18 minute read
Happenings
happenings Bumblebee
Sea Lion Show
April 2 – May 22, 2022: Saturdays and Sundays, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; May 28 – August 14, 2022: Daily, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Sea lion superstars will thrill you with jumps and lots of splashing! Shows will be held at the Lichtenstein Sea Lion Arena, which features an 811-seat amphitheater for seasonal shows. Zoo members: Included in member/premium member tickets. Non-members: $3.95/person. Children under age 2 are free.
Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health
April 8 – October 31, 2022; Open Daily
Guests can enjoy a hands-on opportunity to touch and feed these gentle ocean creatures. Zoo members: included in premium member tickets. Non-members: $3.95/person. Children under age 2 are free. Feeding is $1. Group rate for 15 or more is $3 per person.
Enrichment Eggstravaganza presented by Kinder Joy®
April 16-17, 2022; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Watch in delight as several Zoo animals enjoy enrichment “egg hunt” activities. Free. Earth Day: Party for the Planet
April 24, 2022; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Celebrate Earth Day-related activities. Sponsored by Mid America Chevy Dealers and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Free.
Yoga and Brunch at the Zoo April 30, 2022; 7 a.m. – Noon
Start your day off right with a relaxing yoga session, led by a certified instructor, amid the lush landscape at Historic Hill. Afterward, enjoy brunch at the nearby Event Tent, which includes one drink ticket and a custom-designed water bottle. Zoo members: $35. Non-members: $45. More information: (314) 646-4771, option 2. Email invitation to follow.
Zoo Friends Day
May 6, 2022; 3 – 8 p.m.
Zoo Friends Day is the annual member event to kick off the new season at the Zoo. Includes free parking and admission to Zoo attractions. More information: (314) 646-4771, option 2. Formal invitation and email to follow. Mother’s Day Brunch
May 8, 2022; Seatings at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at McDonnell Center at River Camp
Treat Mom to brunch at the Zoo, complete with champagne. The meal includes breakfast fare, desserts and more. Adults 21+ receive two drink tickets for beer, wine or champagne. Parking not included. For pricing, reservations and other information: (314) 646-4897.
Jungle Boogie presented by Mid America Chevy Dealers
Fridays, May 13 – August 12, 2022; 4-7 p.m. (Exhibits and attractions open until 7 p.m.)
Bring the whole family for an evening concert in the center of the Zoo. Sponsored by Mid America Chevy Dealers, Coca-Cola and Prairie Farms Dairy. Free. No concert on June 17.
Prairie Farms Dairy Summer Zoo Weekends
From May 13 through August 14, the Zoo will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays. (Zoo will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, June 17, due to A Zoo Ado, the Zoo’s major fundraiser.)
happenings
St. Louis Children’s Hospital Make Tracks Through the Zoo
May 22, 2022
Back once again for an in-person race! Run the 5K at the Zoo or virtually. Sponsored by St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Mid America Chevy Dealers, Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Prairie Farms Dairy, Big River Race Management and KSLZ Z107.7 Registration fee applies.
Night at the Zoo presented by Mercy
May 25, June 22 and July 27, 2022; 5-8:30 p.m.
Chill out at an evening at the Zoo — perfect for a date night! As you roam around, enjoy music from a DJ and sip some spirits; two drink tickets are included in admission. And be sure to check out the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health and the Emerson Zooline Railroad. Sponsored by Mercy, Coca-Cola and Mid America Chevy Dealers. Zoo members: $25. Non-members: $30. ZYP members may use their free tickets. More information: (314) 646-4771, option 2. Email invitation to follow. A Zoo Ado
June 17, 2022; 7 p.m. – Midnight
This creative, casual-dress party benefits the Saint Louis Zoo. Evening includes small plates, an open bar and live music. Sponsored by U.S. Bank, World Wide Technology and Mid America Chevy Dealers. Tickets required. Zoo members: $85. Non-members: $100. $2,000 for Leaping Lemur table of 10. More information: (314) 646-4771, option 2. Formal invitation to follow.
Pollinator Dinner
June 21, 2022; 6-9 p.m.
