Plenty of TLC required to keep cats healthy and happy

p o t t e r p a r k z o o . o r g

Big CatsBig care for

Fall 2015

The colors are changing and the temperatures are cooling – it’s fall, our busiest season here at Potter Park Zoo. Our big cats are front and center in this issue, with a story highlighting what it takes to keep them healthy and happy. The relationship Keeper Annie Marcum has developed with them in 10 years of care plays a big role in the well-being of the lions, tigers and snow leopard. (See the story on page 4.)

We showcase the new faces of our animal collection – large and small – on page 6. As you greet the new penguin, tenrecs and hanging parrots, be sure to stop by the king vulture’s new home – built by local Eagle Scout Josh Tanke. It’s a wonderful upgrade to the exhibit. We’re proud of, and thankful for, Josh’s hard work.

The sounds of heavy equipment filled the air this summer with the construction of new exhibits for the red pandas and moose. Both projects are the result of generous

POTTER PARK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ralph Hansen, President, AIS Construction Equipment Corporation

Ann Marie Gunn, Treasurer, DFCU Financial

Kirstin Parkin, PhD College of Human Medicine Michigan State University

Tonya Fountain, PhD Auto-Owners Insurance

Angelina Zeller Engaged Education

POTTER PARK ZOO ADVISORY BOARD

John Groen, Chair, Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Kyle Binkley State of Michigan

George Berghorn, PhD Berghorn GroupPost-Doctoral Fellow, Michigan State University

Aaron L. Davis Fraser Trebilcock

Ralph Hansen AIS Construction Equipment Corporation

Jennifer Flood Byrum & Fisk

Rick Kibbey

Mary Leys Accident Fund

Deb Nolan Ingham County Commissioner

Richard Snider, PhD Michigan State University

Penelope Tsernoglou Ingham County Commissioner

Brian Przygocki’s interest in photography started with his parents’ compact film camera. He wanted to understand what the dials,

numbers and speed meant so he could buy the right film to get the best photos.

Since then, Brian has owned 10 digital cameras in his quest to get quality photos to meet his expectations. He has captured many outstanding photos of the big cats at Potter Park Zoo, including the photo of the snow leopard on the cover.

His favorite animals at the zoo are the tigers because of their beautiful fur and playful nature.

Brian’s dream is to travel to Tampa, Fla., to photograph the big cats at Big Cat Rescue.

Brian’s best photo ever was a fall scene created with hand-painted pumpkins and ghost decorations.

“I turned out the lights and used a flashlight to give the ghost a supernatural glow,” Brian explains.

See more of Brian Przygocki’s photography at www.flickr.com/photos/21545177@N00/albums

QUEST TO CAPTURE BEST SHOTS

Kelly Gibson’s friends call her “Zoo Lady.” She likes the nickname. Stepping into the position of member coordinator and events associate a little more than a year ago, Kelly says it’s the best job ever. Her passion and enthusiasm are proof she’s doing what she loves.

She takes Potter Park Zoo’s conservation mission to heart. “It’s important to me to be part of an organization that’s really making a difference in the world,” Kelly says. “I love what the zoo stands for and the message of conservation, caring for animals and their natural habitat.”

Having earned a marketing degree from Michigan State University, Kelly believes building relationships is critical to growing any organization. She works hard to ensure PPZ’s members feel a personal connection to the zoo.

“I want members to realize what their membership does for the zoo, how it supports it and, on a grander scale, what the zoo represents in the community and world,” Kelly explains.

Success for Kelly in this position will be growing the membership base to 10,000 people.

POTTER PARK ZOO MANAGEMENT TEAM

Sherrie Graham Director (517) 342-2715 sgraham@ingham.org

Mike Hughes Facilities (517) 676-8232 mhughes@ingham.org

Dennis Laidler Education (517) 342-2714 dlaidler@ingham.org

Teresa Masseau Registrar (517) 342-2776 tmasseau@ingham.org

Amy Morris External Affairs (517) 342-2718 amorris@ingham.org

Dr. Sally Nofs Animal Health (517) 342-2773 snofs@ingham.org

Rick Parker Guest Services (517) 342-5236 rparker@ingham.org

Jennifer Rostar Special Events (517) 342-2709 jrostar@ingham.org

James Tissue Public Safety (517) 244-8021 jtissue@ingham.org

Cindy Wagner General Curator (517) 342-2771 cwagner@ingham.org

Andrew Wingeier Finance (517) 244-8024 awingeier@ingham.org

POTTER PARK ZOO’S MISSION: INSPIRING PEOPLE TO CONSERVE ANIMALS AND THEIR NATURAL WORLD.

