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Houston Zoo member magzine, Spring 2009
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Resistant to pests and disease in Houston’s climate, this rose has a lovely bloom, with the look of an antique specimen.
IT 'S A POSTER!
Pull out the poster and enjoy this Wildlife feature.
Hundreds of thousands of different plant species across
the world make an important impact on human and
animal life each day. Appealing to all senses, plants
provide a wide range of functions and benefits across
the world. From medical remedies passed on for gen-
erations to tried and true expressions of human affec-
tion, nothing evokes such strong feelings quite like a
plant or flower.
The Houston Zoo's dedication to a rich, biologically di-
verse ecosystem is brought to life through our horticulture
department's use of beautiful, interdependent plant life.
Star FlowerPentas lanceolata
French Lace RoseRosa 'French Lace'
Star flowers behave as perennials in Houston gardens. Planting pentas guarantees butterflies and hummingbirds in your yard.
A florist favorite, this compact form of the classic flower lasts up to two weeks in a vase when cut.
In Texas, scarlet milkweeds provide habitat to butterflies that may have otherwise been lost to development.
Princess FlowerTibouchina urvilleana
Pink PowderpuffCalliandra emarginata
Jungle flames prefer acidic soil and full sun, which gives them a brilliant color for most of the year. Dwarf Peruvian Lily
Alstromeria 'Dandy Candy'
Scarlet MilkweedAsclepias curassavica
Jungle FlameIxora coccinea
LeadwortPlumbago auriculata
F E A T U R E S
4
Become Bear Aware
The official airline of the Houston Zoo
Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks
Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of DirectorsE. William BarnettFreda Wilkerson BassNandita BerryJack S. Blanton, Sr. – EmeritusWinfield M. Campbell, Sr.Cathy Campbell BrockJan Cody Jonathan Day Linnet DeilyAnne DuncanJames A. Elkins, IIIMartyn GoossenRobert Graham – ChairDon R. Kendall, Jr.Glenn L. Lowenstein
Cal McNairStacy MethvinStephen D. NewtonSuzanne Paquin NimocksCharles OnsteadCourtney Lanier Sarofim Cathryn SelmanLouis SklarHerman L. Stude Shawn TaylorLori Vetters Bonnie WeekleyGeorge R. WillyE. W. Bill Wright III Austin Young
Wildlife Production TeamEditor: Michael ReinaCreative Director: Melanie Campbell-TelloDesign: Melanie Campbell-TelloPhotography by: Stephanie Adams, Joe Kalla, Bill Konstant, Dale Martin, Rick Barongi, Bobbi Samuels, Peter Riger, Daryl Hoffman, and Tim JunkerPostmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 North MacGregor Houston, Texas 77030
How To Reach Us:
Houston Zoo, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6500
Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6739
Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6835
Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6726
Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6819
Public Relations/Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6531
www.houstonzoo.org
Zoo Hours:
March 8 through November 19:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.) November 2 through March 79:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.)
The Zoo is closed Christmas Day.
Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 North MacGregor, 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: Toby, the red pandaPhoto by: Stephanie Adams
PRESIDENT'S PRIDE 2
ANIMAL UPDATES 3
EDUCATION NEWS 10
DEVELOPMENT NEWS 13
MEMBERSHIP NEWS 16
EARTH DAY 18
D E P A R T M E N T S
Celebrating Their Memory
14
Horticulture 6
8
The Houston Zoo is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.
Red Panda-monium
“
PRES IDENT 'S PR IDE
DEBORAH CANNONP r e s i d en t & CEO
2008 was a challenging year for all Americans. On top of the past year's financial
difficulties, Houstonians will always think of Hurricane Ike and its exceptional
challenges. At the Zoo, when we think of 2008, elephants will be foremost in our minds.
In late summer, we had the exciting arrival of Tess and her 3-year-old calf, Tucker. They
have been wonderful additions and have charmed all of us with their great attitudes
and intelligent behavior.
However, November brought us the very sudden death of our beloved baby elephant,
Mac, just one month after he turned two. Mac, as you all know, warmed everyone’s
hearts with his incredible antics. He was often seen with a mischievous twinkle in his
eye as he looked to cause trouble. Who can forget him tossing the huge tire around as if
it was weightless, or him barreling across the exhibit to jump on his sand hill? He was
always good for endless hours of entertainment. His passing has left a huge hole in all of
our hearts. However, his death enabled us to form a new partnership with researchers
at the Baylor College of Medicine, in the hopes of finding a breakthrough in the fight
against elephant herpes, the disease which has killed Mac and Asian elephants in both
zoos and the wild. It is only through this critical research that we may be able to find a
way to control elephant herpes.
