ZooTracks 2016 by Sedgwick County Zoo

MEMBER’S MAGAZINE

MARCH · APRIL · MAY · JUNE ·

JULY · AUGUST · SEPTEMBER · OCTOBER · 2016

INSIDE

Zoom In Conservation—Our License to Operate Zoo Tips

ZooTracks

! n I m Zoo

FEATURE STORY

us the most etimes give m so t a th ts. We’ve things in life sting insigh re te in r o It ’s the little g round the awe-inspirin few things a sely. spectacular, ments to zoom in on a ok clo mo d before. Lo ce ti o n e v taken a few a th u might no ! Zoo that yo u might find yo t a h w w o n k r e v You ne

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Mark C. Reed Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc. PRESIDENT Mark C. DeVries TRUSTEES Stanley G. Andeel Kevin J. Arnel Jeff Bloomer Cindy Burgess Kelly E. Callen Dave Dahl Amy Ekerberg, DVM Sarita Francis Rhonda Fullerton Michael Herbert Ronald Holt Steven A. Houlik Jim Howell Dale Hoyer Don J. Knappenberger Gary Kohn Dave Larson Marvin Long Buz Lukens Sam Marnick Bill Moore Scott Ochs Mary Lynn Oliver Martin W. Park Sue Pearce Mary Lynn Priest Albert R. Sanchez Barry Schwan Don Sherman Collin Stieben Jay Smith Sue Watson Joe D. Williams Tom Windish MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Schaneé Anderson Melissa Graham Ryan Gulker Scott Newland Steven Onken ON THE COVER— Giraffe, Photo by Amy Hawley

This jeweled dragonfly can be found at the zoo’s O.W.L. Site near the American Farms. The Outdoor Wildlife Learning Site (O.W.L.) is designed to attract native wildlife and to encourage families to get out and enjoy nature. Ours is the only O.W.L. Site in a zoo.

A good gauge of a male lion’s age is the darkness of his mane. The darker the mane, the older the lion.

Contrary to popular misconception, camels do not store water in their humps. The humps are actually reservoirs for fatty tissue. Concentrating fat in their humps minimizes insulation throughout the rest of the body, thus allowing camels to survive in such extremely hot regions.

The trunk of the African elephant has two fingerlike structures at its tip, as opposed to just one on the Asian elephant.

The ossicones, the horn or antler-like knobs on the head of a giraffe, can help to distinguish between males and females. Females have tufts of hair on the top of the ossicones. Males, in contrast, usually have bare-topped ossicones; the hair tufts and skin are often worn away during combat with other males.

An African elephant can lift over five hundred pounds with just its trunk.

Close up photos by Amy Hawley, Development Assistant, and Tom Beauchesne, Volunteer.

Amur tigers have built-in snow boots. Extra fur on the bottom of their paws helps to keep them warm in the harsh winters. The Sedgwick County Zoo opened in August of 1971 with the American and Asian farms being the only two exhibits.

Unlike other apes, orangutans do not walk on their knuckles but rather on their fists.

Many Grevy’s zebras have whiskers or facial hair; unfortunately, the hair is often so light in color that it is not visible. Tortoises that live in hot places, like the Egyptian tortoise, tend to have shells of a lighter color than tortoises from cooler areas.

Even while submerged in water, the hippopotamus is still able to see and breathe because its eyes and nostrils are located on the top of its head.

The Sedgwick County Zoo was one of three locations in Wichita selected to participate in Westar Energy's innovative solar energy project. Checkout out the Sun Spot Solar Panels on your next visit. It’s located between the Amphibians and Reptiles building and the Tropics.

Flamingo chicks are born grey or white and don’t typically form their pink feathers until at least three years of age.

Humboldt Penguins spend time preening their feathers. They do this to ensure the right amount of oil is on their feathers for proper protection and insulation. The oil comes from a gland by the tail and they use their bill to move it all over the feathers.

The Poitou donkey’s long hair that hangs in cords is referred to as a cadanette. It was once believed that a Poitou donkey was more valuable if it had longer cadanettes.

DISCOVERY

Education Program Schedule All classes are held in the Cargill Learning Center unless otherwise noted. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for classes. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, no older or younger siblings, including infants, are allowed in age specific classes unless otherwise noted.

NEW Register for Learning Adventures online at scz.org!

There are two ways to register—visit the online shop and look under Learning Adventure, or follow the link on any Learning Adventures page. Visit scz.org for full class descriptions.

