March/April 2008

Sacramento Zoo
Vol. 47, No. 2 March/April 2008
Pronounced “mah-GEE-zoh,” meaning “the message” in Swahili
Committed to Being Green
It’s everywhere. “Go green” “Be green”, everyone is
Recycle
In 2003, a volunteer group of Zoo staff joined forces to
spread the green bug by forming the Zoo’s Green Team.
They inspire our Zoo staff to recycle and conserve energy in all their day-to-day operations. The Green Team
rewards green practices with special treats, like organic
chocolate or a free lunch. This positive reinforcement is
not unlike how the Zookeepers train our animals
to learn new behaviors. The Green Team helps staff
find answers to recycling questions and teaches them
that “being green” is just a way of life. Then, we bring
that message to our visitors through education and
special events.
For Our Visitors
talking about great new ways to be green. Here at the
Zoo, this popular concept has been around for quite
awhile.
Reduce
One way we reduced our environmental impact was by
purchasing energy offset credits for all our travel and
Zoo vehicles. We have also reduced our printing and
mailings by forming a Green Member category for our
membership. Green members ask that we do not send
any “paper” but to conduct all their transactions and
communications through email and the Zoo’s website.
Re-use
Twice a year, Spring and Fall, we host a rummage
sale here at the Zoo. You can help by donating items
and coming out to find new treasures! Our next
rummage sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 5.
When we can’t find a home for something from our
rummage sale, we then look to internet alternatives such as Craigslist or Freecycle.
We look for solutions to recycle just about anything. In addition to paper, glass and plastic, we have been able to recycle, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, toner cartridges, CDs,
DVDs, VHS tapes, floppy disks, cell phones, prescription
glasses and even styrofoam. On Saturday, March 15th
you can bring e-waste to the IKEA store in West Sacramento. IKEA and Argosy E-Cycling are partnering with the
Zoo to help support our conservation programs.
In the Zoo’s Backyard, we encourage visitors to use greener practices in their own backyards by emphasizing the importance of native plants,
water conservation, and eliminating
pesticides and water runoff.
Families learn about conservation during programs at
the Zoo, including stage
shows, animal talks, summer
camp classes, teacher workshops,
docent presentations and at fun
events like Earth Fest on the
first Saturday in April.
The Zoofari Market gift store
and Kampala Café have joined
in by starting to switch over to
biodegradable shopping bags and sustainable
paper products. The utensils are made from
potatoes, the plastics are made from corn, and
they are using less aluminum just by doing
more cook-to-order preparation. They are even
switching over to eco-friendly cleaning supplies
and buying energy efficient appliances.
(continued on pg 2)
(continued from pg 1)
What could you do if you had
143 million people listening to you? What message
would you share? What
impact would you have?
That is a question we can
ask ourselves as members
of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Every year, over 143 million visitors
pass through the gates of our accredited
facilities to enjoy a day with family and
friends in a safe environment inspired
by the wildlife around them. What better place to reinforce the message that
we seem to hear so much these days:
“It is time to be green!”
So how can we, as a Zoo, support this
vital effort? At the Sacramento Zoo, we are
committed to leading by example, and in
this issue of Maagizo, you will learn about
how the Zoo staff has personally taken
the lead on many very successful green
initiatives.
I also am pleased to announce the addition of a new senior staff member to our
team. Pam Williams is our new Director of
Development. We are very excited to have
her join our management team and work
with us and our board to enhance our fundraising efforts. In my tenure, we have added
a staff Veterinarian, Director of Business
Operations, Horticulturist and now Director of Development. We are green, and we
are growing!
Mary Healy
CEO/Zoo Director
Dec. 1, 2007 – Jan. 31, 2008
Sex designation: Male. Female. Unknown
Acquisitions
As our wooden benches and picnic tables age, we replace them with
equipment made from recycled plastic lumber. We have electric vehicles for the staff and an electric train for the visitors. The Zoo’s talkboxes are solar powered, and you may have noticed the solar panels
on top of the Zoofari Market gift store. The Zoo was SMUD’s first Community Solar installation at a nonprofit organization.
Where are we going?
As we look to increase our options for the visitors around
the Zoo, we are also looking into alOne Yea
ternatives such as biodiesel options
Recyclinr’s
g Ad ds U
for our vehicles, revising our lighting
p!
186 lbs b
atteries
options to reduce energy, and how to
140 fluore
scent bulb
become a Certified Green Business.
s
210 lbs tin
scrap
Our goals are big ones, but we are
222 inkjet
cartridges
excited about a greener future – for
5 carload
s of ewas
te
208 cubic
the environment, for the animals,
yards of c
ardboard
3
1
20 cubic fe
for us all!
(paper, pla
et of m
stic, glassixed recycling
, aluminum
, steel)
From the Field:
Remember the old western movies where the cowboys on horses herd their cattle? Our
flamingo roundup is a lot like that … with rubber boots (not leather), a kayak (not Trigger) and
rolls of shade cloth (not lassos).
Every year we perform physical exams on our flamingos. We check their
weight, overall condition, draw blood, and vaccinate against West Nile
Virus.
