What`s New at the Zoo?

What’s New
at the Zoo?
The Calgary Zoological Society Newsletter
Koalas settle into new digs
Contest winners
head down under
The transition from San Diego to Calgary
has gone well for visiting koalas Budaru and
Mundooie. “Both boys are eating well and
settling in nicely. They’re also really starting to
show off their personalities,” says zookeeper
Barb Campbell.
Mundooie is a traditionalist, opting for
predictable koala resting positions. “He’s more
of a laid back dude,” says Barb. “Nothing fazes
him. He almost seems to know he’s eight years
old, nine on July 12, and acts the role of the
mature koala.”
Best koala viewing times
If you’re looking to visit the koalas at their
most active, our Breakfast with the Koalas
program (see page 10 for details) is your best
Frank Ostrowski and Tanis
Whitwell are headed to Australia
courtesy of DownUnder Travel,
Qantas Airways, Calgary Herald,
Energy 101.5fm and Stella
Hospitality!
Barb Campbell
Five-year-old Budaru likes to spend his time
hanging out – literally. “We’re often surprised at
the unique and entertaining resting positions he
chooses. His limbs are always all over the place.
We’ve even seen him relaxing with his head in
the fork of a tree,” explains Barb.
Summer 2009
Budaru “hangs out” in his typical style.
bet. “Right when the zoo opens in the morning
or later in the afternoon are also good choices
for prime koala viewing,” explains Barb. “But
koalas are fun to watch any time. They spend 18
to 20 hours a day resting, but they’ll often get up
and move around.”
Zoo interpreters are also at the koala habitat
throughout the day to share cool koala facts.
“They do an awesome job,” comments Barb. “It’s
worth coming just to hear what they have to say.”
To kick off the arrival of
Mundooie and Budaru, the zoo
launched a contest with a grand prize
of two trips for two to Australia. The
response was fantastic! Winners
will enjoy round-trip airfare to
Brisbane, Australia, seven nights
accommodation and much more.
Thanks to all of our sponsors for
their generous contributions and
support in helping us bring a bit of
Australia to Calgary.
Volunteers keep eucalyptus
tasty for koalas
Barb Campbell
Twice a week, volunteers spend time
preparing eucalyptus for the koalas to eat.
They re-trim every single piece so it will
absorb water better and stay fresh and tasty
for our koalas.
“We’re learning a lot about eucalyptus,”
says Barb. “It is grown and cut in Arizona
and then flown to Calgary twice a week
by FedEx, so keeping it fresh can be a bit
challenging.”
Mundooie chooses a more traditional
koala resting position.
See page 3 for new information on parking at the zoo.
(L-R) Jason Webb, DownUnder Travel,
Frank Ostrowski, trip winner, Tanis Whitwell,
trip winner, Denise Flemig, Qantas Airways.
AZnimal
News
oo News
Caring for elderly animals
The normal life expectancy of animals
can range from less than a year for small
mammals to sixty, seventy or more years
for animals like tortoises or parrots. As
a result, animal care in zoos is a lifelong
commitment and our expert veterinary staff
and zookeepers provide individual care for
each of the more than 1,000 animals at the
zoo based on their unique health needs.
The fact that many animals
live to such a ripe old age is a
reflection of the quality of care
they receive.
A hippo senior
citizen
Foggy, a male hippo, is the
zoo’s oldest resident and one of the
10 oldest hippos in North America.
As hippos age they tend to lose body
mass and body weight so Foggy gets extra
calories in his diet to help maintain his size.
At his last check-up Foggy’s belt size was
almost three metres (nine feet, 10 inches).
Foggy has also had dental issues since
he was a young calf. “Foggy’s teeth are
splayed so he was trained when he was
young to allow zookeepers to trim them
and prevent them from interfering with his
eating,” explains zookeeper Bill Blayney. “In
the wild, he wouldn’t have survived because
he couldn’t use his teeth to defend himself
against other hippos.”
Bill Quayle
Foggy receives medication for arthritis,
a common condition in older animals – just
like in older humans.
A giraffe matriarch
What’s New at the Zoo?
A Calgary Zoological Society
newsletter for members.
Published four times per year by
The Calgary Zoological Society
1300 Zoo Road NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6
403-232-9300
www.calgaryzoo.com
ety.
© 2009, The Calgary Zoological Soci
All rights reserved.
Editor:
Michelle Woodard
Contributors:
r, Julie Ann Gauthier,
Blai
lle
Este
Corinne Hannah, Olivia Johns,
de.
Dan Pye, Kailey Setter, Doug Whitesi
2
Nineteen-year-old Mardi, once top
female giraffe in the herd and mother to
many giraffe calves during her lifetime, has
been losing her dominance as she ages. To
give her a break, zookeepers offer Mardi
alone time in the giraffe habitat’s back
‘sunshine room.’ “She still takes part in
giraffe ‘squeeze’ training for enrichment,”
says Bill. “The training helps make giraffes
more comfortable in the confined area
required for veterinary care, so it’s important
as they age and may require more visits from
the vets.”
Did you know?
The zoo has many senior
residents including a
42-year-old flamingo, a
24-year-old patas monkey,
a 14-year-old red panda and
a 10-year-old river otter.
These are just a few of the
many animals living out their
golden years at the zoo.
part of their life expectancy.” The group of
lions, all half siblings from a common mother
and two fathers, came to the zoo when they
were only seven months old.
“We’re always trying new enrichment
activities to keep them stimulated and
showing natural behaviours like jumping
and grabbing,” says Bill.
Saying goodbye
Though saying goodbye to an animal
is difficult for everyone at the zoo and for
visitors as well, it is comforting to know
that it usually happens at the end of a long
life. Animals at the zoo play a vital role as
ambassadors for their species and those
that live into their later years have had an
incredible impact on the people that learn
from them.
Keeping the pride
You probably couldn’t tell by
looking at them, but the zoo’s
pride of lions is quite elderly.
“They still wrestle and behave
like younger lions do,” explains
Bill. “But at thirteen years old
they’re approaching the later
Bob Hart
The zoo is fortunate to celebrate many
exciting animal births – everyone loves
animal babies. Even though they might have
a few more wrinkles or grey hairs, animals
on the opposite end of their life cycle have a
lot to offer too.
Zoo parking news
Springtime will see the start of
construction on the new and improved
north parking lot. The lot will be
organized and upgraded gradually over
the next year with the end result being
separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic
and a safer environment for zoo guests.
When completed, there will be improved
sight lines, wider pathways, better access
and an increased security presence.
Installation of new control gates will be
the first stage in the redevelopment.
Safety first
“Our primary objective in renovating
the north parking lot is to make it safer
and more user-friendly for all of our visitors,”
explains Frank Huether, the zoo’s Manager
of Projects. “We worked long and hard on
the design and consulted with a number of
organizations to do our best to provide a safe
environment. We are improving sight lines,
creating a separate entry for buses and adding
security measures including security cameras
and a help phone.”
LRT parking
When completed, the north parking lot
will have 1800 parking stalls – an increase
Parking and Education
Parking quick facts
Members: As part of their member benefits, all zoo members will
receive FREE parking after 8:45 am in both the north and west zoo
parking lots. For more information, see page 19.
Nonmembers: Effective July 1, 2009, a nominal $5 fee per vehicle
will be charged upon exit at both the north and west zoo parking lots.
Grace period: 30-minute grace period for drop-offs including
LRT Kiss & Ride, Zoo Camps, School Programs and zoo visitors.
LRT Parking: 500 of the 1800 total pay parking spaces in the
north lot will be designated for LRT users until 8:45 am at a $5 daily
parking fee per vehicle.
Zoo Manager of
Projects Frank
Huether in the
soon-to-be-renovated
North Parking Lot.
of 500 stalls from the current capacity.
