Houston Zoo WILDLIFE

WIN

TER

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F E A T U R E S

HOUSTON ZOO RANGERS

THEN & NOWZOO SCHOLARS

The official airline of the Houston Zoo

Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks

Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of Directors

Wildlife Production TeamEditor: Michael ReinaCreative Director: Melanie Campbell-TelloDesign: Melanie Campbell-TelloPhotography by: Stephanie Adams, Dale Martin, Rachel Rommel, Peter Riger, and Terra Incognita EcotoursPostmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 Cambridge Street Houston, Texas 77030

How To Reach Us:

Houston Zoo, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6500

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6739

Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6835

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6710

Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6701

Public Relations/Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713) 533-6531

www.houstonzoo.org

Zoo Hours:

November 2 through March 79:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.)March 8 through November 19:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.)

The Zoo is closed Christmas Day.

Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 Cambridge Street, Houston, Texas 77030. ©Houston Zoo, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Subscription by membership only.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

On the cover: Maned WolfPhoto by: Kelly Russo

DIRECTOR'S DEN 2

AFRICAN FOREST PROGRESS 3

EDUCATION 8

HOUSTON TOADS 10

HOLIDAYS 16

DEVELOPMENT 20

D E P A R T M E N T S

14

18

12

6

The Houston Zoo is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

NEW CARNIVORES

A CLOSER LOOK AT RWANDA

E. William Barnett (Director Emeritus)

Freda Wilkerson BassNandita Berry (Mayor’s Appointee)

Jack S. Blanton, Sr. (Director Emeritus)

Winfield M. Campbell, Sr.Cathy Campbell BrockMichael CordúaJonathan Day (Immediate Past Chair)

Linnet DeilyAnne DuncanSusan Ehrhardt (Current Zoo Friends President)

Barbara GoldfieldMartyn GoossenRobert Graham (Chairman)

Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr.Stephen Kaufman (Mayor’s Appointee)

Donald R. Kendall, Jr. (Vice Chair - Conservation)

Glenn L. Lowenstein (Mayor’s Appointee)

Daniel C. McNairStacy MethvinStephen D. NewtonCharles OnsteadBarbara Samuels (Mayor’s Appointee)

Tony Sanchez IIICathryn Selman (Vice Chair - Board Governance)

Louis SklarHerman L. StudeShawn TaylorLori VettersGeorge R. Willy (Mayor’s Appointee)

E. W. Bill Wright III (Mayor’s Appointee)

Austin Young

DIRECTOR'S DEN

R I CK BARONG IZoo D i r e c t o r

,,

Our Zoo holiday season began early this year as we broke ground on the much

anticipated African Forest immersion habitat in early September. We have been

talking about this project for almost six years, and we finally have the resources

and team in place to make it a reality. This issue of Wildlife Magazine will be the

first of four that will bring you progress reports on Phase One of this six-acre

project opening in December 2010.

This project is particularly gratifying to me as it fulfills a promise we made to the

City of Houston back in 2002 when they approved our 50-year public/private part-

nership agreement. When City Council voted yes to our privatization plan, they did so

because it was a blueprint for developing a great zoo. A key element in that long-term

plan was a new type of exhibit experience that would literally open up a window into

a land that most have never seen before except in pictures or films. It would connect

people with nature in a more intimate and meaningful way which in turn would inspire

conservation commitment and action.

Some of my zoo colleagues are very gracious in saying this project is primarily my

vision, but it is truly a shared vision with important contributions from many staff

members. I do admit having a special fondness for the equatorial region or Heart of

Africa, which I have visited numerous times. It is truly a fascinating area of the world

with unique cultures and amazing wildlife. This is the place where legends were born

and the fictional Tarzan rescued Jane from a more civilized, yet less satisfying, world.

It is fair to say that no other area of our planet has such a rich legacy of both real and

imaginary stories of amazing animals and mysterious cultures. We will have our own

mythical Koolookamba in The African Forest (more on the KK in future issues) that

symbolizes the wild spirit of this remote destination.

