- Milwaukee County Zoo

VISION
The Milwaukee County Zoo will be a zoo of renown with a reputation as a leader in animal management, conservation,
research and education within a wholesome recreational environment enjoying the admiration of the citizens of
Milwaukee County as well as all zoo guests and other zoos of the world.
M I S S I O N STAT E M E N T
The Milwaukee County Zoo will inspire public understanding, support and participation in global
conservation of animal species and their environment by creating a unifying bond between our visitors
and the living earth and provide an environment for personal renewal and enjoyment for our guests by:
• Contributing to world wide animal management, conservation and research efforts;
• Fostering sound physical, psychological and social development for the animal groups in our care;
• Sharing our knowledge with the intent to reinforce the human-animal-earth bond;
• Improving the quality of our professional development, administration and operating environment;
• Striving for the financial self-sufficiency of the organization;
• Continuing the public-private partnership with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
Cover photo: Western lowland gorilla, Sulaiman
Inside cover photo: Cownose ray
TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S
Address from the County Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Letter from the Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Milwaukee County Zoo History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2014 Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Animal Management and Health Division . . . . . . . . . . .8
Zoo Staff Conservation and Research Projects . . . . .18
Additional Conservation Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Cooperative Animal Management Programs . . . . . . .24
Administration and Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Operating Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
The Milwaukee County Zoo
and the Zoological Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
County Executive and Board of Supervisors . . . . . . . .41
DEAR FRIENDS,
For the Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ), the year was marked by noteworthy conservation efforts, in the way of several
significant animal births and acquisitions to the collection. The births were additions to the captive population of
endangered and threatened species – once again positioning the Zoo as one of the leaders in captive propagation.
The Zoo’s next 20-year
master plan initiatives
moved forward, with the
Zoo’s new west entrance
being among the first
to be addressed. This
new auxiliary parking and
ticketing area is a result
of the Zoo Interchange
Project reconstruction,
and the loss of 700
parking spaces in the
Zoo’s existing lot. By May
2016, this plot of land
behind the Small
County Executive Chris Abele
Mammals building will
be a functioning visitor entrance, complete with restroom
facilities and merchandise and concession areas.
During the summer, the Zoo welcomed a jaguar birth;
the second offspring for female Stella, and wild-born male,
Pat. The birth of cub Francisco marks the propagation
of a species facing dire threats in the wild. Also of major
significance was the birth of a male western lowland gorilla
named Sulaiman. Born in November to first-time mother,
Shalia, gorilla Sulaiman represents quite a rare birth in
North American zoos.
I thank the Zoo staff for its continued dedication and
hard work. It takes the effort of everyone to make this
organization prosper, and to continue to be considered
such a treasure in our community.
I would also like to acknowledge the relationship between
the Zoo and the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. Each year,
this public-private partnership helps strengthen the Zoo’s
overall mission.
Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Executive
Humboldt penguin
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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR
The year 2014 was marked by much activity, both with significant births as well as acquisitions to the collection. We also
continued to navigate new construction hurdles in and around the Zoo, as the Zoo Interchange Project continued to
progress. This substantial project will continue to impact the Zoo through 2018.
northwest corner of the Zoo. Set to open in 2015, this
entrance area will eventually include ticketing kiosks,
restrooms, concessions and merchandise areas.
I’d like to acknowledge two long-time senior staff members
who retired during the year: Deputy Zoo Director of Animal
Management and Health, Dr. Bruce Beeler; and Primate and
Small Mammal Curator, Jan Rafert. Together, their tenure at
the Zoo combined for 60+ years of dedication and service.
They will be missed. We thank them for their hard work
throughout the years and wish them all of the best as
they begin new experiences separate from the Zoo.
We once again extend a thank you to the county executive,
the county board and the Zoological Society and their
partners for their continued support. A number of our
initiatives, renovations and special exhibits are possible
because of their assistance.
Zoo Director Charles Wikenhauser
For a second consecutive summer, the Zoo welcomed
back a popular live-animal exhibit, Sting Ray & Shark Bay,
sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets. As in years past,
visitors were thrilled to interact with harmless species of
both sting rays and sharks in our 14,000-gallon touch pool.
In August, our female jaguar, Stella, gave birth to a male
cub named Francisco. This is the third offspring for wildborn father, Pat, once again adding new and extremely
valuable genetic diversity into the captive population.
Please read on as each division shares highlights from
the year.
Charles Wikenhauser
Director
Jaguars Stella and Francisco
In November, the entire staff was thrilled
to announce the birth of a male western
lowland gorilla named Sulaiman.
The birth of this particular species is
extremely rare in captivity, and the
primate staff and entire animal care
staff should be commended for this
monumental birth. Western lowland
gorillas are currently critically endangered in the wild.
As a result of construction on the
Zoo Interchange Project, our existing
parking lot lost approximately 700
parking spaces. During 2014, plans
continued for the construction of
auxiliary Zoo entrance on an
eight-acre parcel of land on the
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an
T H E M I LWA U K E E CO U N T Y ZO O
OUR HISTORY
Home to more than 3,100 mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles, we’re proud our Zoo continues to be recognized
as one of the finest in the country.
Our history at a glance:
1892 . . . . . . . . .The Milwaukee County Zoo (MCZ)
started as a miniature mammal and
bird display in Milwaukee’s downtown
Washington Park
1902 . . . . . . . . .Expanded to 23 acres; now home to
800 animals
1910 . . . . . . . . .The Zoological Society was founded,
lending financial support to the Zoo
1934 . . . . . . . . .Became an entity of the Milwaukee
County Park Commission, which helped
provide resources to expand the Zoo
1958 . . . . . . . . .Moved to its present location on 200
acres of parkland
Washington Park
Late 1960s . . .Completion of: the Primate Building,
Monkey Island, Winter Quarters, Polar
and Brown Bear Exhibits, and the Feline, Pachyderm, Giraffe, Bird, Small Mammal, Aquarium and Reptile
and Australian Buildings
1970s . . . . . . .Added the Children’s Zoo, Train Shed, Zoo Hospital, Dall Sheep Exhibit and the Gift Shop.
The Zoological Society’s volunteer organization, Zoo Pride, was established.
The Zoological Society develops education programs at the Zoo.
1978 . . . . . . . . .Was one of only 22 institutions in North America accredited by the American
Association of Zoological Parks & Aquariums, now named the Association of
Zoos & Aquariums.
1980s . . . . . . . .Initiated a $26 million capital improvement plan, representing
a significant partnership venture between the Zoo, Milwaukee
County and the Zoological Society.
Completion of: Wolf Woods, underwater viewing in the Polar
Bear and Sea Lion Exhibits, Oceans of Fun, the Dairy Complex,
Humboldt Penguins and the Peck Welcome Center
1988 . . . . . . . . .Hosted the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Annual
Conference
Early 1990s . .Extensive renovation of the Aviary and Primates of the World,
and the completion of a new Apes of Africa Exhibit
1995 . . . . . . . . .Renovation of the Aquarium and Reptile Center; renamed
the Aquatic and Reptile Center
1998 . . . . . . . . .Completed remodeling of the Small Mammals building
1999 . . . . . . . . .Initiated a $30 million capital improvement plan, representing
a significant partnership venture between the Zoo, Milwaukee
County and the Zoological Society
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Timber wolf
2002 . . . . . . . . .Renovation and modernization of Lakeview
Place restaurant
Redesign of the Ice Cream Palace and
Karibu Gift Shop
Groundbreaking for the new Animal Health
Center
Major renovation (both indoor and outdoor
quarters) to our landmark exhibit
Monkey Island; renamed Macaque Island
2003 . . . . . . . . .Completion of Animal Health Center
Initiated design phase of renovation to the
Feline Building; animals relocated
A king penguin receives care in the new Animal Health Center.
Began initial renovations to the Stackner Heritage Farm and construction of the
Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center
2004 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the Karen Peck Katz Conservation Education Center
Began demolition and finalized designs for Northwestern Mutual Family Farm
Continued construction of the new $7.2 million Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
2005 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country
Completion of the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm
Completion of the redesign and renovation of the Safari Train Station
2006 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the MillerCoors Giraffe Experience
Began initial design phase for the new U.S. Bank Gathering Place
2007 . . . . . . . . .Began construction for the new
U.S. Bank Gathering Place, and
the new Idabel Wilmot Borchert
Flamingo Exhibit and Overlook
2008 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the U.S. Bank
Gathering Place
Completion of the Idabel Wilmot
Borchert Flamingo Exhibit
and Overlook
Received accreditation by the
Association of Zoos & Aquariums
Hosted the AZA Annual Conference
2009 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the Dohmen Family
Foundation Hippo Home
Completed renovation of
the Taylor Family Humboldt
Penguin Exhibit
Flamingos
Began upgrades for storm water management program
2010 . . . . . . . . .Installed solar panels at admission gates
Installed permanent poetry exhibition The Language of Conservation, located throughout Zoo
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2011 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the new outdoor Bonobo Exhibit, and new interpretive graphics and interactive displays
to the indoor Bonobo Exhibit
Opened new permanent visitor activities with Sky Trail® Wisconsin Adventure Zone
Added Kohl’s Wild Theater programming to Zoo’s Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, made possible by
donation to the Zoological Society
2012 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the first planning phase of a new 20-year Zoo master plan, addressing improvements in
animal exhibits, visitor attractions and amenities, service facilities and operations
Completed the renovated entrance to the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm
Completion of the first phase of Black Bear Exhibit improvements, made possible by a donation from
MillerCoors
2013 . . . . . . . . .Completion of the master plan proposal by Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. (PGAV); will serve as a
guide for the Zoo for the next 20 years
Installed a new emergency broadcast system on Zoo grounds
Completed design phase for the new west entrance and adjacent parking lots
Continued improvements to the Black Bear Exhibit with focus on water conservation
2014 . . . . . . . . .Moved forward on plans for the new auxiliary west entrance and adjacent parking lots.
This eight-acre parcel of Zoo-owned land will accommodate 500 parking spaces, and also
feature ticketing, merchandise and concessions areas. Plans include an animal component,
with the construction of a new outdoor North American River Otter Exhibit.
Hired new Deputy Zoo Director for Animal Management and Health, Beth Rich; began position
duties in August
Amur tiger
5
2014 HIGHLIGHTS
Zoo Master Planning
In 2013, the proposal for the Zoo’s next master plan was
finalized, and the national firm of PGAV was contracted
for the project. The proposal includes eight new or
redeveloped animal exhibits, three non-animal attractions
and five revenue-generating centers.
This new master plan will serve as a guide for the park for
the next 20 years and beyond, and address all aspects of
the Zoo, including animal exhibits, dining, merchandise
sales, and additional service and infrastructure improvements.
In 2014, one of the major impacts of the Zoo Interchange
Project, the loss of approximately 700 visitor parking
spaces, was addressed by the proposal in planning for a
new auxiliary west entrance, which includes an area for
approximately 500 parking spaces.
Zoo Interchange Project
The Zoo sits along a substantial stretch of freeway – to the
west of downtown Milwaukee – appropriately named the
Zoo Interchange. The reconstruction of the Zoo Interchange
began in 2012, with major undertakings beginning in 2013.
The entire project addresses this nine-mile freeway corridor
of the Zoo’s exit drive. Alternate routes to and from the Zoo,
and additional signage were implemented so as not to
deter guests from visiting. Likewise, the Zoo’s website was
continually updated with the latest construction closures,
and additional collateral pieces were designed into existing
Zoo brochures to keep visitors apprised of the latest routes.
Deputy Zoo Director of Animal Management
and Health
With the retirement of Dr. Bruce Beehler in May, we moved
to hire a replacement within a few months’ time. Beth Rich
started at the Zoo August 4, managing all animal division
programs, facilities, staff and the entire animal collection.
She oversees an annual operating budget of $6 million and
70 employees.
She brings over 17 years of experience to her new role, most
recently serving as superintendent of the Tautphaus Park
Zoo, Idaho Falls, Idaho from 2010 to 2014, and as general
curator from 2009 to 2010. Prior to the Tautphaus Park Zoo,
Rich served as an adjunct instructor, Carroll University, 2008,
and as an animal care supervisor, Racine Zoological Society,
2007-2008. She also served in a number of different roles
at the Zoological Society of San Diego from 1997-2007.
Rich earned a Master of Arts degree in conservation education from San Diego State
University, and a Bachelor of Science degree
in zoology from the University of California,
Santa Barbara.
Other Highlights
The Zoo once again hosted a major
temporary exhibit during the summer;
2014 marked the second consecutive year
presenting the live sting ray and shark
exhibit, Sting Ray & Shark Bay, sponsored by
Sendik’s Food Markets. This tropical exhibit
did not disappoint, as eager visitors enjoyed
feeding and interacting with these docile
and attractive marine animals.
New Zoo Interchange
leading to and through the actual interchange. As
Wisconsin’s oldest and busiest interchange, it fully opened
to traffic in 1963 and has since deteriorated with age.
Again in 2014, several significant freeway ramp and bridge
closures during the year affected how visitors arrived at
the Zoo. One of the major construction detours was the
closure of the Bluemound Bridge, which is located just east
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The attraction and special event lineup
included: Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion
Show sponsored by Anderson Seal, LLC; the Sky Safari
sponsored by PNC; Party for the Planet sponsored by
American Transmission Co.; and Senior Celebration
sponsored by Wheaton Franciscan Senior Health.
