November/December Exzooberance

CREATURE FEATURE:

POLAR BEARS ZOO BREW EVENT RECAP:

ZOO BOO & ZOOTOBERFEST

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CREATURE FEATURE: POLAR BEARS

The Memphis Zoo is home to two beautiful polar bears, Koda and Haley ...

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P. ZOO BOO RECAP

This year we offered 10 nights of spooky fun at the Le Bonheur Zoo ...

ZOO BREW

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This October, the Memphis Zoo announced a new partnership with Grind City Brewery and celebrated the ...

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ZOOTOBERFEST RECAP

Zootoberfest 2021 hosted a wide range of local breweries! Visitors purchased ...

CONTENTS

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POLAR BEARS The Memphis Zoo is home to two beautiful polar bears, Koda and Haley.

Haley has been with the Memphis Zoo since 2006 and Koda recently joined the family at the beginning of 2021. Haley is very smart and likes to eat, because of this, keepers are constantly trying to challenge Haley with puzzle toys. She seems to enjoy manipulating the toys to get food out of them through various sized holes. Some of her favorite foods are capelin and melon! Koda is very curious and playful. He likes exploring his exhibit and playing with toys in his pool.

His favorite way to play is to throw a floating toy into the water and then pounce on it and try to sink it. He likes doing this with donut toys, barrels, and a life pan. He also really enjoys interacting with his keepers and training. He knows lots of behaviors, from husbandry behaviors that help us take care of him, like opening his mouth so we can check his teeth, to behaviors that allow him to express his creativity, like bringing his keepers toys.

Polar bears are currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN. They estimate that there are only about 26,000 polar

bears left in the wild. Their numbers continue to decline due to their main threat- climate change.

Memphis Zoo supports polar bear conservation in partnering with Polar Bears International (PBI) through their Artic Ambassador Center. By housing polar bears at Memphis Zoo, we are able to collaborate with PBI on research, education, and action programs that address the challenges of polar bears in a warming Arctic.

Memphis Zoo also participates in PBI’s Climate Alliance Program that focuses on effectively communicating about climate change and inspiring real-world solutions. Our bears are also part of a species survival plan (SSP) that manages breeding of polar bears in captivity to ensure genetically valuable offspring.

It is important to have polar bears in zoos for conservation, education, and research. Breeding polar bears under human care ensures that the population will never completely die out. By having polar bears at our zoo, we have the honor of educating our visitors about these beautiful bears and the problems this species is currently facing. Our goal is to inspire our visitors to want to help polar bears and save this species for many generations to come!

You might be wondering, “how can I help save polar bears in the Artic all the way from Tennessee?” You can help protect polar bears by voting, making better choices about building materials, supporting a shift from fossil fuels to clean energy, promoting clean transportation, and encouraging conversations about global warming. Start making a change today and you too can play a part in the survival of the polar bear!

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THIS OCTOBER, THE MEMPHIS ZOO ANNOUNCED A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH GRIND CITY BREWERY AND CELEBRATED THE CREATION OF OUR FIRST BEER, ZOO BREW!

ZOO BREW Zoo Brew is a crisp pilsner styler lager with lime that is a refreshing drink to have in hand as you adventure through the zoo. The can features a vibrant Louisiana pine snake to highlight one of our most successful conservation programs here at the zoo. The Memphis Zoo has been the leader in saving the Louisiana pine snake since 2010. By purchasing and sipping on this unique beer, you are doing your part in ensuring the survival of this species. Proceeds from each sale will go directly to our Pine Snake Conservation Program which allows researchers to continue working towards saving this environmentally important species. The beer is on sale now sold exclusively at the Memphis Zoo!

LEARN MORE AT MEMPHISZOO.ORG/ZOO-BREWS

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CALENDAR

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GOPHER FROG RELEASE 2021 In the murky bayou of south Mississippi lived a species of frog whose population was in steep decline. The dusky gopher frog is a critically endangered frog species that lives in the swampy wetlands of south Mississippi.

