pronounced mah-GEE-zoh, meaning the message in Swahilipronounced mah-GEE-zoh, meaning the message in Swahili

VOLUME 56, NUMBER 1 SPRING 2017

Printed on 55% recycled content

Spring is such an exciting time in nature.

The world feels fresh and vibrant and new life

emerges all around us. I feel the same way about

our great Zoo. My team and I are working hard to

make the Zoo feel fresh and new and vibrant for

the animals in our care and for you. Did you know

that your beloved Sacramento Zoo turns 90 this

year? Our age shows in some areas – but I’m thrilled with the

plans that will lead us to our 100th birthday in 10 years.

You are going to see some exciting things from us this year.

We will be making significant improvements to our lion

habitat to make sure our pride has a stimulating, complex

and comfortable home. We will be improving the indoor

homes for our great apes, too. You will see a much-needed

shade structure for our Aardvarks and Fennec Foxes. You

will see two new aviaries for some incredible bird species.

The list goes on and on. As we improve the homes for the

animals, we also have improvements coming for you, too.

We will have new events and new experiences to make

every visit an exciting adventure.

Looking forward to our 100th birthday, we will be unveiling

the final plans for our new Biodiversity Center and sharing our

finalized Master Plan that will drive how we improve the Zoo in

the next 10 years and beyond.

I hope you are as excited as me to be truly reimagining the

Sacramento Zoo.

by Kyle BurksSPRING 2017Volume 56, no. 1

THE SACRAMENTO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS A 501(C)(3) NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION.

SACRAMENTO ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Jeff Raimundo – President Elizabeth Stallard – Vice President Starr Walton Hurley – 2nd Vice President Adham Sbeih – SecretaryJason Russell, CPA – TreasurerJames Naify – Past PresidentKyle Burks, PhD - Executive Director/CEO

Fran BolandMichael BroughtonNancy E. ColePeter ColussyJeffrey K. DorsoMarc C. IrishIrwin KarpLynn MatsudaJennifer A. NealJohn W. OttoAmisha PatelSusan SchoenigMike TestaDr. Janice Doucet ThompsonJody UlichAlan Yee, MD

ZOO ADMISSION HOURS

February - October: 9 am - 4 pm*November - January: 10 am - 4 pm**Grounds close at 5 pm Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day

HOW TO REACH US

916-808-5888 saczoo.org info@saczoo.org Hotline: 916-808-5885 Development: 916-808-8815Education: 916-808-5889 Meetings and Events: 916-808-8561Membership/Zoo Parents: 916-808-5888 Volunteers: 916-808-7444

Maagizo is published by the Sacramento Zoological Society. All rights reserved.

EDITOR: Tonja Candelaria COPY EDITOR: Amanda CablePHOTOS: Marianne Hale, Mountain Lion Foundation, Union Island Conservation Program, Wild Nature Institute, Zoo Staff

The Sacramento Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. www.aza.org calling all members

The Sacramento Zoological Society will hold a meeting for members on Wednesday, April 19, at 5:30pm in the Kampala Conference Room.The Board of Trustees and Zoo staff will host a special informative evening for members to discuss the Zoo’s role in the community, past and future.

Your feedback is welcome. RSVP to 916-808-5888 by April 14. Seating is limited.

This year as the Sacramento Zoo celebrates its 90th birthday, some of the Zoo’s residents are also celebrating noteworthy birthdays.

In 2017……

• Aurora the White-faced Saki will be 19

• Cheli the Sumatran Orangutan turns 45

• Ewell the White-handed Gibbon will be about 45

• Herkimer the Desert Tortoise will be about 90

• Joey the Chimpanzee will be about 54

• Obi the Red Kangaroo turns 15

• Tolomaa the Bobcat will be 17

• Val-lynn-tine the Reticulated Giraffe turns 22

• Many of the Caribbean Flamingos are in their 40’s!

Age is relative to each species. Due to proactive veterinary care,

these residents and most others at the Sacramento Zoo have

lived to ages that most of their counterparts in the wild would

never reach.

C E L E B R AT I N G M I L E S T O N E B I R T H D AY S I N 2 0 17

SATURDAY, MAY 135 PM TO 8 PMSATURDAY, MAY 135 PM TO 8 PM

TASTE LOCAL WINES & CRAFT BEERSFood available for purchase from local food trucks & Kampala Café

Event proceeds and 10% of all food sales benefit the Sacramento Zoological Society.

tickets & info

21 and over

Browse /brouz/noun nontoxic vegetation, such as leafy branches, eaten by animals.