Based on current use studies, 500 stalls will
be designated for LRT commuters at a $5
daily parking fee per vehicle before 8:45 am
reserving the balance for zoo visitors. After
8:45 am, all vacant stalls will be available for
zoo visitors.
be a 30-minute grace period for drop-offs
including LRT Kiss & Ride, Zoo Camps,
School Programs and other zoo events. The
parking fee revenue will help offset upgrade
costs for both of the zoo’s parking lots and
fund ongoing maintenance – expenses which
the zoo absorbed for more than 20 years.
North Lot – parking fee
West Lot – parking fee
A nominal parking fee of $5 per vehicle
takes effect on July 1, 2009. However, parking
will remain FREE for all zoo members after
8:45 am. Other parking lot users will pay a
$5 flat rate fee when they exit. There will
A parking fee of $5 per vehicle will also
take effect on July 1, 2009. This lot will remain
gated until 8:45 am.
Answering the “Call of the Wild” in 2008
The zoo’s Visitor Education team is
excited to announce that in 2008 our zoo
placed first in Canada and second in North
America for the most cell phones recycled
in a single year in the Eco-Cell program.
With the help of Calgarians, we collected
and recycled 2,799 old cell phones, pagers,
PDAs and their accessories and batteries.
The impact of e-waste
Estimates suggest that over 100 million
cell phones in North America will go out
of use in 2009 and many will end up in
landfills. This e-waste contains potentially
hazardous materials including chemicals
that can affect the nervous system, and
lead to reproductive and developmental
problems in humans and animals.
Cell phones and other e-waste also
contain coltan, a metallic ore only found in
a few places worldwide. One such place is
the Democratic Republic of Congo where
local militias and armies are involved
in the industry. Mining coltan is often
done using low-tech methods that have
a devastating impact on waterways and
habitats. The mining also affects gorillas
and elephants in protected areas where
they are displaced or killed for bush meat.
Cell phone recycling helps
wild gorillas
Bring your old cell phones, pagers,
PDAs and batteries to the Calgary Zoo
and you can help make a difference! For
each phone we recycle, Eco-Cell donates
between fifteen cents and fifteen dollars to
the zoo’s Conservation Fund. This money
is then given to Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
International to help protect wild gorillas
and their habitat.
Dawna Sagi of the zoo’s Education Department with
some of the 2,799 old cell phones, pagers and PDAs
collected in 2008 as part of the Eco-Cell program.
Thank you for helping to make our
“Answer the Call of the Wild” program a
success in 2008. Although we are proud
of our accomplishment, we have set a new
goal to recycle 5,000 phones in 2009. We
hope you will help make this goal a reality!
– Dan Pye, Zoo Interpreter
3
Animal and Horticulture News
Gardening in full colour
Hellos & Goodbyes
While the new ENMAX Conservatory slowly
grows before our eyes, there is plenty to please
visitors in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens this
summer. Some 25,000 annuals will be on display
throughout the summer months, framing the
gardens in brilliant colour.
Stay up-to-date on new animals
at the zoo, animals that have
moved to another part of the zoo
and others we’ve said goodbye to.
Planning a plant paradise
John Ternan
Each November our garden team
pores over seed catalogues devising
displays for the next growing season. A
little virtual gardening is a good insulator
against the frigid temperatures of winter.
A few newer introductions grabbed our
interest and we hope you will drop by to
take a look.
What’s cute, striped
and grows like a weed?
Cosmos ‘Versailles Tetra’ adds some finetextured volume to the middle of a border.
Slate pink blossoms that deepen to red are
carried over filigreed foliage. For a hip,
trendy look we’ll pair this hot pink number
with lime green accents. Elsewhere we will
accent ‘Versailles Tetra’ with a medley of hot
pinks and burgundies, creating a tapestry of
jewel tones.
Red river hoglets! On March 19,
five-year old Mvula gave birth to her
first litter in the African Savannah.
When born, the hoglets had
intriguing stripes that made them
look like little watermelons!
As they grow, they’ll start to look
more like mom and dad.
The pitter-patter
of little feet can
again be heard
in the TransAlta
Rainforest. An
Eastern blackand-white colobus
monkey born on February 13 is
the first to be born at the zoo.
Zookeepers named her “Kima”
(pronounced kee-ma) which is
Swahili for monkey.
Tree kangaroo gets a
roommate
Zookeepers in the Australia
and Creatures of the Night
building are excited to welcome
a new female tree kangaroo from
the Dallas World Aquarium.
Mattie will be a mate for the zoo’s
male, Koloona.
4
John Ternan
Colobus
baby a first
If you can take the heat, look for Gazania
‘Kiss Orange Flame’. You can’t miss this one
at the front of a border with its deep orange
blossoms slashed with mahogany red. We
are picking up the mahogany thread again
with Dahlia ‘Black Beauty’, one of the darkest
dahlias on the market.
This year, Ernst Benary has introduced
a new selection of the Australian native
Ptilotus exaltatus. ‘Joey’ has large silverypink bottlebrush flowers on top of grey
green foliage. The correct pronunciation of
this genus is still a mystery to us, but the
common name of mulla mulla is fun. The
Did you know?
Each summer our
horticulture staff plants
more than 25,000
annuals in the Dorothy
Harvie Gardens.
Watch for All American Selections varieties including
Zinnia Zowie Yellow Flame (top) and Celosia Fresh
Look Gold (bottom). Proven Winners selections,
including Cleome Senorita Rosalita (centre), will also be
featured in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens this summer.
silvery pink sheen of this plant complements
the icy blue-green of bold, architectural
cardoons (Cynara cardunculus).
Rudbeckia ‘Cherry Brandy’ is the first
ever red rudbeckia available from seed. To
create a subtle, moody look we will pair
‘Cherry Brandy’ with dusky purple ‘Redbor’
ornamental kale and deep burgundy
Amaranthus ‘Fat Spike’. We’re certainly
hoping this new cultivar will live up to its
billing.
For the first time Proven Winners has
decided to trial some of their new annuals
in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens. Some of
the plants are so new even we won’t know
what they are until they arrive. Winning
All American Selections will continue to be
displayed in our planting beds as well.
We invite you to come on down this
summer and see the gardens in living colour.
– Corinne Hannah, Horticulturist
Horticulture News
Take a walk down the garden path
What’s growing in the gardens this summer?
While there will be lots of excitement
this fall with the new ENMAX Conservatory,
members and visitors can still enjoy the
Dorothy Harvie Gardens throughout the
summer months. Enter the gardens on the
west side of the construction site, below
the windmill and enjoy the abundance of
colourful annuals, perennials and woody
ornamental plant collections. Follow the
path to discover that we’ve relocated the
gazebo to a
new corner
of the garden.
We plan to
surround it
with classic
heritage plant
collections.
You’ll find the
gazebo in its
new home on the
southwest corner
of the garden.
And of course, be sure to make
your way to the south side of the
gardens where the water garden
acts as a natural buffer between the
construction site and the garden. The
Calgary Horticulture Society’s sundial
will enjoy its first full season, and we look
forward to seeing our garden visitors resting
in this seating area and enjoying the view.
For some sensory stimulation, be sure to
stroll down the winding path to the Sensory
Garden and take in the sights, smells and
sounds of this special garden. Trellises
installed last summer
have aged just enough
to look as if they have
always been part of
the garden. Complete
your tour as you amble
along the path through
Indulge your
five senses in the
Sensory Garden.
Help the ENMAX Conservatory grow
and make your mark
Thank you so much to our friends
that have already stepped forward to
contribute to the ENMAX Conservatory
project. If you or your company have
already made a contribution to this
project, we thank you and urge you to
consider making an additional gift.
If you have not yet made your donation,
please send it as soon as you can.
An artistically unique donor tree,
located in the main entrance of the
ENMAX Conservatory, will offer giving
levels of $500, $1,000, $5,000 and $10,000
and up. It’s a perfect gift for any
family member.
