OUR MISSION: To inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: - Welcoming Brienne the Bear - Sea Turtle Releases - Fall & Winter Events
Wild is a quarterly digital publication of
Zoo Miami Foundation that provides information for the friends, supporters and Members of Zoo Miami.
For more information, please contact:
Zoo Miami Foundation
12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177
(305) 255-5551 / www.zoomiami.org
Zoo Miami Foundation’s Mission
To inspire people to preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.
Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors:
Chair: Alan S. Atkinson
Chair-Elect: Joseph R. Salzverg
Treasurer: Alexander Binelo
Secretary: Maryam Laguna Borrego, Ed.D.
Past Chair: Jose Felix Diaz
Ron Aberman
Alan Atkinson
Rodney Barreto
Brittnie Bassant
Jason A. Bell
Alexander E. Binelo
Javier Borges
Maryam Laguna Borrego, Ed.D.
Ashley Boxer
Sharymar E. Calderon
James A. Carenza
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava
Jason S. Comer
Jose Felix Diaz, Esq
Kenneth J. Duvall
Will Elgar
Armando Fernandez
Ricardo Garbati
Victor H. Herrera
Emeriti Directors
Vincent L. Berkeley
Jennifer Boin Getz
Roger Carlton
Harlan S. Chiron, MD
Ambassador Sue Cobb
Linda Coll
William J. Gallwey, III, Esq.
Robert W. Hudson, Esq.
Sherrill W. Hudson
Bernard Klepach
President/CEO: Jose C. Romano
Zoo Director: Will Elgar
Zoo Admission Hours:
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Last ticket sold at 4 p.m.
Editor: Rashielle Clarke
Contributors:
Philip F. Kushlan
George L. Leser
Mireya Mayor, PhD
Katharine A. McDonald
Sara Elizabeth Nainzadeh
Marc A. Osheroff
Samantha L. Pencar
Martha H. Rabbitt
José C. Romano
Joseph R. Salzverg
Luisa F. Santos
Joshua Schertzer
Eduardo M. Soto
Ana VeigaMilton, Esq.
John S. Vidalin
Fred Voccola
Christina White
Steven C. Williamson
David Konfino
Jim Kushlan, PhD
Daniel J. Licciardi
Manny J. Rodriguez, P.E.
Edward Soto
Eric J. Stephens
Lawrence O. Turner, Jr.
Diana Udel
Andrew H. Weinstein, Esq.
Cindy Castelblanco, Michael Hitchcock, Nicole Johnston, Jamie Lassonde, Ron Magill, Jose Romano, and Ron Stayton
Layout & Design: Photography:
Parrot Fish Studio Ron Magill
Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.
Dear Friends,
We are now in one of the best seasons at Zoo Miami, with spectacular events and programs coming up over the next few months to celebrate fall and winter with our community.
This month, we are thrilled to be bringing back the popular Monster Masquerade after a nearly 10-year hiatus. This 21+ event is sure to be a spine-tingling good time as we all embrace our inner ghouls. For more familyfriendly fun, Zoo Boo is a weekend for all ages to enjoy later this month. Then, this winter, prepare to be dazzled at Zoo Lights Miami. It’s always so heart-warming to see families and friends come together at Zoo Miami to make memories during the holidays.
Of course, we are now counting down to one of our most exciting and engaging community events – ZooRun is back at Zoo Miami on November 1st with a 5K, 10K, ZooKidsDash, and virtual race options. The run is a wonderful way to support the Zoo Miami Wildlife Conservation Fund and this year, we are particularly excited to be launching our first-ever peer-topeer fundraising challenge! Rally your friends and family to support Zoo Miami like never before - we’ve got some amazing rewards lined up for fundraising milestones.
We can’t say enough how lucky we are to have such a strong foundation of supporters we can count on. It is with great gratitude that we announce a transformational $2 million commitment from Ana VeigaMilton, Cecil Milton, and the Milton family. This gift is dedicated to bringing our new Sumatran tiger habitat to life and inspiring conservation action for years to come. Every gift we receive brings us one step closer to achieving our goals and this generous donation marks a giant leap forward.