Class

Wee Wigglers

Age: 12–23 mo. Fee covers one child and one adult Members: $4 Nonmembers: $6 Additional person: $2 +Siblings up to five years of age may also attend these classes on Wednesdays at 11:00 only. An additional fee of $2 will be charged for any mobile child. *Meet at KOCH indoor exhibit **Meet at American Barn *** Meet at Baobab Café

Owlet

Date Wed 3/2 Wed 3/2 Thur 3/3 Thur 3/3 Tues 4/5 Tues 4/5 Wed 4/6 Wed 4/6 Wed 5/4 Wed 5/4 Thur 5/5 Thur 5/5 Tues 6/7 Tues 6/7 Wed 6/8 Wed 6/8 Wed 7/6 Wed 7/6 Thur 7/7 Thur 7/7 Tues 8/2 Tues 8/2 Wed 8/3 Wed 8/3 Wed 9/7 Wed 9/7 Thur 9/8 Thur 9/8 Tues 10/4 Tues 10/4 Wed 10/5 Wed 10/5 Wed 11/2 Wed 11/2 Thur 11/3 Thur 11/3 Wed 12/7 Wed 12/7 Thur 12/8 Thur 12/8

Topic

Start–End Time

Class

Turtle Turtle + Turtle Turtle Fish Fish Fish Fish+ Rabbit Rabbit+ Rabbit Rabbit Chimp* Chimp* Chimp* Chimp+* Cat Cat+ Cat Cat Goat** Goat** Goat** Goat+** Elephant*** Elephant+*** Elephant*** Elephant*** Bat Bat Bat Bat+ Bird Bird+ Bird Bird Hedgehog Hedgehog+ Hedgehog Hedgehog

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.

Owlet

Wed 3/23 Turtle Age: 2–3 Wed 3/23 Turtle+ Fee covers one child Thur 3/24 Turtle and one adult

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

Date

Thur 3/24 Age: 2–3 Thur 3/24 Fee covers one Tues 4/19 child and one adult Tues 4/19 Tues 4/19 Members: $6 Nonmembers: $8 Wed 4/20 Additional person: $3 Wed 4/20 +Siblings up to five Wed 5/18 years of age may also attend these classes at Wed 5/18 designated times only. Thur 5/19 An additional fee of $3 Thur 5/19 will be charged for any Thur 5/19 mobile child. Tues 6/21 *Meet at KOCH indoor exhibit Tues 6/21 **Meet at American Tues 6/21 Barn *** Meet at Baobab Wed 6/22 Café Wed 6/22 Wed 7/20 Wed 7/20 Thur 7/21 Thur 7/21 Thur 7/21 Tues 8/16 Tues 8/16 Tues 8/16 Wed 8/17 Wed 8/17 Tues 9/20 Tues 9/20 Tues 9/21 Wed 9/21 Wed 9/21 Tues 10/18 Tues 10/18 Tues 10/18 Wed 10/19 Wed 10/19 Wed 11/16 Wed 11/16 Thur 11/17 Thur 11/17 Thur 11/17 Tues 12/20 Tues 12/20

Topic Turtle Turtle+ Fish Fish Fish+ Fish Fish+ Rabbit Rabbit+ Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit+ Chimpanzee* Chimpanzee* Chimpanzee+* Chimpanzee* Chimpanzee+* Cat Cat+ Cat Cat Cat+ Goat** Goat** Goat+** Goat** Goat+** Elephant*** Elephant*** Elephant*** Elephant+*** Elephant+*** Bat Bat Bat+ Bat Bat+ Bird Bird+ Bird Bird Bird+ Hedgehog Hedgehog

Start–End Time 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.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. 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. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.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. 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. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.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. 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. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.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. 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. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

Class

Date

Topic

Start–End Time

Owlet

Tues 12/20 Hedgehog+ 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Age: 2–3 Wed 12/21 Hedgehog 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Fee covers one Wed 12/21 Hedgehog+ 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. child and one adult

Ewe & Me

Age: 4 – K Fee covers one child and one adult

Tues 3/8 Wed 3/9 Wed 3/9 Wed 4/13

Members: $8 Nonmembers: $10 Wed 4/13 Additional person: $4 + Younger siblings may Thur 4/14 also attend class on Wed. at 10:00 only. An additional fee of $4 will be charged for any Tues 9/13 mobile child.