Much has been written about this mysterious land, beginning with the travels of the

19th century explorer, Sir Henry Morton Stanley, and continuing with the mega tran-

sect of Mike Fay over 100 years later in the 1990s. Stanley was sponsored by King Leop-

old of Belgium and looking for a new colony, while National Geographic had Fay looking

for a cover story. Despite all these expeditions and colorful literary accounts, there is

still so much we do not know about this region. We even

had our own mini-expedition of zoo professionals visit the

West African country of Gabon in 2005 to bring back some

first-hand stories of the people and wildlife that inhabit

this fascinating corner of the world.

The African Forest will be beautifully realistic with many

amazing and endangered animals, but what will make it re-

ally unique will be the underlying storylines that will touch

people’s hearts as well as their minds. For The African Forest

to truly be judged a success, it has to make a difference. It has

to benefit the people and animals in the lands we are attempting to

emulate. That is why we are supporting several major conservation

initiatives in Africa and connecting our exhibits with the habitats they

represent. So every time you come to the Zoo you are helping to save a part

of the world that we cannot afford to lose. Now that’s something to be proud

of and to keep coming back for.

2 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org

It is fair to say that

no other area of our

planet has such a rich

legacy of both real and

imaginary stories of

amazing animals and

mysterious cultures.

,,

Pictured above is an aerial view of The African Forest tak-

en from the rooftop of the Memorial Hermann Hospital

parking garage. Slated to open in late 2010, this dream is

only a year away from officially becoming a reality.

Where cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts are currently at

work will be the future habitat of exotic African animals,

including chimpanzees, rhinoceroses, and Masai giraffes.

Strategically-placed cameras will showcase animals after

hours, as well as allow us to broadcast special programs

and keeper talks to patients at the Texas Medical Cen-

ter. Just minutes from downtown Houston and literally

seconds from the Medical Center, The African Forest will

give Houstonians an unprecedented immersion experi-

ence and view of African wildlife and the natural world.

WILDLIFE | WINTER 2009 | 3

AFRICAN FOREST BREAKING GROUND

R4 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org

Profiles in Giving: Ricky KirkEach week, six-year-old Ricky Kirk helps his mother

and father by doing five chores around their house.

In exchange for his help, Ricky is given a five dollar

allowance. Mr. and Mrs. Kirk encourage Ricky to

share $1.25 of his weekly allowance with a charity

or cause of his choice. For 21 weeks Ricky gave 25

cents to his church and one dollar to the Houston Zoo

to help take care of our animals.

Ricky’s mom, Jennifer Kirk, says that Ricky was inspired to

donate his money to the Zoo after a recent visit. “Ricky saw

someone driving by with a bucket of food for the Zoo ani-

mals and made the connection that the Zoo has to feed their

animals much like we have to feed our own pets,” Kirk said.

After that moment, Ricky decided that he was going to save

his money and help the Zoo take care of our animals.

Each year, the Houston Zoo relies on the generosity of donors

like Ricky to help us feed and care for more than 4,500 ani-

mals who represent 800 different species. Find out how you

can be just like Ricky at www.houstonzoo.com/support.

AFR

ICA IS COMING TO

T HE HOUSTON ZO

O2010Travel to AfricaNo Passport Needed! Make a tax-deductible, year-end gift

to the Zoo’s African Forest Campaign

and help bring Africa to Houston. You

can make your gift online, at the Zoo’s

admission gate, or by calling (713) 533-

6701. You can also show your support for

the campaign by purchasing an African

Forest bracelet, pin, or t-shirt – all pro-

ceeds will go toward making this project

a reality. For more information about

The African Forest, visit our website at

www.houstonzoo.org/africanforest.

5WILDLIFEWILDLIFE | WINTER 2009 | 5

While The African Forest will have its fair share of awe-inspiring

animals, it isn’t just about magnificent wildlife and beautiful habi-

tats. It’s about people and the wonderful, rich cultures that we

all can share. To be a conservationist is to actively preserve and

protect something, especially through planned management of a

natural resource to prevent exploitation, destruction, or neglect.

The concept of conservation in the context of zoos and aquariums

can mean many things to many people: wildlife protection, habitat

restoration, environmental protection, and more.

