Winter 2024 stlzoo magazine

Winter 2024 Volume 40, N0. 1

SAINT LOUIS ZOO ASSOCIATION

The Challenge of Change: Caring for Animals’ Mental Health | Ask the Doc: A Q&A with a Zoo Veterinarian | New at the Zoo

Commentary

By Michael Macek, Director, Saint Louis Zoo

Happy 2024! I hope you and your loved ones had a fun holiday season and had a chance to visit us during U.S. Bank Wild Lights!

Now that January is upon us, we’re heading into our quieter season — which is a great time to visit the Saint Louis Zoo! The Zoo campus offers an entirely different atmosphere during winter. It’s an opportunity to enjoy some serenity and calm versus the energy we see in the summer. So, bundle up and see our winter-loving animals soon!

A new year sometimes means change, and perhaps you’re celebrating a new milestone this year … getting married, graduating from school or buying a home. These new chapters in life are exciting, but also kind of scary. Caring for our mental health is always important, and sometimes our mental health can be tested when faced with big changes. Animals experience milestone events, too … a new adult animal that joins a group, a new habitat or a birth within a herd. As part of our holistic animal care, we monitor the animals closely and make note of their behavior and emotional health during transitions. Learn more about this in our cover story on page 6.

We care for animals in many ways, and veterinary medicine is a critical part of care. What are some questions you’ve always wanted to ask a zoo veterinarian? Maybe we’ve answered one of them! We pulled 10 of the most-asked questions and presented those to Dr. Chris Hanley, a veterinarian and our Director of Animal Health.

Read our Q&A article on page 12.

We had a lot of new in 2023, from new events to new animals.

This year will be no different. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, so turn to page 18 and see what’s in store for 2024!

Our Animal Care team takes part in conservation work at the Zoo every day — they care for and contribute to important research for the animals in their charge. As often as we can, we’ll send team members to the field to help the animals’ wild counterparts. It’s a remarkable, often life-changing experience. Two members of our Primate Care team recently went to Malaysia to help primates in the wild, repairing the wildlife bridges over rivers that those animals use for safe crossings. Read about their journey on page 20.

As you enjoy our quieter wintertime Zoo, our team is busy behind the scenes getting ready for our spring season. We still have fun things to do in wintertime, from Trivia Gone Wild to our Untamed Hearts Valentine’s dinner. Check out pages 22 and 23 and pencil some dates into your calendar!

Stay warm, and as always, thank you for supporting the Saint Louis Zoo.

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COMMISSION OF THE ST. LOUIS ZOOLOGICAL PARK SUBDISTRICT Chair Cynthia J. Brinkley Vice-Chair Lawrence E. Thomas Co-Treasurers Chonda J. Nwamu Lawrence E. Thomas Immediate Past Chair Winthrop B. Reed III Commissioners Vincent Bennett Karl A. Grice Robert R. Hermann, Jr. Jerald L. Kent Robert F. O’Loughlin Neal F. Perryman Michael W. Riney Peggy A. Ritter Will R. Ross, MD, MPH Carol A. Wilson 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 Dana Tucker Redwing 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 Kathleen W. Bilderback Susan S. Block Cenia D. Bosman Christine Boushka Debbie A. Caplin Hazel Alethea R. Donald Edward Durham 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 Molly Hyland Ryan L. Hyman Robert F. Johnston Carol S. Klein Lee C. Kling Judith B. Kouchoukos Julie Lilly 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 James G. Sansone Jason D. Sapp Steven F. Schankman James R. Schnurbusch Shelley Seifert Torbjorn B. Sjogren Zachary A. Smith John R. Sondag Dianne Sutcliffe Kevin Travers James Tyrrell Virgil Van Trease 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 PROFESSIONALS ADVISORY BOARD President Whittney Dunn Secretary Rei Kato Vice Presidents Emily Carter Betsy Crites Samantha Hurrell Christian Wargo Luke Yamnitz Treasurer Brittany Mayfield Liaisons Jennifer Jeffries Tre Moore Mike Poletti Megan Schwedtmann Zach Ungerott Eric Werner Board Members Erica Agnew Joel Carter Jamal Cornelious Justin Diecker Katie Doherty Allison Heininger Bryar Keyes Kelly King Praveena Kolli James Merenda Timothy Nielsen Lauren Parko Dacoda Scarlett Kate Schwarze Kristin Shannahan Kelly Stein Alex Stepanek Jake Thessen Michael Tulley Craig VanLeeuwen

All lists as of Dec. 13, 2023

In This Issue 2 Membership Updates 22 Happenings 29 Saint Louis Zoo Honor Roll 30 Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund 32 Kids Page

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The Challenge of Change: Caring for Animals’ Mental Health Big life changes affect animals, too. Learn how we care for animals holistically, which includes monitoring their mental health.

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Ask the Doc: A Q&A with a Zoo Veterinarian Our Director of Animal Health answered our most frequently asked questions about being a Zoo veterinarian. See if we answered one of yours!

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New at the Zoo From new events to new animals, see what’s in store for 2024!

On the Cover Polar bear Photo by Ray Meibaum

stlzoo is published quarterly as a member Nile lechwe 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 At the Saint Louis Zoo, we not only care about the conservation of animals, n Editorial Assistance: Billy Brennan, but also about the conservation of the environment. That is why stlzoo Jill Gordon, Kirby Meyer, Elaine Vydra magazine is created using FSC- (Forest Stewardship Council) certified n Graphic Design: McCord Design Group n Contributing Photographer: Ray Meibaum paper with recycled materials and eco-friendly inks. You also can opt n Contributors: Members of the Zoo staff into receiving digital-only issues! Check your email for instructions.

Winter 2024

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Membership Updates Hi, Zoo members! In this section, we’ll briefly highlight top Zoo happenings in January, February and March 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.

Event and Attraction Dates Dinoroarus – back for one last spring season!

March 15 to May 27, 2024 Included in member tickets

New Event: Animals Aglow Wednesdays through Sundays March 13 to May 5, 2024 As a Zoo member, you will receive a discount on tickets!

This spring, walk around the Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of towering wildlife lanterns. From Asian animals to ocean creatures, this is a display unlike any other in St. Louis.

Dinoroarus Returns on March 15!

Enjoy one more spring season at Emerson Dinoroarus! Construction on the new children’s area, the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, won’t begin until summer, so use your member tickets and see the dinos before they go “extinct” on May 27!

Member Discount on Spring Programs Registration for our Zoo spring programs is open, and remember, members receive a discount! Check stlzoo.org/programs for all our listings.

