Summer in St. Louis isn’t complete without a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo. Despite the hot weather, there are plenty of opportunities to stay cool. Mornings and evenings are the best times to beat the heat; through Aug. 18, our doors open at 8 a.m. every day and remain open until 6:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Buildings with indoor habitats — including Penguin & Puffin Coast at 45 degrees Fahrenheit — offer respite from the summer sun. And, if you’re at least 21, get tickets for Jammin’ at the Zoo, which offers entertainment and beer and wine tastings during the cooler evening hours on Friday, Aug. 23.
As you can see, stlzoo magazine has a new look! We’re excited to continue delivering stories about animals, conservation and sustainability, and Zoo events in this refreshed design. And if you prefer a digital copy, feel free to opt in via email or let us know at membership@stlzoo.org.
This summer issue has a strong focus on our conservation efforts and research. Our cover story features beautiful imagery from Kenya; several of our team members travelled to census Grevy’s zebra through the Great Grevy’s Rally. By photographing the zebras and cataloging individuals via their stripe patterns, experts can tally their numbers and make the best decisions on how to conserve them. This work is a perfect example of how we care for animals both at the Zoo and around the world.
Speaking of how we care for animals, your visit to the Zoo helps us immeasurably. Learning about the animals, issues they face, and how you can help them and their habitats aids in their conservation. In our article on page 12, see some of the animals featured in our new advertising campaign, their unique adaptations and how we’re working to save them.
Our other top stories focus on our research. Have you fed one of the giraffes lately? Ever wonder what the animals think about the new experience? Check out the research from our Animal Welfare Scientist on page 18. And on page 20, read about groundbreaking research on endangered Galapagos tortoises. The studies were co-led by our Director of the Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine.
As always, thank you for supporting the Saint Louis Zoo. Stay cool, and we hope to see you for a visit soon.
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
Jerald L. Kent
Robert F. O’Loughlin
Neal F. Perryman
Dana Tucker Redwing
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
Jason Janisse
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
in this issue
Did you know...
Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is open for the season! Find out how we care for the animals in this aquatic habitat.
How do conservationists count wild zebras?
Keeper Jeremy Martin recounts the Zoo’s role in a two-day photographic census of Grevy’s zebras in Kenya.
Understand conservation up close
Just like us, most animals experience the world through the five senses. Meet some animals featured in our new commercial and learn about their unique adaptations plus our conservation efforts for their species.
Giraffe feedings: what do the animals think?
Ever wonder what the animals think of the new giraffe feeding experience? Data paints a picture of their perceptions!
Conserving Galapagos tortoises
Wildlife veterinarian Dr. Sharon Deem co-led groundbreaking studies on endangered Galapagos tortoises. Read about her journey and research. On the cover
Grevy’s zebra
Photo by Ray Meibaum 4 20 18 6 12
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. Managing Editor: Rebecca McMiller; Editorial Assistance: Billy Brennan, Jill Gordon, Kirby Meyer, Elaine Vydra; Graphic Design: McCord Design Group; Contributing Photographer: Ray Meibaum; 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.
membership updates
Hi, Zoo members! In this section, we’ll briefly highlight top Zoo happenings in July, August and September 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
Get pumped for Jammin’ at the Zoo on Friday, Aug. 23
Your favorite beer and wine tasting is back for 2024, now on a Friday for a better late-night experience (TGIF!). Sip and savor adult beverages at stations throughout the Zoo while buzzing to the beat of live music. Food is available for purchase. Zoo members receive discounted admission! Learn more at stlzoo.org/jammin.
Traveling this summer? You may receive discounts at another zoo!
The Saint Louis Zoo partners with other Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) organizations to provide a list of over 100 reciprocal partners. As a Zoo member, you receive free or discounted admission to other AZA organizations that participate in the AZA Reciprocal Admissions Program. Please visit our website for the AZA reciprocal partner listing.
Member discount on fall programs
Registration for our Zoo fall programs is open, and remember, members receive a discount! See our catalog starting on page 24, or check stlzoo.org/education for all our programs.
Attractions and experiences
Caricatures
$2 discount per person with a membership card
Giraffe Feedings
$2 discount per person with a membership card
Learn more about giraffe feedings at stlzoo.org/giraffefeedings
Sea Lion Show presented by Together Credit Union
Daily through Aug. 25, 2024, plus Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 31 – Sept. 2); Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: Sept. 6 – Oct. 27, 2024
Included in member tickets
Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes
Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Daily through Nov. 10, 2024
Included in premium member tickets
Winging It
Daily through Aug. 25, 2024, plus Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 31 – Sept. 2)
Included in member tickets
Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes
did you
From the spirited cownose stingrays to the colossal southern stingrays — plus the bamboo sharks — Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is an aquatic adventure. Stingrays are some of the few animals you can touch (and even feed!) during your visit. Here are some ways we care for these fishy friends ...
A healthy diet of scrumptious seafood
The stingrays’ diet includes capelin, squid, shrimp, mackerel, silversides and krill. Bamboo sharks eat a similar diet, but they’re fed on long poles, so they don’t associate fingers with food (they’re fed only by keepers). Keepers ensure the animals get enough food between what staff provide and what guests feed them. Keepers also do scatter feedings — tossing food around the habitat for the animals to practice foraging behavior — which is something the stingrays and sharks would do in the wild.
you know?
Safe touch and stinger care
Safety is a top priority, so Zoo team members always are present at the habitat. They ensure guests touch in a way that’s safe and positive for both them and the animals.
Most of the time, the stingrays enjoy human interaction and seek out being touched; however, if they want some space, they can choose to swim in the center of the pool.
And what about those stingers? Stingrays have barbs attached to their tails that they use only for defense.
They have nothing to defend themselves against at the Zoo, but just to be safe, keepers trim the barb as it grows, much like you would trim your fingernails.
More than just water
The habitat is more complex than what meets the eye. The water is tested regularly to ensure oxygen levels remain high and waste levels remain low. The water goes through an elaborate filtration system about three times an hour, and the temperature is monitored so it stays around 77 degrees.
Visit the stingrays
If you’re a member at the Family/Grandparent level or higher, use your premium member tickets to enjoy Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, now open until Nov. 10!
You also can visit stlzoo.org to find stingray-related programs, like Day with the Rays and Wade with the Rays.
Cownose stingray
HOW DO conservationists COUNT
WILD ZEBRAS?
BY JEREMY MARTIN, KEEPER, SAINT LOUIS ZOO WILDCARE PARK
PHOTOS BY LESLIE GARNER, GREGORY A. LINTON, JEREMY MARTIN & NATALIA MROZ
Above: A Grevy’s zebra at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
A colorful sunrise in Samburu County, Kenya
1 ZEBRA... 2 ZEBRAS... 3 ZEBRAS...
I think that’s what my friends and family imagined when I told them I was going to Kenya to count zebras. But the work of the January 2024 trip through the Saint Louis Zoo was a little more complex than that.
Every two years, the Kenya Wildlife Service facilitates the Great Grevy’s Rally, a photographic census that gauges how many Grevy’s zebras remain in Northern Kenya today. It’s an important way to measure the impact of conservation efforts around this endangered species.
Around 2,500 Grevy’s zebras remain in the wild, according to current estimates. At one time, the species was found in all five countries that make up the Horn of Africa, but they can be found in only
two today: Ethiopia and Kenya, with 90% living in the latter, where the Rally takes place.
Zoo team members have traveled to take part in the Rally since its inception in 2016 at the invitation of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust — the Zoo’s conservation partner in Northern Kenya. This year, I was one of six Zoo team members who took part, along with a colleague from the Birmingham Zoo.
Grevy’s zebras are already living at Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park, where I work as a keeper, but this trip gave me a much deeper understanding of their native habitat, natural behavior and the Zoo’s contribution to ongoing efforts to protect them in the wild.
