Spring 2024 stlzoo magazine

SAINT LOUIS ZOO ASSOCIATION

Commentary

By Michael Macek, Director, Saint Louis Zoo

I don’t know about you, but the freshness of spring always makes me feel rejuvenated and excited about seeing nature come back to full life. I think many of our guests feel the need to reconnect with the outdoors after the long, sheltered months of winter. The Saint Louis Zoo is the perfect cure for cabin fever, and we have a lot in store for you this spring.

With the milder weather, it’s a great time to stretch your legs and see the animals, especially Raja, our male Asian elephant. This past winter, we announced that he will move to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in the hopes that he will start a new elephant family. This move will likely happen later this year or in early 2025. This news is bittersweet for all of us. We know Raja is dear to his fans and to the Zoo family, and he’ll be missed here, but we know this is for the best for Raja and the survival of this species. In this issue’s cover story, we look back over Raja’s 30 years at the Zoo, and our Elephant Care team shared some of their favorite Raja memories and personality traits that are sure to make you smile.

A brand-new event we’re hosting this spring is Animals Aglow, which is a lantern festival featuring large, luminous animal installations. Hopefully you’ve already had the chance to check it out! At the event, our educational mission is to illuminate the biodiversity of life in each biome, the issues animals face and how we can collectively make a difference for our planet. In our article starting on page 12, get an in-depth look at actions you can take that can help wildlife all around the world.

When you visit us this spring, you might see our Zoo Preschool students taking a walk or learning about different animals. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Zoo Preschool, and in our article starting on page 18, some of our early childhood educators reflect on what makes our nature-based program so unique, including 50% of class time spent outside.

If you ask any of us at the Zoo, we’ll emphasize that conservation is a team effort. It takes professionals with a multitude of skill sets to achieve the ultimate goal of providing the best care to animals. Last year, three of our team members travelled to Madagascar to help with animal care-related projects at Ivoloina Zoo. Two of our Facilities Management team members assisted with constructing a new quarantine facility, and one of our Animal Care team members worked with local keepers in lemur care. It was a tremendous collaboration. Read more about their journey starting on page 20.

Whether you’re a night owl (Animals Aglow for you!) or early bird (Make Tracks Through the Zoo for you!), we have something fun for everyone this spring. Check out some of our events listed on pages 22 and 23. And, of course, as a token of our appreciation for your membership, we hope to see you at Zoo Friends Day on May 30!

As always, thank you for supporting the Saint Louis Zoo.

COMMISSION OF THE ST. LOUIS ZOOLOGICAL PARK SUBDISTRICT

Chair

Lawrence E. Thomas

Vice-Chair

Chonda J. Nwamu

Treasurer

Will R. Ross, MD, MPH

Immediate Past Chair

Cynthia J. Brinkley

Commissioners

Vincent Bennett

Karl A. Grice

Robert R. Hermann, Jr.

Jerald L. Kent

Robert F. O’Loughlin

Neal F. Perryman

Winthrop B. Reed, III

Michael W. Riney

Dr. Joyce Roberts

Chairs Emeritus

Honorable James F.

Conway

Steven F. Schankman

Mark J. Schnuck

SAINT LOUIS ZOO ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President

Robert B. Smith III

Vice President

Michael J. Hickey

Treasurer

Lisa K. Sullivan

Secretary

Linda J. Hunter

Immediate

Past President

Alicia S. McDonnell

Executive Committee

Dr. Edmond B. Cabbabe

Kathy S. Federico

Matthew W. Geekie

Ricky L. Hopkins, Sr.

Annette L. Kelly

James P. Leonard

Dr. Matthew R.

MacEwan

Bhavik R. Patel

Angela D. Schaefer

Stephanie Valier

Schwendinger

Maria G. Taxman

Matthew A. Wagner

Gerald E. Wiley

James E. Williams, Jr.

Board of Directors

Barbara C. Archer

Nicholas Barto

Kathleen W. Bilderback

Cenia D. Bosman

Christine Boushka

Debbie A. Caplin

Hazel Alethea R.

Donald

Brad M. Edwards

Cory Elliott

Logan W. Finerty

Lauren Thomas Fries

Amy A. Gill

Brett G. Gilliland

Janis G. Goldstein

Davida Lichtenstein

Grindstaff

Kenneth H. Hannah

Charles Henson

Ryan L. Hyman

Robert F. Johnston

Carol S. Klein

Lee C. Kling

Derek Larson, MD

Dr. Dan W. Luedke

Melissa Markwort

Ryan J. Martin

Jennifer T. McGrath

Andrew T. Miedler

Patrick J. Moore

John Nguyen

Dr. Stanley J. Niemann

Frances G. Pestello

Pravina Pindoria

Dr. Steven S. Pope

Quirsis V. Riney

Angela M. Rhone

James G. Sansone

Jason D. Sapp

Steven F. Schankman

Margaret Schneithorst

James R. Schnurbusch

Rachel Kent Shlien

Torbjorn B. Sjogren

Zachary A. Smith

Dianne Sutcliffe

Kevin Travers

James Tyrrell

Lottie Wade

Robert M. Williams, Jr.

Geoffrey Wilson

Heather Wood

Emerita – Emeritus

Members

James G. Berges

Marguerite Garrick

Douglas E. Hill

Joseph F. Imbs III

John K. Wallace, Jr.

Ex-Officio

Whittney Dunn

SAINT LOUIS ZOO

YOUNG ADVISORY BOARD

President

Whittney Dunn

Secretary

Rei Kato

Vice Presidents

Emily Carter

Betsy Crites

Christian Wargo

Luke Yamnitz

Liaisons

Jennifer Jeffries

Megan Schwedtmann

Eric Werner

Board Members

Joel Carter

Justin Diecker

Katie Doherty

Katherine Dockery

Maggie Gann-Bociek

Anthony Graham

Donald Hageman

Allison Heininger

Praveena Kolli

Chance Lacey

Maggie Lohmeyer

Brittany Mayfield

James Merenda

Alex Michael

Timothy Nielsen

Joel Palumbo

Lauren Parko

Dacoda Scarlett

Kate Schwarze

Samantha Sondag

Alex Stepanek

Jake Thessen

Craig VanLeeuwen

Matthew Warren

Lisa Wilson

Devyn Yates PROFESSIONALS

In This Issue

6

Raja, Forever a St. Louis Celebrity

Read about Raja’s history at the Zoo, and be sure to visit him before his journey to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!

12 Shining a Light on Biodiversity

Learn about steps you can take to help keep our planet and wildlife healthy.

18 Celebrating a Decade of Zoo Preschool

See what makes our Zoo Preschool unique from some of our own early childhood educators.

2 Membership Updates

22 Happenings

29 Saint Louis Zoo Honor Roll

30 Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund

32 Kids Page

On the Cover

Raja the Asian elephant

stlzoo is published quarterly as a member benefit by the Saint Louis Zoo Association, One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110. Permission to reprint any material is granted, provided proper credit is given.

n Managing Editor: Rebecca McMiller

n Editorial Assistance: Billy Brennan, Jill Gordon, Kirby Meyer, Elaine Vydra

n Graphic Design: McCord Design Group

n Contributing Photographer: Ray Meibaum

n Contributors: Members of the Zoo staff

At the Saint Louis Zoo, we not only care about the conservation of animals, but also about the conservation of the environment. That is why stlzoo magazine is created using FSC- (Forest Stewardship Council) certified paper with recycled materials and eco-friendly inks. You also can opt into receiving digital-only issues! Check your email for instructions.

Photo by Ray Meibaum

Membership Updates

Hi, Zoo members! In this section, we’ll briefly highlight top Zoo happenings in April, May and June 2024, from event and attraction updates to member-specific reminders. If you have questions about your membership, please visit stlzoo.org/membership or contact us at (314) 646-4771, option 2.