In 2009, we are looking forward to introducing new animals to you. We have become
the third zoo in the U.S. to display shoebill storks, with two young birds from central
Africa. They are a relative of the stork, stand five feet tall, and have what appears to be
a large wooden shoe (hence the name shoebill) for a beak. Our other new and exciting
bird is a cassowary, which is slightly larger than an emu and is indigenous to Australia
and New Guinea. They can be up to six feet tall and are incredibly fast runners with
sharp, dangerous claws on their feet. Their most distinct features are their beautiful
blue and red wattles.
By the time you read this letter, we will be preparing to open our new red panda exhibit.
As you will have heard, this is one of the “cutest animals in the world.” They come from
Nepal and western China, and thus have dense, long red hair to insulate themselves
in their native cold climates. Here, he will live in air-conditioned comfort where the
koalas were formerly housed. Though a relative of the giant panda, they have a face
that resembles a fox and a tail that looks like a raccoon, mirroring the “cutest” features
of several animals.
In addition to our new animals, 2009 will bring continued improvements to the grounds
in our goal of making the Houston Zoo one of the very best zoos in the country; we
believe Houston deserves that.
Come see us soon and help us welcome our new arrivals. They are each unique and well
worth a visit!
2 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
”
Mac, as you all know, warmed everyone’s hearts with his incredible antics. He was often seen with a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he looked to cause trouble.
Cassowaries are very large flightless birds with stunning appear-
ances and aggressive demeanors to match. With royal blue necks,
fleshy red wattles, and black bills with yellow marks, these mas-
sive birds leave an impression on anyone or anything that gets
near them. Each cassowary has an easy-to-distinguish, fin-like
skeletal protuberance called a casque rising out of the top of its
head. Adorned with black feathers, powerful legs, and a dagger-
like claw on each foot, they remain only in limited numbers in
the tropical forests of New Guinea and Australia. Their bright faces
and dark plumage make these dangerous birds an unusual member of
the animal kingdom and a exciting addition to the Zoo's bird collection.
Only a few zoos in the world have shoebills, so the Houston
Zoo's addition of this young pair of big African birds is a
significant achievement for our bird department. Named
after their prominent shoe-shaped bills, shoebills are a
vulnerable bird species whose feathers turn completely
gray as they mature. Their large heads, eyes, and bills
help them find food in muddy swamps. Shoebills can
grow as tall as five feet, boast a nearly eight-foot
wingspan, and weigh up to fifteen pounds. Despite
their large size, relatively little is known about
their habits in the wild. While some taxonomists
consider them to be in the stork family, many
others believe the birds are more closely
related to pelicans.
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 3
C A S S O W A R Y
S H O E B I L L
NEW ANIMAL UPDATES
If we were to mourn a personal loss forever, we would never be able to move forward with our own lives. Instead, we learn to cherish the memories and celebrate their lives and the impact these great animals had on others. 4 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
5WILDLIFE
Unlike Mickey Mouse and his imaginary cohorts, zoo animals
are real and have finite life spans. One of the most difficult
aspects of working in a zoo is dealing
with the loss of a favorite animal. The
loss of a loved one is never easy, but
in time that emptiness is replaced
with special memories that continue
to enrich our lives and much more.
Since dealing with the death of a
loved one is such a personal experi-
ence, I can only explain it from my
perspective. I have a picture in my of-
fice of a dog I once had. His name was
Barkley. Barkley was a big lug of a
yellow lab who never met a person he
did not like. He was taken from us far
too early, due to an aggressive form
of cancer. The first few days after he
was gone, I cried when I looked at his
picture. Then, as time passed, I began
to smile every time I looked at that
photo and remembered all the good
times we shared. It also helps that we have his son, Apollo, to
carry on the legacy. This "circle of life" mentality is pretty much
how most zoo people deal with animal deaths.
If we were to mourn a personal loss forever, we would never be
able to move forward with our own lives. Instead, we learn to
cherish the memories and celebrate their lives and the impact
these great animals had on others. In the case of Zoo celebri-
ties like Mac (or Bu the rhino and Roscoe the sea lion, to name
a few), we learn to grieve with both our hearts and our heads.
We have this dual personality, or right and left brain rationale,
that allows us to care deeply about a personal tragedy, but
appreciate the bigger picture. These Zoo superstars inspired
millions of people to care more about their species as well as
the conservation of their nameless counterparts in the wild. If
these animals were never born, as some fringe groups would
advocate, we would lose a powerful motivating tool that no
wildlife film or animated caricature could replace.
Like joy and sorrow, life and death are emotional partners
that are intertwined so as to reinforce each other. There
would be no real joy without ever hav-
ing experienced sorrow and vice versa.
