Sunday, October 8, 2017

2 p.m. | Kijamii Overlook

5 p.m. | Hunte Nairobi Pavilion It’s time to strike up the band and celebrate fall with the Park’s annual Oktoberfest feast! Enjoy a bountiful buffet of traditional German-inspired favorites and special dishes prepared

by Safari Park Chef Joshua Mireles, accompanied by live German music.

One complimentary glass of beer comes with your meal, and other beers will be available for purchase.

Guests will be seated at tables of eight.

Cost is $47.95 for adults and $21.95 for children (ages 3 to 11), plus tax and parking.

Saturday, October 28, 2017 5:30 p.m. | Kijamii Overlook Our first-ever Tequila Dinner includes an animal presentation and a four-course meal—and each course will be paired with a delicious cocktail.

A representative from Milagro Tequila will be present to speak about the different pairings.

Must be 21 years or older to attend. Guests will be seated at tables of eight. Cost is $84 per person, plus tax and parking.

Come celebrate our first-ever BBQ & Brew Festival! Enjoy a savory barbecue buffet with a wide array of tasty menu items, and sample a variety of refreshing local craft beers—served in a souvenir tasting cup. You’ll also have an opportunity to meet representatives from local breweries, who will be on site to speak about each of the festival’s distinctive beer selections.

Must be 21 years or older to attend.

Cost is $45 (in advance), plus tax and parking. Nonmembers add Park admission.

September 2017 VOL. XC–NO. 05

Graphically Speaking 8 High Society

In the hamadryas baboons’ highly ordered society, every monkey plays an important social role.

TEXT BY DONNA PARHAM

Cover Story 10 Up Close and Personal

San Diego Zoo Global’s ambassador animals make friends and melt hearts.

BY DONNA PARHAM

Features 16 A New Wave

At Penguin Beach, two San Diego Zoo “firsts”: sharks and scuba divers!

BY WENDY PERKINS

18 Things Are Looking Up for Fred the Giraffe

Target training has helped Fred help staff collect crisp x-rays...while he is awake!

BY KARYL CARMIGNANI

22 Sibling Revelry

Tiger brothers Suka and Nelson are now roomies at Tiger Trail and living it up.

BY ESTON ELLIS

More

2 Nooz Notes 26 Support 28 In the Field 29 Member Specials ON THE COVER: Bat-eared fox Otocyon megalotis THIS PAGE: California leopard shark Triakis semifasciata PHOTOS BY: Tammy Spratt, SDZG Photographer

N O OZ N OT E S

CHAIRMAN’S NOTE ROBERT B. HORSMAN

New Home for Ambassadors

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N’Debele cloth dolls from South Africa, medium, $18.95

WHAT’S IN STORE?

Traditional Arts San Diego Zoo Global seeks out beautiful, traditional art and craft items for our gift shops, from countries we partner with around the globe. These items reflect the culture and talents of the communities, and in partnering with us, community members build a source of income for their families. Discover new treasures in our gift shops, and visit us online at shopsandiegozoo.com.

Beaded animals from Haiti Lion and elephant, $39.95 each

2 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

Beaded recycled phone wire Zulu bowls, large, $70

an Diego Zoo Global is dedicated to inspiring passion for nature, and our animal ambassadors are an important part of that mission. Each year, these animals and their keepers and trainers create one-of-a-kind animal encounters at the Zoo and the Safari Park, as well as traveling across the country to meet school groups, people at special events, seniors in retirement homes, and pediatric patients at children’s hospitals. San Diego Zoo Global’s ambassador animals are specially trained to interact with the public in support of education and conservation, as they demonstrate their natural adaptations and behaviors. By bringing conservation messages alive and making them personal for our audiences, they play a powerful role in our fight to end extinction.

A project that is in the planning stages is to build an all-new area for the ambassador animals that live at the Zoo. We want to transform a 60-year-old part of the Children’s Zoo into an expansive home for them, which we have named Animal House. This innovative complex will offer a variety of amenities, including indoor housing with temperature-controlled bedrooms, outdoor yards for exercise and play, and upgraded areas for world-class veterinary care. Animal House will also include several interactive areas where visitors can meet these unique animals and learn their stories from trainers and educators.

Animal House will provide a new neighborhood for our animal ambassadors to call home, and we are excited about the new opportunities it will bring for them and for our guests. The project is just getting started, so if you would like to contribute to making Animal House a reality, visit sandiegozoo.org/animalhouse to learn more about the animals and how you can help them move into a grand new community.

FALL

DINING

AT ALBERT’S BREWMASTER DINNER FEATURING THORN STREET BREWING

Saturday, September 16, 2017 6 p.m. | Animal ambassadors reception in Treetops Banquet Room, with appetizers 6:45 p.m. | Dinner at Albert’s Restaurant Celebrate fall with some fantastic brews at Albert’s Fall Brewmaster Dinner, featuring Thorn Street Brewing, winner of a silver medal at the 2016 World Beer Cup. Join us for an evening with Dan Carrico and Eric O’Conner, founders and brewers of Thorn Street, as San Diego Zoo Executive Chef Chris Mirguet and Albert’s Chef Charles Boukas pair their culinary artistry with select craft beer selections.

COMING ON NOVEMBER 4 Albert’s Winemaker Dinner with Duckhorn Vineyards

Cost is $82 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

ANIMAL AMBASSADOR DINNER Saturday, October 14, 2017 6 p.m. | Animal ambassadors reception in Treetops Banquet Room, with appetizers 6:30 p.m. | Dinner at Albert’s Restaurant Join us for a memorable evening with our fascinating animal ambassadors and a gourmet meal. Experience animal encounters while you enjoy a reception with appetizers, then relax over a three-course meal as the animal encounters continue throughout the evening. A choice of Wild or Tame Jungle Juice will be available at the reception, and a no-host bar will be available for dinner.

Cost is $82 per person, plus tax and gratuity.

TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, PLEASE CALL 619-718-3000 or book online at zoo.sandiegozoo.org/ dining-events. Event ticket must be presented to gain access into the San Diego Zoo. Guests will be seated at tables of eight. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.

Menu substitutions are not available.

N O OZ N OT E S

SEPTEMBER 16, 23 Photo Workshop: Lens on the Zoo’s New Africa Rocks Exhibits Join our professional photographers at this two-session class, open to guests 16 or older. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sandiegozoo.org. (Z)

Save the Date What’s happening at the Zoo and Park this month and next (Z) Zoo events (P) Park events THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4 Nighttime Zoo presented by your San Diego County Toyota Dealers Summer fun activities and live entertainment at the Zoo. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. September 1 through 4. (Z) SEPTEMBER 2 Breakfast with Tigers Watch our tigers start their day—then start yours with a buffet breakfast. For reservations, call 619-718-3000 or visit sdzsafaripark.org/ dining. (P) SEPTEMBER 9 Animal Ambassador Dinner Learn how birds like the California condor are being saved from extinction, enjoy presentations by Safari Park bird keepers on conservation efforts around the world, meet animal ambassadors, and enjoy a delicious gourmet

meal. For reservations, call 619-718-3000 or visit sdzsafaripark.org/ dining. (P) SEPTEMBER 16 Albert’s Fall Brewmaster Dinner Following a fascinating animal presentation, guests will enjoy a delicious gourmet meal— and each course will be paired with a specialty beer. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Make reservations online, or call 619-718-3000. (Z) SEPTEMBER 23 San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration presented

by ASML and Cymer At this annual fund-raiser for San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy, you’ll enjoy a wild evening of food and beverages from more than 160 restaurants, wineries and breweries. Dance to live music, meet exotic animals, and more! General admission tickets are $125

Fantastic Fall

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and VIP experience tickets are $225. For details, visit zoofoodandwine.com. (Z) OCTOBER 1-31 Kids Free presented

by Mission Fed October is Kids Free month at the Zoo and Safari Park, with free admission for children 11 and younger accompanied by an adult.