Wed 9/14 Wed 9/14 Wed 10/12 Wed 10/12 Thur 10/13 Tues 11/8 Wed 11/9 Wed 11/9 Wed 12/14 Wed 12/14 Thur 12/15

Pajama Party

Sat 3/5 Children ages Fri 3/11 0–1st grade Fee covers one child Sat 4/2 Fri 4/8 and one adult Sat 5/7 Members: $8 Non-members: $10 Fri 5/13 Additional guest: $4 Sat 6/4 Fri 6/10 Sat 7/2 Fri 7/8 Sat 8/6 Fri 8/12 Sat 9/3 Fri 9/9 Sat 10/1 Fri 10/7 Sat 11/5 Fri 11/11 Sat 12/3 Fri 12/9

Lively Lizards 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Lively Lizards+ 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Lively Lizards 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Footprints, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Fingerprints & Feet+ Footprints, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fingerprints & Feet Footprints, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fingerprints & Feet Exceptional 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Elephants Exceptional 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Elephants+ Exceptional 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Elephants Going Batty+ 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Going Batty 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Going Batty 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fabulous Flight 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Fabulous 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Flight+ Fabulous Flight 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Who Lives 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Here+ Who Lives Here 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Who Lives Here 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Reptiles 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Reptiles 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tropic Treasures 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tropic Treasures 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Growing Up 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wild Growing Up 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wild African Forest 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. African Forest 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Snakes are 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Special Snakes are 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Special Back to School 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Back to School 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Crazy Cats 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Crazy Cats 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Nifty Noses 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Nifty Noses 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Terrific Tails 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Terrific Tails 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Nocturnal Animals 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Nocturnal Animals

Class

Sunset Safari

Date

Tues 3/8 Age: 12 mo.–6 years Tues 4/12 Fee covers one child Tues 5/10 and one adult Tues 6/14 Members: $6 Tues 7/12 Nonmembers: $8 Tues 8/9 Additional person: $3 Tues 9/13 Tues 10/11 Tues 11/8 Tues 12/13

Topic Turtle Fish Rabbit Chimpanzee Cat Goat Elephant Bat Bird Hedgehog

Start–End Time 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Tot Tuesdays

10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Tues 3/29 Colors and Camouflage Age: 3–5 siblings Tues 4/26 Excellent Eggs 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. welcome Tues 5/24 Rare Rabbits 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. NO COST Tues 6/28 Apes are Not 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. No advance Monkeys registration required. Tues 7/26 Things That 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Go Bump in the Night 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Tues 8/23 Farms Tues 9/27 Elegant Eagles 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Tues 10/25 Not So Scary 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m. Tues 11/22 Talking Turkeys 10:30 a.m.– 11:00 a.m.

ZOOper Kids

Sat 3/5 Blooms & Buds 1:30 p.m. Grades: 1–5 Sat 4/9 Welcome Home 1:30 p.m. Fee covers one child Sat 5/7 Wonders Down 1:30 p.m. Under Members: $8 1:30 p.m. Sat 6/4 Enormous Nonmembers: $10 Elephants Sat 7/9 Water Wonders 1:30 p.m. Sat 8/13 Slithery Shiny 1:30 p.m. Snakes Sat 9/3 Back to School 1:30 p.m. Sat 10/8 Spooktacular 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. Sat 11/5 Turkey Talk 1:30 p.m. Sat 12/3 Cat Tails

Junior Behind the Scenes Tours Grades: 1–5 Fee covers one child Members: $8 Nonmembers: $10

Sat 3/12 Horticulture Sat 6/11 Commissary Sat 9/17 Oliver Animal Hospital Sat 12/17 Tropics Basement and More!

– 3:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – – – –

3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:30 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.

Homeschool Expeditions

10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Wed 3/2 Are You Talking to Me? Wed 4/6 Signs of Spring 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Grades: 1–5 Fee covers one child Wed 5/4 Summer Fun 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. and one adult 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Wed 8/24 Elephant Exploration Members: $6 Wed 9/7 Schools of Fun 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Nonmembers: $8 Wed 10/5 Unhuggables 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Additional guest: $3 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Wed 11/2 Zoo Doc Wed 12/7 The Big Cover 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. Up

DISCOVERY Class

Date

Topic

Start–End Time

WOW

Mon –Fri Spring Fling 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 3/14–3/18 Grades: 1–5 Wed 11/23 Thanksgiving 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Fee covers one Safari child 2 day class: Members: $10 Nonmembers: $12 5 day class: Members: $145 Nonmembers: $160

