September/October

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
M E M P H I S ZO O.O R G
LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVENTS
The Zoo will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Labor Day. Last admission is at 5 p.m.
vip
lounge
6 to 8 pm
Regular Admission
$40 members / $45 nonmembers
includes:
• tastings of over 150 beers
• entertainment
food and wine available for purchase.
to purchase tickets visit memphiszoo.org, call
901 333 6572 or visit our membership office.
Vip Admission
*limited
availability
$60 members / $70 nonmembers
includes:
• regular admission package, plus:
• early entry to vip area at 6 pm
• exclusive vip tastings of beer
And wine
• appetizers by Corky's And
Simply Delicious Catering
presenting sponsors: Eagle Distributing | Jaguar LandRover Bluff City | Mahaffey tent & party rentals | Miller-Coors
MEMBERS NIGHT
Sunday, September 4 - 6 to 9 p.m. Exclusive Members Party
Come out for a fun-filled evening, including a sea lion show at 7 p.m.,
the Budgie House until 7 p.m. and entertainment in the Courtyard!
Stingray Bay, Camel Rides and the Giraffe Feeding (at 6 p.m.) are an
additional fee. No outside alcohol is permitted.
Beastly Bargain Sale
Friday, September 2 - Monday, September 5
These bargains ARE beastly with discounts from 30-60% off. Items for children and
adults - toys, gifts, T-shirts, jewelry and more! Members always receive their 15% discount.
EXZOOBERANCE is a bimonthly
Memphis Zoological Society publication
providing information for friends of the Memphis Zoo.
Send comments to MZS, 2000 Prentiss Place,
Memphis, TN 38112, or call (901) 333-6500
or log onto memphiszoo.org
VOL. XXVI, No. 4
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016
Our Mission
Connecting people with wildlife
Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le
are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.
Memphis Zoological Society
Board of Directors as of June 2016
Officers
DIANE SMITH, Co-Chair
GENE HOLCOMB, Co-Chair
DOROTHY KIRSCH, Secretary
RUSSELL T. WIGGINTON, JR., Treasurer
THOMAS C. FARNSWORTH III, Vice Chair
JOSEPH C. DEWANE, M.D., Past Chair
Directors
W. LYNN CARSON
SAMANTHA BOGGS DEAN
DELISA EDDINGS
DAVID HOPKINS
HENRY A. HUTTON
MARIA LEGGETT
JASON MAYKOWSKI
SCOTT MCCORMICK
JOYCE A. MOLLERUP
BRANDON GARROTT MORRISON
CAROL W. PRENTISS
JERRY SHORE
RICHARD W. SMITH
KELLY H. TRUITT
MARIO L. WALKER
BYRNE WHITEHEAD
Honorary Lifetime Directors
DONNA K. FISHER
ROGER T. KNOX
SCOTT P. LEDBETTER
SENATOR JAMES R. SASSER
REBECCA WEBB WILSON
EDZOOCATION
Ex Officio
DR. CHUCK BRADY, ZOO President and CEO
BILL MORRISON, City Council Representative
Credits
LAURA DOTY
Editor/Writer
MANGAN HOLCOMB PARTNERS
Art Director
MEGHAN BURNETT
Writer
JENNIFER COLEMAN
Copy Editor
CONSERVATION
Special Events
and Calendar
TOOF PRINTING
Printer
Exzooberance Paper generously donated by
International Paper Employees
ZOO ADMISSION HOURS
March- October 20 • 9 a.m.-5p.m.
October 21-February • 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Grounds close one hour after last admission
Zoo closed: Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
The Memphis Zoo is accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a member
of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
© 2016 Memphis Zoo
M E M P H I SZO O.O R G
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Creature Feature
Kids Page
Membership
Goes Green!
Don’t forget, membership cards are
now printed at the Zoo when you
arrive. These will no longer be mailed.
Wanna talk? Give us a buzz.
[email protected]
Proceeds benefit the Memphis Zoological Society. A Memphis Restaurant Association sanctioned event.
7 TO 10:30 PM • TICKETS ARE $200 PER PERSON.
SPONSORSHIPS START AT $750 AND INCLUDE FOUR (4) EVENT TICKETS. FOR MORE INFO, CALL (901) 333-6757.
Platinum
Partner
Premium
Partners
ADVANCED DERMATOLOGY & SKIN CANCER ASSOCIATES
AUTOZONE, BORS-KOEFOED “BK” FAMILY,
JOSEPH C. DEWANE, M.D., FEDEX
SUNTRUST
EDZOOCATION
FALL BREAK CAMP 2016
HOMESCHOOL DAYS
JK-6TH GRADES
These two hour programs take our popular zoo classes and
add a homeschool twist. Meet live animals, participate in
hands-on activities and get a guided tour of exhibits.