The Zoo team on a morning hike near Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
When zebras stand together, it can be difficult to count how many there are due to their stripe camouflage
EACH HAS A unique STRIPE PATTERN, KIND OF LIKE A NATURAL BAR CODE.
THE RALLY
The Great Grevy’s Rally began Jan. 27 and lasted two days.
Our Zoo group was divided into pairs and assigned large swaths of habitat where we would search for as many zebras as we could find, traveling the bumpy terrain in safari vehicles.
When my group spotted zebras through the scrubby vegetation, we’d take a quick count. The challenge was to
then obtain photos of the right side of every animal. Each zebra has a unique stripe pattern, kind of like a natural bar code, that can be used to tell each animal apart and differentiate them from other species. Grevy’s have thin stripes and a white belly. Plains zebras, also in the area, have thicker stripes that go all the way around their body.
Zoo team members Martha Fischer, Leslie Garner and Jeremy Martin
As we approached the zebra herds, it was hard to get a good count right away. This year was surprisingly lush and green. Northern Kenya has been experiencing worsening droughts over the last decade. As we moved through the thorny bushes, more Grevy’s zebras would appear. Foals, pregnant mares and young stallions were all around us, grazing and dust bathing. Other surprises, like blackbacked jackals and gerenuk, were hiding in the greenery, too.
The photos we took of the Grevy’s zebras will be put into an A.I. program that analyzes each pattern and calculates a rough estimate of how many individual Grevy’s zebras remain in the region.
Each of our three Zoo teams saw an average of about 80 zebras both days of the survey. In total, 120 teams and over 600 people participated in the Rally, taking more than 14,000 photos! We can’t wait to find out the results of the Rally when the analysis is complete!
Two young Grevy’s zebra foals
The team left camp at dawn and got back at dusk on both days of the Rally
TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE
Apart from the Rally, we spent our time in Kenya getting a look into the Zoo’s ongoing conservation work guided by my supervisor, Martha Fischer, General Curator of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park and Director of the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Conservation in the Horn of Africa.
Martha has a long history of caring for Grevy’s zebras. She is a co-founder of the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, the world’s only nonprofit devoted solely to conserving the species. She also serves as the Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan Coordinator for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Because of her love of the species, Kenya is one of Martha’s favorite places in the world. She told us this trip was like “coming home.”
After working with her for years, it was inspirational to see the results of her work through the Zoo and the Grevy’s Zebra Trust in person.
At first glance, much of that work is focused on the people of Northern Kenya. Martha explained, “If you take care of the people in the area, they’ll take care of the wildlife.” Many people in this region are members of the Samburu tribe and have a culture of nomadic pastoralism. This way of living works well with wildlife conservation. Their livelihoods are tied to domesticated animals such as goats, camels, cattle and donkeys. Instead of fencing acres of land and keeping these animals in pens, they travel around the grasslands with them. This also means less habitat is fenced off from wild animals due to human settlement.
But it’s not easy today to survive through livestock herding alone. Drought and overgrazing have both become problems for the people and wildlife of the area.
The Center for Conservation in the Horn of Africa
The Grevy’s Zebra Trust Grassland Champions explain their landscape restoration initiatives
Keepers Taylor Woods and Jeremy Martin from the Saint Louis Zoo with Birmingham Zoo colleague Amy Toman
supports education programs that teach people in the area conservation skills that give them access to other means of income. The Grevy’s Zebra Trust employs local women who historically have been unable to have jobs or own property. They track wildlife, make female sanitary pads, and craft jewelry and art with glass beads.
Ngeti Lempate, a woman known as “Mama Grevy,” leads a group of Samburu women the Trust calls “Grassland Champions.” Herds of both wild and domesticated animals repeatedly grazing the same areas for centuries have taken a toll on the grasslands. The Grassland Champions help prevent this damage to the zebra’s habitat by stacking branches from thorny bushes to make grazing-exclusion zones so that the land can rest and grass can regrow. They also make dirt ridges in the terrain to slow rainwater and allow it to soak into the soil. The visible change in the grass quality in these areas is remarkable!
The women hope to teach more Samburu people about their discoveries. They’re running the project with limited resources. Without vehicles of their own, most travel is done on foot or with the coordination of Grevy’s Zebra Trust’s team and vehicles.
All these programs help people and wildlife coexist. Droughts continue to severely endanger the lives of pregnant and lactating Grevy’s zebras that need to drink every day, but this work gives hope that the Grevy’s zebra population could grow.
Now we must wait for the results of the Great Grevy’s Rally to see if that hope is a reality.
Everyone in our group left Kenya with a deeper understanding of the human aspect of conservation and an immense pride in the Zoo’s impressive partnerships and substantial impact in this beautiful region that’s home
A mother Grevy’s zebra nuzzles her young foal
The Grevy’s Zebra Trust employs women as scouts to collect data on the zebras and other species in the area
UNDERSTAND CONSERVATION
UP CL
CONSERVATION
CL SE
By Rebecca McMiller, Marketing Communications Manager
Photos by Ray Meibaum, JoEllen Toler and Robin Winkelman
Visits to the Saint Louis Zoo are impactful. As a member, the Zoo probably has made an impression on you in some way. Everyone who visits the Zoo experiences it through a unique perspective. One person may see, hear, smell, taste and feel something different than the next person. However you know the Zoo, you are taking part in something bigger when you visit ... you are helping our animal care and conservation work.
Just one free visit to the Zoo allows people to learn about animals and the issues they face, as well as how they can make positive impacts for wildlife and conservation. All this increases empathy for the natural world and inspires next-generation conservationists.
In June, we debuted a new commercial that celebrates the Zoo from a variety of perspectives, including the diversity among animals in our care and our grander mission of conservation. Here we’ve spotlighted some of the animals you may see throughout our advertising campaign and the special senses they use to experience the world.
Scan to view our commercial & experience conservation up close.
HEAR
A HONKING
When walking toward the center of the Zoo, you might hear a distinct “honk!” coming from the lake. This is a vocalization from the trumpeter swans, which are the largest of all waterfowl species. They make this calling sound to keep track of their family group or to warn of a threat.
Our conservation
Two trumpeter swans that hatched at the Zoo in May 2023 made an important journey to Oregon this past spring. As of this writing, they will be released to a wildlife area as part of a newly formed flock of trumpeter swans from nine zoos across the country. The wild trumpeter swan population has decreased dramatically in Oregon, and experts hope these zoo-hatched swans will help grow a self-sustaining, wild population in the state.
A ROARING AFRICAN LION:
“I’m Ingozi ... hear me roar!” African lions Ingozi and Cabara reside in Big Cat Country, and their roars can be heard from 5 miles away. They are mostly vocal early in the morning and in the evening. Male lions tend to have more powerful roars and will do so when defending their territory or showing their dominance.
Our conservation work:
Conflicts with humans and livestock are a threat to their survival in Africa. The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute partners with Lion Landscapes, which develops communitybased solutions to enable better coexistence between people and wildlife. One example is its community camera trapping program. Residents monitor wildlife via photography, and in return, people receive benefits like health care and education.
Watch our conservation work for trumpeter swans!
TRUMPETER SWAN:
work:
SMELL
A sniffing Asian elephant:
The elephant is often recognized for its trunk, which is their upper lip and nose extended to the ground. In addition to feeding and drinking, an elephant’s trunk is used for smelling. Their sense of smell is extremely sensitive — they can detect water from miles away and can determine the reproductive status of other elephants.
Our conservation work:
Our conservation work:
Since 2005, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute has contributed financial and in-kind support to elephant conservation, protection, education and research programs in Asia. And our Asian elephant family is growing ... Jade is expecting her first calf in late 2024 or early 2025! This calf will be an important addition to the endangered Asian elephant population.
curious Malagasy ground boa:
Snakes are often known for their “sss-slithering” tongues, which they use to smell and detect mates and food nearby. Chemical molecules stick to the forks of the tongue. When the snake brings the tongue back into its mouth, the chemical particles are transferred to the Jacobson’s organ, located on the roof of the snake’s mouth, which helps interpret airborne smells.