The future looked grim for its survival, that is until the Memphis Zoo research team intervened.

In 2001, Dr. Steve Reichling of the Memphis Zoo decided to step in to save this frog from extinction. Dr. Reichling and his team of research specialists began by establishing a stable population of dusky gopher frogs at the Memphis Zoo. The ultimate goal of this program was to establish a new population of gopher frogs in the wild using the captive-bred individuals. In 2017, the zoo began releasing frogs from their captive bred population into two shallow ponds within a protected area called Ward Bayou. Over the last five years, the Memphis Zoo, along with many partner organizations, has released over 4,000 juvenile frogs and nearly 4,000 tadpoles into the longleaf pine ecosystem.

In the last year, the Zoo’s research team has confirmed that our zoo-bred frogs have begun breeding naturally. This is a remarkable discovery as it is the next step in building a sustainable population around these ponds.

The dusky gopher frog program is important to conservation not only for helping to save this species from extinction, but also by illustrating the importance and value of zoos in preserving the wild ecosystems. Zoos have long been known for their skill in breeding and in maintaining captive populations. This program elegantly displays how, through their expertise and resources, zoos can also significantly contribute to saving a species in the wild.

Allison Bogisich, a Research Technician at the Memphis Zoo, leading the frog releases in Mississippi

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RESEARCH INTERNSHIP

MEMPHIS ZOO RESEARCH INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHT

Did you know the Memphis Zoo offers many different internship opportunities across the zoo? From zookeeper internships to marketing internships, we have lots of ways students can receive hands on learning experience! We asked three of our research interns to provide feedback from their experience to share their advice to other students. They spent their summer in the field studying amphibians with Dr. Sheila Poo, one of our research scientists at the zoo.

STUDENT PROFILES Tyler T. – Memphis Zoo Research Department Intern Tyler is currently a senior at Central Michigan University working on a double major in Environmental studies and Philosophy. Ty is originally from the southern region and is an outstanding student with a particular interest in amphibian and reptiles.

Tyler P. – Doris Duke Conservation Scholarship Program Intern Tyler P is currently senior at University of Massachusetts Amherst majoring in Natural Resource Conservation. Tyler has a particular interest in aquatic systems and recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship, particularly in the light of inequalities between different communities.

Erin – St. Mary’s Episcopal School Honors Independent Research Study student Erin is currently a senior in high school in the Memphis area. Erin’s summer internship at the Zoo is part of her senior year Honors Independent Research Study (HIRS) project, which pairs Memphis students with local organizations for summer internships.

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Why did you want to come work with researchers at the Memphis Zoo? Tyler P: My initial motivation to join the research team was to make a tangible difference in the field of conservation and learn new techniques from real professionals. In today’s climate of animal welfare activists, zoos are seen as controversial institutions. By working with researchers at the Memphis zoo I was able to explore first hand and form my own opinion on what it really means to participate in environmental stewardship. I saw how much effort the research teams put into educating, promoting, and studying animal wellness. An experience I doubt I would have gained from looking at zoos with an outside perspective.

Erin: I’ve always been interested in biology and conservation, and I signed up for an independent research class at my school specifically to try and work in the field for the summer.

I looked into the current research being done at the zoo, and it sounded exactly like what I was looking for. I wanted to get firsthand experience in a lab, specifically one focused on conservation, before heading to college and pursuing that interest.

Tyler T: I aspire to one day be a researcher in zoology and ecology, and I specifically have an interest in working closely with zoos and aquariums. I knew that getting to work in such a setting as the research labs at the Memphis Zoo would help enable me to see first-hand what that was like, as well as gain valuable experience. More specifically, my research interests, goals, experience, and the things I was looking for in a mentor overlapped extremely well with Dr. Sheila Poo. Did you know about Zoo research before working with Dr. Poo? Tyler P: I had heard about the conservation work that goes on in zoos before working with Dr. Poo but from a limited scope. I had assumed that zoos worked to assist recovering populations of endangered species, but never knew exactly what went into accomplishing that. There is a lot more cross-disciplinary knowledge, resource acquisition, and specialties involved in creating meaningful conservation efforts than I had expected.