Conservation Camp
OCT 10-14
9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
Going, going, saved! While exploring the Zoo and
participating in fun games, crafts, and interactive
experiments, each day of Fall Break Camp will focus on an
endangered animal and what we can do to help save that
animal from extinction.
COST PER DAY:
$40/MEMBERS; $50/NONMEMBERS
COST PER WEEK:
$170/MEMBERS; $199/NONMEMBERS
Aftercare
3:00 TO 6:00 P.M.
If 3 p.m. pickup is too early for your schedule, we offer
aftercare each day. A way for your child to unwind while you
finish your work day, aftercare consists of educational videos,
activities and games.
AFTERCARE COST PER DAY:
$20/MEMBERS; $25/NONMEMBERS
1ST-8TH GRADES
Animal Defenses
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH
1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
Animals must rely on their own defenses to protect
themselves. We will we learn about some of the unique ways
they attack and defend.
$15/MEMBERS; $18/NONMEMBERS
1ST-8TH GRADES
Properties of Matter
MONDAY, OCTOBER 3RD
1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
How do temperature, density, volume, and buoyancy affect
animals? When your students come to this interactive class,
they’ll learn how properties matter!
$15/MEMBERS; $18/NONMEMBERS
AFTERCARE COST PER WEEK:
$85/MEMBERS; $99/NONMEMBERS
For more information or to register for camp, visit
memphiszoo.org/zoocamp or call (901)333-6576
1ST-12TH GRADES
Dissection Days (Earthworm, Shark,
& Sheep Organs)
EARTHWORM (1ST – 4TH), SHARK (5TH – 8TH),
SHEEP ORGANS (9TH–12TH)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH
1:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.
$20/MEMBERS; $23/NONMEMBERS
For more information or to register for Homeschool Days, visit memphiszoo.org/homeschoolprograms or call (901)333-6576
E X ZO O B E R A N C E
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CONSERVATION
The Extinction Crisis
No One Knows About
by MEGHAN BURNETT , Communications Intern
G
iraffes are one of the most
recognizable animals in all of
Africa – a continent known for its’
diversity of wildlife. Lions, elephants,
gorillas, hippos and cheetahs are just
a few of the amazing animals that
call different parts of Africa home.
However, there is just something about
the long legs and neck, beautiful
patterned coat, and gentle nature of
giraffes that make them one of the
most beloved of all animals.
Giraffes are native to the African
savannah where they roam through
countries like Botswana, Namibia,
Tanzania, Niger, Kenya and more. They
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M E M P H I SZO O.O R G
feed off of tree tops, eating twigs,
leaves and branches, and are able to
survive on a small amount of water for
a long period of time.
Once, it was common to see giraffe
herds across the many savannahs
throughout central and southern Africa.
In the last 15 years, the population
of wild giraffes has decreased from
140,000 to less than 80,000. That’s
a 40% decrease in a very short period
of time. This dramatic decrease can be
attributed to African plains becoming
urbanized and developed for human
use. This habitat fragmentation is one
of the factors leading to the extinction
of these famous animals. Giraffes
are being pushed from their natural
habitat, away from resources they rely
on to survive.
Another issue causing the rapid
extinction of giraffes is the amount
of poaching that occurs. The extreme
poverty in Africa leads to native people
of these regions searching for ways to
gain profit and survive. Giraffe hides,
tails, bones and meat are wanted by
poachers and unfortunately, there are
not many ways to protect them.
Thankfully, zoos like the Memphis
Zoo work to stabilize the population of
giraffes in captivity. The Association
of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has
developed a program that works to
save and breed animals in captivity.
This program is called the Species
Survival Plan, or SSP. More specifically,
SSP is a breeding or transfer plan
that sets goals for the population of a
species. Zoos across the nation work
together to breed a species that is
as healthy and genetically diverse as
possible.
“We want to diversify the gene pool
for as long as possible,” said Courtney
Janney, Curator of Large Mammals.
“The more genetically diverse two
giraffes are, the better matches they
are for reproduction. In other words,
the more diverse a species is, the
better it is for the population.”