2014 Special Exhibit
Sting Ray & Shark Bay
Sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets
For the second consecutive summer, the Zoo hosted an
interactive sting ray and shark exhibit which allowed
visitors to get up close with these unique marine animals.
Displayed in our Otto Borchert Family Special Exhibits
Building, the aquatic display ran May 24 through Sept. 1.
A 14,000-gallon touch pool again served as the centerpiece of the exhibit and featured cownose and southern
sting rays, as well as bamboo and bonnethead sharks,
all of which were non-aggressive and harmless to touch.
A number of horseshoe crabs also were featured in the
exhibit; which presented a sharp contrast to the sting rays
and sharks.
Food for the sting rays was available for purchase, allowing
for an enticing way to attract these docile animals.
Sting Ray & Shark Bay was $2 per person and offered an
appealing way to meet sting rays and sharks without
traveling to a distant location!
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2014 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT
A N D H E A LT H D I V I S I O N
The Animal Management and Health Division is responsible for the management, health, husbandry, propagation and
exhibition of a large and diverse collection of animals; the design and operation of the associated facilities and exhibits; the
support of and participation in conservation and research programs at the Zoo and around the world; and the enhancement
of the public’s knowledge and appreciation of animals.
The division includes five major animal care areas: Reptiles
and Aquaria, Primates and Small Mammals, Birds and Family
Farm, Large Mammals, and Animal Health and Nutrition.
In addition to the full-time animal care staff assigned to
these areas, there are rovers – zookeepers trained in many
animal areas that fill in as needed, and also night operations
animal care staff. Staff also coordinate division operations,
maintain detailed records and permits, and manage the
Zoo library.
Animal Division Collections
The animal collections serve to enhance visitors’ knowledge and appreciation of animals, and to contribute to
animal species conservation. Our front-line animal care
staff devote more than 100,000 hours each year toward
the care of our animals.
On Dec. 31, 2014 the Milwaukee County Zoo
animal collection included:
On Zoo Grounds
Species
Specimens
Mammals
82
346
Birds
81
327
Reptiles
43
83
Amphibians
13
40
Fish
136
1,416
Invertebrates
22
910
377
3,122
TOTAL
The animal collection owned by the Zoo and on
loan to other zoological institutions included:
Out on Loan
Species
Specimens
Mammals
16
41
Birds
6
11
Reptiles
6
7
0
0
28
59
Amphibians, Fish and
Invertebrates
TOTAL
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) lists 28 of the
species in our collection as endangered. Several of these
species are critically endangered (on the brink of extinction
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in the wild) such as Amur tiger, southern black rhinoceros,
cotton-top tamarin and western lowland gorilla, Waldrapp
ibis, Bali mynah, Chinese alligator, McCord’s snake-necked
turtle, and the Grand Cayman blue iguana. Our collection
also includes Guam kingfishers, which are extinct in the
wild. In addition, several species in our collection are listed
by the state of Wisconsin as endangered or threatened.
With such a large and diverse animal collection, there are
a significant number of births, transfers and deaths every
year. The life expectancy of animals at our Zoo may
greatly exceed the life expectancy of animals in the wild.
These life expectancies vary dramatically with species –
small rodents and the giant Pacific octopus are old in two
years, while swans can live for decades. Female lions are
ancient at 20 years of age, but our giant Amazon River
turtle may be 100 years old. Animals are subject to the
same types of health conditions as humans, which may
result in earlier deaths.
Onassis, Amazon River turtle
Staff members devote much thought and time toward
enriching the lives of the Zoo animals. They provide mental
and physical stimulation to the animals by varying their
social structure, mixing compatible species together,
changing habitats, offering interesting scents, providing
manipulation devices, engaging them in positive reinforcement training, distributing food treats for foraging
opportunities, and supplying toys and problem-solving
reward devices.
the Amazon Basin. A school of white bass was added to the
Lake Wisconsin Exhibit, which displays the larger fishes that
inhabit our state’s lakes and rivers.
2014 HIGHLIGHTS
REPTILES AND AQUARIA
Aquatic and Reptile Center
In 2014, there were four significant changes to the Aquatic
and Reptile Center (ARC) animal collection, in addition to
the repair and renovation of several 22-year-old exhibits
to house a different collection of reptiles.
Our collection of large snakes native to Wisconsin (bullsnake, rat snake and timber rattlesnake) were moved to a
large display with new substrate and props, allowing the
snakes to display their natural behaviors.
On the recommendation of the Aruba Island Rattlesnake
Species Survival Program® (SSP), our Aruba Island
rattlesnakes were sent to other institutions to breed.
Their exhibit
was renovated
to display an
ornate box turtle.
This species is one
of Wisconsin’s
most endangered
reptiles and was the
subject of a longterm headstarting
program at our Zoo.
As a result of this
program, 20 juvenile
ornate box turtles
Rat snake
were released into
Wisconsin prairies;
336 of which were raised at our Zoo.
An exhibit dedicated to the eastern massasauga rattlesnake
was developed to highlight this native Wisconsin specie.
This snake is endangered throughout its range, and is the
subject of an AZA Species Survival Plan. Our male was
bromated to prepare him physiologically for breeding with
our female during the summer. Numerous breeding events
were recorded, so we are hopeful that our female will drop
a clutch of offspring in 2015.
The Area Supervisor of the Aquatic and Reptile Center
spearheaded a partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. On a regular basis, Zoo Pride
volunteers host a special outreach cart in the ARC informing
visitors about sustainable seafood options.
BIRDS AND FAMILY FARM
Aviary
In anticipation of a new roof for the building, the Aviary
didn’t receive any new species during the year.
However, many existing birds did receive new potential
mates as part of the Zoo’s ongoing efforts to breed recommended species for AZA. Bali Mynah, hooded pitta, Nicobar
pigeon, red-crested cardinal, sunbittern, Humboldt and rockhopper penguins all arrived at our Zoo to participate in their
respective Species Survival Programs®. All were successfully
introduced to their new mates, and we are hopeful 2015 will
result in more offspring.
Also, we had offspring from our Gentoo and Humboldt
penguins, crested wood partridge, Inca terns, pheasant
pigeons, and spangled cotinga. We were the only zoo in
North America to breed spangled cotinga in 2014.
A total of 18 offspring from our previous breeding efforts
departed our Zoo for new homes at 14 different institutions
around the country. The chestnut teal were a first-time
breeding success for the Aviary, and joined crested wood
partridges, Gentoo penguins, green-naped pheasant
pigeons, red-billed hornbills, a Cinereous vulture and
a trumpeter swan, who now all call our Zoo home.
We also created a new habitat for one of our pairs of
Cinereous vultures, which, while not on public display,
hopefully will give it the privacy needed to produce eggs
in the future.
A new king cobra was put onto display in July. She grew
quickly – in little more than a year she went from weighing
3 ounces to 1 ½ pounds.
Fishes that had not been part of the collection for a
number of years were added to our 55,000-gallon
exhibits. An arawana, oscars and a school of
silver dollar pacus were added to the Flooded
Forest Exhibit, which highlights fishes from
Chestnut teals
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We also continued to support avian conservation initiatives
by sending a keeper to Maryland to help with captive whooping crane rearing. Our in-house migratory bird monitoring,
feeding and banding program continued. We also continue
to test different avian collision abatement products
throughout the Zoo in an effort to find the most effective,
cost-friendly and aesthetically pleasing method of reducing
window strikes.
Northwestern Mutual Family Farm
From an animal perspective, the year was relatively quiet
at the farm.
We saw two cow births during the year, an Ayrshire
in December (Ginger) and a red and white Holstein in
October (Belle).
World Bird Sanctuary continued its longstanding relationship
with the Zoo by providing another summer of entertainment
in the Kohl’s Wild Theater. Flighted raptors, as well as
numerous other exotic avifauna, come to us each summer
for three shows daily.
The final addition to the Family Farm was our new beehive.
Working with our local beekeeper, Andy Hempken, on design
elements, a local Eagle Scout, Will Gorecki, planned,
fundraised and constructed a completely new observation
hive for the farm. This was just one of many Eagle Scout
projects the Zoo has been involved in throughout the year.
LARGE MAMMALS
The Large Mammal Sections of the Zoo include: Big Cat
Country, North America/Australia, Pachyderm/Giraffe, and
African/South American Hoofstock/Camels.
In all of these areas, staff continue to
manage an extensive animal collection
with a progressive training program using
operant conditioning. Training the animals
to cooperate willingly for health exams,
sample collections and husbandry procedures
allows for an enriching and stress-free
environment. Samples collected under
these conditions are used to determine
normal biological parameters in exotic
species, and also to monitor the overall
animal health and reproductive status.
Big Cat Country
Red and white Holstein calf
We also received nine chickens, six female Wyandotte
hens and three brahma hens who will make their public
appearance in spring of 2015 in our new chicken coop next
to the front entrance. This yard completes our renovation of
the farm entrance, giving it a more inviting appearance.
We added two new toads and an eastern tiger salamander
to our program collection. These animals can be seen
during petting ring demonstrations from Memorial Day
to Labor Day, and are part of our educational outreach
programming.
The Goat Yard will have some new faces in 2015 as we
transition our herd into pure Nigerian dwarf goats; the first
three arriving in the fall. These animals are much smaller
than most of our current collection, which makes them less
intimidating to our younger visitors.
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Big Cat Country had a very busy year. Three
animals arrived in June including Camelia
the caracal from the Audubon Nature Institute. Camelia was acquired to exhibit in the
indoor cheetah display while the cheetahs use the outdoor
yard. Two female cheetahs, Imara and Kira, were the other
June arrivals, coming to Milwaukee from Wildlife Safari in
Winston, Oregon. They replace our old male, Nama, who
died in February.
Also in June, we
were fortunate to
have snow leopard
cub Sossy born to
parents Tomiris
and Genghis.
Due to the ages
of the parents,
we were only
cautiously
optimistic that
Caracal
any cubs would be produced. Sossy went through a long
period of physical therapy to correct conformation issues
with his back legs, but has gained full mobility and maneuvers through his exhibit without any problems. Keepers,
veterinarians and outside consultants all put in a large
amount of time and effort to give Sossy the attention he
needed to walk properly. On an unfortunate note, Sossy’s
sire Genghis had to be humanely euthanized in September.
Last, but certainly not least, Pat and Stella, our popular
jaguar pair, had a second litter of cubs in August. Male Francisco is the only surviving cub and continues to be exhibited
with Stella heading into 2015. The older jaguar cubs born
in 2012 both departed Milwaukee to form new breeding
pairs. B’alam moved in September to the San Antonio Zoo,
and Zean departed in December for Elmwood Park Zoo in
Norristown, Pennsylvania. Each of them will be paired with
one of two sisters from Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.
Also added to the Australia
building were three young
female red kangaroos from
Dickerson Park Zoo in Springfield, Missouri, and a young
male emu to act as a companion
to our adult emu Arnold.
Finally, two sandhill cranes
were added to the collection
and released into the Moose
Yard, and they’ve adapted well
to their new home.
Matschie’s tree kangaroo
Wolf Awareness Day in October
provided fun activities such as the annual howling contest,
and opportunities for visitors to learn about the history and
recovery of the Wisconsin timber wolf population. Unfortunately the one disposition we did have in the area this year
was the loss of Koda, one of our aging wolves.
North America/Australia
The North America/Australia area had a very busy year
as well. The big news was the birth of a male harbor seal
in June. King Julian is the first harbor seal born at our Zoo,
and the first for wild-born parents Ringo and Sydney,
adding valuable genetic diversity to the North American
zoo population. Staff worked very hard learning the ins and
outs of trying to get a harbor seal pup to eat fish during
a very educational weaning process.
Pachyderms/Giraffe
The big news for the year in pachyderms was the arrival
of two red river hogs. Brothers, Mango and Radish, arrived
from the Charles Paddock Zoo in May and took up seasonal
residence in the renovated Warthog Exhibit next to the
elephants. This is the first time our Zoo has exhibited red
river hogs.
The only other collection change was the loss of our 23year-old female bongo antelope, Meru. Meru is the oldest
bongo ever recorded according to the international studbook, a testimony to the exemplary care she received over
her long lifetime from animal keepers and veterinary staff.
The fifth annual Elephant Awareness Day was a great
success, providing visitors with activities and information
about elephants, and also raising funds for wild elephant
conservation.
African & South American Hoofstock/Camels
Harbor seal
The Australia building had a lot of activity, as a Matschie’s
tree kangaroo, Jucque, emerged from the pouch in the
spring. She’ll remain with her mother, Kiama, until mid2015. With Jucque’s birth, Kiama became the oldest of her
species known to produce an offspring. In April we sent
male, Kokoda, to Franklin Park Zoo in Boston, and received
a new unrelated male, Ronji, from Woodland Park Zoo in
Seattle. Once he is old enough, Ronji will be paired with
our third female, Kiama’s 2-year-old daughter, Tia.
It was a relatively quiet year for collection changes in the
hoofstock areas. A female alpaca, Frankie, was born in
August. Also in August we received Stan, a male Bactrian
camel, from the St. Louis Zoo. As he matures, Stan will be
allowed to breed with our female camel, AJ, who was born
here in 2012.
Dispositions in the area include the departure of male alpaca,
Phoenix. Phoenix has three surviving female offspring
residing here, and so was transferred to avoid inbreeding.
The only other disposition was the humane euthanasia due
to medical issues of elderly impala, Saffron, in February.
