Milwaukee County Zoo 2016 Annual Report

Green tree python

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Vision The Milwaukee County Zoo will be a zoo of renown with a reputation as a leader in animal management, conservation, research and education within a wholesome recreational environment enjoying the admiration of the citizens of Milwaukee County as well as all zoo guests and other zoos of the world.

Mission Statement The Milwaukee County Zoo will inspire public understanding, support and participation in global conservation of animal species and their environment by creating a unifying bond between our visitors and the living earth and provide an environment for personal renewal and enjoyment for our guests by: • Contributing to worldwide animal management, conservation and research efforts; • Fostering sound physical, psychological and social development for the animal groups in our care; • Sharing our knowledge with the intent to reinforce the human-animal-earth bond; • I mproving the quality of our professional development, administration and operating environment; • Striving for the financial self-sufficiency of the organization; • Continuing the public-private partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.

Snow leopard Orya

Amur tiger Amba and one of her female cubs.

Table of Contents Address from the County Executive. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Letter from the Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Milwaukee County Zoo History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2016 Highlights. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Animal Management and Health Division. . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Zoo Staff Conservation and Research Projects. . . . . . 19 Additional Conservation Efforts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Cooperative Animal Management Programs. . . . . . . . 26 Administration and Finance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Operations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Operating Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 The Milwaukee County Zoo and the Zoological Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 County Executive and Board of Supervisors . . . . . . . . 49

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Dear Friends, The Milwaukee County Zoo again marked the year with several prominent conservation efforts, the most significant being the birth of three Amur tiger cubs. A species endangered in the wild, these Amur cubs not only add to captive population diversity, but ensure their existence for Zoo visitors and future generations.

The year 2016 held much excitement as the Zoo prepared for the future, and began the first construction initiatives for “Adventure Africa,” which serves as the first phase of the next 20-year master plan. This future home for the Zoo’s African elephants will provide these magnificent animals with a substantial outdoor habitat as well as a large indoor barn. The plan also includes space for a mixed-species exhibit which will bring new residents to the Zoo with yellow-backed duikers, a type of African antelope.

A major capital project, “Adventure Africa,” is possible because of funding from Milwaukee County, the Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Since the early 1980s, this public-private partnership between the Zoo and the Zoological Society has resulted in more than $100 million in capital improvements; a bond that continues to strengthen today.

I would like to thank Zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser and the Zoo staff for its continued dedication and hard work. It takes the effort of everyone to make this organization thrive, and to continue to be seen as a leader and quality-of-life attraction in the community.

Chris Abele Milwaukee County Executive

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Letter from the Director In 2016, we continued on course with current master plan initiatives, in addition to welcoming a variety of animals into the collection, aligning with our overall mission of conservation and propagation.

With the design now complete for Adventure Africa: Elephant Exhibit, preparartion began of site work for this first phase of the 20-year master plan. This new future home for elephants is a $16.6 million project, and the single largest Zoo renovation since it began here in 1958.

Also in 2016, we welcomed a new female snow leopard, Orya. Arriving from Zoo Zurich, Orya is the second of two snow leopards acquired as a result of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation’s (GMF) Gifts to the Community, a program that offers special opportunities and experiences throughout the region. The first snow leopard, male Asa, arrived in 2015, and it’s the Zoo’s hope to eventually breed Orya with Asa. As a result of the current Zoo Interchange Project, our existing parking lot lost approximately 700 parking spaces. In 2015, construction of the parking lot at the new West Entrance was completed, and in 2016, planning and construction continued for future ticketing kiosks, restrooms, concessions and merchandising areas at this location.

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The summer exhibit welcomed robotic bugs, as BUGS! Larger than Life was displayed from May 28 through Sept. 5 outside behind the Small Mammals building.

Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets, the exhibit featured 13 insects more than 200 times their actual size – quite a spectacle for our younger visitors!

The year also saw the hiring of Jodi Gibson as the new Zoological Society President/CEO. Jodi has held senior leadership positions at large organizations in the nonprofit and corporate sectors. We wish her well in her new position and look forward to a prosperous relationship.

We’re grateful for the support of the county executive, the county board and the Zoological Society and its partners. Many of our projects, renovations and special exhibits are possible because of their assistance.

Please read on for additional highlights from 2016.

Charles Wikenhauser Director

The Milwaukee County Zoo: Our History Home to more than 3,100 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, we’re proud our Zoo continues to be recognized as one of the finest in the country.

Our history at a glance: 1892 The Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ) started as a miniature mammal and bird display in Milwaukee’s downtown Washington Park 1910 The Zoological Society was founded, lending financial support to the Zoo 1958 Moved to its present location on 200 acres of parkland Late Completion of: the Primate Building, 1960s Monkey Island, Winter Quarters, Polar and Brown Bear Exhibits, and the Feline, Pachyderm, Giraffe, Bird, Small Mammal, Aquarium and Reptile, and Australian Buildings 1970s Added the Children’s Zoo, Train Shed, Zoo Hospital, Dall Sheep Exhibit and the Gift Shop The Zoological Society’s volunteer organization, Zoo Pride, was established

1978

as one of only 22 institutions in W North America accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks & Aquariums, now named the Association of Zoos & Aquariums

1980s Initiated a $26 million capital improvement plan, representing a significant partnership venture between the Zoo, Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society Completion of: Wolf Woods, underwater viewing in the Polar Bear and Sea Lion Exhibits, Oceans of Fun, the Dairy Complex, Humboldt Penguins and the Peck Welcome Center Early Extensive renovation of the Aviary 1990s and Primates of the World, and the completion of a new Apes of Africa Exhibit 1999 Initiated a $30 million capital improvement plan, representing a significant partnership venture between the Zoo, Milwaukee County and the Zoological Society

Washington Park Zoo Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Public Library

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2003 Completion of Animal Health Center Began initial renovations to the Stackner Heritage Farm and construction of the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center 2004 Completion of the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center 2005 Completion of the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country Completion of the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm 2006 Completion of the MillerCoors Giraffe Experience 2008 Completion of the U.S. Bank Gathering Place Completion of the Idabel Wilmot Borchert Flamingo Exhibit and Overlook 2011 Completion of the new outdoor Bonobo Exhibit, and new interpretive graphics and interactive displays to the indoor Bonobo Exhibit

2012 Completion of the first planning phase of a new 20-year Zoo master plan, addressing improvements in animal exhibits, visitor attractions, service facilities and operations 2013 Completion of the master plan proposal

by Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. (PGAV); will serve as a guide for the Zoo for the next 20 years 2014 Moved forward on plans for the new West Entrance and adjacent parking lots. Plans include construction of a new outdoor Otter Exhibit 2015 Renovation of the outdoor Gorilla Exhibit Began design for “Adventure Africa” Phase I: Elephant Exhibit Partnered with Goodwill Industries for the high school transition-to-work program, Project SEARCH Installation of Mamava Lactation Suites: private areas for nursing mothers to use when visiting the Zoo

Opened new permanent visitor activities with Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone

2016 Completed design for “Adventure Africa” Phase I: Elephant Exhibit; began demolition and site work

Added Kohl’s Wild Theater programming to Zoo’s Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, made possible by a donation to the Zoological Society

Moved forward on construction projects for the new West Entrance to include areas for ticketing, concessions and merchandise; completed parking lot in this area

For our complete history, please visit milwaukeezoo.org Idabel Wilmot Borchert Flamingo Exhibit and Overlook

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Demolition for Elephant Exhibit

2016 Highlights Zoo Master Planning

Other Highlights

• Addresses animal exhibits, dining, merchandise sales and additional service and infrastructure improvements

• May 28 through Sept. 5

• Master plan finalized in 2013; serves as a guide for the next 20+ years

•M ajor impact of master planning is the Zoo Interchange Project; loss of approximately 700 visitor parking spaces; the new West Entrance parking lot is complete; further construction in this area has begun •D esign phase complete for “Adventure Africa” Phase I: Elephant Exhibit; demolition started

Zoo Interchange Project

The Zoo sits along a substantial stretch of freeway – to the west of downtown Milwaukee – appropriately named the Zoo Interchange. Its reconstruction began in 2012; and the entire project addresses this 9-mile freeway corridor leading to and through the actual interchange. Opening in 1963, it is Wisconsin’s oldest and busiest interchange.

2016 • Several significant freeway ramp and bridge closures affected how visitors arrived at the Zoo • Alternate routes to and from the Zoo, and additional signage were implemented • The Zoo’s website was continually updated with the latest construction closures, and additional collateral pieces were printed

The Zoo hosted a major summer exhibit, BUGS! Larger than Life sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets • Welcomed 137,609 guests

Economic Impact Study • Commissioned an economic impact study conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of Economics • Results found the Zoo to have an estimated $155 million impact to the four-county area that includes: Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha • Represents money entering the local economy in 2016 from the estimated 618,483 visitors from outside the Milwaukee area

Composting • Initiated a composting partnership with local urban farming organization, Blue Ribbon Organics • In June, began composting all of the Zoo’s herbivore animal waste • Compost is collected 4-5 times weekly, with an average of ~11 tons per week

Attraction and Special Event lineup included • Oceans of Fun Seal & Sea Lion Show sponsored by Anderson Seal, LLC • Zoomobile sponsored by Meijer • Party for the Planet sponsored by American Transmission Co. • Breakfast & Lunch with Santa sponsored by Racine Danish Kringles

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2016 Special Exhibit

BUGS! Larger than Life Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets Giant re-creations of insects swooped in during the summer in the form of 13 different bug varieties – buzzing, crawling and fluttering in their outdoor habitat.

This one-of-a-kind backyard was made possible by our talented horticulture staff, simulating an oversized world perfectly designed for the likes of black ants, a Mexican red-kneed tarantula and emperor scorpion.

Presented May 28 through Sept. 5, the exhibit was $2.50 per person after regular Zoo admission.

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2016 Animal Management and Health Division Five Major Animal Care Areas: • Reptiles and Aquaria

Responsibilities:

• Management, health, husbandry, propagation and exhibition of the animal collection

• Primates and Small Mammals • Birds and Family Farm

• Design and operation of the associated facilities and exhibits

• Large Mammals • Animal Health and Nutrition In addition to the permanently assigned full-time personnel, there are rovers – zookeepers trained in many animal areas who act as fill-ins as needed – and night operation and animal care staff. Animal staff also coordinate operations, maintain records and permits and manage the Zoo library.

•S upport and participation in conservation and research programs at the Zoo and internationally • Enhancement of the public’s knowledge and appreciation of animals

Victoria crowned pigeon

Animal Division Collections

The animal collections serve to enhance visitors’ knowledge and appreciation of animals, and to contribute to animal species conservation.