Erin: Yes, I knew that a lot of zoos have invested in conservation/research programs, but of course working with Dr. Poo taught me a lot about the actual process and the work being done. I loved being able to see how everything works behind the scenes.

Tyler T: Yes, I was aware that zoos were (and are) becoming increasingly conservation- and research-oriented and that there are researchers who do amazing work at zoos and aquariums. However, my time at the Memphis Zoo and experiences in the Amphibian Lab gave me incredible insight into precisely what that work entails on a multitude of scales.

Working with Ally and Sheila greatly broadened my understanding of the plethora of possibilities in zoo research.

What did you enjoy most about the experience?

Tyler P: I enjoyed working as a contributor to Dr. Poo’s research team the most. Being able to collaborate with others in the lab and in the field was an experience I’ll never forget.

Dr. Poo and Allison were able to teach me so much about amphibian life history, habitat selection, etc. Hearing how the other interns developed their research interests and motivations was inspiring as well. Whenever we would all work together to clean out tanks, or inject PIT tags in the toads it felt like we were all working towards this common goal of seeing animals prosper. It was a bonding moment as much as it was a chance to grow my career.

Erin: The field work was my favorite- being able to spend the day out in nature while also getting firsthand experience with a research project was pretty awesome.

Tyler T: Practically, or in terms of the work itself, I think I most enjoyed being in the field. I always feel like I am the best version of myself when I am in nature, and getting to aid in doing research with direct conservation applications always amplifies those feelings and experiences. However, I would also say that I really enjoyed getting to be a part of such a close-knit lab group, which is also the best version of science – getting to collaborate with a diverse group of people oriented towards your same goals and who enable collective achievement in addition to personal growth.

What do you think you took away from the experience?

Tyler P: I learned how to be a better scientist and naturalist. I found out what it means to work as part of a research team and how each person plays a critical role in making conservation possible within zoos. I have a greater appreciation for the work that zoos do to preserve animal diversity, and will carry this insight into my future career. I hope to inspire others to take the initiative on learning about all the good zoos do, rather than simply point out the negatives.

Erin: Before this experience, I’d never actually worked with researchers or in a lab, and it was was cool to see how everything works and flows. I also loved being able to work with the zoo, as it’s a place I’ve been coming to for years and seeing how everything works behind the scenes was awesome.

Tyler T: Again, I can divide this response into a practical (work specific) and a personal/holistic answer. Practically, I think I improved a lot in terms of my lab-based research skills. Coming into the internship, I would certainly say, relative to my field research skills, my lab skills were definite weaknesses for me; however, under Dr. Poo’s tutelage, I think I improved greatly over the course of the summer and gained a lot of confidence.

Holistically, I think that this experience simply reaffirmed my conviction that this is the right path for me – one which I am suited to and can make a difference in.

What advice would you give to a student seeking an internship at the zoo?

Tyler P: I would tell an incoming student to keep an open-mind when working at the zoo internship. There may be tasks you might not have thought you had to do, or you may not be working with the species you initially set out to study. There are real great learning opportunities you can seize if you put your best foot forward. Don’t be afraid to talk to the other researchers about your career interests and goals. Some of them are doing what you might want to do in the future. Ask them about the steps they took to get where they are. They are there to help you succeed. If you always remain a student of conservation, I promise you'll find yourself with more knowledge than you came in with by the end of your time at the zoo.

Tyler T: In terms of the application process itself, be proactive, make sure to follow application instructions precisely, and make clear how important the internship is to you and how it can help you, personally, professionally, and otherwise. Conversely, familiarize yourself with the work of the lab to which you are applying and be clear about how you – with your experiences – are well-suited to help achieve the goals of the research.

Beyond that, for the internship itself, be patient, and don’t be afraid of new experiences – and failing. At the edge of discomfort is where growth lies. So, prepare as best you can, be confident, and do your best, but don’t shy away from failure or discomfort. It is largely because of these things that I feel I grew as much as I did over the summer and took so much from the internship.