What we frequently do not discuss is the human component of

wildlife conservation. What are we doing to enact the “careful

preservation and protection of something” if that something is the

people who have historically lived side-by-side with the wildlife

we intend to protect? To that end, the Houston Zoo’s conservation

efforts will focus on developing wildlife, habitat, and human con-

servation programs in central Africa over the next year.

Right now, there are few places left on earth where humans do

not coexist with native wildlife. There are also few national parks

and protected areas anywhere where humans did not coexist with

wildlife before these park boundaries were put in place. And there

are even fewer places where the decision to designate a protected

area does not somehow intimately affect the human population

living around its borders.

If the ability for native people to coexist with their habitat is tak-

en away from them without offering a sustainable solution, then

wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are bound to fail. The

most successful conservation efforts are those in which indigenous

communities are empowered in the management of local natural

resources and supported through capacity building programs.

Model community initiatives lead to socioeconomic and conserva-

tion gains by establishing and strengthening alternative commu-

nity initiatives for sustainable development which can be compat-

ible with the long term conservation of local natural resources.

Today, wildlife can be a much more valuable asset alive than dead.

Human-wildlife conflicts are worldwide: jaguars and livestock in

Latin America, elephants and humans in Asia, wolves and live-

stock in North America, and many, many others. As conflicts con-

tinue to increase with habitat loss and human population growth,

we must consider a positive solution to the issues facing both wild-

life and humans. Learn more about the Houston Zoo's global ini-

tiatives at www.houstonzoo.org/global.

T HE HUMAN DIMENSIONS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION


A Closer Look At Rwanda: Mountain Gorillas and Human Health Initiatives


The founding mission of the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary

Project (MGVP) is to help mountain gorillas survive by

providing them with lifesaving veterinary care for human-

caused or life-threatening illnesses or injuries. However,

the MGVP’s work is not limited to just treating wild mountain gorillas

in their native habitat. Mountain gorilla groups that are habituated

to tourism come into direct or indirect contact with park workers, re-

searchers, and veterinarians on a daily basis. On top of that, habitu-

ated gorillas are visited by thousands of ecotourists each year, who come

from every part of the world. Because mountain gorillas are affected by

infectious diseases just as humans are, the MGVP works to minimize

transmission of human diseases to mountain gorillas by ensuring that

the people who come into close contact with the gorillas are as healthy

as possible.

It is clear that the health of mountain gorillas is inextricably linked

to the health of the people with whom they share their forest habi-

tat. Because of this, in 2001, the MGVP launched its Employee Health

Program (EHP) in Rwanda, which ensures that every mountain gorilla

tracker, guide, porter, researcher, and veterinarian receives a compre-

hensive annual health evaluation. Any worker determined to have a

health issue is sent to the local referral hospital for further diagnostics

and treatment as necessary, all paid for by the MGVP. As a result, the

MGVP has administered thousands of health checks to gorilla conser-

vation workers through its EHP.

In countries where the typical local two-room community health clinic

is the only medical care available for 100,000+ people, it goes without

saying that health care is minimal to non-existent for most people. The

value of the program is thus, quite literally, incomparable. Not only does

it help ensure that humans coming into close contact with mountain go-

rillas are healthy, perhaps more importantly, it fosters a greater sense

of purpose among the conservation workers for their role and value in

the conservation of mountain gorillas, improving their performance, en-

couraging their long-term commitment, and raising their morale.

Ecotourism raises awareness about wildlife while producing other ben-

efits as well. The trek to see Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas can take one

hour, or it can take all day. Both climbs will take you high up into the

Virunga Mountains with a base elevation of 8,000 feet or more. The local

porters help carry ecotourists’ gear, water, and supplies up the moun-

tain. Base pay for a porter’s assistance is about $10 for their time, a

fair wage for the area. What is more important is many of these porters

are former poachers and loggers. Thus, ecotourism has offered them the

ability to make a sustainable wage without the need to illegally hunt

wildlife out of the forests. Read more about the MGVP and mountain

gorillas at www.houstonzoo.org/mountaingorilla.


HOLIDAY EDUCATION EVENTS

W in t e r C amp Zoo f a r iChildren ages 4 –12 learn about the natural world, conser-

vation, and the animals that call the Houston Zoo home

through interactive lessons, exhibit visits, and more.