Our conservation work:
Our Zoo has a long history of conserving snakes. In addition to participating in Species Survival Plans for various species, the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute works to conserve reptiles and amphibians in biodiversity hotspots.
A
A MUNCHING ALDABRA
TORTOISE:
Aldabra tortoises love plants and grasses. They also eat veggies like cucumbers in human care. While they mostly eat greenery, they also will eat carcasses of dead crabs and other tortoises in the wild (aren’t you glad you didn’t see that in the commercial?).
Our conservation work:
Aldabra tortoises are threatened in the wild. We support this species in the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium. The Zoo also conducts research for other threatened tortoise species (see page 20 to learn about our wildlife veterinarian’s Galapagos tortoise research).
FEELFEEEL TASTE
A FISH-LOVING CALIFORNIA
SEA LION:
Seafood special, anyone? California sea lions can eat over 30 pounds of food per day. Their diet includes mackerel, rockfish, sardines, squid and anchovies.
Our conservation work:
Keeping oceans clean is one of the most important ways to help sea lions. We encourage guests to take our #byetobags pledge and switch to reusable bags, which helps keep oceans free of litter (a California sea lion is our #byetobags program’s
A GLIDING COWNOSE STINGRAY:
Cownose stingrays are active swimmers and glide about their pool most of the day. At Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, some cownose stingrays even swim while sleeping, while others quiet down and rest at the bottom of the pool.
Our conservation work:
Ocean animals are often accidentally caught during commercial fishing for other fish. It’s important that consumers purchase seafood from suppliers that farm or fish in ways that will help the long-term health of the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes. We promote the Seafood Watch program for sustainable options to our guests.
SEE
A PROUD WESTERN LOWLAND GORILLA:
They like to live large! Gorillas are the biggest primate in the world; males can reach up to 500 pounds. Adult male gorillas are known as “silverbacks.” Bachelor groups are groups of silverbacks and young adult male gorillas that live and travel together and are a type of social group commonly found in the wild.
Our conservation work:
We support a bachelor troop of gorillas and participate in the Species Survival Plan for western lowland gorillas. Additionally, through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, we’re developing conservation policies and local leadership to ensure the long-term survival of chimpanzees and gorillas in the Congo Basin.
A MAJESTIC GREVY’S ZEBRA:
Like a human fingerprint, zebra stripes are unique to each animal. Grevy’s zebras have some unique characteristics that differ from other zebras. They don’t form permanent herds, they have narrower stripes, are taller and have white bellies (other zebras have stripes all over).
Our conservation work:
In addition to participating in the Grevy’s Zebra Species Survival Plan — our Zoo has welcomed over 30 foals in the last 50 years, including a new foal at Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park — we support Grevy’s zebras through the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute. (See page 6 to read about our team’s recent fieldwork trip for Grevy’s zebras in Kenya.)
Giraffe feedings: what do the animals think?
By Ashley Edes, Ph.D., Animal Welfare Scientist
The Saint Louis Zoo offered guests a new way to get up close and personal with animals beginning in the summer of 2023 — giraffe feedings! Guests loved the opportunity to meet the giraffes face to face, but the Zoo team wanted to know: What do the animals think of the new experience?
We wanted to ensure the feedings were positive for both guests and the giraffe herd alike. But while people can tell us what they think, we had to use other methods to track the well-being of the giraffes in the Zoo’s care.
Giraffe movement
The way animals use their space can tell us a lot. Just like us, animals have certain areas they love to spend time in. When an animal spends at least some
time in all parts of a habitat, we know they feel comfortable in their space and are engaging in physical activity.
When the Zoo started giraffe feedings, we wanted to make sure that the tasty lettuce treats during the experience didn’t cause giraffes to linger in the area near the feeding platform hoping for some crispy romaine at non-feeding times. We didn’t want the new experience to reduce use of the rest of the habitat or inhibit the performance of important behaviors such as natural foraging or social interaction.
So when the giraffe feedings began, the Zoo’s Research Department staff and interns conducted observations of the giraffes three times each day to gather data on where they spent
their time before, between and after the twice-daily feedings.
We used a program called ZooMonitor, developed by Lincoln Park Zoo for recording behavior in zoo animals, to plot each giraffe’s location on a map of the habitat drawn up by the Zoo’s Creative Services Department (studying animals truly takes a village!).
With this habitat map loaded into the program, we marked the location of each giraffe at one-minute intervals during the observation periods. While each data point alone doesn’t tell us much, ZooMonitor combines them together to generate heat maps, showing us the bigger picture of how frequently the animals occupy areas in the habitat.
Zoo guest participates in a giraffe feeding
Results
So where do the giraffes spend their time? Turns out, they go just about everywhere!
The animals do show a preference for being near their barn where food is provided for foraging, but they also spend time in other parts of the outdoor space.
The maps also include insight into each animal’s personality.
For example, Honey’s map shows that she is quite exploratory, suggesting she may be more confident and bolder. Luna’s heat map indicates that she sticks closer to the barn and may be shyer and more cautious. This lines up with what we observed in the giraffe feedings too, where Honey eagerly participated almost every single day, while Luna was more selective about when she joined in. Giving the animals the choice over whether to participate in the giraffe feedings is an important part of ensuring their well-being.
Research interns Mackenzie Fisher (left) and Cassidy Sadowski (right) conducting behavioral observations of the Zoo’s giraffe herd in summer 2023.
Heat maps show space use for the giraffes. Redder/warmer colors indicate areas more frequently occupied, while bluer/cooler colors indicate areas less frequently occupied. Top: space use for all giraffes; Bottom left: Honey’s space use; Bottom right: Luna’s space use.
Conserving Galapagos Tortoises
Sharon L. Deem, DVM, Ph.D., DACZM; Director, Saint Louis Zoo Institute for Conservation Medicine; and Director, Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Center for Chelonian Conservation
Galapagos tortoises are gentle giants and iconic species. Sadly, the two species found on Santa Cruz Island are critically endangered. The Saint Louis Zoo’s long-standing work in the Galapagos resulted in three well-received scientific papers. The work was led by me and Dr. Stephen Blake, Professor of Biology at Saint Louis University and adjunct scientist with the Saint Louis Zoo. In these papers, we offer insight into the challenges these animals face, and more importantly, we offer possible solutions that may help us conserve these reptiles.
Here are the key findings from our research:
Invasive trees block migration.
In a paper published in “Ecology and Evolution,” we looked at how the invasive Cedrela tree influences the migratory
patterns of western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises.
Intentionally introduced to Santa Cruz Island in the 1940s, Cedrela has biological and ecological traits that make it a highly successful invader. It’s currently one of the most widely distributed invasive trees in Galapagos. Using GPS telemetry placed on the upper shell of the tortoises, we were able to track 140 migratory journeys of 25 Galapagos tortoises over 12 years.
Giant tortoises are known to migrate up the hills to greener pastures in the dry season, which is how they often encounter dense stands of the invasive Cedrela tree. We saw a clear avoidance pattern of Cedrela forest by the tortoises, with migrations overwhelmingly restricted to small corridors between blocks of Cedrela forest. Only 12 of 140 migrations
traversed extensive Cedrela stands. This indicates that the trees are a significant disruption to the tortoises’ natural habitat and migratory pathways.
We conclude our study with high-level recommendations for local management authorities, including revising the local legal framework, establishing an integrated research agenda and convening expert workshops to prioritize conservation actions.
Environmental conditions affect reproduction.
In a second comprehensive decade-long study published in “Ecological Monographs,” we highlighted the reproductive ecology of Galapagos tortoises and shed light on the impact of environmental variation on reproduction and survival. For this study, we focused on
Galapagos tortoise. Credit: Juan Manuel García (Charles Darwin Foundation)
Santa Cruz Island’s two critically endangered giant tortoise species, Chelonoidis porteri and Chelonoidis donfaustoi.
