Spring - Summer ZooTracks 2017

MEMBER’S MAGAZINE

MARCH · APRIL · MAY · JUNE · JULY · AUGUST · SEPTEMBER · OCTOBER · 2017

INSIDE

The Zoo After Dark Elephant Update Quarters 4 Conservation

FEATURE STORY

ZooTracks

A Sedgwick County Zoological Society magazine for members Publisher Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. © 2017 All rights reserved.

Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. PRESIDENT Mark C. DeVries TRUSTEES Stanley G. Andeel Kevin J. Arnel Jeff Bloomer Martha C. Buford Cindy Burgess Kelly E. Callen Dave Dahl Amy Ekerberg, DVM Genevieve Farha Sarita Francis Rhonda Fullerton Steven A. Houlik Dale Hoyer Jim Howell Tim Kaufman Don J. Knappenberger Gary Kohn Dave Larson Marvin Long Sam Marnick Bill Moore Mary Lynn Oliver Martin W. Park Sue Pearce Mary Lynn Priest Albert R. Sanchez Mike Scholes Barry Schwan Don Sherman Jay Smith Collin Stieben Sue Watson Joe Williams Tom Windish Sheryl Wohlford MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Schanee Anderson Melissa Graham Ryan Gulker Scott Newland Steven Onken ON THE COVER— African Elephant

The Zoo After Dark

Perspectives compiled from Nights staff Photo by Scott Harder

Have you ever wondered what happens at the Zoo after it closes for the day? Even though the Zoo is closed, animal care continues! Caring for our residents is a 24/7 job and we have a dedicated team of folks who work through the evening and into the wee hours of the morning cleaning, caring and preparing the Zoo for a new day! Here’s a look at some of the things that they encounter and do throughout the night.

o List D o T r e are plenty p e e ’t worry! There on d e w y, a Night Zook d e kout in for th

our wor posted. we didn’t get Zoo to be com e th in o po e • Dump run: If th pick up all of ows to lift! We rr a lb ee h w y of heft me hippos, for our aweso e od b a n a le a squeaky c ry night. sure there is ke a m e cleaned eve W : ts ol ge t a th • Hippo po ol po 0, 0 0 0 gallon dgie. It’s a 4 Pu nd a e Pi e Sweeti e rything in th heck on eve c e W . b jo r ou ed ant part of hat they ne e most import th is is h T and have w s: ll e w ng • Round oi d animals are watch over at all of the th k c e h c even get to e nd a d Zoo. W e fe , te also medica ng night. We xi la re od go for a necessary. births when at love to rm animals th fa ny a m to e e and is hom Barn: It’s larg n a c ri e m A night.

• The e barn every th ns a le c ff ! Night sta make a mess caries, ngutans, pec a or s, e e nz pa for the chim of the diets ll a ke a have very m to t ese animals th of • Diets: We ge ll A . a yr bara and ta xample, each lemurs, capy , ns oo b a b require. For e , u y e pud th t a th s and chop size ny cutting! s of produce pe ty nt t is a lot of ti re a h fe T . dif pe a gr a lf the size of du diet is ha pu e th in e c pie things ry about, so e Zoo to wor ir nt e e th t, we have ations: At nigh tu si y nc e rg e • Em storms! sting during re te in t ge n ca

Coolest Things Night Staff See: • Mushrooms blooming.

• Snow falling during a full moon.

The “Creepy” Things That Occur at Night:

• Shooting stars all night long.

• It gets dark super early in the winter so you can only see by your flashlight.

• Seeing the glow of the leopard’s eyes in your flashlight.

• Spider webs are everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE!

• Experiencing the full effect of an animal's camouflage.

• Animal noises: they love to make noises as soon as you turn your back: your heart grows strong at night.

• Watching the prairie dogs disappear into their underground colonies at dusk and not reappear until dawn.

• Seeing a sleeping tiger covered in morning dew.

• Toads gorging on the insects attracted to our outside lights.

• The things that go bump in the night! There are raccoons, opossums, skunks and more that call the Zoo home too. They can be heard rustling, lurking and skittering through the dark.

• The peaceful slumber of a group of meerkats all in a big pile. It’s hard to tell where one begins and the other ends.