Every gift makes a
difference!
Sit down for a rest and enjoy The Calgary
Horticultural Society’s sundial just south of the
ENMAX Conservatory building site.
the Alberta Perennial Trial Garden and
discover which plants survived our long
winter.
Watch the amazing transformation
of the ENMAX
Conservatory during
its reconstruction, right
smack in the middle
of our spectacular
24-year-old botanical
gardens!
– Olivia Johns,
Manager of
Horticulture and
Grounds
Commemorative
Benches
Celebrate a significant birthday,
wedding, anniversary or special event
with the purchase of a Commemorative
Bench at the Calgary Zoo. It’s a great
way to preserve memories or leave a
legacy for a loved one in a tranquil,
well-loved and relaxing setting.
For more information please call
Robert Locke at 403-232-9382 or email
[email protected].
Please visit www.calgaryzoo.
com, call 403-232-7774 or email
[email protected] to give
your gift today.
5
Conservation Outreach
ZOOFARIS
Seeing the forest
and the trees
Discover Life on Earth!
Trip host Judy Archer & friends in the Amazon
2009 DEPARTURES
We have limited space left on a few trips
in 2009.
KENYA: July 1-17 w/Margie Woo.
CA$6,475/child; $7,705/teen; $8,375/adult.
2 spaces left (looking for roomates for a male and
a female). Masai Mara, Samburu & beach time.
KENYA & TANZANIA
(1) Sept. 11-28 w/Les O’Brien. CA$9,110
(2) Sept. 21 -Oct. 6 w/Barb Campbell. CA$8,445.
From Nairobi. Classic East Africa including
the amazing migration.Luxury lodging.
BORNEO: Sept. 29 - Oct. 21 w/Anne
Wolever. CA$5,450 from Kuching. Search for
orangutan and more in this magical place.
INDOCHINA: Sept. 25 - Oct. 13 w/Denell
Falk. CA$6,625 from Hanoi. UNESCO sites
(Halong Bay, Hoi An, Temples of Angkor &
Luang Prabang) & Mekong Delta.
2010 - watch for details on these trips:
We continue to negotiate for 2010 pricing.
Please contact us for updates or to put your
name on the “interest list”.
Antarctica: 2 sailings w/Brian Keating:
Feb. 23-Mar. 5 and Mar. 7-17 (Medical
Challenges Conference).
Bhutan: May 16-June 1 w/Brian Keating.
Botswana: Jan. 15-31 (Secret Season) and
Sept. 11-26 (Prime Season).
China with Tibet. Sept. 18-Oct. 4
w/Gayleen Jorgensen.
Ecuador Spring Break. Mar. 25-Apr. 5
w/Judy Archer.
Egypt & Jordan. Mar. 1-19 w/Denell Falk.
Indochina: Sept. 24-Oct. 9 w/Barb Campbell.
Kenya Summer Safari: July 30-Aug. 12 w/
Kevin Strange.
Tanzania Summer Safari: July 16-30 w/
Laura Glick.
Kenya & Tanzania: Jan. 13-Feb. 2 w/Trish
Lund; Feb. 19-Mar. 10 w/Cathy Gaviller;
Sept. 8-26 w/Les O’Brien; Sept. 23-Oct. 9 w/
Margie Woo.
Peru & Ecuador: Jan. 23-Feb. 14 w/Margie
Woo and July 15-31 w/Barb Campell.
Start planning now for your next trip.
Supporting Conservation Outreach.
Call Civilized Adventures at 403-205-4120
or see www.civilizedadv.com
6
Using the successful conservation
model of its flagship Wechiau Community
Hippo Sanctuary project, the zoo’s
Conservation Outreach Department
is taking the first few steps forward in
helping communities in Liberia protect
rainforests in the West African country.
Protecting the “lungs of the
world”
Often referred to as “the lungs of the
world,” rainforests in West Africa are critical
to the whole planet. They offer a unique
environment and lots of cool wildlife.
But animals aren’t the primary focus of
this work. Without quality habitat, animals
can’t exist. That’s why the zoo is evaluating a
project to help communities in Liberia protect
their plant-based natural resources. The
idea is to create a holistic habitat and plant
conservation model that protects rainforests
and provides people with sustainable ways to
support themselves.
In this recovering country, there is little
to start with. After years of civil war, poverty
and illiteracy rates are incredibly high. In spite
of this, Liberia wants to protect its forests and
encourage in situ conservation.
“If this project goes ahead, we would
want to apply the same principles that
worked so well with Wechiau,” explains
Kevin Strange, Senior Advisor, Conservation
Outreach. “Community-based conservation
is all about mutual respect, giving a voice
Donna Sheppard
Community-based
conservation in Liberia
Zoo outreach staff are just beginning work on a
plant-based conservation project in Liberia. First steps
involved collecting data on potential tree crops. Part of
the process is GPS mapping, pictured here.
to communities, taking time to do the
research, and hearing and implementing what
communities have to say.”
Finding the fruits of our
labour
Donna Sheppard, Sanctuaries Advisor
with the zoo’s Conservation Outreach
Department, has been among the first wave
of pioneering conservationists to work with
Liberia on its vision of development and
conservation. Last fall, Donna began working
with teams of Liberians to collect data on tree
crops including rubber, cocoa, coffee, black
pepper and other non-timber crops that can
be used for cosmetic and medical purposes.
They collected plant samples to confirm
species and began GPS mapping of the area.
“There are many plants that grow wild
and come up through existing plantations,”
explains Donna. “We want to encourage
and educate people to harvest the fruit from
the trees instead of cutting them down. Not
only can people generate a second stream of
income from these harvests, but the trees also
create a buffer zone for rainforests and tree
cover for their other crops.”
Step back in time with the zoo
Did you know that the Banff Zoo disbanded in 1937 and 46
animals were brought to the Calgary Zoo? Read about Noodles and
Major, two black bears, and Barney the monkey, who lived at the
City’s first full-time fire department long before the zoo opened.
It’s all in The Evolution of the Calgary Zoo – available at all zoo gift
shops for $34.95. All proceeds from the sale of this hardcover book
support the zoo’s Conservation Fund.
Veterinary News
Introducing tomorrow’s veterinarians
to wildlife health and conservation
Session two:
Individuals versus
“the healthy herd”
Session one:
Wolves, ethics and research
Session three:
Animal exams
For the first session, students spent the
day with veterinary staff. A highlight was
the examination under anaesthesia of the
zoo’s four grey wolves. Students also got an
introduction to ethical considerations and
the importance of good welfare practices
when working with wildlife in a zoological
setting. Other key concepts included:
• the importance of research to bridge the
knowledge gap between free-ranging
and captive wildlife species
In the final session, students actively
participated in the zoo’s preventive
medicine program. The session was timed
with the zoo’s annual wellness exams and
West Nile virus vaccinations for birds of
prey, swans and parrots. Students learned
about the general taxonomy, anatomy,
and unique physiology of birds common
to zoological institutions or wildlife
rehabilitation settings. Clinical procedures
were taught and carried out, and appropriate
handling and transport techniques were
demonstrated. The vet staff was joined by
Dr. Alessandro Massalo, a wildlife ecologist
from UCVM, for a discussion centred on
conservation research and career pathways.
• why the health of wildlife species
is important for understanding
environmental, domestic animal and
human health
• the impact of emerging diseases
• the role of wildlife as reservoirs of
zoonotic disease.
Investigating health
determinants of populations
instead of individual animals
was the main objective of the
second session called “the healthy
herd”. Students developed an
understanding of the health
and husbandry issues of populations
of nontraditional species, and of the
comparative relationship to more traditional
domesticated species.
By highlighting the value of
understanding the health of diverse
groups of nontraditional species, and
their link with common traditional
species in sustainable ecosystems, these
future veterinarians will be empowered
to become effective advocates for animals
regardless of their particular area of
interest in veterinary medicine.