A schedule of activities and events can be found at sandiegozoo.org and sdzsafaripark.org. (Z)(P) OCTOBER 8 Oktoberfest Buffet Dinner Celebrate Oktoberfest at

the Safari Park with a dinner buffet, live music, and a cash bar.

Families are welcome.

Call 619-718-3000 or visit sdzsafaripark. org/dining. (P) OCTOBER 14 Albert’s Animal Ambassador Dinner Meet some of the San Diego’s Zoo’s remarkable animals up close—and enjoy appetizers, beverages, and a gourmet meal. Must be 21 years or older to attend. Book online or call 619-718-3000. (Z)

PRESIDENT/CEO’S NOTE DOUGLAS G. MYERS

eptember means savoring the last few days of summer, and then it’s time to take the leap into fall. At the Zoo and the Safari Park, it’s also time for beautiful days to visit your favorite animals. Enjoy the unfolding habitats of Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks at the Zoo: watch the busy African penguins and their cohabitants, the leopard sharks; the West African dwarf crocodiles at the spectacular Rady Falls; the agile klipspringers and always-popular meerkats at the Kopje; and the amazing baboons at Ethiopian Highlands. At the Park, take one of our many safari options and see our young giraffes, rhinos, and antelope. Visit our bat celebrity, Lucas, at the Bat House, and a cat you won’t find in many zoos, the black-footed cat at Nairobi Station. September also brings San Diego’s restaurants, wineries, and breweries to the Zoo for our San Diego Zoo Food, Wine & Brew Celebration presented by ASML and Cymer, along with entertainment and lots of animals. Heading into October means fun and games at the Zoo and the Park for Kids Free presented by Mission Fed, when kids 11 and younger get free admission all month long. Happy autumn!

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OCTOBER 14, 28 Long Lens Photography Workshop Get advice from experts at this two-session class, open to guests 16 or older. Call 619-718-3000 or visit sdzsafaripark.org. (P) OCTOBER 27 All Ages Creepy Camp Roar & Snore Safari What a treat: a Halloween-themed Safari Park sleepover for the whole family! Call 619-718-3000. (P)

Let’s Talk Follow @sandiegozoo & @sdzsafaripark.

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

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E V D

E R U NT Have you experienced a Caravan Safari at the Safari Park?

Travel in the back of a covered, open-air safari truck into our field enclosures, as our expert guides take you to the animals and provide fascinating and fun information about the latest goings-on. Get an up-close view of Asian and African birds and mammals, with an opportunity to feed giraffes!

You haven’t lived until you’ve had a giraffe tongue reach out and To take a leaf from your hand. make your reservations, Your truck awaits!

call 619-718-3000.

N O OZ N OT E S

In 2017, the San Diego Zoo diverted 12,154 tons of construction and demolition debris from landfills.

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Robert B. Horsman, Chairman Steven G. Tappan, Vice Chairman Linda Lowenstine, DVM, Ph.D., Secretary Richard B. Gulley, Treasurer

94

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

150 Tons of yard and plant waste recycled by the Safari Park (January through June 2017).

Waste not—help reduce a carbon footprint! We humans at San Diego Zoo Global get a little help from our animal friends as we up our resource conservation game.

ZOONOOZ

®

PUBLISHED SINCE 1926 SEPTEMBER 2017 | VOL. XC–NO. 05

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.

MANAGING EDITOR

KAREN E. WORLEY

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

PEGGY SCOTT

STAFF WRITERS

WENDY PERKINS KARYL CARMIGNANI DONNA PARHAM

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.

COPY EDITOR

ESTON ELLIS DESIGNER

KERRI ABRAMS SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

KEN BOHN TAMMY SPRATT

DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN

Copyright© 2017 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 $166.50, new; $135, renewal. One adult $111, new; $101, renewal. Each membership includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

4,500 Number of surplus catering meals (5,460 pounds!) donated by SDZG to feed the hungry through nonprofit organizations (January through June 2017).

SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS September 1–4: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

September 5–22: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

September 23: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 24–October 31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

SAFARI PARK HOURS September 1–3: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

September 4–October 31: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WEBSITE sandiegozoo.org PHONE 619-231-1515 ZOONOOZ® Online web publication zoonooz.sandiegozoo.org

TAMMY SPRATT

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

KAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANI KIM TURNER AMY BLANDFORD HEIDI SCHMID-ROMERO LISA BISSI JENNIFER MACEWEN

PREPRESS AND PRINTING

QUAD GRAPHICS

6 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

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.

OFFICERS

The approximate tons of Zoo and Safari Park pre-consumer food waste diverted from landfills (January through June 2017).

Percentage of the Safari Park’s overall waste diverted from landfills.

It’s only a number

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

FSC® is not responsible for any calculations on saving resources by choosing this paper.

Rolf Benirschke Sandra A. Brue Javade Chaudhri Clifford W. Hague Patricia L. Roscoe Steven S. Simpson Judith A. Wheatley

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Frank C. Alexander Kurt Benirschke, M.D. 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 James Lauth, General Counsel Douglas G. Myers, President/CEO Charles L. Bieler, Executive Director Emeritus THE FOUNDATION OF SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL OFFICERS

Richard M. Hills, Chair Judith C. Harris, Vice Chair Susan B. Major, Secretary Susan N. McClellan, Treasurer Mark A. Stuart, President Amy B. Parrott, Vice President Robert B. Horsman, Ex officio Douglas G. Myers, Ex officio BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Christine L. Andrews Joye D. Blount Rick Bregman Douglas Dawson Berit N. Durler, Ex officio Chris L. Eddy Arthur E. Engel Valerie A. Ewell, DVM Susan Guinn Michael N. Hammes Murray H. Hutchison Nikita Kahn Joshua A. Pack Philip C. Seeger Elizabeth W. Shoemaker Ryan Sullivan Ed Wilson

Calling all kids! October is Kids Free month at the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, when children 11 years and younger receive free admission all month long (with an adult). Kids can connect with their wild side by meeting our wildlife, and discover the wonders of nature through play and exploration. On weekends, there will be even more kid-focused fun, with a variety of special activities.

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

High Society At home in the tall, rugged cliffs of the Ethiopian Highlands, hamadryas baboons live in multilevel, modular societies. Friendly behaviors, such as social grooming and lip-smacking, support relationships.