Attraction

Opening Dates

Emerson Dinoroarus

(Limited time only!)

Open through May 27, 2024

Included in member tickets

Sea Lion Show

April 5-28, 2024:

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

May 2-23, 2024:

Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays

May 24-27, 2024

(Memorial Day Weekend):

Friday through Monday

May 28 – Aug. 25, 2024: Daily Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes

Included in member tickets

Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

April 5 – Nov. 10, 2024: Daily

Included in premium member tickets

Winging It

May 24 – Aug. 25, 2024: Daily Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes

Included in member tickets

Zoo Friends Day is Thursday, May 30

This special day is just for you; it’s one way we can show our appreciation for your membership. Bring your membership card and enjoy free parking (based on availability) and admission to attractions, special activities and more. Stop by with your immediate family from 3 to 8 p.m. We look forward to seeing you!

Member Discount on Summer Programs

Registration for our Zoo summer programs is open, and remember, members receive a discount! Check stlzoo.org/education for all our summer adventures.

Reach new heights

Giraffe feedings return this spring!

Meet the reticulated gira es when you o er them crispy lettuce leaves to eat. The gira es use their 18-inch-long prehensile tongues to retrieve the lettuce.

Member price: $5 per ticket Learn more at stlzoo.org/gira e-feedings.

Did You

A Foodie Paradise

You can expect to see more than 40 local restaurants and caterers at ZOOFARI, all offering small plates of their signature dishes. Restaurants slated to be at the event include Shake Shack, Rated Test Kitchen, Pappy’s Smokehouse, Bold Spoon Creamery, 801 Chophouse and more.

Humboldt penguin

Know...

2 Penguins, Trains and Activities

ZOOFARI’s featured animal this year is the Humboldt penguin, a warm-climate bird that lives on the coast of Peru and Chile. Hop a ride on the Emerson Zooline Railroad and Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, and then take part in fundraising activities that benefit the Zoo. We’ll have a restaurant gift card wall, silent auction of exclusive Zoo experiences and more.

3

Rock and Roll All Night

Enjoy live musical entertainment, including a national cover band playing your favorite hits.

As you party your everyday worries away, you’ll feel good knowing your ticket purchase helps support the Zoo and our animal care and conservation work. And, as a member, you receive discounted admission.

Feeling pumped?

Scan the QR Code for more information and tickets, and we’ll see you on June 21!

Forever a St. Louis Celebrity RAJA

By Rebecca McMiller, Marketing Communications Manager

Photos by Chuck Dresner, Ray Meibaum, David Merritt, Joellen Toler & Megan Turner

He’s perhaps the best-known animal at the Saint Louis Zoo.

Many St. Louisans remember his birth 31 years ago. And for three decades afterward, guests gathered at River’s Edge to celebrate his birthdays and watched eagerly as he opened his enrichment “presents.” This past

winter, we announced that Raja the Asian elephant is expected to move to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium later this year or in early 2025.

A crowd gathers to celebrate Raja’s birthday in December 2012

“

He’s Won the hearts of everyone in his community.

”

A STAR IS BORN

Raja was the first Asian elephant born at the Zoo, and he made his grand entrance on a chilly day on Dec. 27, 1992. He was born to mom, Pearl, now 52, and the late Onyx. An elephant’s pregnancy lasts about 22 months, and a newborn calf weighs about 250 to 350 pounds (Raja weighed 275 pounds). Once Raja grew out of the “newborn stage,” he was introduced to the larger family group, which included females Donna, Clara, Carolyn and Marie.

“Elephants are social creatures, and adult females in a family group help raise calves,” said River’s Edge Keeper Becky Heisler. “Mom is the nurturer; she is the one to feed and love on her calf. ‘Aunties’ provide more tough love

and teach the youngster social skills, such as who should eat first and when to be submissive to an older elephant, as well as basic manners like not putting your trunk in another elephant’s mouth!”

Heisler also said that aunties teach young ones a lot of play. Raja loved playing with his aunties as a young elephant; swimming together was his favorite activity. Donna and Raja often enjoyed playful roughhousing, and Donna would even hold Raja underwater for short periods of time!

When Raja’s caretakers saw that he was growing as a bull elephant, he started spending less time with Pearl to gradually help him become independent. Once he fully matured,

he moved to a separate habitat. This mimics the behavior of elephants in the wild; adult males live solo or together in small bachelor herds. Even though he doesn’t live among the family group anymore, he still has opportunities to interact with them via adjacent habitats with “howdy walls,” which offer elephants opportunities to visit with each other without being in the same space. Raja and Donna were often seen together at the howdy walls up until her passing last November at age 52.

“Donna loved to vocalize, and I always liked to believe she was gossiping with the herd,” Heisler said. “Donna and Raja loved to touch trunks, ears and faces, and they’d even sometimes have a friendly spar!”

Raja as a calf with mom, Pearl

THREE DECADES OF MEMORIES

As Raja grew up, celebrating his birthdays became a Zoo tradition, and those festivities are some of Heisler’s favorite memories. Many remember Raja’s “birthday cake” enrichment, which was decorated boxes filled with birthday treats like popcorn. Raja then could use the boxes as playtime enrichment; they were ideal for stomping upon and tossing around. Guests would eagerly gather at his habitat to sing “Happy Birthday” to him.

Katie Pilgram-Kloppe, Zoological Manager of River’s Edge, said that guests would tell her how special Raja is to them.

“When I think about the roles that animals in zoos have as ambassadors for their species, Raja is the best example I can think of here in St. Louis,” she said. “He’s won the hearts of everyone in his community;

he’s grown up with so many St. Louisans. Many people have ‘I remember when Raja was born…’ stories, and I’ve loved hearing people share their memories.”

Raja has even motivated people to pursue careers in animal care, including Keeper Tori Mattingly, a member of the Elephant Care team.

“I was born and raised in St. Louis and grew up with Raja ... he is a huge reason why I wanted to become an elephant care specialist,” Mattingly said. “I have many fond memories of watching Raja grow. He inspired my love of Asian elephants, and I enjoy talking to our guests about my passion for animals. I can attest that those ‘wow’ moments of connecting with animals create next-generation conservationists!”

As Raja grew into a confident adult, his team not only noticed that he seemed to enjoy interacting with

RAJA’S FAST FACTS

AGE: 31

WEIGHT: Between 10,000

HEIGHT: Between 9 and 10

FAVORITE FOOD: Leafy tree branches, bananas, melons and his favorite birthday treat, popcorn!

POUNDS EATEN IN A DAY: of brome hay, 3 lbs of produce, 6 lbs of elephant pellet mix (grains with vitamins and minerals)

FAVORITE ENRICHMENT:

guests more, but they also noted how much he grew in strength.

“Raja receives tractor tires as enrichment — it gives him opportunities to play and use his strength — and he can pick one up incredibly easily,” Heisler said. “He can even hold one up just with his tail. To give you an idea of how heavy a tire is, it takes three keepers to roll one to the side, or for a skid-steer to move one to his habitat.”

Enrichment, like tractor tires for Raja, is important for animals’ health and well-being. It keeps their minds and bodies active and healthy. Enrichment does this by encouraging them to make species-appropriate natural behaviors and choices. Training also is an important aspect of animal care. The Elephant Care team offers positive reinforcement — like a favorite food — while training, which has allowed Raja to take part in his health care through learned behaviors.

Raja at his 24th birthday celebration

THREE DECADES OF MEMORIES (CONTINUED)

“He voluntarily participates in preventative health tasks, like routine blood collections from his ears, and he allows keepers to trim and smooth his tusks as needed,” Pilgram-Kloppe said. “He’s very patient and cooperative with us, and that’s thanks to the solid relationships that Raja has built with our team.”

Some members of the Elephant Care team have been part of Raja’s life for many years. Heisler has worked with Raja the longest at 21 years. Pilgram-Kloppe and Mattingly have worked with Raja for 15 years and six years, respectively.