Are you interested in learning more about the internships offered at the zoo? Go online at memphiszoo.org/careers or call the zoo to inquire about available internship opportunities!

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This year we offered 10 nights of spooky fun at the Le Bonheur Zoo Boo!

Thousands of guests from all over came in their best costumes for frightening fun times at the zoo! Guests enjoyed a pumpkin patch, Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree, the Mad Scientist Lab, magic shows, the Tesla Coil Show, creepy creature features, and so much more! Let’s not forget all the yummy candy at the various trick or treat stations set up around the zoo! Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2021 Zoo Boo!

KEEPER FEATURE:

JASON BANKSTON Where are you from originally?

I am originally from Chattanooga, TN

Where did you work before the Memphis Zoo? Before coming to Memphis, I worked at the Chattanooga Zoo for 7 years. I also volunteered during that time at the Tennessee Aquarium and Knoxville Zoo. What department do you work in?

I currently work in the Africa section of the East Zone as the Team Lead, so I work with all of the animals on the African Veldt.

How long have you been a zookeeper?

I have been a keeper for just over 16 years, 7 in Chattanooga, and the last 9 here in Memphis.

Have you always wanted to work with animals?

I always knew I wanted to work with animals in some way. I originally wanted to work with them in the circus, but after watching the Crocodile Hunter so much, I realized I wanted to work in a zoo.

Although I still dream about running away with the circus, I enjoy the stability working at a zoo offers.

What is your favorite species to work with at the zoo?

Favorite species questions are always troublesome for me. Elephants will always be my favorite species in general, but my favorite to work with is usually whichever species I’m working with on a given day.

Each species has its own quirks that make them fun and challenging to work with.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I mostly enjoy watching TV and movies, particularly documentaries and Jurassic Park. I also tend to a small patio container garden and play games like Zoo Tycoon. I also really enjoy building things out of Lego.

Do you have any pets?

I have about 30 fish currently.

What is your advice for anyone that wants to be a zookeeper?

I have several pieces of advice for anyone who wants to be a zookeeper or is just starting on their zookeeping journey. The best piece of advice I can give is to stay as open minded as you can. A lot of people (myself included) start out with a single species in mind that they want to work with. That’s great, but you never know when you might stumble upon a species that will surprise you and steal your heart. If you are just starting out, get as much experience with as many different species as you can. Even if it’s not your dream species, each one will teach you a little something to make you a better keeper overall. My final piece of advice is to listen to everyone on your team.

You should learn a little something different from each person you work with and use what you learn to make yourself the best keeper you can be.

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Zootoberfest 2021 hosted a wide range of local breweries! Visitors purchased a commemorative beer stein that they filled to the brim with craft beer on draft from one of the six beer stations around the zoo. We also celebrated the launch of our first ever Zoo Brew created by Grind City Brewery!

We hope you will join us next October for this event!

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JOIN YOUR FAVORITE ZOO FRIENDS AS THEY EXPLORE THE ZOO AT NIGHT

DURING THE IMPOSSIBLE SLEEPOVER! SOLD EXCLUSIVELY AT THE MEMPHIS ZOO IN OUR ELEPHANT TRUNK GIFT SHOP.

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Contributions The following friends are gratefully acknowledged for their thoughtful gifts made August 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021

Gifts

MEMORIALS

Anonymous

Gifts Received in Memory of Joseph A. Alexander, Jr.

($250 and above) Richard and Debbie Binswanger The Mason, Smith and Gilbert Families Max B. Ostner Jerry and Judy Shore Richard Wertz

HONORARIUMS Gift Received in Honor of Aliana, Amanda, Chris, Deanna, Jason and Michele Jerry and Judy Shore

Karen Kinney Shirley Senko Gifts Received in Memory of Jeff Buckley Lisa Nasis Gifts Received in Memory of Billy “Captain Bill” Mason The Mason, Smith and Gilbert Families Gift Received in Memory of Gus Wadlington Brenda and Marshall Gordon

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