Our front-line animal staff devote more than 100,000 hours annually toward animal care.

On Dec. 31, 2016 the Milwaukee On Zoo Grounds County Zoo animal collection included:

Mammals

Species: 88 Specimens: 358

Amphibians

Species: 13 Specimens: 50

Birds

Reptiles

Species: 89 Specimens: 356

Species: 41 Specimens: 75

Fish

Invertebrates

Species: 147 Species: 24 Specimens: 1,463 Specimens: 854

Total Species: 402 | Total Specimens: 3,156

Out on Loan

The animal collection owned by the Zoo and on loan to other zoological institutions included:

Mammals

Species: 13 Specimens: 34

Reptiles

Species: 4 Specimens: 6

Total Species: 17 | Total Specimens: 40

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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists 16 of our collection species as endangered. Several of these species are critically endangered (on the brink of extinction in the wild) such as Amur tiger, southern black rhinoceros, cotton-top tamarin and Western lowland gorilla, Waldrapp ibis, Bali mynah, Chinese alligator, McCord’s snake-necked turtle and the Grand Cayman blue iguana. Our collection also includes Guam kingfishers, now extinct in the wild. Several species in our collection are also listed by the state of Wisconsin as endangered or threatened.

With such a large and diverse animal collection, there are a significant number of births, transfers and deaths annually. The life expectancy of our Zoo animals may greatly exceed the life expectancy of animals in the wild. These life expectancies vary dramatically with species – small rodents and the giant Pacific octopus are old in two years, while swans can live for decades. Animals may die earlier due to the same health conditions as humans.

Staff devote much time toward enriching our animals’ lives. They provide mental and physical stimulation by varying social structure, mixing compatible spec ies, changing habitats, offering interesting scents, providing manipulation devices, engaging them in positive reinforcement training, distributing food treats for foraging and supplying toys and problem-solving reward devices.

Spotted hyena

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2016 Highlights REPTILES AND AQUARIA Aquatic and Reptile Center

The long-term collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR fisheries department continued with our breeding of starhead topminnows, and the addition of 50 northern sunfish to the Aviary pond. Both species are endangered in Wisconsin.

For the past seven years, the MCZ was the only Zoo or aquarium holding a pure genetic stock of Lake Victoria cichlid. Half of this species in Lake Victoria are extinct or in danger of extinction, so this stock was important to its conservation. In 2016, we distributed 80 cichlid specimens to zoos in Brookfield, Ill and San Antonio, Texas, ensuring their survival.

The filtration and lighting of several exhibits were updated and improved, and our Flooded Forest Exhibit saw the addition of schools of silver dollar tetras and chocolate cichlids.

We assisted with the DNR’s case against a poacher by hatching and identifying more than 100 turtle eggs. Upon hatching, the turtles were returned to the Mississippi River section where they were originally poached.

A group of Banggai cardinal fish was assembled to develop a captive breeding program. Native to the shallow seas surrounding the Banggai Islands in Indonesia, this species is endangered.

BIRDS AND FAMILY FARM Aviary

In May, the Aviary re-opened after a 7-month closure to replace skylights and modify roof design for safer accessibility.

Additional green elements resulted in thermally efficient glass to reduce the need for heat in winter and cooling in summer.

Sunshine peacock cichlid

Photo by Richard Brodzeller

pheasant pigeon, Waldrapp ibis, Violaceous turaco, laysan teal, masked lapwing and tawny frogmouth.

New species added to the collection included: shama thrush, superb starling, spotted whistling duck, hamerkop, Victoria crowned pigeon and beautiful fruit dove.

The following species left for new homes in other facilities vetted by our bird curator: Abdiim’s stork, chestnut teal, Humboldt penguin, crested wood partridge, rockhopper penguin, Waldrapp ibis, Inca tern and pheasant pigeon.

We continue to support avian conservation domestically and internationally with various species, in addition to in-house efforts to reduce bird strikes. As in other years, staff assisted to further research in support of both captive management and in situ conservation.

Luzon bleeding heart dove

Throughout the year, several birds moved into the Zoo to pair with existing residents: rockhopper penguin, Caribbean flamingo, blue grey tanager,

The year saw successful hatchings of these species: Gentoo penguin, mousebird, crested wood partridge, sunbittern, black-naped fruit dove, cinereous vulture, Luzon bleeding heart dove, Inca tern and hooded pitta.

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Chinchilla

Tiger cubs

Northwestern Mutual Family Farm

to cooperate willingly for exams, sample collections and husbandry procedures allows for an enriching and stress-free environment. Samples collected under these conditions can determine normal biological parameters in exotic species, and monitor the health and reproductive status of our animals.

We were pleased to welcome a number of calves born to our working dairy farm, of which included Ayrshire, milking shorthorn, red and white Holstein and a Scottish highland.

Big Cat Country

World Bird Sanctuary continued its longstanding relationship with the Zoo, providing another summer of entertainment in the Kohl’s Wild Theater. Flighted raptors and numerous other exotic avifauna return annually for daily shows.

Also added into the collection were four Nigerian dwarf goats to supplement our current goat herd, and allow for a viable breeding group as we transition to this smaller species.

A new barred owl arrived for presentations by the Education Department, as well as three chinchilla also for Education, specifically the Animal Connections Continuum.

LARGE MAMMALS

The Large Mammal sections of the Zoo include: Big Cat Country, North American/Australia, Pachyderms/Giraffe, and African/South American Hoofstock/Camels.

In all of these areas, staff continue to manage an extensive animal collection with a progressive training program using operant conditioning. Training animals

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January saw the arrival of a male Amur tiger, Strannik, from the Toledo Zoo. After the quarantine period, he moved to Big Cat Country, and after settling in, he was introduced to one of our females, Amba.

We were thrilled that by September, we welcomed three cubs to the collection, male, Kashtan, and females, Eloise and Bernadette.

A female red panda named Dr. Erin Curry arrived in March from the Cincinnati Zoo, as a companion for our resident male, Dash. She was named after the Zoo’s reproductive physiologist who tracked the pregnancy via ultrasound, resulting in the future cub. Dash seemed quite interested in his new partner from the start.

After a long wait, we were excited to welcome female snow leopard, Oyra, from Zoo Zurich in August. It’s the Zoo’s hope that Orya will eventually breed with Asa, our current male snow leopard, to propagate and conserve the species. Currently snow leopards are facing extinction in the wild, as less than 200 reside in U.S. zoos.

North American/Australia

A new group of black-tailed prairie dogs made their debut in June, much to visitors’ delight. Initially, the all-male group spent much time underground working on their elaborate tunnel system.

The year was marked by many comings and goings in the North American Section. We were excited for a harbor seal birth in June – a male named Triton.

He is the third offspring born to father Ringo and mother Sydney, both brought here as wild-born animals. In April, female harbor seal, Cossette arrived from the Alaska Zoo, while our 2-year-old harbor seal, King Julian, transferred to Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, Wis. As construction progressed and space was necessary for “Adventure Africa,” male moose, Finnegan, moved to the N.E.W. Zoo in Green Bay, Wis. in September, and female moose, Robin and Bella, moved to off-exhibit areas, as did timber wolf Nikan. Further moves due to construction included brown bear Boris to the Black Bear Exhibit where he rotates on public display.

In June, we welcomed a female elk named Arya. She was born to mother, Chariss, and father, Comanche, who was 17 years old, and considered quite mature for a male elk. Additions to the collection rounded-out with the birth of a Matschie’s tree kangaroo.

Elk Arya

The new male named Cori marks a third-generation birth for our highly successful breeding program.

In October, black rhinoceros, Jozi, transferred here from the Pittsburgh Zoo. At 4-years-old, and a weight of 2,100 pounds, Jozi still has some growing to do, as she’ll be considered mature at ~6 years of age.

We said goodbye to Asiatic black bear, Hotlips, and black rhino, Brewster, as both were humanely euthanized. Hotlips was the oldest living of her species.

Giraffe Zola

Pachyderms/Giraffe

Rhino Jozi

In 2016, much attention surrounded both a significant birth and a rather large addition to the collection! April saw the birth of a female giraffe named Zola. Born to first-time mother, Marlee, and father, Bahatika, Zola was 5 feet 7 inches tall at birth, and weighed 130 pounds.

African & South American Hoofstock/Camels

Three new rhea joined the collection from the Hemker Park Zoo in Freeport, Minn.; we look forward to their public display in the spring of 2017. We have a long history of breeding greater kudu, and while we didn’t have new births this year, we did transfer Rocco, born in 2015, to Hemker Park Zoo.

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PRIMATES AND SMALL MAMMALS Apes of Africa, Primates of the World and Macaque Island As part of the 2016 Zoological Society’s Annual Appeal, fundraising was completed for a new outdoor transfer chute and exhibit renovation for our Colobus monkeys.

Our Zoo has one of the largest collections of bonobos in the world. A new birth in May to mother Claudine increased our group size to 23 bonobos. The newborn female was named Qasai, and joined our growing troop of youngsters.

Also in 2016, 11-year-old female orangutan Rayma arrived from the Topeka Zoo as a companion animal for our male, Tommy. Zookeepers comment that she’s gentle and sweet with both Tommy and the animal staff.

Macaque Island grew more lively as six younger Macaques joined the group of three older animals.

The new members acclimated well to the established residents and looked to the older group for direction.

Gorilla Femelle

They arrive as part of the Species Survival Plan® (SSP) which manages this threatened species within AZA accredited organizations.

An Eastern black-and-white colobus, Kibu, was transferred out; and we received a male named Elvis to add to our resident group.

maternal care and patience with our newest resident in the group, 2-year-old male, Sulaiman. She will be dearly missed.

The most common cause of mortality in captive great apes is cardiac disease. Our bonobos, gorillas and orangutans continue to voluntarily participate in We also lost three of our geriatric Macaques to old-age fully awake echocardiograms. Awake blood pressure related illnesses. Living out their lives on Macaque measurements also are collected voluntarily from our Island, they added to the diversity of the entire captive bonobos and orangutans utilizing population, and will be missed by a finger cuff. Monitoring blood their companions and visitors. pressure is a critical step forward Great ape research continued Finally, Elikia, one of our female in the detection and treatment of in collaboration with these bonobos, succumb to pneumonia cardiac disease in our apes. researchers: at 16 years old; the entire troop Sadly, we said goodbye to several • Kennesaw State University, is susceptible to flu-related health animals this year, including longtime Kennesaw, Ga. issues in winter. Though her exhibit resident and founder animal, Femelle, mates initially mourned the loss, • University of Wisconsin a female western lowland gorilla. they eventually continued on within School of Veterinary At an estimated age of 54-years, their social structures.

