JUNE · JULY SUMMER 2014

INSIDE

The Mighty Little Farmer with Big Trouble

International Elephant Foundation

MEMBER’S MAGAZINE

ZooTracksA Sedgwick County Zoological Societymagazine for members

PublisherSedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc.© 2014All rights reserved.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMark C. Reed

Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc.

PRESIDENTScott Ochs

TRUSTEESStanley G. AndeelJeff BloomerWilliam P. BuchananMartha C. BufordCindy BurgessKelly E. CallenMark C. DeVriesAllan DunneGenevieve FarhaRhonda FullertonMichael HerbertRonald HoltSteven A. HoulikDale HoyerDirk JonesDon J. KnappenbergerGary KohnDave LarsonMarvin LongBuz LukensGayle MaloneSam MarnickMary Lynn OliverMartin W. ParkScott RedlerAlbert R. SanchezDon ShermanCollin StiebenJay SmithPaul TruittDavid M. UnruhMarty WellsSheryl Wohlford

MAGAZINE COMMITTEESchanee AndersonMelissa GrahamRyan GulkerScott NewlandSteven OnkenJonathan Rold

ON THE COVER— African Elephant

FEATURE STORY

Schaneé Anderson, Curator of Education and Children's Farms

If you eat, you should appreciate honeybees. One out of every three bites of food in the United States depends on pollination by honeybees. Crops from nuts to vegetables and fruits all require pollination by honeybees. In fact, honeybees are vital to the multibillion dollar agriculture industry. Honeybees also pollinate 16 percent of the flowering plants in your home gardens.

Honeybees are the newest addition to the Children’s Farms and are probably the most important agricultural animal in our daily lives because they pollinate so many different agricultural crops and they make the delicious honey that so many of us enjoy. However, none of this is done for us.

It is all done for the survival of the hive.

THE HIVE AT WORK

The honeybees going in and out of the hive are females called worker honeybees. Their job is to find nectar and pollen on plants and bring it to the hive. Nectar is a liquid made by plants to attract honeybees and other animals. Pollen is a powdery substance that plants need to reproduce. A plant entices a honeybee to land on it by giving it a drink of yummy nectar. Although a honeybee may collect pollen for its own use, the plant needs the honeybee to get covered with pollen and to unknowingly drop it off at the next flower. Most plants do not reproduce unless pollen from one plant is delivered to another plant. If pollination doesn’t happen, no fruit or vegetables are created.

Many of the foods you eat are possible because a honeybee delivered pollen from one plant to another.

The Mighty Little Farmer with Big Trouble

Males make up the last type of honeybee, the drones. