Issuu

Keepin’ it Wild!

A digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation and Zoo Miami.

Photo by Snapped at Zoo Miami Contest Winner Cassandra Garcia

October-December 2026

OUR MISSION: To inspire people to

preserve nature and motivate others to join us through community engagement, fundraising, and building relationships.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

- A Warm Wombat Welcome - Give Miami Day - Spooky Season & Holiday Events

Keepin’ it Wild is a quarterly digital publication of Zoo Miami Foundation that provides information for the friends, supporters and Members of Zoo Miami.

LETTER FROM THE CEO

For more information, please contact: Zoo Miami Foundation 12400 SW 152 Street, Miami, FL 33177 (305) 255-5551 / www.zoomiami.org

Dear Friends, As 2026 comes to a close, I can’t help but feel that we have an incredible new year ahead of us. We are entering the most ambitious and groundbreaking chapter in Zoo Miami’s history.

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: Joseph R. Salzverg Chair-Elect: Victor H. Herrera Treasurer: Sharymar E. Calderon Secretary: Maryam Laguna Borrego, Ed.D. Past Chair: Alan S. Atkinson Mayor Daniella Levine Cava Katharine A. McDonald Mireya Mayor, PhD Sara E. Nainzadeh Marc A. Osheroff Martha H. Rabbitt Jose C. Romano Joseph R. Salzverg Luisa F. Santos Katherine San Pedro Joshua Schertzer Eduardo M. Soto Keith St. Clair Mary Usategui Ana VeigaMilton John S. Vidalin Fred Voccola Christina White Steven C. Williamson

Ron Aberman Alan S. Atkinson Rodney L. Barreto Lori Bean Jason Bell Javier Borges Maryam Borrego Ashley Boxer Richard Bruguera Sharymar E. Calderon James Carenza Jason S. Comer Derick Duchodni Kenneth J. Duvall Richard Earle Danny Elfenbein Will Elgar Armando Fernandez Victor H. Herrera Leisha John Emeriti Directors

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.

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: Lissette Chatel, Cindy Castelblanco, Jennifer Dominguez, Valentina Fernandez, Alexandra Guevara, Michael Hitchcock, Ron Magill, Carla Menendez, and Jose Romano Layout & Design: Parrot Fish Studio

Photography: Ron Magill

Special thanks to Ana VeigaMilton and the Zoo Miami staff, for without these people, this publication would not be possible.

We closed out our fiscal year by hosting the Zoo Miami Foundation Board of Directors for a special retreat. Together, we looked to the future, including our Capital Campaign and construction projects that will elevate and transform Zoo Miami. Ultimately, our vision is to focus on our core commitments of Education, Conservation, and Community Impact to make Zoo Miami a zoo for the world. We thank our Board and our partners at Miami-Dade County for their ongoing leadership and commitment to supporting our vision. Of course, there is much adventure to be had before the year is up. We are kicking off spooky season with community favorites – Monster Masquerade, Zoo Boo, and the annual Roars, S’mores, and Snores Campout. In November, ZooRun is back, this time with an extra special addition: our inaugural half-marathon! This brand-new course will take runners through Zoo Miami’s rare Pine Rocklands and the Zoo’s outer perimeter for a truly one-of-a-kind race experience. Our peer-to-peer fundraising challenge offers a chance for runners, friends, and family to support Zoo Miami and earn some incredible rewards. As we strive to extend our reach around the world, we are proud of the programs that continue to make an impact across communities and countries. Ron Magill, the new Goodwill Ambassador and Conservation Liaison at Zoo Miami Foundation, is serving as an experienced guide for our Into the Wild trips, with wildlife enthusiasts embarking on conservation-focused trips from U.S. National Parks to Kenya and more. Plus, through his new Wild Tales program, he visits schools across our local community to share the wonders of wildlife through powerful storytelling. At such a pivotal moment in our journey, when we are truly on the cusp of remarkable growth and impact, we are more grateful than ever for our visitors, members, donors, and partners. Thank you for your support through another year. We cannot wait to celebrate more milestones with you in the year to come. If you would like to support Zoo Miami’s mission, please give what you can.