Aggressive behaviors—like staring, vocalizing, chasing, and fighting—establish social boundaries.

Both kinds of behaviors reinforce important social roles in the highly ordered hamadryas society.

BY DONNA PARHAM | STAFF WRITER

The male Single reproductive male

ILLUSTRATIONS BY AMY BLANDFORD | STAFF ILLUSTRATOR

The females

One-male Unit (OMU)

Reproductive females

The basic hamadryas social unit centers around a single reproductive male. This OMU leader maintains order over about nine females and their dependent offspring. He mates with all the adult females in his OMU, and stares, threatens, chases, hits, and neck-bites his females to try to prevent them from approaching other males.

Baby baboons

Follower males

A newborn hamadryas is about the size of an adult guinea pig, but it doubles in size by the time it is a year old. A baby is dependent on mom for food, care, and protection.

Males who don’t lead may live at the periphery of an OMU, or they may live alone. They belong to lower social levels within the band. Young follower males may one day become OMU leaders.

THE MALE Male hamadryas baboons are large and in charge. In comparison to a female, a male has an immense head and an impressive, silvery cape and whiskers.

It’s helpful to be big

8 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

when you’re competing for females, and the goal of an adult male baboon is to establish his own OMU. If he’s successful, he’ll have more mating opportunities, and he’ll hold a position high in

the hierarchy within his band. An up-andcoming male may acquire his first female mate when he is about 8 to 11 years old.

From time to time, an unattached follower male—or a coalition

of males—attempts to force out the leader of an OMU and take over. Sometimes they are successful. There can be only one OMU leader however, so eventually a single male prevails.

Band Several OMUs join together to form a band, a larger social group that generally numbers between 30 and 90 individuals. Juvenile baboons (both male and female) leave their OMU and disperse to other OMUs, usually in the same band but occasionally in other bands, or even other troops.

Troop The same few bands congregate at sleeping cliffs each night. This group—100 or more baboons—is called a troop. Despite the close proximity, hamadryas baboons seldom interact with individuals in bands other than their own. After a night’s sleep, a troop disperses: during their morning march, bands turn off at intervals, and then OMUs split from their band for the day’s foraging.

Lone males While part of the band, some males live alone, not associated with an OMU. Lone males rarely challenge OMU leaders.

THE FEMALE Adult females usually stay in the OMU they join as adolescents, although some may move to another OMU later on.

While females

in the same OMU are sometimes friendly, they will compete for the attention of their male OMU leader. In fact, they can be aggressive toward each other, and certain females can be clearly dominant, especially

THE “TEENAGER” if favored by the male.

Although an OMU leader attempts to monopolize his females, he isn’t always successful.

Females sometimes mate with follower males as well as with their OMU leader.

lanigiro

At about age two, hamadryas baboons leave their OMU. A female typically joins another OMU in the same band. A male may spend several years forming loose associations with several groups within his band before attempting to form his own OMU.

rSAN enwoDIEGO rb ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 9

Bubba the warthog is more than just a pretty face. Opposite page: Rick Schwartz introduces people to ambassador animals like the fascinating fossa.

Ambassador animals inspire people to make a difference for wildlife and wild places through fun, exciting, and life-changing experiences.

10 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

BY DONNA PARHAM | STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

Warthogs have a reputation: they’re territorial, not fond of change, and can be a bit, well, pig-headed. They are also “incredibly intelligent,” says Safari Park animal training supervisor Janet Rose-Hinostroza, and she should know—she helped train the first-ever warthog ambassador, 12-year-old Bubba. She concedes that there have been times when Bubba’s been a bit stubborn. Once, while walking him on a leash, they had a difference of opinion about which way to go. Bubba had what Janet calls a “pig tantrum.” And what does that look like? “Just like a toddler tantrum—except you can’t pick him up and move him,” she says. “He threw himself on the ground and screamed, and all I could do was to wait it out.” Good thing animal trainers have plenty of patience—Janet spent an uncomfortable 20 minutes reassuring guests that Bubba wasn’t hurt. Once he decided to cooperate, she was quick to reward him for getting back on track, and he cheerfully resumed his stroll.

MIX AND MINGLE Ambassador animals like Bubba do more than delight onlookers. By making conservation messages relevant to a wide audience, they are powerful allies in our fight to end extinction. “Because they are comfortable around an audience, ambassador animals tend to look at people, and that allows guests to make eye contact,” says Rick Schwartz, ambassador for San Diego Zoo Global.

The experience can change hearts and minds—which has been proven by striped hyena brothers Puru, Tuli, and Tamu. Having hyenas as ambassador animals was “an unusual idea, for sure,” says Janet. “In 24 years of training animals, I have never worked with a species that’s been as vilified as the hyena.” she says.

“But with these ambassador hyenas, we’ve been able to change a lot of kids’ minds about that. They learn how shy—and how important—hyenas really are.”

Similarly, a personal experience with

are cold-blooded, and in addition to food, Hasani is motivated by warmth.” Keepers are discussing placing a heat source on a perch to encourage his natural behaviors, like climbing and sun basking.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

a reptile can turn fear into fascination. At the Africa Rocks stage, visitors admire a black-throated monitor named Hasani (Swahili for “handsome”) as he flicks his long, forked tongue. Zoo trainer Bobby Brett says he was surprised and pleased by how quickly the lizard responded to training—training a reptile is different from the birds he usually works with. “His motivation is different,” says Bobby. “Reptiles

Nicki Boyd, behavior husbandry manager, oversees ambassador animals and husbandry training at the Zoo. She describes how her team trained Cheka, a young serval, starting when he was just 12 days old. Several times a day, trainers gave Cheka’s mom the opportunity to move into a separate bedroom, and then they entered the area and played with baby Cheka. He was still nursing at first, so they couldn’t use food as a reward.

Instead, they brought cat toys! After play sessions, mom and cub were reunited.

Such co-raising benefits an animal, says Nicki. “It used to be that ambassador animals weren’t part of the breeding population. But when an animal grows

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 11

From left: Cheka the serval was co-raised. Hyena ambassador animals make an impact on public perception. With a 10-foot wingspan, Pelona the Andean condor amazes guests at Wegeforth Bowl.

up with its social group, it’s better able to interact and breed.”

Some ambassador animals, it seems, “volunteer” for the job. Koala keepers at the Zoo regularly check on joeys in their mother’s pouch. While koala moms have no problem with their human friends getting so intimate, little joeys typically squeeze their eyes closed and snuggle up closer to mom. Not Burley! So, keepers began handling the little joey, who reveled in the attention before going back into his mom’s warm pouch. Because she knew and trusted her keepers, Burley’s mom was just fine with the arrangement, and Burley has made a fine ambassador for his species.

MAKING A POINT At the Safari Park, a Victoria crowned-pigeon named Kingsley shakes his lovely halo of head feathers, claps his bill, and issues a deep, resonant cry.