Rainfores t Adventures | Monday, December 28Button up your raincoat as we investigate the wet world of

animals that run, slither, and swing through our tropical

rainforests. Learn about the importance of these rapidly de-

creasing habitats and what we can do to save them.

Underwater Adventures | Tuesday, December 29Travel the tides of our surrounding oceans, lakes, and wet-

lands and explore the unique animals, from strange to famil-

iar, that thrive in these liquid habitats.

Savanna Safar i | Wednesday, December 30Slather on your sunscreen as we explore the hot, arid ex-

panses of savannas and deserts. Find out what animals can

survive in these blistering habitats and how they adapt to

the extreme temperatures.

Winter Wi ld l i fe | Thursday, December 31Pack your parka and discover animals in the frozen reaches

of the poles and the snowy peaks of mountains as we travel

to some of the coldest spots on the globe for some frosty fun!

Register today – space is limited. www.houstonzoo.org/camp

Spend T he N i g h t A t T h e Z ooF r i d a y, De c embe r 18Camp-out under the stars and see the Zoo during a unique

overnight experience. Spaces are available in our family

and adult-only programs.

www.houstonzoo.org/overnights

A t t e n t i o n S c ou t L e ade r s Wo r k s hop s O f f e r e d Week l yEarn badges or enjoy an evening walkabout on Zoo grounds.

Spaces are available in wolf and tiger cub achievement pro-

grams and night prowls for brownies and boy scouts.

www.houstonzoo.org/scouts

Homes c hoo l Day J a nua r y 2010Join the Houston Zoo education staff for a day of fun and

learning dedicated to homeschoolers! The day will include

special presentations, activities, and tours for homeschool-

ers and their families.

www.houstonzoo.org/homeschool

W i l d Whee l s B eg i n n i n g i n F eb r u a r yBring your infant or toddler for a stroll around Zoo grounds

that concludes with a touchable animal encounter. Walk-

up registration accepted. Individuals and mom groups are

welcome.

www.houstonzoo.org/wildwheels


Sa f a r i C en t r a l Tr a v e l P r o g r amThis year, the Houston Zoo is offering several exciting and affordable opportunities to explore exotic destinations, observe wild animals in their natural realms, and experi-ence local cultures.

Join us in Rwanda to track endangered mountain gorillas, in Borneo for a riverside walk with wild elephants, or in Brazil’s Pantanal region as we search for jaguars, giant otters, anteaters, and over 100 different bird species.

Looking for something closer to home? We’re heading to Yellowstone National Park for a wolves and bears excur-sion in the spring and to the Sea of Cortez near Baja, Cali-fornia for whale and dolphin watching in the winter.

Itineraries, dates, and prices are available online at www.houstonzoo.org/safari.

Ca l l o f t h e W i l d L e c t u r e S e r i e sJanuary 28, 2010: Dr. Susie Ellis, Executive Director, In-ternational Rhino Foundation (IRF): The IRF is dedicated to the survival of the world’s rhino species through conserva-tion and research. While all five rhino species remain in peril from poaching, forest loss, habitat conversion, and human encroachment – all five are in much better shape directly due to the IRF’s efforts.

March 25, 2010: Cristina Mittermeier, Executive Director, International League of Conservation Photographers: Cris-tina’s work has appeared in major magazines around the world, including National Geographic, National Geographic Explorer, Nature’s Best, American Photo, Latina, Elan, and Organic Connections. Her photographs of wildlife, animal habitats, and indigenous communities have been the focus of numerous books and TV shows.

More information and tickets are available at www.houstonzoo.org/lectureseries.

HOUSTON TOADS


The Houston toad once inhabited the city it was named after, but disappeared decades ago in the wake of office buildings, shopping malls, and sports arenas. Originally discovered on the south side of Houston in the 1950s, its high-pitched trill is difficult to hear these days. It vanished from neighboring lands as well, to the point that its very survival was in question, and it became the first amphibian granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Urban expansion remains the principal threat to the toad’s existence, but extended droughts have also contributed to its decline. Today, small populations, thought to be fewer than 300 total, represent the species’ final stronghold.

Led by Amphibian Conservation Manager Paul Crump, the Houston Zoo is collaborating with Texas State University, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Environmental Defense Fund to hatch and raise thousands of toads to return to nature.