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Wednesdays through Sundays,

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

This spring, walk around the Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of towering wildlife lanterns. From Asian animals to ocean creatures, this is a display unlike any other in St. Louis. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

Did You e ke ep Man y peop le ask how w ng w inte r. the anim als warm duri als at the Zoo, The re are 16,000 anim erent when and each anim al is diff r well-be in g. it com es to their w inte of how Here are som e examples caring for the Zoo is dedicated to er. anim als in chilly weath Swan goose

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Building Off Nature in Buildings Many guests consider the Primate House, Bird House, Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium and Bayer Insectarium to be cozy oases from winter. While we go inside to warm up, the Animal Care team adjusts many animals’ habitats to recreate the winter conditions they would experience in the wild.

For some reptiles, the Animal Care team adjust temperature, humidity and light to mimic a natural life cycle called brumation (like hibernation for other animals). In the wild, brumation prompts biological mechanisms like reproduction. Bourret’s box turtles, for example, brumate from December through February.

For birds, changes in daylight is important for their welfare. In the penguins’ habitat, the team recreates natural light cycles to provide stimulation for breeding and molt cycles.

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Photos by Christy Childs and Robin Winkelman

Know...

Comfort in the Cold Animals like the Amur tigers, Sichuan takins and Bactrian camels are naturally from cold-weather environments.

Each animal, however, has individual preferences, and the Animal Care team provides the animals with choices on how they can comfortably spend their day.

Options for staying warm while outdoors may include overhead radiant heaters, heated water bowls and extra straw bedding.

Some animals also receive extra food to maintain body fat when temperatures are dropping.

King and Gentoo penguins, birds from cold-weather climates, may participate in the occasional winter walk if they so choose

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Indoor-Outdoor Access and Habitat Changes Many animals have free access to both their indoor and outdoor habitats throughout the year. For example, Humboldt penguins are from the warmer climates of Peru and Chile, and these birds have access to a heated room if they choose to utilize it. The great apes move between their Fragile Forest habitat and their indoor Jungle of the Apes habitat, depending on the temperature. And American flamingos move to their indoor habitat in the fall.

To learn more about how we care for animals, visit stlzoo.org A Sichuan takin enjoys a snow day

Winter 2024

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The Challenge of

Chan

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nge: Caring for Animals’ Mental Health

BY ASHLEY N. EDES, PH.D., ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENTIST PHOTOS BY RAY MEIBAUM

Some say that our lives are defined by

But how might zoo animals

Since animals can’t tell us

milestones — events like being born,

react to big life events?

how they’re feeling, we must

love, getting a new job or a promotion,

care also experience major life

insight into their emotional state.

milestones are positive opportunities

experiencing these milestones can

finding our first friends and our first or having children. While many

for growth, change is nevertheless often accompanied by stress and anxiety,

at least at the beginning. As time goes on and we settle into a new routine, the stress and anxiety fade away.

If you’ve seen the film “Inside Out,”

you may remember a flurry of emotions accompanying a young girl’s move.

Left: Coquerel’s sifaka

Animals that live in human

milestones. Just as they do for us, generate anxiety and uncertainty.

Even though these emotions are

watch for clues that might give us Observing behavior, such as how they spend their time or use their space,

is the most commonly used tool for exploring the effects of milestone

normal and expected, we closely

events on animals in zoos. While we

milestones so that we can assure any

for the animals in our care, milestones

monitor our animals through major life stress or anxiety from the adjustment is temporary and that the animal

maintains positive well-being overall.

routinely track indicators of well-being are a signal that we may need to pay extra attention.

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The western lowland gorillas experienced changes when individuals left for other zoos and new gorillas arrived at the Zoo

Births

and Deaths

Addax mother and calf

’

Being born is the first milestone that

well-being of both mom and infant

be milestones for parents, especially

Sadly, animals also can experience

all of us experience. Births also can among species that provide care

for their offspring. To investigate

well-being around births in ungulates, researchers at the Saint Louis Zoo

recorded 24/7 footage of new mother-

infant pairs of various antelope species, such as addax and lesser kudu, during

the loss of group members. Studying

how animals respond to loss is difficult.

ANIMALS ALSO CAN

EXPERIENCE THE LOSS OF

GROUP MEMBERS. STUDYING HOW ANIMALS RESPOND

formally study every single animal

simultaneously! Instead of scientific

study, we often follow patterns in the wild, letting animals investigate the

body of the deceased individual and

spend time with it just as they would outside the zoo, as we do at funeral

services when a loved one dies. In the

TO LOSS IS DIFFICULT.

days that follow deaths, Animal Care

first 30 days. Using this video footage,

Ideally, we would conduct research

monitoring for behaviors that may

the mother and her infant, including

to the death of a group mate to

their first 24 hours as well as their

researchers record interactions between how much time the mother spends

licking and nursing it. Knowing which

mother-infant behaviors are typical for each species helps zoos monitor the

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during those early weeks.

the Zoo, it’s impossible to

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to compare behavior from prior

after; however, animals at our Zoo have excellent veterinary care,

and losses are hard to predict.

With over 16,000 animals at

staff keep a close eye on the animals, signal to us that an animal is not

dealing well, such as a reduction in appetite; an increase in aggression; or a lack of interest in things they usually enjoy, such as interacting with keepers during training.

Changes in

Social Groups and New Habitats

Social changes can come about for

social behavior, such as how much

For example, sometimes animals

which can show social preferences,

reasons other than births and deaths. are moved between zoos for various

reasons. One group of animals that has changes recently is the Zoo’s gorilla

troop. The Zoo houses an all-male, or

bachelor, group of gorillas. Previously,

mature adult males, called silverbacks, but in summer 2022, things started

changing. Over the course of a year, two males were sent to other zoos

to live in breeding groups, and then two young, immature males came

in from other zoos to join our two remaining silverbacks.

Changes in social groups can be

a time filled with uncertainty and anxiety. In addition to new group

mates, immature male gorillas Zachary and Kayin are adjusting to a new

as well as instances of aggression

were able to move outside though,

new gorillas are comfortable in the

be built, a process that took more

such as these to understand when our outdoor habitat and when the whole

group is ready for the next step in the introduction process. For example,

as summer progressed, we saw Zachary CHANGES IN

SOCIAL GROUPS CAN BE A TIME FILLED

WITH UNCERTAINTY

typical behaviors, like foraging for

food, interacting with enrichment or moving about their habitat. We also

record detailed information about their

As such, to understand the primates well-being when they moved

outside into Primate Canopy Trails,

researchers began collecting behavior data on multiple groups more than a year before construction began!

grooming, play and aggression in

into the habitat to take a quick look and then immediately going back

inside, to spending lots of time outside foraging and playing in the sun.