Wheeling Wild Club

Fee includes two people Members: $28 1 ride per month Nonmembers: $32 1 ride per month Additional guest $3 1 ride per month

Senior Wednesdays Active guests over 55 Fee includes one Adult $4 per adult Pre-registration not required

Social Hour Ages 21+ Fee includes one adult Members: $30 Non-members: $35 Sponsored by House of Schwan and Glazer's

Coffee Connections Geared towards adults but all ages welcome

NO COST No advance registration required. Sponsored by Spice Merchant

Before & After Care for WOW class: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. $15 for entire week March 16 Every third Wednesday thru October 19

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Class

Get Into Nature

Geared towards families with young children but all ages welcome

NO COST Online registration required

Date

Topic

Start–End Time

Tues 3/15 How the Wind Blows 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sat 3/19 How the Wind Blows 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sat 4/16 Get a Move On Tues 4/19 Get a Move On Tues 5/17 A Wee Bit of Fun Sat 5/21 A Wee Bit of Fun Sat 6/18 Music to My Ears Tues 6/21 Music to My Ears Sat 7/16 Sum of the Parts Tues 7/19 Sum of the Parts Tues 8/16 Just Add Water Sat 8/20 Just Add Water

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Sat 9/17 Up for a Challenge 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tues 9/20 Up for a Challenge 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sat 10/15 Tangled Web 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Sponsored by Bicycle X-change

**Rides will not be made up if inclement weather

Wed 3/9 Master Gardener 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wed 4/13 Zoo History 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wed 5/11 Heritage Breeds 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wed 6/8 All Things 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Elephants Wed 7/13 Backyard Birds 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wed 8/10 Hooray for 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Hippos Wed 9/14 Sculpture tour 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wed 10/12 Kansas Prairie 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Wed 11/9 Gentle Giants 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Fri 3/25 Cocktails with the Creatures Fri 4/15 Martinis with Macaws Fri 6/10 Beastly Beers Fri 7/15 Drunken Botanist Fri 9/30 Beastly Beers Craft Edition Fri 11/18 Wild Wines

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Backstage Pass Fee includes two people

Sat 10/15 Horticulture/Tropics 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. 10:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Sat 12/10 Commissary

Members: $8 Non-members: $10 Additional guest: $4

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Wed 3/16 Green

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

NO COST

Thur 3/24 Yellow

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

No advanced registration required.

Mon 4/4 Slippery

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Tues 4/12 Sticky

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Wed 4/20 Slimy

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Thur 4/28 Slick

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Mon 6/6 Education

9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Chaille Blount

Sat 12/24 No class due to holiday

Tues 3/8 Red

Mon 5/2 Commissary

Sara Augsburger

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Tues 12/20 Making Sense of It 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Sat 11/19 Giving Back

Mon 3/7 March Hare

Megan Wells

Jeanette Summers

Tues 11/15 Giving Back

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Animal Encounter

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Mon 3/7 Bird Department 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. Mon 4/4 Graphics

Tues 10/18 Tangled Web

Mon 7/4 None due to holiday Mon 8/1 Children's Farms 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m. Alicia Thomas

Mon 9/5 None due to holiday

All ages

Classes may be canceled without notice

Mon 5/2 South of the Border 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Tues 5/10 Warm and cuddly

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Wed 5/18 Buddies

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Thur 5/26 Living alone

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Mon 6/6 Reptiles

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Tues 6/14 Mammals

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Wed 6/22 Bird

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Thur 6/30 Amphibian

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Mon 7/4 None due to holiday 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Tues 7/12 Red

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Mon 11/7 Bird Department 9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Wed 7/20 White

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Thur 7/28 Blue

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Mon 12/5 Africa

Mon 8/1 Stripes

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Mon 10/3 Zoo Director Mark Reed

Rachel Adams

Kinna Middleton

9:00 a.m. –10:00 a.m.