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PRIMATES AND SMALL MAMMALS
Apes of Africa, Primates of the World
and Macaque Island
increased our group size from 20 to 21 bonobos. Seven of
these are under the age of five, so there is always a lot of
playful activity.
Significant changes took place during the year with regard
to our gorilla program. In March, we had our first gorilla
birth at our Zoo in 22 years. This was the first baby for both
Cassius, our breeding male, and for 13-year-old Naku.
Naku arrived here in 2011 from the Woodland Park Zoo
in Seattle. She proved to be an outstanding mother and
Cassius greatly impressed us all with his skill at controlling
the new group dynamics. Sadly, the mortality rate for infant
gorillas, both in captivity and in the wild, is very high. Naku’s
baby died at age 4 weeks. While this was a definite setback,
both Naku and Cassius are now proven breeders and skilled
parents. Hopefully, it will only be a matter of time before
Naku has another infant.
Due to our animal care staff members’ diligent work over
the years using positive reinforcement training techniques
with our primates, we’ve been able to document fetal
development by use of ultrasonography on freely cooperating pregnant females. Faith’s pregnancy provided another
opportunity to gather information for critical research.
Dr. Barbara Drews, from the Max Planck Institute in Germany,
visited twice this year to conduct ultrasounds on the expectant mother and gather vital information for the continuation
of her research protocol titled “Fetal Brain Development in
Bonobos and Humans: an Ultrasonography Study.”
In November, Cassius once again became a father. Shalia,
another first-time mom, gave birth to a healthy male. Shalia
came to us on a breeding loan from the Toronto Zoo in
2012, and is an attentive mother. Previously low ranking,
her position in the group has elevated significantly with
the birth of her baby.
The most common cause of mortality in captive great apes
is cardiac disease. Our bonobos, gorillas and orangutans
continue to voluntarily participate in fully awake echocardiograms. Awake blood pressure measurements also are
collected voluntarily from our bonobos and orangutans
utilizing a finger cuff. Monitoring blood pressure is a critical
step forward in the detection and treatment of cardiac
disease in our apes.
The Primates of the World building has seen
a few changes. In April 2014, our adult female
orangutan, MJ, was called upon to act as a
surrogate to an infant male orangutan born
at the Toledo Zoo. Due to facility limitations
and the very young age of the infant, the
adoption was not successful. However, while
here, the infant learned to rely on an orangutan for his maternal needs and to transfer
his social bond from humans to one of his
own kind. This contributed greatly in securing
a successful surrogacy for him elsewhere.
Outdoor Gorilla Yard renovation
Much needed renovations began in the Outdoor Gorilla Yard.
This was made possible through a generous grant from
Northwestern Mutual Foundation and contributions from
the Zoological Society’s annual appeal. The renovations
include a new water feature, climbing platforms and
landscaping. The exhibit reopens in spring of 2015.
Our Zoo has one of the largest collection of bonobos in the
world. A new birth in September to first-time mom, Faith,
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There were no births or deaths in 2014, but
two male primates were placed in breeding
situations at other zoos. Harry, a DeBrazza
monkey, was sent to the Bramble Park Zoo
in South Dakota, and Maxwell, a Goeldi’s
monkey, went to the Cheyenne Mountain
Zoological Park in Colorado.
There have been no changes to the population of Japanese
Macaques on Macaque Island. We currently have two adult
males and four adult females. The groundwork has begun
to import an additional group from Japan.
OTHER RESEARCH AND STUDIES
• Fetal brain development in bonobos and humans:
an ultrasonographic study
• Age-related changes in thyroid hormone levels
of bonobos
Finally, the Maholi bushbaby pair had its first successful
birth, and hopefully there will be more births in the future.
Small Mammals
The Small Mammals Section was busy again this year,
as we had a number of changes in our collection.
After battling health issues for several years, our male ringtailed lemur finally succumb to kidney disease. He lived
here for more than 17 years, and was euthanized at age 24.
Our female Goeldi’s monkey also was euthanized due to
chronic liver disease and other health issues. Our pair of
potto was sent to the Cincinnati Zoo. While part of our
animal collection, this pair had one female offspring who
still currently resides here. We’re hoping to find a mate
for her soon.
It was recommended we relocate our female fennec fox to
the Smithsonian National Zoo, as our pair was no longer
recommended to breed.
The vampire bat colony experienced many setbacks this
year. Sadly, seven members of our collection died. After
much testing and trials, it was discovered that the colony
was vitamin C deficient. Vitamin C is now added to their
daily diet of blood and the colony is recovering.
Two male cotton-top tamarins were sent to other zoos
this year as well. One of our male meerkats passed away.
He was geriatric and had multiple health issues. Our 17year-old male golden-lion tamarin was euthanized due
to complication of kidney disease. We lost three of our
straw-colored fruit bats this year, including our oldest
female. She was the last member of our colony born in
Africa. She had been at our Zoo for 32 years. Sadly, we also
lost our female golden-headed lion tamarin. She had been
diagnosed with cancer and had undergone chemotherapy.
She was such a trooper and will be missed by all.
Lastly, we were very sad to unexpectedly lose one of our
North American river otter brothers to possible stroke.
The two otter brothers were public favorites and very dear
to many hearts. Oscar, the surviving brother, is doing well.
On a more positive note, a female ring-tailed lemur was
acquired as a new companion animal for our remaining older
female, and a female Goeldi’s monkey was acquired as a new
companion animal for our adult male. We acquired a young
male red ruffed lemur as a non-breeding companion for our
female. We also have a new young female fennec fox as a
mate for our male.
Maholi bushbaby
A N I M A L H E A LT H
& NUTRITION
Animal Health Center
The veterinary staff at the Animal Health Center manages
the medical care, preventive health programs and the
nutrition programs of the Zoo’s entire animal collection.
Some of the procedures performed in 2014 included: 365
anesthetic procedures; 1,060 parasite exams run on 512
samples; 2,108 written prescriptions; 281 radiographic
procedures, including eight CT scans; and over 3,700 medical
record entries for 548 individual animals representing
220 species.
On average, each day of the year there were eight animals
in the Animal Health Center. Many were those kept in
quarantine before releasing them to the main zoological
collection. These included: a red ruffed, and a ring-tailed
lemur; a Matschie’s tree kangaroo; a pair of cheetah; a pair
of red river hogs, which is a new species to the collection.
Also going through quarantine were two different breeds
of chickens destined for the new hen house at the Family
Farm, a hooded pitta, a Bali Mynah, speckled mousebirds,
a tiger salamander, a painted turtle and a grey rat snake.
Other hospital residents were being treated for a variety of
illnesses, or held for shipment or management purposes.
Our big change for 2014 was the transition from the MEDARKS,
the old DOS-based medical records keeping system,
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serve as veterinarians at the Indianapolis,
St. Louis, and Oklahoma City zoos, Busch
Gardens in Tampa, Ocean Park in Hong Kong
and as an assistant professor at the School of
Veterinarian Medicine in Madison.
The pathology fellowship is a three-year
program that offers specialized training to
pathologists interested specifically in zoo
and exotic animal pathology, and provides
us with information crucial to managing our
collection. Our sixth pathology fellow, since
the program’s 1997 inception, began in
July 2013 following two years in a general
pathology residency program at the
University of Tennessee.
The Zoo’s veterinary staff at work with Oceans of Fun
to ZIMS-Medical, the medical version of the Zoological
Information Management System.
In November, all old records were imported into the new
system, and staff took the remainder of the year to learn
how to efficiently enter information and use the new system. As of the end of the year, it’s still a work in progress.
The Animal Health Center also is upgrading to digital radiographic equipment. This upgrade will save personnel time,
reduce anesthesia time for the animals, preclude the use
of hazardous chemicals, and allow us to take better images
easy to send worldwide as part of the animal’s record, or
for consultation with other veterinarians and radiologists.
The Animal Health Center is a renowned zoo veterinary
medicine teaching hospital. Programs include two clinical
zoo medicine residencies and a zoo pathology fellowship
program funded by the Zoological Society. All are conducted in collaboration with the University of WisconsinMadison School of Veterinary Medicine.
The three-year clinical residency program provides specialty
training in zoo and exotic animal medicine. The residents alternate their time at the Zoo, and the program has expanded
the time residents spend at the Zoo from four months a year
to six months. This increases the amount of training they
receive in a zoological setting. In 2014, we had two residents,
one in her second year, and one that began his first year in
July. A third clinical residency was approved and that resident
begins in 2015. All past residents are employed, and now
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The veterinary staff also conduct a Zoological
Medicine Extern Program for veterinary
students, spending between four to eight
weeks at our Zoo. Three veterinary students
completed the externship in 2014.
Animal Commissary
The Animal Commissary receives, evaluates and stores
most of the animal food and supplies before daily delivery
on request to multiple areas of the Zoo where animal
diets are prepared. Our large, spacious, cement-floored hay
barn was improved this year with a new membrane roof
that includes multiple skylights for natural lighting during
the day to save on electrical costs. We also purchased a
new electric pallet jack, as the original unit, in operation
for almost 40 years, entered a well-deserved retirement
due to the unavailability of parts.
In 2014, more than 200 types of food were purchased
with an animal food budget of $585,000. A few examples
include: 235 tons of hay, 31,000 crickets, 5 tons of carrots,
4 tons of frozen herring, 10 tons of bananas, 6 tons of
bear-diet pellets, almost 11 tons of beef feline-diet mix
and more than 7,000 eggs.
S U P P O RT O P E RAT I O N S
Animal Records
Records have been kept for the almost 20,000 individual
animals that have been managed in our collection since it
opened in 1892. Today, AZA-accredited zoos keep very
detailed up-to-date records for each animal, telling its life
story from birth to death.
Identifying characteristics or marks, all background
information, measurements, behavior, breeding
management, enclosure information, behavioral enrichment,
training, diet/feeding, development, and medical notes and
procedures are included in the animal’s record.
All of the information that the animal care staff observe is
reported daily to the registrar, who records the information
electronically in a database called Zoological Inventory
Management System (ZIMS). In 2014, the Zoo added
thousands of entries into this database.
The Zoological Inventory Management System is the largest
global animal management network in the world. The central
database contains information on 2.6 million animals – more
than 10,000 species – held in more than 800 institutions
in 80 countries, as well as some animals in the wild that
are participants in release and relocation projects. More than
20,000 zoo, aquarium and conservation professionals worldwide use the information contained in ZIMS for conservation
programs.
Animal medical information is vital to the care of the animal
collection. Our Zoo began using the new Medical Module
incorporated into ZIMS late in 2014. It is used to create a
detailed medical record for each animal, and includes
clinical notes and information regarding prescriptions,
treatments, cryo-preservation records and more. The
formerly used Medical Animal Records Keeping System,
known as MedARKS, will be utilized for a little while longer
for pathology and necropsy information.
Regulatory Agencies
Our Zoo partners with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the
U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources, the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal
Control Center and other agencies. We provide these agencies
with expertise and assistance toward the conservation and
protection of animals in the wild and in captivity.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Exhibitor permit
Plant Pests, Noxious Weed, Soil Movement permit
U.S. Department of the Interior
Marine Mammal Protection Act permit
State of Wisconsin:
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Depredation permit
(Canada goose and eggs)
DATCP Johne’s Disease-Free Herd classification
DATCP Chronic Wasting Disease-Free Herd classification
Library and Archive
The Zoo Library and Archive, located in the Administration
Annex in the Northwestern Mutual Family Farm, is a research
library that provides information resources to staff of the
Milwaukee County Zoo, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee,
Zoo Pride volunteers and to the public.
The library collection includes books and academic/scientific
periodicals in the following subject areas: zoological science;
animal husbandry; management of animals in captivity;
animal behavior; animal nutrition; veterinary medicine;
wildlife conservation; birds; fishes; invertebrates; mammals;
reptiles and amphibians; aquarium management; aquatic
life; horticulture; zoological gardens; history of zoological
science; zoo administration; and zoo, aquarium and museum
exhibits. The library also collects ephemeral materials from
U.S. and foreign zoos and aquariums. This collection is
the largest collection of zoo ephemera in the country.
The library also has a number of animal-themed art works,
including prints, sculptures, and paintings.
The Zoo complies with regulations and permit requirements
of international treaties, and national and state laws
regarding animal conservation, management, care, health
and safety. Examples of permits received by the Zoo in
2014 include:
International:
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
import permit (CITES)
National:
The Zoo Library and Archive
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)
Captive Bred Wildlife permit
Migratory Bird Special Purpose permit
Depredation permit
Native Endangered Species Recovery permit
The archive preserves materials that are crucial to the history
of our Zoo and of zoos in the United States. The collection
includes photos, slides, DVDs, VHS cassettes, 16mm films,
historic postcards, personal papers, veterinary records and
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MCZ historical records on paper and microfiche. These
materials are housed in a climate-controlled environment
for preservation purposes.
The library staff includes one part-time professional librarian
who provides reference services, assists in research, maintains
the catalog and manages both the library and archives
collections. The librarian also works part-time for the
Zoological Society as the information specialist, managing
the Society’s photo database and researching information
for exhibit signage. A total of 15 Zoo Pride volunteers assist
the librarian on library and archive projects.