Medicine, Madison, Wis. wild-born Femelle, was one of our A group of four cotton-top tamarins • Max Planck Institute for longest-lived female gorillas. In her relocated from the Small Mammals Evolutionary Anthropology, most recent years, she demonstrated building to Primates of the World.

Leipzig, Germany

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Small Mammals

In anticipation of the arrival of Fezzik, a male two-toed sloth from the Topeka Zoo, the Small Mammals Section converted the existing North American River Otter Exhibit. Plans are underway for a new North American River Otter Exhibit as part of the new entrance development. Fezzik can be seen suspended by his exhibit propping and using his powerful grip and long claws to move about.

We also welcomed male potto Jabari from the Cleveland Zoo. Joining resident female potto, Kiazi, Jabari has an impressive range-of-motion in his joints, aided by his extreme grip strength.

The Zoo is hopeful for future potto breeding.

The nocturnal side of the Small Mammals building received a facelift as the exhibit lights were switched from blue to red spectrum.

Research has shown that some nocturnal species are more active under red spectrum lighting, which we’re finding true.

Dispositions in and out included the addition of a male Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, a male potto, and the transfer out of a Goeldi’s monkey.

Golden lion tamarin Paisley was born in April; sadly we said goodbye to two sugar gliders, both were 12 years old.

Potto Jabari

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Animal Health & Nutrition Animal Health Center

Responsibilities: Manages the medical care, preventive health and nutrition programs of the Zoo’s entire animal collection.

The Animal Health Center houses many animals annually – some are kept in quarantine before releasing them to the main collection, others are patients undergoing treatment. Special animals that we saw in 2016: • We housed an elderly pair of rockhopper penguins after cataract surgery. Both previously blind, surgery restored their sight; but they couldn’t go into water for several weeks. The hospital provided a controlled cold environment with misters. After recovery, the pair produced an egg for the first time in a decade; unfortunately it was infertile.

• A 3-week-old Amur tiger cub arrived here after having been removed from his mother due to a severe leg infection. Treatment was a success, but the cub had to be hand-raised, with daily interactions with his siblings when he was able.

• Our CDC primate quarantine was used to house a white-cheeked gibbon. Arriving from Australia, the gibbon was an imported primate, needing to undergo rigorous examination mandated by the CDC. Although the animal was destined for another zoo, MCZ is one of only a few CDC-approved primate importation facilities in the country. As such, our facility is used to help other zoos bringing in animals to improve the genetics of North American breeding populations.

Amur tiger cub

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We continue to become proficient with the medical records keeping system. The International Species Information System changed its name to Species360, and included many updates and upgrades over the year.

Ensuring medical records are entered correctly and consistently is only made possible by the diligence and self-motivation of all staff.

The Animal Health Center is a renowned veterinary medicine teaching hospital. Programs include a pathology fellowship, training veterinarians in the field of zoo animal pathology and a clinical residency program, a 3-year program that trains veterinarians in the field of zoo and exotic animal medicine. Each year, three rotating clinical medicine residency positions occur, and all programs are conducted in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine and the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, Wis. In 2016, the hospital performed 383 anesthetic procedures, 14,434 lab tests run on 2,920 samples, 2,332 prescriptions written and 3,582 medical record entries.

global animal management network worldwide. The central database contains information for 3.5 million animals, more than 10,000 species in 800 zoos and aquariums in 80 countries, as well as some species monitored in release and relocation projects into the wild around the world. Zoo, aquarium and conservation professionals numbering 20,000+ worldwide use the data to accomplish their zoo’s care, education and conservation goals.

Regulatory Agencies

Our Zoo partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Center and other agencies. We provide these agencies with expertise and assistance toward the conservation and protection of animals in captivity and in the wild.

We comply with regulations and permit requirements of international treaties, and national and state laws on animal conservation, management, care, health and safety. Examples of permits received by the Zoo in 2016 include:

Animal Commissary

International:

most of the animal food and supplies before daily delivery on request to multiple Zoo areas where animal diets are prepared.

National:

Responsibilities: Receives, evaluates and stores

SUPPORT OPERATIONS Animal Records

Since our 1892 founding, nearly 20,000 individual animal records have been created and managed for animals in our care. Today, AZA-accredited zoos keep very detailed up-to-date records for each animal, telling its life story from birth to death.

The Zoo registrar manages the database, overseeing the sharing and use of the data to tell the life story of our animals. Data is also used for permit applications and reports.

Identifying characteristics, all background information, measurements, husbandry, behavior, breeding management, enclosure information, behavioral enrichment, training, diet/feeding procedures, development and medical care are included in the animal’s record.

Information observed daily by the animal care staff is recorded in an electronic database, the Zoological Inventory Management System (ZIMS). In 2016, thousands of entries were added. ZIMS is the largest

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species import permit (CITES) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) (multiple permits) Captive Bred Wildlife permit Migratory Bird Special Purpose permit Goose Depredation permit Native Endangered Species Recovery permit U.S. Department of Agriculture Exhibitor permit Plant Pests, Noxious Weed, Soil Movement permit U.S. Department of the Interior Marine Mammal Protection Act permit

State of Wisconsin:

DNR Depredation permit (Canada goose nest and eggs)

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Library and Archive

The library staff includes one part-time professional librarian, providing reference services, assisting in research, maintaining the catalog and managing both the library and archives. The librarian also works part-time for the Zoological Society as the information specialist, managing the Society’s photo database and researching information for exhibit signage. A total of 15 Zoo Pride volunteers assist the librarian.

The library collection includes books and academic/scientific periodicals in the following subjects: zoological science; animal husbandry; management of animals in captivity; animal behavior; animal nutrition; veterinary medicine; wildlife conservation; birds; fishes; invertebrates; mammals; reptiles and amphibians; aquarium management; aquatic life; horticulture; zoological gardens; history of zoological science; zoo administration; and zoo, aquarium and museum exhibits. The library also collects ephemeral materials from U.S. and foreign zoos and aquariums; making it the largest collection of zoo ephemera in the country. The library also houses several animal-themed art pieces.

This year we partnered with the Zoological Registrar’s Association to house their archived materials and also to serve as the repository of the Zoo and Aquarium Video Archive Project. We continue to host the Carrol University Animal Behavior Class project presentations.

The archive preserves materials crucial to the history of our Zoo and of U.S. zoos. The collection includes photos, slides, DVDs, VHS cassettes, 16mm films, historic postcards, personal papers, veterinary records and MCZ historical records on paper and microfiche, all housed in a climate-controlled environment.

The Zoo Library and Archive, located in the Administration Annex in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, is a research library providing information resources to Zoo staff, the Zoological Society staff, Zoo Pride volunteers and to the public.

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Conservation, Research And Propagation Programs The MCZ continued to manage and/or contribute to diverse conservation, research and propagation programs at local, regional, national and international levels. The senior animal staff, including specialty curators, staff veterinarians and the deputy Zoo director, develop, implement and manage the programs. Front-line staff also actively manage and participate in many of these programs.

Collaborative efforts with other conservation-oriented institutions and agencies are essential to the effectiveness of these efforts.

In addition to the commitment of Zoo resources and the resources of collaborating institutions, significant funding came from Zoo trust funds and the Zoological Society.

Ornate box turtle

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Conservation and Research Program Collaborative Support The Zoo provides funding and/or staff support to selected conservation initiatives and research projects.

Highlights for support in 2016 include: Turtle Survival Program

Global

Polar Bears International

Pan-Arctic

International Elephant Foundation

Africa and Asia

International Rhino Foundation

Africa and Asia

Ape TAG Conservation Initiative

Africa and Asia

Great Ape Survival Partnership

Africa and Asia

Phoenix Fund Amur Tiger Project

Russia

International Snow Leopard Trust

Nepal

Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program

Papua New Guinea

Orangutan Outreach

Borneo and Sumatra

Hornbill Nestbox Adoption

Thailand

Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative

Democratic Republic of Congo

Lola Ya Bonobo – Bonobo Sanctuary

Democratic Republic of Congo

Virunga Park Protection Project

Democratic Republic of Congo

Kibale Fuel Wood Project

Uganda

Berggorilla and Regenwald Direkthilfe Gorilla Project

Rwanda

Adopt an Ostrich Program/Sahara Conservation Fund

Niger

Elephants for Africa

Botswana

Cheetah Conservation Botswana

Botswana

Madagascar Fauna Group

Madagascar

Grenada Frog Study

Grenada

Grenada Bank Treeboa Study

Grenada

Grenada Coral Reef Study

Grenada

Leatherback Turtle Study – Ocean Spirits

Grenada

Rock Iguana Conservation

Jamaica

Rock Iguana Conservation

Grand Cayman

AZA Elephant Welfare Project

National

Piping Plover Recovery Project

Great Lakes

Ornate Box Turtle Headstart Programt

Wisconsin

Butler’s Garter Snake Ecology

Wisconsin

Herp Fund – WIDNR

Wisconsin

Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study

Zoo

Starhead Topminnow Spawning Research

Zoo

Mississippi Gopher Frog Management

Zoo

Great Ape Heart Project

International

Avian Scientific Advisory Group

Milwaukee Ape Heart Project

Zoo

Penguin Taxon Advisory Group

Great Ape Cardiovascular Disease Study

Zoo

Great Apes Taxon Advisory Group

Great Ape Ultrasound Studies

Zoo

International Species Inventory System

Bonobo Cardiovascular Database

Zoo

AZA Reproductive Management Center

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African elephant

The Zoo also provides funding for collaborative conservation and research initiatives:

Zoo Staff Conservation and Research Projects Zoo staff participate in wildlife conservation and research projects at local, regional and international levels.

Many of the Zoo staff projects listed below were made possible with funding from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.

Grenada Coral Reef Study

• In 2009, our Caribbean research expanded to the surrounding ocean, joining the Wisconsin Lutheran College’s reef monitoring program in Grenada.

• The purpose is to compare the long-term health of the coral reefs found in Grenada’s marine protected areas with other areas without protection; the goal being to show the economic benefits of protected areas to Grenada’s tourist industry and fishing communities.

Grenada Frog Study

•T he Grenada frog was once widespread on the island of Grenada; but in the late 1880s, a related frog species, Johnstone’s frog, was introduced, and since spread throughout the island, forcing the Grenada frog to retreat into seven square miles of mountain rainforests.

• To find out if these two species can successfully coexist, in 2004 the Zoo, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the Grenada Forestry and National Parks Department initiated a field study. In 2009, frog numbers declined for a third consecutive year, prompting a sampling to determine if they carried the deadly frog-killing fungus chytrid. The fungus was found at all sites, which could lead to the species’ extinction.