Most Important Tool: THE FLASHLIGHT! Not only does it guide your way through the dark spots, but it also acts as a protector against the many spider webs that will ensnare the most watchful of keepers.

3

NATURE

Elephant Update It’s hard to believe that it’s been almost a year since Simunye, Titan, Arusi, Xolani, Zuberi and Talia arrived safely in Wichita!

We thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the exciting things that have happened in the herd over the last year.

size of the teeth, the animal care staff believes that they came from some of the younger elephants. No worries though, the new teeth follow the old ones quickly.

Who me?

Within a month of arrival, all elephants recognized their names. It’s pretty amazing to hear the keepers call each elephant by name and see them turn and come running!

Becoming a Herd Within two months of arriving, Stephanie was observed behaving as if she wanted to interact with the younger elephants. She started spending more and more time standing near them. She would often grab her hay and take it down the fence line as close to the other elephants as possible.

Sleep Tight

Weighing In Within the first week, all the elephants voluntarily walked onto the new scale. This was a surprising development as the animal care staff did not believe they would so readily walk through the chute that houses the scale. The elephants, while initially wary of their new surroundings, were relatively fearless and willing to explore their new home. The elephants were in less than ideal body condition when they arrived and, now that a year has passed, everyone is pleased with their weight gain and current body conditions.

First Weight Current Weight Simunye 4,610lbs 5,530lbs Titan 2,410lbs 3,030lbs Arusi 2,300lbs 2,920lbs Xolani 2,350lbs 3,030lbs Talia 2,270lbs 2,650lbs Zuberi 3,090lbs 3,540lbs Stephanie 7,140lbs Staff try to maintain Stephanie's weight between 6,800lbs and 7,200lbs.

Losing Teeth In the year since the elephants arrived, the animal care staff has found parts of at least six teeth. This is normal; elephants “grow” six sets of teeth in their lifetime. New teeth slowly work their way to the front as the older teeth wear down and fall out. Each set of teeth comes in larger than the last. From the

For the first time, staff was able to observe the sleep patterns of the herd via the new monitoring system. They discovered: • The juveniles sleep about five hours a night each.

• Simunye was observed to be sleeping lying down, about two hours a night. She now sleeps about four hours a night.

• Stephanie sleeps about four hours each night.

Time to Learn Training for foot care began early on and was the herds’ first lesson. Most of the elephants were associating the word “foot” by touching a training target. The animal care staff uses this process to ask the elephants lift their feet up and rest it on a “foot bar” for inspection. Great progress was made towards this end within two months. Foot care training allows animal care staff to gain access to the elephants’ nails and pads for cleaning (think pedicure) and checking the condition of each foot. The elephants are never forced to do this and do it voluntarily.

The Big Day! Stephanie was introduced for the first time to Arusi, Titan, Zuberi, Xolani and Talia on Monday, June 6th. Arusi and Zuberi were out in the habitat and Stephanie was sent out to join them. While they all took notice of each other and after a few minutes it seemed much ado about nothing, they began to forage together in close proximity. This went so well that Xolani, Talia, and Titan were allowed to join them. Almost immediately, Stephanie behaved like a matriarch.

She was very gentle and kind with the juveniles. This initial introduction went so well that they stayed together all day.

NATURE Still in School Another layer of learning was added to training time in August. The elephants began learning to present their ears through a special ear portal in the training area. This allows staff to draw blood easily and with little stress to the elephants.

Photo by: Elephant Business, Inc.

Everybody In! Well, almost everyone. Zuberi, Arusi, and Titan went swimming in the canal with Stephanie in the lead. Stephanie walked in about chest deep and the others followed her in. Zuberi appeared to be actually swimming, as she bobbed up and down, without touching the bottom. Arusi and Titan dunked themselves under water several times. This may have been the first time these elephants had ever had the opportunity to completely submerge themselves underwater in their lives.

New Lesson “Trunk training” sessions began in June. This behavior is taught so the elephant will hold his or her trunk out and allow the keepers to touch it. This behavior helps them participate in their own healthcare by creating a thread of actions that will eventually lead to the elephants allowing veterinarians to test for tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a disease that humans have that elephants can get. Testing both the animal care staff and the elephants protects everyone.