At the heart of everything we do, Zoo Miami and Zoo Miami Foundation hold the health, safety, and care of our animals at the center. Later in this issue, Zoo Miami Communications Director Ron Magill shares a letter addressing several animal losses we have endured over the past several months, including two lions, a gaur, two camels, and a giant eland. We know that our community cares deeply for the animals that call Zoo Miami home, and we want to offer transparency and insight into their lives and wellbeing to ensure that you can continue to have trust in our commitment to providing the best care.
While we have mourned many losses, we have also been fortunate to celebrate the births and arrivals of several new animals including a flamingo hatchling, meerkat, banteng calf, and a critically endangered Jamaican iguana hatchling. The highs and lows that come with animal care remind us of the miracle that every life and every creature represent. Thank you for your commitment, support, and generosity throughout every season at Zoo Miami. We look forward to creating more memories and celebrating milestones with you as we move into a brand-new year.
José Romano ZMF President/CEO
A Historic Milestone for Zoo Miami: $2 Million Gift to Transform Future of Tigers
Halloween Events at Zoo Miami
The Arrival & Debut of Brienne the Bear
Sea Turtle Hospital Updates
Fall & Winter Camp
Notes for Members
Adventures in Learning
Animal Hospital Visits
Welcoming New Animals
ZooRun 2025
The Loss of Iconic Zoo Miami Animals
The Wonderful Botanical Gardens at Zoo Miami
Zoo Miami Foundation Quarterly Donors
Sneak Peek at Upcoming Holiday Deals
Zoo Miami Foundation is thrilled to announce one of the Top 5 transformational gifts in our history, a bold $2 million commitment from Ana VeigaMilton, Cecil Milton, and the Milton family (Alec & Jessy, Grandson Mateo, Eric, and Diana), that will forever change the way our community experiences and protects wildlife. This extraordinary gift will bring to life the new Sumatran Tiger Habitat at Zoo Miami and introduce the Zoo’s first-ever bilingual Hispanic Tiger Mascot, Mateo, named in honor of Ana’s first grandson. Together, these milestones embody the Milton family’s vision of inspiring conservation across cultures, generations, and communities.
Ana VeigaMilton formerly served as Chair of the Zoo Miami Foundation Board and, after a 10-year hiatus, is pleased to rejoin the Board as a Director. Currently, Ana presides over the José Milton Foundation, is co-founder of the Cecil & Ana Milton Family Foundation, and directs corporate social responsibility for the Milton family business, United Property Management, one of the largest property owners and managers in South Florida, with nearly 9,000 residential units and extensive commercial real estate. Under her leadership, the Milton family has carried forward a powerful philanthropic legacy established by her father-inlaw, José Milton, advancing education, research, health care, and community enrichment across South Florida.
The family’s impact has touched countless lives: from donating 300 fully equipped apartments to frontline Jackson Health System medical staff during the pandemic, to creating the José Milton
Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, to establishing the Milton Leadership Hall at the University of Miami College of Engineering. Their commitments include groundbreaking gifts for the José Milton Memorial Hospital in Doral, the Mount Sinai Surgical Center in Miami Beach, the Milton Endowed Chair in Orthopedics at Baptist Health, and Belen Jesuit Prep School Milton Main Building, investments that reflect their belief in strengthening both people and community.
Ana’s own journey, as a valedictorian of MiamiDade County Public Schools, a recipient of full merit scholarships at the University of Miami, a telecommunications engineer, lawyer, and a dedicated mother, grandmother, mentor, volunteer, and philanthropist, reflects her lifelong belief that with family and an engaged community, all problems can be solved. Her dedication to creating opportunity, uplifting lives, and protecting wildlife and environment has made Ana not just a leader in philanthropy, but a true partner in building a stronger, more compassionate world.
At Zoo Miami, the Milton family has already left an indelible mark, including support for the Animal Fun Factory, the first guest-interactive, multi-sensory enrichment center of its kind in an accredited zoo where guests and animals connect in joyful, meaningful ways.