Although this sounds quite simple,
it’s not that easy. There are currently
545 giraffes in captivity in the United
States. While there are many subspecies of giraffes, reticulated giraffes
are most commonly found in zoos,
including the Memphis Zoo. Out of
425 reticulated giraffes in the country,
only 65 females are recommended
to breed. Because of the low number
of breeding females, the regrowth
of the population in captivity will
take some time. Being proactive is
leading the captive population in a
positive direction.
The Memphis Zoo is proud to be
included in the work behind the
regrowth of the population. There
are currently seven reticulated
giraffes at the Zoo, which includes
one male and six females.
The youngest is a baby girl,
named “Kenzie,” who was born
February 29 of this year.
Through the work of
dedicated animal care
staff and guidance
from the giraffe SSP,
the Memphis Zoo
and other AZA
accredited zoos are
working together
to save these
beautiful
animals
before it’s
too late.
E X ZO O B E R A N C E
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Proud Sponsor of the Memphis Zoo
Platinum Partner of Zoo Rendezvous
8 Memphis area locations
www.iberiabank.com
2016
MEMP H IS ZO O
HARVEST
FEST
9 AM TO 4 PM
Help us welcome the fall season at this family oriented Zoo
event featuring folk music, local artisans, and crafts.
For more details, visit memphiszoo.org
SPECIAL EVENTS
Zoo Brew
Tap into your wild side at
Zoo Brew. Join the Memphis
Zoo for Memphis’ largest
beer tasting event, featuring
The Kathryn Stallins Band!
The event will have over 150 beers.
This year’s VIP Lounge includes
early entry, exclusive VIP tastings of beer and wine
and appetizers by Corky’s and Simply Delicious
Catering. Visit memphiszoo.org to purchase tickets,
or call 901.333.6572.
SEPTEMBER 2
7-10 P.M.
VIP LOUNGE
6-8 P.M.
Ages 21+
$40/members $45/nonmembers
VIP: $60 members $70/nonmembers
Members Night
Exclusive members party.
Come out for a fun-filled evening, including a
sea lion show at 7 p.m. the Budgie House until
7 p.m. and entertainment in the Courtyard!
Stingray Bay, Camel Rides and Giraffe Feeding (at
6 p.m.) are an additional fee. No outside alcohol is
permitted.
SEPTEMBER 4
6-9 P.M.
Zoo Rendezvous
An Evening in Africa at this year’s Zoo
Rendezvous! Get a taste of the town with food
and libations from the finest restaurants and
bars throughout the Mid-South. Zoo Rendezvous
also features four bands on four different stages
throughout the event. Purchase tickets by calling
901.333.6757 or online at memphiszoo.org.
SEPTEMBER 10
7-10:30 P.M.
Ages 21+
$200 per person
Sponsorships start at $750
Zoo closes at 3 p.m.
Last admission at 2 p.m. on Saturday September 10
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M E M P H I SZO O.O R G
Harvest Fest
Included with Zoo admission
This fall event celebrates the simple life as
we welcome the harvest season. Bring the
entire family to learn from local craftsmen, hear
folk music and even churn your own butter at the
Once Upon A Farm exhibit. Join us for a downhome good time at Harvest Fest!
SEPTEMBER 24-25
9 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Senior Safari
In conjunction with the
Professional Network of
Aging, the Memphis Zoo is
excited to host another Senior Safari! This
event provides free parking, free admission and
free tram rides to seniors aged 55 and up.
OCTOBER 5
9 A.M. – 2 P.M.
Seniors 55+ admitted free
Le Bonheur Zoo Boo
It’s never too
early to start
planning your
Le Bonheur Zoo
Boo adventures!
From hayrides to
candy stations to
straw mazes, you
won’t want to miss
this SPOOK-tacular
Halloween event.
Zoo Boo is fun for
ghosts and goblins
of all ages, and now with the EIGHT nights of
frights, there is even more Boo to enjoy!
OCTOBER 21-23, 27-31
5:30 – 9:30 P.M.
Advanced price: $10/member $13/nonmember
Day of event: $12 member $15/nonmember
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September
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Zoo Brew
7–10PM
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Members
Night
Zoo
Rendezvous
6-9PM
7–10:30PM
National Wildlife Day
1112 13141516 17
Homeschool
Day
1-3PM
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Harvest
Fest
October
9AM–4PM
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Harvest
Fest
9AM–4PM
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World Farm
Animals Day
Homeschool
Day
1-3PM
World Animal Day
Senior
Safari
9AM–2PM
910 1112131415
African Penguins
Awareness Day
Fall Break Camp
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Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
2324 2526 272829
Zoo Boo
Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
5:30-9:30PM
Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
3031
Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
Zoo Boo
5:30-9:30PM
E X ZO O B E R A N C E
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FALL FUN
at the Memphis Brooks
FREE
HOMESCHOOL
DAY
Visit Tennessee’s only hands-on family
art gallery dedicated to learning
through seeing.