One More Makes Seven!

A little over a month after Stephanie was introduced to the juveniles, it was time for her to meet Simunye. Things couldn’t have gone more smoothly. Simunye looked to Stephanie as the most dominant and recognized that she was the herd matriarch. As both elephants became more accustomed to each other, additional elephants were added until all seven were spending time together as one herd!

Animal care staff observed continual positive direction in the social behaviors exhibited by all of the elephants. They rumbled greetings more often when approaching each other and all the elephants became more tactile with one another.

Extending trunks into another elephant’s mouth became increasingly frequent and the elephants spent more time resting their trunks on one another. The herd was often seen taking an afternoon nap together underneath the trees and mud bathing communally.

By October, all five juveniles were presenting both front feet out of foot port on the first bar! All but one was allowing their nails and pads to be dry scrubbed on both feet! This was an amazing feat given that they had only been in training for a little over 6 months!

Holiday Traditions Stephanie was able to share in a holiday tradition—a Thanksgiving Feast! The majority of the food served in the feast was from their normal daily diet the animal care staff presented in a different fashion (with a few tasty surprises). The herd really enjoyed their tasty meal!

Christmas day was spent wallowing in the mud and taking a little swim. The temperatures this winter have been wonderful for the elephants, but the animal care staff was definitely surprised to see them in a pool on Christmas Day.

A Great Start to New Year By the beginning of the new year, six elephants were allowing the animal care staff to scrub their front feet with warm water, trim their pads and file their nails and they love to get warm baths and having their bodies brushed with a long scrub brush. They are all are presenting their ears through the port and are very close to allowing the staff to draw blood.

The levels of play and social activities have continually increased. Titan, Arusi, and Zuberi are often seen play sparring.

Talia joins in most of the time and Xolani has just started to get into the act. Even Simunye, the elephant that was the slowest to adjust, is now sparring with Zuberi and Titan.

They are social with almost everything they do. They eat, wallow, swim, and forage together. They are always moving together as a herd. It has been an emotional year for elephants and zoo staff alike. The elephants adapted much quicker than we had expected and we are confident the elephants will live fulfilled lives in their new home. The story does not end at one year. There will be more stories to come and more tales to tell.

The elephants have become a part of the fabric of the zoo and the community and we pledge that we will do all that we can to provide the elephants with the best care possible and to provide them the opportunity to behave as nature intended.

5

DISCOVERY

Education Program Schedule Classes are held in the Cargill Learning Center unless otherwise noted. For information, price, and description of classes, programs and events, please visit www.scz.org. Space is limited and tickets are required for classes, events and programs unless noted. All class, program or event participants over the age of 6 months must purchase and bring a ticket in order to attend. All sales are final. Please call 316-266-8213 with questions.

Class

Wee Wigglers Age 12–23 months Adult attendance required.

All classes will be held at Cargill Learning Center.

Owlet

Age 2–3 years. Adult attendance required.

Date

Topic

Start–End Time

Wed 3/1 Wed 3/1 Thurs 3/2 Thurs 3/2 Tues 4/4 Tues 4/4 Wed 4/5 Wed 4/5 Wed 5/3 Wed 5/3 Thurs 5/4 Thurs 5/4 Tues 6/6 Tues 6/6 Wed 6/7 Wed 6/7 Wed 7/5 Wed 7/5 Thurs 7/6 Thurs 7/6 Tues 8/1 Tues 8/1 Wed 8/2 Wed 8/2 Wed 9/6 Wed 9/6 Thurs 9/7 Thurs 9/7 Tues 10/3 Tues 10/3 Wed 10/4 Wed 10/4 Wed 11/1 Wed 11/1 Thurs 11/2 Thurs 11/2 Tues 12/5 Tues 12/5 Wed 12/6 Wed 12/6

Lizard Lizard Lizard Lizard Penguin Penguin Penguin Penguin Giraffe Giraffe Giraffe Giraffe Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla Gorilla Horse Horse Horse Horse Chicken Chicken Chicken Chicken Bear Bear Bear Bear Bugs Bugs Bugs Bugs Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo Worms Worms Worms Worms

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Wed 3/15 Wed 3/15 Thurs 3/16 Thurs 3/16 Thurs 3/16

Lizard Lizard Lizard Lizard Lizard

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Class

Owlet cont...

Date Tues 4/18

Age 2–3 years. Adult Tues 4/18 attendance required.

Wed 4/19 Wed 4/19 +Meet at giraffe feeding station Wed 4/19 ++Meet at Downing Wed 5/17 Gorilla Forest tent Wed 5/17 room +++Meet inside the Thurs 5/18 American Barn Thurs 5/18 ++++Meet at Big Bear Thurs 5/18 Watering Hole Tues 6/20 Tues 6/20 Tues 6/20 Wed 6/21 Wed 6/21 Wed 7/19 Wed 7/19 Thurs 7/20 Thurs 7/20 Thurs 7/20 Tues 8/15 Tues 8/15 Tues 8/15 Wed 8/16 Wed 8/16 Wed 9/20 Wed 9/20 Thurs 9/21 Thurs 9/21 Thurs 9/21 Tues 10/17 Tues 10/17 Tues 10/17 Wed 10/18 Wed 10/18 Wed 11/15 Wed 11/15 Thurs 11/16 Thurs 11/16 Thurs 11/16 Tues 12/19 Tues 12/19 Tues 12/19 Wed 12/20 Wed 12/20

Topic Penguin Penguin Penguin Penguin Penguin Giraffe + Giraffe+ Giraffe+ Giraffe+ Giraffe+ Gorilla++ Gorilla++ Gorilla++ Gorilla++ Gorilla++ Horse+++ Horse+++ Horse+++ Horse+++ Horse+++ Chicken Chicken Chicken Chicken Chicken Bear++++ Bear++++ Bear++++ Bear++++ Bear++++ Bugs Bugs Bugs Bugs Bugs Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo Flamingo Worms Worms Worms Worms Worms

Start–End Time 10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

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10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

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– 11:45 a.m.

Class

Ewe & Me

Age 4 – kindergarten.

Adult attendance required.

Date

Topic

Tues 3/7 Wed 3/8 Wed 3/8 Wed 4/12 Wed 4/12 Thurs 4/13 Tues 9/12 Wed 9/13 Wed 9/13 Wed 10/11 Wed 10/11 Thurs 10/12 Tues 11/7 Wed 11/8 Wed 11/8 Wed 12/13 Wed 12/13 Thurs 12/14

Snakes are Spectacular Snakes are Spectacular Snakes are Spectacular Farms Around the World Farms Around the World Farms Around the World Roar and More Roar and More Roar and More Gorilla, Gorilla Gorilla, Gorilla Gorilla, Gorilla Birdy Beaks Birdy Beaks Birdy Beaks Animal Toys Animal Toys Animal Toys

Start–End Time

Class

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Sunset Safari

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Children Age newborn –1st grade.

Adult attendance required.

Sat 3/4 Fri 3/10 Sat 4/1 Fri 4/7 Sat 5/6 Fri 5/12 Fri 6/2 Sat 6/10 Sat 7/1 Fri 7/7 Sat 8/5 Fri 8/11 Sat 9/2 Fri 9/8 Fri 10/6 Sat 10/14 Sat 11/4 Fri 11/10 Sat 12/2 Fri 12/8

Watch Your Step! 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Watch Your Step! 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What's in a Name? 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

What's in a Name? 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Enormous 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Elephants Enormous 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Elephants Proud Primates 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Proud Primates 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

South America 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Scoop South America 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Scoop Fantastic Farms 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fantastic Farms 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Zoo Chefs— 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Stories, Snacks & More!

Zoo Chefs— 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Stories, Snacks & More!

Creatures of the 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Night Creatures of the 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Night Fabulous Flight 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Fabulous Flight 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Animals to 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Count On Animals to 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Count On

Topic

Tues 3/14 Lizard Tues 4/11 Penguin Age 12 months – Tues 5/9 Giraffe 6 years Tues 6/13 Gorilla Adult attendance Tues 7/11 Horse required.

Tues 8/8 Chicken Tues 9/12 Bear Tues 10/10 Bugs Tues 11/14 Flamingo Tues 12/12 Worms

Tot Tuesday

Tues 3/28 Tues 4/25 Tues 5/23

Totally Turtles Whistling Winds Ages 3 – 5 Enormous years, siblings Elephants welcome.