Continue your visit online. Visit potterparkzoo.org for more photos, and up-to-date information on events and animals.

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Send your feedback on this issue and story ideas for future issues to zoocontact@ingham.org.

Zoo Tales is published by the Potter Park Zoological Society for members and friends. An annual subscription is included with every membership.

Correspondence and address changes: 1301 S. Pennsylvania, Lansing, MI 48912-1646

ZOO TALES Fall 2015 Publisher: Sherrie Graham, Director, PPZ Editor: Kathy Backus Designer: Nathan Jones Photography: Kathy Backus, Steve Jessmore, Amy Morris, Carolyn Schulte and Brian Przygocki Printer: Aldinger, Inc.

Zoo Tales is printed on recycled paper, preserving our habitat for wildlife. Do your part in conserving the environment by sharing this copy of the publication with others.

FIND US ON

MEET THE PPZ TEAM

ON THE COVER:

Page 4-5BIG CATSBig cats require big care. Keeper Annie Marcum knows each cat well after 10 years of providing care.

Page 6NEW AT THE ZOOCheck out the newest additions to PPZ’s animal collection and exhibits.

Page 7CONSTRUCTION ZONE Tool sounds buzzed through the zoo this summer with the building of the new red panda and moose exhibits.

Page 8-9BOO AT THE ZOOThe Adkins family shares the story of their favorite fall tradition.

Page 10ASK MR. DENNISWhat’s PPZ doing to combat illegal wildlife trading?

Page 12 RHINO CONFERENCE CONNECTS PPZ GLOBALLYAAZK Bowling for Rhinos a hit

Page 14YAHOO.COM NAMES PPZ BEST ZOO IN STATE

It’s a ‘spooktacular’ time of year

PPZ SECURITY TEAM – SAVING LIVES IS JUST PART OF THE JOBPPZ security team member Gary Masseau is always ready to help, even off-duty. During a recent thunderstorm, the retired Lansing police officer rushed to help a woman trapped in her car, which was submerged in several feet of water.

The woman was too weak from a chemo treatment to open the car door to escape. Gary waded through the water, forced open a door and carried her to

safety. Debra Cottrell is very thankful and lucky to be alive, she told TV reporters following the event.

Gary is being hailed as a hero, but he considers it part of the job and the right thing to do. PPZ honored him with a plaque in recognition of his above-the-call-of-duty efforts.

gifts from donors who are strong supporters of our mission to inspire people to conserve animals and their natural world. We sincerely appreciate the gifts from Williams AutoWorld and the Glassen Memorial Foundation. The red pandas and moose are thankful, too. Read all about this success on page 7.

Finally, with fall comes the ever-popular Boo at the Zoo. It has become a tradition for many in the community, with more than 12,000 attending the two-weekend “spooktacular.” The Adkins family looks forward to trick-or-treating around the zoo every year. They share their story of why they never miss Boo at the Zoo on page 8.

I hope you enjoy the tales included in this issue, and we look forward to seeing you this fall at Potter Park Zoo.

Sherrie Graham, Director

TH IS ISSUE

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Annie Marcum’s day starts early at Potter Park Zoo. The keeper for the

big cats begins at 8 a.m. with a visual check of the animals in her care to ensure they are behaving normally.

Working with the lions, tigers and the snow leopard for 10 years, Annie has gotten to know each of their personalities. Observing the animals is one of the most important parts of a keeper’s job. They know the animals’ behavior thoroughly and are best able to detect any issues that may need to be addressed.

“You develop a relationship with them,” said Annie. “There

Daily enrichment enhances cats’ well-being and allows them to investigate and exhibit natural behaviors. Activities include the introduction of objects, sounds, smells and other stimuli, giving the animals the chance to exercise choice and control of their environment.

The cats receive different enrichment options daily. The five types of enrichment involve the following:

SENSORY: Focused on sounds or smells. Activities include animal sounds piped into the exhibit, furniture or materials from other animals added to the exhibit and occasionally setting out piles of ice for the cats to investigate and enjoy.