YOUR TREE TRIMMINGS CAN HELP FEED THE ZOO ANIMALS!Donate Browse

For our Edible Plant List and donation information visit:saczoo.org/browse 916-808-5888

CARRIBEAN FLAMINGO

JOEY, CHIMPANZEE

TALOMAA, BOBCAT

AURORA, WHITE-FACED SAKI

animal chatterPRIMATES A lot of activity is happening in the Wolf’s Guenon exhibit! The family group

grew to four in June 2016 and over the last eight months the young female, Kaci, is

proving to be an active adolescent – irritating her father, playing with her older sister

and gaining confidence in her environment.

The new Coquerel’s Sifaka pair are getting used to their husbandry routines, keepers

and their exhibit. The pair arrived in October from two different AZA zoos per the AZA

Coquerel’s Sifaka Species Survival Plan ® (SSP) recommendation.

CARNIVORES Make sure to visit the North American River Otter exhibit. Our new one-

year-old female otter, Kai, is gorgeous and energetic. The AZA North American River

Otter (NARO) SSP moved Kai to Sacramento as part of the planning process for the

AZA NARO population.

This spring our young male lion, Demarcus, will be moving to New Jersey’s Turtle Back

Zoo as part of the AZA African Lion SSP planned transfers. As part of the SSP, he will

be gaining his own pride of females. His parents and sisters did a wonderful job of

socializing him for this big “adult” move!

Based on Sumatran Tiger Species Survival Plan® recommendations, we have welcomed

Jillian and have said farewell to Mohan. Jillian, a four-year-old Sumatran Tiger from San

Francisco Zoo will be introduced to her new exhibit in late March. Plans are in the works

to move Mohan to another zoo. For now, the Sacramento Zoo will house only Jillian.

The Sacramento Zoo and the AZA Sumatran Tiger SSP Program will continue to work

together for future tiger planning.

REPTILES Phantasmal Dart Frogs are a new species in the amphibian exhibits at the

Reptile House. These young frogs weigh less than two grams and eat tiny fruit flies as

a staple of their diet (at least until they become larger!). Although they may look alike,

each frog has unique spots and patterns on its underside to help zookeepers identify

them.

INTERPRETIVE CENTER The Interpretive Center now has four young African

Hedgehogs under their care. These IC Animal Ambassadors are instrumental in

teaching school children and visiting guests about animals, adaptations, science

curriculum, and conservation messages. Hopefully, during your next visit you will be

able to see these amazing poky mammals in an animal encounter or stage presentation.

Sumatran Tiger, Jillian

North American River Otter, Kai

Phantasmal Dart Frogs

Wolf’s Guenon, KaciTop: African Hedgehog

As a facility that opened in 1927, celebrating 90 years means there is

always something under construction or being updated at the Zoo.

Often, renovations happen without being noticed. Recently the Zoo’s

Facilities crew have been busy putting all their specialized skills to work

on a variety of projects.

Aardvark Den: The substrate in the Aardvark holding area den was

changed in order to give the Aardvark different textures in order to help

wear her nails and pads more effectively. A sand pit was also added for

her digging enjoyment when she is behind-the-scenes.

African Lion Housing: An expanded off-exhibit space for the

African Lions to give them even more options of where to lounge is near

completion. The space includes a small pool and adds more options for

zookeepers to move animals from space to space depending upon the

animal’s needs and social dynamics at any given time.

Hornbill Haven: A new shed was added between the hornbill exhibits.

This shed houses the nest boxes for the birds and allows keepers to

better monitor, in person or via camera, any egg-laying activity.

Lake Fence: We have replaced the dated 25-year-old lake fence with

a new one that will provide more visibility and better experiences for

animals and guests.

Red Panda Exhibit: Updates included re-grading the terrain, better

irrigation and drainage, reseeding/plant work, and adding more

climbing levels and places for the pandas to explore.

Lemur Housing: The Facilities team is working on behind-the-scenes

space expansion for the Coquerel’s Sifaka and Black and White Ruffed

Lemurs. Additionally, tunnels will be added in outdoor and indoor

holding so that space usage is more flexible between the species and

animals can more easily move from one location to another. This gives

zookeepers more flexibility for animal shifting and voluntary husbandry

training with these prosimians.

pardon our dust

NON-MEMBER TICKETS AVAILABLE Two entry times available: 9 am – 1 pm or 1 – 4 pm Special ticketed event; tickets required; extremely limited availability;

wait times to enter Zoo may be significant; limited tickets may be available day of event

Pre-purchase highly recommended; tickets available starting March 6 General admission tickets/passes not valid

ZOO MEMBERSMEMBER-ONLY PERK: Admission morning or afternoon; tickets not required. Wait times may be significant to enter Zoo.