• The Zoo and collaborators developed a Conservation Action Plan in 2010. In 2001, the frog populations in Grenada seemed to stabilize; in 2012, they seemed to rebound. In 2013, both frog species seemed to show a second wave of decline. The number of frogs surveyed in the first 6 months of 2014 varied little from 2013, but continued monitoring is necessary to confirm. Now numbers seem stable at 2013 survey numbers.

Grenada frog

Photo by Roger Thorpe

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Rock Iguana Conservation Projects The Zoo and the Zoological Society have supported rock iguana conservation in the genus Cyclura since 1995. Support has increased with fieldwork studies of the Grand Cayman blue iguana and Jamaican iguana.

• Blue iguanas are one of the most endangered lizard species in the world, as a 2003 census showed as few as 12 wild Grand Cayman blue iguanas. Due to work by several zoos, including ours, the population is now estimated at 200+. The Jamaican iguana, once thought to be extinct in the wild, is still very much in peril.

• The Zoo has participated in fieldwork for these collaborative efforts, resulting in successful releases of captive-hatched, raised-and-released iguanas back into the wilds of Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Observation and radio tracking data have been collected for the first time on the habits of these rare species from both raised-and-released and free-ranging wild iguanas.

• In 2014 one of our keepers surveyed blue iguanas on one of the Grand Cayman Islands, and one of our veterinary technicians assisted in the health screenings. The tech has assisted the veterinary staff of the Wildlife Conservation Society with similar iguana screenings since 2009. More fieldwork is scheduled, and staff will be sent to assist fieldworkers with nest monitoring and protection, health screenings, radio tracking and maintenance of iguana raise-and-release facilities.

• Zoo personnel have been involved with Jamaican iguana conservation since 2002. During June nesting season, wild iguanas are monitored at known nest sites – to observe and identify females.

Once the clutch is laid, iguanas are captured for health screening. Then, 95 days after nesting, the hatching season begins. Each newly hatched iguana is weighed, measured, sexed, transpondered, has blood collected, and is released or taken to Jamaica’s Hope Zoo for headstarting. In 2016, 200 hatchlings were produced; past number fluctuations appear correlated to weather fluctuations. Future hatching success will be monitored.

• A significant victory occurred this year when the Jamaican government decided against building a shipping port on iguana habitat, as they examined data from these conservation efforts.

Grenada Bank Treeboa Study

Since 2003, the Zoo has worked with Bob Henderson (Milwaukee Public Museum Curator Emeritus) on a Grenada Bank treeboa demographics project. In 2010, we also began collaboration with E. Marie Rush, DVM, and St. George’s University, Grenada.

• The project encompasses demographics, ectoand endoparasite identification and baseline blood parameters. Future studies will include DNA analysis of pooled blood samples to identify species subpopulations.

Grand Cayman blue iguana

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Photo by Mike Nepper

Grenada Turtles

•O ur partnership continues with the non-profit Grenada conservation organization, Ocean Spirits.

It focuses on marine turtle protection on the island’s coastal waters and beaches.

• Operating a scientific research program spanning 6 months of the year, Ocean Spirits also manages a nationwide education initiative reaching 4,000+ students, developing the idea that there are no better stewards of the turtles than the communities historically relying upon them.

Starhead Topminnow Breeding

•S tarhead topminnows are an endangered fish species in Wisconsin. Although there have been a few cases of successful captive reproduction in the private sector, there are no reports of zoo or aquarium breeding. In 2007, several pairs were collected to develop spawning techniques that could be used by the Wisconsin DNR should there be a need for captive breeding. One or two pairs have been collected annually since, to maintain the genetic diversity of the Zoo’s captive population.

Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study

•F or years, Zoo staff and volunteers have mist-netted and leg-banded wild birds on Zoo grounds to determine the numbers and species using the area as a stopover migration site. To date, the team has identified 183 species of native migratory birds, Collision abatement

and 44 are listed as rare, threatened or of special concern in Wisconsin.

• As a result, the Wisconsin DNR designated the Zoo as a recognized migratory bird stopover habitat.

Bird-banding demonstrations take place annually at our event, Party for the Planet, when visitors observe the process and release birds.

Wild Bird Collision Abatement

•Z oo and Society staff and volunteers work to minimize injury and mortality associated with bird-window collisions by actively modifying existing structures to mitigate strikes. By applying stencils, striping, silhouettes and decals, as well as using netting and better planting practices, we’re reducing the number of bird-related mortalities as a result of window collisions.

•O ver the years, various materials were applied on selected windows to evaluate the appearance, effectiveness, and durability of window-collision prevention measures. In 2016, parachute cord was installed on the Education building and netting to a glass structure routinely seeing high mortality.

Humboldt Penguin Conservation and Research

• Our Zoo has a long history with Humboldt penguin conservation in their native range, restricted to the coasts of Peru and Chile. In 1994, we initiated a long-term research program to study a breeding colony of the species in Algarrobo, Chile.

• I n 1999, with Zoological Society funds, we coordinated nearly a decade of annual censuses of the Chilean Humboldt penguin population.

• In 2015, a project began with Dr. Tony Goldberg at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to use molecular techniques to determine the population’s health status. Samples collected over time from Humboldts residing in the Algarrobo colony were analyzed for avian viruses. Review of nesting and mate data revealed several same-sex pairs, both male and female, that stayed together over several breeding seasons, and that had eggs and/or successfully raised chicks. Molecular genetics work began to determine the relatedness of the adults and where possible, the chicks.

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Milwaukee Ape Heart Project

In 2016, the Milwaukee County Zoo was proud to host the Great Ape Heart Project meeting.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), discovered in one of our bonobos in 2013, has now also been identified in most great ape species, and is inheritable in humans. In humans, ARVC causes replacement of the normal heart muscle with fatty tissue in the right ventricle, leading to heart disease, fatal arrhythmias and early death. We continue exploring the genetic mutations that may cause ARVC in bonobos through collaboration with a molecular genetics team at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Whole genomic sequencing has been performed and are being analyzed on three bonobos at the National Sequencing Laboratory.

With the assistance of grant funds from the Great Ape Heart Project (GAHP). A high quality digital laptop cardiac ultrasound machine was obtained.

Since many of our apes are trained for voluntary echocardiograms, this portable machine is housed at our Zoo. It can easily be taken “patient side” for digital echos which are uploaded to a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) for analysis by our consulting cardiologists.

In collaboration with the GAHP, grant funds were awarded to study finger blood pressure measurements in awake bonobos in 8 different U.S. zoos. The project is based on pilot data performed at our Zoo documenting hypertension in awake bonobos trained to voluntarily cooperate with finger blood pressure measurement. The current project’s goal is to develop normal ranges for finger blood pressure and identify critical points for therapeutic intervention with anti-hypertensive medication.

The Bonobo Cardiovascular Database is housed at our Zoo and is an integral partner of the Great Ape Heart Project.

Great Ape Research

For years, we’ve provided researchers access to our great apes. Positive-reinforcement training by staff has resulted in the willing participation of our bonobos, gorillas and orangutans in groundbreaking studies for health, cognition, tool use and behavior.

The apes can leave the research area whenever they wish, but almost always respond positively to attention, praise and the challenge of solving puzzles.

Bonobo

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Additional Conservation Efforts There are numerous Zoo staff, Zoological Society staff, Zoo Pride volunteers and other associates working outside their normal duties, voluntarily supporting conservation efforts worldwide. A few examples from 2016:

Animal Awareness Days: Tree Kangaroo and Elephant

• We hosted two zookeeper-driven events this year showcasing elephants and tree kangaroos. Visitors joined in activities and learned about Zoo care for these animals as well as conservation needs in the wild. Both days featured zookeeper talks and take-home materials on conservation organizations.

In addition to Awareness Days, we also offered World Penguin Day and the AZA-driven Endangered Species Day (S.A.F.E) when our rhinoceros “vanished” for the day, drawing attention to the idea these animals may “disappear” in the future, if not conserved.

Orangutan Conservation Fundraiser

American Association of Zookeepers/Milwaukee Chapter Our zookeepers established the Milwaukee AAZK Chapter (MAAZK) in 1975. Current MAAZK chapter members are from both our Zoo and the Racine Zoo. Officers and members volunteer to oversee fundraising events, many taking place on Zoo grounds. The MAAZK chapter also hosts the Zoo’s in-house Lunchtime Lecture series.

In 2016, the MAAZK chapter hosted several fundraising events, donating proceeds to conservation projects/organizations, including: * AAZK Bowling for Rhinos * Trees for You and Me

• In 2016, orangutan conservation was supported through public donations, Zoo Conservation Fund donations, palm oil awareness events and sales of orangutan artwork. Held in conjunction with Mother’s Day, Missing Orangutan Mothers (M.O.M.) is an annual awareness and fundraising event held in the Primates of the World building, focusing on the plight of orangutans in the wild. Proceeds benefitted redapes.org.

* Timberwolf Alliance * Denver Zoo – Bear TAG * Belize Zoo and Neotropical Conservancy * Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program * Friends of the Henry Vilas Zoo * F.C. Salamanders * Caledonia Conservancy * Orangutan Outreach

Polar Bears International Arctic Ambassador

• Since 2008, the Zoo has been an Arctic Ambassador Center for Polar Bears International (PBI). Volunteers again staffed an educational booth at the Zoo’s Party for the Planet event to teach visitors about the issues facing polar bears in the wild, and how simple tasks like using reusable shopping bags can help.

Polar bear

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Other Research and Studies

The Zoo assists in many scientific studies and collaborative research projects by providing facilities, staff expertise, data and an environment conducive to animal studies. The Zoo Research Committee reviews all research proposals to ensure the welfare of the animals is protected. Studies that the Zoo conducted, collaborated with, participated in or that were published in 2016 include: • Grenada frog observations in the field and captivity: conservation implications • Gene analysis in a bonobo with arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy • Cognition in bonobos as it relates to human cognition • Measurements of hormone levels for reproductive management of hippos • Fetal brain development in bonobos and humans: an ultrasonographic study • Age-related changes in thyroid hormone levels of bonobos • Evidence of philopatry and natal dispersal in Humboldt penguins • Using science to understand zoo elephant welfare • Metacestode infection in a juvenile Bornean orangutan • Laterality in non-communicative behaviors in captive bonobos • Nutrient loading from hippos and their effect on river ecosystem function • Comparing chimpanzee and bonobo communication and neurobiology Matschie’s tree kangaroo

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• Conservation genetics of African and Asian rhinoceroses • Immunocontraception of female ovids and caprids • Differentiating notch marks made on bones by hyenas from those made by humans • Compressive myelopathy and bladder atony in a male snow leopard • Artificial burrows to improve the breeding success of Humboldt penguins in Chile • Evaluating the conservation value of worldwide zoological institutions •H istological evaluation of tree kangaroo reproductive tissues The Zoo also maintains a storage library of frozen or preserved blood, biopsy tissue and necropsy tissue samples, available for approved research upon request.