ENVIRONMENTAL: Focused on changing up their living environment. Activities include adding new or rearranging furniture or materials in the exhibit and adding a tank of water filled with unique items.

FOOD: Focused on offering high value foods. Menu items include various types of meat, bones, meat in frozen ice blocks or inserted into plastic containers to be broken open by animals and the cats’ favorites – frozen milksicles and bloodsicles.

SOCIAL/BEHAVIORAL: Focused on training to enable procedures such as nail clipping and dental exams. Activities include lion calls and keeper interaction.

KEEPER’S CHOICE: Zoo keepers select a preferred enrichment activity, typically involving play.

ENRICHMENTBig cat

a positive reward, keepers are able to draw blood, give injections and complete other medical tests on the cats. Training also allows for basic husbandry procedures to be completed with no stress on the animals.

Each of the individual cats and each of the species responds differently to training. The lions are very motivated by food, continually focused on the next high value food reward.

“The tigers are food motivated too. They tend to stay focused longer and don’t get frustrated as quickly as the lions,” said Annie.

Enrichment is another essential aspect of the lives of Potter Park Zoo’s cats. It helps keep the animals mentally and physical fit. Zoo keepers are constantly creating new enrichment activities for the animals in their care. Keepers introduce new objects, sounds and smells into habitats to keep the cats’ environment stimulating and challenging.

“You get to come up with something new every day. Seeing their response is rewarding – and sometimes surprising,” said Annie.

Enrichment is considered as important to the animals’ well-being as nutrition and veterinary care.

As fascinating and rewarding as working with big cats is for Annie and the other keepers, safety for the cats and keepers is the top priority. Keepers follow a stringent safety checklist each and every time they interact with these large predators.

Annie Marcum works with the zoo’s snow leopard, training her to offer behaviors that help staffers perform medical procedures and basic husbandry.

are differences between the species, but the individual animals are unique.”

Then it is feeding time. Dakota, Potter Park Zoo’s nine-year-old male African lion weighing 350 lbs., eats seven pounds of meat each day. Each cat’s diet is determined by their weight and caloric requirements, and is designed to ensure the animal maintains a healthy body condition.

Each exhibit is then cleaned daily to ensure the animals are living in a healthy environment. Behavioral training and enrichment follow the visual check, feeding and cleaning.

Behavioral training is Annie’s favorite part of working with the big cats.

“You’re interacting with them. They’re paying attention to

you. You’re communicating with them. Training is all

about communication,” said Annie.

Using operant conditioning and high value food to teach the animals to offer certain behaviors enables keepers, in cooperation with veterinary staffers, to perform some medical procedures that would otherwise require anesthesia. By using food as

Big care for “As interesting as they are to work with, we never forget they are wild animals,” said Annie.

Annie never thought she would spend her career at a zoo caring for big cats. She came to Potter Park Zoo after graduating from Northern Michigan University, started working with the big cats and never left.

She will soon realize a long-held dream of doing field work with cats in the wild with a trip to Yu River Wildlife Corridor in Malaysia. She’ll be participating in a MYCAT (Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers) project called Citizen Action for Tigers. The invaluable information she acquires on this trip will not only help the tigers in Malaysia, but also allow her to gain new insights for the care of the cats at Potter Park Zoo.

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HELP BUILD MOOSE EXHIBIT –DOUBLE YOUR DOLLARS Meeko and Willow are eager to move into their new home. You can help build the exhibit. Thanks to the Glassen Memorial Foundation, your donation can be doubled. The foundation has given a $200,000 matching gift, expanding every dollar contributed to the new exhibit. Learn how to double your gift by contacting Amy Morris at (517) 342-2718 or amorris@inghamcounty.org.

The sound of hammers, drills, saws and other building equipment

echoed through Potter Park Zoo this summer with the construction of new red panda and moose exhibits.

Rupert Jr. and Maliha, Potter Park Zoo’s two red pandas, will move into their new home this fall. The new exhibit offers more space, greater enrichment opportunities and a habitat that more closely matches their native environment.

Support for the red panda project was jump-started with a generous $30,000 contribution from Jeff and David Williams of Williams AutoWorld in Lansing. The brothers are long-time fans

of PPZ and decided to strengthen their connection with the zoo by giving to help build the red panda exhibit. The Williams have a family-wide love for the outdoors and animals.