The preparation begins with our maintenance crew building a corral with
100 feet of shade cloth. The veterinary department prepares each animal’s records and all the equipment for the exam stations. The animal care
staff prepares identification bands to replace any that have broken.
At dawn everyone arrives at the lake exhibit for the briefing to assign jobs. One
team is responsible for driving the birds onto land where the corral has been set
up. The kayaker plays an important role in coaxing the birds across the lake.
Another team is assigned to use the shade cloth as a barrier to keep the birds
from returning to the lake and move them into the corral.
Once the birds are all safely in the corral and the vets have prepared the exam stations,
the keepers hand-catch the birds. How do you carry a flamingo? Very carefully! Their long legs are fragile and extra care must
be taken. We catch their bodies by lifting them up off
the ground against our hip so their legs hang free
and holding the head in our other hand so as to not
be bitten.
Each bird is examined and vaccinated. When we release them back into the lake, we set their feet down
first and allow them to get their balance, then they are
off and swimming again.
4.0 Magellanic penguins
Deacquisitions
0.1.2 Fulvous whistling
tree duck
0.1 Ostrich
1.0 Keel-billed toucan
0.0.1 Fire-bellied toad
3.1 Magellanic penguins
0.0.1 Koi
Carnivores:
Our adult Snow leopard pair is again
on exhibit together. The Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan hopes it will
be another successful breeding season. Our young female, Molly, will be
going to the Central Park Zoo in New
York when weather permits to be with
a young male.
Reptiles:
Lots of changes are happening in the Reptile House these days. To celebrate Leap
Year as part of AZA’s 2008 Year of the Frog
campaign, we are developing and designing a number of amphibian exhibits.So
as the year progresses,
keep checking in the
Reptile House!
ulletin irt color!
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saczoo.com!
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a way to make
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Register for Zoo Camp
Join Our Wild Providers!
Individuals who care about animals are the heart and soul of the Sacramento Zoo. Thanks to ongoing community support, essential Zoo programs provide a unique opportunity to learn about the animals that share our
world. With a contribution of $1,000 or more, you will be entered into the Wild Providers club. In addition to helping the animals, being a member of Wild Providers entitles you to many wonderful benefits. For more information
on how you can be part of this elite group, please call the development director at 916-808-3713.
Green Bites
Green Ideas You Can Digest
Question: How do I use less water and chemicals while still
Leap Year Events
February 29:
Leap Day
keeping my landscaping and garden beautiful?
March 1:
Blooming Crazy
Solution: Go Native!
Why: California native plants are basically made to grow here, so
April 5:
Earth Fest
they need less water, less maintenance, less fertilizer and are more
pest resistant. They even benefit our native wildlife!
April 13:
ZooZoom
How: Ask your local nursery which plants are native to California
and especially our area here in Northern California. Or search out
a nursery that specializes in native plants like Cornflower Farms in
Elk Grove. Visit www.cornflowerfarms.com.
April 23/May 21:
Spring Lecture Series
May 3:
Spring Fling
Quick Bite: Get inspired and learn more by visiting the UC Davis
Arboretum or check out the botanical gardens in San Francisco or
at UC Berkeley. Find more information from the California Native
Plant Society at www.cnps.org.
Members Corner
Have you always wanted to help the animals
in the wild, but you just didn’t know how? Now
you can!
In 2008, 2% of all membership donations will
go directly to the Sacramento Zoo Conservation Fund! The Conservation Fund supports
local and global conservation projects such as
the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, the Bongo Repatriation Project and the Hornbill Research Foundation. Check out saczoo.com for more information on these and other great projects!
Get email updates about all the great things
your membership donation contributes
to the Sacramento Zoo and wildlife! Call
916-808-5888 to update your email address.
enture
Zoo Trekkers PolasnIsAladnvds
to Galapag Healy, as she leads a trip
ry
tor, Ma
ne 6, 2008.
Join the Zoo’s Direcan
ds, May 26 through Ju
handful of
to the Galapagos Isl
is shared with only a
This fabulous journey ssenger elegant motor yacht.
-pa
travelers aboard a 16 ble memories – close encountta
You will create unforge , swimming and snorkeling in
ife
ldl
wi
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iqu
un
nsets from
ters with
d gazing at dazzling su
crystal blue waters an Your days in Quito come alive
t.
the deck of your yach the Chiva Express to Coon
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top
of‘ro
during a
o to
Pichincha by teleferiq
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the Cruz Loma summ
re information
If you would like mo opportunity,
ing
about this excit
o’s marketing
please contact the Zo ions direcand community relat
tor at 916-808-8811.