Presentations/Publications

The Animal Division staff deliver more than 1,000 formal presentations and innumerable informal presentations to the visiting public. In addition, Zoo staff develop programs, publish articles and research papers, and deliver presentations locally, regionally and internationally to contribute to conservation efforts.

Hippopotamus

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Cooperative Animal Management Programs Through Species Survival Plans®, the Zoo cooperates with all AZA members to enhance the survival of endangered species in our collections and in the wild.

Groups of scientists and collaborating experts develop breeding plans to protect the genetic variations of each species. Collaborative programs also are developed with range countries to assist in conservation of these animals and their wild counterparts.

The Zoo also participates in AZA Species Studbooks to manage the propagation and reduce the inbreeding of zoo animal populations, and AZA Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs) to develop strategies for the long-term management of animal groups. The Zoo collaborates with all of the Species Studbooks, SSPs and TAGs appropriate for our animal collection, which include:

Species Studbooks

Barbet, Bearded Boa, Virgin Islands (Caya Diablo) Boa, Virgin Islands (St. Thomas) Cichlid, Lake Victoria – Ishameli Cichlid, Lake Victoria – Melanopterus

Species Survival Plans® Alligator, Chinese Aracari, Green Bat, Straw-Colored Fruit Bear, Polar Bluebird, Fairy Bongo, Eastern Bonobo Callimico Cat, Black-Footed Cheetah Cichlid, Lake Victoria Colobus, Angolan Colobus, Guereza Dikkop, Spotted Dove, Black-Naped Fruit Eland, Common Elephant Flamingo, Caribbean Fox, Fennec Frogmouth, Tawny Gazelle, Addra Giraffe, Reticulated & Rothschild Gorilla, Western Lowland Heron, Boat-Billed Hippopotamus Hornbill, Rhinoceros

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Hornbill, Great Iguana, Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, Jamaican Monkey, Diana Moose Peafowl, Congo

Penguin, Long-Crested Rockhopper Tapir, Baird’s (Central American) Tapir, Malayan (Asian)

Hyena, Spotted Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Waldrapp Jaguar Jay, Plush Crested Kangaroo, Red Kingfisher, Micronesian Kookaburra, Laughing Kudu, Greater Laughing Thrush, White-Crested Lemur, Black and White Ruffed Lemur, Mongoose Lemur, Red Ruffed Lemur, Ring-Tailed Leopard, Snow Lion Macaque, Japanese Mandrill Monkey, DeBrazza’s Moose Motmot, Blue Crowned Mynah, Bali Orangutan, Bornean Orangutan, Sumatran Panda, Red Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Humboldt Penguin, Short-Crested Rockhopper

Pigeon, Green-Naped Pheasant Pigeon, Nicobar Pigeon, Victoria-Crowned Rail, Guam Rattlesnake, Aruba Island Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga Rhea, Greater Rhinoceros, Eastern Black Roller, Blue-Bellied Screamer, Crested Sea Lion, California Seal, Harbor Siamang Spider Monkey, Central American Spider Monkey, Robust Black Spoonbill, African Starling, Golden-Breasted Stilt, Black-Necked Stork, Abdim’s (White-Bellied) Stork, Marabou Sunbittern Tamarin, Cotton-Top Tamarin, Golden Lion Tamarin, Golden-Headed Lion Tanager, Turquoise Teal, Marbled Tern, Inca Tiger, Amur

Species Survival Plans® cont’d Tiger, Generic Tiger, Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Toad, Puerto Rican Crested

Taxon Advisory Groups Amphibian Antelope and Giraffe Ape Aquatic Invertebrate Bat Bear Bison, Buffalo, Cattle Canid and Hyaenid Caprinae Charadriiformes Chelonian Ciconiiformes Phoenicopteriformes Columbiformes Coraciiformes

Tree Kangaroo, Matschie’s Turaco, Violaceous Vulture, King Warthog

Weaver, White-Headed Buffalo Zebra, Grevy’s Zebra, Plains

Crocodilian Deer (Cervid/Tragulid) Elephant Equid Felid Freshwater Fishes Galliformes Gruiformes Lizard Marine Fishes Marine Mammal Marsupial and Monotreme New World Primate Old World Monkey PACCT (Passerines)

Pangolin, Aardvark, Xenarthra Parrot Penguin Piciformes Prosimian Raptor Ratite and Tinamiformes Rhinoceros Rodent, Insectivore, Lagomorph Small Carnivore Snake Tapir Terrestrial Invertebrate Turaco and Cuckoo Wild Pig, Peccary and Hippo

Red Panda

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Professional Program Management

Zoo staff members hold management positions in national and international programs through the AZA and other conservation entities. These management positions include: • Director Milwaukee Ape Heart Project

• Zookeeper Adviser Bonobo SSP

•E nrichment Committee Elephant Managers Association

• Manager Bonobo Cardiovascular Database

• Scientific Advisory Board Urban Ecology Center

• Board of Directors International Rhino Keeper Association

• Animal Care Manual Team Bonobo

•E thics Committee Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians

• Chair Humboldt Penguin SSP • Veterinary Advisor Bonobo SSP, Ape TAG, Humboldt Penguin SSP, Penguin TAG • Examination Committee Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians • Management Group Bonobo SSP • Steering Committee Institution Data Management Adviser Group, Freshwater Fish TAG, Lake Victoria Cichlid SSP, Great Ape Heart Project, Ape TAG, Penguin TAGBear TAG • SSP Coordinator/Studbook Keeper/Point Person Yellow-Backed Duiker, Tayra, Canada Lynx

• Accreditation Inspectors Association of Zoos and Aquariums • Program Manager American College of Zoological Medicine Residency Program • Co-editor American Association of Zookeepers Animal Keeper Forum • Reviewer Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Diseases • Behavioral Husbandry Committee American Association of Zookeepers • Executive Committee Association of Zoo Veterinary Technicians

•G rants Committee National American Association of Zookeepers •C onservation Committee National American Association of Zookeepers •A nimal Welfare Committee Liaison between National AAZK and AZA •O utreach Coordinator Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP • Partner Seafood Watch Program In addition, members of the Zoo staff are officers of the Milwaukee Chapter of the AAZK.

• Research Advisory Committee Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake • Education Committee Elephant Managers Association

Facilities and Improvements

A considerable number of animal area infrastructure projects were completed in 2016. Most of these are not noticed by the public, but are critical for the continued operation of the Zoo and the well-being of the animals.

The projects included: animal life-support systems, heating, ventilating, electrical and plumbing upgrades, roof replacements and other behind-the-scenes renovations.

Humboldt penguin

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Administration and Finance Zoo Administration

Zoo Administration provides for effective leadership for all Zoo functions and responsibilities. Under this leadership, initial site preparation and demolition work began on “Adventure Africa’s” first phase. Building footings and foundations construction and utility installation were completed on the new west entrance; new POS installation also began.

In conjunction with the County Executive’s office, two performance management goals were developed to be accomplished by 2020: •R each a financial sustainability ratio of 80% by growing revenues and implementing operational efficiencies and/or cost savings while maintaining assets at an acceptable level •C ontribute equivalent of 3% of the budget toward conservation and research efforts through field conservation, education, staff programs and training, green practices and conservation

The division oversees: • Zoo Administration

• Cash Management, Financial and Capital Project Planning • Accounts Payable and Receivable • General Office Services (Coordinates security, emergency medical support, reception and switchboard, radio dispatch and clerical support) • Information Technology • Program and Audience Evaluation and Research Services • Zoo Green and Guest Experience Committees • Zoo-wide Performance Measures/Goals • Human Resources • Employee Safety and Training

Results for 2016 show a 2% increase to 73% over the sustainability ratio. The Zoo generated $696,511 or 2.79% of the budget toward the conservation goal.

The Zoo ended the year with a total operating budget of $24,667,245 of which 73% or $17,913,903 was generated from revenues and 27% or $6,753,342 from property tax levy support.

Cash Management Responsibilities:

Giving Tree

• Reconciles cash receipts to our point-of-sale system • Prepares bank deposits • Prepares cash register starting banks and daily support of the cashiers for change and deposits of funds • Processes contract ride revenues • Improves monitoring of cashier discrepancies • Tracks the annual holiday Giving Tree donations As Accounting staff were needed to support 2016 Zoo Operations, this area took on additional duties updating financial spreadsheets and reports for management.

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Financial and Capital Project Planning and Control

The Accounting Manager was assigned as the POS System Project Manager, and most accounting staff were identified as subject matter experts for this project and therefore key members of the Zoo POS team.

This section coordinates the budget process and balances the budget which can be challenging with limited funding, while service and entertainment values are expected to be maintained, and new revenue sources explored.

Financial reporting and analysis continued to be performed on a daily, monthly and annual basis, with comparisons to the 2016 budget as well as to previous years. Review of the Zoo’s contracts continued as processes were reviewed and enhancements implemented. Utilization of the recent DocuSign functionality has expedited the process of contracts being reviewed and signed by the designated Milwaukee County departments.

With assistance from IMSD (Milwaukee County Information Management Services Division) and the Milwaukee County Procurement Department, we completed the rigorous review of the new POS system proposals. FocusPoint 360 by KMIT was chosen and awarded the project. KMIT staff met regularly with Zoo and IMSD staff here and remotely to refine understanding of our specific needs and initiate training of Zoo staff.

Implementation and Go Live will be integrated with FocusPoint 360 and occur primarily in February 2017.

FocusPoint360 will be integrated with Milwaukee County’s purchasing system and the Zoological Society’s membership. Then, once the Society implements its new POS system, it’s anticipated the Society’s education registrations also will be integrated with FocusPoint360 to the extent needed to facilitate Zoo admission.

Seagrass, new cash management equipment and software, was purchased in 2016, with implementation occurring in spring 2017, after the new completed POS system.

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Accounting (Accounts Payable and Receivable) Responsibilities:

• Processes contracts, purchasing requisitions and receipts • Monitors credit card system • Reviews sales documentation • Prepares invoices • Tracks accounts receivable • Enters financial transactions into the general ledger

Accounting staff have been instrumental in identifying discrepancies and assisting with problem resolution, in using the automated purchasing function in the POS system. Effective coordination of travel requests and expenditures helped control these costs. Duties related to uniform ordering and distribution also continued, improving internal controls. Enhanced tracking of Group Sales event revenues by date allows for matching of these revenues with daily attendance.