Thank you! José Romano ZMF President/CEO 2

DONATE NOW!

Inside This Issue

Conservation A Warm Wombat Welcome....................................................4 New Arrivals at Zoo Miami.....................................................6 Countdown to Give Miami Day..............................................8 Animal Enrichment...................................................................9 Tiger Conservation with WCS Indonesia........................... 10 Gardens and Botanical Wonders......................................... 11 Into the Wild Travel Program............................................... 12 Zoo Miami Wildlife Conservation Grant Winners............ 14 Ron Magill Signature Puzzle Series ................................... 15 Conservation on the Go........................................................ 16 Gifts Supporting Zoo Miami Foundation........................... 17

Interactive Experiences Notes for Members................................................................. 18 Adventures in Learning........................................................ 20 Wild Tales with Ron Magill...................................................22 Snapped at Zoo Miami Winners......................................... 24 Tricks and Treats with Spooky Critters............................. 26 Monster Masquerade.............................................................28 Zoo Boo................................................................................... 29 ZooRun 2026.......................................................................... 30

Medical Care

All Hands On Deck: A Manatee Rescue Story..................32 Animal Hospital Notes: Havoc the Hyena.........................33 Donor Spotlight..................................................................... 34 Mourning the Loss of Little Foot........................................35 Zoo Lights Miami.................................................................. 36

Our Giant Insect Takeover Ends on October 31! Larger than life bugs have transformed Zoo Miami into a bold, comic book universe where insects become gigantic, colorful, and heroic! • 13 colossal animatronic superhero bugs • 2 dynamic photo op stations From the entrance all the way around the Conservation Action Center, guests will encounter towering insect champions in action poses—each paired with vibrant comic style panels packed with fun facts, sound effects, and awesome bug lore for both kids and adults.

Suit up. Step in. And join the Bug Brigade before they fly off again! 3

C O N S E R VAT I O N

A Warm Wombat Welcome

For the first time in Zoo Miami history, we recently celebrated the birth of a southern hairy-nosed wombat. This also marks the only successful birth of the species in the United States this year!

The first-time parents are dad Gordon and mom Adelaid. The joey is a female and estimated to have been born on January 19th of this year. After crawling into her mother’s pouch to develop for several months, the joey began making short trips out to test her footing as she continued to nurse. Now, at nine months old, she is fully out and about, following Adelaid to learn all about being a wombat! The southern hairy-nosed wombat is the smallest of three species of wombats, all found in Australia. They are distinguished by their large ears and broad snouts covered with fine hairs. They are round, robust animals equipped with powerful claws that make them exceptional diggers.

Unlike the pouches of other marsupials like kangaroos and koalas, a wombat’s pouch opens toward the rear. This unique adaptation helps prevent dirt from being thrown into the pouch while the mother is digging.

Stay tuned on Zoo Miami’s social media channels for more wombat updates as our joey grows! 5

C O N S E R VAT I O N

WELCOMING

NEW ARRIVALS AT ZOO MIAMI

NEW CAPYBARA AMBASSADOR Meet one of Zoo Miami’s newest animal ambassadors – “Gouda”! A gentle, semi-aquatic mammal, the capybara is the world’s largest rodent. Gouda can be seen as part of a regular rotation of ambassador animals at Zoo Miami’s Sami Family Amphitheater.

INDIAN GAUR ARRIVALS Meet Cash and Tango, two of Zoo Miami’s newest residents! Indian gaurs are the largest species of wild cattle in the world. Both gaurs were born at the Bronx Zoo and are between three and four years old. They arrived at Zoo Miami on April 21st and went through a careful quarantine and acclimation period to ensure a smooth transition to their new home.

HELMETED CURASSOW BIRTH On July 5th, a rare helmeted curassow hatched for the second time in Zoo Miami’s history. This bird has a small range from Northwestern Venezuela to Northeastern Colombia. With less than 2,500 individuals left in the wild, it is considered endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

ARUBA ISLAND RATTLESNAKE BIRTH On August 1st, an Aruba Island rattlesnake was born at Zoo Miami – one of the rarest snakes in the world with fewer than 250 individuals estimated to remain in the wild. This marks the first successful birth of this critically endangered species in our history.