– Dr. Doug Whiteside
Dr. Sandie Black demonstrates a thorough
physical examination for first-year veterinary students
on a rough-legged hawk handled by zookeeper Val
Edwards.
ZooCare makes
a great gift!
Support a grizzly bear for a
birthday, a whooping crane for a
wedding, or a snow leopard for a
Christmas gift. With ZooCare the
possibilities are as endless as our
animals’ appetites.
ZooCare is a great way to
support the Calgary Zoo. Your
donation will go directly toward the
care and feeding of our animals.
For a minimum donation of $35
you will receive a certificate with
a colour picture and biofact sheet
highlighting the species you have
chosen, as well as a charitable tax
receipt. For a full list of species or
to purchase your ZooCare package,
call 403-232-7774 or visit ZooCare
at www.calgaryzoo.com.
Bill Quayle
The zoo’s Animal Health Centre is proud
to be a part of the University of Calgary’s
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM)
distributed learning community. The zoo’s
veterinarians, Dr. Sandie Black and Dr.
Doug Whiteside, serve as faculty members
in the Department of Ecosystem and Public
Health. This year, the first class of veterinary
students participated in three clinical
sessions at the zoo. They interacted with
veterinarians, veterinary technologists, and
zookeeping staff, developing an appreciation
for the teamwork and complexities involved
in ensuring the physical and mental health
of all species at the zoo.
A first year veterinary student practices
auscultation skills (listening to the sounds
within the body using a stethoscope) on
a ferruginous hawk being handled by
zookeeper Larry Miller. The stockinette
hood decreases stress during handling.
7
Conservation Research
Developing an effective survey
technique for Northern leopard
frogs
Join us for our
first ever public
research talks!
Free with zoo admission!
Gas-field Swift Fox:
Finding Foxes Where No-one
Has Gone Before
How hard is it
to find Northern
leopard frogs?
Northern leopard
frogs are very good at
hiding. Their small size
and clever camouflage make it extremely
difficult for human eyes to spot them in the
dense grasses and murky waters of their
wetland habitats. Frog populations are also
notoriously difficult to survey because at
certain times of the day and with certain
weather conditions they become inactive
and, consequently, impossible to see. This
inability to detect the frogs – referred to as
imperfect detection – makes it tricky for
wildlife surveyors to accurately determine
whether Northern leopard frogs are present
in an area. Without a clear idea of where
Northern leopard frogs live, it is difficult
for conservationists to protect the species
from further decline. That’s why Des and
Breana are trying to learn more about how
Wednesday, June 24
Savannah Classroom: 1:40 - 2:10 pm
A discussion of the impacts of oil and
gas development on prairie species at
risk.
Tuesday, September 15
Savannah Classroom: 1:40 - 2:10 pm
A look at how a zoo veterinarian is
helping to preserve future generations
of wood bison.
Lynne Fraser
Lending a Hand … Assisted
Reproductive Technologies in
Threatened Wood Bison
Sarah Molnar
This spring, Dr. Des Smith and Breana
McKnight – two researchers at the Centre
for Conservation Research (CCR) – will
load up their trucks and set out in search
of elusive Northern leopard frogs. Their
mission? To gather information on how
easy (or hard) it is to find this provinciallythreatened species at a number of
preselected sites across Southern Alberta.
This project is a collaboration between the
CCR, the Alberta Conservation Association
and Alberta Fish and Wildlife.
Spotting Northern leopard frogs (look inside the
red circle) is a tricky thing to do in the dense
grasses of wetland habitat.
things such as vegetation height and density,
weather, and time of day affect a surveyor’s
ability to find hidden Northern leopard
frogs.
Using math to find frogs
Using the information they gather
through their repeated site surveys this
spring and summer, Des and Breana will
work over the next two years to develop new
monitoring techniques for Northern leopard
frogs. Using a sophisticated
mathematical technique
known as ‘site occupancy
modelling’, they can
calculate the probability of
detecting Northern leopard
frogs at certain sites, and
explore how environmental
factors such as vegetation,
weather and time of day
affect these probabilities.
In the end, this model will
provide surveyors with
information on how long,
how many times and in
what kind of weather
they should search for
Northern leopard frogs in
particular areas.
Northern leopard frogs can be found in a variety of habitats,
including wetlands, marshlands, forests and meadows.
Husky Energy Endangered Species Reintroduction Research Program
Husky Energy is a proud sponsor of the Husky Energy Endangered Species Reintroduction Research
Program at the Calgary Zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research. This program is vital to the
preservation of endangered species in Alberta and Canada and demonstrates Husky’s stewardship and
support for the ecosystems on which we all depend.
8
Conservation Research
Please do not feed the animals
Calling all kids!
You’ve probably heard the saying “please
do not feed the animals”. Well, at the Centre
for Conservation Research that adage has
been temporarily thrown out the window in
the name of science.
Prairie Wildlife Research
Natasha Lloyd, an endangered
species researcher, has been granted
special permission to study the effects
of food supplementation on some of
the black-tailed prairie dog colonies in
Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park.
Food supplementation, quite simply,
involves giving animals more food. With
the black-tailed prairie dogs, this is being
done in a carefully controlled manner. In
addition to their natural diet of grasses and
small flowering plants, the prairie dogs being
studied are offered a new menu choice –
rabbit pellets. Yum!
Did you know?
Canada’s remaining
population of black-tailed
prairie dogs can only
be found in southwest
Saskatchewan around
Grasslands National Park.
By providing the prairie dogs with this
additional food source, Natasha hopes to
determine whether the size, density and
distribution of prairie dog colonies is limited
by the availability of food. Finding out if food
availability is a limiting factor for Canadian
black-tailed prairie dogs will allow Natasha
and other scientists to better understand the
sustainability of prairie dog populations in
Saskatchewan.
Understanding black-tailed prairie dog
colony sustainability will also help wildlife
biologists prioritize areas for future blackfooted ferret releases. Black-footed ferrets
– prairie dog predators – have been extinct
in Canada for over 70 years. Ensuring that
existing black-tailed prairie dog populations
can handle the reintroduction of these
predators is an important aspect of Natasha’s
research.
Conservation research supported by the
Canadian Wildlife Federation
It takes a lot of support to make conservation research a reality, and some of our most
important supporters are our sponsors.
Conservation involves
protecting, preserving, managing
and restoring nature. At the Centre
for Conservation Research (CCR)
we study and help protect a large
variety of animals, including:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Northern leopard frogs
Black-tailed prairie dogs
Burrowing owls
Swift foxes
Whooping cranes
Arctic shorebirds
Black-footed ferrets
Vancouver Island marmots
Everyone at the CCR has a
favourite research animal. Which
one is yours?
Send us your pictures!
Draw a picture of one of the
animals listed above and tell us
why it is your favourite! Then send
your completed drawing to us at
the address below, along with your
name, age and telephone number
by June 30. The winning entry
will be featured in the fall issue of
What’s New at the Zoo!
The Centre for Conservation Research
The Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Road NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6
A sample picture of a whooping crane by
Samuel Bastarache, age eight.
Jenny McPherson
We would like to thank the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) for their generous
support of our Northern leopard frog, black-tailed prairie dog, and black-footed ferret
research projects. Through their sponsorship, CWF is helping researchers at the Centre for
Conservation Research gain valuable knowledge
of these three unique prairie species.
CWF has also given its support to the
Conservation Research Fellowship program. This
fellowship was designed to aid in the professional
development of recent Canadian graduates as
they pursue careers in the field of conservation
biology. Thanks to CWF’s helping hand, the
program can continue to foster new generations
of conservation biologists.
9
Events & Edventures
Breakfast with
the Koalas
New
Dates!