MEMBERS ONLY! JOIN US FOR A SPECIAL BREAKFAST WITH THE EMPIRE $20 for kids (2-11), $25 for adults, Under 2 Free Two seatings available: 8:30 – 9:15 am or 9:45 –10:30 am Reserve your seat at saczoo.org/starwarsday starting March 6

The Sacramento Zoo proudly supports more than

three dozen animal conservation programs locally

and throughout the world. These programs vary from

working with local populations to protect native

species, to using unique animal identifications in

tracing certain species to help us learn more about

them and what we can do to protect them in their

natural habitats.

As part of the Sacramento Zoo’s mission to support conservation

programs and educate the public, everyone who visits the Zoo

contributes directly to conservation. This means that while you’re

having a great time, you’re also doing a great thing by supporting

the Zoo and the Zoo’s animal conservation partners. Visiting the

Zoo, purchasing a membership, riding the Conservation Carousel

or Zoo Train, traversing the Kilimanjaro Climb, participating in a

Giraffe Encounter, and even experiencing the Serengeti Cyclone

all support more than three dozen wildlife conservation projects

around the globe.

In addition to the money allocated by the Zoo’s

Conservation Committee, the Sacramento Zoo also

distributes conservation dollars with the help of visitors

through the Quarters for Conservation program.

In 2016, more than 530,000 Zoo visitors helped divide

$50,000 among three programs through the Zoo’s

Quarters for Conservation program.

As guests entered the Zoo, they used a token

representing 25 cents to vote for one of three projects.

The money will be allocated accordingly with each

project receiving at least $5,000. In 2016, the Greater

Sandhill Conservation program received 91,290 votes,

the South African Vulture Conservation program

received 100,700 votes and the highest number

went to the Borneo Small Wild Cat Conservation

with 177,291 votes. Each year the Zoo’s Conservation

Committee selects three new organizations to support

through the Quarters for Conservation program.

The 2017 nonprofit animal conservation programs are

the Mountain Lion Foundation, Red Panda Network,

and Union Island Gecko Conservation.

MOUNTAIN L ION FOUNDATION

Once ranging freely throughout North and South America, the Mountain Lion

(a.k.a puma) was on the brink of extinction across the entire United States by the

early 1960s. While Mountain Lion population levels have since rebounded within

some western states, Mountain Lions still face extermination in areas where human

development is greatest. Today, there are fewer than 4,000 Mountain Lions in

California –a number that continues to decline.

Not enough is known about the movements, habitat, and resource use of Mountain

Lions in the valleys and river systems of California. The Mountain Lion Foundation is

working with volunteers to locate Mountain Lions on camera to record their presence

and behavior. The data will enable scientists to find and track individual lions, and to

make the effort visible so the public can better understand the challenges Mountain

Lions face in California as well as the contributions people can make to further

Mountain Lion conservation.

UNION ISL AND GECKO CONSERVATION

The Union Island Gecko is one of the most threatened animals in the Caribbean.

This beautiful lizard’s home is restricted to 130 acres of an exceptionally species-rich

forest above Chatham Bay on Union Island. Here, it is highly vulnerable to a variety of

threats including invasive predators, habitat loss, and unregulated collection for the

international pet trade. In 2011, this gecko was listed as Critically Endangered, signifying

its extremely high risk of becoming extinct.

The Union Island Gecko Conservation Action Plan was developed using a participatory

process involving many individuals and organizations, including agencies with a mandate

for managing wildlife on Union Island. The Action Plan’s objective is the preservation of

Chatham Bay Forest. This includes public outreach and education designed to increase

understanding of the need to conserve the Union Island Gecko and its habitat. Also, the

establishment of systems to prevent the introduction of harmful, invasive species.

RED PANDA NET WORK

Red Pandas live in high altitude temperate forests with

bamboo understories in the Himalayas and high mountains

of Nepal. Red Pandas are currently classified as Endangered;

their primary threats are habitat loss and degradation,

human interference and poaching. Researchers believe that

the total population of Red Pandas has declined by 50% over

the past two decades.