Migratory and long-lived, we know that Galapagos tortoises face many challenges, including anthropogenic threats (environmental changes influenced by people) and that their cryptic early life stages result in many unknowns. We took a multi-faceted approach, involving the measurement of body and reproductive characteristics of 166 adult females, tracking 33 adult females using GPS technology, and recording nest temperatures and assessing egg survival from 107 nests. Additionally, we used radio telemetry to monitor the growth, survival and movements of 104 hatchlings.
One of our key findings of this study was that differences in environmental conditions affect important aspects of the tortoises’ lives, such as how many eggs the females produce and how many eggs and hatchlings survive. As partial migrators, some adult females migrate
between lower and higher elevations, while others stay in low elevation areas year-round. We found that tortoises that migrate have overall better health, as assessed via body condition (the body mass of an individual relative to its body length).
We also found that, although nests are found along an elevational gradient from sea level to 165 meters above sea level, hatchling survival is highest from nests laid in the middle elevations. This long-term study, with 10 years of data on environmental conditions, tortoise movement, reproductive fitness and health, offers valuable information. We hope this information helps to ensure giant tortoises thrive in the Galapagos while addressing anthropogenic challenges they face in the 21st century.
Climate change may affect the sex of offspring.
In the third study, we looked at the sex of hatchlings from nests along the elevational gradient, sea level to 165 meters above sea level from the western species,
Chelonoidis porteri. We demonstrated that where a female lays her eggs along this gradient influences the sex of her offspring.
Eggs laid in nests closer to sea level tended to result in female offspring, while nests in the highlands result in hatchlings more likely to be male. (Here might be a good time to tell you that Galapagos tortoises have a temperature-dependent sex determination. This means that eggs incubated at warmer temperatures result in females and at cooler temperatures in males.)
Our findings from this study suggest that ongoing global climate change is likely to play an important role in determining the reproductive output of Galapagos tortoises, and the resulting sex ratios of the population.
We’re so pleased that our decade-plus of walking the trails of the Galapagos “chasing” tortoises has resulted in data that may help with how to best ensure the long-term survival of these amazing reptiles of the archipelago.
Dr. Sharon Deem has some “office” time during fieldwork
Dr. Stephen Blake places a GPS tag on a Galapagos tortoise
Winging It
Dates: Daily May 24 –Aug. 25, 2024
Price: Members: Included in member/premium member tickets; General: $3.95/person; Children under age 2: Free
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. Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes.
HullabaZoo presented by your Mid America Chevy Dealers
Dates: Thursdays, July 11 and 25, Aug. 8 and 22, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Price: Free
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.
Prairie Farms Dairy Summer Zoo Weekends
From May 28 to Aug. 18, there will be extended hours for more Zoo fun!
See hours on page 23.
Caturday
Dates: Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Price: Free
Learn all about zoo cats, including the various threats they face and how we can help them. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.
Sip and savor wine and beer samples and enjoy a trio of DJs performing at this adults-only event! Jammin’ at the Zoo is hosted by the Zoo Young Professionals (ZYP), a group of adults in their 20s and 30s dedicated to the continued success of the Zoo. Sponsored by Breakthru Beverage Missouri, Urban Chestnut Brewing Company, your Mid America Chevy Dealers and Coca-Cola.
Sea Lion Show presented by Together Credit Union
Dates: Daily through Aug. 25, 2024, plus Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2024); Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays: Sept. 6 – Oct. 27, 2024
Price: Members: Included in member/premium member tickets; General: $3.95/person; Children under age 2: Free
Sea lion superstars will thrill you with jumps and lots of splashing! Visit stlzoo.org for showtimes.
School Spirit Day
Dates: Sept. 25, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Price: Free
Join us for special activities and show your school spirit!
Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.
the happenings
Cheetah
happenings
Dates: Sept. 25, 2024
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Price: Free
This event is for education professionals (teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, homeschool parents) to learn more about the Zoo’s educational programs. Learn more and RSVP yourself and immediate household members at stlzoo.org (RSVPs are required for entry to the Zoo that evening).
Zootoberfest 21 Kickoff Party
Dates: Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
Time: 6-10 p.m.
Price: ZYP Members: $25, Members $35, Non-members: $45
Age: Adults 21+ only
Join us as we kick off Zootoberfest with an adults-only beer tasting event! Don your lederhosen and sample beers from around the world while enjoying traditional German music from a local polka band, followed by a DJ. Prost! Sponsored by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 28-29 and Oct. 5-6, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Enjoy a Zoo-themed, family-friendly Oktoberfest! Take advantage of cooler weather and visit the Zoo’s animals, exhibits and attractions. Sponsored by Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.
Build First Aid Kits at the Zoo
Dates: Thursdays through Oct. 31, 2024
Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Price: Free
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).
Stingrays at Caribbean Cove presented by SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital
Dates: Through Nov. 10, 2024
Price: Members: Included in premium member tickets; General: $4.95/person; Children under age 2: Free
Guests can enjoy a hands-on opportunity to touch and feed these gentle ocean creatures.
Hours
May 28 through Aug. 18, 2024
Sunday – Thursday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday –Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2024
8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Aug. 19-30, 2024
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 23, 2024
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Zoo closes early for Jammin’ at the Zoo
Labor Day Weekend (SaturdayMonday, Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2024)
8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 3 through Oct. 8, 2024
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 27, 2024
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Details are subject to change. Please visit stlzoo.org for the latest information.
Northern pintail
education programs
August 2024 through April 2025
Early Childhood Programs
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fees are listed PER CHILD.
All Early Childhood programs are designed for you and your child to learn about animals and explore the natural world together. We encourage you to interact with, and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. Programs are interactive and may include songs and stories, art opportunities, role-playing games, handson investigations and more. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
FOR CHILDREN AGES 6–12 MONTHS
NOTE: These programs are designed for caregivers to interact with, and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child. Fee: Zoo Members $26/ General Public $29.
Lumpy, Bumpy, Fuzzy, Furry
What has bumps? What has lumps? What is fuzzy and furry? Join us for a touch and feel exploration of animal coverings. We will even make a keepsake handprint craft to take home.
C1123LB: Nov. 23 (Sa); 9-10 a.m.
FOR CHILDREN AGES 12–24 MONTHS
NOTE: These programs are designed for caregivers to interact with, and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child. Fee: Zoo Members $26/ General Public $29.
Romp & Stomp
Can you romp like a squirrel or stomp like a rhino? We will act like animals as we explore what they do and how they move.
C0929RS: Sept. 29 (Su); 9-10 a.m.
Penguin and Puffin Pals
Dive into the wonderful world of these beautiful black and white birds. Discover what they eat, how they move and more. Then we will visit these amazing creatures at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
C0104PP: Jan. 4 (Sa); 9-10 a.m.
FOR CHILDREN AGES 2–3
NOTE: These programs are designed for caregivers to interact with, and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs.
Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child. Fee: Zoo Members $26/ General Public $29.
Bugapalooza
Explore the teeny tiny world of butterflies, beetles and more. We will visit the Missouri Meadow to look for insects and take home native plant seeds to attract bugs to our own outdoor spaces.
C0921BP: Sept. 21 (Sa); 9-10 a.m.
Hiss, Growl, Squawk
Roar like a lion, squawk like a hornbill and chatter like a chimp. Animals communicate in different ways! We will explore stinky smells, bright colors and make noises as we learn how animals send each other messages.
C1013HG: Oct. 13 (Su); 9-10 a.m.
Bear Buddies
Grizzly bear, polar bear, what do you see? Find out what it’s like to be a bear as we crawl into a bear den, forage for food, play in the snow and make bear art. We’ll take a walk over to Grizzly Ridge and Polar Bear Point to see our bear buddies here at the Zoo.
C1109BB: Nov. 9 (Sa); 9-10 a.m.