“Training starts with trust, and building relationships with an elephant takes time,” Heisler said. “I’ve worked with Raja for most of his life. All the elephants are like my family.”

Like all families, the Elephant Care team has experienced both joys and sorrows during Raja’s time at the Zoo. Some of the team’s happiest memories — which also are triumphs for the endangered Asian elephant population — include welcoming Raja’s children to the elephant family. He has three daughters in the Zoo’s care: Maliha, Jade and Priya. As joyous as it is to welcome new elephants, it’s equally as devastating when an elephant passes away. The Elephant Care team mourned the losses of Raja’s two other children: Kenzi in 2018 and Avi in 2020.

In his move to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, the Elephant Care team is hopeful that he’ll become a father again. There are fewer than 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild,

and his team hopes that Raja will be able to further contribute to the Asian elephant population. Raja’s breeding is coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan. This program works in cooperation with other institutions accredited by the AZA to manage the Asian elephant population in North America and maximize their health, well-being and genetic diversity. The Zoo also works to help Asian elephants through the Center for Asian Elephant Conservation, part of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute. Since 2005, the WildCare Institute has contributed financial and in-kind support to elephant conservation, protection, education and research programs in Asia.

WHO’s WHO in RAJA’S FAMILY?

Including Raja, the Saint Louis Zoo is home to a sevenmember, three-generation family of Asian elephants:

Pearl, 52: Mother to Raja

Ellie, 52: Mother to Maliha and Priya; grandmother to Jade

Sri, 43: Unrelated ‘auntie’ to Priya, Maliha and Jade

Maliha, 17: Ellie and Raja’s daughter (born August

Jade, 16: Rani and Raja’s daughter (born February

Priya 10: Ellie and Raja’s daughter (born April 2013

RAJA’S NEXT CHAPTER

Before Raja physically moves to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, his team will prepare him extensively for his journey.

“Raja will travel with a professional hauler with experience in moving large animals, but before this even happens, we need to ensure he’s comfortable with the semi-trailer space that he’ll be in during the drive there,” Heisler said. “We’ll train him for months in advance, offering positive reinforcement and comfort as he familiarizes himself with the space. And a keeper will go with Raja on his journey to make him comfortable and meet his new team.”

Among the Elephant Care team, Raja’s move is bittersweet, but ultimately, they are happy for Raja.

“It sort of feels like sending your kid off to college,” Heisler said. “You’re happy for them ... you know it’s in their best interest ... but you’re still sad they’re leaving. It feels like Raja’s ‘senior year’ in that sense. So, we plan on enjoying the rest of 2024 with him, and I hope all his fans come and see him this year!”

Pilgram-Kloppe noted that St. Louisans will hopefully share in new memories with new generations of elephants at the Zoo, as Raja’s daughter, Jade, is expecting a calf later this year.

“What an amazing legacy that Raja will leave behind!” she said. “He’ll soon be a grandfather and hopefully a dad again in Columbus. He and his family have many big adventures to come.” n

“ HE and his family have many big adventures to come.

Raja enjoys a dip in his pool at River’s Edge

A LIGHT ON

SHINING BIODIVERSITY

By Ruth Dultz,

Assistant Manager, Interpreters; and Hannah Phillips, Manager of Docents and Interpreters

Photos by Ray Meibaum

At the Saint Louis Zoo, we care about animals and people, both at the Zoo and in the wider world. At Animals Aglow this spring, our educational mission is to illuminate the biodiversity of life in each biome, the issues animals face and how we can collectively make a difference for our planet. Something we can all do to help keep our planet healthy is to share our knowledge and concern for the environment with others.

American flamingo

What is one of the biggest threats to biomes and wildlife?

Climate change is a threat to biodiversity. When we burn fossil fuels — coal, oil, methane and natural gas — we release and add rampant amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It builds up and acts like a blanket, which traps heat around the world, disrupts the climate and warms the Earth. This means that in the Arctic and Antarctic, for example, sea ice is not forming for as long or as thickly as it used to. While people and animals that live in these areas depend on sea ice to support a healthy life, we all depend on the sea ice to reflect heat energy back into space, which regulates our global temperatures. Our planet has the perfect mix of atmospheric gases to trap heat and the right amount of sea ice to reflect heat energy back to sustain the biodiversity of life and ourselves. This is why Earth is often called the “Goldilocks planet.” In contrast, Venus has an atmosphere that is too thick, while Mars’ atmosphere is too thin, making these planets either too hot or too cold to sustain life.

Tufted puffin

BIOME: THE POLES

Saint Louis Zoo animals that live there: Penguins (Antarctic), polar bears (Arctic)

Actions you can take:

Reduce your use of fossil fuels like coal, oil, methane and natural gas for energy and transportation needs. You can do this by minimizing miles driven (carpooling, taking public transit or condensing trips), supporting organizations and companies that are part of St. Louis Green Business Challenge and Green Dining Alliance (like the Zoo!), and working with your local schools in implementing no-idling zones.

Why this biome is important & how your actions help:

The Arctic and Antarctic are extreme and fragile environments. Reducing fossil fuels can help sustain sea ice, which regulates our planet’s temperatures and climate.

BIOME: THE FORESTS

Saint Louis Zoo animals that live there:

Primates, Asian elephants, Malayan sun bears

Actions you can take:

Support companies that sell sustainable, wildlife-friendly products:

• Look for products that are Forest Stewardship Councilor Rainforest Alliance-certified. These products are made from trees that are harvested responsibly so there is no net loss of forest over time.

You can buy products made with sustainable palm oil or no palm oil. Palm oil is a common ingredient in many household products and grocery items. Some entities harvest palm oil in a way that’s bad for animals — it ultimately destroys their rainforest homes. But others grow African oil palm trees, where palm oil comes from, in a way that’s safe for animals and the rainforest.

Why this biome is important & how your actions help: Forests are an important “carbon sink,” absorbing and holding carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. By supporting companies that sell sustainable, wildlife-friendly products, you are helping to keep forests healthy and intact.

King penguin

Malayan sun bear

BIOME: THE PRAIRIES

Saint Louis Zoo animals that live there: Prairie dogs, American burying beetles, native pollinators, Missouri snakes

Actions you can take:

Keep it local:

• Plant a variety of native flowers, bushes and grasses in your yard.

• Buy and eat from local farms and stores.

Why this biome is important & how your actions help: Prairies are one of the most endangered habitats on Earth; they once covered one-third of Missouri. The native plants that grow there provide a home and food source for animals essential for healthy biodiversity. For example, pollinators are vital to agriculture. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35% of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce.

You can help sustain important animals like pollinators by preserving existing prairie habitat in your area and replicating prairie habitat by planting native grasses and flowering plants.

And, when you buy and eat from local farms and stores, your food doesn’t have to travel as far, and fewer fossil fuels are burned.

BIOME: THE DESERTS

Saint Louis Zoo animals that live there: Gopher tortoises, burrowing owls, addax

Actions you can take:

Like how you can help our pole biomes, you can reduce fossil fuels like coal, oil, methane and natural gas for energy and transportation needs.

Why this biome is important & how your actions help: Deserts cover almost one-fourth of the land area on Earth and are home to some of the world’s most endangered animals. Climate change affects deserts, making them dryer and hotter, leaving even the toughest species struggling to survive. Reducing fossil fuel usage helps keep deserts healthy.

Burrowing owl

Black-tailed prairie dog

BIOME:

Saint Louis Zoo animals that live there:

Seals, sea lions, stingrays, penguins and puffins, flamingos, coral reef

Actions you can take:

• Take the Saint Louis Zoo’s #byetobags pledge and switch from plastic bags to reusable bags.

• Reduce, reuse and recycle plastic items.