The Red Panda Network (RPN) is committed to the conservation

of wild Red Pandas and their habitat through education and

empowerment of local communities. RPN’s community-based

program integrates scientific research, community education and

conservation to promote long-term success.

giraffes vulnerable to extinctionBy Monica L. Bond, Principal Scientist, Wild Nature Institute

We all hear of poaching elephants for ivory and rhinoceros for horn, but did you know that

giraffes have also experienced a massive decline in the wild? Giraffe populations across

Africa have plummeted in the last few decades by nearly 40 percent, to the point where they

now number only 98,000, far fewer than African elephants. The IUCN Red List of globally

threatened species was recently updated by the world’s giraffe experts who re-categorized

giraffes from ‘least concern’ to ‘vulnerable to extinction’. The main causes of giraffe

population declines are habitat loss and illegal killing for bushmeat markets, resulting in

giraffes now restricted mostly to lands in and around national parks.

One of Africa’s largest giraffe research and conservation programs is run by Dr. Derek Lee

of the Wild Nature Institute, with long-term support from the Sacramento Zoo. The Wild

Nature Institute’s goal is to assist wildlife agencies to locate, protect, and connect areas

important for giraffes, so healthy populations can continue to thrive. Using the unique spot

patterns every giraffe is born with, the Wild Nature Institute is studying births, deaths,

and movements of more than 2,100 individually identified Masai giraffes in the Tarangire

ecosystem in Tanzania. With this information, the Wild Nature Institute is discovering

why some areas support high giraffe survival and reproduction while other areas do not.

This information is then used to inform land-use planning, anti-poaching efforts, and

other effective conservation measures. Wild Nature Institute is also engaging and linking

African and North American communities with giraffe-themed children’s books and other

environmental education materials to build conservation awareness and action.

You can learn more about giraffe research, conservation, and children’s books at

www.wildnatureinstitute.org. You can learn about all the animal conservation programs the

Sacramento Zoo supports at saczoo.org.

THIS FREE INFORMATIVE SEMINAR will navigate through a jungle of estate planning topics presented by local attorney Mark S. Drobny, California State Bar Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Mr. Drobny is widely regarded as one of the top experts on estate planning, providing information on a variety of topics in an entertaining manner that

will help you design a plan that fits your needs.

TOPICS WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Living Trusts vs. Wills

• Probate – How Can it be Avoided?

• Who Needs Durable Powers of Attorney for Financial Management and Advance Health Care Directives?

• Charitable Gift Annuities

Seating is limited. RSVP to Amanda Cable at acable@saczoo.org or 916-808-8815 by May 12 to guarantee your seat.

TUESDAY, MAY 16 / 6 – 7:30 pmKampala Conference Room

Linne’s Two-toed Sloths are found in the tropical rainforests of Central and

South America. This nocturnal, arboreal species is named for the two digits

with long curved nails on their front feet. These specialized nails (along

with the three on their back feet) allow the sloths to hang upside-down onto

branches high in the canopy where they eat plant matter such as leaves,

flowers and fruit. A Linne’s Two-toed Sloth’s large multi-chambered stomach

assists with digesting this material and the whole process may take

more than a month! The low nutritional value of their diet and their slow

metabolism are some of the reasons for the sloths’ infamously slow speed.

The Zoo’s resident Linne’s Two-toed Sloth, Edwina, came to the Sacramento

Zoo in 1992 from the Santa Barbara Zoo and has been “hanging” around ever

since. Edwina is 25-years-old and her favorite snacks are sweet potatoes, with

grapes and broccoli as close runners-up. During the day, she is often napping

inside – visitors are most likely to catch a glimpse of her in the cool mornings

or during rainy weather. She is one of the few animals at the Zoo who loves

venturing outside in the rain and getting her fur soaked!

Though not threatened in the wild, deforestation remains a concern for the

Linne’s Two-toed Sloth along with many other species that also inhabit tropical

rainforests. The Sacramento Zoo participates in the AZA Linne’s Two-toed

Sloth Species Survival Plan® (SSP).

ANIMAL PROFILE | LINNE’S TWO-TOED SLOTH

EARLY BIRD (through May 8)

$23 kids • $28 adults

($2 off for members)

GENERAL

$25 kids • $30 adults

Bottomless mimosa upgrade: $12

Visit saczoo.org/mothersday to purchase tickets.

Tickets on sale March 1.