Join us for a special Pollinator Dinner focusing on the rich food that native pollinators help grow. After dinner, enjoy a presentation about native pollinators and food, plus learn how you can help pollinators. For pricing, reservations and other information: (314) 646-4897. Hours Regular Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Summer Hours (May 13 – August 14): On Sundays through Thursdays, the Zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, and on select holiday weekends (May 27-30 and September 3-5), the Zoo is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Zoo will close at 3 p.m. on June 17.
Please check back to our website at stlzoo.org for more event information.
Soak up some knowledge this summer!
Summer Zoo Programs
The Saint Louis Zoo is excited to o er a selection of in-person education programs for the summer of 2022. And as a Zoo member, you get a discount on program fees! Slots ll quickly, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible! View programs and register now at stlzoo.org/education.
Programs include:
• Camp Joey • Specialty Camps • Family Snooze • Diggin’ with Dinos • Day with the Rays • Advanced Day with the Rays • Wade with the Rays • Engineer-for-a-Day • Adult and Family
Programs • Programs at the
Saint Louis Zoo
WildCare Park
By Kim Hoormann, Manager of Learning Experiences
Ahhh, spring in St. Louis! It is a beautiful time, and we are ready to get outdoors after a long, cold winter. Our calendars tell us that the official first day of spring is March 20, but how do animals that don’t have calendars know spring is coming? They use several of the same clues that we look for, too!
After the spring equinox, the days get longer, meaning we see more sunshine each day. Animals notice that as well. Also, the increasing temperatures warm up the ground, which is a sign to animals that hibernate underground to wake up and come out. Plants sense the ground warming, too, and they start to emerge. You also may see some animals molting, which means losing their thick winter fur or feathers. This is very similar to how we switch from wearing thick winter coats to lightweight jackets!
Animals that migrated south are starting to return, and we will see many birds passing through St. Louis. Spring is a great time to get out the hummingbird feeders for our small ruby-throated friends looking for a snack. And don’t forget a variety of seeds, suet and fruit for our other feathered friends!
Pollinators like bees and butterflies are looking for delicious pollen, and you can help them by planting native plants in your garden or yard. Visit stlzoo.org/pollinators for more information, or ask for help at a local nursery.
In addition to feeders and plants around our homes, spring is a great time to get out and explore! Stop and smell some of those emerging flowers. Listen for different birds and frogs that are singing. You can be certified as a citizen scientist through FrogWatch USA by learning to identify frog species by their call and reporting it to a national database. Learn more at stlzoo.org/frogwatch.
Also, with the spring rains, it is a great time to look for a variety of animal tracks in the mud. If you need some inspiration to get outside, visit stlzoo.imagencloud.com for some resources like nature scavenger hunts or nature journaling prompts to help you in your outdoor adventures. Happy spring! n
Bumblebee
Eastern carpenter bee
Eastern tiger swallowtail
Zoo ALIVE Teens Take Conservation Action Virtual From Zoo Staff and Jeffrey, Thank You!
By Cait McGrath, Donor Relations Manager
In his nearly 20 years of leadership, Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., President Emeritus, has taken the Saint Louis Zoo to a new level in its conservation efforts, educational impact and guest experiences. From establishing a $100 million endowment to benefit the Zoo, to leading the charge to acquire the land for the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, to advocating for animals and communities around the world that are the most vulnerable, Dr. Bonner’s legacy will continue long after his retirement.
To celebrate the legacy of Dr. Bonner and to honor his lifelong dedication to the natural world, the Zoo created the Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., Conservation Fund within the endowment to benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute. At the same time, we humbly asked you, our best Zoo supporters, to consider a gift to celebrate this new fund. And boy, did you deliver!
Dr. Bonner’s passionate dedication to the natural world and the conservation of endangered species and their habitats has ensured that his legacy will continue at the Zoo long after his retirement. We are honored to celebrate the career of Dr. Bonner, and even more honored to recognize all of the donors to this special fund. Without you, his legacy would not be as incredible and life-changing as it is now expected to be for conservation efforts at the Zoo and in the wild.