Now, with their landmark $2 million gift that ranks among the top 5 in the Zoo’s history, Ana and her family have taken a bold step to ensure the survival of one of the world’s most endangered big cats.
The new habitat, set to break ground in April 2026, will provide a world-class sanctuary for these majestic animals—of which fewer than 400 remain in the wild—and inspire conservation efforts in their native habitats for generations to come.
This gift is more than a donation, it is a transformational partnership that unites community, culture, education, and conservation. Zoo Miami Foundation is profoundly grateful to Ana VeigaMilton and the Milton family for their leadership and generosity. Their vision inspires hope, sparks wonder and ensures that the roar of the tiger will echo far into the future.
Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate world — one where people and wildlife thrive, side by side.
For the
first time in
Zoo Miami history, an Andean bear has arrived and can now be seen by visitors!
The six-year-old bear named Brienne arrived at Zoo Miami on June 4, 2025 from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. Once she spent some time in quarantine and was cleared by the Animal Health department, our new resident was transferred to what was previously the lowland gorilla habitat. With some modifications, this enclosure will be her new home.
Brienne’s access to her outdoor habitat was limited at first as she cautiously ventures out to explore and gradually becomes more comfortable in her new environment.
Andean bears are sometimes called
“spectacled
bears” because
of the light-colored rings that can develop around their eyes. The markings can vary for each bear, and some, like Brienne, have very limited markings.
These unique bears are found in the Andean countries from Venezuela to Bolivia and are the only true bears found on the South American continent. These beautiful creatures are omnivores, feeding on a variety of plants and animals, with most of the meals consisting of fruits, palms, and bromeliads. Agile and strong, they are one of the world’s most arboreal bears, using their long claws to easily climb trees to eat their favorite fruits and vegetation. As fruit eaters, they are important seed dispersers in the wild habitats in which they live.
The Andean bear is officially listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Its biggest threats are habitat loss and fragmentation followed by hunting for body parts and subsistence, as well as protection against attacks to livestock and crops.
On September 10, 2025, “Bilbo,” a subadult female green sea turtle was returned to the wild after over a year of rehabilitation at Zoo Miami! She is the 60th sea turtle released to the wild since our Sea Turtle Hospital opened in June 2022.
Bilbo arrived at Zoo Miami last year after suffering a boat strike that resulted in several broken bones, carapace damage, and limited movement in her rear flippers. Her treatment plan over the year combined Western and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, including antibiotics, extensive wound care, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, moxibustion, herbal medications, cold laser therapy, and supplements to support her immune system. She also spent two weeks at the Florida Aquarium to assess her buoyancy issues.
In preparation for release, Bilbo was given a land mobility test as well as a complete pre-release examination with lab work. She was given a flipper tag and a transponder for tracking, then released at Bill Baggs State Park!
We are happy to introduce “Fudge” - a new juvenile green sea turtle that arrived at our Sea Turtle Hospital on July 15, 2025. Fudge was entangled in a fishing line on her front flipper and caught on a crab trap. In addition to being entangled, she has some FP tumors along her flippers and near her eyes. The Sea Turtle Hospital team plans to schedule her for a CT scan soon, and then her treatment plan can be fine-tuned according to her needs.
Back to the sea, that is! On September 3, 2025, a juvenile green sea turtle named “Pumpkin Spice” was returned to the wild following several months of critical care at our Sea Turtle Hospital. The young female arrived at Zoo Miami on April 30th, suffering from a fishhook entanglement around her right front flipper. Unfortunately, the injury led to a severe infection which required the amputation of the flipper.
Pumpkin Spice made a remarkable recovery following the amputation. She quickly adjusted to maneuvering with three flippers. Having made a full recovery, the Animal Health Team coordinated with Bill Baggs State Park and the Miami-Dade Parks Sea Turtle Conservation Program, to successfully return Pumpkin Spice back to the wild. She was released just a few hundred yards form the iconic lighthouse at Bill Baggs State Park.