Wattled curassow
CO N S E R VAT I O N , R E S E A R C H
A N D P R O PA G AT I O N P R O G R A M S
In 2014, the Zoo managed and/or contributed to diverse conservation, research and propagation programs at local,
regional, national and international levels. The senior animal staff, including specialty curators, staff veterinarians and the
deputy Zoo director, develop, implement and manage these programs. Front-line staff also actively manage and participate
in many of these programs. Collaborative efforts with other conservation-oriented institutions and agencies are essential
to the effectiveness of these efforts.
In addition to the commitment of Zoo resources and the resources of collaborating institutions,
significant funding came from Zoo trust funds and the Zoological Society.
Red river hogs
Conservation and Research Program Collaborative Support
The Zoo provides funding and/or staff support to selected conservation initiatives and research projects.
Highlights for support in 2014 include:
IUCN Conservation Breeding Specialist Group
Global
Turtle Survival Program
Global
Polar Bears International
Pan-Arctic
International Elephant Foundation
Africa and Asia
International Rhino Foundation
Africa and Asia
Ape TAG Conservation Initiative
Africa and Asia
Great Ape Survival Partnership
Africa and Asia
Phoenix Fund Amur Tiger Project
Russia
International Snow Leopard Trust
Nepal
Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program
Papua New Guinea
Orangutan Outreach
Borneo and Sumatra
Hornbill Nestbox Adoption
Thailand
Fennec Fox Conservation Project
North Africa
Bonobo and Congo Biodiversity Initiative
Democratic Republic of Congo
Lola Ya Bonobo – Bonobo Sanctuary
Democratic Republic of Congo
Virunga Park Protection Project
Democratic Republic of Congo
Tarangire Elephant Project
Tanzania
Kibale Fuel Wood Project
Uganda
Berggorilla and Regenwald Direkthilfe Gorilla Project
Rwanda
Adopt an Ostrich Program/Sahara Conservation Fund
Niger
Elephants for Africa
Botswana
Cheetah Conservation Botswana
Botswana
Egyptian Vulture Migration Study
Djibouti
Madagascar Fauna Group
Madagascar
Grenada Frog Study
Grenada
Grenada Bank Treeboa Study
Grenada
Grenada Coral Reef Study
Grenada
Leatherback Turtle Study – Ocean Spirits
Grenada
Rock Iguana Conservation
Jamaica
Rock Iguana Conservation
Grand Cayman
Whooping Crane Recovery Project
National
AZA Elephant Welfare Project
National
Piping Plover Recovery Project
Great Lakes
Ornate Box Turtle Headstart Program
Wisconsin
Butler’s Garter Snake Ecology
Wisconsin
Herp Fund – WIDNR
Wisconsin
Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study
Zoo
Starhead Topminnow Spawning Research
Zoo
Mississippi Gopher Frog Management
Zoo
Great Ape Heart Project
International
Milwaukee Ape Heart Project
Zoo
Great Ape Cardiovascular Disease Study
Zoo
Great Ape Ultrasound Studies
Zoo
Bonobo Cardiovascular Database
Zoo
Alpaca
The Zoo also provides funding
for collaborative conservation
and research initiatives, including:
Avian Scientific Advisory Group
Penguin Taxon Advisory Group
Great Apes Taxon Advisory Group
International Species Inventory System
AZA Wildlife Contraception Center
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ZO O STA F F CO N S E R VAT I O N
A N D R E S E A RC H P ROJ EC T S
Zoo staff participate in wildlife conservation and research projects at local, regional and international levels. Many of the
Zoo staff projects listed below were made possible with funding from the Zoological Society of Milwaukee.
Grenada Coral Reef Study
In 2009, our research efforts in the Caribbean expanded
to the surrounding ocean, as we joined the Wisconsin
Lutheran College’s reef monitoring program in Grenada.
The purpose of this project is to compare the long-term
health of the coral reefs found in Grenada’s marine
protected areas with other areas that receive no protection.
We hope to demonstrate the economic benefits of
protected areas to the tourist industry and fishing
communities of Grenada.
Grand Cayman blue iguana
In 2014, a second paper was published about this research
in the International Journal of Tropical Biology. This study
has become more defined as it entered its eighth year.
Two species of corals are being compared, a “weedy,” rather
delicate branched coral, and a massive coral that builds
the framework of a healthy coral reef. The numerous fish
species inhabiting the reef are now being categorized by
size class. If fish populations are rebounding, we would
expect to see a gradual increase in the size of the fishes
in the reserve within the protected areas.
Grenada Frog Study
The Grenada frog was once widespread on the island
nation of Grenada. During the late 1880s, a related frog
species, Johnstone’s frog, was introduced.
Since that time, Johnstone’s frog has spread throughout the
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island and the Grenada frog has retreated to small isolated
pockets (seven square miles) in the mountain rainforests.
In 2004, the Zoo, the Milwaukee Public Museum and the
Grenada Forestry and National Parks Department initiated
a field study to determine if these two species can successfully coexist. In February of 2009, we noted the numbers of
frogs observed had dropped for a third consecutive year.
As a result, frogs were sampled to determine if they were
carrying the deadly frog-killing fungus called chytrid.
Unfortunately, the fungus was found at all
of the sampling sites. Chytrid could lead to
the extinction of the Grenada frog.
The Zoo and its collaborators began to
develop a Conservation Action Plan for the
frog in 2010. In 2011, it appeared the frog
populations in Grenada had stabilized and
in 2012 they seemed to be rebounding.
Data from 2013, however, seem to indicate
that both frog species may be experiencing
a second wave of decline. The number of
frogs encountered on surveys conducted
during the first 6 months of 2014 were
little different from the 2013 survey numbers. Continued monitoring is necessary
to verify this observation. Unfortunately,
surveys were not conducted during the rainy
season of 2014 due to health concerns
for the research team, as an epidemic of
Chikungunya virus was raging amongst the human
population of Grenada at that time.
Rock Iguana Conservation Projects
The Zoo and the Zoological Society have supported rock
iguana conservation in the genus Cyclura since 1995.
In 2003, this support increased with the addition of fieldwork studies of the Grand Cayman blue iguana and
Jamaican iguana.
Blue iguanas are one of the most endangered lizard species
in the world. A 2003 census indicated there might have
been as few as 12 Grand Cayman blue iguanas in the wild.
Because of the efforts of several zoos, including ours, the
population is now estimated to number more than 200.
The Jamaican iguana, once thought to be extinct in the
wild, is still very much in peril.
The Zoo has participated in the fieldwork for these collaborative efforts, resulting in successful releases of captivehatched, raised-and-released iguanas back into the wilds
of Grand Cayman and Jamaica. Also, through observations
and radio tracking, data have been collected for the first
time on the habits of these rare species from both raisedand-released iguanas and free-ranging wild individuals.
In 2014, the Zoo sent a zookeeper to survey blue iguanas
on one of the Grand Cayman Islands. Additionally, a veterinary technician was sent to assist in the health screening
of the iguanas. She has been assisting the veterinary staff
of the Wildlife Conservation Society with iguana health
screenings since 2009. More fieldwork is scheduled, and
we’ll be sending additional staff to assist fieldworkers with
nest monitoring and protection, health screenings and
radio tracking. Staff also assist with the maintenance of
iguana raise-and-release facilities.
Zoo personnel have been involved with Jamaican iguana
conservation since 2002. During the nesting season, usually
early June, wild iguanas are monitored at known nest sites.
Nesting females are observed and individually identified.
Once they have laid their clutch, the iguanas are captured
for health screening. In early September, 95 days after
nesting, the hatching season begins. Each newly hatched
iguana is weighed, measured, sexed, transpondered, has
blood collected and is released or taken to Jamaica’s Hope
Zoo for headstarting. In 2013, more than 300 hatchlings
were processed, an increase of 30 percent from 2012,
but in 2014, the number of hatchlings declined nearly 50
percent from the 2013 total. Future hatching success will
be monitored closely. Although it is too soon to be sure,
climate change may be putting additional pressure on the
already precarious population.
Additionally, the Jamaican government is considering a
proposal by a developer to build a shipping port. If built,
the disturbance and accessibility the port would create
would further threaten this species.
Grenada Bank Treeboa Study
Since 2003, the Zoo has been working with Bob Henderson
(Milwaukee Public Museum Curator Emeritus) on a Grenada
Bank treeboa demographics project. In 2010, we also began
collaboration with E. Marie Rush, DVM, and St. George’s
University, Grenada. Her project encompasses demographics,
ecto- and endoparasite identification, and baseline blood
parameters. Future studies also will include DNA analysis
of pooled blood samples to identify subpopulations of
the species.
Starhead Topminnow Breeding
Starhead topminnows are an endangered fish species in
Wisconsin. Although there have been a few cases of successful captive reproduction in the private sector, there are
no reports of breeding in zoos or aquariums. Several pairs
were collected in July 2007 with the intent of developing
spawning techniques that could be used by the Wisconsin
DNR should a captive breeding program become a necessity.
One or two pairs have been collected each year since, in
order to maintain the genetic diversity of the Zoo’s captive
population. Fishes from this program have been sent to the
Urban Ecology Center and other aquariums and nature
centers for display.
Longear Sunfish Conservation
Although somewhat common in the South, the longear
sunfish are an endangered species in Wisconsin. In collaboration with the Wisconsin DNR, a total of 48 longear sunfish
were translocated into an artificial pond in front of our Aviary.
The purpose is an attempt to establish an assurance colony
of longear sunfish from the Mukwonago River in Wisconsin.
Only 300 yards of this river support a thriving population of
this species. Unfortunately, this stretch of river is crossed by
two highways and a railroad trestle. If an accidental toxic
spill occurs along this site, the longear sunfish, and several
other fish species of conservation concern, could be wiped
out. If the colony takes hold, additional longear sunfish will
be captured every year in order to maintain a genetically
viable population.
Migratory and Resident Avifauna Study
Since 2001, Zoo staff and volunteers have continued
to mist-net and leg-band wild birds on Zoo grounds to
determine the numbers and species that use our grounds
as a stopover site during migration. To date, the team has
identified 182 species of native migratory birds. Of these
identified species, 44 are listed as rare, threatened or of
special concern in
Wisconsin, and 45
have been identified
as nesting on Zoo
grounds. Because of
these remarkable findings, the Wisconsin
DNR has designated
the Zoo as a recognized migratory bird
stopover habitat. In
addition, bird-banding
demonstrations are
conducted each year
during the Zoo’s
Migratory bird-banding
at the Zoo
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special Earth Day event, Party for the Planet, in which visitors
can observe the banding process and release birds.
In 2013, a hummingbird study began with hummingbird
feeders installed on Zoo grounds. In 2014, we initiated a
banding protocol for this unique species of birds as well.
Wild Bird Collision Abatement
Zoo and Society staff, plus volunteers, are involved with
minimizing the amount of injury and mortality associated
with bird-window collisions by actively modifying existing
structures to mitigate strikes. By applying stencils, striping,
silhouettes and decals, as well as using netting and better
planting practices, we are reducing the number of birdrelated mortalities as a result of window collisions. In 2014,
various materials were applied on selected windows at the
Zoo to allow us to evaluate the appearance, effectiveness
and durability of window-collision prevention measures.
To date, the parachute cord product seems to be the most
cost effective and aesthetically-friendly application; you’ll
see it on various buildings throughout the Zoo,
Migratory Bird Support
studies on nontoxic alternatives to controlling sandhill
crane depredation on crops.
In 2006, a juvenile whooping crane with a broken wing had
been deemed unreleasable by the USFWS. The crane, Torch,
was received by the Zoo for veterinary care and display. An
exhibit was created for Torch at our Wong Family Pheasantry
to house this bird after the injury healed. Zoo patrons can
learn his story as well as get the full history of the Crane
Recovery Program through signage near his exhibit.
In 2008, a juvenile female whooping crane, Tiki, was
brought to the Zoo as a companion for Torch. Tiki hatched
from an egg laid in the wild but artificially incubated. She
was raised in Patuxent, Maryland, before traveling back to
Necedah, Wisconsin, to be
part of the Autumn Release Program. Injuries
sustained from another
crane during Tiki’s flight
training rendered Tiki
unreleasable.
The Zoo and Society also are committed to educating
the community about migratory birds by placing several
different types of feeders throughout the Zoo, and planting
native species of plants that provide cover and food for
migratory birds.
Bird feeders placed next to the Dall Sheep Exhibit, as well
as next to the Peck Welcome Center boardwalk serve as
examples of what people can do to help migratory birds
in their own backyards. Nest boxes are placed around
Lake Evinrude for bluebird, chickadee, house wren and tree
swallow nesting. Chickadees and tree swallows have fledged
from these boxes. In 2014, we expanded this program with
several new feeding stations throughout the Zoo.
Whooping Crane Conservation
The Milwaukee County Zoo assists the International Crane
Foundation (ICF) and USFWS with whooping crane recovery
by acting as a medical care location for injured whooping
cranes that were part of the release program.
The Whooping Crane Recovery Program is responsible for
bringing the number of wild cranes back from a low of 16
individuals in the 1940s, to a total of more than 500 individuals collectively in captivity and in the wild. The ICF
uses donated funds to aid in the captive-rearing, release
and management of wild cranes as well as developing
new release techniques to bolster the existing population.
The ICF also presents outreach programs to educate the
public on the plight of the cranes as well as conducts
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Whooping crane
Tiki and Torch have now
been living together for
several years and in 2013
and 2014, they nested,
and an egg was laid each
year. We are hopeful that
someday they may be
able to contribute their
genes to help bolster the
wild population.