Gorillas Kayin and Zachary aren’t

When Michael and Quirsis Riney

individuals spend performing their

be considered a significant event.

and Kayin go from simply darting out

about how such big changes affect

been recording how much time the

than a year, and for many, might also

We were able to compare data on

the only primates at the Zoo that have

our gorilla troop, researchers have

Primate Canopy Trails had to

AND ANXIETY.

habitat and, for the first time in their lives, can go outside. To learn more

A Coquerel’s sifaka enjoys its new habitat at Primate Canopy Trails

or play. We can use behavioral data

’

been experiencing a lot of these social

this group was composed of four

time they spend near one another,

been adjusting to new homes recently.

Primate Canopy Trails opened

in summer 2021, the monkeys and

lemurs all experienced the excitement of a new home. For some of these

animals, moving to Primate Canopy

Trails was the first time they had ever been outside. Before the primates

normal behaviors such as eating, the Guereza colobus monkeys,

black-handed spider monkeys and Coquerel’s sifaka throughout the

months prior to construction, through construction and then following their move outside. These data show us

how having nearby construction and moving to a new habitat can affect

multiple primate species. For example, we found that the spider monkeys spent much more time climbing

and moving around in their outdoor habitat than they did indoors,

an especially encouraging result since they are all geriatric!

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Data suggests that many animals find guests engaging, and some spent more time at their habitats’ viewing areas when guests returned after the COVID-19 closure

Zoo Closure due to COVID-19

For many of us, the COVID-19

multiple periods following reopening,

milestone in our lives. While things

time to learn more about the effect

pandemic is another significant

have pretty much gone back to normal for the animals, when zoos closed

their doors worldwide in spring 2020,

they experienced a major shift in their environment, just as we did. With

only essential staff allowed on grounds during the closure, our researchers

got creative and took advantage of

the video cameras we already have in

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guests have on well-being. The data

suggested many of our animals find

guests engaging, with species such as FOR MANY OF US, THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IS ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN OUR LIVES.

place across the Zoo to study how the

the banteng and polar bear spending

banteng reacted to the sudden loss of

once people returned than they did

grizzly bears, polar bear, gorillas and Polar bear

we tracked where animals spent their

guests. Throughout the closure and

more time near guest viewing areas during the closure.

Measuring

Hormonal Levels Grizzly bear

Behavior is the tool we rely

on most to understand animal

’

well-being around milestone events.

Behavior is the most commonly

measured variable across studies at

the Saint Louis Zoo and zoos around the world. Sometimes, however,

animal behavior can be difficult to interpret, and some animals don’t

show any obvious differences during a major change. In these cases,

measuring physiological indicators

such as hormone levels also can be informative. For example, we can

monitor cortisol levels using fecal samples to see how animals react to changes. Most often, animals

will show a temporary increase in

cortisol levels during the transition

levels as part of routine well-being

levels, suggesting they have settled

investigates different hormones that

and then a gradual return to baseline into their new normal.

Hormones play a big part in

several research projects on animal HORMONES PLAY A

BIG PART IN SEVERAL

RESEARCH PROJECTS ON ANIMAL WELL-BEING.

well-being, such as our studies on the gorilla bachelor troop during their social changes and how multiple

species responded to the Zoo’s closure for COVID-19. For some animals, we even regularly measure cortisol

assessments. Additionally, our Zoo could be useful for understanding responses to events and develops

techniques to extract hormones from different materials, such as using feathers that birds lose regularly.

Regardless of whether it’s a

special occasion or a typical Tuesday at the Zoo, we continuously

monitor the well-being of our

animals. But when those major

life milestones do happen, we have the tools and expertise to ensure the animals in our care make it

through these adjustment periods and continue to thrive. n

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Ask th : c o D A Q&A with a Zoo Veterinarian

By Rebecca McMiller, Marketing Communications Manager, and Chris Hanley, DVM, DACZM, Director of Animal Health; Photos by Ray Meibaum

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he H

Above: Dr. Chris Hanley, Director of Animal Health Below: The Animal Health team cares for a Haitian galliwasp lizard

ave you wondered what it’s

like to care for 16,000 animals?

What questions have you

always wanted to ask a Saint Louis Zoo veterinarian? We pulled 10 of the most

often-asked questions and shared them with our Director of Animal Health

Chris Hanley, DVM, DACZM, who has worked at the Zoo for over 10 years.

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Left: Dr. Chris Hanley, Director of Animal Health, examines a red panda as part of a preventative health checkup

#1

How do you give the animals medicine or vaccinations while staying safe?

Many animals here take oral medications, sometimes

How does being a zoo veterinarian differ from being a domestic animal veterinarian?

hidden in a favorite treat. For vaccinations and even

After graduating from veterinary school, becoming a

for injections; they voluntarily present a limb for the

post-graduate training. Most often, people complete an

some other injections, many of our animals are trained injection, like what you would do at your doctor.

Training the animals to take part in their own

health care is so important in veterinary medicine.

It’s better for us and the animals to not to have to use

zoo veterinarian generally requires two to five years of

internship, followed by a zoological medicine residency.

The Saint Louis Zoo has offered a zoological medicine residency since 1975!

Our medicine and surgical training and skills are

anesthesia, when possible. Training also builds trust

drawn from domestic animals. For example, zebra or rhino

a reward for participating in a procedure, but when

training from domestic animals and expand upon it for

between the animals and the keepers. Food is often

an animal is sick and may have little interest in food, it comes down to the established trust with keepers

medicine is comparable to that of a horse. We use that zoological medicine.

Every day for us is a bit different. I used to say,

that an animal may still actively choose to participate

“You might treat a 6,000-pound elephant and then

For animals that aren’t trained or maybe not

I like that every day is different, but I will never get as

in their care.

feeling well enough to participate, we most often use a

dart gun or blow pipe to administer medications safely.

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treat a 4-gram frog,” and one day that indeed happened. good at a given species or procedure as a domestic animal veterinarian, considering we have 500 species here!

#3

How do you weigh animals?

Asian elephant

#5

Many animals are trained to step on a scale; the keeper

staff weigh animals on a regular schedule. We also have portable scales and a large floor scale in the hospital to weigh animals during their exams if needed.

#4

What are the messiest jobs of a zoo veterinarian?

Does the Zoo have an animal hospital?

How do you care for the biggest animals?

We have a large, fully functional veterinary hospital on Zoo grounds. It houses a central treatment area with a If you check with any veterinary technician, they will

tell you veterinarians always make a mess! We use a lot of different equipment, tools and supplies, so cleaning

radiology suite, a surgery suite, a sterile prep room with

laundry, and a pharmacy. We also have research laboratories, an animal quarantine wing and administrative space.

The largest animals — elephants, rhinos, hippos and

up after a procedure always takes some effort. One of

giraffes — need “house calls,” meaning we go to the

is a walled-off infection, and it can look like toothpaste

house calls … doing minor exams, checking on an animal

the messiest procedures is an abscess removal. An abscess when one is ruptured. Being in the barns and in all types of weather is when I personally end up the messiest —

animals’ habitats. Many of our appointments though are after a surgery and wellness checks.

you just expect to get dirt, hay and other things on you.

Right: A red panda receives an ultrasound as part of a preventative health checkup

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#6

What animals are the most challenging to care for?

#8

What are some ways you care for the older animals?

Animals often live longer in the care of zoos —

they don’t face the life-threatening situations they Almost all the animals at the Zoo are wild animals,

do in the wild. Many of the animals you see at our

well. Birds are masters of that, masking their illnesses until

face similar conditions as people — arthritis, cancer,

members are key to seeing those often-subtle changes that

We are proactive with our care. Animals receive

and that means they hide their illnesses and injuries very

Zoo are considered geriatric. Older animals often

they are sometimes quite sick. Our Animal Care team

dental problems, kidney trouble and heart disease.

tell us something is wrong with one of the animals so we

regular health and wellness screenings, and our

can act quickly. They are with these animals every day and

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know them the best!

Do you have a favorite animal and why?

goal is to catch any problems early and start

treatment. If an animal isn’t behaving normally and we suspect a problem, in addition to a full

physical examination, we’ll usually take radiographs (commonly referred to as X-rays), as well as bloodwork for several different tests.

In addition to proactive veterinary care,

Animal Care teams coordinate to provide

animals with healthy diets, opportunities for

exercise, enrichment and habitat modifications to accommodate for any physical limitations older animals may have.

Sloths are my favorite — I’ve worked with them in

Guyana and did an anesthesia research project with both

two- and three-toed-sloths many years ago in Costa Rica.

I have loved them ever since. Sloths have many unique

traits: they sleep while hanging upside down, defecate only once a week, and have adaptations to maintain their blood pressure so they don’t get dizzy or light-headed while upside down.

Diablito dart frog

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Right: The Animal Health team conducts a checkup on a red panda

#9

Which animals need grooming versus those that groom themselves?

#10

What are the best parts about being a zoo veterinarian?

Most animals do a good job of grooming themselves.

Sometimes when we have animals anesthetized for examinations or hoof trims, the Animal Care team

I get to work with amazing animals and some of the

their winter coats a bit quicker or remove any tangles.

all departments and have built many friendships and

may help brush and groom them, usually to help shed Sometimes older animals that become less flexible due to arthritis may need occasional help grooming themselves.

best people I know! I enjoy working with people across strong relationships here. As the Director of Animal

Health, I don’t get to work with animals every day now, but I enjoy being there to support my team, providing them with resources and guidance so they can do incredible things for the animals in our care. n

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New at the Zoo: What’s in Store for 2024

By Rebecca McMiller, Marketing Communications Manager

2023 was an innovative year for

archways and sprawling displays

musical entertainment across the

a new bird show, Winging It

lanterns will incorporate movement,

band playing your favorite party hits.

the Saint Louis Zoo. We offered (returning in May 2024); hosted

new events (HullabaZoo presented

by Mid America Chevy Dealers

and several animal awareness days); and welcomed new species

(three new peccaries, similar to pigs, in River’s Edge). This year will be

no different … there’s a lot of new

to look forward to! Here’s a snapshot of what’s in store for 2024.

that guests may walk through. Some sound effects and changing colors.

Displays will include Asian animals, ocean creatures and zoo animals.

Animals Aglow comes to the Zoo

dragon corridor, which is sure to be

will soon have a new resident.

The Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium

a guest favorite. And, Zoo members

Our Zoo will welcome a Komodo

will receive a discount on admission!

ZOOFARI – Now an Annual Party

our largest fundraisers of the year —

walk around the Zoo amidst the

luminous glow of towering wildlife lanterns. There will be over

50 lanterns spread throughout

Zoo grounds, including lantern

your best creative-black-tie outfit!

the event will feature a Chinese

Colorful lanterns will light

evenings, March 13 to May 5,

ZOOFARI as well, so start planning

Komodo Dragon Coming in 2024

Our largest party of the year is

On Wednesday through Sunday

Zoo members receive a discount to

during the Year of the Dragon;

New Event: Animals Aglow: A Lantern Festival up the Zoo this spring!

Zoo, including a national cover

reimagined! Previously, we alternated ZOOFARI and A Zoo Ado.

Now, ZOOFARI will be hosted

annually! Save the date for Friday,

June 21, and get pumped for dinnerby-the-bite samples from 40+ local restaurants, refreshing libations

and interactive special activities.

You can dance the night away with

dragon in 2024. Komodo dragons are the largest, heaviest lizards in

the world. The muscles they have in

their jaws and throats allow them to swallow large portions of meat; they

can consume up to 80% of their body

weight in one meal! They also are fast … they can run up to 13 miles per

hour for short stretches. They are listed as vulnerable in the wild, and their

native habitat spans the Indonesian islands of the Lesser Sunda group,

including Rintja, Padar and Flores, and Komodo.

Photos by Kelsey Thompson and Jo-Ellen Toler

A new event, Animals Aglow, comes to the Zoo starting March 13

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Guests ride the Emerson Zooline Railroad at ZOOFARI

Zoo ALIVE Teens Take Conservation Action Virtual

Amur tiger mother Reka with her 6-day-old cubs in maternity den

Mom-to-be Rubih, a Sumatran orangutan, cuddles up in a blanket

Babies to Make Their Debut

species is considered one of the most

Not Extinct Yet: Dinoroarus Returns!

Another big debut anticipated

Enjoy one more spring

There’s nothing cuter than baby

animals, and 2024 will be the year

endangered big cats in the world.

that several are anticipated to make

for 2024 is the birth of Sumatran

Country, the Amur tiger cubs born

for humans, orangutans have the

their public debut. In Big Cat

in November 2023 will be introduced to their public-facing habitat once they grow large enough to safely

navigate the area (as of this writing, a date has not yet been set).

Until then, mother Reka and the cubs will remain in their private, quiet and calm maternity den.

The cubs are the first successful tiger births at the Zoo in more

than 10 years and are a significant

orangutan Rubih’s baby. Except

longest childhood of any animal.

Babies of more social apes, such as

chimpanzees, can learn from multiple adults, while orangutan babies

depend entirely on their mothers.

They learn everything from mom

Construction on the new children’s

area, the Henry A. Jubel Foundation Destination Discovery, won’t

begin until summer, so use your

member tickets and see the dinos one last time, starting March 15.

The exhibit will close on May 27.

— how to find food, make a nest

Please look for more information

generally stays with its mother for

and via email about all these

and use tools. A young orangutan six to eight years on average.

Our Animal Care teams are

contribution to the population of

working hard to support these moms

zoos. The largest of wild cats, this

to watching their journeys in 2024.

Amur tigers in North American

season at Emerson Dinoroarus!

and young ones. We look forward

on our website, social media

exciting happenings. We look

forward to celebrating all things new at the Zoo with you! n

Winter 2024

19

A Life-Changing Adventure: Conserving Primates in Malaysia

Primate Keepers Mylisa Whipple and Nathan Fox at the office for HUTAN-KOCP and the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

A large group of southern pig-tailed macaques crossing a “wildlife bridge”

Article and photos by Primate Keepers Mylisa Whipple and Nathan Fox

Fat rain drops fell from the sky

“wildlife bridge” that we were there

Ancrenaz, the HUTAN employees

tributary of the Kinabatangan River

monkey was not alone, as over 100

Their five focuses are orangutan

and splashed into the waters of a

in Malaysian Borneo. We had two

boats, only one of which was covered, so we tied the boats together, and

everyone hopped into our boat to wait out the rain. I (Mylisa) was listening to the pitter-patter of rain drops

while taking in the stunning beauty

that surrounded me in this amazingly

biodiverse place. This moment was one that I knew I would never forget. Just

pig-tailed macaques, young and old, appeared and followed. It was such a powerful, emotional moment for

As rain started to subside, a pig-

tailed macaque came quietly out of

the forest on the opposite side of the

river from us and started to cross the

stlzoo

The forest in the region that

tributaries, as well as the many palm

around the world, helping to conserve wild primates in Malaysia with the

HUTAN conservation organization.

In Malay, “hutan” means forest,

the forest and wildlife that call it

work on behalf of the Saint Louis Zoo.

swiftlet conservation and education.

every day, but now we were halfway

conservation efforts for primate species

and now here we were waiting out participating in field conservation

research, wildlife survey, reforestation,

HUTAN serves is fragmented by

so it’s the perfect name for an

the rain in Sukau, Malaysia, while

are from the local community.

us. At the Zoo, we participate in

days before, my co-worker Nathan and I embarked on this adventure,

20

to repair. We soon realized that this

organization that is working to save home. The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute, our field conservation

branch, has supported HUTAN

and their Kinabatangan Orangutan

Conservation Programme (KOCP) for

over 15 years. Aside from the founders, Dr. Isabelle Lackman and Dr. Marc

the Kinabatangan River and its

oil plantations in the area. Palm oil

can be found in many products that

people all around the world use daily, from food to cleaning products, and Malaysia is one of the largest palm

oil producers. With the boom of the palm oil industry, forests were cut

down and replaced by plantations that threaten the survival of the wildlife

in this region. However, the amazing work of conservation groups like

HUTAN are helping to conserve

these species. HUTAN staff work to encourage plantation owners in the

area to participate in conservation and

do not swim, are also able to safely

Palm Oil (RSPO). The RSPO is an

forests allows the orangutans and other

to join the Roundtable on Sustainable organization of stakeholders from across the palm oil supply chain

that create guidelines that members

cross. Connecting these fragmented

wildlife to come together to increase

the genetic diversity of these species.

Being chosen as the first primate

must follow. Plantations must meet

keepers at the Saint Louis Zoo to

and social criteria for their palm

opportunity. There were so many

and maintain certain environmental oil to be certified as sustainable,

which is an important thing for both wildlife and the local people. Since 2019, the Zoo has been a member

of the RSPO as an environmental/ nature conservation organization.

HUTAN cooperates with

plantation owners to create forest corridors and has been building

wildlife bridges over the tributaries of

the Kinabatangan River to connect the fragmented landscape. While working with HUTAN, we were tasked with helping their team construct and

install new bridges, as well as repair

go to Malaysia was an incredible

aspects of the trip that I (Nathan) could list as my favorite, but there is one thing that truly stands out

for me. As an ape keeper, working

with orangutans in the Zoo, it was incredible to see orangutans in the

wild for the first time. We saw three mother and infant pairs. Not only

did we see them living high in the

forest canopy, but we saw them near

the river, feeding in low trees. It was

surprising to see them doing so well, despite the palm oil plantations that are so prevalent in the region.

HUTAN has made such a strong

old ones. Strong, flat webbing is the

impact in conserving Bornean

They are constructed using knots

plantation owners and the local

material used to build the bridges. instead of hardware to ensure the

bridges remain structurally sound

against the wet Borneo environment.

These bridges are vitally important to the varied primate species that live in

the forests near Sukau. If not for these

community. Through their research,

HUTAN has been able to show that Bornean orangutans are resilient

and able to survive in this landscape of both forest and plantations.

The work that HUTAN is doing

continues to help pave the way to

would be dangerous, considering the

species for generations to come.

crocodiles that live in these waters. In addition, Bornean orangutans, which

Primate Keepers Mylisa Whipple and Nathan Fox on the Kinabatangan River with the HUTAN team

orangutans by collaborating with

bridges, many monkey species would

attempt to leap or swim across, which

Primate Keeper Nathan Fox building a “wildlife bridge” with HUTAN team members

survival for primates and other wildlife To learn more about this conservation work, visit hutan.org.my. n

A view of one of the new “wildlife bridges”

Winter 2024

21

happe Trivia Gone Wild

Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 7 to 11 p.m.

Recruit some friends and get ready

to expand your craniums at our Zoo’s Black rhinoceros

trivia night! Trivia will cover a wide range of topics. Adults 21+ only. $350 for a table of 10; $450 for a

Zoo Job Fairs

Untamed Hearts:

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024,

Valentine’s Day Dinner

9 a.m. to noon; Wednesday,

Friday, Feb. 9 and

Feb. 7, 2024, 4 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024

Sea Lion Show Spring Training

The Living World

McDonnell Center at River Camp

Daily, March 16 to 31, 2024

Experience a fun, friendly and unique

Save the date for the Zoo’s romantic

The sea lions are back and reporting

Zoo. Learn about our open positions!

to an intimate evening at the Zoo.

Jerry Kent Family Sea Lion Sound.

work environment with a job at the More information: stlzoo.org/jobs.

valentine’s dinner! Treat your sweetie You will be served a three-course

meal and wine. Limited reservations.

Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

VIP table of 10. Reserve a table at stlzoo.org.

to spring training at the Judy and

The trainers are working with the

intelligent pinnipeds on their athletic behaviors, including high dives and

jumps. $2 per person; children under age 2 are free. Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

22

stlzoo

enings Emerson Dinoroarus

Animals Aglow

Friday, March 15 through

Wednesdays through Sundays,

Monday, May 27, 2024

March 13 to May 5, 2024;

Dinoroarus is back for the spring

6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

season! Throughout Dinoroarus,

This spring, walk around the Zoo at

between dinosaurs and modern-

towering wildlife lanterns. From Asian

discover the amazing connections day living animals while walking among 14 different groupings of

animatronic and stationary dinosaurs.