Get Nose to Trunk
with an Elephant
Encounter
New
Dates:
Time:
Cost:
Dates!
Ever wonder what an
elephant’s skin feels like
or how big their teeth are? Learn
about elephants through an
interpretive talk then visit with
members of the zoo’s herd upclose. You’ll find out what the
largest animal at the zoo has for
a snack and even get a chance
to feed them a healthy treat.
Maximum group size is 25 people.
Ages five and older only. Children
must be accompanied by a paying
adult. Allergy alert: peanuts.
Please note that this is not a bath
time program.
San Diego Zoo
Come on down mate! Fill up on a hot
pancake “brekkie” at Kitamba Cafe and
listen to some “kool” stuff about koalas.
Take a short walkabout over to the
Australia building and take a gander at
our visitors from San Diego. You will
get a private viewing of these non-bears while the zookeeper
completes her morning routine. Ages five and older only.
Saturday, May 30, Saturday, June 13, Saturday, June 27, Sunday, July 5
or Saturday, July 18
Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for additional dates.
7:45 - 9:15 am
Adult $45 Child $29 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
New!
Bring your proud pop down to the
zoo to enjoy a delicious brunch with
all of his favourites followed by a very fun,
interactive show with our talented interpreters.
They will definitely have you and your dad
laughing like hyenas. After brunch, enjoy the
zoo with a scavenger hunt that takes you on a
journey to see some of our famous zoo dads.
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 9:00 am or 11:30 am
Cost: Adult $36.95 Youth $36.95 Senior $34.95 Child $22.95
Children under three are free, but
must have a ticket to attend.
Date: Saturday, June 6,
Saturday, June 20,
Sunday, July 5,
Saturday, August 15,
Wednesday, August 19 or
Sunday, September 6
Time:12:15 - 1:30 pm
Cost: Adult $70 Child $65
(10% discount for Discovery
Passport Members)
on Offer!
Special Coup
r
To register for zoo programs
To register for a program, call 403-232-9300 or visit the Calgary Zoo Guest
Relations Desk at the North Entrance (9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily). If there is a computer
mouse icon beside the program dates, you can register at www.calgaryzoo.com. Tickets
for programs with online registration can also be purchased through the kiosks at the
zoo’s North Entrance. Every Monday, programs for that week will be available for sale.
ild ticket fo
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10
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
Bill Quayle
Unless otherwise listed, program fees do not include GST and are nonrefundable and
nonexchangeable. Registrations are accepted in the order in which fees are received.
For all programs, enter via the Calgary Zoo’s North Entrance. Please note that prices
and dates of programs are subject to change.
Bill Quayle
Calgary Zoo Discovery Passport Members receive a discount on select education
programs. Discovery Passport pricing is not available through the kiosks at this time.
Animal and Behind-the-Scenes Programs
Behind the Scenes
with Lions
New
Dates!
Discover our pride … of lions, that is! This
popular program includes an interactive
and informative talk about lions followed
by an unforgettable opportunity to join
zookeepers behind the scenes. Maximum
group size is 20 people. Ages eight and older
only. Children must be accompanied by
a paying adult.
Dates: Saturday, May 23,
Sunday, June 7 (Adults Only), Saturday, June 27, Sunday, July 19,
Wednesday, August 5,
Saturday, August 22 or
Sunday, September 13
Time:2:15 - 3:30 pm
Cost: Adult $60 Child $55
(10% discount for
Discovery Passport
Bob Hart
Behind the
Scenes
with Tigers
New
Dates!
Discover interesting
facts about Siberian
(Amur) tigers,
their adaptations,
behaviours and
more. Then enjoy
a fascinating
feline encounter.
Maximum
group size is 20
people. Ages
five and older
only. Children
must be accompanied by a paying
adult. Register early for this popular
program!
Dates: Sunday, May 31, Sunday, June 14,
Saturday, June 27, Wednesday, July 22,
Saturday, July 25, Sunday, August 16 or
Saturday, September 5
Time: 1:45 - 3:00 pm
Cost: Adult $60 Child $55 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
New
Dates!
Find out what it’s like to stand right beside a
giraffe – see how long their eyelashes are and
learn what colour their tongues are! Enjoy
an interactive interpretive talk, then journey
behind the scenes and meet the giraffes up
close. Maximum group size is 40 people.
Ages five and older only. Children must be
accompanied by a paying adult.
Dates:
Time:
Cost:
Saturday, June 13,
Wednesday, July 8,
Sunday, July 12,
Saturday, August 8 or
Sunday, September 20
1:45 - 3:00 pm
Adult $60 Child $55 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Red Panda
Zookeeper
Workshop
Get noseNew
to-nose with Dates!
red pandas,
Bactrian camels, fallow
deer and pot-bellied
le
Bill Quay
pigs. Experience part of
a zookeeper’s morning
routine and get hands-on experience with
activities that could include preparing food,
cleaning habitats and participating in the
zoo’s animal enrichment program. Group size
is limited to four to provide an unforgettable
experience. Ages eight and older only.
Children must be accompanied by a paying
adult.
Date: Saturday, June 6,
Saturday, June 20,
Saturday, July 4, Saturday, July 18,
Saturday, August 1,
Saturday, August 15,
Saturday, August 29 or
Saturday, September 19
Time: 8:30 - 10:00 am
Cost: Adult $95 Child $75
Around the Globe
Animal Tour and
Behind the Scenes
Join us as we “travel” to visit
magnificent animals found around
the world. The program includes three
behind-the-scenes experiences as well
as informative tours and interpretive
talks. Adults only.
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Saturday, May 30
9:45 am - 3:30 pm
$180 (10% discount
for Discovery Passport Members)
Big Cat Behind
the Scenes
New!
No catnapping for
the stars of this
program – the zoo’s
three resident feline
species: lions, tigers
and snow leopards.
Learn how these
cats differ in their
hunting strategies,
habitats and
behaviours through
interactive interpretive talks and
tours. Then meet our two largest feline
residents – tigers and lions – up close
in unforgettable behind-the-scenes
encounters. The purr-fect day for
feline enthusiasts! Ages eight and older
only. Children must be accompanied
by a paying adult.
Bill Quayle
Behind the
Scenes with
Giraffes
Date: Sunday, August 9
Time:12:45 - 3:45 pm
Cost: Adult $120 Child $110
(10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
pon Offer!
Special Cou
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Please note
at this time.
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
11
Animal and Behind-the-Scenes Programs
New
Dates!
Bears are the ultimate symbol of Canadian
wilderness. Join a zoo interpreter for a
private program about these fascinating and
complex animals, then meet a zookeeper for
a truly unique behind-the-scenes experience
with our bears. Maximum group size is 25
people. Ages five and older only.
Dates:
Time: Cost:
Sunday, May 17,
Sunday, June 21,
Saturday, July 18,
Sunday, August 23
or Saturday, September 26
10:15 - 11:30 am
Adult $60 Child $55
(10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Zookeeper for a Day
iStockphoto.com
Behind the Scenes
with Bears
Behind the Scenes
with Camels
New!
Come down and meet our two female
Bactrian camels, Ava and Zsa Zsa faceto-face – they are cuter than you might
think! Learn all about camels in an
interactive talk, then journey down
to their habitat to get up close and
personal. If you are lucky you may get
an opportunity to feed them a treat.
!
r
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Maximum group size is 20 people.
o
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Special Cou
Ages eight and older only.
Bears or
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Purchase one ad
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(not available fo
Date: Sunday, August 30
Time: 1:00 - 2:15 pm
Cost:Adult $60 Child $55
(10% discount for
Discovery Passport Members)
Ever dreamed of being a
New
Dates!
zookeeper? Spend the day with
the zoo’s animal care staff and
help them prepare meals, feed animals, clean
habitats, change exhibits, learn about our
animal enrichment program and Species
Survival Plans®, and more. This popular
program is available a limited number of
times each month. Choose from Destination
Africa (mostly indoors), Eurasian Carnivores
(outdoors), Canadian Wilds (outdoors).