• Purchase sustainable seafood. Check out the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, which tracks fishing practices and provides a consumer guide for the most wildlife-friendly options.

Why this biome is important & how your actions help:

Oceans are rich in biodiversity and play an important role in regulating the world’s climate. Ocean currents move moisture as well as heat and cool water around the world, much like how your heart pumps blood throughout your body.

When we burn fewer fossil fuels, less carbon dioxide is produced and oceans are kept cooler and more stable for animals. Plastics are made from fossil fuels, and when we reduce, reuse and recycle items, we’re lowering demand. We also can use reusable bags instead of plastic bags and clean up litter, which help keep plastic out of waterways (Missouri waterways are directly connected to the ocean).

Thank you for joining us on our conservation journey to make a better world for us all! And if you haven’t already, be sure to chat with our Zoo educators at Animals Aglow (select nights through May 5) to learn more about how you can keep biodiversity shining bright! n

California sea lion

Celebrating a Decade of Zoo Preschool

By Zoo Preschool’s Early Childhood Educators

We are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Zoo Preschool this year! This program was created because high-quality early childhood education is a predictor of long-term success for children, and early experiences in the outdoors foster connections to the natural world and are an indicator of future conservation action. We designed Zoo Preschool based on the nature-based preschool movement, and we offer an emergent, Reggio Emilia Approach-based curriculum, which emphasizes that children’s interests should guide their learning.

Here are some of the aspects that have made Zoo Preschool special throughout its 10 years, as demonstrated though our values and explained by our early childhood educators.

We believe that children deserve time in nature every day

Our students spend at least 50% of their day outside and have “forest days”

on Fridays when they explore Forest Park for the whole time.

Our children’s connections to the natural world through interactions with animals, unstructured outdoor time and nature-rich indoor environments are impactful. We see this play out daily as students ask friends to be careful when digging to avoid worms, or when they find a tree so special that they hug it. Children learn that we’re all part of the natural world, and that even at their young age, they can help to protect it.

- Assistant Director Kelsey Navin

We believe children have agency in all matters that affect them After a few years of working in early childhood education, I found myself constantly wishing for a program that allowed for more exploration. I felt like I was working with a curriculum that would prepare students for kindergarten, but not necessarily for real life as citizens of planet Earth. I wanted to find a program that reminded me of the way I was

taught growing up: working with my grandmother in her garden, taking part in making dinner while pretending to have a cooking show, and asking questions to which my grown-ups would help me research answers. The Zoo Preschool program is exactly that and more.

- Teacher Lela Rice

We believe children have the right to direct their own learning

Children deserve to have their ideas taken seriously and valued at school ... the students’ ideas and interests directly shape their learning experience. This means that when students get excited about snakes and start asking questions, we go to the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium and interview a keeper. Or, if they’re interested in songwriting, we discuss rhyming words as well as write them out to show how you can change just one letter and get a new word. This is how we integrate important skills into projects that follow their interests.

- Teacher Emily Ellsworth

A student gives her giraffe plush toy a wellness check

Older preschool students spend time in Forest Park weekly as part of “Forest Fridays”

Play is an essential component to learning, and 50% of students’ time is spent outdoors

Zoo ALIVE Teens Take Conservation Action Virtual

We believe that our differences should be valued and celebrated Children from diverse backgrounds and of varying abilities attend our school together. Our team works hard to help families with inclusion and early intervention support. Thanks to the generous contributions of donors, we also are able to provide financial assistance to many families. We also encourage families to visit

and share their culture with books and celebrations throughout the year.

- Laura Seger, Preschool Director and Manager of Learning Experiences

We believe children are capable and should be encouraged to take risks in a supportive and safe environment

Students learn that without making mistakes, we would never learn anything. They encourage each other to try new things, even when they are hard and scary. For example, when a student who is afraid of heights wanted to try climbing the beetle statue at the Bayer Insectarium, her friends encouraged her and even gave her tips on where to put her hands and feet. When she got to the top, she held on tight to the horn. She still looked nervous, but she also was incredibly proud of herself.

- Assistant Director Kelsey Navin

We’ve grown and learned so much in the last decade, and the future of Zoo Preschool is looking even brighter! In the fall of 2026, we will move into brand-new classrooms, located in a new building in the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, the new children’s area at the Zoo. We’ll grow from one classroom to two, have beautiful animal habitats, and offer a view of Destination Discovery from a large balcony where students can journal and garden. We also will have a private entrance, outdoor classrooms with a mud kitchen, vegetable gardens, and more. Most importantly, we will increase our capacity by 40% and provide full-day options to families!

If you’re interested in our Zoo Preschool, we hope you’ll check us out and learn more about our program at stlzoo.org/preschool. n

As early as 2026, Zoo Preschool will move to its new space in Destination Discovery, and full-day options will be available

Preschool students utilize the Zoo’s 90-acre campus as part of their classroom

Conservation is a Community Effort

By

Conservation work isn’t often scientific research or direct animal care alone. Sometimes it’s figuring out how to run a welding project in a Madagascar zoo without running water or reliable electricity.

Two members of the Saint Louis Zoo’s Facilities Management team, Tom Sehnert and Derek Strunk, spent about four weeks this fall working at Ivoloina Zoo, a home to several critically endangered lemur species and one of only two zoos in Madagascar.

Parc Ivoloina, which features a 4-hectare zoological facility within a 282-hectare forestry station, is an important site for animals rescued from the illegal pet trade in Madagascar — the only nation in the world where lemurs live in the wild. The zoo is a governmentauthorized site to care for native wildlife confiscated from illegal trade. Some of the animals live in enclosed habitats, while others roam free through the trees in the park.

When Sehnert and Strunk arrived in September, Ivoloina Zoo was at capacity and needed a new quarantine space to separate animals when they are sick or their habitats are under repair. Sehnert and Strunk used the project to train Ivoloina Zoo staff on new tools they can use to continue to improve the zoo.

“Conservation is a community effort,” Sehnert, Director of Maintenance, said after the trip. “Keepers need infrastructure to do what they do. In Madagascar, the environment, the lack of resources and the location makes keeping things up and running even more difficult.”

Sehnert and Strunk were joined for part of their trip by Saint Louis Zoo Primate Keeper Emma Ahern. Ahern was awarded one of the Zoo’s Dexter Travel Grants — funding that pays for Zoo team members’ travel expenses for fieldwork — to spend about two-and-a-half weeks at Ivoloina Zoo working with the keepers in lemur care.

“It was amazing to share ideas with a team that cares for lemurs in their natural habitat,” Ahern said.

Both trips continue the Zoo’s longstanding support of Parc Ivoloina through the Center for Conservation in Madagascar, a part of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute.

The Zoo has been committed to conservation efforts in Madagascar since the late 1980s and is a founding member of the Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group, the nonprofit that runs Parc Ivoloina.

Days with Calypso

Ahern arrived in Parc Ivoloina in late August and would soon form a connection with a new animal at the park: a sifaka lemur named Calypso.

Calypso came to the zoo after he was confiscated as an illegal pet. Ahern was tasked with keeping watch over him as he experimented with free roaming through the zoo.

Ahern also helped keepers make enrichment items from

Erin Heffernan, Public Relations Specialist

The Parc Ivoloina maintenance team (from left to right): Fanu; Eric, the team’s translator; Tom Sehnert; Laurent; and Derek Strunk

Emma Ahern and Parc Ivoloina staff, who are sporting Make Tracks Through the Zoo T-shirts

natural materials and built habitat doors out of bamboo.

“It was great timing because I care for sifakas here in St. Louis, but he was their first,” she said. “They have sensitive stomachs so there are some challenges.”

Ahern made suggestions to help with Calypso’s care, including making a chart tracking his droppings as a marker of his overall health.

Ahern ended her trip by presenting the Parc Ivoloina staff with piles of items she brought in two suitcases. There were tools for animal enrichment, T-shirts, water bottles and a pair of boots for each member of the staff donated by the Saint Louis Zoo and the American Association of Zookeepers, among others.

On her last day, the keepers named a baby lemur born at the zoo the day before in her honor.

“If the baby was confirmed to be a girl, it would be Emma,” she said. “I know the keepers there had an impact on me and my work, but it was a sign that I had an impact on them too.”

Tools for Success

Sehnert and Strunk arrived at the airport in Madagascar with about 200 pounds of tools packed in their checked bags.

Before the trip, Strunk, Manager of Special Construction & Welding at the Saint Louis Zoo, researched welding machines designed to work in remote areas. Austrian company

Fronius International agreed to donate and ship a small, batterypowered welding machine along with a crate full of supplies to Ivoloina Zoo for the project.

“That was so important for what we needed to do,” he said.

Sehnert and Strunk were joined by a Malagasy translator who helped them communicate with the two members of the Ivoloina Zoo maintenance team as they worked together to build the quarantine space with areas where four different animals could be isolated.

As the project continued, Strunk and Sehnert performed an infrastructure assessment of the zoo and brainstormed strategies to complete future projects.

During one work break, the Ivoloina Zoo maintenance team spoke amongst themselves in Malagasy. They said they were proud that the tools and training meant that the zoo no longer needed to spend large sums to hire contractors from in town.

The translator shared their discussion with Sehnert and Strunk.

“They were speaking amongst themselves, so we knew they weren’t just telling us what we wanted to hear,” Sehnert said. “It was a genuine thing.”

It rained every day during the final week of the trip. Still, Sehnert and Strunk put in long hours to complete the quarantine space before they left for St. Louis.

“It was down to the last second,” Strunk said. “But we got it done.” n

The Saint Louis Zoo team trains Ivoloina Zoo staff to use new welding equipment

From left to right: Derek Strunk, Emma Ahern and Tom Sehnert at Parc Ivoloina

Emma Ahern and sifaka lemur Calypso

happenings

Animals Aglow

Wednesdays through Sundays,

March 13 – May 5, 2024; 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Walk around the Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of over 60 towering lanterns. You’re sure to enjoy this celebration of culture and art! Sponsored by Truck Centers, Inc. Wednesday – Thursday: Members: $16.95, Non-members: $19.95. Friday – Sunday: Members: $20.95, Non-members: $23.95. Learn more: stlzoo.org/animalsaglow.

Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital

April 5 – Nov. 10, 2024; 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: $4.95/person. Children under age 2 are free.

Sea Lion Show

April 5-28, 2024: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; May 2-23, 2024: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; May 24-27, 2024 (Memorial Day Weekend): Friday through Monday; May 28 – Aug. 25, 2024: Daily Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes

Sea lion superstars will thrill you with jumps and lots of splashing! Zoo members: Included in member/premium member tickets. Non-members: $3.95/person. Children under age 2 are free.

Party for the Planet

April 27, 2024; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

We’re keeping the momentum going after Earth Day! Party for the Planet will be a day of fun — kids’ activities, music, a raffle and more — as well as provide opportunities to learn how we can help keep our planet and its climate healthy. As you enjoy your Zoo day, you’ll find One Health and climate solutions experts who can answer questions and offer tips on how we can live more sustainably. Sponsored by Mid America Chevy Dealers. Free. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

Mother’s Day Brunch

May 11 and 12, 2024

Seating times: 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. McDonnell Center at River Camp

Treat Mom to brunch at the Zoo. The meal includes breakfast fare, desserts and more. Adults 21+ receive two drink tickets for beer, wine or champagne. Parking not included. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

Endangered Species Day

May 17, 2024; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn all about our efforts to conserve endangered species, and find out more about these species that need our help. Speak to experts who are doing animal care, research and more. Free. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital Make Tracks Through the Zoo

May 19, 2024; 7 a.m.

Run the wildest 5K in St. Louis! Participate in person or virtually. Stop by Schnuck Family Plaza for post-race fun, including breakfast (while supplies last) and giveaways from St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Sponsored by St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Mid America Chevy Dealers, Heartland Coca-Cola, Prairie Farms Dairy, and Big River Race Management. Registration fee applies. More information: stlzoo.org/maketracks.

Prairie Farms Dairy Summer Zoo Weekends

From May 24 through Aug. 18, the Zoo will offer extended hours for more Zoo fun! See our summer hours listed on the right-hand side.

Winging It

May 24 – Aug. 25, 2024: Daily Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes

In this amazing, free-flying presentation, a variety of exotic and native birds will demonstrate their natural abilities, and some will even soar right over your head! With the help of these fine feathered ambassadors, trainers will clear up fact from fiction. Zoo members: Included in member/ premium member tickets. Non-members: $3.95/person. Children under age 2 are free.

happenings

Zoo Friends Day

May 30, 2024; 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. Check this publication for your invitation.

HullabaZoo presented by Mid America Chevy Dealers

Thursdays, May 30, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, 2024; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Get ready to join the HullabaZoo! We’ll have unique, themed days that highlight different animals — as well as specialty food and drinks — on the Thursdays of the event. Guests can participate in activities focused on conserving animals through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute. Sponsored by Mid America Chevy Dealers. Free. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

Play Day in the Park

June 1, 2024, 10 a.m – 2 p.m.

The Saint Louis Zoo is participating in this free outdoor playdate, geared toward children ages 4 to 12. Join us in Forest Park for all things playtime, from bubbles to parachute play to adaptive sports. The Zoo will have a table at the event with animal-themed activities. Learn more at forestparkforever.org/calendar/ 2024/play-day-in-the-park.

World Ocean Day

June 8, 2024; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Learn about aquatic animals, the threats they face and how we can help them. Free. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

Deaf Day at the Zoo

June 13, 2024; 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Join us for shows and activities tailored for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. Experiences will include Winging It, Sea Lion Show and keeper chats with American Sign Language interpreters. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

ZOOFARI presented by Wells Fargo June 21, 2024; 7:15 – 11 p.m.

This creative black-tie fundraiser benefits the Saint Louis Zoo. Evening includes small plates from local restaurants and caterers, open bars, and live music. Tickets required. Zoo members: $200 per person. More information: stlzoo.org/zoofari.

Build First Aid Kits at the Zoo Thursdays through Oct. 31, 2024; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital will be at the Zoo helping young guests build first aid kits. Stop by the St. Louis Children’s Hospital First Aid Station (near the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel). Free.

Hours for April, May and

June 2024

March 2 through May 23, 2024

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily

Memorial Day Weekend

Friday – Monday, May 24-27, 2024

8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

May 28 through Aug. 18, 2024

8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday – Thursday

8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., Friday – Saturday

June 21, 2024

8 a.m. – noon

Zoo closes early for ZOOFARI

Details are subject to change. Please visit stlzoo.org for

Giving Back to Our Community: Margie and Ed Imo

By Jeffrey Huntington, Director of

Ed Imo grew up in The Hill neighborhood in south St. Louis, and Margie grew up in the Dogtown neighborhood close to Forest Park. As a family, they’ve created many memories at the Saint Louis Zoo with their six children, 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In 1964, the young couple opened a small pizzeria on Shaw Avenue near the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Since that time, their successful company has grown significantly and is now multi-faceted and multigenerational. Margie, Ed and their family are proud of their St. Louis roots, and now they are in a position to give back to organizations and causes that are meaningful to them.

Margie shared, “We have been so fortunate in our business as a result of the people of St. Louis

that we wanted to give back to the community, and the Zoo felt like the perfect place. It is a privilege for us to support a special place, like the Zoo, that is free and accessible to all.”

Through the years, the Imos have been generous supporters of the Marlin Perkins Society, and they provided a gift to the Critical Animal Care Fund during the Zoo’s closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Margie also served on the Zoo Association Board for several years.