We would like to personally thank every donor to the Jeffrey P. Bonner, Ph.D., Conservation Fund. The donor listing on the following page reflects individuals, foundations and corporations at the time of commitment to the Saint Louis Zoo Association. n
Trish & Michael Abbene Ed & Judy Adams Marcia & Joe Ambrose Ms. Linda E. Babb Jacques & Nancy Baenziger Mrs. Mary Randolph Ballinger Mr. & Mrs.† Clarence C. Barksdale Mr. & Mrs. Ted W. Beaty Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Behan, Sr. Alex & Cynthia Berger Lee Berger Mr. & Mrs. James Berges Elizabeth A. Biddick Candace Bingham Marion & Van-Lear † Black Barbara Bowyer Marie & John Brauer Ms. Cassandra Brown-Ray &
Mr. Quentin Ray Ralph & Chris Burgess Dr. & Mrs. Edmond Cabbabe Robert & Connie Carr Ann L. Case Christine & David Chadwick Lucia M. & Ronald C. Clifton Mr. & Mrs. Parker B. Condie, Sr. James & Joan Conway Paul & Suzy Davis Ms. Carol J. Demsky Dustin, Jennifer, Caleb & Sam Deschamp Edison Family Foundation Mrs. Barbara & Dr. Gerald Fine Frank & Martha Fischer June & Charles Gallagher Mr. David R. Ganz Dr. & Mrs. Ted Garrett Ms. Antonia Goelz Jan & Rand Goldstein Tracy C. Green Mr. & Mrs. Gary A. Halls Mrs. Richard A. Hamilton Will & Susan Harbaugh Bill & Cathy Hardebeck David & Kate Hatfield Dave & Kathy Hawkins William & Michelle Hawkins Eleanor B. Hecht Jay† & Carolyn Henges Ms. Shelli Herman Milton Hieken & Barbara Barenholtz Lynne & Ed Higgins Mr. Richard M. Hills Charlie & Marilyn Hoessle Ann Hogan Cynthia & Denny Holter Alois C. & Stephanie A. Hoog Linda & Jesse Hunter Jeffrey L. Huntington Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Huskey Edward & Margaret Imo Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth A. Johnson Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Jones Norma Deen Juracsik Chris & Beth Kemph Steven B. King Mr. Patrick J. Kleaver Mark & Virginia Koors Nancy & Ken Kranzberg Robin & Mike Kraujalis Mr. & Mrs. Stuart J. Krawll Gary & Patricia Krosch Abigail R. Lambert F. Holmes Lamoreux & Ann Tretter Mr.† & Mrs. Clinton Lane, Jr. Mrs. Ann T. Liberman Carol B. Loeb Paul & Jan Loewenstein Mr.† & Mrs. William C. Lortz Mrs. Carolyn Losos Rosalyn & Charles Lowenhaupt Drs. Dan & Susan Luedke Brock & Nancy† Lutz Kenneth C. & Amy M. Lynch Mr. Jordan S. Mandel Alicia S. McDonnell Mr. & Mrs. James S. McDonnell III Gene & Donna McMahon Randy J. & Cathy M. Meisner Bob Merz & Melissa Miller Katie Meyers Richard & Verla Mitchell Carolyn Moll Patrick & Elizabeth Moore Mr. & Mrs. David B. Mueller Stanley J. Niemann Jay & Lisa Nouss James & Marcia Nusz Chonda Nwamu Marjorie Olfe Joseph & Katrina Pfeiffer Mr.† & Mrs. James T. Poor Linda Weast Reifschneider Joseph & Stefanie Ricca Peggy & Jerry Ritter Cheryl L. Rossman & Jim Roche Andrea Powers Schankman The Steven F. Schankman Family Judy & Rick Schiff Dr. Charles & Dr. Elizabeth Schmitz Dr. & Mrs. Sherman Silber Mr. & Mrs. William T. Skaggs The Donald Slavik Family Foundation Dudley Teel & Lisa Smith-Teel Mr. & Mrs. John R. Sondag Sanford & Gloria Spitzer Lori A. Sullivan & G. Todd Rogan Daphne H. Sumner Mr. & Mrs. Grenville G. Sutcliffe Mr. & Mrs. Jack E. Thomas Dr. Robert M. & Mrs. Mary C. Voelker Ms. Beatrice Busch-von Gontard Lee R. Wallace Mrs. Lois M. Walsh Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Walters Deborah Werner Ginnie Westmoreland & Jim Dryden Mrs. Constance V. R. White Mark & Deborah Wilhelm Libby Yunger
Investing in the Future for Tortoises
A photo illustration of George Farrell and his “turtle buddy,” Rusty
By Cait McGrath, Donor Relations Manager
Juvenile red-eared slider at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park
Wendy Knudsen Farrell and her late husband, George Farrell, had a lifelong love affair not only with each other, but also with animals. George fancied turtles most of all. He marveled at their leisurely and steady pace, their strength and singularity in carrying their homes on their backs, and their timeless existence as ancient beings living in a modern world.
