Zoo News Spring 2021

ZO O NEWS

S P RIN G 2021

SPRING 2021

FeaFea tures tures 4

CE O L E T T E R

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N E W AT T H E Z O O Animal Arrivals

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ARO U N D T H E G RO U N D S Animal Conservation & Science Communications & Strategy Development Facilities & Construction Guest Services

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B E H I N D T H E S CE N E S Elephants & Hoofstock

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I N T E RV I E W Jessica Scallan

Spring Edition: April, May, June ZooNews is a seasonal publication of Tulsa Zoo Management, Inc., 6421 E. 36th St. N. Tulsa, Oklahoma 74115.

Questions regarding ZooNews should be directed to Nick Walters, Community Engagement Manager 918-669-6639, nwalters@tulsazoo.org

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TULSA ZOO M AN AGE M E N T, I N C .

B OAR D O F D I R E CTO R S John Stava Chairman Brad Mueller Vice Chairman Tom C.Vincent II Treasurer Jeff James Secretary and Development Chair Ken Klein Building and Grounds Chair Monty Butts Governance Chair Hanna Bentley Lisa Day Suzanne Kneale Joel-lyn McCormick Mike Miers Betty Pirnat Scott Vandergriff Jamie Wheeler

E X E CU T I V E S TAF F Lindsay Hutchison President/CEO Ellen Averill VP of Communications and Strategy Joe Barkowski VP of Animal Conservation and Science Don Hammons VP of Finance and Administration Scott Shope VP of Facilities and Grounds Pat Weisz VP of Guest Experience

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President/CEO Let ter L I N D S AY H U T CHI S ON President/CEO, Tulsa Zoo Management Inc.

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Hello and welcome to our first edition of Zoo News in more than seven years! We are reviving this publication as a means of sharing the many exciting things happening at your Tulsa Zoo as we continue to invest in our zoo and become a world class attraction.

The pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home order impacted us during the most visited time of the year in 2020. Even with this setback we were able to end the year with a net revenue surplus, which is a major accomplishment. This occurred for many reasons, which I will share below. Two of the most valuable assets during this difficult time were our staff and your continued membership.

Because of our staff’s efforts, your Tulsa Zoo was awarded and able to maintain a Payroll Protection Program Loan, receive contributions for a special emergency operating fund and identify more than $1 million in temporary reductions to staffingand guest-facing operating expenses while the number of daily visitors was limited.

Our team continued to provide amazing animal care and maintain our facility during the shutdown. As a part of the decrease in operating expenses, they shared their time and expertise to make up for more than 17 unfilled full-time positions through the end of 2020. I am honored to work with this team.

Despite a tough 2020, we had several fantastic wins that continue to enhance your guest experience.

• We opened the $3.2 million Helmerich Playground: Behaving Like Animals in October 2020. This is a much-needed renovation of our old playground that has been welcomed by visitors.

• We got creative and hosted a COVID-19 safe HallowZOOeen, the only in-person event Tulsa Zoo hosted last year. HallowZOOeen raised more than $124,000 and allowed 15,750 guests a safe place to trick or treat during the pandemic.

• Before the end of 2020, three very BIG animals were added to our population - a new rhino, elephant, and giraffe. I hope you have had the opportunity to visit them!

As we entered 2021, the momentum continued to build. We welcomed back a 16-year-old male Malayan tiger named Gahara, making our Lost Kingdom facility the only accredited location authorized by AZA to breed two pairs of Malayan tigers in 2021. We are now at 70 percent capacity for guests and had an excellent March, as gate revenue exceeded the budget by 27 percent. Membership also beat the existing record from December 2020 with more than 3,000 new households joining. Most recently, we hosted a sold-out Conservation on Tap event with 28 local breweries represented and more than 600 Tulsan’s attending as we sipped to save species.

Looking forward, we will be re-launching the $28 million African Wilds: Carnivores capital campaign while continuing our architecture plans on the $22.5 million Elephant Preserve project. We cannot wait to see what the future holds as we continue building a bigger, better Tulsa Zoo. Please know that none of the accomplishments highlighted in this digital publication would be possible without your continued support!

Sincerely,

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N E W AT TH E ZO O

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A N IM A L ARRI VAL S DI D YO U K N OW ?

Animals are identified by using a code. The order indicates the gender and the number indicates how many

2 . 2 . 2 # U N K N OW N # FEMALE # MALE 7

FAWN- B REA STED BOWE R BI R D 1.0. 0 Trop i c a l R a in fo re s t

TO M ATO F RO G 0.0.3 A m bas sad o r A n i m a l

M I N DA N AO LORIKEET 0.2.0 Conservation Center

A R C T I C F OX 0.1.0 L i fe i n t h e C o l d

CHINE S E H WA M EI 0 .1 .0 Li fe i n th e Fo re s t

S P E C TAC L E D OWL 1.0.0 A m bas sad o r A n i m a l

DIANA MONKEY 0.0.1 Conservation Center

PA R S O N F I N C H 0.0.4 L i fe i n t h e D e s e r t

TAWNY FRO GM O U TH 1 .1 .0 Con s e r va t io n Ce n t e r

EMERALD S TA R L I N G 0.0.2 Tro p i cal R ai n fo re s t

L O N G - TA I L E D CHINCHILLA 0.0.1 L i fe i n t h e C o l d

B L AC K W I D OW 0.1.0 L i fe i n t h e Fo re s t

A RO UN D T HE G ROUN D S

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JAGUAR INTRODUCTIONS Over the course of several months, our carnivores team has been diligently observing the behaviors of our two female jaguars, Ixchel and Caipora. Both females are in their retirement years at the zoo, and until recently remained separated, swapping exhibit access or reserve yard access.

After noticing more positive behavior between both cats, conversations began about introducing the females to the same space.

“Earlier this year, we saw them attempting to groom each other through the mesh and they were often seen lying next to each other with the mesh between them,” said Stephanie Kain, Tulsa Zoo Zoological Manager. “We started to talk about actually introducing them. We formulated a plan, talked about all safety measures that we would need, and put it all into place. On the scheduled day, we opened the door between them. They immediately began to play, chase, wrestle and groom each other. Within a couple of days of having supervised access to each other during the day, they were not only getting along well, but they were also napping together in the same bed.”

In the wild, jaguars mainly live a solitary life, except for mating or rearing cubs. This relationship is special.

Kain said, “We have seen that they prefer to be near each other most of the time but when they want some alone time, they are able to move to another space. They will continue to be fed separately but otherwise, will be housed together.”

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ANIMAL CONSERVATION & SCIENCE

Ixchel

Ixchel and Caipora

Caipora

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ARO UND THE G RO U N D S

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SQ UIG G Y JO INS M AI N E XH I B I T Our newest addition to the African penguin colony is Squiggy! Born on Dec. 14, 2020, this active youngster is exploring the adult pool and exhibit.

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BINTURO NG SU M M E R R E T U R N

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Our binturongs Palawan and Cala have returned. These summer-loving animals are a guest favorite and will be on exhibit until the weather begins to cool.

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W HOA NE LLIE !

Overlooking the boardwalk outside Life in the Water, a new 300+ pound female alligator moved into her exhibit. Zoo members had the unique chance to submit and vote on their favorite name. After hundreds of submissions, the winning name is Nellie!

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NE W BE G INNIN G Arctic Fox Cotton recently arrived at the Tulsa Zoo to live a healthier life.

Cotton has a permanent head tilt due to an ear infection she had prior to arrival.

Don’t worry, we’re watching her closely and she doesn’t show any signs of discomfort.

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BIR D S, BIR D S & M O R E B I R D S So far, 28 birds have hatched so far this year representing five different species.

We welcomed nine red-billed firefinches, 282 of this species have hatched at the Tulsa Zoo since 2013.

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BA SILISK R E LEAS E Two plumed basilisk lizards have joined the Rainforest. These brilliantly colored lizards are best known for their excellent swimming and ability to sprint across open water.

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E ND O F A N E R A Caden, the last of our white-tailed deer, passed away at age 14. Born at the OKC Zoo in 2007, Caden has been in Tulsa since 2008. This is very old for a male white-tailed deer, which rarely live half that long. This species has been at our zoo since its inception nearly 94 years ago.

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In Memory #61 ...