There has to be a point of reference in
order to appreciate something or some-
one. While that may sound a bit prosaic,
the reality is that we humans have a
unique, almost miraculous capacity to
transform our feelings for a special in-
dividual towards helping others that we
do not know. We can better sympathize
with the plights of others due to a loss
that is more personal.
A case in point – the tragic loss of Mac
was extremely difficult for all of us, but
during his two years he was a great am-
bassador for his species. He touched so
many of us with his endearing antics,
which in turn inspired his admirers to
learn more about elephants and support
conservation efforts. We will never for-
get Mac, but nature (biology) provides new beginnings. We
can look forward to more elephant calves in the future, as
well as giraffes (like Miles, our new male giraffe) and many
other species.
So, when we lose an animal at the Zoo it is OK to be sad and
grieve, but it is also OK to use the memory of that animal to
move forward in helping those that are still with us. Every
animal should have a legacy that transcends their life at the
Zoo. We are not doing our job as wildlife conservationists if
our visitors do not care about our animals almost as much
as we do. At the same time, the memory of a particular ani-
mal should commit us to greater efforts on behalf of their
living brethren, in both zoos and the wild. Of course, we will
always have new arrivals to carry on the “goodwill ambassa-
dor” role of our departed friends. This cycle of life is the very
essence of zoos and illustrates the critical role they play in
reaffirming our compassion for all living things.
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 5
CELEBRATING THEIR MEMORYA p e r s o n a l a c c o u n t b y R i c k B a r o n g i , Z o o D i r e c t o r
Long-time volunteer Toni Noble gives a tribute to Mac.
Attendees at Mac's memorial
6 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
The earth's ecosystem is infinitely complex and needs committed people to maintain its health.
Our forests are shrinking, reducing carbon sequestering and lowering oxygen production. Each
day, places as close as Louisiana are losing areas of land the size of a football field due to soil
erosion and plant loss. Horticulture, a science dating back to the earliest hunter-gatherers, is
essential to the preservation of our planet. Without measures to ensure continued plant
coverage across the globe, our environment as a whole would eventually dissipate
and life as we know it would never be the same. This is why horticulture is
a main component to sustaining the planet. Our Zoo horticultur-
ists work tirelessly to keep the landscape healthy, vibrant,
and colorful. We have a fully functioning ecosys-
tem designed to make each day a more
natural and aesthetically-pleas-
ing experience for our an-
imals and guests.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HORT I CULTURE
Your life should be inspired by the love of plants and their essential function in the preservation of our planet. – Ed Santos, Houston Zoo Horticulturist
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 7
From sun up to sun down,
our horticulture staff works
to make the Houston Zoo the
most natural, lush, and colorful
place in the city to spend time
with your family. Now, finding out
how they keep our 55-acre ecosystem
beautiful and functional is just a click away.
The Zoo's horticulture team is a collective
wealth of gardening knowledge. Get inside
information about our team's planting tech-
niques and how you can apply them to your
own backyard garden at home. Learn about
the Zoo from those who know it best. Check
www.houstonzooblog.com soon for our
horticulture blog, as well as others address-
ing education and conservation.
The horticulture team's contribution over the
past decade cannot be understated. Making
our Zoo a livable place for thousands of an-
imals while keeping it bright and colorful
for our guests' enjoyment requires dedica-
tion and ingenuity.
A focused effort to reduce the presence of
the highly invasive Chinese tallow tree has
allowed horticulturists to diversify the Hous-
ton Zoo's plant collection. The Chinese tallow is
the same pest that devastated the native region of the
Attwater's Prairie Chicken, an animal our conservationists
have helped repopulate in the wild.
Other innovations in our horticulture department include
an all-green fertilization process, limited to no use of insec-
ticide, and a sharp increase in the efficiency of our irriga-
tion system. Hundreds of trees and wholesale landscaping
across the entire Zoo ensure that the landscape and biodi-
versity are constantly evolving and new every day.
Our horticulture team, led by plant expert Ed San-
tos, has grown from just a pair to a dozen people
over the past five years. Coming from various
backgrounds and degrees of experience,
the crew all shares the same passion
and goal to keep the Houston Zoo
weed-free, lively, and diverse. Next
time you visit, be sure to take a
few moments to appreciate the
Zoo's distinctive scenery.