Animal Adventure
What do animals eat? Where do they live? How do we know they are healthy? We’ll explore all kinds of animals, while playing pretend and imagining ourselves as zookeepers, vets, scientists and more.
C1208AA: Dec. 8 (Su); 9-10 a.m.
Herp, Herp Hooray
Who lives at the Herpetarium? Reptiles and amphibians galore — come explore lizards, snakes, frogs and more! In this class, we will learn all about our scaly and slimy friends through sensory exploration and imaginative play.
C0125HH: Jan. 25 (Sa); 9-10 a.m.
Tale of a Tail
Long and short, wide and thin, stripy too — tails come in all different shapes and sizes. We’ll try out different tails to discover which animals have tails and how they use them.
C0202TT: Feb. 2 (Su); 9-10 a.m.
FOR CHILDREN AGES 3–5
NOTE: These programs are designed for caregivers to interact with, and help facilitate the learning of the registered program participant. In order to best serve all of our Early Childhood participants, unregistered children may not participate in the programs. Limited to 14 children, with 1-2 adults attending per child. Fee: Zoo Members $28/ General Public $31
Swamp Life
What’s so special about a swamp? In this class, we will explore the features of this unique habitat and learn about the many different kinds of animals that live there. We will even visit the Saint Louis Zoo’s Cypress Swamp to meet some unusual ducks and aquatic birds.
C0914SL: Sept. 14 (Sa); 9-10:30 a.m.
Wonderful Wolves
Join the pack as we explore wolves and other cool canines! We will learn about the endangered American red wolves living at the Saint Louis Zoo’s Sears Lehmann Jr. Wildlife Reserve in Franklin County and the special ways the Zookeepers there care for them.
C1006WW: Oct. 6 (Su); 9-10:30 a.m.
Superhero Science
Who can glide from tree to tree? Who can transform to protect themselves? Who has super senses? Find out as we conduct exciting experiments to learn more about cool creatures. We will even create our own animal super heroes to take home.
C1026SS: Oct. 26 (Sa); 9-10:30 a.m.
Curled Up and Cozy
As the weather turns cooler, animals are busy getting ready for winter. Some travel long distances to warmer places, while others cozy up right here. Discover how our animal friends prepare for the colder months and learn some ways we can help them.
C1117CC: Nov. 17 (Su); 9-10:30 a.m.
Amazing Apes
Gorillas, orangutans and chimps, oh my! Join us as we learn all about these powerful primates and explore how they are a lot like us. After exploration time in the classroom, we’ll take a walk up to Fragile Forest and Jungle of the Apes to see our amazing apes in action.
C1214AM: Dec. 14 (Sa); 9-10:30 a.m.
Ssssnakes
Slither with us into the wonderfully weird world of snakes. We’ll explore the adaptations of these scaly creatures and learn where and how snakes live. Then we’ll head to the Herpetarium to look at snakes that live near us and around the world.
C0112SN: Jan. 12 (Su); 9-10:30 a.m.
Wild Valentines
Do you LOVE animals? We do too! Come create special heartfelt greetings for Zookeepers and treats for native animals, as well as some Valentine-themed animal art to take home for friends and family.
C0208WV: Feb. 8 (Sa); 9-10:30 a.m.
Camp Programs
Youth attend these programs on their own, unaccompanied by a parent or other adult.
SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS
FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 1–5
When school is on break, you can spend the day at the Saint Louis Zoo! Join our educators to learn about animals and conservation. Each day of camp will have crafts, games, Zoo tours, and a whole lot of FUN!
Black Friday Camp: Shop Till You Drop Campers will spend a fun day at the Zoo learning about how the products we purchase affect endangered species and habitats around the world. They will enjoy tours, games, and a craft that shows how shopping sustainably helps save species. Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $61/General Public $68.
Y1129BC: Nov. 29 (F); 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Black Friday Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Black Friday Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19.
Y1129PM: Nov. 29 (F); 3-6 p.m.
Winter Break Camp: Hot and Cold
Can’t decide what you like more: a hot or cold climate? Campers will get to experience a day of discovering and learning about animals that are able to survive and thrive in these extremes, and some that can even live in both! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $122/General Public $136.
Y1223WC: Dec. 23-24 (M-T);
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Y1230WC: Dec. 30-31 (M-T); 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Winter Break Camp: Wild Family Trees
What do wolves and painted dogs have in common? What about lions and cheetahs? Their wild family trees of course! With tours, games and more, we will explore the parenting and family lifestyles to see if they have more in common than just their shared ancestry. Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $122/General Public $136.
Y1226WC: Dec. 26-27 (Th-F);
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Y0102WC: Jan. 2-3 (Th-F);
8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Winter Break Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for Winter Break Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $34/General Public $38.
Y1223PM: Dec. 23-24 (M-T); 3-6 p.m.
Y1230PM: Dec. 30-31 (M-T); 3-6 p.m.
Y1226PM: Dec. 26-27 (Th-F); 3-6 p.m.
Y0102PM: Jan. 2-3 (Th-F); 3-6 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Camp: Creature Features
The adaptations that allow animals to thrive in our changing world can be wild and wacky! Come to this camp to learn about these amazing adaptations through tours, observations, games and more! Add After-Care for an additional fee.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $61/General Public $68. Y0120MC: Jan. 20 (M); 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Camp After-Care
Participants will enjoy various activities building on their camp experience. This program is for MLK Day Camp participants only.
Limited to 20 participants.
Fee: Zoo Members $17/General Public $19. Y0120PM: Jan. 20 (M); 3-6 p.m.
education programs
August 2024 through April 2025
Scout and Youth Group Programs
The Education Department offers many opportunities for scouts and other organized youth groups to enjoy the Zoo and learn about the animal world. Programs may include biofacts, activities, games, tours or crafts. We offer a variety of programs that help scouts work toward their badge requirements! Your group will have fun together while learning about animals, their habitats and conserving natural resources. Visit the website for the scout registration packet. For more information, contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org.
Nocturnal Safari Snooze
What goes on when the sun goes down? Or better yet, who comes out? Come to the Zoo and explore the awesome world of nocturnal animals. We will learn about their unique adaptations and even test them against our own abilities. This program will also let us see some of our Zoo’s nocturnal animals after the sun goes down and find out what they do all night long. So, join us and find out about the unique animals that are up at night!
Overnight evening activities will include rotations through exciting activities, an evening snack and a night hike around Zoo grounds. The morning portion of the overnight adventure includes a continental breakfast, a morning stroll around Zoo grounds to see the animals wake up, a souvenir Zoo patch and glow-in-the-dark overnight cup!
Limited to 60 participants per session. Fee: $50/participant.
For Girl Scout Brownies and their adult chaperones
Nov. 2-3; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
Jan. 25-26; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
Feb. 14-15; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
March 1-2; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
April 4-5; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
April 18-19; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Girl Scout Juniors and their adult chaperones
Nov. 8-9; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
Feb. 22-23; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
March 14-15; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
April 12-13; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
April 25-26; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cadettes and their adult chaperones
Nov. 23-24; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
Feb. 1-2; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
April 11-12; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
For Cub Scouts and their adult chaperones
Nov. 16-17; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
March 7-8; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
April 26-27; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
For Mixed Troops and their adult chaperones
Feb. 7-8; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
March 29-30; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
PRIVATE
GROUP
OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
NOTE: For organized scout, youth and school groups with participants ages 5 and up, you can schedule your own private group overnight on select evenings. Using the themes we are currently offering, we will tailor the program to meet your needs. Fees are listed PER PERSON. Complete the booking request form. For more information, contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org.
Polar Bear Plunge
Limited to 20 participants, 12 participant minimum. Fee: $75/participant.
Nocturnal Safari
Limited to 60 participants, 30 participant minimum. Fee: $50/participant.
Family Programs
Parents and children attend these programs together. Fees are PER PERSON.