The Accounting area has been instrumental in assisting Zoo staff through the implementation of SciQuest, Milwaukee County’s new purchasing system which allows staff the ability to electronically enter purchasing requests and receipts.

General Office Services

Information Technology (IT)

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates security, emergency medical support • Services the reception and switchboard areas •A ssists Zoo divisions with radio dispatch and clerical support as needed

The switchboard operates a two-channel ultra-high frequency (UHF) system on the Zoo grounds used by staff for communications and coordination.

This system helps in coordination of operations, maintenance, animal care and any Zoo emergency.

Wally Stuart, the Zoo’s longtime switchboard operator passed away in 2016. He was a kind, gentle soul that touched the lives of many guests and employees. He dedicated more than 24 years of service to the Milwaukee County Zoo and will be missed by all.

Program/Audience Evaluation and Research Services

Program/Audience Evaluation Specialist • Investigates Zoo guests’ experiences via research studies

Zoo IT Support position •A llows for improvement in preparation, usage and monitoring of financial information through POS and Milwaukee County financial systems • I nventory modifications continue for the Stockroom and resale items Information Technology functions were provided

by Zoo staff, Milwaukee County’s Department of Administration – Information Management Services Division (IMSD) and outside consultants. The Zoo IT Support position reports through IMSD but directly supports the Zoo. The Zoo has continued to partner with a variety of IMSD technical staff resources to assist primarily with connectivity, the point-of-sale, inventory and event management systems. IMSD staff have helped control the Zoo’s expenses by on-site troubleshooting.

• Conducts other studies with internal personnel like Zoo staff, Society staff and volunteers • Shares findings internally and externally where appropriate; including submitting information to grantors/funders In 2016, studies looked at guest response to BUGS! Larger than Life, post-event online survey with Party for the Planet migration game participants, observations of education program participants at the Zoo’s Nature Play site and data compilation for multiple programs both on- and off-site.

• Designs research, collects and analyzes data and reports results for studies examining aspects of a Zoo visit; including exhibit content, programming and special events •E ncompasses ongoing annual research such as the exit poll, and other studies requested from Zoo divisions •C oordinates the Guest Experience Committee (GEC) •C ollects information from guests and staff necessary for the master planning process

BUGS! Larger than Life

Annually, the Zoo interviews guests at the end of their visit to gauge the Zoo’s performance on several metrics, learn about motivation for visiting, and gauge their experiences at the Zoo to identify areas for improvement.

Several aspects of their experience is rated on a scale of 1-5; the average rating for 2016 was between 4 and 5, indicating high levels of performance overall.

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Guest Experience Committee (GEC) Serving to improve the overall experience of the Zoo visit, this committee addresses topics such as: • Customer service • Interdepartmental communication • Amenities and offered experiences The GEC is coordinated by the Zoo’s Program/ Audience Evaluation Specialist and consists of staff from each Zoo division working in concert with Zoological Society staff.

Using feedback from guests and input from staff, the committee determines what barriers negatively affect a visit and how they can be mitigated. Factors of an impactful experience are considered, along with ways to include those in daily operations.

The STAR (Sharing Thanks and Rewards) program continued this year, 88 staff members were recognized 161 times for exceeding expectations in enhancing a guest’s Zoo visit.

Green Committee

This committee’s mission is to identify, advance and promote policies and practices that minimize negative impact and maximize environmental benefits, through comprehensive input and collaboration from all Zoo areas.

The Zoo has implemented recycling programs and conservation-minded projects for many years.

Recycling efforts include:

Cell phones, printer cartridges, aluminum cans, light bulbs, food and motor oils, scrap metals, restaurant cups, plastic bottles, paper and coffee grinds. The Zoo’s energy-savings program of upgraded electrical, natural gas, water and sewer infrastructure continues to produce savings in utilities. Green-friendly practices also have been used in building construction and other projects.

2016 Highlights

•P epsi Recycling Program: 35,560 pounds and 718,312 units of materials were recycled.

Since June 2015 inception, 54,140 pounds and 1,093,628 units have been recycled • Implemented an herbivore animal waste composting program with Blue Ribbon Organics, diverting 550 tons of waste annually from a landfill • Developed a Clean Energy Plan with the following goals to be attained by 2020: 20% reduction on electricity and natural gas consumption

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30% reduction in water use

50% reduction in vehicle fuel consumption

20% increase in renewable energy sources

We continued to partner with the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Waste Management Intern Program to review our waste stream and costs for both the Zoo’s recycling and waste disposal to find operational and cost efficiencies.

The intern handles waste audits, a Zoo Employee Electronic Recycling Day and researched and recommended green products, and mapped all garbage cans and recycling bins with a one-to-one waste-to-recycling bin goal.

• Our Concessions Section has implemented the following: Began using plant-based, biodegradable PLA plastic cups

Eliminated all Styrofoam products

Eliminated bleached napkins

Began using single-utensil dispensers for all plastic cutlery; reducing plastic usage by 30% versus prepackaged cutlery Added produce waste with animal herbivore waste for composting • Generated over 17.4 megawatt hours through solar power

Carbon offset of 12 tons

Offset equivalent of 282 trees

mployee evaluations continue to include E green goals

• Began an urban wood program that reuses Zoo wood from damaged and/or diseased trees for construction projects •C ontinued to grow some fresh produce for animal food and enrichment gardens

2016 Grants/Certifications/Awards: • Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful IDEAL Education Award for teaching principles and value of sustainability and environmental stewardship • Travel Green Wisconsin Certification with the State of Wisconsin continued • $5,000 American Transmission Company grant to continue tree planting efforts •$ 10,910 grant from the U.S. Forest Service (Land Restoration) to continue invasive plant species removal and land restoration efforts

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Human Resources Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance and direction to managers for employee discipline, coaching, improving performance or conduct, and measures performance • I nterprets policies, county ordinances, civil service rules and educates managers to apply policies in employment-related matters • Researches and responds to employee concerns • Responds to daily queries from Zoo staff • Provides guidance and leadership to managers on the development of departmental procedures and rules • Facilitates employee and management training • Assists managers with workforce planning and recruitment processes

2016 Highlights

•A ssisted managers with development of seasonal hiring procedures and orientation of new seasonal staff • Worked with the Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources to process applications and hire for the positions of zoo workers and Family Farm attendants • Assisted in recruitment and hiring of full-time Zoo employees • Worked with the Milwaukee County Department of Human Resources to inform, train and provide guidance to Zoo employees regarding Milwaukee County’s recruitment system performance appraisals and corrective action procedures

DIVERSITY COMMITTEE

• Provides opportunities for better understanding of civil rights by Zoo personnel •C onsists of seven representatives from various divisions who make recommendations concerning equal opportunities for all employees regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, handicap and other non-merit factors • Provides information and addresses particular concerns or complaints on behalf of Zoo staff • Offers outreach activities to promote diversity in the workplace

Safety and Training Responsibilities:

• Instructs employees on regulatory compliance, security, fire code compliance and emergency response and training • Maintains occupational health programming and training. Assesses workplace hazards, developes safe work practices and assigns proper personal protective equipment •M aintains material safety data sheets, pesticide usage reports, annual Tier II reports and the annual OSHA log • Oversees accident investigation and on-site security system maintenance and surveillance programming

This section coordinates and provides identification badges, secures entry points and conducts annual seasonal orientations. It performs routine hazardous waste removal and storage, and identification audits to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

State and federal compliance regulations mandate the annual safety training programming conducted by this section. In addition to required programming, the Safety and Training Section continues to coordinate and promote the annual Employee Safety and Health Fair.

Marketing and Communications

The Marketing and Communications Division consists of four sections: Group Sales, Public Relations, Special Events and Special Programs. In addition to these areas, the division is responsible for the overall marketing, promotion and advertising of the Zoo.

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Group Sales

Contracts and manages all outside events with corporate, non-profit and private groups to host unique events with the Zoo as their backdrop

Group Sales coordinates events for more than 14 rental facilities and six picnic areas throughout the Zoo. Areas include the Peck Welcome Center, Zoofari Center and a variety of other animal buildings. An exclusive entire Zoo rental is an option for larger clients.

This section is also responsible for children’s birthday parties, team-building events and group tours.

The online consignment ticket option continues to grow, along with the advanced ticket sales facilitated through this division.

Group Sales continued its relationship with the Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association, distributing tickets to state park and recreation departments.

Special Events

Responsibilities: • Coordinates more than 16 special events held on Zoo grounds, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors.

2016 Highlights

Party for the Planet – May 14 -15 • Guests helped plant a pollinator garden, pledged to reduce plastic bag consumption and “migrated” as a polar bear along the Hudson Bay searching for food.

Boo at the Zoo – Oct. 14 & 15 • Visitors received their own set of bat ears, heard bat talks and joined in a haystack maze. Hundreds of carved pumpkins and other Halloween artistry were displayed.

Attendance: 12,128

Attendance: 9,592 Senior Celebration – Sept. 2 • Guests 55 and older received free admission, played bingo, visited 40+ health and wellness exhibits and listened to a variety of music. Also hosted a 1-mile wellness walk and distributed free ice cream and cookies.

Attendance: 5,544 Family Farm Weekend – Sept. 10 -11 • Celebrated our Family Farm with pedal-tractor pull demos, milk-chugging and pickle-eating contests. Guests made ice cream, peanut butter and lemonade. Also hosted a farmer’s market, cow-milking demos and animal talks.

Attendance: 10,448

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Special Programs

Social Media

• Oversees Oceans of Fun Seal & Sea Lion Show, the temporary summer special exhibit and audiovisual services

•C ommunicating and promoting the Zoo through online means using a variety of platforms including: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Responsibilities:

•W orks directly with the Zoological Society, serving as a liaison for all Zoological Society events taking place at the Zoo

2016 Highlights

•T he Oceans of Fun Seal & Sea Lion Show is a 20-minute presentation which entertains and educates visitors about seals and sea lions through a live animal show. The shows generated more than $120,000 in revenue, welcoming 53,062 visitors.

• During the summer exhibit, BUGS! Larger than Life, the Zoo displayed gigantic outdoor robotic bugs, delighting 137,376 visitors, and generating $249,000+ in revenue. The Special Programs Section coordinated and supervised exhibit staff.

•T he section again partnered with the Zoological Society, serving as a liaison to facilitate all of the Society’s events at the Zoo. This partnership serves to strengthen the overall relationship between the Zoo and the Zoological Society.

• Zoo operations were enhanced by the efforts of the Audiovisual Section. Areas served included: the Animal Division, Public Relations, Social Media, Group Sales and Special Events. Photos, videos and visual presentations were used for newspaper and magazine articles, animal identification, Zoo website, social media platforms, marketing and promotional campaigns, collateral pieces and audiovisual needs of Group Sales clients.