THE GROWTH OF HORT I CULTURE
NEW HOUSTON ZOO B LOGS COM ING SOON
8 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
seeing red
Short winters lead to an early
spring here in Houston, and
with it, the Zoo’s landscaping
comes alive with vibrant
colors. This spring, the Houston Zoo is
ushering in our very own brand of
brightly-colored wildlife with the
red panda, one of the world’s
cutest animals. >>
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 9
OOver the years, the red panda has undergone an identity crisis of sorts, living in the shadow of
the better known giant panda. The red panda's name comes from the Nepalese word “poonya”,
which means bamboo eater. Its Latin name (Ailurus fulgens) refers to the striking, cat-like
markings which camoflauge them in the lichen and moss-covered trees. The first written record
of this species comes from an ancient Chinese Chou Dynasty scroll, but it was not officially dis-
covered by the Europeans until the early 1800s. Nearly 50 years later, the 1869 discovery of the
giant panda led to a significant disinterest in red panda research.
Best known for their exquisite red coats and white to reddish-brown facial mask, the red panda is most active at
dawn and dusk in their native habitats. They are superb climbers and spend most of their time curled up in trees
with their long, bushy tails wrapped around their heads. Other than when adult females are caring for their young,
red pandas live solitary lives, only coming together to reproduce during a brief breeding season. When encountering
another panda, they often communicate with body language or vocalizations such as a whistle, twitter, or threatening
huff-quack.
Across their entire range, red pandas are mainly plant eaters, surviving on the leaves of the many different species of
bamboo. Only the red panda, giant panda, two types of bamboo rats, and one species of lemur from Madagascar can
survive on a strict bamboo diet. The red panda’s adaptation to bamboo has shaped their behavior; they spend up to
half the day in search of tender new bamboo leaves.
Red pandas live in temperate Himalayan forests stretching from Nepal to Myan-
mar and in the southwestern Chinese mountains at altitudes between 5,000
and 13,000 feet. Their region's temperature remains fairly cool and con-
stant, supporting the mix of forest trees, undergrowth, and bamboo on
which red pandas depend. Human disturbance has taken a considerable
toll on the animal across its range, so bringing the red panda to the Hous-
ton Zoo gives us an opportunity to educate our visitors about red
pandas in their native habitat.
Zoos across the globe are collaborating to study the
red panda, and we are striving to maintain
genetically viable populations while de-
veloping conservation strategies to
protect them and their habitat.
We are privileged to bring
such a fascinating and
attractive animal to
Houston.
The Houston Zoo welcomes our new red panda, Toby, from Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.
SUMMER CAMPS 2009Adven t u r e s i n t h e Ra i n f o r e s tEnter the depths of the rainforest and discover some of the
world's most intriguing creatures. Learn about the many
jewels of the rainforest ecosystem, from poison dart frogs
to Asian elephants.
NEW! A l l S o r t s o f A n ima l sAre reptiles slimy? Do birds have hair? We’ll uncover
how animals are the same – and how they are different –
as we investigate where they live, how they look, and what
they do.
I t ’s R a i n i n g W i l d C a t s a nd Dog sMeet the fantastic felines and clever canines at the
Houston Zoo! Join in the flood of fun as we discover the
similarities and differences between these "wild" relatives
and your pets at home.
NEW! Oppo s i t e s A t t r a c tFast and slow, big and small, the Houston Zoo has got
them all! From cheetahs to tortoises, elephants to naked
mole rats, we'll look at examples of opposites from around
the world.
Ages6 - 7
NEW! B r i n g i n g Up BabyAll animal parents have a special way to raise their babies,
and sometimes even the neighbors get involved! Join us as we
look at the different kinds of families in the animal world.
H i d e a nd SeekUncover the animals' secrets to survival as we disappear into
the hidden world of camouflage. Discover how spots, stripes,
patterns, and colors protect both predators and prey.
NEW! I s l a n d Hoppe r sTake an exotic getaway this summer – without ever leaving
the Zoo! We'll travel the islands of Madagascar, Indonesia,
Galapagos, and more, discovering the animals that call each
island home.
Sca t A t t a c kWho has the smelliest poop? Who never poops at all? Learn
the ins and outs of poop as you become a junior scatologist and
discover the answers to all these questions and more!
Toada l l y Amph i b i a n sFrom tadpole to frog to polliwog, we'll uncover what makes
an amphibian unique. You'll have a hopping good time as
you metamorph from an amphibian amateur to an all-out
amphibian expert!
Ages4 - 5
10 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
CAMP ZOOFAR ISumme r 2009
Camp Zoofari is an action-packed,
hands-on, week-long day camp for kids
ages 4 - 12. Kids learn about the natural
world, wildlife conservation, and the
animals that call the Houston Zoo home.
These educational, fun-filled camps fill
quickly, so be sure to register soon.
See all camp dates and times at
www.houstonzoo.org/
summercamps.