12 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

AN IMPORTANT JOB

“He wants us to pay attention to him,” says animal trainer Kara Walsh. Kingsley hatched in Wings of the World Aviary, but, like Burley, took a special interest in people—especially those in the strollers and wheelchairs that rolled through the aviary.

“He thought it was great fun to land on someone’s lap and go for a ride,” says Kara.

Some people were thrilled to get such a close look at the magnificent bird. But, “a lot of parents—understandably—would get a little freaked out to see this

big bird land on their child in a stroller.” So, Kingsley joined the Safari Experiences team; now he gets lots of opportunities to see and interact with people. Kara loves introducing visitors to the extraordinary bird. “Crowned-pigeons like Kingsley disperse seeds and regenerate the forest, and he helps us share the value of rain forests.” Being able to put a “face” on rain forest conservation makes a big impression on Park guests.

Spreading her 10-foot wingspan as she glides just over the heads of the audience at

San Diego Zoo Global’s ambassador animals are trained to interact with the public in support of education and conservation.

They demonstrate their natural adaptations and behaviors during on-site shows, presentations, and experiences, as well as off-site appearances at retirement facilities, childrens’ hospitals, schools, and TV and radio stations.

HELP BUILD ANIMAL HOUSE We're planning a new home for our admirable animal ambassadors that live at the San Diego Zoo! Their new neighborhood in the Children's Zoo will be called Animal House, and it will provide these charismatic animals with a great space for relaxation, play, sleeping, and care, as well as opportunities for visits with guests.

Would you like to help us build their new home? Visit sandiegozoo.org/ animalhouse to find out more about them and contribute to Animal House!

the Zoo’s Wegeforth Bowl, an Andean condor named Pelona makes a big impression, too.

Kristi Lee Dovich, animal training manager, appreciates the attention that Pelona attracts.

“Working with Pelona, we get to talk about the California condor recovery project,” says Kristi.

“We talk about the environment, pesticides, and eggshell thinning.” She says that there are some things that people may have heard many times, but, “an animal like Pelona brings home the message.”

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS Face-to-face experiences with wild animals can be life changing. Director of Collections Husbandry Science at the Zoo, Carmi Penny shares the story of what happened when a group of people from Kenya’s Sera Community Conservancy saw rhinos for the first time. Due

to poaching, there hadn’t been rhinos in the region for more than a generation; but in 2014, the community created a rhino sanctuary, populating it with rhinos from the nearby Lewa Conservancy and other Kenya locations. When people from the Sera Community visited Lewa, they met orphaned rhino calves that had been hand raised.

“Up until these people met rhinos, some were reportedly under the impression that rhino horn was soft, like an elephant’s trunk. And, some of them even thought rhinos were spotted, like leopards,” says Carmi. Such experiences remind us that there is no substitute for face-to-face animal encounters. And the story has a happy ending. Under the care of the community members, there has been no poaching at the rhino sanctuary, and the rhinos there have given birth to two calves so far.

“Being in close proximity to a wild animal instills a sense of awe,” says Rick. But one thing he wants people to know is that wild animals—including ambassadors—do not make good pets. “I love them, but I would never want one in my home. That wouldn’t be good for them, or for me.” he says. “These are wild animals that retain all their natural instincts. We respect that.”

Training an ambassador animal takes a team of people, working seven days a week, with training sessions several times a day. “People see only the end result, which is just a sliver of the process,” Rick says. Thanks to dedicated animal keepers and trainers, encounters with ambassador animals show us things we could never imagine, and they remind us that we share the world with other species. Most of all, they remind us to care.

Wildlife Heroes

While we love all our animals, some have needed more TLC than others.

Meet some ambassador animals that have received critical medical care.

KUSIKIA BAT-EARED FOX

ISA AND JAMBA FOSSAS

Congenital dental problems indicated that Isa wasn’t a good candidate for breeding, but after eight surgeries, he’s doing fine. His brother Jamba was born blind. They are the only fossa ambassador animals in the world.

A spinal surgeon corrected a slipped disc that left Kusikia partially paralyzed, and her trainers provided physical therapy for eight months. Fully recovered, she’s out and about, demonstrating her digging skills and her remarkable hearing.

RINGO STARLING

FLOYD

SUPERB STARLING

AMERICAN FL AMINGO

Little Ringo fell and broke his wing, leaving him incapable of flying and unable to cope well in an aviary with other birds. The Safari Park’s Wildlife Discoveries team took him in, and now he shows guests just how amazing a little bird can be.

As a chick, Floyd required surgery to straighten severely malformed leg bones. His keepers took shifts round the clock, providing physical therapy.

He still walks a little funny, but he loves people— and they love him!

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 13

Is Your Nest Egg Secure?

Like many people, you may have seen the value of your investments fluctuate over your lifetime. If there was a way to find true security for you and your loved ones for the remainder of your lives, would you be interested?

The good news is that with a charitable gift annuity’s fixed payments, you can find that security right here, while ultimately benefiting the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Learn more about how you can receive fixed payments for life, take advantage of tax benefits, and make a difference for wildlife by visiting zoolegacy.org or by calling 619-557-3993.

Camps & Programs FALL & WINTER 2017-2018

Adventures at the Zoo KINDERNIGHTS

Children ages 3–6 and their favorite adult Select Fridays and Saturdays, 6–7:30 p.m. $15 per person for members; $18 for nonmembers ages 3 and older.

Book online or call 619-557-3962.

The Better to Smell with

September 22, 29 Elephants have a VERY long, specialized nose.

We have plans to put your nose to work, too!

The Better to Eat with

October 7, 21 Lions’ big teeth are perfect tools for meat eating. Learn about carnivores, herbivores,

and omnivores—and our own teeth.

The Better to Hide with

November 10, 11 Camouflage is cool, and lots of animals have it. This month, we’re exploring animals that are very good at hiding.

The Better to Fly with

December 15, 16 We’re going to have

a ball looking at one thing that birds do very well: flying.

The Better to Swim with

January 13, 20, 26 Learn about some wildlife super swimmers, and visit one of the Zoo’s newest exhibits, Africa Rocks.

The Better to Hear with February 3, 10, 17

There’s more than one way to hear sound. Find out about animals that have incredible adaptations for hearing.

The Better to Jump with

March 3, 17 Jumping is fun, but it can also be lifesaving.

Meet some animals that are Olympic jumpers— kangaroos will lead the way!

Aussie Outback Birthday Bash Ages 10 and younger, with adult chaperones. $79 per person for adults and children ages 3 and older. Includes all-day Zoo admission, lunch, and birthday cake! Birthday child and children 2 and younger are free (with an accompanying paid adult).

Celebrate your child's birthday with an Australian adventure in our Aussie Outback party room with Dr. Zoolittle, up-close animal presentations, and our knowledgeable and fun-loving Zoo educators! Call 619-685-3259 to book your party and talk with our specialists about details and options— or email events@ sandiegozoo. org.

More Adventures at the Zoo KINDERTOTS

Children ages 18 months– 3 years and their favorite adult Saturdays, 8:30–9:30 a.m. $12 per person, plus Zoo admission for nonmembers.

Book online or call 619-557-3962.

Friends are FUN!