In 2012, 2013 and 2014, the Zoo and the Zoological Society
provided funds for a zookeeper to learn more about the
handling, restraint, hand-rearing and general husbandry
practices used by a USFWS facility in Patuxent, Maryland;
the world’s most successful breeder of whooping cranes.
Humboldt Penguin Conservation and Research
Our Zoo has a long and storied history with the conservation
of Humboldt penguins in their native range, which is
restricted to the coasts of Peru and Chile. In 1994, the Zoo
initiated a long-term research program to study a breeding
colony of Humboldt penguins in Algarrobo, Chile. Several
journal articles and publications related to this study and
the captive management were completed in 2014.
Milwaukee Ape Heart Project: Gene Analysis for
ARVC in Bonobos
Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC),
discovered in one of our bonobos in 2013, has now also
been identified in chimps and gorillas. In humans, ARVC can
be inheritable and causes replacement of the normal heart
muscle with fatty tissue in the right ventricle, leading to
heart disease, fatal arrhythmias and early death. We are
continuing to explore the genetic mutations that may cause
ARVC in bonobos through collaboration with a molecular
genetics team at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Genetic analysis is currently underway.
Great Ape Hypertension and
Cardiovascular Disease
For a number of years, the Zoo has worked at training
bonobos for voluntary participation in allowing indirect
blood pressure measurements to be collected using finger
cuffs. This work has allowed us to be the first to document
hypertension in an awake animal and to prove that
treatment with oral blood pressure medications results
in lowering of blood pressure and lessening of heart
enlargement. Our success with measuring awake blood
pressures in bonobos has been recognized by the Great
Ape heart Project, who has submitted a large grant to
expand blood pressure measurements in other zoos holding bonobos, in order to develop normal ranges for finger
blood pressure and identify critical points for therapeutic
intervention with anti-hypertensive medication.
The Bonobo Cardiovascular Database is housed at our Zoo
and is an integral partner of the Great Ape Heart Project.
Our data quality is the highest of that collected for all
species of captive great apes, and was selected to be the
first set of information entered into the new Great Ape
Heart Project Database.
Great Ape Research
For many years, the Zoo has provided researchers with
access to our great apes. Positive-reinforcement training
by staff has resulted in the willing participation of our
bonobos, gorillas and orangutans in groundbreaking
studies regarding health, cognition, tool use and behavior.
The apes can leave the research area whenever they wish,
but almost always respond positively to attention, praise
and the challenge of solving puzzles.
In 2013, great ape research was conducted in collaboration
with researchers from throughout the United States and
Europe.
Western lowland gorilla
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A D D I T I O N A L CO N S E R VAT I O N E F F O RT S
There are numerous examples of Zoo staff, Zoological Society staff, Zoo Pride volunteers and other associates working
outside their normal duties to voluntarily support conservation efforts around the world. A few examples from 2014:
Animal Awareness Days – Wolf and Elephant
Two zookeeper-driven events were held at the Zoo this year
to showcase their species and educate the public on captive care as well as conservation needs in the wild. Zoo staff
and Zoo Pride volunteers helped with the events. Elephant
Awareness Day was held Sept.13 and Wolf Awareness Day
Oct. 18. Both events included activities and opportunities
for behind-the-scene tours of the facilities, zookeeper talks
and the distribution of materials on related conservation
organizations. Wolf Day has been hosted at the MCZ for
nearly 15 years, and Elephant Day is a relatively more
recent offering. During these special events, visitors are
encouraged to conserve these species, and to learn about
the other species and the ecosystems that are important
to sustain wild populations. Funds raised at Elephant
Awareness Day were donated to the International
Elephant Foundation and Elephants for Africa.
In-house Luncheon Fundraiser
In May, Zoo pachyderm keepers hosted an in-house
fundraising luncheon called Cinco de Rhino. Staff and volunteers assisted in donating food items for the luncheon,
and tickets were sold to staff and volunteers. The luncheon
raised approximately $400, and these monies were
matched by Zoo conservation funds. All proceeds
benefitted the International Rhino Foundation.
Orangutan Conservation Fundraiser
In 2014, orangutan conservation was supported through
public donations, Zoo Conservation Fund donations, palm
oil awareness events and through the sale of orangutan
artwork. Held in conjunction with Mother’s Day, Missing
Orangutan
Orangutan Mothers (M.O.M.) is a very popular annual
awareness and fundraising event held in the Primates of
the World building that focuses on the plight of wild orangutans. Proceeds generated during this event were donated
to Orangutan Outreach. New outreach this year included
colorful dyed silk scarves, made by our orangutans, with a
little help from their human friends. The orangutans have
always enjoyed painting and it’s a regular part of their
enrichment program. The proceeds from the sales were
donated to Orangutan Outreach.
Polar Bears International Arctic Ambassador
Since 2008, the Zoo has been an Arctic Ambassador Center
for Polar Bears International (PBI). In 2014, employees were
involved in several greenhouse gas reduction programs to
help save “the great white bear” from extinction. Several
volunteers and Zoo and Society employees were awarded
the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council’s Project Partnership
Award for their involvement in the Trees for You and Me
Program. Volunteers staffed an educational booth at the
Zoo’s Party for the Planet event to teach visitors about the
issues facing polar bears in the wild, and how planting trees
can help their plight. In October, one of our zookeepers
spent two weeks in Churchill, Canada, as a PBI In-Field Ambassador to educate tourists about reducing their carbon
footprint. A live webcast featuring scientists on the tundra
also was broadcast during the fall as an educational program for Zoo staff and volunteers. The same zookeeper
organized an off-site fundraising event called “Painting and
Cocktails for Polar Bears.” The total amount raised for PBI’s
bear awareness safety programs at the event was $675.
American Association of
Zookeepers /Milwaukee Chapter
The mission of the American Association of Zookeepers
(AAZK) is to advance excellence in the animal-keeping profession, foster effective communication beneficial to animal
care, support deserving conservation projects and promote
the preservation of our natural resources and animal life.
Zookeepers at the Zoo established the Milwaukee AAZK
Chapter (MAAZK) in 1975. Currently the MAAZK chapter
includes members from both the Milwaukee County Zoo
and the Racine Zoo. Officers and members volunteer time
to oversee fundraising events, many of which take place
on Zoo grounds. In addition, the MAAZK chapter hosts
the Zoo’s in-house Lunchtime Lecture series.
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In 2014, the MAAZK chapter conducted several fundraising
events and donated the monies raised to conservation
projects and organizations, including:
* Jaguar Conservation
* International Rhino Foundation
* Bornean Clouded Leopard Project
* Snow Leopard Trust
* Baird’s Tapir Project
* Sloth Bear Drone Project
* Sea Turtle Restoration Project
* Penguin Conservation
* Bat Conservation Day Sponsorship
OTHER RESEARCH AND STUDIES
The Zoo assists in many scientific studies and collaborative
research projects by providing facilities, staff expertise, data
and an environment conducive to animal studies. The Zoo
Research Committee reviews all research proposals to
ensure the welfare of the animals is protected. Studies that
the Zoo conducted, collaborated with, participated in or
that were published in 2014 include:
• Compressive myelopathy and bladder atony in
a male snow leopard
• Artificial burrows to improve the breeding success of
Humboldt penguins in Chile
• Evaluating the conservation value of worldwide
zoological institutions
• Histological evaluation of tree kangaroo reproductive
tissues
The Zoo also maintains a storage library of frozen or preserved blood, biopsy tissue and necropsy tissue samples,
all of which are available for approved research projects
upon request.
Presentations/Publications
The Animal Division staff deliver more than 1,000 formal
presentations and innumerable informal presentations to
the visiting public every year. In addition, Zoo staff develop
programs, publish articles and research papers, and deliver
presentations locally, regionally and internationally to
contribute to conservation efforts.
• Grenada frog observations in the field and captivity:
conservation implications
• Gene analysis in a bonobo with arrhythmogenic right
ventricular cardiomyopathy
• Cognition in bonobos as it relates to human cognition
• Measurements of hormone levels for reproductive
management of hippos
• Fetal brain development in bonobos and humans:
an ultrasonographic study
• Age-related changes in thyroid hormone levels of bonobos
• Evidence of philopatry and natal dispersal in
Humboldt penguins
• Using science to understand zoo elephant welfare
• Metacestode infection in a juvenile Bornean orangutan
• Laterality in non-communicative behaviors in captive
bonobos
• Nutrient loading from hippos and their effect on river
ecosystem function
• Comparing chimpanzee and bonobo communication
and neurobiology
• Conservation genetics of African and Asian rhinoceroses
• Immunocontraception of female ovids and caprids
• Differentiating notch marks made on bones by
hyenas from those made by humans
Red panda
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CO O P E RAT I V E A N I M A L
MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
The Zoo cooperates with all members of the AZA to enhance the survival of endangered species in our collections and in
the wild. This is done through Species Survival Plans. Groups of scientists and collaborating experts develop breeding plans
to help protect the genetic variations of each of these species. Collaborative programs also are developed with range
countries to assist in conservation of these animals and their habitats in the wild.
The Zoo also participates in AZA Species Studbooks to
manage the propagation and reduce the inbreeding of zoo
animal populations, and AZA Taxon Advisory Groups (TAGs)
to develop strategies for the long-term management of
animal groups. The Zoo collaborates with all of the Species
Studbooks, SSPs and TAGs appropriate for our animal
collection, which includes:
Species Studbooks
Barbet, Bearded
Boa, Virgin Islands (Caya Diablo)
Boa, Virgin Islands (St. Thomas)
Cichlid, Lake Victoria - Ishameli
Cichlid, Lake Victoria - Melanopterus
Hornbill, Great
Iguana, Grand Cayman Blue
Iguana, Jamaican
Monkey, Diana
Moose
Peafowl, Congo
Penguin, Long-Crested Rockhopper
Tapir, Baird's (Central American)
Tapir, Malayan (Asian)
Species Survival Plans
Alligator, Chinese
Aracari, Green
Bat, Straw-Colored Fruit
Bear, Polar
Bluebird, Fairy
Bongo, Eastern
Bonobo
Callimico
Cat, Black-Footed
Cheetah
Cichlid, Lake Victoria
Colobus, Angolan
Colobus, Guereza
Dikkop, Spotted
Dove, Black-Naped Fruit
Eland, Common
Elephant
Flamingo, Caribbean
Fox, Fennec
Black-footed cat
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Frogmouth, Tawny
Gazelle, Addra
Giraffe, Reticulated & Rothschild
Gorilla, Western Lowland
Heron, Boat-Billed
Hippopotamus
Hornbill, Rhinoceros
Hyena, Spotted
Ibis, Scarlet
Ibis, Waldrapp
Jaguar
Jay, Plush Crested
Kangaroo, Red
Kingfisher, Micronesian
Kookaburra, Laughing
Kudu, Greater
Laughing Thrush, White-Crested
Lemur, Black and White Ruffed
Lemur, Mongoose
Lemur, Red Ruffed
Lemur, Ring-Tailed
Leopard, Snow
Lion
Macaque, Japanese
Mandrill
Monkey, DeBrazza's
Moose
Motmot, Blue Crowned
Mynah, Bali
Orangutan, Bornean
Orangutan, Sumatran
Panda, Red
Penguin, Gentoo
Penguin, Humboldt
Penguin, Short-Crested Rockhopper
Pigeon, Green-Naped Pheasant
Pigeon, Nicobar
Pigeon, Victoria-Crowned
Rail, Guam
Rattlesnake, Aruba Island
Rattlesnake, Eastern Massasauga
Rhea, Greater
Rhinoceros, Eastern Black
Roller, Blue-Bellied
Screamer, Crested
Sea Lion, California
Seal, Harbor
Siamang
Spider Monkey, Central American
Spider Monkey, Robust Black
Spoonbill, African
Starling, Golden-Breasted
Stilt, Black-Necked
Stork, Abdim's (White-Bellied)
Stork, Marabou
Sunbittern
Tamarin, Cotton-Top
Tamarin, Golden Lion
Tamarin, Golden-Headed Lion
Tanager, Turquoise
Teal, Marbled
Tern, Inca
Tiger, Amur
Tiger, Generic
Tiger, Malayan
Tiger, Sumatran
Toad, Puerto Rican Crested
Tree Kangaroo, Matschie's
Turaco, Violaceous
Vulture, King
Warthog
Weaver, White-Headed Buffalo
Zebra, Grevy's
Zebra, Plains
Taxon Advisory Groups
Amphibian
Antelope and Giraffe
Ape
Aquatic Invertebrate
Bat
Bear
Bison, Buffalo, Cattle
Canid and Hyaenid
Caprinae
Charadriiformes
Chelonian
Ciconiiformes
Phoenicopteriformes
Columbiformes
Coraciiformes
Crocodilian
Deer (Cervid/Tragulid)
Elephant
Equid
Felid
Freshwater Fishes
Galliformes
Gruiformes
Lizard
Marine Fishes
Marine Mammal
Marsupial and Monotreme
New World Primate
Old World Monkey
PACCT (Passerines)
Pangolin, Aardvark, Xenarthra
Parrot
Penguin
Piciformes
Prosimian
Raptor
Ratite and Tinamiformes
Rhinoceros
Rodent, Insectivore, Lagomorph
Small Carnivore
Snake
Tapir
Terrestrial Invertebrate
Turaco and Cuckoo
Wild Pig, Peccary and Hippo
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Professional Program Management
Zoo staff members hold management positions in national
and international programs through the AZA and other conservation entities. These management positions include:
• President – Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine
Technicians
• Director – Milwaukee Ape Heart Project
• Manager – Bonobo Cardiovascular Database
• Board of Directors – International Rhino Keeper Association
• Chair & Co-chair – Humboldt Penguin SSP
• Veterinary Adviser – Bonobo SSP, Ape TAG,
Humboldt penguin SSP, Penguin TAG
• Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medicine Technicians
Examination Committee
• Vice-chair – AZA Annual Conference Program Committee
• Management Group – Bonobo SSP
• Steering Committee – Institution Data Management
Adviser Group, Freshwater Fish TAG, Lake Victoria Cichlid
SSP, Great Ape Heart Project, Ape TAG, Penguin TAG,
Bear TAG
• Co-editor – American Association of Zookeepers Animal
Keeper Forum
• Reviewer – Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Diseases
• Behavioral Husbandry Committee – American Association
of Zookeepers
• Executive Committee – Association of Zoo Veterinary
Technicians
• Research Advisory Committee – Eastern Massasauga
Rattlesnake
• Education Committee – Elephant Managers Association
• Enrichment Committee – Elephant Managers Association
• Ethics Committee – Association of Zoo Veterinary
Technicians
• Grants Committee – Association of Zoo Veterinary
Technicians, National American Association of Zookeepers
• Conservation Committee – National American
Association of Zookeepers
• Animal Welfare Committee – Liaison between National
AAZK and AZA
• Outreach Coordinator – Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake SSP
• Partner – Seafood Watch Program
• SSP Coordinator/Studbook Keeper/Point Person –
Red Kangaroo, Yellow-Backed Duiker, Short-Crested
Rockhopper, Long-Crested Rockhopper, Tayra,
Striped Skunk, Canada Lynx
In addition, members of the Zoo staff are officers of the
Milwaukee Chapter of the AAZK.