Tues 6/27 Gorilla Crazy Adult attendance Tues 7/25 Keeping Cool required.

Tues 8/22 Parrots No Cost No advance Tues 9/26 Colors and tickets required Camouflage Tues 10/24 Frogs & Toads Tues 11/28 Animal Sounds

ZOOper Kids Pajama Party

Date

Grades 1–5

Sat 3/4 Sat 4/8 Sat 5/13 Sat 6/10 Sat 7/8 Sat 8/12 Sat 9/16 Sat 10/14 Sat 11/18 Sat 12/9

Junior Behind the Scenes Tours Grades 1–5

Homeschool Expeditions

Vanishing Domestics Amazing Apes Phases and Stages It's Not Easy Being Green Life Around the Watering Hole Treehouses and Toadstools Flocks of Fun The Unhuggables Turkey Talk Animal Gift Givers

Sat 3/18 Australia and South America Birds Sat 6/24 Amphibian and Reptile Greenhouse Sat 9/23 Oliver Animal Hospital Sat 12/2 Education and Farms

Wed 3/15 Wed 4/12 Grades 1 – 5 Wed 5/3 Adult attendance required.

Wed 8/16 Wed 9/6 Wed 10/11 Wed 11/8 Wed 12/6

Start–End Time 6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

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– 7:30 p.m.

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10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Farms Fun 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Going Ape 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Incredible Egg 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Sensational Senses 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Animal Islanders 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Fact or Fiction 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Furry Flappers 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Fine Feathered 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Friends

7

DISCOVERY Class

WOW

Grades 1–5

Wheeling Wild Tuesdays Sponsored by Bicycle X-change

Dates sold separately.

Senior Wednesdays Active guests over 55 years.

No advance tickets.

Social Hour Age 21 and older for events with alcohol; 18 and older, if no alcohol served.

Sponsored by House of Schwan and Glazer's

Date

Topic

Mon 3/20 Spring Fling –Fri 3/24 Inservice Mon 4/17 Discovery Day

Geared towards adults but all ages welcome

NO COST

No advance tickets required.

Sponsored by Spice Merchant

Class

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Get Into Nature

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Inservice Mon 11/20 Discovery Day

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tues 11/21 Inservice Discovery Day

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Wed 11/22 Thanksgiving Safari

8:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Tues 3/21 Tues 4/18 Tues 5/16 Tues 6/20 Tues 7/18 Tues 8/15 Tues 9/19 Tues 10/17

10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 3/8 National "Everything You Think is Wrong" Day 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 4/12 Black-Footed Ferrets 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 5/10 Heritage Breeds Wed 6/14 Monkey Around Day 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 7/12 Animal Signs and 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Symbols 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 8/9 Some Like it Hot, Others Do Not Wed 9/13 Praise for Pollinators 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 10/11 Great to Go Batty 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Wed 11/8 Diets and More: The 10:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m.

Zoo Commissary Beastly Beers Craft 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Edition Fri 6/30 Drunken Botanist 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat 7/15 Ice Cream in the 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Congo—NON Fri 4/7

ALCOHOLIC

Sat 8/12 Beastly Beers Sat 9/30 Cocktails with the Creatures Fri 11/3 Pucker Up—The

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Sat 12/9 Wild Wines

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mon 3/6 Reptiles and Amphibians Mon 4/3 Veterinary Medicine Mon 5/1 Children's Farms Mon 6/5 Horticulture Mon 7/3 Zookeeper Apprentice Mon 8/7 Administration Mon 10/2 Tropics Mon 11/6 Australia/South America Birds Mon 12/4 Education

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Date

Topic

Sat 3/18 Wee Bit of Fun Tues 3/21 Wee Bit of Fun

Geared towards Sat 4/15 Nature Detectives families with young children Tues 4/18 Nature Detectives but all ages Tues 5/16 Construction Zone welcome.

Adult Sat 5/20 Construction Zone attendance Sat 6/17 City Slickers required.