Most people look at the flock of flamingos and do not realize that each one has a different personality. Like kids in a classroom, some of them are ornery, some sweet, and some are even a bit shy. I’ve had the pleasure to work with the Tulsa Zoo flamingos since 2005. I was a docent, an intern, and eventually one of their keepers. As a Tulsa native, I have always been proud of the fact that I get to take care of some of the treasures of the Tulsa Zoo that I grew up with, like #61.

He was one of the first Caribbean Flamingos that came to the zoo in the early 1960s, fully grown. To our knowledge, he never took a mate or had offspring of his own, but he was always bonded to the other old 1960s guys. We lovingly referred to the group as our ‘old men’ and I often called them the ‘Godfathers’ of the flamingo flock because no one could push them around. As they all aged, and most have since passed away, they would separate themselves from the chaos that younger birds often bring to the flock. While the couples would show off and nest in the yard, the older guys like #61 would quietly rest under the shady oak tree.

In the last few years, he and #68 would wander around the yard in the morning but make their way back inside right after the pool was cleaned. The keepers would always fill the pool slowly with warm water just for the old men and throw out extra krill for them to enjoy on their own. #61 never seemed rushed or in a hurry to do anything in life and I like to believe that is because he had already seen so much. Each of our animals has a small army that cares for them and in #61’s case, keepers, vet staff, docents, zooteens, interns … all going back 60 years!

We are very sad by his loss but equally proud that we were a part of his life and that he was able to inspire several generations of visitors at the Tulsa Zoo. – Karen Guess, Zookeeper

celebrating

50 years

S U S I E ’S S U MMER SOIREE Fridays during the month of June, we celebrated a big milestone for our chimpanzee Susie. In honor of her 50th birthday, special enrichment activities took place inside Chimpanzee Connection for the entire troop.

Zoo staff proudly wore specially made shirts each friday during Susie’s Summer Soiree.

FIRST TULSA CH I M PAN Z EE TO H AV E O F F S PRI N G In her lifetime, Susie has raised five offspring, the most of any female chimpanzee at our zoo. Susie’s offspring are Penny (1978), Chester (1982), Morris (1986), and Hope (1991), and after a 16-year hiatus on breeding in our troop, Bernsen (2007).

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spring 2021 troop

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A RO UND THE G RO U N D S

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A LL A BO UT ME T R AD I N G CAR D S On your next stop in the Gift Shop, look for our first edition “All About Me!” Trading Cards. Each box contains 25 unique cards highlighting different Tulsa Zoo animals. All proceeds benefit building a bigger, better zoo!

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SUM M E R STA F F S H I RT D E S I G N Each summer, seasonal shirts are offered as a cooler staff uniform option. This year’s design is centered on the phrase “saving species near and far.”

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NE W FLE E T AR R I V E S We are saying goodbye to our aging fleet vehicles and welcoming four new Nissan editions; three trucks and a cargo van.

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BIG M AY SA L E Membership households grew by nearly 2,000 in May. After recovering from a household drop during the pandemic, we are now sitting close to 16,000 membership households.

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1 9 3 5 STRUC T U R E R E - PU R PO S E D Step back in time when celebrating your next birthday at the zoo. Formerly the headquarters of the Cox Nature Exchange, the Stone Cabin has been re-imagined as a birthday party venue.

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C E NTURY G ROV E Tulsa Zoo joined other community partners in planting a grove of native trees in observance of the lives lost in the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Up with Trees will provide care and ensure the trees’ longevity along the Osage Trail.

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5 1 ST A NNUA L Z O O RU N For the first time ever, ZooRun was held completely virtual. More than 400 participants representing 19 states raised more than $11,000.

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A RT UNTA M ED R E T U R N S Art Untamed returns featuring one-of-a-kind animal paintings. Support the zoo by purchasing your favorite artwork today. Select paintings and limited edition prints are available on our website. tulsazoo.org/artuntamed

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SIPPING TO

T H I R D AN N UAL CO N S E RVAT I ON O N TAP - 574 Attendees - 28 Breweries - $15,000 + Raised

All proceeds from the third annual Conservation on Tap benefited the American Burying Beetle Project. Live American burying beetles were displayed by local expert Dr. Wyatt Hoback, who spoke throughout the event about the local conservation effort.