• Zookeeper Adviser – Bonobo SSP
Facilities and Improvements
• Scientific Advisory Board – Urban Ecology Center
A considerable number of animal area infrastructure projects
was completed in 2014. Most of these are not noticed by
the public, but are critical for the continued operation
of the Zoo and the well-being of the animal collection.
The projects included: animal life-support systems, heating,
ventilating, electrical and plumbing upgrades, roof
replacements and other behind-the-scenes renovations.
• Animal Care Manual Team – Bonobo
• Accreditation Inspectors – Association of Zoos and
Aquariums
• Program Manager – American College of Zoological
Medicine Residency Program
Bongo
A D M I N I ST RAT I O N A N D F I N A N C E
Background and 2014 Review
This division oversees the following: Zoo Administration, Cash Management, Financial and Capital Project Planning,
Accounts Payable and Receivable, General Office Services (including coordination of security, emergency medical support,
reception and switchboard, radio dispatch and clerical support), Information Technology, Program and Audience Evaluation
and Research Services, the Zoo’s Green and Guest Experience committees, Zoo-wide Performance Measures, Human
Resources, and Employee Safety and Training.
The Zoo ended the year with a total operating budget of
$23,636,220 of which 74% or $17,536,799 was generated
from revenues and 26% or $6,099,421 from property tax
levy support. Although overall revenues were behind
budget by $2,298,093, revenues from parking fees,
rental income and catering increased a total
of $115,928 over budget and expenditure
savings were $1,511,620 for a net shortfall
of $786,473.
During the summer, we promoted one of our Accounting
staff to Senior Cash Accounting Assistant and filled the
Cash Accounting Assistant position before year’s end.
The Zoo’s Accountant assisted with coverage for the
Cash Room throughout most of 2014.
The Zoo’s trust funds ended with an increase
of $163,964 to the fund balances due
primarily to lower expenditures and higher
revenues.
Zoo Administration
Zoo Administration provides for effective
leadership for all Zoo functions and responsibilities. Under this leadership, the Zoo has
been working with the Wisconsin Department
of Transportation (WisDOT) as they renovate
the Zoo Interchange. The Zoo was unsuccessful in negotiating a land sale with
WisDOT for the value of the land acquired
from the Zoo due to the Zoo Interchange
Project. WisDOT took the land by eminent
domain for $8.5 million. The Zoo is appealing
this action through the legal system.
Bactrian camel
Another accomplishment was the renegotiation and signing
of an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the
Zoological Society of Milwaukee, which provides for a
50%/50% revenue split on membership sales
between the two organizations.
Cash Management
This section’s responsibilities include reconciliation of
cash receipts to our point-of-sale system, preparation of
the bank deposits; preparation of cash register starting
banks and daily support of the cashiers for change and
deposits of funds; processing of contract ride revenues;
and improved monitoring of cashier discrepancies.
Financial and Capital Project Planning and Control
This section involves coordination of the budget process.
Balancing the budget is challenging when funding is
limited, while service, as well as entertainment values,
are expected to be maintained, and new revenue sources
are explored and priorities re-evaluated. Financial reporting
and analysis continued to be performed on a daily, monthly
and annual basis, with comparisons to the 2014 budget
as well as to previous years. The review of the Zoo’s
contracts continued in 2014 as processes were reviewed
and enhancements implemented.
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Accounting (Accounts Payable and Receivable)
Information Technology (IT)
Accounts Payable and Receivable processed contracts,
purchasing requisitions and receipts; monitored the credit
card system; reviewed sales documentation; prepared
invoices; tracked accounts receivable; and entered financial
transactions into the general ledger. During the year, significant effort continued toward improving utilization of the
automated purchasing function in the point-of-sale system.
Accounting staff have been instrumental in identifying
discrepancies and assisting with problem resolution.
Effective coordination of travel requests and expenditures
continue to help the Zoo control these costs. Duties related
to uniform ordering and distribution has been added to the
accounting area to improve internal controls.
Information Technology functions were provided by Zoo
staff, Milwaukee County’s Department of Administration –
Information Management Services Division (IMSD) and
outside consultants. The Zoo IT Support position reports
through IMSD but directly supports the Zoo. The Zoo has
continued to partner with a variety of IMSD technical staff
resources to assist primarily with connectivity, the point-ofsale, inventory and event management systems. Personnel
from IMSD helped control the Zoo’s expenses by troubleshooting most register issues for the system on-site, rather than
contracting with an outside vendor.
The Zoo IT Support position has allowed for continued
improvement in preparation, usage and monitoring of
financial information through point-of-sale
and Milwaukee County financial systems.
Usage of the Internet Supply Store was
enhanced for the Commissary, and inventory
modifications continue for the Stockroom
and resale items.
Program/Audience Evaluation and
Research Services
U.S. Bank Gathering Place entrance
General Office Services
This section consists of the Program/Audience
Evaluation Specialist. This section’s main
focus is to investigate Zoo guests’
experiences via research studies. The Program/Audience Evaluation Specialist designs research, collects and analyzes data,
and reports results for studies investigating
aspects of a Zoo visit. These may involve
exhibit content, programming and special
events. This encompasses ongoing annual
research such as the exit poll, and other
studies as requested from all Zoo divisions.
The Zoo operates a two-channel ultra-high frequency (UHF)
system on the Zoo grounds used by staff for communications
and coordination. This system helps Zoo personnel coordinate
operations, maintenance and animal care. The system has its
own backup power supply to provide continued communications in the event of power failure.
This section also works to collect information from guests
and staff as necessary for the master planning process, and
other studies with internal stakeholders such as Zoo staff,
Zoological Society staff and volunteers. The Program/
Audience Evaluation Specialist coordinates the Guest
Experience Committee (GEC) and assists in collecting and
reporting performance measures set for the divisions.
All Zoo-wide radios are programmed to operate on the
system’s primary channels and on the fallback channels
and the state and national interoperability repeater
channels (as defined by Homeland Security) in the event
of a system loss. The Zoo radio equipment meets Federal
Communication Commission (FCC) requirements for
|very high frequency (VHF) and UHF licenses.
Findings are shared both internally and externally where
appropriate, including compiling and submitting information
to grantors/funders. This position also connects with
researchers at other institutions to ensure that the Zoo
aligns with other free-choice learning institutions (zoos,
museums, science centers).
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Guest Experience Committee (GEC)
The goal of the GEC is to improve the overall experience
of the Zoo visit. This encompasses topics, such as customer
service, interdepartmental communication, amenities and
offered experiences.
The GEC is coordinated by the Zoo’s Program/Audience
Evaluation Specialist and consists of staff from each Zoo
division working in concert with staff of the Zoological
Society – allowing the GEC to think cross-institutionally
about the features and impacts of the issues addressed.
Using feedback from guests and input from staff, the
committee determines what barriers negatively affect a
Zoo visit and how they can be mitigated. It also identifies
factors of an impactful Zoo experience and considers ways
to include those factors in everyday operations.
In 2013, the committee initiated an employee recognition
program titled the Sharing Thanks and Rewards (STAR)
program. This program allowed department supervisors
to highlight instances in which a staff member exceeded
expectations to enhance the experience of Zoo guests.
The STAR program continued in 2014, and the committee
also kept with its goal of determining how to effectively
communicate with guests.
Green Committee
disciplinary actions, transfers, employee benefits and
departmental diversity issues.
Also, the Human Resources Coordinator represents the Zoo
as part of committees, appeal boards and meetings, and
hearings related to various personnel issues.
Highlights from 2014 include:
• Participated in Milwaukee County job fairs in to ensure a
diverse workforce
• Worked with the Milwaukee County Department of
Human Resources to process applications and hire for
the positions of zooworkers and family farm attendants;
• Worked with the Milwaukee County Department of
Human Resources to enable the Zoo to advertise current
“hot jobs” on the county website
• Assisted in hiring four individuals for full-time Zoo
employment
• Worked with the Milwaukee County Department of
Human Resources to inform, train and provide guidance
to Zoo employees regarding Milwaukee County’s time
and attendance, payroll, benefits, recruitment system
and performance appraisals
Safety and Training
The Zoo has implemented recycling programs and conserThe Safety and Training Section is comprised of the Safety
vation-minded projects for many years. Recycling efforts
and Training Specialist and a seasonal training assistant.
include cell phones, printer cartridges, aluminum cans, light
This section is responsible for instructing employees in
bulbs, food and motor oils, scrap metals, restaurant cups,
regulatory compliance, security, fire code compliance
plastic bottles, paper and coffee grinds. The Zoo’s energyand emergency response and training. The section also
savings program of upgraded electrical, natural gas, water
is responsible for maintaining occupational health
and sewer infrastructure continues to produce
savings in utilities. The Zoo also has
used green-friendly practices in building
Diversity Committee
construction and other projects. The Green
The Diversity Committee is a group formed within the parameters of
Committee members consist of staff from
the Human Resources Section with a primary function of providing
each division to allow for input and collaboopportunities for better understanding of civil rights by Zoo personnel.
ration with all Zoo areas.
Human Resources
The Human Resources Section consists of the
Human Resources Coordinator, Administrative
Specialist and a seasonal assistant.
Responsibilities include coordinating and
performing a variety of technical and professional personnel-related tasks. General duties
performed entail managing the payroll and
human resources function to include grievance
handling, recruitment, promotion, training,
The committee consists of seven representatives from various divisions
who annually make recommendations concerning equal opportunities
for all employees regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation,
religion, national origin, age, handicap and other non-merit factors.
The committee acts as a resource for all Zoo staff by providing
information and addressing particular concerns or complaints.
Members attend quarterly training sessions that emphasize diversityrelated issues in the workplace. Committee members also provide
outreach through activities that promote diversity in the workplace.
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programming and training. Assessing workplace hazards,
developing safe work practices and assigning proper
personal protective equipment are also assigned tasks.
This section also coordinates and provides identification
badges, secures entry points and conducts annual seasonal
orientations, informing seasonal staff of workplace policies.
The section performs routine hazardous waste removal and
storage, and identification audits to ensure compliance with
state and federal regulations.
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) management has been
updated to the new Global Harmonization standards that
became effective in 2014. This section also is responsible
for pesticide usage reports, annual Tier II reports and the
annual OSHA log.
The Safety and Training Specialist and the assistant are
responsible for accident investigation and on-site security
system maintenance, along with Zoo access control and
surveillance programming.
State and federal compliance regulations mandate the
annual safety training programming conducted by this
section. In addition to required programming, the Safety
and Training Section continues to promote the annual
Employee Safety and Health Fair. Some of the topics
presented this year included: Emergency Response and
Drills, Biosecurity, Bomb Threat, Radio Etiquette and
Fire Extinguisher Training.
Public Affairs and Services
The Public Affairs and Services Division consists of four
sections: Group Sales, Public Relations, Special Events and
Special Programs. In addition to these areas, the division
is responsible for the overall marketing, promotion and
advertising of the Zoo. The staff includes a division director,
four coordinators, four full-time staff and approximately
50 seasonal zooworkers.
Group Sales
Each year, the Group Sales Section contracts and manages
events with corporate, non-profit, and private groups that
want to show their “wild side,” and host a unique event with
the Zoo as their backdrop.
These events can be hosted in the Peck Welcome Center,
Zoofari Conference Center, U.S. Bank Gathering Place,
Flamingo Café and Jungle Party Room. Picnic sites include
Oak Grove, Maple Cove, Little Oak, Zoo Terrace, Australian
Outback, and Brown Bear Den. Rounding out the areas,
the animal venues include Big Cat Country, Apes of Africa,
and the Aquatic & Reptile Center. A client also could choose
the exclusivity of an entire Zoo grounds rental.