Donors $500 and above
Cash, In-Kind Gifts or Pledges
Nov. 29, 2007 through Jan. 31, 2008
Wild Providers
M. Carol Brown & Carole F. Nutt
Starr Hurley
Dorothy R. Jaman
Terry & Penny Kastanis
Robert W. Lemke & Pamela Beedie
Anne & Malcolm McHenry
Melodie & Chris Rufer
Individuals
Patti Baggett & Josh Horowitz
Victor & Karen Binsacca
Carolyn & Richard Bojé
Jonathan & Lisa Breslau
Karen & Jackson Coxe
Deborah DeatherageHand &
Mark Hand
Sylvia & Douglas Enoch
William W. Fobes II
Grace L. Garcia
Lucy Gebhart
Liz Gibson
Tami & Michael Gill
Claire M. Gliddon
Charlotte Goland
David & Deborah Gordon
Claudia Guy
Lilly & Gary Gwilliam
Helen L. Hammer, M.D.
Susan Y. Healy
Dorothy R. Jaman
Terry & Penny Kastanis
Joy A. Kester
Ralph & Marjorie Koldinger
Debra A. Lawler
Estate of Willoughby Lyons
Shirley & Thomas Manning
James & Carlin Naify
John & Susan Nunan
Neil & Carole Pfafman
Melodie & Chris Rufer
Betsey M. Scheuermann &
Gilman Kelley
David Sexton
Sandra Shirley
Lux & Robin Taylor
David & Karyn Wright
Gloria & Donald Yost
Corporations
California Communities
Resources Law Group, LLP
Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co.
United Way California Capital Region
Zoe’s Cruises and Tours
Media
Comcast Spotlight
KCCL FM The Wolf 101.9
U.S. Marines
March Coupon
% Off
25
All winter apparel.
No further discount.
Not valid with any other offer. Valid only during March 2008.
April Coupon
$2.00 Off
the daily special, with the purchase of
the souvenir kid animal head meal.
One coupon per purchase. No further discount
Not valid with any other offer. Valid only during April 2008.
Information:
Zoo Hours:
February - October: 9 am - 4 pm
November - January: 10 am - 4 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Sacramento, CA
Permit No. 651
The Sacramento Zoological Society
3930 West Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822-1123
saczoo.com
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Zoo information:
916-808-5888
Web site: saczoo.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Hotline: 916-808-5885
Sacramento Zoo:
Membership/Zoo Parents:
916-808-5888
Education:
916-808-5889
Zoo Rental Programs:
Frogs are carnivores.
They eat bugs, spiders,
worms, and fish.
916-808-8561
Zoofari Market:
916-808-7055
Volunteers:
916-808-7444
Events:
916-808-7443
Corporate Relations:
916-808-5150
Community Relations:
916-808-8811
Wild Providers:
916-808-8815
Public Relations:
916-808-7446
Sacramento
Zoological Society:
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Terry Kastanis - President
Reina Schwartz - Vice President
Robert Lemke - Treasurer
Steve Brand - Past President
Lois Chappell - Secretary
Kevin Barri, Barbara Bonebrake,
Dr. Murray E. Fowler, Patty French,
Jenni Krengel, Robert Lemke, Linda
McFarland, Chris McGlasson,
Jim Naify, Jonathan Szymanowski,
Chris Stafford, Lux Taylor, Allen Warren
Credits:
Maagizo is published by the
Sacramento Zoological Society.
All rights reserved.
Editor: Delta Pick Mello
Managing Editor: Lauren Kraft
Design: [email protected]
Printing: Paul Baker Printing
Photo Credits: Tana Aubert,
Paul & Eva Begley, Lauren Kraft,
Tom Myers.
The Sacramento Zoo is an accredited
institution of the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums. www.aza.org
February
Find out more at saczoo.com.
Click on “What’s Happening”
Friday, February 29
Leap Day – 9 am to 4 pm
Support conservation efforts to prevent amphibian extinction
with a celebration of frogs, salamanders, toads and newts.
March
Saturday, March 1
Bloomin’ Crazy – 9 am to 4 pm
Visit with gardening clubs and plant experts; get inspired to start your spring gardens.
Saturday, March 15
E-Waste Day – 9 am to 6 pm
Bring your e-waste to IKEA (I-80 to Reed Ave). Dispose of e-waste and support the animals.
Your donation benefits the Zoo’s Conservation Fund. A donation of $5 per vehicle suggested.
Monday, March 17
Stage Shows Open. “Zoo P.I.’s Critter Caper” – 11 am
Wildlife Stage Show – 1:30 pm
Daily: 3/17 – 3/30. Tuesday through Sunday: 4/1 – 9/1
April
Saturday, April 5
Recycle Rummage Sale – 9 am to 4 pm
Proceeds from this sale benefit the Zoo’s conservation programs.
Saturday, April 5
Earth Fest – 9 am to 4 pm
It’s a giant Party for the Planet! Wildlife and conservation organizations,
Recycle Raffle, games, crafts and face painting.
Sunday, April 13
28th Annual ZooZoom – 7 am to Noon
All ages welcome in the 5K, 10K, and Saucony “Run for Good” Kids’
Fun Runs. For information call: 916-441-1751.
Tuesday, April 15
Members Only – Summer Camp Priority Registration
Make your reservations at saczoo.com. For information call: 916-808-5889.
Wednesday, April 23
Spring Lecture Series – 6:30 to 8 pm
Frogs Matter! Tickets are $8 for members and $9 for non-members.
For information call: 916-808-5889.