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Responsibilities:

Facebook Followers: 73,956 Impressions: 46,471,355 Reach: 23,689,129 • The year’s highlights included our biggest post to date, announcing giraffe Zola’s birth, reaching 1.2+ million people, and was liked 11,000 times Twitter Followers: 6,379 Impressions in 2016: 618,300 Top tweet: Tiger cubs’ birth announcement Instagram Followers: 6,925 Impressions: 240,000+ • 177% increase in followers in 2017

Media Relations Responsibilities:

•P romotes special events and animal collection through traditional public relations efforts, writes news releases, brochures and flyers and internal newsletter, develops website content and responds to visitor online inquiries, pitches stories to media locally, regionally and nationally.

In 2016, the Zoo received positive media coverage, through a variety of mediums including broadcast, print, electronic and online means.

Subjects covered included animal births and acquisitions, special events, conservation initiatives and special exhibits.

A range of publications featured Zoo stories, such as the daily newspaper, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Metroparent magazine, and community newspapers Wauwatosa Now and the Waukesha Freeman. The Zoo was also regularly featured on the local weekday and weekend morning television programs, either on-site, or in-studio.

One of the year’s highlights was the Associated Press coverage of our Amur tiger cubs, which resulted in media stories published and aired throughout the country, reaching as far away as Florida.

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Operations In 2016’s fourth quarter, the Operations Division was reorganized to include these areas: Merchandising/Gift Shops, Visitor Services and Concessions and Catering. The oversight of these functions was moved to the Administration and Finance Division.

Visitor Services

Merchandising/Gift Shops

• Collects admission and parking fees

• Coordinates all aspects of Zoo retail sales; including purchasing, receiving, tagging, ordering, stocking, selling merchandise, sundries, and customer service

Responsibilities:

• Operates the miniature train, carousel, Zoomobile, stroller rentals, Sky Safari, dog kennels and the Mold-a-Rama machine

This section meets and greets guests upon entering the Zoo, providing them with information for their visit. In 2016, the Visitor Services staff admitted more than 1.3 million visitors.

2016 Highlights

• Replaced wooden train trestle • Rebuilt passenger train coach • Added 85 spaces to the main parking lot • Worked with the Grand Avenue Club, designed to assist individuals with special needs to enter the workplace and increase their level of independence • Completed staff support for all regular Zoo hours events or after-hours events in conjunction with Group Sales, Marketing and Communications, Education and the Zoological Society

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Responsibilities:

• Generates revenue from untraditional sources like revenue share contracts with face painting, zip line and penny presses

This section generated more than $1.5 million in revenue in 2016.

2016 Highlights

• Partnered with Brew City Brand, bringing local apparel to the Zoo • Refreshed furniture, fixtures and equipment in Karibu Gift Shop • Implemented an exit retail program, generating $18,500 in revenue • Implemented “Two for $32 Plush Program” to generate larger retail transactions

• Added “no mow” long turf plantings at Dall Sheep Exhibit, Family Farm and native plantings at the Black Bear Exhibit • Restored turf at Caribou Field following heavy impact from construction • Recycled 30 cubic yards of derelict nursery pots and damaged mini-lights The Forestry Section supports the Zoo in a variety of ways: • Clears storm-damaged trees • Prunes trees; provides propping for animal exhibits • Operates heavy equipment • Restores train bridges with wood milled from Zoo trees

2016 Highlights

• Inventoried and entered 5,000+ trees into the new web-based inventory system, a powerful tool in managing our urban forest

Grounds and Horticulture Responsibilities:

•T ransports animals •R emoves animal waste •A ssists in renovation and repair of animal exhibits • Prepares private events • Removes trash, litter and recyclable materials • Plows and salts • Recycles leaves and brush

This section continued to support and work closely with the Animal Division, Special Events, Group Sales and the Zoological Society.

In addition to typical seasonal landscape maintenance, plantings and holiday/special event preparations, this section had several new endeavors: •R estored tropical Aviary plantings following roof reconstruction •H elped to stage “BUGS! Larger than Life” with hundreds of plants and numerous larger-than-life props

•R eceived grants from American Transmission Company, United States Forest Service and Kohl’s Associates in Action, totaling $11,920; funds benefitted habitat restoration, invasive species removal and tree planting • Coordinated and participated in the Wisconsin Arborist Day of Service; 30+ professional arborists donated time, equipment and expertise to accomplish much needed tree work at the Zoo • Worked with the Education Department to design and execute an outdoor children’s learning/play space; includes two acres of woodlands and a network of trails and boardwalks for play/activity areas • Landscaped the West Entrance parking lot; filled, graded and seeded islands, planted landscape-size trees and spruce trees and provided ongoing maintenance to the area • Utilized urban wood in many projects throughout the Zoo including the summer exhibit and the Jaguar Exhibit • Planted 254 trees and shrubs on Zoo grounds

• Reorganized our Halloween special events to accommodate “Adventure Africa” construction

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Stockroom

Responsibilities: • Orders, ships, receives, delivers and monitors inventory controls • Stores all food, beverage, merchandise and administrative materials • Coordinates private contractors and outside vendors doing business with the Zoo • Rotates inventory for merchandising, restaurants, catering and Group Sales events •E nsures all health codes are followed and maintains a clean, safe work environment inside the warehouse and where products are delivered The Stockroom supports all of the revenue-generating operations.

Maintenance and Trades Responsibilities:

•M aintains the buildings, grounds, exhibits and public areas • Maintains the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems

Food Service and Catering Responsibilities:

• Services eight separate eatery locations, in addition to carts, kiosks and popcorn wagons

A considerable amount of infrastructure work is completed each year by the Maintenance and Trades Division.

2016 Highlights

• Provides catering and bartending services for a number of groups and meetings secured by the Group Sales Section

•R emodeled all of the Aviary holding areas in the mezzanine, improved exhibits including the East Flight bridge

• Serves a variety of beverages in the Coffee Shop

• Completed numerous fencing and construction projects throughout the Zoo

• Services the Family Farm Dairy Store

The Concessions and Catering operations provide our guests with food, beverages, and personable service.

2016 Highlights

• Implemented ICEE frozen beverages throughout the grounds, generating $300,000+ in revenue • Opened Dippin’ Dots Sundae Store near Lake Evinrude; generating $70,000+ in revenue • Designed and implemented digital menus for Flamingo, Lakeview and Woodland Retreat

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• Designed and built the “Bug Shack” for summer exhibit, BUGS! Larger than Life • Installed a new roof for the off-exhibit vulture hutch • Maintained all of the HVAC systems, and hidden infrastructure operating and in proper condition

Custodial

The Custodial Section is responsible for keeping buildings clean for our visitors and staff, and our exit surveys continue to show a high level of satisfaction with the cleanliness of our facilities.This section is integral to the success of our Group Sales events, and to the overall impression visitors have of the Zoo.

Grizzly bear

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Zoo Operating Expenses (Financials) Zoological Department (Unaudited) REVENUES

2016 Adjusted Budget

2016 Actual Year-to-Date

Variance ( ) = Deficit

$5,680,139

$4,777,565

($902,574)

$1,448,086

$905,531

($542,555)

Net Operational Admissions

$4,232,053

$3,872,034

($360,019)

Concessions

$3,810,181

$3,628,639

($181,542)

Total Admissions Less Group Sales

Catering

$175,000

$174,100

($900)

Novelties

$1,874,947

$1,586,893

($288,054)

Parking

$1,290,000

$1,467,427

$177,427

$300,000

$220,820

($79,180)

Special Exhibit Admissions Sea Lion Show

$195,819

$120,551

($75,268)

Vending Machine Commissions

$273,900

$224,116

($49,784)

Strollers

$130,000

$94,314

($35,686)

Animal Rides

$32,000

$19,675

($12,325) ($504,800)

Total Group Sales

$2,418,866

$1,914,066

Carousel

$221,252

$188,548

($32,704)

SkyRide

$251,722

$161,767

($89,955)

$3,106,554

$3,073,446

($33,108)

$146,500

$146,115

($386)

$0

$0

$0

$294,000

$410,726

$116,726

Miscellaneous Revenue

$1,066,840

$1,073,469

$6,629

Sales Tax

($460,000)

($462,803)

($2,803)

$19,359,634

$17,913,903

($1,445,731)

Society Memberships Donations Other Private Funding Sponsorships

TOTAL REVENUES

EXPENDITURES

2016 Adjusted Budget

2016 Actual Year-to-Date

Variance ( ) = Deficit

Personnel Services

$9,159,877

$9,159,877

($0)

Fringe Benefits

$3,422,773

$3,422,764

$9

Contractural Services/Commodities

$9,863,698

$8,743,923

$1,119,775

Capital Outlay

$1,605,520

$1,243,094

$362,426

Internal Service Charges

$2,158,260

$2,097,586

$60,674

$25,936,514

$24,667,245

$1,269,269

$6,576,880

$6,753,342

($176,462)

1,309,500

1,329,361

19,861

TOTAL EXPENDITURES TAX LEVY ATTENDANCE

Southern ground hornbill

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Zoo Trust Funds (Unaudited) Railroad Trust Fund REVENUES

2016 Adjusted Budget

2016 Actual Year-to-Date

Variance ( ) = Deficit

Zoomobile Revenue

$74,169

$63,340

($10,829)

Miniature Train Revenue

$660,000

$756,818

$96,818

Earnings on Investments Donations and Reserve Contribution Other Revenue Sales Tax

TOTAL REVENUES

EXPENDITURES

$1,000

$4,395

$3,395

$674,140

$479,652

($194,488)

$38,777

$41,703

$2,926

($31,000)

($35,268)

($4,268)

$1,417,086

$1,310,640

($106,446)

2016 Adjusted Budget

2016 Actual Year-to-Date

Variance ( ) = Deficit

Personnel Services

$350,863

$190,666

$160,197

Fringe Benefits

$82,240

$82,240

$0

Contractual Services/Commodities

$351,562

$231,591

$119,971

Conservation Projects

$13,000

$8,507

$4,493

Capital Outlay

$627,731

$411,664

$216,067

Internal Service Charges

$15,400

$16,043

($643)

$1,440,796

$940,710

$500,086

$369,930

$393,640

TOTAL EXPENDITURES NET INCOME (LOSS)

($23,710)

Fund Balance January 1, 2016

$1,415,219

Mid-Year Balance Transfer

($425,000)

Net Income

$369,930

Fund Balance December 31, 2016

$1,360,149

Specimen Trust Fund REVENUES

2016 Adjusted Budget

2016 Actual Year-to-Date

Variance ( ) = Deficit

Earnings on Investments

$600

$954

$354

Animal Sales/Milk Sales

$16,200

$16,846

$646

Giraffe Experience

$26,235

$43,783

$17,548

Gifts & Donations

$1,500

$730

($770)