ADDRA GAZELLE BIRTH On August 26th, a critically endangered Addra gazelle gave birth to a female calf at Zoo Miami after a 6 ½ month pregnancy. The calf weighed in just under 11 pounds at birth. She has now been given access to her public habitat and is becoming more secure as she makes herself at home.

C O N S E R VAT I O N

The Countdown to Give Miami Day Is On!

Save the Date: November 19, 2026 Double Your Impact this Give Miami Day! Thanks to the generosity of the William H. and Leonora K. Hegamyer Family Foundation, every gift to Zoo Miami Foundation made through Give Miami Day will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $15,000. Your support will go twice as far to provide the advanced equipment, technology, and resources our veterinary team needs to save lives, respond to emergencies, and deliver exceptional care to every animal entrusted to us.

Please make your gift on Give Miami Day and double your impact.

Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for the animals who inspire us and depend on us.

Treat Machine

Our American black bears Laurel and Libby got an enrichment upgrade thanks to Animal Enrichment Systems! The Environmental Enrichment Device (EED) has timers programmed to scatter treats for the bears throughout the day–encouraging their natural foraging behaviors.

On August 18th, Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue gave our Asian elephants a refreshing and enriching experience with some firehose play! The elephants had a blast splashing in the water, the perfect activity to beat the summer heat.

Firehose Fun 9

C O N S E R VAT I O N

Tiger Conservation with WCS Indonesia

Tiger conservation is about more than protecting tiger populations–it’s also about creating a safer future for the people and wildlife that share the same landscape. In Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, Sumatran tigers share more than 435 miles of boundary with communities and coffee farms. Along this border, conservation teams, rangers, and local community groups work together to reduce human-wildlife conflict through park patrols, wildlife safety training, and support for more sustainable coffee farming.

Zoo Miami Foundation is honored and pleased to announce our support of Indonesia’s Ministry of Forestry, Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) to help advance this collaborative work through a gift to WCS of nearly $450,000. Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is one of Sumatra’s largest remaining lowland forests and one of the world’s most important habitats for the Critically Endangered Sumatran tiger.

Read more about these efforts by WCS Indonesia and Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park here. 10

Gardens & Botanical Wonders at Zoo Miami

Gigi’s Children’s Maze

A playful and interactive garden experience designed especially for our youngest explorers. This living maze encourages curiosity, discovery, and a hands-on connection with nature.

Pine Rockland Garden

One of South Florida’s most endangered ecosystems comes to life in this conservation-focused garden. Featuring native species that once dominated the Miami landscape, this collection helps preserve and educate guests about this rare habitat.

Through accreditation by ArbNet and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), Zoo Miami has earned prestigious recognition for excellence in plant conservation, horticulture, and botanical garden management. This achievement reflects years of dedication by our horticulture team to cultivating, preserving, and showcasing extraordinary plant collections from around the world. In addition, Zoo Miami is a proud member of the Association of Zoological Horticulture (AZH) and North American Japanese Garden Association (NAJGA)!

Butterfly Gardens

Succulent Garden

Designed to attract and support native pollinators, these vibrant gardens provide essential habitat for butterflies and other beneficial insects — while offering guests a colorful and immersive experience.

A striking display of sculptural, drought-tolerant plants from arid regions around the world, this garden highlights the beauty and resilience of species uniquely adapted to thrive in challenging climates.

Pre-Historic Garden

Palm Promenade

Step back in time and discover ancient plant lineages that once grew alongside dinosaurs. Cycads, ferns, and other primitive plants showcase the fascinating evolution of the plant kingdom.

Stroll beneath a stunning canopy of palms representing species from around the globe. This iconic walkway celebrates one of South Florida’s signature plant families in dramatic fashion.

Make 2027 Your Year of Travel Join us for a curated travel program by zoo miami foundation where luxury travel meets conservation support and wildlife exploration.