Four releases were done this year, in May, June, August, and December at three locations throughout the toad's range. For the first time this year, 2,500 Houston toads were head started into Austin County, with the remaining 1,500 going back to the Bastrop State Park and the Griffith League Ranch in Bastrop County, for a total of about 4,000.

There’s still a long way to go before the Houston toad gets off the endangered species list, but great strides have been made over the past few years to bring our namesake toad back to Houston.

Visit www.houstonzoo.org/houstontoad to find out more about our city’s toad.


Byte-Sized AnimalsThis fall, the Houston Zoo became the first zoo in the world to offer a free iPhone application. Improving guest expe-rience with GPS mapping linked to daily schedules and a database of animal facts and photos, this new wave of technology now puts the Houston Zoo in the palm of your hands.

Not too long after the release of the app, some of our new-est (and tiniest) animals got a chance to see how they mea-sured up on the iPhone. On a recent behind-the-scenes tour of Natural Encounters, our pygmy marmosets, golden lion tamarins, and cotton-top tamarins (pictured above) took a stab at modern technology and the results couldn’t have been better.

See how they reacted at www.houstonzoo.org/iphone-app. Search "Houston Zoo" in the app store to download the free application today.

GET CONNECTED WITH THE HOUSTON ZOO!

Houston Zoo On DemandAnother exciting use of technology for the Houston Zoo comes with our Comcast On Demand Channel. Comcast subscribers can now “have a safari from their couch” by choosing “Get Local” on their On Demand menu and scroll-ing to the Houston Zoo section.

We have dozens of videos on a variety of animals, including Meet the Keeper Talks (sponsored by Target), behind-the-scenes experiences, conservation initiatives, and more.

Now, you can see our animals in action and get a glimpse of what you’ll see on your next Zoo visit right from your couch.

Find out more at www.houstonzoo.org/comcast.

HOUSTON ZOO TELEVISION


SCORES OF CARNIVORES


LionsThe lion pride at the Houston Zoo is increasing to five,

the largest it has been in over five years. Three new fe-

males arrived here this fall from just up the road at the

Fort Worth Zoo. Uzima, Matungulu, and Nimu were all

born last summer, so at their young age, they should be

a great addition to our exhibit and our pride.

After their quarantine period, required for all new an-

imals at the Zoo, and some time to get familiar with

the exhibit, we will begin the introduction to Jonathan

and Celesto. First, we will allow them to see each other

through a mesh door, known as a “howdy.” The lions’

reactions will tell us the best way to proceed, and soon

you will see all five of them lounging together in our

lion exhibit.

OcelotThe next time you come to the Zoo be sure to check out

the newest resident in our small cats area, a male oce-

lot named Gustavo who arrived this fall from the San

Francisco Zoo. Ocelots are small spotted cats (about 25

pounds) that spend most of their time on the ground.

They range throughout Central and South America, but

one of the most endangered populations is right here in

Texas, where there are less than 100 animals remain-

ing in the wild.

Maned Wolf Our carnivore staff recently traveled to Baton Rouge,

Louisiana to pick up a female maned wolf named Lucy,

who you can now see on exhibit with our male, Seis.

Also known as the “fox on stilts” due to their red coat

color and long legs, maned wolves get their name from

the long fur on their neck, which stands up when they

are excited or threatened.

FossaFossa (pronounced “foo-sah” or “foosh”) are the largest

carnivore on the island of Madagascar, even though

they are only a little bigger than a housecat. This lack

of larger predators gives the fossa a fearless disposition,

although we have found that they can be quite nice in

exchange for a tasty rat! Hansel, our resident male, re-

ceived a mate this fall from the San Diego Zoo.


Stroll the shaded pathways that wind

among the Houston Zoo’s landscaped

exhibits and a host of questions will

invariably cross your mind. What is

that strange thorny tree at Duck Lake? What

time do the keepers feed the pelicans at the

Children’s Zoo? When do the elephants get their

baths? When will The African Forest open, and

what new exhibits will be included? And, oh

yeah, where’s the nearest restroom?