September 23, 30 Even odd couples like cheetahs and dogs can become friends. Making friends is an important part of growing healthy and happy for kids, too.

Tortoises Can Be Very Big!

October 21, 28 We’ll learn about words like “in” and “out,” and “over” and “through,” in adventures with our Galápagos tortoises.

Exploring Is Part of Growing

from the animals at the Zoo. Come take a fun bus ride, and encounter a very big elephant.

All About the ABCs

March 17, 24 Giraffe begins with “G.” We’re going to have fun learning the alphabet through animals!

Note: Animal viewing subject to change

KIDS’ WILD NIGHT OUT

Grades K–5 Select Saturdays, 6–10 p.m.

September 2, October 7, November 4, December 9, December 16, January 6, February 3, March 3. $37 per child; book online or call 619-718-3000.

November 11, 18 Exploring the world around us stimulates the brain and helps us increase our creativity. Penguins will help us learn how animals explore.

Join us at the Zoo for a wild night out with Dr. Zoolittle and animal friends.

Meet amazing animals, create Zoo crafts, play games, enjoy a snack, and much more. Sorry, no grown-ups allowed!

Let’s Move Like an Orangutan

FOR TEENS

December 9, 16 Orangutans are great movers that can climb, swing, and roll. We’ll learn about exercise the fun way, from our animal friends!

Keeper Work Is Really Fun

January 20, 27 Keepers need to be good at counting out food items to feed animals daily. Learn to count, be a keeper, and make some animals happy!

From BIG to small

February 17, 24 Learn about sizes

Zoo Corps

Teens ages 13–17 (by November 17) Free information meeting for interested teens (attend with a parent or guardian) at the Zoo’s Dickinson Family Center for Lifelong Learning: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 2 or 9 a.m. Saturday, November 4 (no reservations required).

Mandatory training session for accepted applicants: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Saturday, January 6, 2018. Fee is $125.

“Inspiring change for a better tomorrow” is the motto for Zoo Corps teens, who participate in Zoo events and teach guests about topics like animal care, local San Diego habitats, wildlife conservation, and saving species. The winter/spring 2018 session runs January through May. For more information, email sbarnard@sandiegozoo.org.

ZOO PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Ages 16–adult Two-part workshops scheduled Saturdays, 6:30–10 a.m.

Prices start at $149 per session for members, $199 for nonmembers.

Book online, or call 619-718-3000.

Lens on the Zoo’s New Africa Rocks Exhibits

September 16 and 23 Our expert instructors will introduce photographers to the Zoo’s six new African habitats and the remarkable animals that live there.

Beginning Wildlife Photography

November 4 and 18 Discover the techniques of photographing wildlife in sessions geared to students who are relatively new to photography, or those with newly purchased camera equipment.

Carnivores in Focus

January 20 and 27 In this special workshop series, you’ll get a chance to photograph some of the Zoo’s most interesting animals: the meat eaters!

Animals on the Move

February 17 and 24 At this workshop series designed for photo enthusiasts who like action shots, keepers and trainers will help set up some very special photo opportunities.

Larger than Life: Macro Photography March 17 and 24 This two-part class will build your confidence while enabling you to improve your macro techniques. Some of the Zoo’s smallest and most beautiful subjects will be highlighted.

Photography Workshops

SAFARI PARK PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS

Ages 16–adult Two-part workshops scheduled Saturdays, 6:45–10:45 a.m. $299 for members, $349 for nonmembers.

Book online, or call 619-718-3000.

Long Lens Photography Workshop

October 14 and 28 Sharpen your photography skills with amazing opportunities to see Safari Park wildlife in a whole new light.

Day 1 will give early risers a chance to stroll the Park as a group, and photograph plants and animals in the beautiful early morning light—with special access to an area not normally available on foot. Then, rise and shine on Day 2 for an exclusive opportunity to experience the vast fields of Africa and Asia exhibits from a Photo Safari truck, and view the herds as they begin the new day. Workshop participants will enjoy guidance and individual feedback sessions with professional photographers.

Spend the night at the Safari Park in our tents overlooking the elephant exhibit and the African Plains! Sleepovers include walking tours, behind-the-scenes visits, an animal presentation, and a tram ride, plus a souvenir for each guest. Each Roar & Snore starts at 4:15 p.m. and concludes at 9:30 the next morning; and they include a tent and sleeping pad for the night.* For family programs, children 17 and younger must be accompanied by a paid adult.

For reservations, and all the Roar & Snore options and pricing, call 619-718-3000; or visit sdzsafaripark.org. *Premium tents include queen-size beds

Roar & Snore Safaris

Adults Only Creepy Camp Roar & Snore All Ages Roar & Snore

All ages September 1, 2, 16, 30; October 7, 14; November 4, 11 Spend the night at the Safari Park with your family. Campers of all ages are invited to experience a sleepover that has something for everyone.

Choose from a selection of walking tours to make your night relaxed or high energy.

Adults Only Roar & Snore

Ages 21 and older September 9; November 18 Discover the secret lives of animals through the kind of information we can only share with no children around! Special behind-the-scenes moments, evening hikes, and face-time with critters fierce and friendly add new meaning to the term “nightlife.”

Girl Scouts Roar & Snore

Girl Scout troops, minimum age 5 September 15, 23; October 6, 21; November 17 Girl Scouts will learn how easy it is to become a hero for wildlife in their daily lives during this activity-filled sleepover.

At the end of their nightly activities, Girl Scouts will get the chance to participate in SWAPs with other troops.

School Nights Roar & Snore

School groups, in grades 3–12 September 28; October 12; November 9 Teachers, bring your students to

the Safari Park for a super sleepover they will never forget!

Students will learn about plant and animal conservation; and this program is aligned to Common Core Literacy Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.

All Ages Creepy Camp Safari Roar & Snore

All ages October 27 Enjoy haunted trails, make special Halloween treats for our animals, and meet creepy critters up close at a spooky sleepover. Don’t forget your costume!

Ages 21 and older October 28 Meet remarkable animals and enjoy a variety of activities at this Halloween weekend sleepover designed for adults only.

Holly Jolly Jungle Roar & Snore

All ages November 25 Celebrate the holiday season with this festive sleepover on Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy holiday crafts and games, make merry with our animal ambassadors, and take amazing photos for your holiday cards.

For private sleepovers at the Zoo or Safari Park, please call 619-718-3000.

READY FOR YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? EARN YOUR DEGREE FROM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, PROUD SPONSOR OF THE SAN DIEGO ZOO. National University is a San Diego-based nonprofit that has been proudly educating adult learners since 1971, and providing online course options for more than 20 years. Founded by retired U.S. Navy lieutenant, David Chigos, NU offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as: • Four-week courses, so students can start sooner and finish faster • Online, on-campus, and hybrid courses to fit students’ schedules • Convenient campus locations throughout California National University is also transfer friendly, so many of those hardearned credits can still count.

ENROLL TODAY AND BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY AS SOON AS NEXT MONTH.

nu.edu/adventure

© 2017 National University NU17_6545

A NEW WAVE Using Proven Methods to Care for a New Species at the San Diego Zoo

Leopard sharks, native to the California coast, are “stand-ins” for similar species found in the penguins’ African range.