National Parks June 13 – 29, 2027 Guide: Ron Magill

An epic 17-day journey across Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Experience breathtaking landscapes, encounter iconic wildlife like bison, elk, moose, and bald eagles.

Learn more & book now

“

The animal sightings and extraordinary mountains and canyons we experienced brought new meaning to the reality that we live in a magnificent country. It truly has to be seen to be believed. Somehow, between the wildlife, the breathtaking scenery, and the miles we traveled together, there was always something to entertain us.

”

The camaraderie, the learning, and the experience that only Ron Magill could create made this a trip that, long after we returned home, continues to be a gift of memories that keeps on giving. - Ossie Hanauer, National Parks, October 2026 12

ALASKA

June 15 – 25, 2027 Guide: Gwen Myers Journey through Southcentral Alaska’s wildest and most spectacular landscapes! Watch for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, and brown bears in their natural habitat, and gain a rare, firsthand perspective from Zoo Miami’s Chief of Animal Health Dr. Gwen Myers. Learn more & book now

KENYA

September 26 – October 8, 2027 Guide: Ron Magill Explore Kenya’s iconic savannas and wildlife-rich landscapes, offering opportunities to encounter lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless other species in their natural habitats.

Learn more & book now

Learn more about our upcoming destinations. 13

C O N S E R VAT I O N

Grant Winners For 29 years, the Zoo Miami Wildlife Conservation Fund has supported individuals, nonprofits, and organizations working to protect wildlife and ecosystems around the world.

This year, five projects have been selected to receive grants supporting conservation efforts from Haiti to Uganda:

Amigos of Costa Rica Working with the Jaguar Rescue Center to create wildlife-safe electrical infrastructure and reduce electrocution risks for arboreal species like sloths and monkeys.

EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean, Inc.) in Haiti Protecting the endangered Black-capped Petrel through community-based monitoring, education, and stewardship.

Estudiantes Conservando la Naturaleza in Mexico (Students Conserving Nature in Mexico)

Helping protect the critically endangered Vallarta Mud Turtle through continued patrols and anti-poaching efforts.

Fundación Para La Tierra in Paraguay

New Nature Foundation in Uganda

Partnering with Mbya Guaraní communities to reforest the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest while cultivating yerba mate as a sustainable source of income.

Helping communities near Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks reduce deforestation through fuel-efficient stoves, ecochar briquettes, and tree planting.

Conservation knows no borders. From protecting endangered species to restoring habitats and supporting the communities that share these landscapes, these projects demonstrate that lasting conservation happens when people and wildlife work together. Learn more about this year’s grant recipients and the Zoo Miami Wildlife Conservation Fund. 14

Conservation & Research Truck Sponsored by Bean Automotive Group

Conservation on the Go In collaboration with the Bean Automotive Group, Zoo Miami Foundation took delivery of a new Toyota Tacoma specially wrapped as a tribute to the American flamingo and its status as a native species of Florida. This vehicle will serve as a key component in the in-situ conservation work done throughout the state of Florida by Zoo Miami’s Conservation and Research Team, as well as a moving banner celebrating the flamingo and the campaign to have it designated as the State Bird of Florida. The truck was paid for by the Ron Magill Conservation Endowment as part of its commitment to support the conservation of wildlife in the natural areas where it is naturally found.

CUSTOM BRICKS

Gifts that Support Zoo Miami Foundation

RHINO FOOTPRINTS

ZOO MEMBERSHIPS

ADOPT AN ANIMAL

OCTOBER 17 Zoo Members SAVE $25 on General Admission tickets! Zoo Members get FREE admission!

Zoo Miami Member Pumpkin Patch Party Join us for a special fall celebration exclusively for Zoo Miami Members! Members can select from one of three available time slots when registering.

RSVP NOW

Saturday, October 24 Available Sessions: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Location: Animal Fun Factory

NOV 27DEC 30

Zoo Members SAVE $3 on tickets!

MEMBER SERVICES • 305-255-5551 • MBR@zoomiami.org

Become a Member

INTERACTIVE & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Our award-winning camps combine education with entertainment. Children ages 5-12 will explore wildlife, discover the importance of conservation, and make new friends and lasting memories.