Tues 6/20 City Slickers Sat 7/15 Just Add Water

Elephant 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Pronghorn 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Farms 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Penguins 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Lions 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Aldabra Tortoise 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Giraffe 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Bears 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Science behind taste —NON ALCOHOLIC

Coffee Connections

Start–End Time

Tues 7/18 Just Add Water Tues 8/15 Dog Days Sat 8/19 Dog Days Sat 9/16 A Leg up Tues 9/19 A Leg up Tues 10/17 On the Move Sat 10/21 On the Move

Creature Campout

Fri 4/14 Frog Watch Sat 4/22 Frog Watch— Happy Earth Day

Start–End Time 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Age five and older.

5:30 p.m. – Adult attendance Fri 5/19 Frog Watch required.

Sat 6/24 Frog Watch—Great 5:30 p.m. – American Backyard Campout Fri 7/21 Frog Watch— 5:30 p.m. – Indoor Campout Sat 9/16 Frog Watch 5:30 p.m. – Fri 10/6 Frog Watch Sat 12/30 Frog Watch— Indoor Campout

9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.

5:30 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.

DISCOVERY

Does your preschooler LOVE the Zoo?

Plan Your Next

Animal Tales Preschool at Sedgwick County Zoo focuses on traditional learning skills with a creative and environmental twist.

at the Zoo! Whether you’re planning a group event for 20 or a spectacular party for 5,000 , we have the resources to offer a truly unique social experience. From the drama of The Downing Gorilla Forest to the serenity of the Cessna Penguin Cove, we have a variety of venues that are sure to create an atmosphere your guests will never forget. We're here to help you customize your experience and give your guests an event they will always remember!

Dates are filling up fast!

Registration is open for Fall 2017 classes!

CALL 316.252.8252 to book your next event at the Zoo!

Spaces fill quickly so call 266-8213 today or visit scz.org for more information!

SAVE THE DATE

ZOOBILEE Wichita’s Wildest Fun-raiser!

SEPTEMBER 9, 2017: 6:00 P.M. 9

ADVENTURE

Adventure & Fun Awaits!

Dates you should know! 2017 Signature Zoo Events & Social Hours for March – October.

Visit scz.org for event details.

MARCH Summer hours begin March 1 Now open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Children’s Farm Festival: Sheep Shearing Saturday, March 11: 9:00 a.m. – Noon Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID.

APRIL Social Hour: Beastly Beers Craft Edition Friday, April 7: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Register Online.

Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, April 15: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID. Event Sponsored by: BOB FM 97.1 & 100.5 FM Hank

Children's Farms Festival: Heritage Breeds Day Saturday, May 27, 2017: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID.

JUNE Ape Awareness Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID.

Father’s Day Car Show Sunday, June 18: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Dads get in free with a paid child’s admission Event Sponsored by: 103.7 KEYN

Social Hour: Drunken Botanist Saturday, June 30: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Register Online.

Party for the Planet presented by Meritrust and Black Hills Energy

JULY

Thursday, April 20: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Admission is free the entire day.

Event Sponsored by: Meritrust & Black Hills Energy

Twilight Tuesdays presented by Cox

MAY Cinco de Mayo Celebration Sunday, May 7: Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID. Event Sponsored by: La Raza and House of Schwan

Mother’s Day Sunday, May 14: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Moms get in free with a paid child’s admission Event Sponsored by: BOB Fm 97.1 & 100.5 FM Hank

Every Tuesday in July: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

FREE admission with a Cox Voucher or Sedgwick County Zoo membership beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Event Sponsored by: Cox

Social Hour: Ice Cream in the Congo Saturday, July 15: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Register Online.

Children's Farms Festival: County Fair Saturday, July 29: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID.

AUGUST

Night of the Living Zoo

Back to School Bash

Bash

Saturday, August 5: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission is just $1 per person! Members FREE with membership card and photo ID. Event Sponsored by: Dillons & KAKE

Social Hour: Beastly Beers Saturday, August 12: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Register Online.

NOVEMBER

SEPTEMBER

Winter Wednesday

Zoo is Closed Saturday, September 9: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Zoobilee Saturday, September 9: 6:00 p.m. – Midnight Tickets purchased before September 1: $135 Tickets purchased starting September 1: $150 Tickets will go on sale August 1.