A f r i c a n A d ven t u r eJoin us for a summer safari to this incredibly diverse
continent. Pack your gear, grab your passport, and
explore Africa in search of rainforest, desert, and
savannah animals on your week-long expedition.
NEW! Ga r d en Sa f a r iDid you know that there are plants that live at the
Zoo too? Dig into the botanical side of the Houston
Zoo and learn how keepers use plants for animal diets,
enrichment activities, and more!
NEW! G l o be Tr o t t e r sNo passport is required for this trip around the world
as we investigate animals in their native lands. Learn
how people and animals coexist, and bring home your
own eco-friendly "souvenirs."
W i l d l i f e De t e c t i v e sMystery surrounds this week as you use clues such as
animals sounds, smells, and scat to identify "zoo" done
it. Perfect your scientific detective skills and even put
them to use in your own backyard!
Ages8 - 9
De s t i n a t i o n Con s e r v a t i o nPartner with the planet and the Houston Zoo as you find out
what it takes to be a wildlife conservationist. Enjoy hands-
on conservation activities and conduct genuine field work
using some of the same tools field biologists use, and meet
Zoo staff members who participate in conservation projects
around the globe. A Thursday night overnight is included.
NEW! Keepe r C ampEnroll for zookeeper boot camp and learn what it's like to
feed, clean, train, and take care of our animals. This is one
time it will be okay to get dirty and messy!
NEW! Se l e c t e d f o r S u r v i v a lWe’ll research how animal variations are passed on to the
next generation, how species adapt to their environment,
and the importance of these differences in keeping
populations healthy.
NEW! Zoobo t sBuild your own zoo complete with animals! Create a large-
scale zoo animal, design its exhibit, and present your project
to Zoo staff. A Thursday night overnight is included.
Ages10 -12
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 11
12 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
In late 2008, the
Houston Zoo's Kipp
Aquarium was proud to
announce the birth of seven
baby stingray pups. Their
mother, who was rescued by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in
2004, has now given live birth to four
litters here at the Zoo.
Native to South American rivers, checkerboard
freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon schroederi)
are basically miniature adults at birth. Their pectoral fins
act as modified wings, which allow them to gracefully glide through
water. Even at just a few weeks old, a checkerboard stingray is able to fend off
its predators by inflicting a very painful sting with the barbs at the end of its tail.
Before you come by the Kipp Aquarium or Natural Encounters building to see our
stingrays and other water-dwelling plants and animals, watch video of our new pups at
www.houstonzoo.org/baby-stingrays.
ST INGRAY SEP TUP LE TS
Gill slits are used to expel water and waste.
The stingray's mouth is used for feeding and respiration. Stingrays have a secondary method of breathing through a spiracle located near their eyes.
Stingrays have very rough, sandpaper-like skin, a common trait among cartilagenous fishes.
Stingrays are sexually dimorphic, and males develop claspers as they mature.
Though numbers vary based on species, stingrays usually give live birth to 4-8 pups.
Barbs at the end of stingray tails pose the biggest threat to their predators.
On January 10, members of the Zoo’s Asante So-
ciety and their families gathered in the Kipp
Aquarium for an up-close experience with some of
our favorite underwater friends. Refreshments in
hand, members toured the aquarium and watched
our new octopus devour a live crab. Afterwards,
our 500-pound sea lion Deano joined in on the fun
and welcomed our guests to a breakfast reception
(pictured left). Asante members then engaged in an
informative question and answer session with Rick
Barongi and Deborah Cannon while they enjoyed a
hearty breakfast.
For information on upcoming Asante Society events
please contact Nick Espinosa at (713) 533-6712 or
nespinosa@houstonzoo.org.
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 13
Co-chairs Sherri Hughey and Kelley Lubanko invite you and your family to flashback to the
psychedelic 60s. Join Zoo Friends of Houston on Friday, May 1, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. - 10:30
p.m. for the 2009 Family Party: The Beasts Go On. This fun, family-friendly event
raises money for a great cause – our Houston Zoo. Guests will enjoy far
out food, funky entertainment, and go-go groovin’ in the natural Zoo setting.
This year, the Zoo Friends of Houston is happy to recognize Katherine
McGovern as honorary chair and will honor the memory of Dr. John
P. McGovern, an internationally-known humanitarian who was
passionate about our city and the education of its children. Together
the McGoverns have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in
support of the Zoo’s education and animal conservation programs
over the years – most notably through their support of the John
P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.
A san t e Membe r s P a r t i c i p a t e i n a Mo r n i n g o f Unde r wa t e r F un
Zoo Fr iends Fami ly Party : THE BEASTS GO ON
DEVELOPMENT NEWS
For information on table sponsorships or ticket sales please contact
Ginger Moon at (713) 533-6584 or gmoon@houstonzoo.org.