Thursday
September 15
10 am - 3 pm
inside art is generously funded by the plough foundation
Memphis Brooks
Museum of Art
in Overton Park
brooksmuseum.org
brooksmuseum.org
low Prices!
Proud to
welcome
the Nile
Crocodiles
to the
Memphis Zoo
Visit fredsinc.com for a fred’s Pharmacy or fred’s location near you.
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M E M P H I SZO O.O R G
8/4/16 9:01 AM
C R E AT U R E F E AT U R E
The Jaguar:
Purrfectly Adapted
by MEGHAN BURNETT , Communications Intern
Y
ou might not know her name, but
“Maya” – a melanistic jaguar is one
of the most recognizable animals
in Cat Country. Her black fur and light
green eyes are hard to miss against the
light brown backdrop of her enclosure.
The Memphis Zoo has had jaguars
in its collection since 1957. Although
Maya is not the first, she is currently
the Zoo’s only black, or melanistic,
jaguar. They are so strong and
intelligent that they know how to
survive and protect themselves without
the help of other cats.
Maya was born May 21, 2003 in
Alabama, and came to the Memphis
Zoo a few days later. Upon arrival, she
was hand-raised, which means her
keepers gave her extra nurturing and
bottle-fed her for the first few months.
Maya’s keepers have worked closely
with her to establish a relationship
based on trust and respect.
Of course, Maya has things she
loves to do. Her favorite pasttime is
people watching. She sits very still and
watches people walk by her habitat.
Her whole body will be frozen, ready to
pounce, and just the tip of her tail will
whip back and forth. It’s actually an
old myth that the twitch of their tail is
how jaguars lure their prey.
Maya’s species, panthera onca,
comes from Central and South America
and can be found as close to us as
Southern Mexico. The jaguars found
specifically in rainforests, like the
Amazon basin, have dark fur like Maya.
The darker they are, the better they
blend in with their surroundings.
“When people see Maya, they assume
she’s not a jaguar, because they
can’t see her spots,” said Gail Karr,
Assistant Curator of the West Zone.
“However, if you look very closely, you
can see that Maya is in fact covered in
spots, just like other jaguars. Due to
her melanism, they are hard to notice.”
All black animals are considered
melanistic. Melanism is when an
animal develops black pigment in their
skin, which in turn, leads them to have
completely black fur, like Maya.
In the wild, jaguars prefer to live and
hunt alone. Jaguars’ hunting skills are
impeccable. They’re the largest felines
in the Americas. The jaguar is solitary
and terrestrial, although it is an adept
tree climber. Jaguars will pursue
almost any kind of animal prey, with
its favorite being the peccary (a type of
wild pig) and the capybara (the world’s
largest rodent.) They are built with a
strong jaw, short, strong legs, a short
neck and camouflage fur; in other
words, they are the perfect predator.
E X ZO O B E R A N C E
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COLOR THE
GIRAFFE
DID Y
OU KN
OW...
Just like human fingerprints
and snowflakes, no giraffes have
the same spot pattern.
Giraffes only spend between
10 minutes and two hours asleep
per day. They have one of the
shortest sleep requirements
of any mammal.
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M E M P H I SZO O.O R G
October 28, 2016 • 6:30pm
Halloran Centre at the Orpheum
Recommended for Ages 5 +
BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR
& OTHER TREASURED STORIES
November 11, 2016 • 6:30pm
Historic Orpheum Theatre
Recommended for Ages 3 +
TICKETS: (901) 525-3000
Family Series
sponsored in part by:
®
CELESTE
Paid
For a full list of our upcoming family
programs, visit Orpheum-Memphis.com
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Memphis, TN
Permit No. 1124
SERIES
August
29-31
23-29
Dec 29-Jan
41
Requested in-home dates April
21-May
2000 Prentiss Place
Memphis, TN 38112
38112
(901) 276-WILD
FAMILY
Exzooberance is mailed with a bulk permit and cannot be forwarded.
© Copyright Memphis Zoo 2015
2016
2016 - 2017
•
RHAPSODY IN BLACK
November 18, 2016 • 6:30pm
Halloran Centre at the Orpheum
Recommended for Ages 13 +
Orpheum-Memphis.com
Brown Bear, Brown Bear
sponsored by: