print version - Sacramento Zoo

pronounced mah-GEE-zoh, meaning the message in Swahili
Volume 52, no. 1
SPRING 2013
With more than 500 animals representing 140 species
at the Sacramento Zoo, veterinarians have their hands
full. They use their expertise to examine eyes, cure
upset stomachs and make sure the large variety of
animals at the Zoo stay in tip-top shape. We asked the
veterinarians how they do what they do:
What is involved in an animal examination?
Nearly all of the animals at the Sacramento Zoo receive
a routine examination once a year. Many of the animals
have to be anesthetized before they can be examined
so the risk of anesthesia enters into the decision on
when and how to examine the animal. Some of the
examinations occur at the animal’s exhibit and some are
performed at the veterinary hospital on Zoo grounds.
During an exam, each animal is given a thorough
check-up from head to toe, including blood tests and
routine vaccinations. Based upon the individual animal’s
medical history, any specific problems from the past are
carefully rechecked.
What are the main differences between examining a
domestic animal and an exotic zoo animal?
Unlike domestic animals, Zoo animals are wild. As a
result, they are not accustomed to being handled and
often have to be anesthetized for their safety and ours
before being examined. Keeper staff at the Zoo are
able to train many of the animals to tolerate limited
examinations without anesthesia by using protected
contact. For example, many animals are trained to stand
on a scale so that we can monitor their body weight.
Another difference is that most veterinary equipment is
not designed for an animal as large as a giraffe, so we
might not be able to hear its heart well with a normal
stethoscope. For a small bird, we might be able to
complete a full exam in our hands, but are limited in the
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The Sacramento Zoological Society is
a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Sacramento Zoological SociETY
Board of Directors
James Naify – President
Jeff Raimundo – Vice President
Charles J. Dalldorf – Secretary
Kevin Barri – Treasurer
Starr Walton Hurley – Past President
Barbara Bonebrake
Michael Broughton
Lisa A. Bruno
Nancy E. Cole
Jeffrey K. Dorso
Murray Fowler, DVM
Katharine Ayers Gelber
Steven Johnson
John W. Otto
Linda L. Price
Jason Russell
Adham Sbeih
Elizabeth Stallard
Mike Testa
Jill M. Trainer, PhD
Alan Yee, MD
Zoo Hours
February - October: 9 am - 4 pm
November - January: 10 am - 4 pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day
by Mary Healy
As a Zoo supporter, you most likely know that the
Sacramento Zoo is accredited by the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). What you may not know is
that we are inspected every five years and 2013 is an
inspection year! A team of three examiners visited the
Zoo in late January and we anticipate results when the
Accreditation Commission meets in April.
AZA accreditation provides a critical stamp of approval
to an organization that sets it apart from the many other
animal facilities available to the public. The USDA lists
over 2,400 facilities as licensed animal exhibitors but only 221 zoos and aquariums
meet the rigorous standards necessary for becoming accredited by the AZA.
Achieving this standard is a source of pride for both staff and the community,
and it is critical to attracting and maintaining professional personnel.
The practical benefits include availability of animals at other AZA-accredited
facilities. Since accreditation is the industry standard, animal policies are written
based on this standard. Accreditation also assists in application for permits by
providing instant recognition that certain criteria are being met.
The accreditation process itself involves every staff member. We have spent the
last year or more reviewing policies and procedures and making necessary updates.
Preparing for the inspection is somewhat daunting, but also exciting and a chance for
all staff to appreciate the role they play in making the Sacramento Zoo successful.
How to Reach Us
A N T E AT E R S T O Z E B R A S
916-808-5888
saczoo.org
[email protected]
Hotline: 916-808-5885
Membership/Zoo Parents: 916-808-5888
Education: 916-808-5889
Meetings and Events: 916-808-8561
Volunteers: 916-808-7444
Development: 916-808-8815
types of tests we can run. Most machines we use for blood analysis require more
blood than we can safely collect from a very small animal.
Maagizo is published by the Sacramento
Zoological Society. All rights reserved.
The healthcare program at the Zoo provides excellent preventative medicine. In
addition, we are also able to treat chronic medical conditions. One of the biggest
challenges is getting animals to take their medications. Zookeepers and veterinary
staff become extremely creative with ways of hiding medications in food.