Zoo members: Included in member/ premium member tickets. Children under age 2 are free.

Cave cricket

twilight amidst the luminous glow of animals to ocean creatures, this is a

Hours

Tuesday–Friday, Jan. 2-5, 2024 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

display unlike any other in St. Louis.

Jan. 6 through March 1, 2024 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mondays through Fridays

Thursday), $20.95 (Friday–Sunday).

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays

Zoo members: $16.95 (Wednesday–

Non-members: $19.95 (Wednesday– Thursday), $23.95 (Friday–Sunday).

Check back to stlzoo.org to learn more.

On Mondays through Fridays from Jan. 8 through March 1 (excluding Jan. 15 and Feb. 19), guests will not be able to access the Zoo’s South Entrance on Wells Drive. This closure includes the South Welcome Desk, Rentals and Safari Gift Shop.

Please park and enter the Zoo at the North Entrance on Government Drive.

Details are subject to change.

Please visit stlzoo.org for the latest information.

Saddle-billed stork

Winter 2024

23

Endowed Fund Established to Honor Caroline Loughlin’s Legacy at the Saint Louis Zoo Photograph by Jennifer Johnston

Caroline Keller Loughlin retired as a Zoo volunteer in 1998 with 13,000 service hours

Forest Park on a sunny day; many remember Caroline for her love of nature and for co-authoring the book “Forest Park”

By Robin Kraujalis, Manager of Planned Gifts

Caroline Keller Loughlin began her

journey as a Saint Louis Zoo volunteer in 1972, soon after she moved to

as humane and progressive.

She later became an author herself,

St. Louis with her husband Philip H.

co-authoring the book “Forest Park.”

animals and was drawn to the

Park Forever, she helped advocate

Loughlin III. She had always liked Zoo by its mission and the people she worked with, especially fellow

volunteer Chris Chadwick and Deputy Director Charlie Hoessle, who was promoted to Director in 1982.

Caroline was a member of the

Saint Louis Zoo Friends Association and once was its treasurer. She was also involved in the Friends’ travel program and went on many trips

they organized — to Africa, South

America, Antarctica and New Guinea.

As a founding member of Forest for a master plan for the Park’s

renovation and transformation.

Frederick Law Olmstead.

When the Loughlins moved to the Boston area in 1999, Caroline volunteered at the historic Mount Auburn

Cemetery in Cambridge and was soon elected a trustee.

When Caroline Loughlin

She was nearly finished with work

passed away in 2013, our Zoo,

Zoo’s archivist and historian in 1985.

across the country lost a dear

on “Forest Park” when she became the In 1998, Caroline retired as a Zoo

volunteer with 13,000 hours of service.

Hoessle recognized her with a special

Director’s Award with this inscription: “Caroline Loughlin. Volunteer,

historian, archivist, book buyer,

Forest Park and urban parks

friend and champion. “The Saint Louis Zoo was one of the places

she loved the most,” her husband Philip said. “It is important that her work not be forgotten.”

Caroline and Philip’s dedication

fellow traveler, advisor and friend.”

to the Zoo’s mission will continue

the Zoo’s book buyer, and the staff

and public places extended beyond

Endowment Fund, established

took to select books with realistic

as one of the country’s most active

For many years, Caroline was

especially appreciated the care she and sympathetic depictions of

24

animals and that portrayed zoos

stlzoo

Caroline’s interest in parks

St. Louis, and she became known stewards of parks designed by

through the Caroline Loughlin in 2023 to honor her service

and to support the Zoo’s work, now and into the future. n

Carol Benoist: Helping Bring Safaris to St. Louis

Carol and family after enjoying their Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park tour

By Darcy Callahan, Manager of Major Gifts

Carol Benoist and her late husband

habitats. As a result, the numbers of

the Zoo hopes to eventually release

experienced a life-changing trip

to dwindle. It broke our hearts.”

their declining populations in their

Peter traveled the world and

to South Africa. While on safari, they fell in love with the people, the land and the animals.

“Growing up in St. Louis,

we always loved visiting our wonderful

Zoo and seeing animals on an up-close basis,” Carol said. “Then we went to Africa, and the fences disappeared.

There were no barriers between us

and the animals we loved. We saw

so many of our favorites … African

elephants, lions, leopards, Cape buffalos, rhinoceros and more. It was magical.”

Carol continued, “We left Africa

thinking that these amazing animals

would live on forever. But we began to

hear more and more news of poaching

and increased development of the land.

People were killing these precious

creatures and destroying their natural

these animals living in the wild began When Carol heard about the

Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park

them back into the wild to increase native habitats.

The Saint Louis Zoo is grateful

opening to the public in 2027, she was

for Carol’s leadership on this

experience to St. Louis while saving

an ever-growing list of community

intrigued at the idea of bringing a safari animals from the brink of extinction.

She also liked that WildCare Park will serve as an anchor institution, spurring

important project. She is joining leaders who are partnering with

the Zoo to advance our mission.

To find out more information

development and new jobs. This project

about WildCare Park and how you

city and animals she loved. It felt like

Office at (314) 646-4691. n

brought her a sense of hope for the

a good fit for her philanthropic goals.

can help, please call the Development

Now, thanks to Carol’s

generosity, addax and Grevy’s zebra are the first two species to call

WildCare Park home. They will

participate in specialized breeding

programs for critically endangered ungulates (hoofed animals). As a

worldwide leader in conservation,

Grevy’s zebra

Winter 2024

25

Spooky Good Fun at Marlin Perkins Society Night at Boo at the Zoo

Zoo team members helped guests create sustainable candy bags, which could be used as rags after they were used for Halloween

Young guests participate in a science craft

By Mackenzie Isringhausen, Manager, Marlin Perkins Society

We would like to extend our

Oct. 12, welcomed nearly 2,000

Zoo attractions; and mingled

Marlin Perkins Society members

an “eerie-sistible” event! Guests wore

members throughout the beautiful

sincerest gratitude to all of our for their steadfast support.

This special group of supporters

is one of the Zoo’s most dedicated,

and we were pleased to host another Marlin Perkins Society Night at Boo at the Zoo as a thank-you.

This exclusive evening

at Boo at the Zoo, presented

by SSM Health Children’s

Hospital, held on Thursday,

26

stlzoo

Marlin Perkins Society members for fun costumes, many of which were

animal-themed; enjoyed a variety of

with other Marlin Perkins Society autumn evening. It’s a delight for

our staff to see members enjoying the holiday-themed lights and

complimentary cookies and drinks.