Individual Tickets:
Adults: $150 Children: $75
Table and Ticket information:
Far Out Flamingos $50,000
Psychedelic Sea Lions $25,000
Too Cool Toucans $10,000
Groovy Gators $5,000
Outta Site Okapis $3,000
Gnarly Gnus $1,500
There may be no better time to be outdoors
in East Texas than in the spring. Just a short
drive into East Texas could bring you to the
Big Thicket National Preserve, one of the
most biodiverse areas in the world, consist-
ing of nine land units and six water corri-
dors. Established less than 40 years ago, the
Big Thicket was the first preserve in the na-
tional park system and protects an area over
97,000 acres in size.
The preserve is recognized as a Globally Im-
portant Bird Area, hosting nearly 300 species
of migratory and nesting birds. Described as
the biological crossroads of North America,
the area contains over 100 species of trees
and shrubs, with more than 5,000 species of
flowering plants and ferns, including 20 or-
chids and four types of carnivorous plants.
The Big Thicket is home to a number of na-
tive mammals from shrews and squirrels to
deer and bobcats.
A past resident of the East Texas region and
a focus of the Houston Zoo's local conser-
vation efforts is the Louisiana Black Bear,
which is now a federally protected species.
The last native East Texas bear was believed
to have been killed in the Pineywoods of Polk
County in the late 1950s, but they are slowly
returning to their historic East Texas range.
Primarily composed of transient, solitary
males, there is no current evidence of a resi-
dent breeding population of black bears in
East Texas.
Come to the Houston Zoo to get bear aware
at our annual Bear Awareness Day this May
16, 2009. During Bear Awareness Day, our
zookeepers will offer camping tips with assis-
tance from our spectacled and grizzly bears
during humorous good camper/bad camper
skits. Find out how to make your campsite
bear proof, learn how bears live by exploring
the Bear Maze, and find out if our keepers
are smarter than your average bear. Go to
www.houstonzoo.org/blackbear for more
details and activities.
BECOME BEAR AWARE
14 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
Looking at our grizzly bears basking in bright sunlight, it is hard to imagine the dire, squalid conditions in which
they were forced to live until just two years ago. Along with nine other bears and two tigers, Boomer and Bailey
were confiscated by law enforcement in Gonzales and relocated by the Houston Zoo and Houston SPCA. This daring
rescue from an illegal animal holding facility was recognized on Animal Planet.
After being cruelly confined for most of their lives in cages so small they could barely even turn around, the pair
now resides in a nearly 2,000-square-foot exhibit. Thanks to a generous donation from Philip and Denise Bahr,
the grizzlies now have the luxury of a multi-tiered, cascading exhibit with rich greenery and a pool, set against a
mountainous rock background.
Boomer and Bailey have always been very receptive to their human friends and frequently participate in enrichment
activities with zookeepers. The bears have come a long way since arriving here and are enjoying their late twenties
in good health, especially considering their prior conditions.
Hollie Colahan, Curator of Primates and Carnivores, explains that the bears
were overweight, in need of dental work, and suffering from arthritis
upon their initial arrival. Since then, both have successfully lost
weight, undergone extensive dental work, and regularly take
arthritis medication, thanks to the patient work of our
hard-working animal keepers.
It is easy to indulge in the joy of fresh air, sunlight,
and blue skies – but often even easier to take
these wonderful forces of nature for granted.
Remember this next time you see Boomer
and Bailey relaxing on a beautiful day,
and know that the Houston Zoo helped
improve their lives. Sometimes light
can shine upon even the most bleak of
circumstances, and in this case, two
neglected, unfortunate grizzly bears saw
hope in the form of a group of dedicated,
world-class caregivers.
GR I Z Z L I ES CHASE THE B LUES AWAY, S E T T L E I N TO THE I R GOLDEN YEARS
Brown fur with golden highlights,
long claws, and sharp teeth
accentuate Boomer and Bailey's
impressive physical statures.
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 15
Bene f i t s a t O t h e r Z oo s
One of the benefits that many members tell us is important
to them is free or discounted admission at 150 other zoos.
In Texas, you can go to six zoos completely free of charge:
Abilene, Brownsville, Dallas (Aquarium and Zoo), El Paso,
and Waco. Outside Texas, you can visit zoos in Miami, North
Carolina, Cleveland, Portland, Tacoma, Nashville, Seattle,
and Milwaukee free of charge. Additionally, Houston Zoo
members get a 50% discount at the Los Angeles, San Fran-
cisco, Albuquerque, Atlanta, and Philadelphia Zoos. New
zoos are added all the time, so be sure to check www.hous-
tonzoo.org/reciprocity for the latest list. Remember to
take your membership card when travelling.