“The zoo allows us to be a voice for animals, since they don’t have one,” said Jeff Williams.

AutoWorld was started by Jeff and David’s father in 1971. He instilled in them the importance of giving back. This donation enables them to continue their dad’s giving philosophy.

“We recognize what an asset Potter Park Zoo is in our community,” said Jeff.

Meeko and Willow, Potter Park Zoo’s two moose, are anxiously waiting to move into their new home. The exhibit is on track for completion in late fall, according to Mike Hughes, the zoo’s facilities manager.

“The foundation of the building is done, water and power are in and crews are working to finish landscaping around the pond,” said Hughes. “Even with the setbacks from heavy rains this summer, we’re still expecting to be done by the end of the year.”

Exhibit construction kicked off with a large matching gift of $200,000 from the Hal and Jean Glassen Foundation. The Glassens were avid hunters and conservationists. They believed in the management of wildlife and started their foundation to continue their lifelong goals, including the support of research and programs aimed at habitat improvement.

The new moose exhibit will expand living space and replicate their natural habitat. Willow and Meeko were both rescued in Alaska. They came to Potter Park Zoo from the Alaska Zoo.

New homes for red pandas and moose

CONSTRUCTION ZONECONSTRUCTION ZONE

Introducing the newest additions to Potter Park Zoo’s animal collection and exhibits. Be sure to stop by to see each of them when you next visit.

The penguin chick hatched this summer is now on exhibit with the adult penguins. Potter Park Zoo has had nine chicks hatch in the last 10 years. While penguins spend about 75 percent of their time in water, they give birth on land. They can swim at speeds up to 15 mph. See if you can pick out the newest chick.

PENGUIN

You’ll notice a few new faces in the tenrec exhibit. They grow fast, so it may be hard to tell the young tenrecs from the adults. Tenrecs are nocturnal, and most hibernate in the winter. They live on a diet of small animals, worms and insects. These small mammals are found on Madagascar and in parts of Africa.

TENREC

Potter Park Zoo’s king vulture has a new exhibit thanks to Josh Tanke and Boy Scout Troop 77.

Josh built the exhibit, which is twice the size of the old exhibit, for his Eagle Scout project.

KING VULTURE

See the new hanging parrot hanging out in the Bird and Reptile Building, on exhibit with

the Asian spiny turtles. These small parrots are found in tropical southern Asia.

HANGING PARROTS

New at the Zoo

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IT’S A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY. WE LOOK FORWARD TO IT EVERY YEAR.”

Boo at the Zoo has become a tradition for the Adkins family. Ashley and Nick take

their two sons to Potter Park Zoo’s Halloween celebration almost every year.

“Trick-or-treating around the zoo, you can’t get that anywhere else,” said Ashley. “It’s a unique opportunity. We look forward to it every year.”

Boo at the Zoo is a tradition for the community, too. Little ghouls and their families enjoy two weekends of “spooktacular” fun. Each year, nearly 12,000 guests come dressed in costumes to experience the wildly popular, not-so-scary Boo Tunnel, hayrides and Halloween-themed attractions scattered throughout the zoo.

“One year, it was freezing cold and raining, but we still went. We didn’t want to miss out on Boo at the Zoo,” said Ashley.

For the Adkins family, Boo at the Zoo is a fun, affordable outing.

“We’re on a strict budget,” explained Ashley. “When we see an event in the community we can attend together for under $20 – we’re going.”

Don’t miss the most popular Halloween celebration in town.

OCT. 17-18 & 24-25NOON TO 5 P.M. EACH DAY

The Adkins family looks forward to trick-or-treating

around the zoo every year at Boo at the Zoo.

BOO AT THE ZOO 2015

Nick has participated as a vendor at past Boo at the Zoos. Hosting a booth allowed him to experience the event from a different vantage point.

Favorite costumes worn to Boo at the Zoo for Logan, 7, and Eli, 6, have been a monkey and an engineer pulling a Thomas the Train wagon. Nowadays, the boys are more into superheroes, though. Ashley is betting each will pick their top hero for Halloween costumes this year.