Please note: Zoobilee will be held RAIN or SHINE. Tickets are not refundable or transferable.

Children's Farms Festival: Bee Day Saturday, September 23: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Regular admission applies. Members are free with membership card and photo ID.

Social Hour: Cocktails with the Creatures Saturday, September 30: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Register Online.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 27, 28 & 29: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Advance tickets: Tickets go on sale October 1! $7.00 area QuikTrip Stores or online!

Tickets purchased at gate: $7.00 for Zoo members and $9.00 for nonmembers.

Children 2 and under do not need a ticket.

Event Sponsored by: Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, QuikTrip, Learning Quest, B98, Channel 96.3, and KZSN The Bull.

re s with Cr eatu

OCTOBER Plant Donation Drive Saturday & Sunday, October 21 & 22: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Monkey Butt Poker Run

November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, December 6, 13, 20 & 27: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Admission is just $3 every Wednesday!

Event Sponsored by: 105.3 the Buzz

Veterans Day Saturday, November 11, 2017: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Free admission on November 11, 2017 for all military personnel (active and retired) and their immediate family.

DECEMBER Social Hour: Wild Wines Saturday, December 9: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Register Online.

LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO SNOOZE AT THE ZOO? Check out our Creature Campouts and Nocturnal Adventures!

See Summer Learning Adventures insert for more details.

Saturday, October 21: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Early Bird Registration: $20 Registration the Day of Event: $25 Passengers ride free. Registration includes one poker card, t-shirt, and breakfast for one. Event Sponsored by: 104.5 the Fox, T-95, Pepsi, Sunflower Travel, Mandalay Bay/Shark Reef Aquarium and The Inn at Tallgrass 11

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Shopping to help the Zoo!

Two great ways you can support the Zoo when you shop: Dillons Community Rewards and AmazonSmiles!

Dillons Community Rewards

AmazonSmile

The Zoo will get credit for every purchase* you make using your registered Plus card. The more you shop with Dillons, the more opportunity the Zoo has to earn even bigger rewards. It's that easy!

The Zoo's NPO number is 32357.

What is AmazonSmile?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Sedgwick County Zoo every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to the Zoo.

To begin supporting the Zoo you must have things to register: • A Plus card, which is available at any store by asking an associate • A valid email address, which can be obtained from any free online service and can be anonymous • A personalized account at our website, which again can be anonymous

The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible smile.amazon.com purchases. Tens of millions of products are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their smile.amazon.com product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible to generate donations.

TO CREATE AN ONLINE ACCOUNT AT DILLONS WEBSITE:

Remember, only purchases made at smile.amazon.com, (not www.amazon.com or the mobile app,) generate AmazonSmile donations.

Sedgwick County Zoo has joined the Dillons Community Rewards program!

1. Visit our website at www.dillons.com/communityrewards 2. Click on "Register" at the top of the page 3. Enter your email address, password, zip code (select preferred store) and check the box if you desire to receive email communication from us 4. Click on "Create Account" at the bottom of the page 5. You will receive an email confirmation to your inbox, to activate your account click on the link in the body of the email and enter your sign in information to confirm

TO ENROLL IN THE COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: 1. Members must visit our website at www.dillons.com/ communityrewards 2. Sign in OR Create an account (see above on creating an online account at their website) 3. Click on "Enroll Now" 4. Enter the 5-digit NPO and search—Zoo's NPO is 32357 5. Select your Organization and click on "Enroll" *Specific purchases that cannot be included are: alcohol, tobacco, fuel, Pharmacy purchases with gov't assistance (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare), postage, bottle deposits, lottery, Western Union, other customer services, promotional tickets, sales tax, banner gift cards, reloadable gift card products (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Green Dot).

Please see FAQs at Dillons website for a complete list of exclusions.

How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?

On your first visit to AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com), you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. Search for Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. Your selection will be remembered, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

How do I shop at AmazonSmile?

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile. amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.

" Say I Do " at the Zoo

Us! te with

Celebra

Party Animals

JUNGLE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Each party includes a Cheri’s Bakery cake, fruit punch beverage and party favor for each child with a special birthday backpack for the birthday child, and admission for 12 guests. Enjoy your birthday party in our birthday party room inside the Plaza Beastro for one hour with a Zoo host. Each additional guest is only $8.00.