Editor: Tonja Swank
Copy Editor: Pam Williams
Photo Credits: Zoo Staff
The Sacramento Zoo is accredited by the
Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
www.aza.org
Printed on 55% recycled content
continued from previous page
Also, there are the differences between species. When addressing dogs and
cats, there are many resources dealing with their normal anatomy and physiology
that can be used to interpret x-rays and bloodwork. In zoos, you may have one
or two individuals of a given species in a collection so some of that “baseline”
information doesn’t exist.
What are some of the health challenges exotic animals present?
What does it take to become a zoo veterinarian?
In partnership with UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, the Sacramento Zoo is
training the veterinarians of the future. They gain experience in veterinary offices
working with domestic animals while completing a four-year bachelor’s degree
in an animal-related field. Once accepted to a veterinary school (admission
is highly competitive), students complete four years of training to become a
general practitioner veterinarian. Becoming a zoo veterinarian generally requires
additional training which may include one or more internships and a three-year
residency program. After completing this, the veterinarian then takes a two-day
examination to become a Zoological Medicine Specialist. There are less than 200
of these specialists in the United States.
Sacramento Zoo Calendar Sponsorship
Sponsor your favorite Zoo animal in the
2014 Sacramento Zoo calendar!
$500 Sponsorship
• Choose your favorite animal
• Choose your favorite photo of that animal
from photos taken by staff photographers
• Choose which month you would like your
animal featured in (subject to availability)
• Your name will appear on the calendar as a
generous sponsor
A calendar sponsorship makes a great gift for a special
occasion. A birthday or anniversary month can highlight a
favorite Zoo animal for a beloved family member or
friend … or just treat yourself!
For more information or to reserve your animal and month,
call 916.808.3713 or email [email protected].
Saturday, April 13 / 10:30 am – Noon / Kampala Center
This free informative seminar will navigate through
a jungle of estate planning topics presented by local
attorney Mark S. Drobny, California State Bar Certified
Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Mr. Drobny is widely regarded as one of the top experts
on estate planning, providing information on a variety of
topics in an entertaining manner that will help you design a
plan that fits your needs.
Topics will include, but are not limited to:
• Living Trusts vs. Wills
• Probate – How Can it be Avoided?
• Who Needs Durable Powers of Attorney for Financial
Management and Advance Health Care Directives?
• Charitable Gift Annuities
Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Pam Williams at
[email protected] or 916-808-3713 by April 8
to guarantee your seat.
The Sacramento Zoological Society
will hold a meeting for members on
Wednesday, March 13th, at 5:30 pm
in the Kampala Conference room.
The Board of Directors and Zoo staff
will host a special informative evening
for members to discuss the Zoo’s role
in the community, past and future.
Your feedback is welcome.
RSVP to 918-808-5888
by Friday, March 8.
Seating is limited.
Enjoy the Zoo 363 days a year!
Membership to the Sacramento Zoo is a terrific bargain: for
just $1.15 per week, you and a guest can visit the Zoo as
often as you like for a full year. For just a little more, you can
bring the whole family! As a Zoo member, you will receive
benefits such as:
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Discounts on Sacramento Zoo special events
Invitation to exclusive member-only activities
Seven free summer concerts
Reduced admission to 155 AZA-accredited zoos and
aquariums nationwide
Your membership is a
tax-deductible contribution and 2%
of your donation supports Zoo
conservation programs!
To find out more visit
saczoo.org/membership
or call 916.808.5888
1 2 TH A N N U A L
Monday, May 20, 2013 • El Macero Country Club
Proceeds benefit the Sacramento Zoo’s Education Programs
Shanti, the Zoo’s female Snow Leopard has been joined by a
companion, Blizzard. The one-year-old Snow Leopard was born
at the Granby Zoo in Canada and joined Shanti in December.
The Reptile House is now home to a Smooth-fronted Caiman, a crocodile species
native to South Africa. This youngster is only two years old but as an adult he will
reach between four and five feet long.
The Zoo’s two Wolf’s Guenons are
proud first-time parents, showing
off their newborn to Zoo guests
the same day the baby was born,
January 26, 2013. These African
monkeys are named after their
discoverer, Dr. Ludwig Wolf, and
display bright yellow ear tufts and
long tails.
Four young Ostriches have
joined the Zoo’s Grevy’s
Zebras and adult female
Ostrich. Once full grown,
you can tell the difference
between male and female
by their colors; the male is
feathered with black and
white plumes and the female
has brown feathers.