Polar Bear Plunge
Join us for this amazing opportunity to sleep inside Polar Bear Point! We will explore the Zoo at night while learning about Arctic and Antarctic animals and their unique adaptations that allow them to live in the cold. We will end the night by laying out sleeping bags inside the underwater viewing building. You will awake with a view of the polar bear pool and hopefully with a view of Kali! The overnight includes an evening snack, a reusable cup and a continental breakfast in the morning.
For families with children ages 5 and up. Limited to 20 participants. Fees are PER PERSON. Fee: Zoo Members $70/ General Public $75
N1206PB: Dec. 6-7; 6:30 p.m. (F) – 8:30 a.m. (Sa)
N0308PB: March 8-9; 6:30 p.m. (Sa) – 8:30 a.m. (Su)
Career Day Programs
Youth attend these programs on their own or with an accompanied registered parent or other adult. Each child and adult must pay the registration fee. All participants must be registered. Registration open now at stlzoo.org/tours.
NOTE: We do not recommend these programs for participants with shellfish allergies. Please mention any latex allergies at the time of registration.
A Day with the Rays
Join the Saint Louis Zoo’s team of keepers by participating in A Day with the Rays! As an aquatics keeper for the day, you will jump right in to help prepare diets and maintain the habitat to keep it looking nice and the animals healthy. As the new expert, you will help guests learn about our exhibit, how to touch and feed the stingrays, and touch the sharks. Please wear a T-shirt, khaki or jean shorts, and old closed-toe shoes. Bring a bottle of water and a camera. A Saint Louis Zoo name tag, T-shirt and snack will be provided. Get wet, smell like fish and have a ton of fun with A Day with the Rays!
For youth entering 2nd – 8th grades. A parent or adult can register to accompany the participant. Limited to four participants per session. Fees are PER PERSON. Fee: $140. Registration open now at stlzoo.org/tours. See the current availability at stlzoo.org/tours.
Advanced Day with the Rays Dive deeper into the science and career of an aquatics keeper. In this second program, you will continue building your knowledge by participating with animal husbandry duties. Once the daily tasks are accomplished, you will explore fish and cephalopod biology, perform advanced marine water quality monitoring, and, of course, have some time for fun and games. It’s time to show off all that you learned from last time as well as pick up a few new tricks along the way. Please wear a T-shirt (your Day with the Rays shirt is a great choice), khaki or jean shorts, and old closed-toe shoes. Bring a bottle of water and a camera. A snack will be provided. Get wet, smell like fish and have even more fishy fun with Advanced Day with the Rays! Participants must have attended A Day with the Rays.
For youth entering 2nd – 8th grades who have attended A Day with the Rays. A parent or adult can register to accompany the participant. Limited to four participants per session. Fees are PER PERSON.
Fee: $140. Registration open now at stlzoo.org/tours. See the current availability at stlzoo.org/tours.
Adult Programs Ages 18
Escape the Zoo
To help the Zoo save animals from extinction, you must unlock the secrets of the Zoo through a team building adventure! Race against time to complete your mission by solving a series of puzzles and finding clues hidden along the pathways. Use these clues to discover what the Zoo is all about! We have a new challenge this year and welcome any past participants. Build your team of up to 10 individuals ages 18 and up.
I0820EZ: Aug. 20 (Tu); 6-7:30 p.m.
I0903EZ: Sept. 3 (Tu); 5:30-7 p.m.
For participants ages 18 and up. Limited to 10 participants per TEAM. Fees are PER TEAM. Maximum of three teams per session.
Fee: Zoo Members $180/General Public $190.
Back to the Future Edition
Travel through history and experience the evolution of the Saint Louis Zoo. Solve the puzzles of the past to unlock the excitement of the future. It is a race against the clock, but the clock is generous, so take in the sights and sounds of the Zoo in this escape roomstyle adventure. Build your team of up to 10 individuals, ages 18 and up.
For participants ages 18 and up. Limited to 10 participants PER TEAM. Fees are PER TEAM. Maximum of three teams per session.
Fee: Zoo Members $200/General Public $210.
I0827E2: Aug. 27 (Tu); 6-8 p.m.
I0917E2: Sept. 17 (Tu); 5:30-7:30 p.m.
A Sunset View – Past and Future
Enjoy a cool evening tour of the Zoo exploring the history that has made us an internationally famous institution. We’ll also visit several habitats and discuss the future transformations that will keep us the talk of the zoological world! Finish with snacks and beverages while watching the sunset. This tour does not include touching live animals or access to non-public areas.
For participants ages 18 and up. Limited to 25 participants. Fee: Zoo Members $26/ General Public $29
I0916SV: Sept. 16 (M); 5:30-7 p.m.
The Seasons of the Zoo
Come see the Zoo throughout the year. Each tour will highlight a different area and its seasonal happenings. See what the animals are up to each season and how we adjust our care throughout the year.
For participants ages 18 and up. Limited to 20 participants. Fee: $15/person.
I1012SZ: Oct. 12 (Sa); 10-11:15 a.m.
I0111SZ: Jan. 11 (Sa); 10-11:15 a.m.
ADULT OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
Adults aged 18 and up can schedule their own private group overnight on select evenings. Using the current themes, we will tailor the program to meet your needs.
Polar Bear Plunge
Join us for this amazing opportunity to sleep inside Polar Bear Point! You will talk with Zoo staff about how we help animals all over the world and then team up to solve a scavenger hunt. After a night hike, we will end the night by laying out sleeping bags inside the underwater viewing building. You will awake with a view of the polar bear pool and hopefully with a view of Kali! This overnight includes a catered dinner and continental breakfast.
For participants ages 18 and up. Limited to 20 participants. Fees are listed PER PERSON. Fee: Zoo Members $75/General Public $80.
PRIVATE ADULT OVERNIGHT PROGRAMS
For organized adult groups, you can schedule your own private group overnight on select evenings. Using the current themes, we will tailor the program to meet your needs. Complete the booking request form. For more information and pricing, please contact the Overnight Staff at overnights@stlzoo.org.
REGISTRATION: Please see all registration information on our website. Camp programs: Registration closes three weeks before the program start date. All other programs: Registration closes two weeks before the program start date. PAYMENT: Complete payment is required at the time of registration. CANCELLATIONS: Advanced notice is required for all cancellation/refund requests. A refund minus a processing fee will be issued for all program cancellations. Three weeks’ notice and a $25 processing fee are required to cancel any camp program. Two weeks’ notice and an $8 processing fee are required to cancel all other programs. We reserve the right to cancel a program due to low enrollment (full refund will be issued). TRANSFERS: Transfers are subject to availability. Three weeks’ notice and a $25 processing fee are required to transfer any camp programs. Two weeks’ notice and an $8 processing fee are required to transfer all other programs. CONFIRMATIONS: A Registration Report will be e-mailed after your registration is processed. For more information, please contact the Education Department at (314) 646-4544, option #6
Get your school spirit on!
By Kim Hoormann, Manager of Learning Experiences
I hope all students, parents and educators are enjoying a much-needed summer break ... but I’d love for you to think about school for a minute and mark your calendars for some fun school-related events at the Saint Louis Zoo!
School Spirit Day
For all Zoo guests
Many of us in St. Louis have heard the “where did you go to high school?” line. Here’s your chance to show off your alma mater big and proud! Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, is School Spirit Day at the Zoo. Come to the Zoo in shirts, hats and other paraphernalia from your school (high school or college).
From 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be school mascots (available for some photo opportunities), special activities and more!
Educator Open House
For educators (teachers, administrators, curriculum coordinators, homeschool parents) and immediate household members
Also on Sept. 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., join Zoo educators to explore how the Zoo’s Conservation Education Department can support your learners. We’ll highlight our amazing and award-winning programs! School programs provided by the Zoo adhere to Missouri and National Learning Standards, but through the lenses of animals, habitats and conservation.
