Prairie TailsProject Proposal

presented by

Monae Verbeke

Background Information

Monae VerbekeInterests: Behavior &

Enrichment

Career Goal: Still Not 100% Positive

Would like to work in a zoo setting; working in enrichment of animals or people (enriching experiences/knowledge)

Dream Job: NO CLUE!!

Animal Overview

• Only 18 ferrets left in 1986.

• Current Conservation Program in Place to Re-establish the Species.

• Highly Dependent on Prairie Dogs.

• Prairie Dogs Make-Up 90% of Black-Footed Ferret

• Black-Footed Ferrets Require Prairie Dogs for Diet

Black-Footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)

http://www.kdwp.state.ks.us/var/news/storage/images/other_services/threatened_and_endangered_species/threatened_and_endangered_species/species_images/black_footed_ferret/16283-3-eng-US/black_footed_ferret_imagelarge.jpg

Conservation Overview

• Plague

• Destruction of Prairie Dog Towns

• Prairie Dog Decrease

• Over Use of Habitat

Audience Overview

Ages 3 to 10

Activates will be centered around educational experiences and will be FUN!!

All needs will be met.

Exhibit Overview

Prairie Tails

• Location: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo

• Immersive Children’s Exhibit

• Increase Awareness of the Black-Footed Ferret

Key Messages

Think About the Importance of the American Ecosystem

Feel a Connection to the American Prairie Homeland

Do Take Part in American Conservation Projects

Exhibit Features

•Exhibit size: Large Homestead Building 500ft x 700ft

•Audience capacity: Maximum 150 people at a time

•Environment/Habitat: Prairie Lanscape

•Number of animals: 10 ferrets & 10 prairie dogs plus other species.

•Audience flow: Enter/Exit Through Large Front Doors

•Education Spaces: The Round-Up and Education Classroom

•Amenities: Café, Gift Shop, Restrooms

Education/Programming

•Keeper Presentations 3 times a Day

•Keeper/Intern Posted All Day Somewhere within Exhibit

•Feeding of Animals will Occur Everyday After 11 a.m.

•Trained Animals will be available for Hands-On Experience

•Multiple Take-Home Activities

Floor Plan

Entry Experience

• Expansive Prairie Landscape

• Open Floor Plan

• Bright Colors

• Greeted by Freddy the Ferret

• Stroller Parking to Each Side of the Entrance

Exhibit #1

Exhibit #2

Exhibit #3

Round-Up Playground & Presentation Zone

Exhibit #4

Exit Experience

•View Prairie Dog & Ferret Towns Outside

•Relax on Porch Swings

•Stop in at the Outpost Gift Shop