We hope events like these

show how thankful we are to our

Marlin Perkins Society members.

They are so important to our entire Zoo community! n

Whether you want to learn more about turtles, penguins, apes, sea lions or big cats, the Zoo has a program for you this spring! Our educational programs are designed for individuals of all ages and abilities. Together, we’ll make animal discoveries through unique Zoo experiences.

And, Zoo members receive a discount on program fees!

Program features may include:

• Guided tours • Animal observations • Hands-on activities We offer early childhood classes; camp sessions during school breaks; family and overnight programs; and programs for adults, scouts and youth groups.

Registration is open! For program details, visit stlzoo.org/programs or call (314) 646-4544, option #6.

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 Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023 Aaron & Brittany Chrisman

Tim & Maria Desloge

(10) denotes member for at least 10 years

Margaret & Gordon Finley

(20) denotes member for at least 20 years

Edco Realty Co.

Mr. & Mrs. William T. Gamewell (10) Mark Gilje & Caroline

Please contact the Development

Robert & Jane Goldsmith

Mrs. Barbara Goodman

• Would like information on how you

Kelley & Jack Hartnett

Jeffrey & Louise Levine

Terry & Kathy Disher

Amy & Douglas Dove

August & Lindsey Hager IV Debra & Mark Irving

Pavla & Daniel Landiss

McKelvey Homes, LLC

Andy & Kristen Miedler Chad Niemeier

Sheila & Jim Schnurbusch

Derek & Stephanie Schwendinger Deb Seidel

Kelly & John Stickley

James & Wendy Walsh

Gilje, DVM (15)

Elizabeth & Austin Kent Bruce & Diana Linders (10)

Melissa & Herbert Markwort Anna & Dan Ramacciotti

Mr. & Mrs. Marc Seldin (10) Mr. & Mrs. John R. Sondag Dr. John A. Sopuch

Sally Terrace & Al Henneboehle (20) William & Shannon Willhite Luke Yamnitz

Christina & Geoff Wilson Steven Witthaus

Adam Young & Jennifer Kieffer Current Marlin Perkins Society Members Who Have Increased Support Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023 Mark & Kimberly Atkins Lee Berger (10)

John & Penelope Biggs

Collin Cox & Angela Schaefer Daniel & Rochelle Cox (10)

Bactrian camel

28

(15) denotes member for at least 15 years

stlzoo

Office at (314) 646-4859 if 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).

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 Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023.

Donors are listed in the category of their most recent giving to the Saint Louis Zoo. Leadership Gifts $5,000,000 and Above Eric P. and Evelyn E. Newman Foundation $4,999,999 – $1,000,000 Anonymous Edward & Margaret Imo Family Major Gifts $749,999 – $500,000 Estate of Randall Damerow, and the Estate of Donald Damerow Jim & Lionelle Elsesser $499,999 – $250,000 Jack & Ellen Deutsch The Guth Foundation $249,999 – $100,000 Joe & Dianna Adorjan Edward K. Love Conservation Foundation Lisa Mechele Special Gifts $99,999 – $50,000 Barbara & Stephen Archer Family The Boeing Company The Faintich Family Foundation Estate of Mr. & Mrs. Terrence Helwig Terry M. Lynford Winthrop & Heidi Reed $49,999 – $25,000 Ann L. Case Karen & Matt Geekie $24,999 – $10,000 Anonymous Ms. Betty Beckmann Mr. & Mrs. Charles Berry Leo R. Buder Foundation Trust Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation

Estate of Terri L. Jakuboski Andy & Kristen Miedler John and Carolyn Peterson Charitable Foundation, Inc. Society for Information Management The von Gontard Family Foundation $9,999 – $5,000 Anonymous Bunge Kaye Campbell-Hinson & Phil Hinson Mrs. Kay Drey Edison Family Foundation Gary & Debra Haynes Tony Holdener Ms. Martha R. Kratzer MTM, Inc. Estate of Dorothy Riesmeyer Beverly Ruser, in memory of Larry Ruser, Sr. Estate of Robert M. Senior Mr. Joe A. Strickert Dr. Libby M. Yunger $4,999 – $2,500 Mr. & Mrs. Ken Nettleton Jamey Stegmaier Karen Strobach $2,499 – $1,000 Diane & Joe Carenza DJM Ecological Services, Inc. Pure Air Natives, Inc. Roger & Earleen Duncan Terry & Cheryl Gilchrist Marie Guariglia Mrs. Ruth C. Hellstern Melvyn L. & Dorothy J. Lefkowitz Estate of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lenzen H. Smith & Janet McGehee Microsoft Rewards/Give with Bing Whig & Steph Mullins Ms. Maria A. Murphy Travis Neely

Estate of Viola J. Reynolds Thomas & Lisa Spinner Ms. Ellen Uhlemeyer $999 – $250 Abby Cheng Dickerson Park Zoo Tara & Scott Evans Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Fritz James S. & Tracey L. Gans Mr. & Mrs. Ted Hellmuth Kenneth & Patti Hise Mr. Patrick J. Kleaver John L. Koberg & Barbara A. Reed Mr. Craig Landon Ray Marglous Family Foundation The McAllister Family Foundation Richard & Verla Mitchell Mr. & Mrs. Michael Monarchi Mike & Marianne Murphy Richard & Virginia Navarro Dr. & Mrs. Henry G. Ollinger Ms. Linda R. Reifschneider Drs. Benjamin & Susan Schwartz Mr. & Mrs. Brent St. John Ms. Heather R. Stimmel Bud & Anne Strong Bruce & Greta Talen James & Jean Terry Ms. Kay E. Thurman Ms. Jo Ann Treumann Lottie H. & A.J. Wade Mrs. Lois M. Walsh Karen L. Weissflug Mr. John R. Zentz 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.