“George loved creatures, and turtles held a special place in his heart,” said Wendy. “From regularly feeding apples and grapes to his turtle buddy, ‘Rusty,’ who lives under our front porch, to regularly stopping his car to move an ambling turtle to safety, George showed his love and respect for these creatures constantly.”
Several years ago, George and Wendy were at the White Oak Conservation Center in Florida, where they met Sharon Deem, DVM, Ph.D., DACZM, Director of the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine (ICM). They connected with Dr. Deem instantly and were taken by the important research she conducts on turtles and tortoises.
When the opportunity arose, it was only natural that Wendy chose to honor George’s memory by supporting ICM’s research. The George F. Farrell Wildlife Conservation Fund supports conservation and scientific work for turtles and tortoises in the Galapagos and at the Saint Louis Zoo.
“I am honored to establish this fund in memory of my most beloved so that he can play a part in helping these ancient beings continue to survive and thrive,” Wendy said. Thanks to George’s love of turtles and Wendy’s love for George, the future of conservation efforts for these animals is much brighter. n
Above: Stone Hill Winery’s Ozark Hellbender wine and its namesake, the Ozark hellbender. A portion of proceeds benefit our conservation work.
By Hannah Stater, Partnership Marketing Coordinator
The Saint Louis Zoo is proud to partner with Stone Hill Winery to bring awareness to the hellbender, the official endangered species of the state of Missouri and one of the largest salamanders in the world. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle of their Ozark Hellbender red blend sold is donated to the Saint Louis Zoo and hellbender conservation efforts. Together, we have raised $40,000 so far!
Stone Hill Winery celebrates its 175th anniversary this year, continuing its legacy of being family-owned and operated in Hermann, Missouri. It is owned by the Held family — their love for hellbenders inspired the name of their Ozark Hellbender wine, which recently won Best of Class Semi-Dry Red in the 2021 Missouri Wine Competition.
“Our region is very lucky to have a world-class conservation institution impacting global and local animals and ecosystems,” said Nathan Held, Director of Strategy at Stone Hill Winery. “For years, we have been enamored by Missouri’s unique Ozark hellbenders. It means a lot to us to help support this special creature that calls our state home with proceeds from our Ozark Hellbender wine. Without the Saint Louis Zoo, our state’s biodiversity would be far less rich, and the Ozark hellbender may have gone extinct.”
Lovingly referred to as “snot otters,” hellbenders are native to the Ozark aquatic ecosystem of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, but their populations in the wild have declined by more than 70% over the last 40 years due to human-driven habitat loss and pollution.
The story of the hellbender and the Zoo spans over 20 years and is filled with immense success for the conservation community. The Zoo’s recently renamed Ron and Karen Goellner Center for Hellbender Conservation, part of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, made history when the first zoo-bred hellbenders were hatched in the Herpetarium in November 2011.
As of last year, over 12,000 hellbenders have hatched and 9,400 have been released into the wild with the support of the Missouri Department of Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Stone Hill Winery.
To purchase Stone Hill Winery’s Ozark Hellbender wine and support hellbender conservation efforts, you can visit Stone Hill Winery in Hermann, Missouri, or find the wine at metro-area grocery stores. n
Marlin Perkins Society
The Saint Louis Zoo is extremely fortunate to have the support of more than 1,300 generous individuals, foundations and corporations through the Marlin Perkins Society. We welcome our newest members to the Society and thank them for joining this wonderful group of supporters. To our current members who have increased their financial support, we are pleased to recognize you as well. We are grateful for your commitment to our mission.