Give Mom an unforgettable Mother’s Day at the Sacramento Zoo.

• Enjoy french toast, eggs, bacon, bottomless mimosas and more!

• Spend the rest of the day exploring the Zoo

• Visit mother/baby pairs like Shani and Rocket the giraffes

Three seatings available: 9:30 am, 11 am, and 12:30 pm

Growing up at the ZooSam Bailey, a former Zoo camper and then camp counselor, has spent a lot of time at the Sacramento

Zoo. His time at the Zoo and everything he learned has helped him to his current stop, UC Davis.

We asked him a few questions about how the Zoo has helped guide him.

Q. What you are going to school for and how do you plan to use your degree?

I am going to UC Davis to earn a degree in Biological Systems Engineering. I hope to combine

my love of biology and animals with mathematics and engineering. This is a very broad field of

engineering that lets me explore fields from agriculture and food sciences to biotechnology to

environmental engineering. I’m hoping to find a career where I can stay close to animals daily.

Q. Tell us about the influence the Sacramento Zoo has had on your life.

I started visiting the Zoo at a very young age and I learned about all of the animals that surround us

and how they impact our world. Just seeing all the different creatures that existed made me love

animals. This understanding of the importance of animals drew me toward biological sciences.

Q. What is your favorite Zoo program?

My favorite Zoo program is definitely summer camp. Since the age of five I have been involved in the

program every year. I was a camper through elementary school and middle school and I became a

camp counselor in high school. While I was a camper I learned about animals and the environment

through numerous activities and games that made each day at camp fun and exciting. I looked

forward to coming back to the Zoo and I when I was finally old enough, to be a counselor.

I was excited to give back to the program that I’d grown up with.

Q. Why is animal conservation important to you?

Animal conservation is important because our world is reliant on the animals around us. Without

animals, our planet wouldn’t be the way it is. Every animal is one piece of a larger picture and without

even just one of these pieces the whole system can fall apart. As our world changes and technology

and society grows we must still consider the animals around us and how we may impact them.

To learn more about how you can get involved in Zoo programs, visit saczoo.org.

3930 West Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95822-1123 saczoo.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Paid PostagePAIDSacramento, CAPermit No. 651

The Phantasmal Dart Frog is native to Ecuador.

PHANTASMAL

DA R T F R O G

Tuesday, March 14

SUMMER CAMP – MEMBER ONLY REGISTRATION – NOON

Saturdays, March 25, April 29 & May 27

NATURE EXPLORERS – 10 AM TO 2 PM

Get wild about nature at the Sacramento Zoo! Join the Zoo and the

Sacramento Library as young explorers and their caretakers read stories,

play and explore the wonders of the natural world.

Sunday, March 26

ZOOZOOM – FIRST RACE BEGINS AT 8 AM

Join the stampede as thousands of walkers and runners raise funds to

benefit the Zoo. There are options for everyone from 5K to 10K and a

kids fun run.

Saturday, April 22

EARTH FEST – 9 AM TO 4 PM

It’s a party for the planet! Learn how to protect and preserve the Earth

through keeper chats and Stage Shows, games, crafts and face painting

– all focused on the planet!

Mondays, May 1, 8 & 15

SENIOR TEA & TOURS – 9:30 AM TO NOON

Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and a guided tour of the Sacramento Zoo!

Designed especially for seniors ages 55 and over. Register at 916-808-5889.

Thursday, May 4

BIG DAY OF GIVING

Starting at midnight, the Sacramento region will come together for

one BIG Day of Giving. Join the Sacramento Zoo and more than 500

nonprofits for a celebration of philanthropy and put your money where

your heart is!

Saturday, May 13

WINE & BREW AT THE ZOO – 5 TO 8 PM

Stroll through the lush setting of the Sacramento Zoo while you enjoy

tastes of local wines and craft beers - all while supporting the Zoo and

seeing the animals. Zoo closes early at 1:30 pm.

Sunday, May 14

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH – SEATING BEGINS AT 9:30 AM

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a bevy of brunch favorites in a location

like no other. Afterward, stroll the Zoo as you celebrate all species of

mothers. Reserve your seat in advance.

Tuesday, May 16

ESTATE PLANNING SAFARI WITH MARK S. DROBNY 6 TO 7:30 PM

Well-known local attorney and estate planning specialist Mark S. Drobny will

help you navigate through a jungle of topics in this free informative seminar.

Register at 916-808-8815.