Thank you to our sponsor

Day Camp

Fall Camp

Winter Camp

Upcoming Sessions:

November 3, 2026: Expedition Everglades

November 23-25, 2026: Creature Quest

December 21-23, 2026: Jingle Jungle

November 11, 2026: Tracks and Trails

$175 per child; $140 for Zoo Members

December 28-30, 2026: Merry and Wild

$75 per child; $60 for Zoo Members CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

$175 per child; $140 for Zoo Members CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Book Your Next Field Trip to Zoo Miami!

Bring your school or community group for an unforgettable educatorled experience! Our expert guides tailor each tour to your group’s interests, ensuring an engaging adventure through our diverse habitats. REGISTER NOW

This community program gives families the chance to explore the great outdoors through canoeing, stargazing, and guided hikes in the heart of Everglades National Park. Upcoming dates: December 12-13, 2026 January 9-10, 2027 February 6-7, 2027 March 6-7, 2027

APPLY NOW Applications close November 13, 2026

INTERACTIVE & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Save these dates and join us for the next installments of Wild Tales! During this special speaker series, we invite wildlife experts from around the world to explore conservation issues and share stories of their work.

Moderated by Zoo Miami Foundation’s Conservation Liaison Ron Magill, these presentations promise to be engaging, inspiring, and educational. PRESENTED BY

Janet Gil,

Program Director for the Miami-Dade County Environmentally Endangered Lands Program

OCTOBER 29, 2026 Janet and Ron explore the importance of the Pine Rocklands and initiatives in place to protect them. Learn more about the Pine Rocklands as we prepare to run through them in the new ZooRun Half Marathon this November!

RSVP NOW! 22

Yvette Cano,

Director of Education, Everglades National Park

DECEMBER 3, 2026 Join Yvette and Ron for an unforgettable evening of remarkable stories, firsthand experiences, and insights into the Everglades, wildlife, and conservation.

RSVP NOW!

Bring a Wild Tales experience to your school! Wild Tales with Ron Magill is made possible by the support of our generous Legacy Donor Richard R. Glass.

This FREE outreach program offers a unique opportunity to join Ron Magill for an inspiring and educational community program designed for audiences of all ages. Through visits to community organizations, schools, and career day events, Ron will share unforgettable stories about his adventures photographing wildlife, working with endangered species, and promoting conservation efforts across the globe.

Interested in booking? Learn more at zoomiami.org Registration now open!

Explore Wild Tales Topics: Middle-High School • The Harpy Eagle: Canopy Monarch • The Cheetah and Its Race for Survival • A Walk on the Wild Side: The Joys of Wildlife Photography • Animal Health: Veterinary Care at Zoo Miami All Ages • Don’t be Afraid! • Pride of a Lion: What the Animal Kingdom Can Teach Us About Survival, Fear, and Family • Epic Journey of the Monarch • Galápagos: Land Lost in Time • Africa: A Safari of the Soul • Quest for the Jaguar: Brazil’s Pantanal • Australia: A Journey Down Under! • Patagonia: Land of Extremes • The Best of Ron’s Wildlife Adventures 23

INTERACTIVE & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

Snapped at Zoo Miami

This past August, Zoo Miami invited guests to become storytellers in the Snapped at Zoo Miami Photo Contest. It was truly an honor to see Zoo Miami through your eyes, and we were amazed by the incredible images submitted. Thank you to everyone who participated! Congratulations to our winners.

Grand Prize: Best Overall Photo “It all started when I loaded up my professional Canon camera and hopped on a Safari Cycle with my mom, aunt, and cousin. Let me tell you, we were putting in some serious work pedaling around the park and sweating up a storm especially in this Miami weather! When we finally rolled up to the giraffe exhibit, we desperately needed a moment to catch our breath. rcia a G a r d As I was resting, I took a ssanfectlook a C : r look over at the giraffes Winne @c.g.theper and caught the most amazing view, one giraffe sitting calmly right behind another one standing tall. I’ve always loved looking for unique, out-of-theordinary perspectives, and as soon as I saw that framing, I knew I had to grab my camera. That little breather turned into the winning shot! It just goes to show that sometimes the best photo opportunities happen when you least expect them (and when you’re taking a well-deserved break from pedaling).”