Mak i ng F am i l y Memo r i e s
A special opportunity that members have is to receive dis-
counts on behind-the-scenes tours. Many members who have
taken advantage of these tours report that they experience
the Zoo very differently and become “heroes” to their families.
Bobbi and Vic Samuels wanted to find a way to make this past
holiday season different and special for their family. They
brought their three sons, two “almost” sons, and 11 grandchil-
dren to meet the sea lions and giraffes. The visit included a
special presentation on the beach at sea lions, along with a
number of sea lion kisses and the opportunity to feed the gi-
raffes. A huge success, Vic and Bobbi received thank you calls
from their grandchildren
along with special art proj-
ects the kids drew about the
visit. The Samuels wanted
to give their families some-
thing that would inspire a
lifetime of memories and
bring smiles to their faces.
They accomplished all of
this, and it was one of the
most memorable days they’d
had together.
Should you wish to find out more about these and other tours,
simply go to www.houstonzoo.org/tours.
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Adopt a bunny for your hunny this Easter! This year, fill
your Easter baskets with a Houston Zoo animal adoption.
Trixie, our Flemish giant rabbit, is ready to become an
honorary member of your family. She is bigger than
most housecats and many dogs, weighing in at almost
18 pounds and measuring almost two feet from her
tail to the tip of her nose. Trixie loves children, going
out on visits, and being walked on her harness around
the Zoo. She is not your average rabbit, and adopting
her would make a great gift for Easter this year. Visit our
website at www.houstonzoo.org/adopt.
16 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
Adop t a n An ima l
WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 17
Membe r Mo r n i n g s
Our Member Mornings are a great opportunity to hear from our Zoo’s
experts and gain professional insight about a select animal resident.
Programs begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. and last approximately 45 min-
utes. Please visit www.houstonzoo.org/membership for details. No
registration required. You will be greeted inside the Zoo’s
main entrance in Hermann Park and escorted to the
exhibit area.
The next few months are:
Z oob i l e e
Zoobilee, our member-only event, is
being moved to the spring to enable
us to take advantage of the cooler
evening temperatures. Mark your
calendars for Thursday, April 2, 2009
and Friday, April 3, 2009 from 5:00
p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
It’s a fun family celebration with nu-
merous Meet the Keeper talks, where
you can learn all about some very spe-
cial animals and enjoy jugglers, a magi-
cian, and a children’s DJ. Kids are invited
to embark on a Zoo-style global trek to
meet some of our remarkable residents
and get a special passport stamped from
exotic lands. Members will receive a 20%
discount on food purchased from Zoo conces-
sions as well as a 20% discount in the Hous-
ton Zoo Gift Shop.
RSVP by March 23, 2009 at
www.houstonzoo.org/zoobilee.
Monday, March 2 and Saturday, March 7
What’s new at sea lions?
Saturday, April 4 and Monday, April 6
What’s new in primates?
Monday, May 4 and Saturday, May 9
What’s new in the reptile house?
day
18 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
This April 18 and 19, join the Houston Zoo to celebrate
Waste Management Earth Day. Kids of all ages will
participate in fun and educational conservation activi-
ties across Zoo grounds, including relay races and a
special appearance from Cycler, Waste Management's
kid-friendly recycling robot.
Originally founded in 1969 to push environmental pro-
tection into the national limelight, Earth Day has now
grown into a worldwide annual celebration of mother
Earth, our greatest provider. This year, on its 40th an-
niversary, the Houston Zoo will continue the tradition
of inspiring awareness of and gratitude for the planet by
hosting our own Earth Day celebration.
Learning how to conserve and recycle are more important
than ever. It is essential for people with common goals to
have a forum in which they can learn, share, and unite to
make the Earth a greener place. That's what we strive to
provide with Waste Management Earth Day celebration
at the Houston Zoo.
Please visit www.houstonzoo.org/earthday for full de-
tails about this year's party for the planet.
WASTE MANAGEMENT EARTH DAYSa t u r d a y, A p r i l 18 & Sunday, A p r i l 19 , 2009
Saturday, Apr i l 18 Sunday, Apr i l 19 , 2009
&
earth
19WILDLIFEWILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 19
On a recent visit to the Houston Zoo you may have
noticed our lush landscaping has never looked better. But
the Houston Zoo is going green in more ways than one!
We are striving every day to become more eco-friendly and sustainable at the Zoo.