Winter 2024

29

Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund Donors providing the Saint Louis Zoo Tribute Fund with gifts of $25 or more between Aug. 1 – Oct. 31, 2023, to honor or memorialize events and loved ones include: In Memory Of

Bonnie B. Halls

Gwen Jankowski

Michael Carron

Mr. & Mrs. Boyd Atteberry

Jeannette Gift

Leslie Cobble Ruecker

Harry Jennings

Linda Noland Joseph Collesano Ms. Julie Heyd Rachel Hogan

Ms. Heather R. Stimmel Marc D. Ellington Jerry & Char Ellington Carol Faintich Abby Cheng

Robin L. Kahn

Ms. Stephanie Rhea Cheryl L. Rossman Dorothy Stephens

Ronald R. Goellner Dr. & Mrs. William J. Boever Sandra M. Greenberg Mr. & Mrs. Bill Bender Lisa K. Forness

Michael R. Sims

Susan Sundermeyer

Muriel & Randy Zimring

Dr. & Mrs. Octavio R. Chirino Mr. Marcus T. & Francine Cohn

Christy Roach

Mr. & Mrs. Jerry L. Fritz

Terry D. Johnson

Joan & Virgil Hill

Steven & Laura May

Jeanine & Allen Elster Cliff Hackmann

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald M. Hilkerbaumer

Phil A. Kaiser

George F. Koob

Mary Kempfer & Wes Kempfer

Richard Horwath

Alan & Bunne Kaplan

Jean L. Barker

Rosemary & James Kurt

Lourdes M. Kuykendall

Dee and Jim Lafata

Mrs. Catherine & Mr. Brad Langreder Peggy & Alex Moore

Patrick and Nancy Walsh Marilyn N. Koob

Mr. & Mrs. Dale Poslosky

Mr. & Mrs. Patrick J. Heath

Marge Smith

Joseph O. Losos

Marilyn Simkins & Jon Simkins Mr. & Mrs. Brent St. John

Dr. & Mrs. William J. Boever

Lori A. Sullivan & G. Todd Rogan

Caroline K. Loughlin

Mrs. Karen Stern Sharon Vlasics

Mr. Jeffrey L. Huntington

Lawrence H. & Judith F. Weltman

Lois Marshall

William & Janet Wittenauer

Mr. & Mrs. David Tinkelman

Robert E. & Nancy E. Wagoner Ken Wilhelm & Nancy Gerardi

Dr. Michael & Mrs. Michelle Isserman

Maryann Heeney

Robert J. Noe

Margie Bittner

John & Rose Collins

Virginia M. Herrmann

Mr. Don W. Davis

Dr. & Mrs. William J. Boever

Ms. Deanna Davis

Melvyn L. & Dorothy J. Lefkowitz Ray Marglous Family Foundation Debbie Wahl

30

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Joseph Pantano

Bernard Rosenberg

Robyn Faintich

Ms. Barbara P. Lehman

Margaret Crane

Jeff Bernhardt

Randy & Lynn Pantano

Patricia A. Schneider

Rani

Evelyn Pantano

William & Jeryl Livingston

Katherine Blessing

Bruce Glazier

Kadean Construction Co.

Diane & David Freyman

Ms. Linda R. Reifschneider

William Stevens

Mr. and Mrs. Rand S. Goldstein

Barbara Spencer

Lisa Lamb

Dr. & Mrs. Paul S. Lux

Edward O. Ray

Thayne Thomas

Tucker Holloran

Candice Gladders

Judy Douglas & Jack Douglas

Rachel Barrand

Stephen M. Redfearn

Linda A. Tripodi

Anonymous

Lindsey Bastani

James S. & Tracey L. Gans

Glenda Martin

Amy & Michael Digman

Judy O’Dell

Randall S. Lorimor The Garden/Bunco Club of Lebanon, Missouri

Mary J. Wehmeyer Mr. John R. Zentz Cindy Riordan

Garlich Printing Company Robert H. Ripley Susan J. & Richard J. Berron

Steven Collier & Jennifer Salrin Morgan and Ian Fruend Charles Marlow

Monica E. Matava

Sperreng MS Office

Nanette H. Tarbouni

Michelle & Michael Todt Norma L. Williams Juanita Schemel

Debbie Gallop

In Honor Of

Mr. & Mrs. Niall Gannon Tyler Gans Sully Hall

Brad Lambert

Katelyn McLaughlin

Matthew McLaughlin Bruce & Greta Talen

Kip Wenger & Laura Wenger Mrs. Susan B. Krawll Mike & Marianne Murphy Bonnie and Chris Miget Mosby Building Arts Ltd.

Ms. Jo Ann Treumann

David and Christine Chadwick

Nancy C. Morgan

Elsie Walker

Mike & Marianne Murphy

Jim & Peg Morgan

Jeanne Rooney

Crystal D’Angelo

Steven F. Schankman

Joanne B. Bland

Dr. & Mrs. Sherman Silber

Mr. & Mrs. David M. Aronson Bob & Susie Schulte

Winter 2024

31

EXERCISE LIKE AN

l a m i an

Many animals, like grizzly bears and groundhogs, slow down during the wintertime. But for some animals, it’s important to stay active all year long, just like us. We have some animal-themed exercises to keep you moving all winter long!

the Sifaka JUMP A sifaka is a lemur that leaps from tree to tree. They can leap over 30 feet; that’s similar to jumping from the front of a school bus all the way to the back!

try this!

the CHeetah run Cheetahs can run over 60 miles per hour in short bursts; that’s similar to a car driving on the highway!

try this!

32

stlzoo

JUMP! Hold your arms up and hop to the side.

How many hops does it take to cross your room, yard or playground?

RUN! Choose a starting and finishing line in your yard, hallway or local park. Time yourself to see how fast you can reach the finish line. Try again to see if you can go even faster!

the penguin waddle Penguins waddle and slide on their bellies to get around their icy home.

try

waddle! this

!

Without bending your knees, waddle from one side of your room or yard to the other.

the honeybee dance

DANCE!

Honeybees dance to communicate! Through their dances, they tell the other members of their hive where to find all the best nectar.

try this

!

Turn on your favorite song. Dance while moving forward, then turn left or right, looping back to where you started. Honeybees change their dance to let others know how far or near the nectar is, so remember to change up your moves!

the gator crawl Alligator moms carry their hatchlings on their backs to help keep them safe.

try this

Crawl! !

Place a few toys or pillows on your back and try to crawl around without letting them fall off. How many things can you carry?

the balancing AN T Leaf cutter ants carry large pieces of leaves back to their homes. The fungus that grows on the leaves they collected is their food.

try

this

BALANCE!

!

Choose a path through your room, house or local playground. Try to navigate your way though it while carrying something on top of your head (try using a recycled box or book).

Winter 2024

33

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

P A I D

One Government Drive St. Louis, MO 63110

Saint Louis, MO Permit No. 2096

POSTMASTER: send address changes to stlzoo, Saint Louis Zoo, One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110.

CHECK IF APPROPRIATE: MY NAME IS MISSPELLED. MY ADDRESS IS INCORRECT. I RECEIVED MORE THAN ONE COPY. I NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE stlzoo.

Please clip this address panel and mail it to us, noting your request.

Address Service Requested

© stlzoo, Saint Louis Zoo, 2024

The Need for “Zzz’s” Grizzly bears in the wild hibernate to survive due to limited resources. In human care, not all grizzlies hibernate. The Zoo’s two resident grizzly bears, Huckleberry and Finley, don’t hibernate but their diets and activity levels change with the winter season.

Photo by Ray Meibaum