Professional Camera Prizes

1st Prize Winner: Sabrina Kelly

2nd Prize Winner: Dantre Haasbroek

3rd Prize Winner: Travis @menacing_shotz

Cellphone Camera Prizes 1st

2nd

1st Prize Winner: @Herokat15 2nd Prize Winner: H. Berrio 3rd Prize Winner: Leslie Raveneau

3rd

INTERACTIVE & EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES

W I L D FA C T S

Tricks and Treats with Our Spooky Critters

SPIDERS

Trick:

Their blood is actually a blue color, not red!

Treat:

By weight, spider web silk is about five times stronger than steel!

Get into spooky season by exploring the living symbols of Halloween that can be found yearround at Zoo Miami! While each animal has a trick some may find creepy, they also have fun treats! The more you get to know them, the less scary they can be.

OWLS

BATS

Trick:

They can rotate their heads up to 270 degrees.

Trick:

They can eat thousands of insects in a single night.

Treat:

A group of owls is called a parliament.

Treat:

They help to spread seeds for nuts, figs, and even cacao (the main ingredient in chocolate!).

snakes Trick:

They don’t have external ears to listen; instead, they use special bones in their jaws to pick up vibrations around them.

Treat:

Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t slimy! Their skin is smooth and dry, made of keratin (the same protein found in our fingernails and hair).

Frogs Trick:

Many frogs can leap up to 20 times their body length.

Treat:

Who needs a straw? Frogs absorb water directly through their skin instead of drinking it with their mouths.

IT�'S BACK� WITCHES... AND MORE BLooDTHIRSTY THAN EVER THE MONSTER

MA SQUER A DE

At Zoo Miami

Nov I4, 2026

ZooMiami.org/run

HALF

Experience a WILD time at the 14th annual ZooRun beneﬁting ZooMiami Foundation. RATHON

A M

This year marks the inaugural ZooRun Half Marathon—a 13.1-mile adventure unlike any other. This brand-new course includes the full 10K and 5K routes, then takes runners on an additional 7 miles through Zoo Miami's rare Pine Rocklands and the Zoo's outer perimeter, offering a one-of-a-kind race experience.

I0K* 5K*

RACE DAY

NEW HALF MARATHON

$140

$150

$70

$75

$65

$70

Virtual 5K/10K

* 30

$55 $35

$40

*Includes Zoo Admission

I0K 5K KIDS DASH NEW!

HALF MARATHON

FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

INDIVIDUALS

INCENTIVES

GROUPS

CORPORATIONS

Otter Pup

Playful Paddler

River Explorer

Raft Leader

River Guardian

Otter Legend

Follow these easy steps to start fundraising today! REGISTER

SELECT FUNDRAISING

BUILD YOUR TEAM

Thank you to our committed sponsors! SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.

MEDICAL CARE

All Hands on Deck!

A Collaborative Manatee Rescue Story

On September 8, 2026, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) received word of a nearly 800-pound manatee stranded on the rocks at Haulover Marina. While the manatee was able to get back into the water, its lethargic behavior, unusual swimming patterns and labored breathing raised concerns.

Zoo Miami’s team joined FWC and law enforcement to carefully track the manatee and guide it into a hoop net. Once safely secured, the local fire department also joined to help lift it onto the dock for evaluation and documentation. The manatee was loaded onto an FWC rescue truck and transported to SeaWorld Orlando, where it will receive the rehabilitation and care it needs. Activities conducted under the authority of the USFWS and in partnership with the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership (MRP).

A Rescue That Reveals a Greater Need This rescue highlights both the strength of our conservation partnerships and a critical gap in South Florida: access to dedicated manatee rehabilitation care closer to home. Through our vision for the future, Zoo Miami is working toward becoming part of the solution, helping provide lifesaving care, supporting recovery, and giving these beloved animals a second chance. A Zoo for the World begins with protecting the wildlife in our own backyard.