Class

Date

Animal Encounter All ages

NO COST No advanced registration required. Classes may be canceled without notice

Topic

Start–End Time

Wed 8/17 Spots

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Thur 8/25 Splotches

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Tues 8/9 Solids

Mon 9/5 None due to holiday Tues 9/13 Tropics Wed 9/21 Desert Thur 9/29 Prairie Mon 10/3 Hiss Tues 10/11 Creep Wed 10/19 Crawl Thur 10/27 Fly Mon 11/7 No Legs Wed 11/15 Four Legs Tues 11/23 More legs Mon 12/5 African Tues 12/13 Australia Wed 12/21 South American Thur 12/29 North America

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

Wheeling Wild Wednesdays Third Wednesday, March 16 – October 19, 2016 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Join us for a bike club that is designed for leisurely riders. It doesn't matter if you are young or young at heart; come on out and get some air! All ages are welcome, but you must ride a bicycle. Smaller children are welcome, but they must ride in a bike seat or an attached wagon. The Wheeling Wild club membership fee is $28 for Zoo members and includes two people or $32 for non-members and includes two people. Additional guest club memberships are $3 per person. This will include membership from March – Oct. We will be meeting every third Wednesday of the month from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. The meetings will be canceled if there is inclement weather. Thank you to our friends at Bicycle X-Change for their sponsorship of this great program!

for a Summer of Fun! Check out all of the fun we have in store this summer through our Summer Learning Adventures! The schedule is included in the enclosed insert or online! Space is limited so register online today!

Call 316-266-8213 with questions!

ZOO TIPS

You’ve experienced the Zoo as a guest, but did you know you can also experience it as part of our volunteer team?

Tips to Make Every Visit to the Zoo Memorable!

We are always looking for folks to help us with our Signature Zoo Events!

It won't be long before spring temperatures are here. So there's no time like the present to get back to planning your next visit to the Zoo. Here are a few tips and reminders to help you get into the Zoo frame of mind!

More Than One Way to Experience the Zoo!

Event volunteer duties could include: • Supervising games • Distributing candy • Assisting in making crafts • Supporting admission process at entrance • And much more! Event volunteer qualifications: • 18 years or older • Complete application & background check • Availability for 4 hour shift during event • Flexibility in all weather conditions • Prepared to have fun For more information on how to become an event volunteer call 316.266.8216!

• Join us in the afternoons or cooler weather days. These times usually mean smaller crowds! • Keep your eye on what’s happening with The Scoop, Facebook and Twitter. • Bookmark our Daily Schedule on your phone so you won’t miss a Keeper Chat or feeding time! • Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Our staff loves talking about our animal friends, so ask those questions! If the person you find can’t answer your question, we’re sure they’ll do their best to find someone who can!

Do the Zoo the way Members do! • Members enjoy early admission March 1 – October 31, opening at 8 am for members, 8:30 for the public. • Plan your visit: choose one or two exhibit areas to see rather than attempting to see it all in one visit. • Join the members only Making Tracks program and begin earning prizes today! • Members see it first! Watch for information on the all new Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley scheduled to open this spring. • Can’t find your membership card or haven’t picked it up yet? Don’t worry we can help you out! Step into the membership office to get a temporary pass, get your photo taken for the card or replace the card for just $5! • Don’t forget Zoo memberships are reciprocal at over 100 AZA institutions, saving you up to 50% when visiting other Zoos.

ADVENTURE

Adventure & Fun Awaits! 2016 Signature Zoo Events and Social Hours for March – October.

MARCH Children's Farm Festival: Sheep Shearing Saturday, March 12, 2016: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID.

Cocktails with the Creatures Friday, March 25, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. re s with Cr eatu The fee of $30 for members / $35 for nonmembers covers one adult. Attendees must be 21 or over. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER ONLINE.

Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 26, 2016: 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, Hank FM, & The Kansas CW

APRIL Martinis with the Macaws Friday, April 15, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The fee of $30 for members / $35 for nonmembers covers one adult. Attendees must be 21 or over. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER ONLINE.

Party for the Planet presented by Meritrust, Westar Energy and Black Hills Energy Thurday, April 21, 2016: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Admission is FREE the entire day. Event sponsored by: Meritrust, Westar Energy & Black Hills Energy

Visit scz.org for event details.

MAY Cinco de Mayo Celebration Sunday, May 1, 2016: Noon to 5:00 p.m. Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID. Event sponsored by: La Raza 99.7, House of Schwan, Pearson Construction

Mother’s Day Sunday, May 8, 2016: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. All moms are admitted free when accompanied by a paying child. $5 Pancake Brunch from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Event sponsored by: BOB FM 97.1, & Hank FM

Children's Farms Festival: Heritage Breeds Day Saturday, May 21, 2016: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Regular Zoo admission applies; members get in free with membership card and photo ID.