Adults only.
Dates:All programs are based on
availability. Choose from one of
the following dates or contact
Estelle at 403-232-9362 for more
information or to book an alternate
date.
Destination Africa – July 20
Eurasia Carnivores – July 11 or
September 20
Canadian Wilds – June 28 or August 22
Time:Varies depending on program selected
Cost: $375
Child and Family Programs
Kids Club
New!
Do you want to be a zookeeper or zoologist?
Then this club is for you! Monthly interactive
learning experiences involve hands-on
exploration, games, crafts, mini tours and
the chance to get up close and personal with
some of our ambassador animals. T-shirt
included!
Kinderzoo (Ages 4-5)
(One adult per child included in price)
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 am
Zoo Rangers (Ages 6-9)
Time: 11:15 am - 1:15 pm
Junior Naturalists (Ages 10-13)
Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Dates: All classes on Saturdays.
September 19, October 17,
November 21 and December 12
Cost: $100 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
12
Kindermusik Creatures at the
Ocean
New!
(18 Months - 3.5 years of age)
"Five little sea shells sitting on the shore.
Swish went the waves and then there were
four!" Does five weeks of fun by the ocean
sound good to you? Kids explore sensory
activities like feeling the sand between their
toes as we sing "Sand in our Sandals" and
make a variety of fun seaside crafts. This
camp explores everything to do with the
ocean. For more program information please
contact Best Beginnings at 403-455-5137.
Dates: Mondays, October 19 - November 16
Times: 9:30 - 10:30 am or 10:45 - 11:45 am
Cost: $130 per child (One adult per child included in price)
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
Child and Family Programs
Get Ready for
Zoo Camps
Bring the zoo
to your next
event with
RBC Zoomobile
Children and teens explore the
zoo in our week-long day camp
programs. Qualified staff design
unique programs so kids can
attend more than one week. A
Calgary Zoo Summer Camp
baseball cap or bucket hat is
included with every registration!
Bagged lunch options available
for $45 per camper per week.
Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for
more information.
Whether you’re planning a school
program, community event or a party,
the zoo’s talented educators can bring
entertaining
nature programs
to your guests
with RBC
Zoomobile.
Programs are
45 minutes
long and have
biofacts, such
as feathers,
fur, and skulls,
as well as
knowledgeable
and
experienced
instructors.
Live Calgary
Zoo ambassador animals bring an
added element of excitement.
Zoo Tots (ages 4-6)
Art Camp (grades 3-6)
Children ages 4 to 6 will enjoy a fun and
educational half-day camp looking at
animals through games, songs, activities,
animal visits, stories and crafts.
Art Camp includes all the same fun-filled
activities as other summer zoo camps with
an emphasis on art projects.
Dates:
Time:
Cost:
Weekly June 29 - August 21
8:30 am - 12:00 pm or
12:45 - 4:15 pm, Monday Friday
$144 per child (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Zoo Camps (grades 1-6)
Budding zoologists discover the natural
world through activities, games, crafts,
stories, interpretive programs and animal
visits.
For more information, contact Dawna
Sagi at 403-695-3813 or
[email protected].
Dates:
Time: Cost:
Weekly June 29 - August 21
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
$249 per child (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Dates:
Time:
Cost: Weekly July 27 - August 21
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
$269 per child (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Youth Wildlife Workshop
Design and build enrichment projects for
our animals and watch them enjoy your
creations! Teens get a chance to explore animal
behaviour, wildlife conservation and take on
a leadership component with younger camps.
Includes a half-day rafting component with
RiverWatch water ecologists.
Dates:
Time:
Cost:
Weekly July 6 - August 14
8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
$254 per youth (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Registration
Birthday Party Package Includes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Admission to the Zoo for up to 20 people
Themed activities
A private room for cake and opening gifts
A guided tour
Beverages
A special gift for the birthday child
Birthday Party Host
Zoonique treat bags available
Children 5-12 years old (2.5 hour party)
$350 ($300 for Calgary Zoo Discovery Passport Members)
Children 3-4 years old (1.5 hour party)
$250 ($225 for Calgary Zoo Discover Passport Members)
Call 232-9353 to register today or visit
www.calgaryzoo.com for more information.
S
Ay
n d
o n
e Su .
Bl d d
A
n
Il An ou
vA S r
A Ay r
d
r yeA
tu
SA
Please visit www.calgaryzoo.com
for more
information
and to register.
If you do not
have Internet
access, please
call us at 403232-9300 and we
can mail or fax
registration forms
to you. Register
early to avoid
disappointment!
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
13
Adult Programs
Child and Family Programs
Father’s Day Sleepover
New!
Think that your dad is the greatest? Then treat him
to an overnight stay in the TransAlta Rainforest building
and help us celebrate some of our favourite fathers from
the natural world. Discover dads that cradle eggs, dads
that like to wrestle with their youngsters and much
more. Includes a tour, bedtime snack, pancake breakfast
and zoo day pass. All children must be five years of age
and older and accompanied by an adult.
Garth Irvine
Date: Overnight on Friday, June 12
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am
Cost: $55 per person
Savannah Sleepover
New!
New!
Add a creative touch to your garden
with these wonderful ornaments. Use
large leaves as a mould, then cast
concrete creations that function equally
well as stepping stones, birdbaths or
garden art. Bring your own rhubarb
leaves or something of a similar size to
create these stunning garden elements.
Living Wreath
Doran Clark
Date: Overnight on Saturday, July 18
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am
Cost: $55 per person
New!
Join us on a trek around Eurasia to observe snow leopards, elephants and Japanese macaques
and learn about tiger hunting strategies. We’ll explore the cultural and natural diversity of this
unique region of the world and find out how the plants and animals survive in challenging
environments. Later, we’ll bed down in Elephant Crossing. Includes a tour, bedtime snack,
pancake breakfast and zoo day pass. All children must be five years of age and older and
accompanied by an adult.
Date: Overnight on Saturday, August 15
Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am
Cost: $55 per person
Youth Group Zoo
Sleepovers
Looking for something different for your
Guide, Scout or youth group? Imagine
sleeping on the African savannah, exploring
Eurasia at night, discovering the wonders from Down
Under or touring the Canadian Wilds by moonlight. All sleepover programs include
a guided tour, interactive storytelling and songs, bedtime snack, buffet breakfast and
a day pass for admission to the zoo. You just need to bring your sleeping bag and a
sense of adventure! For more information, visit www.calgaryzoo.com or call
403-232-9353 to book your youth group sleepover. Cost is $55 per person.
14
Concrete Leaf
Ornaments
Date: Saturday, June 20
Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cost: $75
Imagine sleeping on the plains of Africa, learning about
the animals and plants of the Savannah and then spending
the night in the unique setting of the African Savannah
building. Before bed, we’ll get you in the mood when we
teach you some real West African drumming and dancing,
help you create an African mask to take home, sing songs
and dress up like a baobab tree! Includes a tour, bedtime
snack, pancake breakfast and zoo day pass. All children
must be five years of age and older and accompanied by
an adult.
Eurasian Expedition Sleepover
Dress Up Your
Garden Series
New!
Add another dimension to your
garden with a living wreath. Construct
the base of your wreath using a wire
frame and moss, then adorn it with
living plants. You’ll even get tips for
over-wintering your wreath to ensure
years of use. Join Kath Smyth from
Countryside Landscapes & Garden
Centre as she demonstrates the process,
then guides you through the creation of
your own wreath.
Date: Saturday, June 27
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Cost: $85
Mosaic Stepping
Stones
New!