Visit scz.org or call (316) 266.8252 for more information.

CARGILL LEARNING CENTER

This flexible space is waiting for your wedding dreams come to life! The Rotunda, patio, large and open Board Room, and dressing rooms are all connected to make for the perfect location.

TROPICS

Experience an immersive, tropical wedding right here in Wichita! The sounds of the birds and waterfall will set the ambience for your intimate ceremony. The Tropics location is perfect for a small ceremony.

THE REED FAMILY ELEPHANTS OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER VALLEY

Invite a herd of elephants to your ceremony or reception! The Overlook will add the perfect safari atmosphere to your event under the stars.

More Information Contact Catherine Helms

316.266.8252 CATHERINE.HELMS@SCZ.ORG WWW.SCZ.ORG

PARTY ADD-ONS Jungle Tour Add-on:

Take up to 15 friends on a wild trip through the Tropics with an education staff tour guide. Learn why the fruit bats walk on rope. Experience the acrobatics of the blue bellied rollers. Find out this and more on your tour of the Tropics. Your tour will end at the Cargill Learning Center with an encounter with an education animal. 15 guest max.

Children’s Farm Tour Add-on: What is fluffy and clucks? A silkie bantam. Find out why these chickens are fluffy and how they can be trained on your tour of the Children’s Farms.

Children will be able to feed meal worms to chickens, and brush goats and sheep. Your tour will end at the Cargill Learning Center with an encounter with an education animal. 15 guest max.

13

CONSERVATION

15

To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature

MARCH

zoo gift shop coupon

15

valid from 3/1/17 to 3/31/17

% OFF Plush

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

MAY

zoo gift shop coupon

15

valid from 5/1/17 to 5/31/17

T-shirts & Sweatshirts % OFF (doesn't include special event T’s)

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

JULY

zoo gift shop coupon

15

valid from 7/1/17 to 7/31/17

% OFF Jewelry

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

SEPTEMBER

zoo gift shop coupon valid from 9/1/17 to 9/30/17

15

% OFF

Totes, Purses, Bags, Throws & pillows

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

APRIL

zoo gift shop coupon

15% OFF

valid from 4/1/17 to 4/30/17

Home Accessories (Statues, glass items, pillows etc.)

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

JUNE

zoo gift shop coupon

15

valid from 6/1/17 to 6/30/17

Toys Trucks, Trains, Plastic Animals, Fill % OFF a Tubes

(does not include mining sluice items)

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

AUGUST

zoo gift shop coupon

15

%

valid from 8/1/17 to 8/31/17

Hats, Parasols, OFF Umbrellas

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

OCTOBER

zoo gift shop coupon valid from 10/1/17 to 10/31/17

15

Snakes, Bats, % OFF Masks, Pinchers

Regular priced merchandise only. One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT Summer Hours: Winter Hours: November – March – October February 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m. to Members only at 8:00 a.m.

5:00 p.m.

Visit scz.org to purchase tickets or renew your membership.

TAKE YOUR PICK! WE’RE OPEN 364 DAYS A YEAR!

Speed up your rate of entry by purchasing any additional tickets online at scz.org for family or friends who don’t have a membership. You can print tickets at home and everyone can enjoy the Zoo adventure that much quicker!

Regular Admission • Adults (ages 12+) $15.95 • Senior Citizens (62+) $11.95 • Children (ages 3–11) $11.95 • Children ages 2 and under Free *Admission price subject to change in 2016.

Visit scz.org to purchase tickets or renew your membership.

FREE Tram Tour (Weather permitting.)

Enjoy a FREE narrated tram tour of the Zoo! You can hop on or off at any of the five designated tram stops. Using the tram to get around the Zoo allows you to see more of the Zoo during your visit! And it’s FREE! All aboard!

Wheelchair Rental:

• Push wheelchairs: $8 per visit • Electric wheelchairs: $25/3 hours, $5 each additional hour

Stroller Rental:

• Single stroller: $6 • Double stroller: $10

Giraffe Feeding Station:

Open DAILY: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (staff & weather permitting) Just $2 per person/per feeding.