Endangered Species Day Saturday, May 28, 2016: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Regular Zoo admission applies; members FREE with membership card and photo ID.

JUNE Beastly Beers Friday, June 10, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The fee of $30 for members / $35 for nonmembers covers one adult. Attendees must be 21 or over. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER ONLINE.

Ape Awareness Friday and Saturday, June 17 & 18, 2016: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Regular Zoo Admission applies. Members FREE with membership card and photo ID.

Father’s Day Car Show Sunday, June 19, 2016: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Dads are admitted free when accompanied by a paying child. Event sponsored by: KEYN Oldies 103.7

ADVENTURE JULY Drunken Botanist Friday, July 15, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The fee of $30 for members / $35 for nonmembers covers one adult. Attendees must be 21 or over. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER ONLINE.

Twilight Tuesdays presented by Cox Every Tuesday in July, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. FREE admission with a Cox Voucher or Sedgwick County Zoo membership beginning at 6:00 p.m. Vouchers can be picked up at any area Cox Solutions Store beginning in mid June. Event sponsored by: Cox

Beastly Beers: Craft Beers edition Friday, September 30, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The fee of $30 for members / $35 for nonmembers covers one adult. Attendees must be 21 or over. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. REGISTER ONLINE.

OCTOBER Children's Farms Festival: Bee Day Saturday, October 8, 2016: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Regular admission applies. Members are free with membership card and photo ID.

Monkey Butt Poker Run

AUGUST

Saturday, October 15, 2016: 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. Registration will open in September! Event sponsored by: Piping & Equipment Co, Inc, My TV Wichita, Fox Kansas, Pepsi, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay, T-95 and 104.5 the Fox

Back to School Bash

Plant Donation Drive

Children's Farms Festival: County Fair Saturday, July 30, 2016: 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Regular admission applies. Members are free with membership card and photo ID.

Saturday, August 6, 2016: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is just $1 per person! Members FREE with membership card and photo ID. Don't forget to bring school supplies to help needy kids in our community! Event sponsored by: KAKEland and Dillons

SEPTEMBER Zoo is Closed Saturday, September 10, 2016: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Zoobilee Saturday, September 10, 2016: 6:00 p.m. – Midnight Tickets purchased before September 1: $135 Tickets purchased starting September 1: $150 Tickets will go on sale August 1. (Ticket value is $30.00, balance is tax deductible) Please note: Zoobilee will be held RAIN or SHINE. Tickets are not refundable or transferable.

Saturday and Sunday, October 15 and 16, 2016: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Night of the Living Zoo presented by Pizza Hut and Taco Bell October 28, 29 & 30, 2016: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets: Tickets on Sale Starting October 1 $7.00 at 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. 2016 event sponsored by: Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, QuikTrip, Learning Quest, Fox Kansas, My TV Wichita, B98, Channel 96.3, and KZSN The Bull.

Creative Play Day Every Friday in June and July 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Who needs technology? Join us in the Children’s Farms as we discover easy ways to entertain children for hours. No registration required. Come ready to enjoy the fun!

Zookeeper Apprentice Make a Difference Day

Thursdays, June 9 – August 11 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Our teen Zookeeper Apprentice crew will help you discover all the ways that you can make a positive difference with animals and nature. Teens will be located throughout the Zoo with animal artifacts and great tips!

Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley GRAND OPENING EVENTS After a thorough scientific review, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approved the application for the Dallas Zoo, Sedgwick County Zoo and Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium to import elephants from Swaziland, Africa. Now it’s time to work quickly to bring the elephants out of Swaziland and home to your Sedgwick County Zoo! As of this printing, we have only begun the complex, logistical process of relocating the elephants to the U.S. Without a set timeline in place (at the time of printing,) the date for Members Preview events and other opening activities are not finalized. We’re still hoping to open Memorial weekend, but we want to make sure that, once the elephants get here, they have plenty of time to adjust to their new home before meeting all of you! We’ll notify you of dates once they are finalized via our website, The Tracks email, social media and by mail. Stay tuned for future updates!