New Marlin Perkins Society Members November 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022 Anonymous (3) Annika & Joseph Bartek Rudy & Sandy Beck Katherine Sutcliffe Becker & Tyson Becker Carol Benoist Rachel & Matthew Broom David & Janet Camarota Sumi & R. Chuck Chakraverty Nancy H. Child Robyn Combs Cristi & Jimi Cook Marcy & Rick Cornfeld Dr. Gilbert & Mrs. Laura-Jean Cyr John R. Drew Roy E. Evers Dennis & Helen Fuller Patricia & Timothy Goldsbury Karl & Ava Griffith Susan & Bryan Hatfield J. Christopher Hesse, J.D. Amelia & Justin Hummel Robert & Ilene Jenkins Anne G. & Harry J. Leschen Julie & Stephen Lilly Erin & Jamie Moses Pravina Pindoria & Amit Kothari Mrs. Shirley Rector Carol Rosenkranz Chance Ruppel & Lori Ashmore-Ruppel David, Victoria, & Hendrix Samuels Matthew & Jennifer Schrimpf John N. Schoenfeldt Shannon & Curtis Searcy Brian Siebert & Rachel D’Souza Siebert Smail Family Foundation in
Memory of Anne Johnson East The Smalley Family James Tobin & Virginia Heagney Joanna Eckhoff Tschudy Lottie H. & A.J. Wade Robert Wetzel & Brenda Mainer Luke Yamnitz Michelle & Joe Zweifel Current Marlin Perkins Society Members Who Have Increased Support November 1, 2021 – January 31, 2022 Pat Ahrens Anonymous Gary & Catherine Bieg (10) Mr.† & Mrs. Van-Lear Black III (25) Terry & Susan Block (15) Kristy Runk Bryan &
Dr. Kenneth A. Hacker Ms. Mary Campbell (10) Brian & Jessica Cissell Mary Ellen Cotsworth & Bill Siedhoff (10) Nettie Orthwein Dodge Joe & Lindsey Doyle Richard & Cheryl Emery Dr. Robert F. & Rosemary Emnett Matthew & Angela Gabel Andy & Nancee Glaser (10) Michelle Glass Ed & Joanne† Goedeker (10) Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Goltzman (15) Mrs. Sandra M. Greenberg (15) Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Grindler (20) Mark & Davida Grindstaff (10) Sidney & Bobbi Guller
Family Foundation (10) Bruce Harris (10) Whitney† & Anna Harris (25) Eugene & Lori Harris Marcie Harris-Hayes & Michael Hayes Marjorie Ivey (30) The Katz/Smith Family (15) Ms. Christina M. Kelly Salvatrice & John Kemper Chris & Beth Kemph Roger & Fran Koch Peter & Susan† Krombach (20) Diane & Tom Lawrence (10) Rich & Kathy Lintz (10) Paul Lorenz & Julie Coulter Donn & Michele Lux Brian N. Manley Dr.† & Mrs. Marshall S. Manne (15) Mr. & Mrs. Charles N. McAlpin (10) Anne & John McDonnell (20) Jim & Jennifer McGrath Jim & Susan McHugh Ms. Lisa Mechele Jeremy Nighohossian Mrs. Ginny Orthwein Drs. John Park & Katherine Shiue Neal & Ann Perryman Gordon & Susie Philpott (15) James & Michelle Probert Maggie & Dan Sartore James & Judith Schloeman Bill & Sandy Schweickhart Barbara B. & David R. Smith William N. Stevens Olivia Tarlow Tarlow Family Foundation Jessica & Aaron Tarlow The Tharpe Family Foundation Mr.† & Mrs. Robert P. Tschudy (20) Steve Tschudy (20) Andrea & Peter Van Cleve (20) Curtis & Mindy Voelkel (20) The Brian Wickenhauser Family William & Shannon Willhite Craig & Donna Wood (15)
†denotes deceased
(10) denotes member for at least 10 years (15) denotes member for at least 15 years (20) denotes member for at least 20 years (25) denotes member for at least 25 years (30) denotes member for at least 30 years
Please contact the Development Office at (314) 646-4859 if you: • Would like information on how you can join or increase your support to the
Marlin Perkins Society • Discover a discrepancy or have a question (the Zoo makes every effort to acknowledge all gifts and to maintain accurate records)