M ACRO P H OTO G R APH Y EXHIBIT To highlight the beauty of invertebrates the event featured an art exhibit comprised of hyper-color photographs by Oklahoma artist Bob Sober.

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B E HIN D T H E SC EN ES

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F E AT U R I N G

ELEPHANTS & HOOFSTOCK Asian Elephants | Giraffes | Nyala | Springbok | Warthogs | White Rhinos

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MEET OUR BIG THREE

BOOPER

Last November we announced big, big, big news. Three new animals representing our three largest species, arrived within a two-week period. Here is a behind the scenes look at how the Elephants & Hoofstock Team introduced their new additions.

H OW DI D THIS T RIFE C TA C O M E TO BE ?

The timing was a coincidence. Booper the elephant’s arrival happened quickly after the facility she was at discontinued their Asian elephant program. Sally the rhinos journey was planned far in advance for breeding, and the pandemic/summer weather delayed Zoe the giraffe’s original spring arrival. Not only was our department involved in moving one huge animal, but three of the largest animals on the planet within a span of two weeks. There are many factors that go into moving animals, especially animals of this size. Everything from the logistics of transportation, communication with multiple agencies, to the safety plan. It was a monumental task that kept us incredibly busy!

ZOE

Top row, left to right: Jordan Piha, Christina Clum, Erik Storjahan, Mitchell Wilkinson Middle row, left to right: Eric Flossic, Jessica Scallan, Jorel Martin Kneeling, left to right: Chance Filhiol, Kara McSweeney

SALLY

SALLY

W H AT WAS E ACH AN I M AL S ’ AR R I VAL LIKE? When a new animal arrives at the zoo, they go through a quarantine process. This allows us to ensure they are healthy before joining the other animals in their exhibit. While most animals visit our vet hospital for this evaluation, animals like elephants, giraffes and rhinos can’t due to their size. Thankfully our facilities have plenty of room to evaluate their health remotely.

Giraffe Howdy

Each barn is specially designed with holding stalls to accommodate new animals. As they unload into their new space, it’s important the animals feel comfortable and safe. Our keepers will bring their favorite snacks or familiar smells into the space to help them acclimate to their new surroundings.

After their quarantine is complete, the process of meeting their future herd begins. The safest way to introduce large animals is through a slow progression. The initial introductions are called a howdy. This allows the animals to be face-to-face for the first time with a barrier between them.

First Introductions

Each initial introduction went well for all three animals. From calm trunk to trunk contact in the elephant barn, to huffing and grunting from Jeannie announcing her dominance to newcomer Sally, the responses were very species-specific and promising. For the giraffes, the larger area inside the Osage Casino & Hotel Giraffe Barn allowed an indoor introduction to occur. Almost all of the interior was open to allow for a large circle.

All giraffes had plenty of room to interact and staff was able to observe them from all angles.

Out of all the giraffes, Hekaya, our bull, was the most interested. For a few days, he closely observed Zoe and as she reacted less to his presence he returned to his usual routine.

27 Left to Right, Pili, Hekaya, Zoe, Lexi

S ALLY

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14-year-old white rhino

Out of all the introductions, Sally’s was the most unique. The Mary K. Chapman Rhino Reserve encompasses nearly 3 acres of exhibit space, with five different animal species. The challenge of introducing Sally to this space is ensuring she felt comfortable through the process with all the exhibit has to offer. At first she was the only rhino in the yard. Sally explored her outdoor spaces and met her smaller counterparts, our nyala, springbok, grey crowned cranes and warthogs. Allowing her this opportunity first ensured she knew all the elements of her surroundings before meeting the other rhinos, Jeannie and Rudo.

Both of the large yards were utilized and lots of food was in tow to reward positive interactions and behaviors shown by the rhinos. In preparation for these introductions, Sally’s horn (which is made from keratin, the same as our hair and fingernails) was trimmed down. This is done as a precaution because when introducing rhinos there is sparring and determination of each other's strength.

As expected, the introductions were active and vocal, but completely normal for white rhinos.

They went so well the trio shared space for nearly five hours.