Coming S oo

CONSERVATION

Conservation

Our License to Operate By Ryan Gulker, Deputy Director

For many of you, and for people all across the county, when the word “zoo” is mentioned, it invokes happy thoughts, memories of childhood adventures and family outings. That still holds true for most, but times have changed. What people think about when they think of zoos has changed. The planet has changed. What we know about the planet, its ecosystems and its inhabitants has changed. Dr. William Conway, retired director of the Wildlife Conservation Society once said about our Earth that it has changed:

"from a place where people were surrounded by wild animals to a place where wild animals are surrounded by people." The perceptions an average American has about nature or the “wild” are probably not very accurate. There are still some very remote places on Earth but most of what we used to think of as the “wild” is today mostly made of protected areas defined by very real boundaries, and those protected areas are often times surrounded by humans. The truly “wild” places are becoming fewer and smaller by the day. Like our planet, zoos have changed. Zoos were once places where animals were displayed for entertainment only, often with single animals representing a species. Zoos have transformed into places where the homes for animals are designed to meet not only their physical needs but their mental needs. Most of the zoo animal managers I know are obsessed with providing the most positive welfare attainable for the animals in their care. Providing for the positive welfare of animals living in zoos is now a moral

imperative. But along with this movement towards more positive animal welfare, there has been a parallel movement, a momentous shift, in why modern zoos exist…at all. That shift is a “conservation shift”. This shift has been a natural one, an evolutionary one if you will. In fact, for most of us who work in zoos and aquariums, conservation is, metaphorically speaking, our license to exist. Conservation can mean many things to zoo and aquarium professionals. It can mean educational opportunities both in a formal setting or teaching moments as we sometimes call them. It can mean inspiring zoogoers to take action, to be better stewards of our plant and for the animals that live on it. We hope we are helping create citizen conservationists. It can mean reproducing critically endangered species at the zoo. It can mean making the zoo a greener facility like the recycling, reducing our use of fossil fuels or like a recently constructed solar array, affectionately called the “Sun Spot”, which you will see this spring. But for most of us in the zoo profession, we think of conservation as providing for or taking part in onthe-ground field activities that help preserve living animals, plants or ecosystems “in the wild.” How we do this can take many forms, too many to catalog here, but I think you’d be surprised at how much focus the zoo staff has on conservation initiatives. In 2015, the Sedgwick County Zoo provided funding support for 28 separate field conservation efforts that help preserve wildlife. Some support is monetary and others include zoo staff spending time in far off places of the world as well as in the field closer to home. Annually, the zoo staff assists the US Fish and Wildlife Service with black-footed ferret reintroduction plans in western Kansas. Zoo staff plays a leadership role and spends nearly a month each year in the Mariana Island chain to relocate endangered bird species as a hedge against extinction. The zoo supports many other projects from South America, to Africa, to New Guinea and the Russian Far East. You can view the places

and the World Wildlife Fund. A relatively new initiative called SAFE or “Saving Animals From Extinction” is an even more collaborative effort among AZA zoos and aquariums. SAFE was created to combine the power of zoo and aquarium visitors with the resources and collective expertise of AZA members and partners to save animals from extinction. This ambitious project is something you will be hearing more about in the coming years.

and kinds of conservation support the zoo provides on the conservation initiatives page of our website, www.scz.org. In the last three years alone, your zoo has spent approximately $400,000 in actual field conservation…preserving animals in the wild. Each time you walk through the zoo’s gates and buy an admission ticket or a zoo membership, YOU cause conservation action. Every time you round up at the gift shop, YOU cause conservation action. Whenever I see someone feeding the fish or a giraffe, I not only see someone enjoying themselves, I see someone helping preserve animals in the wild. And we are poised to make an even greater impact in the future. With the opening of the new Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley exhibit, when you visit, YOU will be helping real animals in Africa. As part of this project, the Sedgwick County Zoo, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Dallas Zoo have formed a consortium to support the preservation of rhinos and, by association, many other species in Swaziland Africa’s protected areas to the tune of $450,000 over the next five years. This is in addition to the support we already provide to other projects. In addition to the zoo’s self-generated conservation activities, your zoo is part of a larger collaboration as an accredited institution of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, or AZA. I have no doubt you would be surprised to learn how the AZA, with its 235 member institutions, works together to save animals from extinction. We are all part of a collective which hopes to one day build North America’s largest conservation organization. We believe we are entering a transformative period for AZA zoos and aquariums with regard to conservation. Right now, each year AZA zoos and aquariums combine to spend over $160 million dollars on field conservation support and that commitment to conservation is growing. Scientists and researchers all over the globe rely on support from AZA zoos and aquariums to help protect animals and their habitats. AZA institutions currently support projects focused on almost 800 species in 130 countries. We believe we are poised to make an even greater impact in the future. At this point, the AZA may already be North America’s third largest supporter of field conservation behind the Nature Conservancy