Kids of all ages will enjoy hands-on activities, animal encounters, educational adventures, and more during our award-winning Zoo Camp!
The Great Migration
November 24 - 26, 2025
Soar with migrating birds, dive deep with sea turtles, and trek across land with elephants and giraffes. Campers will journey alongside the world’s greatest travelers and discover how and why they make their incredible journeys!
December 22, 23, & 26, 2025
Step into the wild and become a nature detective! Campers will search for hidden treasures, learn to spot animals without scaring them away, and discover the amazing birds and creatures that soar above us.
Scales and Tails
December 29 & 30, 2025 & January 2, 2026
Your little ones will slither, swim, and explore their way through the amazing world of animals with scales! Meet reptiles like lizards and snakes, fish and other scaly swimmers, and surprising animals with scales like pangolins and butterflies!
REGISTER NOW REGISTER NOW REGISTER NOW
Join us for our Annual Pumpkin Patch Party!
October 25, 2025 10 AM – 1 PM
Join us on Zoo Boo Saturday for an exclusive, members-only Pumpkin Patch Party!
Fall festivities will include:
• Pumpkin Carving
• Photo Ops
• Face Painting
• Vendors
• Live DJ
• Candy
Members are welcome to come in costume and head into the park after to enjoy Zoo Boo!
Must be an active Zoo Miami Member to attend. Ticket covers individuals included on your membership. RSVP NOW!
Bring the wild to your group! Our Learning Experiences team offers engaging, hands-on presentations for school and community groups of all ages, whether in-person or virtually. Explore program themes from “Zoo Careers” to “Zooperheroes” and much more.
In person outreach: $250 + travel fee
Virtual outreach: $180
CLICK
Unplug and reconnect with nature. Join us for a memorable overnight camping experience in the heart of Everglades National Park! Our Nature Play program offers families the chance to explore the great outdoors through canoeing, stargazing, and guided hikes.
Applications open in early October. Space is limited!
Upcoming dates:
December 13-14, 2025
January 10-11, 2026
February 7-8, 2026 March 14-15, 2026
Spot Zoo Miami Foundation at some upcoming community events!
• October 18 & 19, 2025 | German American Social Club of Greater Miami Oktoberfest
• November 21-23, 2025 | Miami Dade College Miami Book Fair in the Children’s Alley
Want us at your event? Whether it’s a 5K, community fair, or other special gathering, we’d love to participate with fun and educational activities and displays. Contact us at education@zoomiami.org to make your event unforgettable.
Zoo Miami’s Learning Experiences engage and connect our community with the wonders of wildlife both inside the zoo and beyond!
Book your next field trip to
Bring your school or community group to Zoo Miami for an unforgettable, educator-led experience! Our expert guides tailor each tour to your group’s interests, ensuring an engaging adventure through our diverse habitats.
Base Price: $300* Self-guided tour: $50
Guided tours are available Wednesdays & Fridays. *Zoo Miami admission is not included. Final pricing in based on total number of participants in the field trip group.
Field Trips for Title-1 Schools or underserved community groups may be available.
Protecting Elephants in Ghana –University of Washington & Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Saving the Mindo Harlequin Toad in Ecuador – Khamai Foundation
For 28 years, the Zoo Miami Wildlife Conservation Fund has supported projects that protect wildlife and natural ecosystems around the world. This year, we are proud to support:
Protecting Sloths in Costa Rica –Sloth Conservation Foundation
Coexistence with African Wild Dogs in Zimbabwe – African Wildlife Conservation Fund
Conserving chimpanzees in Cameroon –Pan African Sanctuary Alliance
Zoo Miami’s 14-year-old tigress underwent a thorough routine health exam this past August as part of our carefully managed preventative medicine program. The procedures included radiographs, a dental cleaning, blood and urine collection, an abdominal ultrasound, and an eye exam. Leeloo weighed 185 pounds and was up to date on her vaccines. Exam results showed that she is in excellent health!