Zoo staff will answer questions about these programs and more, including docent-led tours, virtual programs and the Zoo’s free online learning portal. In addition, colleagues from other Zoo-Museum District organizations will be onsite to share their learning opportunities.
Light snacks will be provided at the event, along with limited guided tours to certain areas of the Zoo (please note that the full Zoo grounds won’t be open). While animals around the Zoo will be sleeping and off habitat, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove will be open! Free parking at the Zoo’s North Lot will be available.
Here are some of the fun things educators can do at the Educator Open House event:
Sample Zoocases (free kits that can be checked out through the Zoo’s Library and Teacher Resource Center), which will be on display for your investigation. 1 2 3
Explore the hands-on portions of some of our most popular on-grounds programs, such as “Habitat Engineering” or “Animal Doctor: Zoo Vets and Their Team.”
Take photos with the colorful Zoo van as you participate in some outreach program activities and learn more about how the Zoo can come to you.
Learn more at stlzoo.org/events and RSVP at stlzoo.org/OpenHouse (RSVPs are required for entry to the Zoo that evening). We look forward to seeing you!
Louie the Triton, the University of MissouriSt. Louis mascot, greets guests
The Gorlok, Webster University’s mascot, poses with a guest
“The Zoo means everything to us”
By Lori Sullivan, Director of Planned Giving
Drs. Charles and Elizabeth Schmitz have enjoyed and supported the Saint Louis Zoo together for 58 years, starting with a date while in college. They have woven a successful, adventuresome life together that has always kept the Zoo close to heart.
As educators, they inspired K-12 and higher education students to be better and reach higher than they ever dreamed. As researchers and administrators, they made institutions more effective at delivering that inspiration. After retiring from academia, they embarked on a worldwide research project to determine what makes a successful marriage. They have produced books, radio shows and articles to share their findings from thousands of couples they interviewed.
In their life theme of supporting others, the Zoo’s mission was always
a constant. As they traveled the world, seeing animals in their natural habitats engendered an even deeper appreciation for the work of zoos related to research and conservation.
The Schmitzes were proud to share in 2013 that they had listed the Zoo as a beneficiary in their estate plan. Such forethought to remember the Zoo, even after they could no longer enjoy it themselves, was heartwarming, and the Zoo was delighted to welcome them to its Heritage Society. The Schmitzes’ vote of confidence is strong; they are bequeathing their entire estate to the Zoo to help ensure that every tomorrow is a good one.
Pleased to be recognized as legacy donors, they said, “We are delighted to be a part of the Zoo family in many ways, our Heritage Society membership being particularly special.
For us, having an eternal connection with our beloved Zoo fulfills a lifelong dream. Remembering the Zoo with a legacy gift expresses our values in a lasting manner. It means everything to us!”
In 2023, Liz and Charley decided to jump-start their forever gift plans by naming an endowed fund to support greatest needs at the Zoo in perpetuity. The “Dr. Charles and Dr. Elizabeth Schmitz Saint Louis Zoo Animal Fund” will sustain the excellence in animal care, guest experiences and operations for generations to come.
When their legacy gift arrives years down the road, it will grow the impact of their fund to do even greater good each year, inspiring the Zoo to be better and reach higher, just as they dreamed.
Drs. Elizabeth and Charles Schmitz† at the Marlin Perkins Society Celebration
Saint Louis Zoo team was saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, Charley Schmitz, on June 14, 2024
are grateful for the impact Charley made throughout our Zoo and proud to continue his legacy.
“Access for all” is a family value
By Jordan Mandel, Manager of Major Gifts
“We witnessed giraffes gracefully grazing, learned about conservation efforts from guides, drove through the savanna and saw a dizzying herd of zebra dashing past the vehicle … and soon this won’t be describing our family’s African safari, but every family’s trip to Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park.”
From COCA to Variety St. Louis, The Magic House and more, Linda and Jesse Hunter’s philanthropic values and volunteer leadership focuses on everyone in the St. Louis community being able to access our city’s vast cultural and academic institutions. Having experienced a family safari together with their three children
in 2023, the moment the Hunter family saw those iconic animals in their natural habitats, they knew they wanted to help bring that opportunity to St. Louis for others to create these unbelievable memories for themselves.
As Linda and Jesse pointed out, “Some schools have enough funding for a single field trip in a year. And those students’ introduction to conservation education, wildlife and our amazing animals comes from that field trip to the Saint Louis Zoo.” Because of that exposure, some of these students come back as Zoo employees, and some go on to pursue careers as zoologists, veterinarians and other scientists dedicated to conservation.
“We were fortunate to enjoy a family safari opportunity, and we know not everyone will be able to so. But our Zoo will offer that experience to our region, and the Hunter Family Foundation is honored to accept the invitation to assist in the creation of WildCare Park, and to provide for future Zoo projects that align with our family’s philanthropic philosophy of ‘access for all.’ ”
Linda, Jesse, Riley, Kate and Jackson Hunter’s advocacy is an inspirational testament and reminder that when one element of our community is elevated, more will join, building a bigger, better world for us all.
Jesse, Riley, Kate, Linda and Jackson Hunter at the Kenya/Tanzania border monument within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, June 2023
The gift of summer camp
By Jayne Ullstrom, Manager of Stewardship & Special Initiatives
Each year, the Saint Louis Zoo’s Conservation Education Department offers eight exciting weeks of summer camp for youth in our community. Campers enjoy a fun and educational week-long experience. They meet new friends and connect with wildlife through games, crafts, music and animal experiences. The Zoo’s various camp programs help to inspire personal responsibility for conserving the natural world while creating lasting Zoo memories, an experience we want all children — regardless of access to resources — to have the opportunity to be a part of. In 1991, the Zoo established the Camp Scholarship Program to address this need.
Gifts made to the Camp Scholarship Program help ensure that every child has a chance to participate in camp by providing support for registration fees, transportation, meals and after-care. For some scholarship recipients,
camp is their only planned activity for the summer and their only extracurricular educational activity for the year. These transformational opportunities are made possible solely through charitable contributions from generous corporate partners, foundations and donors.
We are grateful for the philanthropic leadership of those in our community who bring the Camp Scholarship Program to fruition, making these experiences a reality and creating lasting memories for children and teens who wouldn’t otherwise be able to join us for camp. Thank you to every one of our Camp Scholarship Program donors for the positive impact you make in the lives of so many here at the Zoo.
Interested in providing a Zoo educational experience for a child in 2025? Please visit stlzoo.org/education or call the Development Office at (314) 646-4691.
Campers visit the birds at Cypress Swamp
Great egret
Bird Keeper Clinton Scaggs shares stories about Humboldt penguins with campers
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
Feb. 1 – April 30, 2024
Mary-Dale Amison & James DeWoskin
Rod & Jean Ayer
Len & Barbara Campanaro
Marilyn S. & Richard Dredge
Hank & Christy Ehrenreich
Kim & Joseph Gorman
Mr. & Mrs. Albert H. Hamel
Michael & Wendy Harris
Karlee & Brian Haschmann
Carmen & Shaun Johnson
Tia & Brent Kluesner
Austin & Jordin Messenger
David N. Motherwell
Reed & Ednita Murray
John & Kathleen Raniero
Dr. Gerald C. & Denise A. Schmitz
Marian D. Senger
Mr. & Mrs. Neil Suthar
Tina Veraldi
Nolan Wilson
Sandy & John Belfi
Current Marlin Perkins Society Members Who Have Increased Support
Feb. 1 – April 30, 2024
Dr. & Mrs. Steven J. Bander
Belden Inc.