Over at elephants, our females Booper and Sooky took about 15 days to howdy. As we observed Sooky, who is the more dominant female, she displayed several behaviors like putting her trunk over Booper’s head and looking larger with her ears out. Booper in exchange offered submissive behaviors all while gaining confidence in their new relationship.

Their first space sharing opportunity occurred in our reserve yard that borders the bull elephant yard. Although always in between a barrier, the interactions showed possibilities of a full herd introduction. When it comes to Sneezy our bull elephant, he is the best bull you could ask for. His mellow personality and our careful plans of introducing the new group allowed for the next big step. On March 27, all three elephants were allowed to roam together. Each showed great group behaviors like foraging, tactile investigation, and olfactory communication. This enriching opportunity is incredibly engaging and socially rewarding for the herd and we have continued offering shared roaming opportunities multiple times a week.

Left to Right, Sally, Rudo, Jeannie

warthogs

nyala

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W H AT ’S T H E H O PE F OR T H E N E W AD D I T I ON S ?

In Booper’s case, the pairing is for social companionship. For Zoe and Sally, the hope is breeding. They were recommended by the Species Survival Plan to come to Tulsa with the hopes of offspring. As these groups become more established, we are hopeful those plans become reality. Many of our facilities including the Rhino Reserve are designed with a breeding program in mind. While Rudo has no offspring, Sally is an experienced mother having had three calves in Ohio. As their bond continually increases, so does the play sparing, rolling around and foraging, and even sleeping side by side.

Jeannie and Sally

Booper and Sooky

Left to Right, Booper, Sneezy, Sooky

Booper

20 YEARS

AND COUNTING

Inter view J E S S I CA S CAL L AN

Zoological Manager, Elephants & Hoofstock

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W H EN D ID YO U KNOW YO U WAN T E D TO WOR K W ITH E LE P HAN T S ?

I knew I wanted to work with elephants at a very young age after meeting two elephants, Jean and Panya, at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. I made it my mission after college to work with Asian elephants and especially wanted to work with a bull elephant. That left me very limited options, but I ended up applying to two zoos, one of them being Tulsa Zoo.

W H AT HA S YO UR TIME AT T U L S A Z O O IN C LUD E D ?

Now in my 20th year at the Tulsa Zoo, I have experienced so many milestones. I am especially proud of our elephant program, which includes incredible individualized care. It’s this care that allows our elephants to live long healthy lives. An example is our original elephant Gunda who lived to the remarkable age of 67. I was able to work with Gunda for over 16 years. She taught me so much about loyalty, bravery and gentleness. I’ll never forget her!

Beyond elephants, my experience has included big cats, bears, sea lions, rhinos, giraffes and other hoofstock. Today, I oversee two main areas in the zoo, our pachyderms (Asian elephants & white rhinos) and African hoofstock species (springbok, nyala, and warthogs). That’s why I lovingly refer to my departments as #TeamPachystock. We are a very united and strong team with a lot of passion!

It’s a lot of hard work, but we love what we do. We are here until the job is done and it doesn’t matter what the calendar says. Each and every day our care is top-notch and it’s truly a team effort.

W H AT’ S O N THE HO R I Z O N F O R YO U R TE A M ?

Looking ahead, the Tulsa Zoo is preparing to expand our elephant habitat to be one of the largest in North America. It will give us so much additional space to grow our herd. Our team has the ability to create a world class facility that is unique to us. It’s a very collaborative process, the architects and planners are taking our input and making our dreams a reality. We are embarking on a project many places dream of. It is changing the game for us and allowing Tulsa Zoo to increase our commitment to Asian elephant conservation.

IS T HE R E A NYTHING E L S E YO U WO U L D LI KE TO SHA R E ?

I would like to say thank you! Tulsans have supported our commitment to improving Tulsa Zoo elephant and hoofstock habitats. Our department has benefited from a new rhino barn and exhibit, as well as a giraffe barn expansion Next, one of the largest habitats in North America for our elephants. It’s these “big guys” that draw a lot of people to the zoo, but our role goes beyond that.

We might be the initial hook to encourage a visit, but along the way, guests can learn more about some of the lesser-known species and their equal importance to the planet.

Tul sa Zoo M an ageme n t I n c .

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