Some of the greatest threats to wildlife and wild places across the world are the overuse
of natural resources and the destructiveness of pollution.
It is not an easy process for anyone to become more green, but the newly formed Houston
Zoo Green Task Force is confident we can make the transformation together. This task force
is comprised of representatives from different Zoo departments charged with initiating and
championing eco-friendly change in their respective sections. From our animal departments and
grounds staff to development and special events, we are changing the way we think about our daily
activities and how they impact the planet.
Visit our website at www.houstonzoo.org/green to learn more about the task force and some easy
tips on what you can do to help keep our planet green.
Our mission is to develop and implement proactive, fiscally responsible, and eco-friendly initiatives that
will allow us to emerge as recognized leaders in the local and national conservation communities.
New to the Zoo's Earth Day Party this year is a chance for you to
win a Green Globe at our first annual film festival. Showcase your skills
and knowledge of conservation by submitting a 60-second short film to
www.houstonzoo.org/greenglobes. Send us a video of your garden, carpool
group, or special conservation technique. Show us just how green you are at
home or the office – be as creative as you can.
Winning videos will be played in a special Earth Day
film viewing in the Brown Education Center and
winning participants will be invited on stage
to receive a special award. Can you show us
how you conserve?
SHOW US HOW YOU CONSERVE
THE HOUSTON ZOO I S GO ING GREEN W I TH A NEW T EAM
earth
Resistant to pests and disease in Houston’s climate, this rose has a lovely bloom, with the look of an antique specimen.
I T ' S
A POSTER!
Pull out the poster and enjoy this Wildlife feature.
Star FlowerPentas lanceolata
French Lace RoseRosa 'French Lace'
Star flowers behave as perennials in Houston gardens. Planting pentas guarantees butterflies and hummingbirds in your yard.
A florist favorite, this compact form of the classic flower lasts up to two weeks in a vase when cut.
C o n s e r v a t i o n C r ew (G r a de s 8 - 12)
Help the habitats in and around Houston by working on projects such
as marsh grass restoration, beach clean-ups, or even assisting at
area animal rescue organizations.
March 7 – Buffalo Bayou Partnership
April 4 – Galveston Bay Foundation
May 9 – Beach clean-up
For younger kids, check out Wild Wheels and Natural Begin-
nings I and II. Stroll around the Zoo with your toddler or let
them participate in hands-on activities year-round. Please
visit www.houstonzoo.org/individuals for full details, in-
cluding dates, times, costs, and information on how to sign up.
To put it simply, 15-year-old Tony Provenzano is a Zoo educational program superstar. He is in his second year with
Conservation Crew and spent his last summer as an honorary horticulturist while a member of Zoo Crew.
Tony first got involved with the Zoo when he was 13 and had an interest in veterinary medicine, so he attended
the Club Zoo Med Camp. “I really enjoyed camp and met a lot of new friends who recommended that I sign up for
Conservation Crew,” Tony said.
In time, this led to Tony’s work last summer with the horticulture team, where he learned that sustaining plant life
and wildlife conservation are jobs that are never finished. Tony and his friends did everything from pulling weeds
around the Zoo to setting up the gardens at the McNair Asian Elephant Barn.
“Being so involved at the Zoo taught me how important nature is and how important it is to practice conservation
in every part of our lives. I encourage all my friends to get involved, as much as they can, with activities at the Zoo.”
So, be like Tony, and sign up today!
BE L I K E TONY
20 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org
In Texas, scarlet milkweeds provide habitat to butterflies that may have otherwise been lost to development.
Princess FlowerTibouchina urvilleana
Pink PowderpuffCalliandra emarginata
Jungle flames prefer acidic soil and full sun, which gives them a brilliant color for most of the year. Dwarf Peruvian Lily
Alstromeria 'Dandy Candy'
Scarlet MilkweedAsclepias curassavica
Jungle FlameIxora coccinea
LeadwortPlumbago auriculata
Submit photos and video of your cutest animal in the world to www.cutestanimal.org and get featured on our website.
Get started in March by entering to win a special one-on-one tour and be the first to get to know our
red panda.
April is Red Panda-monium Month. Wear red to the Zoo all month, come to our tail-gates, and
don't miss the grand opening of the exhibit in late March.
For full details on Red Panda-monium Month and all of our red panda events, go to www.cutestanimal.org.
HELP THE HOUSTON ZOO CE L EBRATE
R ED PANDA -MON IUM
Houston Zoo 1513 North MacGregorHouston, Texas 77030
Visit online atwww.houstonzoo.org
Non-Prof i tOrgan izat ionU.S. Postage
PA I DHouston, Texas
Permit No. 8963
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