There is an active anti-zoo agenda in many parts of the world and there are those here in the US that do not believe zoos have a place in modern society and they are trying desperately to convince anyone who will listen that that is the case. Unfortunately, in our hyper communicative world, there are mechanisms that can cause false information to gain acceptance. I could write a whole other story about those detractors who are motivated to undo the progress that zoos and aquariums have made. These folks do not believe zoos have done or can do any good. I reject that notion. It’s unfortunate that intense feelings sometimes obscure the truth. In the case of some of those who hate zoos, it seems that intense feeling leads to propaganda and calculated misinformation campaigns. To quote Dr. Conway once more,

"It is absolutely impractical to imagine that the human race will not develop the undeveloped lands that remain on this Earth. The challenge is to learn how to live compatibly with wild animals so that they need not perish as we develop these resources. Our theme must be conservation for development and development for conservation-a collaborative effort." I concur with that notion. Zoos, aquariums and their supporters have a major role to play in preserving wild animals and wild places, and so do you.

FRIENDS & FAMILY Spend the Night at the Zoo!

Join us for an overnight outdoor adventure or an indoor sleepover experience like none other! Creature Campouts offer exciting camping experiences on select dates. They are perfect for individuals, families, and friends. All participants must be at least five years old at the time of the campout. Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is $30 per person for members and $35 per person for nonmembers. Register for a campout at scz.org.

Does your preschooler LOVE the Zoo? Animal Tales Preschool at Sedgwick County Zoo focuses on traditional learning skills with a creative and environmental twist.

Upcoming Creature Campout Dates: • Saturday, June 25 • Friday, April 8 • Friday, September 2 • Saturday, April 23 • Saturday, September 17 • Friday, May 6 • Saturday, October 1 • Friday, June 3 All Creature Campouts begin at 5:30 p.m. Dinner provided by Knolla's Pizza. If you're looking for an exciting activity for your scout, church, school group or family, but you don't want to mess with camping equipment, Nocturnal Adventures might just be what you’re looking for! You pick the night and the sleepover location! Fees are $25 per person regardless of membership status. There is a minimum of 15 participants. Choose your sleeping area: Slawson Family Tiger Trek (maximum of 30 guests) The Downing Gorilla Forest*(maximum of 60 guests) North American Prairie Overlook Cargill Learning Center To schedule your Nocturnal Adventure at the Zoo, contact the education department at 266-8213! Space and dates are limited for both opportunities, so call today!

Registration is open for Fall 2016 classes!

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

Are You on the List?

The e-newsletter list that is! We’ve revamped our monthly email newsletter to bring you more information about what’s going on around the Zoo and tons of other fun information. The Tracks is a mini version of ZooTracks, only you’ll be getting it monthly instead of twice a year! To make sure that your email address is on the list: Call 316-266-8211 | Email members@scz.org Stop in the office! Please rest assured that we do not share or sell Zoo membership information (including email address) with other organizations or businesses.

Plan Your Next 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! Call 316.252.8252 to book your next event at the Zoo!

Jungle Birthday Party (ages 1 and older)

The birthday child and guests will have an adventure down on Zoo Farm, meet Each party includes a an animal visitor, paint a canvas for the cake, animal crackers birthday child to keep, and learn about or popcorn, fruit farms through educational play. punch beverage and party favor for each Discovery Birthday Party child with a special birthday backpack for (ages 7–10 years) the birthday child. The birthday child and guests will have a learning adventure, play educational games, paint a canvas for the birthday child to keep, meet live animal visitors, Visit scz.org and take a guided Zoo tour.

for more information!

“I Do’s”

Are there in your future?

Down on Zoo Farm Birthday Party (ages 4–6 years)

Explorer Birthday Party for ages 8–12 years, also available.

Say "I Do!" at the Sedgwick County Zoo! A wedding at the Zoo is a chance for couples to live out their wildest dreams and create an unforgettable experience for their guests. Whether it is an intimate gathering or grand affair, Sedgwick County Zoo is ready to help you celebrate in style. Visit our Weddings page at scz.org or call Catherine Helms at 316.266.8252 for more information on celebrating your special day at the Zoo!

Photos by Cole Campbell

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

MARCH

zoo gift shop coupon

valid from 3/1/16 to 3/31/16

% OFF Plush