W

BY WENDY PERKINS | STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

atching the penguins of Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks zip and zoom through their pool, you may be surprised to see some other life forms in the water: sharks and human divers. But don’t worry­­—everyone gets along in this kingdom. The divers are specially trained keepers who care for the California leopard sharks, which are similar to shark species that African penguins share space with in the waters off Namibia and South Africa.

16 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

Before the animals took to the pool, the keepers practiced their diving skills.

Below: swimming over the threshold into their new home!

DIVING IN

SHARKS: THE STATS

6

feet—the length an adult female leopard shark can reach; males are slightly smaller

10–12

months gestation for young; embryos are sustained by yolk sacs within the mother’s body until birth

4 –29 number of young in a litter

The Zoo’s herpetology department is charged with tending the fish in various Zoo exhibits. The nine keepers responsible for the sharks’ well-being expressed an interest in diving (literally and figuratively) into the husbandry of this new-to-the-Zoo species. Servicing an animal’s habitat—in this case a deep and watery one—is an important part of animal husbandry. Step one: dive training.

Throughout 2016, while the Dan and Vi McKinney Peguin Habitat took shape in Africa Rocks, the shark team worked on dive skills and safety protocols in an off-grounds swimming pool. In May 2017, before any animals moved in, the shark keepers began using the new pool at the Zoo. In addition to getting acclimated to moving among the rocks, accessing nooks and crannies, the team practiced dive safety drills.

SCHOOLING SHARKS Health monitoring is a key aspect of maintaining thriving animals. At both the Zoo and the Safari Park, keepers use positive reinforcement training to establish a relationship with many animals to allow for close inspection and a range of health procedures. The shark keepers have followed this approach. Some people

might think training a shark is a fish tale, but truth is stranger—and more surprising—than fiction in this case.

“Leopard sharks are pretty easy to work with,” says Amanda Chapin, one of the sharks’ keepers. “They are curious by nature, and quite food motivated,” she added, traits that make them trainable. Training began with the keepers holding a target (a

pole with a red ball at the end) and a piece of fish (held in long tongs) in the water next to the ball. Drawn to the scent of the fish, the shark learns to associate food with the target.

When the sleek swimmer touches the target, it gets the scaly reward. With the target/food connection solidified, keepers can ask the shark to move from one spot to another. This makes it possible for the keepers and veteri-

narians to see the animals up close from the side of the pool. Amanda points out the practicality: “when you have a big pool, you can’t just go get an individual easily. Training allows us to care for the animals without adding undue stress.”

GOING DEEPER The targeting behavior also allows keepers to make sure each individual shark gets the right amount of food.

Can keepers really tell the sharks apart? Yes! Although they all have spots, the patterns have slight differences. “It’s just like you saw two Dalmatian dogs together,” says Amanda.

“They might look alike to you at first, but their owners, who see them all the time, can tell them apart easily.”

Try it yourself—see if you can spot individual patterns on the sharks when you visit Penguin Beach.

The sharks have different personalities, as well. “Some will bump into you to see what you’re doing,” Amanda shared. “Others aren’t interested unless you have food.”

Special equipment allows keepers to offer short educational talks from inside the pool. Watching the sharks and humans together highlights the gentle nature of leopard sharks, and the depths keepers go to give them optimum care.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 17

Things are

Looking Up

Fred the Giraffe for

BY KARYL CARMIGNANI | STAFF WRITER PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

Zoo keepers patiently taught Fred to touch his nose to a buoy on a stick. This target training helped them get clear x-rays of his skull.

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Tall, smart, and handsome. Fred is an enthusiastic participant in his own health care.

ith patience, collaboration, ingenuity, and a bucket of leafeater biscuits, Fred, a four-year-old giraffe at the Zoo, has been trained to participate in a diagnostic imaging procedure without anesthesia. Keepers noticed he had nasal discharge, so veterinarians were notified, and together they are treating the issue. Radiographs of his mighty skull could reveal dental, bone, and soft tissue abnormalities that could be causing the problem, but how to best get a crisp x-ray image of his head perched 14 feet above the ground?

Curators, vets, keepers, and registered vet techs (RVTs) collaborated to devise a training program to enable them to get x-rays without having to anesthetize Fred. “Radiographs are a vital part of understanding an animal’s medical issues,” explained Meredith Reid, RVT at the San Diego Zoo. “Training Fred to allow this noninvasive procedure is instrumental to managing his long-term health.”

GETTING STARTED

Using positive reinforcement (a reward-based system), target training began with a buoy attached to the end of a pole, and a keeper with a whistle in her mouth and some biscuits on her hip. The target was positioned next to Fred’s face, and when he touched his nose to it, the keeper gave a quick burst of her whistle, to bridge from the desired behavior to the reward, and then gave him a

tasty biscuit. As a ruminant, Fred’s training had to also reinforce not chewing or licking the target, which he conquered fairly quickly.

Gradually, the target was moved a bit farther and lower from Fred, and he was rewarded for touching it.

Training sessions were 10 to 15 minutes long and occurred 1 to 3 times per day for about 9 weeks. Fred always had the option to participate or walk away at any time.

BABY STEPS Once Fred was lowering his head to the target and holding the position for a few seconds, staff created a mock-up situation of the actual radiograph event. A used x-ray plate (about 12 by 18 inches) was attached to a pole that was bolted to a brick on the ground. Meredith held up an empty fruit crate to simulate the 25-pound portable x-ray machine, and extension cords were on the

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 19

A BIG HELP

ground, as the computer used to read the radiographs would have to be plugged in. The staff was clad in the light green x-ray gowns, which look different from their usual khaki attire. “We had to take baby steps,” said Meredith, “as he used

to be afraid of the x-ray gowns, but he’s used to them now.” The goal is to get him desensitized to all of the equipment used for the procedure and all the additional staff around, so he will be calm and comfortable when the radiographs are taken.

Giraffes are skittish by nature, so it’s important to build Fred’s trust and let him decide if he wants to participate.

Anesthetizing a giraffe can be a difficult and potentially dangerous undertaking, so investing the time and training into husbandry behaviors advances our animal care and welfare standards. Keepers are also target training the other four giraffes in Fred’s herd for husbandry purposes.

Fred’s x-rays are helping veterinarians keep an eye on his sinus problems and give him the best care. “Getting giraffe radiographs as a baseline will also benefit other giraffes down the line,” said Meredith.

“It’s good to establish radiograph ‘normals’ to compare over time, to best monitor their health.” A healthy giraffe is a happy giraffe!

How You Can Help Wild Giraffes Become a Citizen Scientist to Help Save Giraffes in Africa You can help giraffes by participating in our online project, Wildwatch Kenya. For our ongoing study of reticulated giraffes, researchers need to sort and classify tens of thousands of photographs taken by trail cameras in the field conservation sites in northern Kenya. But there are only a few researchers with limited time—so they need help! Wildwatch Kenya posts these photos on a website where volunteers from around the world can identify what they find in the photos, aiding researchers in the sorting process. You can use any device with an internet connection to participate—no training required! Go to wildwatchkenya.org and join volunteers from around the world to identify and count the wildlife you see in the photos. It’s easy and fun, and your participation is a huge help to our giraffe researchers!