Dan Berglund & Dr. Suellen Greco
Mr. & Mrs. William T. Gamewell (10)
Kirk & Sallie Hancox (10)
Cathy & Bill Hardebeck (15)
Gerald & Mary Holschen (10)
Introba Inc. (10)
Nancy G. Koller (10)
Dr. Robert Young & Dr. Katherine Kreusser
Bruce & Diana Linders
Susan E. Lynch
Melissa & Herbert Markwort
Megan & Robert Martin (10)
Chonda & Fidel Nwamu
Drs. Frances & Fred Pestello
James & Susan Reynolds
Drs. Benjamin & Susan Schwartz (15)
James & Cindy Seaman (10)
Marlene & Steve Shumm (10)
Charla & Jeremy Stevens
John & Kelly Stickley
Jennifer M. Taylor & Adriana Taylor
Mr. Lawrence E. Thomas (20)
John, Susan & Maggie Unnerstall
Mr. & Mrs. George K. Vogt
Kimberly J. Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Gary Wolff (20)
(10) denotes member for at least 10 years (15) denotes member for at least 15 years (20) denotes member for at least 20 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)
Partula snail
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 Feb. 1 – April 30, 2024. Donors are listed in the category of their most recent giving to the Saint Louis Zoo.
Leadership Gifts
$2,500,000 and Above
Berges Family Foundation
Major Gifts
$999,999 – $750,000
Mr. & Mrs. Theodore P. Desloge, Jr.
$749,999 – $500,000
Estate of Randall Damerow, and the Estate of Donald Damerow
Judith & Nicholas Kouchoukos
$499,999 – $250,000
Anonymous
Deborah & Michael Abbott
Estate of Susan L. Petring
$249,999 – $100,000
Anonymous
Wendy & Les Borowsky
Employee Community Fund
Boeing STL
Lisa Mechele
Estate of Carolyn R. Osborn
Special Gifts
$99,999 – $50,000
Estate of Carolyn Lund
Estate of Nadine L. Verderber
$49,999 – $25,000
Anonymous
Jane Piper Gleason
Matthew & Lesley Wagner
$24,999 – $10,000
Ms. Betty Beckmann
William & Laura Courtney
Estate of Rosette Ellman
Michael & Emily Hickey
Robert & Ilene Jenkins
Jim & Donna Leonard
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Shlien
Stone Hill Winery & Restaurant
Ms. Phyllis R. Tirmenstein,
Roland Quest Memorial Fund of the Saint Louis Community Foundation
Wells Fargo – In Honor of Zach Smith
$9,999 – $5,000
Bunge
Michael W. & Joyce E. Bytnar
Estate of Marianne Unanue
Tina & Gary VonderHaar
$4,999 – $2,500
Dr. Katherine Kreusser
Estate of Marjorie Olfe
James H. Woods Foundation
$2,499 – $1,000
Marion & Van-Lear Black
Rosemary Boustany
Ms. Karla Carter & Mr. Wouter Bollen
Scott & JoAnn Decker
Mr. Michael A. Fabrizi
Mr. & Mrs. William Forsyth
Terry & Cheryl Gilchrist
Bernice Heavilin
Jeffrey L. Huntington
Aurelia Konrad Charitable Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Sanford N.
McDonnell Foundation
H. Smith & Janet McGehee
Post Holdings
Mrs. Sudie B. Shinkle
Estate of Daniel E. Singer
Dr. Elizabeth Tarpey
Steven & Nikki Tudela
Mr. Geoffrey M. &
Mrs. Christina M. Wilson
$999 – $250
Andalusian Private Capital
Mr. Parker B. Condie
Thomas & Debra Kotovsky
Gary & Mary Meritt
Rheagan & Cliff Reynolds
Mrs. Marylyn A. Schiller
Karen & Toby Svoboda
Ms. Patricia Taillon-Miller
Dr. Allison Tuttle
Curtis & Mindy Voelkel
John & Ellen Wallace
Webster Groves Coffee Group
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.
tribute fund
Donors providing the Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund with gifts of $25 or more between Feb. 1 – April 30, 2024, to honor or memorialize events and loved ones include:
In Memory Of
Baby Leo
Kate Kottmann
Michael Beasley
Rochelle Allen
Kathy Hoffman
MICDS Middle School
Gloria J. Pierce
Patricia Pierce
Michelle & Mark Webster
Delores S. Berman
Mindy Brenner
Bonnie J. Gillham
Mindy Kammer
Rebekah Loker
Toni & Dave McClelland
Marcia Regenstrief
Pearl Regenstrief
Linda Sandmel
Emily Skopic
Richard Boever
Dr. & Mrs. William J. Boever
Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Hoessle
Leslie Bolin
Andalusian Private Capital
Virginia Schaefer
Mary A. Brooks
Brad & Stacy Rector
Ann L. Case
Ellen Sheffield Pace
Susan H. Corley
Thomas & Dale Auffenberg
Mrs. Sally Z. Bakula
Maleen & James Corrigan
Dorcas Dunlop
Constance & James Finger
Lauren Gaer
Andrea & Steve Luebbert
Robert Rosenthal
Jordan Sanders
Julia Tenhoeve
Mr. & Mrs. Clark Thomas
Joan Thompson
Ms. Lori M. Woodward
Holly DiBello
Gloria J. Coles
Edward Donze
Darline Donze
Derick L. Driemeyer
Mr. & Mrs. John K. Wallace, Jr.
Stephen D. Fieseler
Dr. & Mrs. William J. Boever
Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Hoessle
Alice W. Seyfried
Robert J. Foley
Sandra Schroeder
William Gaffney
Terry Powers
David Gildehaus
Sandra Vahey
Jack Grisham
Dr. Robert Eric Miller & Dr. Mary Jean Gorse
Jane Marie Watts
Nanette & John Williams
Diane M. Hesser
Pamela Williams & Family
Judith A. Jones
Mr. & Mrs. Rand S. Goldstein
Gary & Gloria Strauss
Richard J. Kleinberg
Sutton Mora
Rheagan & Cliff Reynolds
Nick Nicholson
Dr. & Mrs. William J. Boever
Dr. Christina E. Faucher
Neal & Dana Fenster
Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Hoessle
Pattie James
Dr. & Mrs. Thomas S. Lipsitz
Gary & Mary Meritt
Dr. Robert Eric Miller & Dr. Mary Jean Gorse
Angela Novak
Ms. Linda R. Reifschneider
Sally & Jerry Sears
Alice W. Seyfried
Webster Groves Coffee Group
Elizabeth White
Gary F. Norman
Terry Powers
Russell Norton
Freer Elementary
Karen & Toby Svoboda
Theodore J. Petray
Courtney Middleton
Zsolt Rumy
Aldine Travel, Inc
Mr. & Mrs. Charles H. Hoessle
John & Janice Kardos
Christine Rivera
Edna L. Schoknecht
Ms. Betty S. Balzer
Laura A. Shuppe
Thomas & Debra Kotovsky
Bob Slemer
Dr. & Mrs. Sherman Silber
Kenneth M. Stevenson
Renee Main
Marie Sullivan
Mr. & Mrs. George Hessler
Erin Watson
Carol A. Swanson
Angie Williams
Mark W. Swanson
Brenda Cooley
Michael S. Druzynski
April Dawn Wefler
Ms. Tracy C. Green
Mrs. Van-Lear Black III
Kay & Ellen Sandweiss
Marian Zeid
Thomas A. & Karen G. Stern
Tree frog
Scouting Zebras
When our Saint Louis Zoo team participated in the Great Grevy’s Rally in Kenya, their goal was to get photos of the right sides of as many Grevy’s zebras as possible. Zebra stripes are as unique to each animal as ngerprints are to us. The team uploaded photos into a database that identi es the zebras by their stripe patterns. Photographing as many zebras as possible helps researchers and conservationists get an idea of the Grevy’s zebra population.
Try it out yourself!
Check out these illustrations of three of the zebras that live at the Zoo. Then, see if you can identify which striped pattern belongs to each zebra, and draw a line to match them together.
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What’s soaring up high? Not just butterflies… The Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing is home to green honeycreepers. They’re found in tropical forests from Mexico to Brazil. And no, they don’t eat the butterflies! They’re satisfied with mealworms and waxmoth larvae as part of their diet.