In 2014, an online consignment ticket option was offered.
The consignment ticket is designed as a convenience to the
corporate companies. This is in addition to paper tickets
that are sold and distributed throughout Wisconsin.
Group Sales continued its relationship with the Wisconsin
Park and Recreation Association and the distribution of
consignment tickets to more than 120 park and recreation
departments throughout the state.
The Group Sales Section also is responsible
for children’s birthday parties, group tours
and advanced ticket sales.
Special Events
Each year, the Public Affairs and Services
Division coordinates more than 16 special
events held on Zoo grounds, drawing
160,000+ visitors.
Here are a few highlights from the year:
Zoofari Conference Center
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Behind the Scenes Weekend – March 8 & 9
This popular event lets visitors see areas
of the Zoo which are normally not open to
the general public. This year’s tour stops
included the Aquatic & Reptile Center
basement where the building’s filtration
system and fish quarantine are located,
our underground Winter Quarters area where
the warm-weather animals reside during the
winter and the Zoo Library and Elk Barn. More than 10 tours
were offered, and led by Zoo volunteers and zookeepers.
Attendance: 5,818
Party for the Planet – May 17 & 18
This special event, in partnership with American Transmission
Co., focuses on the importance of conservation, and what we
can all do to help save our precious resources. New outreach
this year highlighted ocean conservation and sustainable
seafood. Visitors took part in a special nature conservation
zoomobile tour, a self-guided tree identification walk, a native
plant sale, and even a garlic mustard pull-a-thon!
Attendance: 15,062
Senior Celebration – Aug. 29
Seniors are the stars of this popular annual event as the
Zoo offered a variety of outreach activities, entertainment
and presentations for guests 55 and over. Wheaton Franciscan Senior Health helps to sponsor the event and presents
health and wellness screenings, keeping seniors’ needs in
mind. Guests also enjoyed free admission, a special fitness
walk and a variety of wellness exhibitors.
Attendance: 8,764
Family Farm Weekend – Sept. 6 & 7
Each year, the Zoo comes alive with fall fun, and Wisconsin’s
rich farming heritage is highlighted. Sponsored by the
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Family Farm Weekend’s
highlight is the children’s pedal tractor-pull contest, along
with other harvest activities in the Zoo’s Northwestern
Mutual Family Farm. One of the features again this year
was the popular milk-chugging contest and a craft fair,
presenting wares by our very own Zoo Pride volunteers.
Attendance: 15,989
Special Programs
The Special Programs Section of the Zoo is responsible for
overseeing these areas: Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion
Show, sponsored by Anderson Seal, LLC, our temporary
summer special exhibits and audiovisual services.
In addition, this section works directly with the Zoological
Society, serving as a liaison for all Zoological Society events
taking place at the Zoo.
Following are the 2014 highlights:
• The Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show, sponsored
by Anderson Seal, LLC, is a 20-minute presentation which
entertains and educates visitors about seals and sea lions
through a live animal show. The shows generated more
than $141,000 in revenue for the year, and welcomed
67,234 visitors.
Pedal tractor-pull contest on Family Farm Weekend
• Also during the summer, the Zoo hosted the exhibit, Sting
Ray & Shark Bay, sponsored by Sendik’s Food Markets.
The return engagement of this popular exhibit ran May 24
through Sept.1, and featured a variety of harmless sting
rays and sharks that visitors could touch. More than
202,000 visitors got up close with these intriguing
animals during the display, and the Special Programs
Section coordinated and supervised staff for the exhibit.
• The Special Programs Section continued its partnership
with the Zoological Society, serving as a liaison to facilitate
all of the society’s events that took place on Zoo grounds.
This partnership serves to strengthen the overall relationship between the Zoo and the Zoological Society.
• Finally, Zoo operations were enhanced by the efforts of
the Audiovisual Section. Areas served included: the Animal
Division, Public Relations, Group Sales and Special Events.
Photos, videos and visual presentations were used for
newspaper and magazine articles, animal identification,
Zoo website, marketing and promotional campaigns,
collateral pieces and the audiovisual needs of Group
Sales clients.
31
Media Relations
Throughout the year, the Zoo received
positive media coverage from broadcast,
print and electronic media outlets.
Following are a few media highlights
from 2014:
• The Zoo was regularly featured on many
of the morning news programs, including
“Real Milwaukee” on FOX6 and Channel
12 News This Morning. Topics included
our Family Farm Weekend and first-time
special event, Animal Enrichment Day.
• The daily newspaper, The Milwaukee
Journal Sentinel, devoted several feature
articles to significant occurrences at the
Zoo. Such articles included our snow
leopard, Sossy, receiving physical therapy
treatments by our feline zookeepers
to correct a leg condition known as
“swimmer puppy syndrome.” The Zoo’s
successful breeding program for redbilled hornbills also was featured during
the year. These beautiful toucan-like
beaked birds are so prolific here, many
of the red-billed hornbills in zoos
throughout North America were born
at our Zoo.
• Throughout 2014, new animal additions,
including the Zoo’s Roti Island snakenecked turtle and two female bonobos,
were featured in the AZA magazine,
Connect. This monthly member publication
serves the zoo and aquarium professional
community.
• The Zoo’s new animal births, acquisitions
and special events continued to be
promoted on the website as well as
our social media outlets, which include
Facebook and Twitter. As of the year
ending December 2014, the Zoo had
10,000 likes on Facebook.
Print media
coverage
32
O P E RAT I O N S
2014 Highlights:
The Zoo’s Operations Division consists of the following divisions: Merchandising/Gift Shops, Visitor Services, Concessions
and Catering, Grounds and Horticulture, Maintenance and Trades, Custodial, and Time and Material/Major
Maintenance/Capital Project Construction Management.
Visitor Services
This section meets and greets guests upon
entering the Zoo, providing them with information that is essential to their visit. In 2014,
the Visitor Services staff admitted more than
1.2 million Zoo visitors.
This section’s responsibilities include:
collecting fees for admission and parking,
operating the miniature train, carousel,
zoomobile, stroller rentals, sky safari, dog
kennels and the mold-a-rama machines.
The Visitor Services Division is comprised
of two full-time managers, two full-time
engineers, one full-time engineer/welder
and more than 60 seasonal employees.
Face painting
2014 highlights:
• Installed 3 ton and 7 ton cranes
in train shop
• Re-tubed boiler on 1924 steam engine
• Worked with the Grand Avenue Club, which is designed
to assist individuals with special needs to enter the
workplace and increase their level of self-esteem and
independence
• Completed staff support for every event that occurs during
regular Zoo hours or after-hours events in conjunction
with Group Sales, Public Affairs and Services, Education
and Zoological Society departments
Merchandising/Gift Shops
Comprised of one full-time Merchandise Coordinator and
55 seasonal employees, the Merchandise Section generates
more than $1.8 million in revenue, with a net profit of
$1 million.
The Merchandise Section coordinates all aspects of Zoo
retail sales, which includes purchasing, receiving, tagging,
ordering, stocking, selling merchandise and sundries.
Our customer service scored a “very good” to “excellent”
rating in Zoo exiting polls.
Revenue also is generated from untraditional sources like
revenue share contracts with face painting, temporary tattoos,
zip line, ropes courses, entrance photos and penny presses.
We have been consistent with other zoos, as well as national and area retailers, feeling the effects of both the
economy and the unpredictable weather. Like other retail
outlets, we worked through the challenges of road and exit
closers from the Zoo Interchange Project. Planning maximized sales, and we offered more discounted sales, along
with the addition of two sales locations for T-shirts and
branded goods.
2014 highlights:
• Retained 90% of 2013 seasonal staff
• Continued to work with eight employees with cognitive
disabilities, which helped with job skills and training,
and motivating coworkers
• Realized record sales for face painting and entrance photos
• Reduced year-end inventory by 32%
• Maintained freight at 1.5% of cost; this was accomplished
by negotiations at gift shows.
• Introduced a job shadowing program for cognitively
disabled high school classes
• Assisted with team building by partnering with
concession staffing, sales and food preparation
• Maintained and scheduled the switchboard/reception
area employees on weekends, holidays and sick days.
This was accomplished by cross training a number of staff
members
33
Grounds and Horticulture
Concessions and Catering
The year was marked by change, as two-thirds of this section’s
management team retired. These positions, combined for
a total of almost 60 years of experience, will be filled in
early 2015. The Zoo received two forestry grants that were
successfully completed. One grant was from the American
Transmission Co., and the other from the Wisconsin DNR.
The Concessions and Catering operations provide our
guests with food, beverages, and personable service.
The diverse staff consists of up to 165 seasonal associates
and two full-time Service Managers. The operation has nine
permanent concession facilities, four popcorn wagons, more
than 50 vending machines, a lemonade stand, a Hawaiian
shave ice kiosk and seven beverage and snack carts.
We also purchased a new watering tank that reduced time
needed to water and fertilize our potted plants, topiaries
and flower beds. This tank also was used to water the new
trees planted as part of the grant.
In the spring, this section was able to reuse and recycle
tons of leaves and brush collected in the fall and winter of
2013. By recycling the waste, we were able to reduce fuel
usage and make better use of labor resources.
Working with the Milwaukee County Parks Department, we
shared our street sweeper; saving that department money, in
keeping this machine in operation for more hours during the
day. The Zoo used the sweeper from 5 a.m. until 9 a.m., and
the Parks’ Department used it from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Maintenance and Trades
A considerable amount of infrastructure work is completed
each year by the Maintenance and Trades Division.
While most projects are not noticeable to the public,
they are critical to daily operations. Maintaining the
buildings, grounds, exhibits and public areas are vital
to overall operations.
Electrical, plumbing, welding, HVAC, painting and general
maintenance is performed both in the public/visitor areas
as well as behind the scenes. While most of this work is
performed on a schedule, many “emergencies” do occur,
and are addressed on a round-the-clock basis.
2014 highlights:
• Installation of new walk-in freezer and
cooler at the Woodland Concession Stand
• Renovation of the women’s restroom at
the Administration Annex building
• Renovation of the Coffee Shop in the
U.S. Bank Gathering Place
• Replacement of sectional water valve
and fire hydrant
• Replacement of communication duct
and electrical on Zoo service tunnel
• Installation of an emergency generator
at the Small Mammals building
• Renovation of plumbing and electrical in
Polar Bear holding
Renovated Coffee Shop in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place
This section continued to support the Animal Division,
Group Sales and Special Events. Some of our activities include transporting animals, removing animal waste, renovating exhibits, and setting up for private events. Removal
of trash, litter and recycling for private events also is handled by the section, as well as support for the Samson
Stomp, Halloween and much more.
34
• Upgraded lighting in Apes of Africa, Zoofari
Conference Center, Peck Welcome Center
and Aviary
• Replacement of Parking Lot #1
• Construction of new Chicken Coop in the Family Farm
• Tested and repaired all fire alarm systems
• Replacement of several in-house heating and
cooling systems
Stockroom
The Stockroom’s major responsibility is to support all of the
revenue-generating operations.
The main functions of the Stockroom include: ordering, shipping, receiving, delivering and monitoring of inventory controls. In addition, the Stockroom stores all food, beverage,
merchandise and administrative materials for the Zoo.
The 12 Stockroom associates work closely with all of the
Zoo departments to support their daily needs. The Stockroom works directly and on a daily basis with Concessions,
Catering, Group Sales, Special Events, Merchandising and
the Zoological Society. The Stockroom works to ensure all
health, sanitation and safety standards are achieved, and
to operate a clean and safe working environment.
Custodial
The Custodial Section is responsible for keeping buildings
clean for our visitors and staff. This section is integral to
the success of our Group Sales events, and to the overall
impression visitors have of the Zoo. In 2014, the section
had additional training on the handling of blood borne
pathogens.