Join Michelena Bamford and beautify
your yard creatively this summer with
a fun and easy mosaic project. Learn to
use the indirect method of mosaic work
to get a decorative, yet smooth surface
perfect for a garden paving stone. You
will learn basic mosaic skills including
pattern techniques, glass cutting, mold
preparation and concrete basics. All
tools and materials are supplied and no
previous experience is necessary.
Date:
Time:
Cost:
Saturday, July 11 and
Sunday, July 12
Saturday – 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday – 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
$100
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
Who are Bears Really?
Do bears have
emotions like
chimpanzees?
Are they smart
like gorillas?
Do they smile
like you
and I? For
years Else Poulsen was a zookeeper
with the Calgary Zoo. She is now
an internationally-known bear
behaviourist and author of Smiling
Bears: A Zookeeper Explores the
Behavior and Emotional Life of Bears
published this spring by Greystone
books. Else will answer the above
questions in an evening of revealing
stories (sometimes humorous,
sometimes heartbreaking), photographs
and videos of the lives of the bears she
has worked with.
Date: Thursday, June 4
Time:7:00 - 9:00pm
Cost: $18 (20% discount for Discovery Passport Members)
Bill Quayle
Seniors’ Programs
Join us this summer for a variety
of great Seniors’ Safari Tours. Our
Early Summer Club Car tours continue
until June 13, followed by Walking
Safaris. Exciting explorations include
Destination
Africa,
Eurasia or
the Canadian
Wilds. We
also love
to show off
our amazing
horticultural
our Seniors’
6,
ber
displays. On Septem
Tours
again.
up
Club Car Tours start
with
seniors
are all adaptable to suit
led by
are
and
y
various levels of mobilit
docents
on
educati
our knowledgeable
or master gardener tour guides.
To learn more, please contact
Pauline at 403-294-7677 or
[email protected].
Zoo Photo Safari
Drawing and
Mixed Media
New!
The zoo’s unique collection
of plants, animals and birds makes for
a sometimes
challenging but
highly rewarding
photography
experience. Join
Barry Giles for a
guided zoo photo
safari as you explore
some of the tricks
of successful zoo
photography. We’ll
look at a different
area of the zoo each day, providing a wide
range of subject matter. Working knowledge
of your camera and its functions is required.
New!
Are you looking to expand your drawing
skills, or give it a try for the first time? At
the zoo we have the perfect environment
with great subject matter year round! Using
a variety of black-and-white and colour
media (soft pastels/conte crayon, ink
and watercolour), join instructor Averie
Moppett as we explore drawing techniques
and composition in this engaging class.
Each session is unique so you are welcome
to continue throughout the year. All levels
welcome!
Date: Tuesdays, May 19 - June 23
Time:10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Cost: $230 plus supplies
Canadian Wilds
Date: Saturday, August 15
Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Destination Africa
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time:8:30 am - 1:30 pm
Cost: $65 each day
New!
An Evening at the
Devonian Wildlife
Conservation Centre
Stephen J. Krasemann
New!
Smiling bears
Adult Programs and Courses
Brad Neufeld
Family Programs
Join Curator Bob Peel and Devonian Wildlife
Conservation Centre zookeepers for a walking tour and intimate evening at our beloved ‘Zoo
Ranch.’ You will get a rare opportunity to see endangered species such as whooping cranes,
Vancouver Island marmots and Prezwalski’s wild horses. Listen to zookeepers and see how
they raise Canada’s rarest animals for release back to the wild. Relax in the comfort of the
manager’s house, as we share amusing zoo stories while the sun sets on the horizon. Includes
desserts and refreshments, proceeds will go towards the expansion of the whooping crane
enclosures. For adult Zoo Members only.
Dates: Sunday, August 23
Time: 6:30 pm - Dusk
Cost: $65
Speaker’s Bureau
Are you looking for a unique speaker or
presentation for your corporate event,
banquet, community program or conference? The Calgary Zoo
we
offers a wide variety of nature, travel and horticulture presentations that
zoo’s
the
support
s
program
speaker
these
from
raised
can bring to you! Funds
s.
program
conservation outreach
For more information, visit www.calgaryzoo.com or email
[email protected].
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
15
For aspiring gardeners and gardeners new to
the Chinook zone – no experience necessary.
Gardening From Scratch
Woody Plant ID
New
Dates!
Perfect for serious beginners and seasoned
veterans, this challenging course will teach you
how to identify plants and introduce you to the
universal language of Latin plant names so you can
communicate with other gardeners. This 20-hour
course sets the foundation for future gardening
education and is a prerequisite for several of the
zoo’s horticulture courses, including the Master
Gardener Training Program. Course materials are
included but additional texts are suggested in class.
Dates: Wednesdays, September 9 - November 4 or Saturdays, September 12 - November 7
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Cost: $199
Crash Course in Tree and Shrub ID
Are you curious about the trees and shrubs you see in your
neighbourhood? This intensive workshop will introduce you to the
trees and shrubs most commonly seen in Calgary. We’ll provide you
with the basic tips for identifying plants and choosing appropriate
plant material for your yard. The perfect introduction if you are
thinking of taking our Woody Plant ID course.
Dates:
Time:
Cost:
Friday May 29 and Saturday May 30
Friday – 6:30 - 9:00 pm
Saturday – 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
$100
The Prairies are rich in skilled garden
writers. Here’s your chance to hear
them share their passion and expertise
on a variety of gardening topics. Keep
an eye on this space for upcoming
authors in this series.
Flora of Kananaskis
Richard Dickinson
Hiking in the foothills or
New!
mountains takes on a whole
new meaning when you look down
at your feet to take in the incredible
plant life. When Richard Dickinson,
author of Plants of Alberta, is hiking
in Kananaskis, that’s the only place
he looks, soaking up the surprising
beauty and diversity of the native
plants of our province. Join Richard
on one of his rare visits to Calgary and
learn about some the species you can
hope to see on your own hikes.
Date: Monday, July 20
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost: $20
Digging Deeper
16
Alberta Author
Speakers Series
For more experienced gardeners seeking to improve
their skills – experience is an asset but not mandatory.
Advanced Plant ID
Herbaceous Plant ID
Landscape Design Level II
If you have successfully completed Ne
w!
Woody Plant ID, this course will
continue to challenge your plant
identification skills using the same format.
We will build on the knowledge you already
have by expanding your identification
skills to include an additional 50-60 trees
and shrubs. Some of the plants covered are
commonly seen in Calgary, while others are
plants that are underused or unusual, but
can be valuable additions to the landscape.
Several Alberta native trees and shrubs will
also be included. Prerequisite: Woody Plant
ID.
Go beyond a basic survey course
New!
and take an in-depth look at
approximately 60 herbaceous plants including
perennials, annuals, bulbs, ground covers
and vines. The focus is on identification of
commonly used perennials with the aid of
photos, pressed plant samples and plant walks
in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens. We look at
the cultivation and use of these plants as well
as Latin names and identification terminology.
Our horticulture staff instructor will provide
you with the essential knowledge you need
on herbaceous plants. Completion of Woody
Plant ID is an asset, but not essential.
Garden design is a fascinating,
New!
complex topic, and we hope to
help you continue your learning.
This class picks up where Level I left off, and
maintains the same student/teacher ratio.
Explore the possibilities of enhancing your
skills with subjects such as colour theory,
design themes and design philosophies.
Homework assignments will enhance the
experience. Instructors include zoo staff and
local experts.
Dates: Saturdays, September 12 - November 7
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Cost: $199
Dates: Thursdays, September 10 - November 5
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 am
Cost: $199
Prerequisite: Landscape Design Level 1 (or
equivalent with instructor permission)
Dates: Fridays, September 11 - October 30
Time: 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Cost: $415 plus supplies
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
For anyone who loves gardens, gardening and
plants – everyone is welcome.
Perennial Trial
Gardens – Talk
and Tour
New!