On September 9, 2025, five-year-old African painted dog, “Cesar,” received a fertility evaluation at our Animal Hospital. Dr. Linda Penfold, from the South-East Zoo Alliance for Reproduction and Conservation (SEZARC), partnered with the Zoo Miami Animal Health team, to collect sperm from Cesar via electro-ejaculation so that it could be examined under a microscope to determine his fertility. The exam revealed healthy results – a positive foundation moving forward in Zoo Miami’s efforts to reproduce this endangered species. Cesar represents a new bloodline for our pack of painted dogs.
On June 19th, a Caribbean flamingo hatched at Zoo Miami after being artificially incubated for 28 days to avoid risk of loss due to predation or extreme weather. The chick’s parents are a 22-year-old female and 10-year-old male.
On September 9th, after a 100-day incubation period, a critically endangered Jamaican iguana hatched at Zoo Miami! Though this is the 33rd Jamaican iguana hatched at our zoo, it is the first hatching since 2014. It is the first offspring produced by the male named, “Vince,” and only the second produced by the female named, “Fat Girl,” representing significant new blood within the population under human care. The population of these endangered iguanas is believed to be between 500-600 individuals.
On August 22nd, some Zoo Miami guests were rewarded with an extra special treat as they had the luck of observing the birth of an endangered Banteng. The mother, named “Phyllis,” went into labor early that morning and proceeded to give birth to a healthy male weighing in at 52 pounds.
On August 19th, Zoo Miami welcomed a new meerkat! Clementine is a seven-year-old female that was born at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado and arrived at Zoo Miami via the Great Plains Zoo in South Dakota. She joins males “Joe” and “Yuca” on the meerkat habitat, where they can all be seen both in person and via the “Meerkat Cam” online!
By Ron Magill
During the past several weeks, Zoo Miami has experienced a series of heartbreaking losses made even more difficult because of how closely together they have occurred. From July 25th to September 26th, several high visibility animals have died from a variety of causes. They include two lions, a gaur, a dromedary camel, a giant eland, and a Bactrian camel. Such losses can often generate concern and worry from those who support the zoo and care deeply about the animals that live here. However, it is important to consider the context in which those deaths occurred as most are the result of geriatric issues from animals that live longer under the care of accredited zoos than they would in the wild. At Zoo Miami, they are protected from disease, predation, and famine. Because of this, age-related conditions such as arthritis, organ failure, and other chronic illnesses become a more common cause of mortality. That was the case with are our lions, gaur, and dromedary camel that all lived beyond typical wild lifespans. Zoo Miami has been open for over 45 years and many of its animals are facing age-related challenges. Each additional day with them is a gift.
Tragically, we also suffered losses of life that were sudden and unexpected. Zoos, like any environment where animals are being cared for, can experience unpreventable accidents or circumstances that lead to the premature death of an animal despite strict safety protocols and the best veterinary care. Sadly, that was the cause of death of our giant eland that accidently choked on her food and aspirated it into her lungs which proved fatal.
Similarly, some animals, like people, may develop illnesses, without warning, that can lead to complications resulting in a premature death. Our Bactrian camel showed acute complications, including fluid in his abdomen and around his heart, kidney issues, a serious infection, and pneumonia.
These occurrences, though heartbreaking and difficult, should not overshadow the essential role zoos play in conservation and education. Through animal care, conservation programs, and breeding efforts, zoos serve as an insurance policy for threatened and endangered species against a very uncertain future in the wild. They also serve as important centers of public education, inspiring millions of visitors each year to develop a better understanding of our wild’s wildlife and the desperate need to protect it.
Although loss is an inevitable part of caring for wildlife, Zoo Miami remains committed to being an essential partner in the global effort to protect and preserve wildlife for future generations. In doing so, we will continue to be transparent and honest in sharing with you both the ups and the downs along the way.
Tickets coming soon!
We are thrilled to announce that Zoo Miami has recently gained international accreditation through Arbnet and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). This prestigious recognition highlights our commitment to excellence in botanical garden management and conservation. Additionally, we are proud members of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) and the North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA).