The Oceans of Fun Seal and Sea Lion Show,
sponsored by Anderson Seal, LLC
O P E RAT I N G E X P E N S E S ( F I N A N C I A L S )
Zoological Department (Unaudited)
2014
Adjusted Budget
2014
Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
$5,680,139
$4,936,863
$(743,276)
$1,448,086
$1,061,671
$(386,415)
Net Operational Admissions
$4,232,053
$3,875,192
$(356,861)
Concessions
$4,256,353
$3,513,537
($742,816)
Catering
$151,848
$185,974
$34,126
Novelties
$1,836,065
$1,724,698
($111,367)
Parking
Revenues
Total Admissions
Less Group Sales
$1,266,791
$1,292,715
$25,924
Special Exhibit Admissions
$353,115
$320,524
($32,592)
Sea Lion Show
$195,819
$141,515
($54,304)
Vending Machine Commissions
$366,534
$244,035
($122,499)
Strollers
$130,000
$100,820
($29,180)
Animal Rides
$51,000
$43,029
($7,972)
$2,360,222
$1,921,933
($438,289)
Carousel
$221,252
$200,366
($20,886)
SkyRide
$251,722
$135,244
($116,478)
Society Memberships
$338,771
$2,958,736
$2,619,965
Donations
$187,500
$167,051
($20,449)
$3,176,554
$0
($3,176,554)
Sponsorships
$289,000
$258,465
($30,535)
Miscellaneous Revenue
$695,293
$895,216
$199,923
($525,000)
($442,250)
$82,750
$19,834,892
$17,536,799
($2,298,093)
Personnel Services
$8,124,437
$8,374,368
($249,931)
Fringe Benefits
$4,909,708
$4,428,406
$481,302
Contractural Services
$6,300,251
$5,364,726
$935,525
Commodities
$3,507,302
$3,303,896
$203,406
Depreciation
$0
$0
$0
$551,820
$514,240
$37,580
$1,754,322
$1,650,584
$103,738
$0
$0
$0
$25,147,840
$23,636,220
$1,511,620
$5,312,948
$6,099,421
($786,473)
1,350,000
1,267,356
(82,644)
Total Group Sales
Other Private Funding
Sales Tax
TOTAL REVENUES
Expenditures
Capital Outlay
Internal Service Charges
Other Expenditures
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
TAX LEVY
ATTENDANCE
Cheetah
36
Zoo Trust Funds (Unaudited)
Railroad Trust Fund
2014
Adjusted Budget
2014
Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Revenues
Zoomobile Revenue
Miniature Train Revenue
Earnings on Investments
Donations and Reserve Contribution
Other Revenue
$76,015
$67,373
($8,642)
$660,000
$649,236
($10,764)
$500
$2,389
$1,889
$137,140
$6,338
($130,802)
($12,601)
$72,367
$59,766
Sales Tax
($31,000)
($30,538)
$462
TOTAL REVENUES
$915,022
$754,564
($160,458)
Personnel Services
$361,358
$275,451
$85,907
Fringe Benefits
$82,240
$82,240
$0
Contractual Services
$283,236
$170,800
$112,436
Commodities
$40,441
$28,829
$11,612
Conservation Projects
$13,000
$266
$12,734
Capital Outlay
$143,458
$67,954
$75,504
Internal Service Charges
$483
$333
$150
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$924,216
$625,872
$298,344
NET INCOME (LOSS)
($9,194)
$128,692
$137,886
Expenditures
Fund Balance January 1, 2014
$712,301
Net Income
$128,692
Fund Balance December 31, 2014
$840,993
Specimen Trust Fund
2014
Adjusted Budget
2014
Actual Year-to-Date
Variance ( ) = Deficit
Revenues
Earnings on Investments
$600
$1,243
$643
Animal Sales/Milk Sales
$16,200
$21,856
$5,656
Giraffe Experience
$26,235
$27,776
$1,542
Gifts & Donations
$1,500
$4,162
$2,662
Other Miscellaneous Revenue
$0
$0
$0
Reserve Contribution
$0
$0
$0
$44,535
$55,037
$10,502
$36,450
$16,510
$19,940
$8,302
$3,254
$5,048
Internal Service Charges
$0
$0
$0
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$44,752
$19,764
$24,988
$35,272
$35,489
TOTAL REVENUE
Expenditures
Contractual Services
Commodities
NET INCOME (LOSS)
Fund Balance January 1, 2014
($217)
$228,747
Net Income
$35,272
Fund Balance December 31, 2014
$264,019
ZOO TRUST FUNDS
Total Trust Revenue 2014
Less Total Trust Expenditures 2014
2014 NET INCOME (LOSS)
$809,601
($645,637)
$163,964
T H E M I LWA U K E E CO U N T Y ZO O A N D
T H E ZO O LO G I C A L S O C I E T Y O F M I LWA U K E E
The mission of the private, nonprofit Zoological Society of Milwaukee is to participate in conserving endangered species,
educate people about the importance of wildlife and the environment, and support the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Zoo Support
The Zoological Society raises millions of dollars a year
for support of the Zoo in unrestricted funds, sponsorships,
exhibit support and capital projects. For example, long-time
Society supporters Quinn and Jane Martin donated funds
this year to renovate space for a Red River Hog Exhibit,
allowing the Zoo to acquire these animals for the first time.
An anonymous donor gave the Society $110,000 in 2014
to buy new, digital X-ray and ultrasound equipment at the
Zoo’s Animal Health Center.
The Society runs the Zoo Pass membership program, supports two veterinary residencies and a pathology residency,
plans events for members and non-members, solicits
sponsors for Zoo and Society events, and runs Zoo Pride,
the volunteer auxiliary serving the Zoo and the Society.
It also provides support services in the areas of graphic
design, information technology and more.
Communications, Marketing and Membership: The Society
ended the fiscal year with 48,500 Zoo Pass member
households. In 2014, the Zoological Society, Milwaukee
County and the Zoo signed an updated memorandum of
understanding. As part of this agreement, the Society
agreed to give half of Zoo Pass revenue to the Zoo in
unrestricted funds instead of paying the Zoo for parking
for Zoo Pass Plus members. This is projected to increase
the unrestricted funds given to the Zoo from $1.8 million
to almost $3 million a year.
The Society raised $220,000 this year for its Annual Appeal
to upgrade the outdoor Gorilla Exhibit. The money was combined with a $100,000 donation from Northwestern Mutual
for the project. Construction of the new yard began in late
2014. The Society also raised more than $168,000 through
the Sponsor an Animal program to help improve exhibits,
upgrade buildings and maintain quality habitats for the
animals at the Zoo. Fundraisers organized by the Society’s
Associate Board raised more than $980,000, including
$606,000 from Zoo Ball, the Society’s largest annual
fundraiser.
Creative Department: The Society’s Creative Department
provides graphics and design support to the Zoo and the
Society, with projects ranging from full-color magazines and
invitations to banners and interactive exhibits. In the 201314 Society fiscal year, the department produced multiple
print pieces and more than 200 signs in preparation for the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums Docents & Volunteers
conference held in Milwaukee in October 2014.
It also produced video and interactive exhibits for the dairy
barn and Florence Mila Borchert Big Cat Country.
Animal Ambassador students (from left) Thangyeng L., 10; Darviantae H., 10; and Demetrius J., 9,
of Kluge Elementary School in Milwaukee, touch a taxidermied turtle. The program teaches
students about concepts like conservation and animal adaptation.
38
Zoo Pride: Zoo Pride’s 630 active volunteers
contributed more than 50,000 hours of
service to the Zoo and Society in 2013-14.
This year, the organization launched a
Seafood Watch Committee and a Forestry
Committee. Zoo Pride played a lead role in
organizing and hosting the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums Docents & Volunteers
conference held in Milwaukee in October
2014. The conference was hosted by Zoo
Pride, the Zoological Society and the
Milwaukee County Zoo. It drew more than
400 people from across the U.S., Canada
and Australia.
Education: The Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s Conservation Education Department
reached more than 300,000 people in fiscal
year 2013-14 through its school and scout
programs, classes and camps, and Kohl’s Wild
Theater. The department helps the Milwaukee County Zoo
meet its education requirements for accreditation through
the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Classes and Camps: For many years, the Zoological Society
has offered professionally designed classes and camps for
children ages 2-14 and their families at the Karen Peck
Katz Conservation Education Center at the Zoo. In 2013-14,
it developed a new program for children under age 2 called
Stroller Safari. Led by a Society instructor, parents or grandparents take their infants and toddlers through sections of
the Zoo to learn about animals through play. The Education
Department launched the program in September 2014 with
eight classes per month, and classes sold out quickly.
School and Community Programming: More than 27,000
students and scouts attended Zoological Society education
programs at the Zoo or in their schools this year. Another
90,000 had access to Society curriculum during field trips
to the Zoo. Many of these children would not have been
able to visit the Zoo without the Society and its partners.
This year, the Zoological Society celebrated the 25th
anniversary of Animal Ambassador.
The program offers students from elementary schools in
disadvantaged neighborhoods the chance to learn about
animals, conservation and the environment through school
visits and trips to the Zoo. Since 1989, more than 36,000
students have gone through the program.
In 2013-14, the Education Department expanded the Extended Learning Program, which allows preschool children
from Milwaukee Public Schools to attend a special Zoological
Society class for free with a parent or family member.
The Society also tweaked its program with Big Brothers Big
Sisters this year. Instead of organizing a general Zoo-visit
day, “Bigs” and “Littles” were invited to complimentary
animal-science classes through funding from U.S. Bank.
nator. The team used her work with the Bonobo & Congo
Biodiversity Initiative as an example of the real-life applications of STEM – science, technology, engineering and math.
The result was a new show, “The Congo Code,” created for
grades four through eight that debuted in October 2014.
Conservation
Bonobo & Congo Biodiversity Initiative: Bonobos are an
endangered species of great ape found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Society’s Bonobo & Congo
Biodiversity Initiative (BCBI) studies and protects bonobos
in the Salonga National Park, an immense forest ecosystem
in the Congo. In fiscal year 2013-14, BCBI was able to send
Salonga guards to conduct patrols into the previously
unpatrolled Dar Dar region in the heart of the Salonga.
The patrols destroyed more than 100 illegal poaching
camps and arrested 38 poachers. The BCBI team also
constructed its first permanent structure, a prefabricated
wooden house, at its research and patrol station.
Bonobo Species Survival Plan: The Zoological Society
has managed and coordinated the Bonobo Species Survival
Plan (SSP) since 1988. SSPs are programs run through the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums to manage captive
populations of endangered or threatened animals.
In September 2014, the SSP published a revised Population
Analysis & Breeding and Transfer Plan for North American
Zoos. It found an urgent need for more accredited institutions
to house and breed bonobos in order to retain population
growth and genetic diversity within the captive population.
Zoo Projects: The Zoological Society helps fund conservation projects performed at the Zoo and by Milwaukee
zookeepers in the field, including the Milwaukee Ape Heart
Project, the study of the Grenada frog and coral reefs in
Grenada, iguana conservation and migratory bird projects
at the Zoo.
The Society again offered free summer camps for disadvantaged youth from Milwaukee-area community centers.
Kohl’s Wild Theater: Kohl’s Wild Theater (KWT), a partnership between the Zoological Society and Kohl’s Cares, is the
largest zoo-based theater program in the country, offering
free performances at the Zoo and at schools, community
centers and events within a one-hour radius of the Zoo.
A new three-year grant of $1.5 million, announced in 2013,
allowed for the expansion of the program and the 2014
renovation of the KWT space at the Zoo.
This year, KWT created a new outreach show based on the
work of Dr. Gay Reinartz, the Society’s conservation coordi-
Cameron, played by James Carrington, tries to talk to a bonobo named
Lil’ Dude, operated by Samantha Sostarich and Marcus Beyer, in the Kohl’s
Wild Theater play “The Congo Code.”
39
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
Zoological Society of Milwaukee County – Year ending Sept. 30, 2014
SUPPORT AND REVENUE
MEMBERSHIP DUES
From all Zoo Pass and
Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,734,049
CONTRIBUTIONS
Toward capital projects, specific
programs and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $861,962
SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMS/SPONSORSHIPS
Including animal sponsorship, Zoo Ball,
education, ZSM and Zoo special events,
and sponsorships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,293,883
COST OF SUPPORT AND REVENUE
(Support Services)
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Expense of providing benefits to all
Zoo Pass and Platypus Circle members . . . . . . . .$1,832,542
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
Expense of providing and promoting
ZSM special events/programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$533,538
TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT AND REVENUE
(Support Services) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,366,080
EXPENSES
INTEREST INCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$129,238
GRANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,171,197
TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUE . . . . . . . . . . .$11,190,329
60%
MEMBERSHIP DUES: 60%
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS: 21%
CONTRIBUTIONS: 8%
GRANTS: 11%
21%
DIRECT PROJECT COSTS
Expenses relative to capital projects
and specific programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $490,967
ZOO SUPPORT
Direct cash and in-kind support to the Zoo;
expense of providing, promoting and supporting
education; graphics; special-exhibit projects;
and Zoo special events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,818,370
8%
RESEARCH/CONSERVATION
Expenses relating to state, national and international
programs supporting species preservation . . . . . . $512,854
11%
ZOO SUPPORT, CAPITAL AND
DIRECT PROJECT COSTS: 69%
69%
SUPPORT SERVICES: 22%
22%
RESEARCH/CONSERVATION: 5%
5%
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE
Expenses relating to daily ZSM operations . . . . . . .$436,133
TOTAL EXPENSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,258,324
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE: 4%
4%
40
TOTAL COST OF SUPPORT & EXPENSES . . . .$10,624,404
Polar bear;
underwater viewing
Milwaukee County Executive
Chris Abele
Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman
Marina Dimitrijevic . . . . . . . . . . . .4th District
Vice Chair
Peggy Romo West . . . . . . . . . . . .12th District
Board of Supervisors
Deanna Alexander . . . . . . . . . . .18th District
Mark Borkowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11th District
David Bowen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10th District
Gerry P. Broderick . . . . . . . . . . . . .3rd District
David Cullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15th District
Jason Haas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14th District
Willie Johnson, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . .13th District
Patricia Jursik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8th District
Theodore Lipscomb, Sr. . . . . . . . .1st District
Michael Mayo, Sr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7th District
Khalif Rainey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2nd District
James “Luigi” Schmitt . . . . . . . . .6th District
Anthony Staskunas . . . . . . . . . . .17th District
Steve F. Taylor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9th District
Martin Weddle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5th District
John F. Weishan, Jr. . . . . . . . . . .16th District
T H E M I LWA U K E E CO U N T Y ZO O O F F E R S
EQ UA L O P P O RT U N I T I E S FO R E M P LOY E E S
AND VISITORS ALIKE.
Editor: Jennifer Diliberti-Shea
Designers: Roberta Weldon, Scott DuChateau
Photographer: Michael Nepper
(unless otherwise noted)
Printed on recycled paper
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