Whether you’re a member and know the Zoo like

your second home or a first-time guest, chances

are your questions about the Zoo have been an-

swered by a Zoo Ranger, a member of a very spe-

cial group of Zoo employees who approach each

day with one goal in mind – making sure guests

enjoy their Zoo visit.

“Zoo Rangers perform an absolutely vital service.

Of all Zoo staff, Zoo Rangers are the ones most

responsible for delivering guest services,” said

Houston Zoo Operations VP Joe Kalla.

Responsibility defines the role of Zoo Rangers and

the individual members of the team. “First of all,

Zoo Rangers are probably the most knowledge-

able of all Zoo staff,” added Kalla. Out of neces-

sity, a Zoo Ranger's knowledge base must be broad

and far reaching – from facts about Zoo exhibits

and animals, to natural history, to Zoo safety and

emergency protocols.

Training is constant. Each Zoo Ranger is first aid

and CPR trained and must know the Zoo’s safe-

ty and emergency operations manuals front to

back. Regular “pop quiz” emergency drills test the

team’s abilities and response times. Newly hired

Rangers are paired with a veteran Ranger for ori-

entation and initial training. For the first several

weeks, new Rangers ‘debrief ’ with their mentor

at the end of each day’s shift, reviewing the day’s

HOUSTON ZOO RANGERS


Zoo Rangers, Top Row: Napoleon Rossi, Chris Adams, Luis Alvarado, Rachel Atkins, Renato Barrera, Laura Brewer, Amy LaDawn Blackmon, Carlos Contreras Bottom Row: Alexandra Gomez, David Quiroz, Viviana Valdez, Cassandra de Kanter, Michael Watchman, Jody Pizano, Paul Ortega, Stephen Leidner

activities and identifying areas for guest service

improvements.

There is no routine day for a Zoo Ranger. “For

Zoo Rangers, it truly is a new Zoo every day,”

said Operations/Guest Services Manager Napo-

leon Rossi. “A day could start with the Ranger

staff getting 3,000 school children into the Zoo

for their field trips and end with preparations for

an evening reception at the Natural Encounters

Building. In between, we may be called to escort

construction vehicles into and out of the Zoo or

accompany the transport of animals to and from

the Zoo hospital for routine exams and check

ups. It’s never dull.”

Early each morning, a myriad of daily tasks are

reviewed, from the schedule of VIP and behind-

the-scenes tours, to the daily schedule of Meet

the Keeper Talks and presentations. The Zoo’s

fleet of golf carts is washed and prepared for

the day’s tour schedule, and construction and main-

tenance schedules are checked. “Rangers escort all

vehicles coming into public areas of the Zoo,” added

Rossi. “We’re also responsible for securing any pub-

lic areas where construction may be scheduled. The

safety of our guests and Zoo staff is a top priority.”

The skill set required of Zoo Rangers is as varied as

the tasks they perform. “First of course is the ability

to absorb, retain, and communicate a vast amount of

information about a wide variety of subjects. They’re

walking and talking encyclopedias,” said Kalla.

Mix in an abiding passion for guest service, unbound-

ed patience, a generous supply of understanding and

empathy, and last but certainly not least, add the

ability to remain calm under pressure. That’s what

it takes to create a Houston Zoo Ranger.

“It takes a very special person to handle the job,”

said Kalla.

HOUSTON ZOO RANGERS


BREAKFAST WITH SANTAChristmastime is here, and that means it’s time for our annual Breakfast with Santa.

Join us this December for a scrumptious meal and a visit by the jolly guy himself – Santa Claus! There will even be keepers on hand during the event with some cute, furry critters guests can meet and greet.

Se s s i o n sSaturday, December 19 | Two Seatings8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.10:30 a.m. - Noon

Sunday, December 208:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

T i c k e t sAdults: $25 Member, $30 Non-MemberChildren: $17.50 Member, $21.50 Non-MemberInfant (under 2 years): FREE

Don’t fo rget to s top by our Houston Zoo ho l iday booth at the Ga l le r ia th is ho l iday season!

This event fills up quickly, and reservations are required. Sign up soon at www.houstonzoo.org/breakfastwithsanta.