During the four-day Halloween celebration, close to 10,000 donuts are served and more than 350 gallons of apple cider are consumed. This year’s Boo at the Zoo is expected to be the most “spooktacular” ever.

a familytradition

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T he illegal wildlife trade is the fourth-largest illicit trade in the world. It’s a global crisis

affecting hundreds of species – many endangered. Animals are exploited for the exotic pet trade, traditional medicines, meat, cultural status, pelts, skulls, horns and ivory.

Money is the driving force behind this issue. The global wildlife black market is estimated at $10 billion to $30 billion annually. Rhino horns and elephant tusks are among the most prized, garnering as much as $65,000 for one kilogram, which is more than the price of gold. The International Rhino Foundation reports that in the last year more than 1,200 rhinos were poached for their horns – and the numbers are rising.

While poachers get most of the blame, they only get a small percentage of the profits. Although their share is small, money from one or two poaching expeditions is often enough to take

care of their families for a year. The middlemen and end-of line sellers are the ones making the enormous profits. The booming economies in some Asian countries have helped fuel this demand and many large international crime syndicates are now involved. They are attracted to the large profits, a small likelihood of getting caught and minor penalties for those who are convicted.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) recently launched an ambitious project to curtail poaching. Project SAFE – Saving Animals from Extinction – is a new commitment by 229 AZA-accredited zoos/aquariums to harness their collective resources and partner with government agencies, conservation organizations, universities and local communities to save specific endangered species from extinction by restoring healthy populations in the wild.

ASK MR. DENNIS ??Question: What’s Potter Park Zoo doing to combat the illegal trade in wildlife?

SAFE builds on already existing efforts, deepening the conservation work done at the accredited zoos and aquariums.

“At its core, SAFE represents a new and unique opportunity to combat the extinction crisis and save vital species,” said Jim Maddy, president and CEO of AZA in a recent press release. “With thousands of scientists and conservationists, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums are poised to make a tremendous difference.”

As a Potter Park Zoo member, you can help in the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife. Visiting the zoo will raise your awareness of endangered species. In turn, you can help spread the word by educating your friends

and family about this critical issue.

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FALL into theGIFT SHOP

Fall into Potter Park Zoo’s Gift Shop on your next visit and check out the hot items for this season. Located adjacent to the front entrance, the store is bursting with a collection of brand new items to celebrate fall.

The shelves are filled with animal-themed gifts for all ages. From a cuddly version of your favorite zoo animals to educational books for learning more about conservation, stylish zoo fashions and funky animal hats … the assortment is endless.

We picked a few of our favorites of the season’s latest items. See for yourself what’s to love at the PPZ gift shop.

POTTER PARK GIFT SHOPFall in on your next trip to the zooHours: Open daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Phone: (517) 483-4222, ext. 8

Pat Fountain, Potter Park Zoo’s rhino keeper, connected with rhino professionals from all over the world at the recent International Rhino Keeper Association’s Workshop in Chester, England.

The week-long conference broadened Pat’s network of resources and provided a knowledgeable team he can go to for answers to most any question about rhino care.

“I had the opportunity to talk to experts across the world,” said Pat. “They shared stories and I shared, too. We all have valuable experiences to offer each other in the field.”

Topics covered at the semi-annual event included the care and management of rhinos. From foot care to skin treatments and testing iron levels in the blood, presentations offered new methods and research to improve quality of life. Speakers from Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Al Bustan’s Zoological Center and the Tulsa Zoo shared best practices from each facility.

Rhino conservation was a hot topic at this year’s workshop, with updates on what’s being done to protect rhinos in the wild, including the use of tracking dogs to find poachers.

“Hearing firsthand from those directly involved brought what’s actually being done closer to home,” said Pat.

The number of rhinos being poached is rising as the value of rhino horns continues to increase.

International rhino conference expands PPZ’s expert network

PPZ’s chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) nearly doubled the funds raised at its second annual Bowling for Rhinos. The event raises funds to conserve rhino habitats in east Africa.

Bowling for Rhinos doubles money raised

“Last year, 1,215 rhinos were poached in southern Africa,” said Pat. “That’s the highest number ever recorded in a year.”

Pat plans to stay connected to those he met at this conference -- and he’s looking forward to the next IRKA conference in 2017.

“Last year was our first-ever event. We raised $2,600 and hoped to double it this year,” said Melissa Lincoln, PPZ zoo keeper. “We doubled the number of participants with 100 bowlers this year and raised $4,468.”