We are committed to education, conservation, and community access. We have a rare opportunity to help build what Zoo Miami becomes for the next generation. 32

ANIMAL HOSPITAL NOTES

Havoc the

Hyena Take a Look

Behind the Scenes of the Animal Health Department

Recently, Zoo Miami’s female spotted hyena, “Havoc,” was immobilized for a diagnostic and general wellness exam. She has slowly gained a lot of weight without a significant increase in her diet, so the team decided on a comprehensive health evaluation to investigate the ongoing weight gain and some new minor skin lesions. The full-body examination included blood and urine collection, whole body radiographs, and an abdominal ultrasound to evaluate internal organs. A gastrointestinal endoscopy was also performed by local consulting specialist Dr. Luis Macho. In addition, a complete dental examination was done to assess digestive health and oral condition. The information gathered will help determine whether an underlying medical issue, such as a thyroid condition, is contributing to Havoc’s clinical signs. In the meantime, her care team will continue monitoring her health while adjusting her diet and activity levels as appropriate.

Exams like Havoc’s will soon happen in Zoo Miami’s new Animal Hospital, now under construction. See below for how your gift can go twice as far!

The walls are up. Now help us ﬁll it with lifesaving care.

New Animal Hospital: NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Now through November 30, every gift is matched dollar for dollar by the Hegamyer Foundation.

CLICK TO DOUBLE YOUR GIFT

FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

Your Generosity. Their Future. Behind every conservation success, extraordinary animal care story, educational experience, and life-changing wildlife rescue is a community of people who believe in Zoo Miami’s mission. Through the generosity of our donors, sponsors, members, and community partners, Zoo Miami Foundation continues to support exceptional animal care, inspire future conservation leaders, and protect wildlife in South Florida and around the world. Thank you for helping us build a brighter future for wildlife, our community, and generations to come.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Giving Tuesday is on December 1, 2026. Make a year-end gift to Zoo Miami Foundation to help support our future.

Keeping Conservation Cool with Cooper&Hunter

Cooper&Hunter, a leading company in HVAC technology and energy efficiency, is proud to sponsor Zoo Miami Foundation as part of their mission to support wildlife conservation and environmental stability. Thank you to Cooper&Hunter for bringing cutting-edge Astoria Units to Zoo Miami, ensuring cooling and comfort for our visitors, staff, and animals.

Mourning the Loss of Little Foot With great sadness, Zoo Miami announced the passing of “Little Foot,” an endangered African painted dog who had won the hearts of countless staff and visitors for nearly a decade. On August 19, 2026, Little Foot was transported to the Zoo Miami Animal Hospital after experiencing sudden weight loss and the development of a large mass above her shoulder. The Animal Health Team performed a series of tests and sadly, it was determined that Little Foot was suffering from a rapidly advancing cancer that was diagnosed as terminal. After discussing her condition, age, and options, the very difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize her. Little Foot arrived at Zoo Miami in 2017 from the Audubon Zoo where she was born. She became a first-time mother in 2019 when she gave birth to a litter of five puppies. It was the first time in nearly 20 years that Zoo Miami had experienced the birth of this highly

endangered species. Little Foot proved to be an excellent mother and had a second litter of three puppies the following year. With less than 6,000 individuals left in the wild, the African painted dog is one of the most endangered carnivores on the continent. Found in isolated pockets of Eastern and Southern Africa, they occur in packs that can range from 6 to over 20 individuals. Little Foot left a powerful legacy behind. She will be terribly missed, but lives on through her offspring that serve as an insurance policy against a very uncertain future in the wild for this highly endangered species.

THE WILD WONDERLAND ON SELECT NIGHTS • NOV 27 - DEC 30 LIMITED CAPACITY • A PORTION OF THE PROCEEDS SUPPORT ZOO MIAMI WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.

For a limited time only, Zoo Miami is opening after dark for an unforgettable holiday spectacle! Wander through a wild wonderland glowing with over a million dazzling lights, while enjoying festive music, tasty holiday treats, and surprise encounters along the way.

ZOOMIAMI.ORG

Keepin' it Wild October - December 2026