You r h o l i d a y s hopp i n g j u s t g o t e a s i e r ! Have you been trying to find that perfect gift for your

friends and family? Well, look no further than pur-

chasing a membership to the Houston Zoo. Pro-

ceeds directly benefit the Zoo and the care and

conservation of wildlife.

G i f t S hop D i s c o un t Day sMembers will receive an exclusive opportunity

for a 20% discount on purchases in the Houston

Zoo gift shop during our special member shopping

days. The Zoo is a great place to do your shopping

without the typical holiday hassles. Choose from toys,

puzzles, soft plush animals, magnets, tote bags, jew-

elry, and shirts.

Upcoming Earlybird Member Shopping Hours:

Saturday, December 12, 2009: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Saturday, December 19, 2009: 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

*Members receive a 20% discount all day during these

shopping days.

Go Beh i n d t h e S c ene sWhat do you give to the person who has everything?

How about the opportunity to go behind the scenes

GIVE A SPECIAL GIFT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

with some of our most popular animals? Visit us at

www.houstonzoo.org/gifts or call (713) 533-6550 to

book a tour for someone special today.

Adop t a n An ima lWhy not adopt a bear for your brother or a sea lion for

that special someone this holiday season? Or how about

adopting our cutest resident, Toby the red panda? These

gifts are fun and educational. In addition, you will be

contributing to the care for your adopted animal, as well

as supporting important education and conservation

programs at the Houston Zoo. Adopt your animal online

today at www.houstonzoo.org/gifts.

T he Hou s t o n Z oo B r i c k P a v e r P r o g r amBuy your brick today, and leave your legacy at the Hous-

ton Zoo for generations to come. These personalized brick

pavers will be installed in the front entry of the Zoo and

are a great way to recognize your family, your friends,

and your love for the Houston Zoo! Bricks ordered by

February 1, 2010 will be placed in the Zoo’s front entry in

April 2010. Buy a personalized brick for your friends and

family at www.houstonzoo.org/brickpaver.

Don’t fo rget to s top by our Houston Zoo ho l iday booth at the Ga l le r ia th is ho l iday season!


THEN &

NOWCATCHING UP WITH FORMER ZOO CREW SCHOLAR, SARAH SCHEWITZ

Read Sarah’s full interview atwww.houstonzoo.org/scholars.

Q: What made you interested in working with

the Houston Zoo when you were younger?

A: I have always been interested in animals ever since I

was a little girl. And actually, for the first month at the

Houston Zoo, I was still living in Louisiana and would come

to Texas on the days I worked.

Q: What was it like at first to work with animals

at the Zoo?

A: At first, working at the Zoo was just flat out cool. It was

so exciting waking up every morning knowing that I would

be doing something none of my friends were doing. But as I

grew closer to narrowing down what I would want to study

in school, it became more of a passion.

Q: What kind of ac-

tivities did you get

to participate in?

A: An example would be a behavioral study I did on African

wild dogs – researching and observing dominance traits, play-

ful traits, and social interactions. I was able to determine which

dog was dominant and tell when dominance was shifting.

Q: How did your experience at the Zoo change your

perspective of life in general?

A: I was encouraged to come out of my shell, offer help where-

ever I can, and be confident in my knowledge. My creative

thinking has expanded tremendously since working at the Zoo.

The Zoo has helped shape me into the person I am becoming by

instilling confidence and a vivaciousness in me that I can share

with everyone. I absolutely love it!

NAME: SARAH SCHEWITZ | AGE: 20 COLLEGE: LSU | MAJOR: ANIMAL SCIENCES

19WILDLIFEWILDLIFE | WINTER 2009 | 19

Pictured from left to right: Deborah Cannon, David Daballen, Dr lain Douglas Hamilton, Ingrid Velasco, Lane Franklin, Korinn Mallory, Julian Post, Jessica Moore, Andrew Christensen, Diane Kendall, Karen Hinson

Each year the Zoo awards six $1,000 scholarships to our graduating seniors. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

THE ZOO CREW PROGRAMThe Zoo Crew program is a unique volunteer experience

that allows teens ages 13 - 17 to gain insight into careers in

the zoo field, make new friends, and increase their knowl-

edge about animals and conservation efforts at the Houston

Zoo. In 2009, the Houston Zoo accepted over 200 exceptional

teen volunteers committed to serving at least 100 hours in a

ten-week period during the summer. These dedicated teens

completed a total of 22,167 volunteer hours this summer

alone, equivalent to more than 10 full time staff members.