$0

$1,978

$1,978

Reserve Contribution

Other Miscellaneous Revenue

$17,079

$0

($17,079)

TOTAL REVENUE

$61,614

$64,290

$2,676

EXPENDITURES Contractual Services/Commodities Internal Service Charges

TOTAL EXPENDITURES NET INCOME (LOSS) Fund Balance January 1, 2016

2016 Adjusted Budget

2016 Actual Year-to-Date

Variance ( ) = Deficit

$61,944

$34,708

$27,236

$0

$0

$0

$61,944

$34,708

$27,236

($330)

$29,583

$29,913

$310,291

Net Income

$29,583

Fund Balance December 31, 2016

$339,874

ZOO TRUST FUNDS Total Trust Revenue 2016

$1,374,930

Less Total Trust Expenditures 2016

($975,418)

2015 NET INCOME (LOSS)

$399,512

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Zoological Society of Milwaukee The mission of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee is to conserve wildlife and endangered species, educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and support the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Zoo Support

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee supports the Milwaukee County Zoo through restricted and unrestricted funds and direct services. Half of all revenue raised by the Zoo Pass membership program goes to the Zoo in unrestricted funds. The Society provides additional funds through its Annual Appeal and procurement of sponsorships for Zoo attractions and events. It funds two residency programs at the Zoo’s Animal Health Center, helping train future exotic animal veterinarians. The Society’s Creative Department designs signs, banners, pamphlets and many other items for the Zoo. Other areas of support include Zoo Pride volunteer service and information technology. In fiscal year 2016, the Zoological Society provided $7.9 million in cash and in-kind support to the Zoo, plus $256,000 in direct project support.

This year, the Society welcomed a new chief executive officer, Jodi Gibson. Gibson is a Milwaukee native who comes to the Society with experience in leadership positions at Kellogg Company, JCPenney and Feeding America’s national office.

• Zoo Ball, the Society’s biggest fundraiser of the year, raised $494,843 with its theme of Hollywood & Vine.

That includes $51,880 from an extremely successful appeal to raise money for elephant enrichment items.

Other fundraising events organized by the Associate Board raised $411,185.

Creative Department

The Society’s Creative Department of five artists and a researcher provides writing, graphics and design support to the Zoo as well as to the Society.

The department completed more than 650 projects in fiscal year 2016, from full-color magazines and invitations to videos, banners and interactive exhibits.

Highlights include the design and installation of new digital screens for the Gorilla Exhibit, re-propping of the entrance to the Herb & Nada Mahler Family Aviary, the production of a bonobo blood pressure video for The Great Ape Heart Project, and branding and digital menu screens for two concessions areas.

Here are some highlights of the Zoological Society and its support of the Zoo in fiscal year 2016:

Communications, Marketing & Membership

• Zoo Pass membership grew to 48,627 households, raising nearly $6.2 million.

• The department raised a net of $133,000 for its Annual Appeal to help the colobus monkeys go outside. As a result of the appeal, the Zoo will be able to give the colobus monkeys access to an outdoor area. The project will also result in upgraded exhibit space for the mandrills and siamangs.

• The Society’s Sponsor an Animal program raised $159,312 through animal sponsorships, Kids Conservation Club membership and the Zumba® Fitness Party at the Zoo.

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Colobus monkey

Photo by Richard Brodzeller

Education

The Zoological Society operates a robust Education Department on behalf of the Milwaukee County Zoo. The department served more than 280,000 people in fiscal year 2016 through everything from field trips to scouting programs to Kohl’s Wild Theater performances. It was an exciting year for the department as it received several grants to improve and expand its offerings.

• I n summer 2016, Kohl’s announced a donation of $1.45 million over three years to the Zoological Society to continue the Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT) program. KWT was initially created in 2010 through a $1 million grant from Kohl’s through its Kohl’s Cares philanthropic program. It has become the largest zoo-based theater group in the nation, performing free shows daily at the Milwaukee County Zoo in summer and year round at local schools, festivals and community centers.

• An anonymous gift of $460,000 allowed the Education Department to create the Animal Connections Continuum. This pilot program will engage students at five elementary schools in a three-year program focused on empathy with animals and people. The department planned to launch the pilot version in 2017.

• Thrivent Mutual Funds contributed $100,000 to upgrade the technology at the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center. The donation allowed the Education Department to buy digital microscopes, tablets, computers, multimedia projectors and an interactive touchscreen board.

The grant also will help pay for transportation for several schools, community centers or scout groups coming to education programs at the Zoo. • In memory of a long-time Zoological Society donor and former Board member, Bernie Peck, the Bernard Peck Education Scholarship Endowment Fund was established to provide scholarships for Zoo Classes and Camps to children who otherwise might not have access to the Zoo. The fund recognizes the legacy of Bernie Peck, who was dedicated to the Society and Zoo, and his descendants who continue to support the Society.

•T he department continued its programming in its outdoor Nature Play classroom developed in 2015. The Zoological Society received a second $5,000 grant in 2016 from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums to encourage nature play and

Addison H., a kindergartner at Hawley Environmental School in Milwaukee, makes a mud pie during the Nature Play program. This program, currently in its pilot stage, encourages children and families to learn by playing in nature. Photo by Bob Wickland

conservation programming at the Zoo. The program includes nature-themed activities, structures made from Zoo urban wood and habitat restoration.

In 2016, 120 children and adult partners from two schools were invited to participate. The children/ adult pairs walked the timber trail, discovered critters in the wooded space, built structures out of natural components and created eco-art.

• The Society continued to serve families from around southeastern Wisconsin through field trips, scout programs, Zoo Classes and Camps, and partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Milwaukee Public Schools, Betty Brinn Children’s Museum and local community centers.

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Cheetahs

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Conservation

The Zoological Society is proud of its conservation work, particularly its work with the bonobo and other endangered animals in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative (BCBI) studies and protects bonobos, an endangered species of great ape, along with forest elephants and other wildlife in the Salonga National Park, an immense rainforest ecosystem in the DRC. The Society also coordinates the Bonobo Species Survival Plan®, which manages the captive bonobo population in North America.

•B CBI researchers discovered the largest unfragmented bonobo population thus far described for the species. Approximately 4,100 bonobos and 300 forest elephants exist in the Watsi Kengo Sector of the Salonga National Park and receive protection by patrols sponsored by the Zoological Society. In March, BCBI completed a four-year intensive survey covering 2,600 square miles of dense rainforest, about one-fifth of the park.

•B etween October 2015 and September 2016, BCBI-supported patrols arrested 64 poachers, destroyed 180 poaching camps, and confiscated 1,909 snares and four firearms.

• The Bonobo SSP held its biennial master planning meeting at the Milwaukee County Zoo in July to evaluate bonobo breeding pairs, discuss bonobo welfare and care, and make recommendations for future breeding and transfers between zoos.

Representatives from the seven U.S. institutions that house bonobos attended the meeting.

• The Zoological Society also supports conservation work done by Milwaukee County Zoo staff at the Zoo and around the world. Ongoing conservation initiatives involve coral reef and frogs in Grenada, iguanas in the Caribbean, migratory birds at the Zoo and the Milwaukee Ape Heart Project.

Zoo Pride

Zoo Pride is the Zoological Society’s volunteer auxiliary. The Society and Zoo wouldn’t be able to do nearly as much without the service of these volunteers. The department ended the year with 425 active members who contributed 52,547 hours of service in areas such as events, education, conservation and visitor interaction. Volunteers serve on 39 committees, including the Forestry Committee added this year.

Zoo Pride volunteer Lois Tetzlaff helps Sidney D., 7, sniff an enrichment item during Animal Enrichment Day. Zoo Pride has 425 active members who contributed 52,547 hours of service in fiscal year 2016. Photo by Stacy Kaat

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ZSM Financial Summary Zoological Society of Milwaukee County – Year ending Sept. 30, 2016

SUPPORT & REVENUE MEMBERSHIP DUES from all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . . . . $6,913,228 CONTRIBUTIONS toward projects, specific programs and support . . . . . . . . . . . . $825,665 SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS/SPONSORSHIPS including animal sponsorship, Zoo Ball, education, Society and Zoo special events, and sponsorships. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,454,366 INTEREST INCOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $167,625

COST OF SUPPORT & REVENUE (Support Services)

MEMBERSHIP DUES Expense of providing benefits to all Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,708,681 SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS Expense of providing and promoting Society special events/programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $511,173 TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT & REVENUE (Support Services). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,219,854

GRANTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,266,305

EXPENSES

TOTAL SUPPORT & REVENUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,627,189

DIRECT PROJECT COSTS Expenses relative to projects and specific programs. . . . . . . . $255,891

MEMBERSHIP DUES: 60% SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS: 21% GRANTS: 11%

ZOO SUPPORT Direct cash and in-kind support to the Milwaukee County Zoo, including expense of providing, promoting and supporting education, graphics, special-exhibit projects, and Zoo special events. . . . . . . . . . . . $7,916,816

CONTRIBUTIONS:

7%

INTEREST:

1%

RESEARCH/CONSERVATION Expenses relating to state, national and international programs supporting species preservation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $532,566

ZOO SUPPORT & DIRECT PROJECT COSTS: 71%

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE Expenses relating to daily Society operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $425,488

SUPPORT SERVICES: 20%

TOTAL EXPENSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,130,761

RESEARCH/CONSERVATION:

5%

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE:

4%

Orangutan

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TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT AND EXPENSES. . . . . . . $11,350,615

Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele

Milwaukee County Board Chairman Theodore Lipscomb, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . 1st District

1st Vice Chair Peggy West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12th District

2nd Vice Chair Steven F. Taylor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9th District

Board of Supervisors

Deanna Alexander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18th District Eddie Cullen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15th District Marina Dimitrijevic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4th District Jason Haas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14th District Willie Johnson, Jr.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13th District Michael Mayo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7th District Supreme Moore Omokunde.. . . . . . 10th District Marcella Nicholson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5th District David L. Satori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8th District James “Luigi� Schmitt. . . . . . . . . . . . 6th District Dan Sebring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11th District Anthony Staskunas. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17th District Sequanna Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2nd District Sheldon Wasserman. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3rd District John F. Weishan, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . 16th District

The Milwaukee County Zoo offers equal opportunities for employees and visitors alike.

Editor: Jennifer Diliberti-Shea Designer: Kevin de Wane Photographer: Joel Miller (Unless otherwise noted) 10001 W. Bluemound Road

Milwaukee, WI 53226

414-771-3040

milwaukeezoo.org

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