20 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

Zoo keepers, registered vet techs, and veterinarians all worked together on developing the best way to collect radiographs of Fred’s skull in the most noninvasive way possible.

Fred was a willing partner!

SAN DIEGO’S WILDEST TASTI NG EVENT!

Saturday, September 23, 2017 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the world-famous San Diego Zoo

Small Bites, Big Fun— All Included!

Sample from more than 160 of Southern California’s best food, wine, and beer vendors. Soar above it all on Skyfari, light up the night at the glow party, and dance like a rock star at seven live stages throughout the Zoo. Unleash your inner party animal while you support and defend wildlife!

Eat, Drink, Party — Repeat!

This tasty night for wildlife benefits the San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy. San Diego Zoo Global is a nonprofit organization committed to saving species worldwide and leading the fight to end extinction.

B UY YO U R T ICK E T S T ODAY ! zoof oodan dw in e.com

Sibling

22 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

Revelry Brothers Suka and Nelson enjoy days filled with playful roughhousing and serious bonding at Tiger Trail.

Every day is a new adventure for playful “best buds” Suka and Nelson, Sumatran tiger brothers from different litters.

F

BY ESTON ELLIS | STAFF WRITER

PHOTOS BY TAMMY SPRATT | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

risky young Sumatran tiger brothers Suka and Nelson, born four months apart at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, are growing up— and these not-quite two-year-olds have become nearly inseparable buddies. They began living together in April 2017, at Tull Family Tiger Trail. In the wild, young tiger siblings of the same sex often form coalitions after separating from their mother—usually between 17 and 36 months of age. They form these coalitions to support each other, and cooperatively hunt and defend their territories. In wild habitats, these coalitions typically last only until the brothers or sisters reach sexual maturity.

However, in zoos, these relationships sometimes continue into adulthood.

A COALITION OF TWO Suka and Nelson have an unusual relationship, by any definition. They have the same parents, but they are “brothers from another litter.” Suka was born as a single cub on September 14, 2015 to first-time parents Joanne and Teddy. He was born with severe kidney and urinary tract infections and was rejected by Joanne when he was five days old. Park keepers hand raised him and Park vets nursed him back to health, but he had to learn about tiger behaviors from a distance, by watching the other tigers in Tiger Trail.

Joanne gave birth to another litter—cubs Nelson, Cathy, and Debbie—on January 28, 2016. Joanne proved to be a good mom the second time around and successfully raised these healthy cubs. But once Nelson was about

nine months old, she began pushing him away, trying to get him to start living on his own.

That gave animal care staff an idea: maybe Suka and Nelson would both benefit from a “faux coalition” relationship. Sumatran tigers are critically endangered, and fewer than 400 still exist in their native habitat. To create a safeguard for this dwindling wild population, the Safari Park and other North American zoos participate in a Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding program. “Suka was hand raised and didn’t have the opportunity to grow up with siblings—but if he’s going to be a part of an SSP breeding program in the future, or perhaps go out to another facility someday, he needs to know how to interact with other tigers,” said Autumn Nelson, animal care supervisor.

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 23

boundaries, until Nelson would go into ‘big tiger mode’ and give him a clear sign that he should back off.”

GRADUATION TIME

BOY HOWDY The tiger brothers’ first interactions were through a mesh “howdy gate” that allowed them to safely see, smell, and communicate with each other from adjacent bedrooms, without full contact. The howdy interactions began with Joanne and all of the cubs joining in. Later, Suka and Nelson participated in a few months of one-on-one howdy sessions, some lasting for an entire day.

Their first “play date” fully together was on January 9, 2017, inside the tiger house and supervised by the keepers. “The boys got along quite well—they chuffed [a friendly vocalization] continuously

From top: While Nelson is four months younger than Suka, he has asserted his dominance as the alpha tiger.

Suka, who was hand raised at the Safari Park, is now learning important tiger social skills from his momraised brother.

24 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

and tried to play with one another,” recalled keeper Elise Montanino.

“Both Suka and Nelson took turns stalking each other and initiating playful sneak attacks.” Despite the fact that Suka was slightly older and outweighed Nelson by 60 pounds, during the several play dates that followed, Nelson soon asserted his dominance as the alpha tiger.

“At first, Suka was like a big rambunctious Labrador retriever, and Nelson was more reserved,” Autumn said. “Eventually, Suka learned to read Nelson’s body language and vocalizations. Nelson was very patient with Suka. He would get prodded several times as Suka would test his

“We gave them time to bond in an appropriate setting,” Autumn explained. “Suka had not had physical contact with another tiger since he was five days old, and Nelson had never been around another boy tiger. Every day, we kept seeing progress, as they would play together, lie near each other, chase each other, and play with their toys.”

On February 6, the brothers went on exhibit together at Tiger Trail for the first time. It would mark the first of many high-speed games of tag and beef heart scavenger hunts as their friendship blossomed, Elise said. The brothers began living together full time on April 18.

Currently, they are only split up when they are given big food items, such as bones and large treats, and when they are fed in the morning.

“When they are separated, we use that time for husbandry training,” Elise said. “They are voluntary participants in their own care—they know how to cooperate for blood draws [taken from their tails], get vaccines, present specific body parts, and accept a blood pressure cuff.

Early socialization built a foundation of trust between the keepers and cubs, and allowed the cubs’ behavioral repertoires to grow quickly.”

TALES OF TWO TIGERS Guests who see the brothers at Tiger Trail may notice that on a warm day, Suka loves to jump in the pool and swim, but Nelson only occasionally puts his feet in the water. Whatever the weather is like, they can often be seen chasing each other playfully and sometimes cuddling together.

“They are wrestling on a regular ba-

sis, and they sleep together in a giant pile,” Autumn said.

Both brothers are playful, and sometimes they play rough. Keepers know the difference between tiger play and aggression, but guests sometimes see playful roughhousing and become concerned, Autumn said. “It can look serious when they have scuffles, when one is asserting dominance, and they’re testing each other—but it’s for show.”

Autumn described Suka as “sweet,” and said he generally gets along very well with his “laid-back” brother. “Nelson is very mellow, like his father Teddy, and he’s one of the most easygoing cats in the house.”

Both boys have a range of vocalizations for communicating with each other. “If Nelson is not playing with Suka or he has something Suka wants, Suka gets very whiney and

heaves heavy sighs,” Elise said. “Nelson and Suka ‘chuff’ contentedly to one another, but they have developed their ‘big tiger’ voices, and may give a barking roar if they get impatient or possessive of a toy.”

GROWING UP Keepers will be watching how the brothers’ relationship develops, with the big test being whether they become more aggressive when they become sexually mature. “A previous coalition at the Park, Conrad and Thomas, were here until age four, had been around females, and still got along well,” Autumn said.

“Those two are still together, at the Kansas City Zoo. If Suka and Nelson are anything like them, we expect they will pick up on the presence of females in the exhibits, but will still get along fine with each other.”