In August 2023, the couple made a significant charitable gift to the Zoo to bring back an improved replacement for the Children’s Zoo, Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, which will open in 2026. They will be recognized at the Freshwater Wilderness Splash Adventure, where guests will enjoy the nature-themed splash pad

along with amazing views into the Chilean flamingo lagoon.

Destination Discovery is being designed with the youngest guests in mind, emphasizing close-up encounters with animals in an immersive and hands-on learning environment. Connecting with animals and nature is an important part of a healthy, active childhood, and the future of wildlife and wild places depends on the next generation caring for and conserving them; thus, helping inspire future conservationists.

Michael Macek, Director of the Zoo, stated, “Ed and Margie have not only created a wonderful legacy in their family and in the business community, but at the Saint Louis Zoo as well. We appreciate their support and leadership in this project.” n

Development

The Imo family made a gift toward Destination Discovery and will be recognized at the Freshwater Wilderness Splash Adventure (2023 conceptual rendering above)

Purina Painted Dog Preserve Turns 10!

By Hannah G. Stater, Partnership

Purina Painted Dog Preserve, an African painted dog habitat within the Saint Louis Zoo’s River’s Edge, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2024. The immersive exhibit features a breathtaking 270-degree view of the painted dogs through tall glass panels, allowing guests to obtain a unique look into the dogs’ habitat and their dynamic social lives.

Purina gave a substantial gift in 2014 to The Living Promise Campaign for the new exhibit, as well as for a research project into the nutritional health status of painted dogs in zoos. In addition to naming the habitat, the company also supported the creation of three exhibits: Purina Painted Dog Preserve, Sun Bear Forest and Andean Bear Range.

In 2015, Purina PetCare Company received the Saint Louis Zoo Corporate Award, recognizing over 25 years of

supporting the Zoo’s mission. Purina has previously contributed to ZOOFARI, A Zoo Ado and two capital campaigns: Gateway to the Animal World in 1996 and The Living Promise in 2014.

Before the habitat opened in 2014, painted dogs had not been at the Zoo since the 1950s. Today, two painted dogs, Makini and Saka, call the Purina Painted Dog Preserve home, which has recently been expanded to include the adjacent former Andean bear habitat.

The African painted dog is an endangered canid native to eastern and southern Africa, notably identified by its round ears and brown, black, white, red and yellow spotted coats.

There are fewer than 3,000 painted dogs in the wild today, and 90% of their habitat has disappeared. They are threatened with habitat fragmentation,

conflict with humans and diseases, such as rabies and canine distemper.

To help save this species, the Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan for painted dogs. Additionally, the Botswana Center for African Painted Dogs, part of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, works with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust to minimize and eliminate humanpainted dog conflict in the wild.

We would like to extend our sincerest appreciation to the Purina team for their support of the Zoo’s efforts to provide our guests with memorable wildlife experiences through innovative exhibits. We look forward to continuing to make meaningful connections between our guests and animals through our partnership. n

Marketing Coordinator

Kasey Bergh, former Director of Purina Community Affairs, and Dr. Jeffrey Bonner, Saint Louis Zoo President Emeritus, at the opening of the Purina Painted Dog Preserve in 2014

Current Purina Painted Dog Preserve residents, Makini (left) and Saka (right)

Celebrating the 32nd Annual Marlin Perkins Society Celebration

By Mackenzie Isringhausen, Manager, Marlin Perkins Society

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, over 400 guests gathered at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Marlin Perkins Society and the recipients of the 2023 Saint Louis Zoo Awards.

The Individual Zoo Award was presented to two longtime supporters and friends of the Zoo, Judy and Nick Kouchoukos. Judy and Nick have been avid members of the Marlin Perkins Society for 11 years and have supported many Zoo capital campaigns and initiatives. Judy has served on various committees at the Zoo, co-chaired ZOOFARI and is an active member on the Saint Louis Association Board. Nick, a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, donated his talent to the Zoo to help one of our resident orangutans.

The Foundation Award was presented to Pershing Charitable Trust and accepted by Bill Polk, Foundation Trustee. The Pershing Charitable Trust was established in

1968 by Olive M. Langenberg to support non-profit organizations operating for educational, humanitarian and cultural purposes. The Foundation has supported the Marlin Perkins Society for 19 years, was an early investor in creating Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park and has supported previous Zoo campaigns, as well as the Zoo’s Endowment.

The Corporate Award was presented to Spire and was accepted by Justin Lopinot, Director of Employee Communications and Community Impact. Spire has been a strong supporter of the Zoo since 1984. Spire has been a member of the Marlin Perkins Society for over 13 years, sponsors Wild Lights annually and has contributed to many capital campaigns throughout the Zoo’s history. In 2019, Spire donated the labor to move the original gas line that ran through the middle of what was to become Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park

to the perimeter, so that construction could safely begin.

The final award of the evening, the Saint Louis Zoo Conservation Award, was presented to Dr. Crickette Sanz and Dr. David Morgan, who have spent 23 years serving as co-directors of the Goualougo Triangle Ape Project in the Republic of Congo, which is supported by the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute. The Goualougo Triangle is the only site in the world where both central chimpanzees and endangered western lowland gorillas are observed to interact with one another. Just last year, thanks to David and Crickette’s decades of advocacy, the Congolese government formalized the protection of the Djeke Triangle.

We are incredibly thankful for our more than 1,300 Marlin Perkins Society members whose generous support makes the Zoo the incredible place that it is. n

From left to right: Dr. Nicholas Kouchoukos, Dwight Scott, Judy Kouchoukos, Bill Polk, Dr. Crickette Sanz, Justin Lopinot, and Dr. David Morgan

This summer, go where few have gone before … behind the scenes to take care of stingrays! Here are some of our shy-fun

programs:

Day with the Rays

As an aquatics keeper for the day, you’ll help prepare diets and maintain the habitat to keep it looking nice and the animals healthy.

Advanced Day with the Rays

Dive deeper into the science and career of an aquatics keeper. Explore sh and cephalopod biology, perform advanced marine water quality monitoring, and, of course, have some time for fun and games.

Wade with the Rays Meet, touch, feed and make enrichment for stingrays. A er learning what it takes to care for these special animals, you’ll have the opportunity to be in the pool

*At the keeper’s discretion

Interested in a splashing good time? Book these summer programs here:

Wade with the Rays Day with the Rays/ Advanced Day with the Rays

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

Nov. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024

Rachel Anders

Brad & Darla Baker

Steve & Karen Bircher

James & Leslie Bolin

Chadd & Maigen Cape

Karen & Darren Feldkamp

Ginger & Chris Gaebe

David & Andrea Giarla

David & Karen Glaser

Ashley Haffer

Michael & Maureen Hoock

Philip S. Keroff

Bethany & Lucas Klein

Sam J. Lewis

Dorothy McGlynn

Kim & Patrick Messmer

Travis Neely

Julie Nichols

Steven Nichols

Vickie Pollard

Mr. & Mrs. David R. Poth

Alan & Candy Ruf

Jeffrey & Karen Stokes

The Pearson Family

Anne Weidmann

Patrice Wilson

Thomas J. Winter

Current

Marlin Perkins Society Members Who Have Increased Support

Nov. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024

Scott Anderson

Rudy & Sandy Beck

Katherine Sutcliffe Becker & Tyson Becker

Cary & Catherine Bieg (10)

Mark & Susan Bronson

Ms. Pamela Dauphin (20)

Linda & Art De Villar

Linda & Tyree Derrick

Richard & Kathryn Dyer

Cheryl & Ronald Fromm

Pamela Glaser

Ed & Joanna Goedeker (10)

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph L. Goltzman (20)

Mark Hubbert

Lisa & Brad Kelley

Roger & Fran Koch

Rachel Kyllo & Karl Staser

David Langdon

Rhonda & George Linne

Terry Ann Markway

Kevin & Jane McGuire (15)

Dr. Eric Miller & Dr. Mary Jean Gorse (15)

Al & Cathy Politowski

Bill & Sandy Schweickhart (10)

Mr. & Mrs. William T.