Natasha, the Zoo’s youngest Mongoose
Lemur, will be one year old on March 30th.
She was born at the Sacramento Zoo, and
her favorite treats are dried cranberries.
Fun Fact: Nectar is part of
Mongoose Lemurs’ diet in the
wild; this makes them important
pollinators in Madagascar’s
eco-system.
For more information about the Mongoose
Lemurs, visit saczoo.org!
Sacramento Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc.
SACRAMENTO
In-kind donations of goods and services help offset the Zoo’s operating budget by
supplying needed items and materials from generous donors like you.
Donate your used car,
truck, RV or boat.
Call 1-866-570-7318
Animal Care
Boomer balls
New box fans
Large industrial fans
"Flex Rake" rakes
Vari Kennels or Sky Kennels
Small scales to use in exhibits
Blankets with no filling
Veterinary Hospital
Education
Blankets with no filling
Surgical instruments
Mini DVD-RW disks for camcorder
New box fans
Blank CDR disks
Color laser printer
Pillowcases
Color printer/scanner/fax combo
iPad in good condition
Administration
Large locking storage cabinets
Heavy duty 4-shelf storage shelves
For more information on the Zoo wish list or how to donate,
visit saczoo.org/wishlist or call 916.808.5888.
Visitor Services
Wheelchairs in good condition
Maintenance
Garden carts
Wheelbarrows
Leather work gloves
Hedge trimmers
Shovels, all sizes
Rolling toolbox
Don’t have these items at home?
Find our wish list on Amazon.com
and ship the items directly to us.
C OMI N G SOON
This exciting new project
will renovate one of the
Zoo’s oldest structures and
provide housing for six
new species including:
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Aardvarks
Banded Mongooses
Straw-colored Fruit Bats
Red-billed Hornbills
Crested Guineafowl
Wolf’s Guenon monkeys
To find out more about this project or to donate,
visit saczoo.org/smallwonders or call 916.808.3713.
Tuesday, March 19 – Registration for Members
Tuesday, April 2 – General Registration
Visit saczoo.org for more information on
classes and registration.
3930 West Land Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95822-1123
www.saczoo.org
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Paid Postage
PAID
Sacramento, CA
Permit No. 651
FUN
FACT
Guenons’
cheek pouches
can hold almost as much
Smooth-fronted
as their stomachs
Caiman
have
78-82 teeth!
Saturday, April 6
Saturday, May 4
Recycle Rummage Sale – 9 am to 4 pm
Where the Wild Kids Are – 9 am to 4 pm
Find great bargains on books, housewares,
collectibles, jewelry and more at the Zoo’s
annual rummage sale.
Visit the Sacramento Zoo for a day of cultural art,
music and dance during Where the Wild Kids Are
festivities. Kids will learn through interactive crafts,
performances and much more family fun!
Saturday, April 6
Earth Fest – It’s a Party for the Planet!
9 am to 4 pm
Mondays, May 6, 13 & 20
Learn how to protect and preserve the earth with
environmental, wildlife and conservation organizations
featuring games, crafts and face painting.
Enjoy a refreshing cup of tea and a guided tour
of the Sacramento Zoo! Designed especially for
seniors ages 55 and over. Register at 916-808-5889.
Saturday, April 13
Monday, May 20
Estate Planning Seminar with Mark S. Drobny
10:30 am to Noon
Swingin’ Safari Golf Tournament – 11:30 am
Senior Tea & Tours – 9:30 am to Noon
Well-known local attorney and estate planning
specialist Mark S. Drobny will help you navigate
through a jungle of topics in this free informative
seminar.
Enjoy the area’s most unique putting contest at the
12th Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by Nacht
& Lewis Architects at El Macero Country Club.
All proceeds benefit the Zoo. For more information
visit saczoo.org or call 916-808-5166.
Sunday, April 14
Thursday, May 23
ZooZoom – 7 am to Noon
Member Evening – 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Join us to walk, run and have fun! There are options
for everyone walking and running from 5K to 10K
and the Saucony ‘Run for Good’ Fun Runs for kids.
All proceeds benefit the Zoo.
For members only – visit the Zoo after everyone else
has gone home. Enjoy unique activities and have
loads of fun. Bring your own dinner or stop by
Kampala Café.