During their volunteer time at the Zoo, teens were involved

with exhibit projects; they conducted animal observations,

assisted camp teachers in the classroom, and enhanced

the Zoo guest experience with presentations and interac-

tive activities to educate the public about conservation and

animals. In addition to serving the Zoo, participants gained

valuable life skills such as leadership, public speaking, time

management and working in a team environment.

ZOO SCHOLARS


Now more than ever, employees appre-

ciate opportunities for unity, together-

ness, and camaraderie. The Zoo’s cor-

porate volunteer program promotes

teamwork and company pride in an

exciting and inspirational outdoor set-

ting. Corporate volunteer events are

an excellent way to encourage citizen-

ship, inspire cooperation and team

spirit, supercharge future perfor-

mance, and help the Zoo to achieve its

goals and spread the word about green

practices, environmental stewardship,

and habitat conservation.

In the heat of August, ExxonMobil

volunteers helped our horticulture

staff re-sod and spruce up the lawn in

front of the Brown Education Center;

the company even made an additional

monetary gift to cover the

cost of the sod and other

materials. This area is used

by scouts and other over-

night campers through our

Wild Winks and Scout Wild

Winks programs, the lat-

ter of which is generously

sponsored by ExxonMobil.

Through this effort, employ-

ees were able to lend a hand

to help make a better campground

for overnighters and a more beautiful

lawn for everyone else as well.

ExxonMobil volunteer, Jeffrey Neu,

had this to say about his experience

at the Zoo: “Volunteering with the

ExxonMobil Wild Winks program

was a great way to give back to two

of the most important members of the

Houston community – our youth and

our Zoo. A valuable program like Wild

Winks takes a lot of work to maintain,

and while laying sod may seem like a

small task, I know it will enhance the

camping experience for the kids. As a

member of this community, I am proud

I was able to give back in that way.”

Halliburton employees also made

their volunteer debut at the Zoo re-

Corporate Volunteering: Another Way to Give

cently, working right alongside our Zoo

staff – pulling weeds, saving trees, and

learning a lot about green practices at

the Zoo.

One Halliburton volunteer raved: “This

has been my favorite volunteer activ-

ity of all time. My fellows and I were

discussing that probably the best part

was that it was nice to be around people

who were so passionate about animals

and the environment. Living in a big

city like Houston, it’s easy to forget the

little (but important) things, like being

kind to tree roots, slowing down when

a baby bird is crossing the sidewalk in

front of you, and how there are animals

in other countries that are endangered

and people are fighting to save them.

I admired how much the Houston Zoo

staff cared about these

environmental issues and

that they shared their

message with us through

their actions. Everyone

was amazing. Best morn-

ing ever!”

The Houston Zoo was one of several nonprofit organizations that benefited from the annual Halliburton Charity Golf Tournament. Our ZooMobile and several animal ambassadors delighted hundreds of golfers.

IT'S A POSTER!There are approximately 740 mountain

gorillas left on earth. They live only in

two small parks: one in Uganda and

one that includes a corner of Uganda,

Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic

of Congo.

Are you looking for a gift to buy for your dad, teacher, or your

hard-to-buy-for grandmother? We have the solution…

A Houston Zoo membership is a gift that keeps on giving all

year long. As a member, you know the great benefits of having

a membership. Why not give a gift that will provide a year of

memories?

Discounts are currently available on Individual, Family, Fam-

ily Plus, Grandparent, and Supporting-level memberships pur-

chased as a gift for someone in another household.

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

15% OFF!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Be sure to use promotional code HOL2009

online at www.houstonzoo.org/gifts

or by calling (713) 533-6713.

Offer expires December 31, 2009.

The Houston Zoo 1513 Cambridge StreetHouston, Texas 77030

Visit online atwww.houstonzoo.org

Non-Prof i tOrgan izat ionU.S. Postage

PA I DHouston, Texas

Permit No. 8963

Houston Zoo WILDLIFE

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