We have been busy enhancing our gardens with several exciting additions:
Gigi’s Maze:
Located in the Africa section, this children’s maze offers a fun and educational experience for our younger visitors.
Succulent Garden:
Also in Africa, this garden showcases a stunning variety of drought-resistant plants.
Butterfly Garden:
Situated on the east side of the Amphitheater, this garden is a haven for butterflies and a delight for visitors.
At the front entrance, this display promotes the conservation of the endangered Pine Rockland ecosystem that surrounds the zoo.
We would like to recognize and thank those who contributed to Zoo Miami Foundation between June 19 - September 22, 2025. Your generosity helps us fulfill our mission of wildlife education and conservation, and we are truly grateful for your support.*
$50,000 +
Jane Goodman
$10,000 - $49,000
Libby and Jack Madden
Theodore Caplow and Nathalie Manzano
Nancy and Joseph Salzverg Wollberg Family Fund
$5,000 - $9,999
Lynn L. Atkinson & David E. Drucker
Chrstine and Robert Gross
Robin and Marc Osheroff
John S. Vidalin
$1,000 - $4,999
Margarita Sahli-Blaya and Max Fernando Blaya
Richard P. Cole
Lisa and David Desmond
Avis and Lawrence Feldman
The Forte Family
Lourdes E. Gomez and Marcelino Miyares, Ph.D.
Kathleen Hayes
John and Claudia Holliman
Affiliated Fund
Laurie and Keith Keister
Terry and Daniel Odell
Riama and Rafael Reyes
Elaine Klein and Leonard C. Roberts
Jose A. Sanchez
$500 - $999
Karen and Jonathan Hegler
Kira Lopez
Dorothy K. Snyder
Francine and Herbert Tobin
Deborah and Michael Troner
$250 - $499
Cristina and Steven Mullins
Andrew Chorzempa
Ana Pasquier
Dannisa Vickery
Sheri Brumfield
Piotr Bzdyra
Sheilah G. Zaretsky
Barry Arnold
Johanny Delgado
Gian Fuentes
Joel T. Heinen, Ph.D.
Clara M. Macias and Rafael E. Rodriguez
Jason Osborne
David Rodriguez
Kim Watkins
Kristina Witter
Denise Zamora
Jason Jacobs
Sara Lenselink
Elizabeth Stallard
Marilyn Agostini
Diana Arnal
Crystal Balladares
Leslie and William Biggs
Leonardo Cancio
Mauro A. Delgado
Jeffrey Epstein
Eduardo Garcia
Isis Llorente
Cedrick Moss
Chary Rico-Toro
Karen Rodman
Justin Weatherwax
$10,000 - $24,999
Amazon
American Express Bank of America
Baptist Health
Habit Burger & Grill
$5,000 - $9,999
Florida International University
ICG
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
United Property Management, Inc.
Veterinary Emergency Group LLC
$1,000 - $4,999
Coral Reef Yacht Club
$500 - $999
Florida Blue
Main Street Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, LLC
MD Now
Ocaquatics Swim School
Sky Zone
St. John Neumann Catholic Church Men’s Club
$100 - $499
Ocaquatics Swim School
$50,000 +
The Wildflower Foundation, Inc.
$25,000 +
Anthony R. Abraham Foundation
Dennis & Smith Foundation
Peacock Foundation, Inc.
The Batchelor Foundation, Inc.
The Dunspaugh-Dalton Foundation, Inc.
The Kirk Foundation, Inc.
$10,000 - $24,999
The Cobb Family Foundation, Inc.
Al & Janie Nahmad Family Foundation
The Tonkinson Foundation
$5,000 - $9,999
South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The Alliance for Florida’s National Parks
The Five Millers Family Foundation, Inc.
Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation
$100 - $499
Sofia’s Hope, Inc.
$5,000 - $9,999
Miami-Dade County Parks & Recreation Department
*We are deeply grateful to our donors for their support. If your name has been accidentally omitted or listed incorrectly, please contact the Development department at 305-255-5551.