PPZ keepers joined together to start a local AAZK chapter last year. The national organization is the industry source for careers in animal care, providing opportunities for professional development, continuing education, research, conservation efforts and peer-to-peer discussions.

PPZ’s AAZK chapter is expanding its efforts to support conservation of big cats in the wild. The fundraiser Painting with a Purpose: Giving Back One Canvas at a Time! is slated for Jan. 20, 2016. Money raised will benefit RUAHA Carnivore Project, which helps improve conservation strategies in Tanzania. Register for the event at

www.paintingwithatwist.com/events/viewevent.aspx?eventID=480741

$35 regular | $30 members

Must be 21 or over to attendMore info & tickets at potterparkzoo.org

Wed, Dec 2, 2015 5 - 8 p.m.Sample food and adult beverages as you meander through the zoo and experience our holiday light display.

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Potter Park Zoo is excited to be on Yahoo Travel’s newly released list of the best zoos in America. Zoos across the country were hailed for outstanding characteristics and unique offerings.

Yahoo described PPZ as just the right size for an afternoon of animal watching. The meerkats received a special shout out on the list, too. Apparently the folks at Yahoo Travel love meerkats. Check out Yahoo’s list of the best zoos in every state here: www.yahoo.com/travel/go-wild-the-best-zoo-in-every-state-120496231352.html

The newly created Green Team is looking at ways for PPZ to better embody the zoo’s conservation mission.

“We’re working to find ways to reduce energy use, conserve water and decrease waste,” said George Berghorn, PPZ Advisory Board member and Green Team chair.

In leading this effort, George offers his expertise and experience in sustainability and construction management. Having earned a doctoral degree in construction management from Michigan State University, he is now an assistant professor of construction management in MSU’s School of Planning, Design and Construction. He also runs his own consulting business. George is spearheading

Yahoo awards Potter Park Zoo best zoo in state

PPZ getting greener with new Green Team

a sustainability assessment for PPZ, reviewing everything from recycling methods to lighting, waste management and water use.

The Green Team’s 15 members represent every area of the zoo. Meeting monthly, the group serves as a valuable source on how things are currently being done and will help implement some of the ideas generated from the review.

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for businesses. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has an advisory committee dedicated to helping zoos adopt more sustainable practices. About 20 of the 218 AZA-accredited zoos are considered leaders in sustainability. Potter Park Zoo is excited to join these leading zoos.

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Potter Park Zoological Society1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave.Lansing, MI 48912-1646

Adam and Erica Miedema have participated in many fundraiser walks for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. As part of Team Monster, led by MS activists Dan and Jennifer Digmann, the Miedemas have been to walks across the state. By far their favorite walk, though, was last spring at Potter Park Zoo.“It was an awesome sight to see a line extending deep into the parking lot with participants waiting to walk in support of MS,” said Adam.MS Walks are not a competition or race. It’s more of a slow moving event where everyone participates, those who can walk and those who can’t, Adam explained. Wheelchairs, walkers and even babies in strollers are involved. “Having the event at the zoo gave us the chance to look at and watch the animals as you passed by,” said Adam. This particular MS Walk was extra special for the Miedemas. It was the first trip to Potter Park Zoo for their son Maximus. They were excited to watch his little head turn to and fro to see all the animals.Cool temperatures kept Maximus wrapped up in his stroller, causing him to sleep through the first part of the walk. But he eventually woke and quickly discovered his favorite animal.“He was so intrigued by the river otters swimming and splashing around,” said Erica. “He put both hands on the glass and starting talking to the otters. They must have noticed him; they swam right in front of him and were showing off.”Now, on every trip to PPZ, they head straight to the river otters. As for Mom’s and Dad’s favorite animals, Erica loves the red panda, while Adam, who says he’s more “old school,” prefers the lions and tigers. liked the lions and tigers.

Remember your favorite trip to Potter Park Zoo? Perhaps you were a child or brought a young one to see the animals? Share your memories with us and we will share them with our readers in a future issue. Send your tales to zoocontact@ingham.org.

Team Monster’sfavorite MS Walk

MS activists Dan and Jennifer Digmann lead Team Monster, supporting the Multiple Sclerosis Society in many walks every year.

Adam Miedema and son Maximus enjoy an up-close view of the river otters.

Erica and Maximus Miedema check out the camels during

the MS Walk at the zoo.

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