There are currently nine Sumatran tigers at the Safari Park—the largest population of this subspecies in North America. Having a coalition of two bonded males living together not only provides both with companionship, but it also takes maximum advantage of limited tiger bedroom and exhibit space. “Our goal is to provide the best welfare we can for our animals,” Autumn said.

“This whole situation is a win-win for everybody. It worked out for the cats, for our guests, and for our keepers.”

Not long after Nelson began living with Suka, Joanne went back to being a solitary female—and her daughters Cathy and Debbie have now formed their own coalition.

You can see both of the Park’s juvenile sibling coalitions at Tiger Trail—or watch them online, on our Tiger Cam.

BY THE NUMBERS

<400

Sumatran tigers still exist in their native habitat

9

Sumatran tigers live at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

27

Sumatran tigers have been born at the Safari Park

S U P P O RT

Africa Rocks is a beautiful example of the power of philanthropy.

Ranging from savanna to sea, these six new habitats highlight African animals and plants that aren’t usually in the spotlight. No elephants, giraffes, or lions here, but plenty of intriguing species, all with will not only celebrate the stunning conservation stories to tell. biodiversity of the African contiWith its journey through nent but also showcase grassland plains and what’s possible when coastal beaches, rocky DID YOU friends like you step up outcroppings and island KNOW? to support conservation forests, tropical jungle 100 percent and wildlife. rivers and mountain of funding for Africa Rocks Africa Rocks exhighlands, Africa Rocks came from ists only because more will transfix you with donations. than 5,000 donors like immersive experiences you made it possible: and wondrous surprises 100 percent of funding for this inaround every corner—and you made novative new experience came from it all possible! donations! Whether $5 or millions, Starting near Hua Mei Café, every gift made a difference! With a enter Cape Fynbos at the Dan and Vi determined focus on conservation McKinney Penguin Habitat. Visit our and naturally diverse environments, colony of dapper African penguins

AFRICA ROCKS:

Where Philanthropy and Innovation Come Together

BY CAITLIN HANNAH COPYWRITER, DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

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PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL

here do innovation and philanthropy meet in San Diego? At the worldfamous San Diego Zoo, of course!

After years of anticipation, preparation, and hard work, the most ambitious expansion in San Diego Zoo history began opening this summer.

When the rest of Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks opens later this year, it

26 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

READY TO ROCK! (From left) The McKinney family joins Douglas G. Myers to cut the ribbon on opening night; the Zoo’s first-ever sharks make their mark; visionary Conrad Prebys and Debbie Turner are honored; our African penguins hit the beach; Ernest and Evelyn Rady turn on Rady Falls on opening night; thunderous “applause” from San Diego’s tallest human-made waterfall!

from three different levels as they “fly” underwater, waddle and play, and rest along the pebbled beach.

With a nesting area built in, we eventually hope to increase their numbers through a breeding program as we work to save this endangered species.

Surrounded by proteas and sharing space with leopard sharks and a variety of fish, this aquatic mixed-species home is naturally diverse.

The sound of rushing water beckons as you make your way to the West African Forest. Dwarf crocodiles bask in the sun and lurk among the floating fig trees as you walk behind the thundering waterfall at Rady Falls. Farther along the path, you will venture into the forest of Rady Madagascar Habitat, where sifaka lemurs leap and endangered ring-tailed, blue-eyed black, and red ruffed lemurs make a colorful display near intriguing fossas, feisty honey badgers, and pudgy elephant trees.

When the Acacia Woodland opens later this year, vervet monkeys will call to each other through iconic, flat-top camel thorn acacia trees as you head toward an aviary. The colorful crown jewels of this little slice of paradise are the bee-eaters, who—incredibly—nest in the face of a cliff wall. As you watch them, peacefully surrounded by fluttering black-headed weavers, finches, and lovebirds, take a moment to remember that you helped make this experience possible! Then, wing your way out of the aviary and wander a little farther to look for a leopard lounging in the treetops— will you spot it before it spots you?

Next, a troop of fierce hamadryas baboons survey their domain from atop their sweeping mountain highland home. Be on the lookout for complex social and grooming behaviors from these monkeys, as well as their other unusual primate neighbors,

the geladas. These long-haired and red-chested monkeys live alongside regal-looking Nubian ibex, which graze on the windswept green grass of the Ethiopian Highlands. Also watch for bright flower spikes of the red-hot poker trees!

Ahead of you awaits the African Garden, where a stunning, 500-yearold cycad will take center stage, along with other unusual plants. After exploring more of the exotic flora, venture into the rocky Kopje. Visit up close with meerkats, dwarf mongooses, and klipspringers, the tiny antelope that can leap with precision from boulder to boulder. Notice the red-leaved rock fig tree that can grow out from crevices in a cliff face. Take it all in, and know that none of this would be possible without the generous support of friends like you. You’ve helped shine a spotlight on African conservation efforts, and we cannot thank you enough—you rock!

BY THE NUMBERS

5,000+ number of donors who have contributed to the construction of Africa Rocks

127

estate gifts that supported Africa Rocks

815

number of gifts under $25 that funded Africa Rocks

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / SANDIEGOZOO.ORG / 27

IN THE FIELD

San Diego Zoo Global’s mission to end extinction takes place not just at the Zoo, Safari Park, and Institute for Conservation Research, but also through field projects benefiting more than 125 species around the world. Each issue, we will share an update on one of these projects.

Left to Right: Kenyans take the lead in giraffe conservation with us; GPS tracker attached to ossicone; giraffe shakes off anesthesia; close-up of tracking device; researchers work quickly to safely attach tracker; working together to save giraffes.

CAMERAS, COMMUNITIES, AND CROWDSOURCING

BY KARYL CARMIGNANI | STAFF WRITER

Reticulated giraffes are estimated to have decreased in number by nearly 80 percent in the past 30 years, leading to the ominous description of a “silent extinction.” But San Diego Zoo Global is partnering with others to give voice— and hope—to this once-ubiquitous species. Working with several other conservation organizations and pastoralist communities in northern Kenya, together we are fostering community-based initiatives to save reticulated giraffes.

We employ eight local people as Twiga Walinzi, or Giraffe Guards. They manage trail cameras and monitor giraffes daily in the field through GPS trackers, as well as champion giraffe conservation. David O’Connor, a researcher on the 28 / ZOONOOZ / SEPTEMBER 2017

PHOTOS BY KEN BOHN | SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER

Institute’s Global Partnerships team, recently led the GPS satellite tagging of 11 reticulated giraffes in northern Kenya, the first effort at this scale. A solar-powered unit is attached to a giraffe’s ossicone, and it records the giraffe’s location hourly for two years. The data gathered will illuminate the animals’ movements across the landscape and help guide conservation initiatives. People around the globe will also have the opportunity to help: they can participate in the new citizen science online platform Wildwatch Kenya (wildwatchkenya. org). “We need help counting, identifying, and tracking the giraffes and other wildlife in the photos,” explained David. It’s a chance for all of us to contribute to saving the species!

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