Shannahan (30)

Shalini & Surendra Shenoy (10)

Mary Ellen Cotsworth & Bill Siedhoff (10)

Dr. John A. Sopuch (15)

Werner & Janet Stichling (10)

The Chod Family Foundation (30)

The Zweifel Family

Mr. & Mrs. Pat Tracy

Steve Tschudy (20)

Heather & Matthew Wohl (10)

Craig & Donna Wood (20)

Thomas Young

(10) denotes member for at least 10 years (15) denotes member for at least 15 years (20) denotes member for at least 20 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

Monarch butterfly

Saint Louis Zoo Honor Roll

The following list represents new major and planned gifts and pledges, excluding Marlin Perkins Society and other membership gifts, made to the Saint Louis Zoo Association from Nov. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024. Donors are listed in the category of their most recent giving to the Saint Louis Zoo.

Leadership Gifts

$1,000,000 and Above

Edward Jones

The William R. Orthwein, Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation

Major Gifts

$749,999 – $500,000

Ward & Carol Klein

$499,999 – $250,000

Lawrence E. Thomas

$249,999 – $100,000

Joe Adorjan

Kevin Beckmann Charitable Trust

Tim & Maria Desloge

Family Foundation

Estate of Dr. & Mrs. W. R. Konneker

James S. McDonnell Family Foundation

Special Gifts

$99,999 – $50,000

David L. Curtis & Judith P. Leonard

Thomas A. Kooyumjian

Family Foundation

Estate of Melva Long

In Loving Memory of Yumiko Foust Virant:

Mary Ann & John Virant

John, Katie & Zoe Virant

Janice Virant & Cody Huff

Paul, Jennifer, Lincoln & Zane Virant

Steve, Tom, Wilson & Andrew Virant

James & Wendy Walsh

$49,999 – $25,000

Anonymous - 2

James & Leslie Bolin

Dr. & Mrs. David Caplin

The George B. Desloge Family

Estate of Carolyn Duncan

Estate of Dr. Ira & Judith Gall

Tracy C. Green

Carolyn Henges & Jay Henges

Charitable Trust

Lisa Mechele

Estate of Ann M. Parke

$24,999 – $10,000

Anonymous

AFB International

The Family of Glen J. Brown

Nancy H. Child

Margaret Cooper

The Heim Family

J. Philip & Shirley Hellwege

Mark R. Humphrey & Becky Humphrey

Ranken Jordan Pediatric Rehab

Mrs. Joyce L. Katz

Chris & Beth Kemph

Steven B. King

Dula Kobusch Charitable Trust

Robert & Jeanette Meyer

Ozark River Paddlers

Peters Family Charitable Fund

The Ruf Family

Carol J. Schreiner

Neal & Jayne Schroeder

The Simmons Foundation

Ginny Smith, Kent Smith & Debbie Ferrari

Mr. & Mrs. Grenville G. Sutcliffe

Ellen Walz Svenson

Susan O. Taylor

John & Susan Unnerstall

Harlene and Marvin Wool Foundation

Ms. Aleene S. Zawada

$9,999 – $5,000

Anonymous - 4

David Z. Becher

Dierberg Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Charles P. Gallagher

Jansing-Cook Foundation

Judy & Jerry Kent

Eugene & Connie King

Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas S. Kurten

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey M. McDonnell

Bonnie Moore

Dr. Stanely J. Niemann

Donal L. Ulrich

Carol & Timothy Wilson

$4,999 – $2,500

Anonymous

Ms. Elise Cady

Ann & Doc Cornwell

Galveston Chapter of the AAZK

Sandra K. Graham

Jane Habbegger

Gary A. Hansen & Linda D. Hansen

Dr. Katherine Kreusser

Brandi & Shawn Kutnik

Penguins International

David & Cheryl Poth

Mr. & Mrs. Edward M. Potter

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey Stokes

Tracy Family Foundation

Curtis & Mindy Voelkel

$2,499 – $1,000

Anonymous

Sherrie & Douglas Algren

Dr. & Mrs. Arthur I. Auer

John & Penelope Biggs

Kip & Kathleen Bilderback

Mrs. Barbara B. Cohn

William & Christina Cuppett

Terry Daniels & Jeanne Speroulias

Dr. George & Mrs. Jackie Dowell

Estate of Linda Droste

Mr. & Mrs. James M. Fiala

Cindy & Max Fisher

John Henry Foster and Bernadine Foster Foundation

Jackie Full

Dr. Cole Gilbert & Dr. Linda S. Rayor

Linda Godsey

Jonathan Gorday

Callie Halls

Nancy Hamilton & Jim Butler

Mr. & Mrs. Frederick O. Hanser

Mr. & Mrs. Ted Hellmuth

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Hutton

Mr. Dennis J. Jacknewitz

Lana Mueller Jordan

Mark R. & Virginia K. Koors

Kuhn Foundation

Anne G. & Harry J. Leschen

H. Smith & Janet McGehee

Ms. Lesley K. McIntire

Milton E. Mill

Dr. Robert Eric Miller & Dr. Mary Jean Gorse

Mrs. Mildred T. Moody

Ms. Maria A. Murphy

Needles’ Family Charitable Lead Trust

Gerald & Judith Potthoff

The Prufrock Foundation

David & Ruth Raterman

Ms. Ann M. Reckel

Eloise Ross

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Stone

Prof. Larry & Charlene Taber

TBE Architects

Walter R. Turner & Elizabeth A. Martin

Mr. & Mrs. William M. Uhlemeyer

Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign

Deborah Werner

Ms. Carol E. Wilson

Rachel & Corey Winkle

$999 – $250

Anonymous - 2

Cole Alves

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Barron

Sara & Brandon Belvin

Catherine S. Bollinger

William & Nancy Bourgeois

Sharon Bower

Mr. Joseph Burgoon

David & Christine Chadwick

Mike & Sue Darcy

Jan & Robert Dawson

Mr. & Mrs. David A. Deutsch

Jane Feigenbaum

Terry & Marjorie Franc

Mr. David R. Ganz

Randall & Katherine Germeraad

Mr. & Mrs. John Gianoulakis

Irene & Bob Gulovsen

Mr. Timothy Halls

Jeremy & Carrie Hanichak

Charles & Marilyn Hoessle

John & Judy Howell

Kristy Kennedy

Roger Kirkbride

Diane & Dane Kull

Ms. Rebecca S. Luce

Mr. & Mrs. Donn S. Lux

Michael Markowski & Diane Norman

David & Diane Mayo

The McAllister Family Foundation

Julia Moeller

Carolyn Moll

Mrs. Margie Moskoff

Mr. & Mrs. George D. Nelson

Dr. Charles E. & Susan Niesen

Shirley J. Norris

James L. & Lisa W. Nouss

Charles W. Oertli

Jo Annette Oertli

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Pierce

Claudia & Donald Pitchford

Mr. & Mrs. Eric Reifschneider

Ms. Linda R. Reifschneider

Nathan Schlatter & Deborah Ludden

Jerome & Susan Schlichter

Mrs. Sudie B. Shinkle

Albert & Patricia Sonntag

Spire

Chip Stone Charitable Fund

John S. Swift Family Charitable Trust

Timothy M. & Betty A. Vicente

Mrs. Barbara Wielansky

Chan Zuckerberg

The Saint Louis Zoo Development Office regrets any errors or omission of any gift.

If you would like to change your honor roll listing, contact Katie Meyers at meyers@stlzoo.org.

Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund

Donors providing the Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund with gifts of $25 or more between Nov. 1, 2023 – Jan. 31, 2024, to honor or memorialize events and loved ones include:

In Memory Of

Penelope Biggs

Mr. John Biggs

Van-Lear Black

Jansing-Cook Foundation

Susan Boren

Paula Clifton

Jenny Mansfield

Ron & Marsha Sergent

Betty L. Brand

Cheryl A. Chandler

Mr. & Mrs. Bill McWhorter

Brandon Schuessel

Valerie Welch

Ronald A. Brown

Clara E. Brown

Penneye Buesking

Eileen J. Allensworth & Arthur W. Allensworth

Ms. Kylene C. Blumeyer

Deatherage Family

Scott & Diane Fanning

Food Service Consultants

Paul & Peggy Herdlick

Mr. Robert S. Mackenzie

Mary Queen of Peace

Mary & Russell Marzorati

Diane Monahan

Terry L. & Mark Obermark

Phylis & Joseph Peluso

Ann L. Case

Mrs. Van-Lear Black III

Mrs. Josephine Dietz

Mrs. Jay Henges

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas S. Kurten

Mr. Philip H. Loughlin III

Nancy G. Maune

Mr. & Mrs. Addison B. Thomas

Patricia Dietz

Julia Moeller

Donna Elephant

Jane Habbegger

Ms. Linda R. Reifschneider

Derick L. Driemeyer

Patrick J. Arnall & Tommye Fleming

Leo P. Cremins & Jeanne Cremins

Mr. & Mrs. Phillip F. Dressel

Mrs. Gilbert G. Early

Terry & Marjorie Franc

Mr. Frank Gundlach

Carol Gusdorf

John & Judy Howell

Cecilia & Steve Hult

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Mr. & Mrs. Stuart J. Krawll

Gloria & Arthur Lash

Ann Lazerson

Jeanne & Buck Leyhe

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Lindenmayer

Mr. & Mrs. Donn S. Lux

Mrs. Margie Moskoff

Georgia O’Brien

Dr. & Mrs. Donald R. Oliver

Megan Pendergraff

Mr. & Mrs. Fred H. Perabo

Carol & John Spencer

Mrs. Ann Sullins

Elizabeth Teasdale

Virginia Watson

John C. Eck

Mrs. Phyllis J. Eck

Carol Faintich

Bebe Brasloff

Stephen D. Fieseler

Judith & Rich Burnham

Christopher J. Gaia

Greg & Katie Gaia

Arlene Gerber

Joseph & Kimberly Blomker

Marilyn P. Gilbert

Dr. Cole Gilbert & Dr. Linda S. Rayor

Sandra M. Greenberg

Tracy Bollinger & Betty Reinke

Jack Grisham

David & Christine Chadwick

Michelle L. Gelven

Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Hoessle

Michael & Glenna Hughes

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Ali Kochtanek

Catherine Langreder

Betty A. Maag

Mary Alice Ryan

The Lab at Valley View Hospital – Lynn Ellis

Deborah Werner

Bonnie B. Halls

Randall & Katherine Germeraad

Callie Halls

Kristy Kennedy

Nancy J. & C. G. Lynn

Dr. Karen E. Ruecker & Dr. Adam C. Eaton

Douglas Tomey

Timothy M. & Betty A. Vicente

Griffin D. Heiney

Michele Miller

Ursula Henson

Ron & Carol Jablonski

Jeff Hinson

Ms. Ann Bateman

Ms. Terri Combs

Donald W. Hounsom

Rachel Anderson

David & Sara Brakensiek

Steve & Karen Csik

Jacqueline Dunlap

Alana Lanzendorf

Francis Ruzicka

Bob Huskey

Roberta S. Poor

Elizabeth Jablonski

Ron & Carol Jablonski

George F. Koob

Meredith Davis

Blair & Margaret Fortner

Vicki & Richard Lane

Jeffrey Korn

Howard & Shelli Berger

Barbara J. Macke

Jon Becker

Ms. Eleanor Hecht

Ms. Gertrude A. Whitmer

Mikah T. Martin

Stephanie K. Pencek

Sebastian Moss

Lewis & Clark Elementary School

Steve W. Norris

Beth Riedler

Daisy L. Oberle

Mary & William Barrett

Percy

Danny & Katie Veliz

Patricia A. Schneider

Tina & Curt Alger

Theresa & Travis Gerard

Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert

Nordwald

Ted Schamma

Mary Ann Siebelts

Ronald & Priscilla Kosednar

Rivie Soll

Gary A. Hansen & Linda D. Hansen

Nan Steffen

Joelle Vallort

James E. Terry

Brandon Cox

Linda A. Tripodi

Christine & Thomas Fogarty

George P. Vierheller

John G. Jordan & Nancy Jordan

Terra Yeargain

Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Wainwright

In Honor Of

Zach Bayne

Meghan Gerard

Rebecca Belvin

Sara & Brandon Belvin

Chan Zuckerberg

Ms. Barbara B. Cook

Mr. Charles W. Cook, Jr.

Miriam Dennison

Mackenzie Smetana

John & Laura Ellis

Donna R. Ellis

Elizabeth Goss

Dr. Charles S. & Mrs. Carolyn Furfine

Eric Furfine

Judy Glazer

Martin & Amy Gallagher

Mrs. Janis G. Goldstein

Dr. & Mrs. Burton

M. Needles

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Mrs. Nicholas S. Kurten

Dr. Nicholas T. Kouchoukos

Mr. & Mrs. James R. Lippert

Patricia M. Phillipe

Robin Kraujalis

Affinity Law Group

David Kreher

Scott Kreher

Mr. & Mrs. Cary R. Lang

Susan Schwartz

James & Donna Leonard

Sherrie & Douglas Algren

Marsha Lobel

Renee & Steve Hammel

Mrs. Joyce L. Margulis

Dr. Leslie J. Friedman

Ms. Alicia S. McDonnell

Mr. & Mrs. Jeffrey M. McDonnell

Mac McKeever

Beth Bray

Christopher McQuitty

Barbara McQuitty

Joseph T. & Sharon Miller

Mr. Timothy Halls

Roberta S. Poor

Ann Cary

Joan A. Ranson

Carolyn K. Crecelius

Ted Schnuck

Suzanne & Kenneth Shaw

Joel & Barbara Schwartz

Paul Hamtil

Weston Stoddard

Tina Busche

Lori A. Sullivan

Affinity Law Group

Tharpe Grandchildren

Mrs. Lisa W. Nouss

Mrs. Valerie O. Wall

Cindy & Max Fisher

Kevin Walter & Zakyra Meyer

Lisa Greening & Sam Blumoff

Add some GLOW to your home!

We hope you’ll visit us at Animals Aglow this spring, which showcases largerthan-life animal installations and tells a story about how we can help biodiversity shine bright (see article on page 12 to learn how you can help di erent wildlife). If you’d like to bring a little luminous Zoo flair to your home, check out how you can make your own paper lantern.

WHAT YOU NEED: INSTRUCTIONS:

White or Brown Paper Bag(s)

Scissors

Pencil

Markers (optional)

Battery-powered Light(s)

Rocks or Kitty Litter

Cut out the shapes on the following page with scissors. BONUS: Color them with markers before cutting for some extra fun!

Trace the shapes onto both sides of the paper bag with a pencil, staying away from the bottom area of the bag.

BONUS: Add some extra color to your paper bags with markers!

With help from an adult, use scissors to carefully cut the shapes out of the paper bag.

Place a battery-powered light and rocks or kitty litter inside of the paper bag.

Put the lanterns out in your yard at night and watch the animals glow!

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cut along the dotted lines ✃

One Government Drive St. Louis, MO 63110

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Nature’s Recyclers

American burying beetles act as a “clean-up crew” for the ecosystem. They find dead animals, bury them in the ground (hence their name), lay their eggs nearby and eat the carcasses.

© stlzoo, Saint Louis Zoo, 2024

Photo by Ray Meibaum