Looking to reduce
the guesswork
when choosing
plants for your
garden? The zoo’s
Dorothy Harvie
Gardens are
home to one of
three test sites
in the province
for the Alberta
Perennial Trials.
New perennials
are studied for information on size, bloom
time, ornamental value and winter hardiness.
Join the zoo’s Perennial Trials Coordinator
for a guided tour through the plants in the
trial gardens for this summer.
Date: Thursday, August 20
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $20
Fabulous Fall
Containers
A Growing Obsession
New!
New!
Horticultural
Therapy
Certificate Course
Don’t give up on
your containers
just because frost
is in the air! Make
the most of our
Indian summer
with a fall
container display
that continues to
create interest and
drama in your
yard. Corinne
Hannah, the zoo’s Horticulturist,
will dazzle you with simple ways to
transition your summer containers
right through the late fall. A selfconfessed container fanatic, she will
share her design ideas and tips, and
assemble sample containers while you
watch.
We are pleased to offer this
certificate course taught by
Christine Pollard of Home
Farm. The course consists of a
series of five modules that can
be used as education credit for
professional registration with the
Canadian Horticulture Therapy
Association. Students can take
each module individually, or
save money by registering for
the full series. For a full schedule
of dates and descriptions, visit
www.calgaryzoo.com. For
more information please email
[email protected].
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cost: $25
Free Information
Evening
If you are interested in learning
more about this program
and horticultural therapy in
general, please join us for a free
information evening.
Date: Wednesday, July 15
Time: 7:00 pm
Garden Photography Workshop
with Allan Mandell
New!
“A garden is a setting for what can be an intensely
personal aesthetic and even spiritual experience, in fact this
is the intended result of a well-designed garden. Can this
be faithfully represented in an image? This is the goal of
learning to see as a garden photographer.”
Allan Mandell is an award-winning professional garden photographer whose images
are published internationally in magazines and books. A sample of his portfolio can be
seen at www.gardenphotographer.com.
Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 7, 8 and 9
Time:
Friday lecture – 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Saturday photo shoot – 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday evening shoot and critique – 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Sunday morning shoot – 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday evening critique and wrap-up – 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Cost: $325 per person
Allan Mandell
Allan’s course last summer was a big hit, so this year’s
program is expanded to allow even more time for photo
shooting and critique. In this workshop you will learn stepby-step how to see a garden. With an emphasis on composition
and hands-on instruction in the field, you will put your new way of seeing into practice
in the gardens of the zoo, as well as a selection of public and private gardens.
Module 1: An
Introduction
This course will define the terms
Horticultural Therapy (HT)
and the role of horticultural
therapists. Learn how HT has
evolved, is used today, and how
horticultural therapists are part
of an interdisciplinary team.
Understand how a horticultural
activity becomes HT, the benefits
of HT and how HT relates to
basic human needs.
Dates: Wednesday, September 30 - Sunday, October 4
Time:9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Cost: Each individual module is
$625. Full Series
Registration is $2,750 ($550
per module).
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
17
Adult Programs and Courses
support our
sexy beasts at
the calgary zoo’s
premier fundraiser
zoogala
tuesday, june 30
7 pm to 11 pm
celebrate all things
canadian!
india unveiled
friday sept 11 • 2009
6pm to midnight
early bird tickets
on sale june 1!
• scrumptious dishes
• sinful cocktails
• sensational auction
• sultry performers
• seductive rhythms
all inclusive
food and drinks
get your tickets at
www.calgaryzoo.com
early bird available
until july 31
your ticket includes:
canadian beer sampling
canadian backyard bbq
burger, baked potato bar
and corn on the cob
maple beavertail dessert
the canadian zoomazing race
teams of 10! set up your own
team or we will put one
together for you!
this ultimate
canada day celebration
is only $49.95!
on sale may 1.
tickets at
www.calgaryzoo.com
18
Space is limited. Call 403- 232-9300 or visit www.calgaryzoo.com.
Membership News
Parking lot upgrades equal new
membership benefit
Upgrades to the north parking lot
means an added benefit for zoo members.
While nonmembers and LRT users will
pay a $5 flat rate fee, members will enjoy
complimentary parking when visiting the
zoo. Complimentary parking will begin each
morning at 8:45 am to allow you to get an
early start to your zoo visit.
Obtaining your complimentary parking
is simple. Be sure to have your membership
card on hand to insert into the barcode
scanner when entering the north parking
lot. On your way out, simply swipe that
same card again (for validation purposes)
and you are free to go – literally! At the west
parking lot, you will show the attendant on
duty your membership card when exiting.
This transition will be a learning process
for us all – we appreciate your patience
while we work through it together. We will
have extra staff on hand during the first few
weeks to answer any questions and help you
work through the process.
Thank you for your continued support as
a member of the Calgary Zoo!
Attention Discovery
Passport Members!
Evening Explorations begin in May
Wander the zoo after hours on Wednesdays and Sundays to
visit our featured animal. There will be a dedicated zookeeper available to answer
your questions and education volunteers with touch tables of animal biofacts that are
sure to amaze young and old zoo visitors alike.
Stay tuned to www.calgaryzoo.com under Memberships for the schedule of featured
animals!
Help the animals
and yourself
With a Calgary Zoo
Mosaik® Mastercard®!
One-fifth of all species on Earth
may be extinct
by 2025! The
Calgary Zoo
works hard
on the battle
to restore
endangered
species and their habitats. BMO Bank
of Montreal understands that these
efforts come at a cost, so we have
partnered with them to bring you the
Calgary Zoo Mosaik® Mastercard®.
The Calgary Zoo receives
contributions from BMO every
time you use your card. In addition
to supporting the zoo, your card
benefits you with reward programs
and interest rate plans to fit your
needs!
Please visit www.calgaryzoo.com/
HelpTheZoo/ZooMastercard or call
1-800-263-2263 to apply or for more
information.
Help us continue as a world
leader in global conservation. Your
support means everything to us!
Don’t miss out on a great offer in 2009!
Buy a new adult Discovery Passport
membership in 2009 and you will
receive a $20 dinner coupon from
one of Calgary’s most popular family
establishments.
Remember to
keep your card!
Purchase or renew an adult
Annual Pass and receive a
$10 dinner coupon valid at five
participating Smitty’s Family
Restaurants.
Take advantage of these
special offers for 2009 today!
Did you know your membership
card is reusable? Keeping your
card not only saves you money
(we charge $5 to reprint lost or
discarded cards), but it also saves
administrative costs for the zoo.
Additionally, reusing your card
reduces waste – imagine if all of our
80,000 members recycled their cards
year after year.
19
Kids’ Corner
Can you find all of the animals in this picture?
Look for the six animals in this picture, circle
them and find their names in our word search.
Send your answers to the address on the bottom
of the page, along with your name, age and
telephone number by July 1, 2009. You could win
a prize! Congratulations to the winner from our
Spring 2009 issue, seven-year-old Karalee Harris.
bird
butterfly
dragonfly
frog
fish
whooping crane
b b f
t c r o h t n w d y
i
u o n d y o d n i t
r l
r h y d b u t t e r f l y
d r a g o n f l y w i f h
n i
y y i f t r c u s r t
f r a r g o n f d f h f o
g c o y d o e r w o n d s
o i
©iStockphoto.com/skeeg
w h o o p i n g c r a n e
o h a g l c t f r g i f g
We welcome and value your comments and
suggestions about this newsletter. If your
address has changed or if you would like
more information on donation options, please
contact us at:
The Calgary Zoo
1300 Zoo Road NE, Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7V6
Phone: 403- 232-9300 Fax: 403- 237-7582
[email protected]
Please send me information about:
Education Programs
Conservation
Annual Giving
Legacy Giving
I have enclosed a gift of:
$25
$50
$100
Other $______
Charitable Registration # 118824192 RR0001
20
h r i r i o d g e o b
Cert no. SW-COC-001383
1008252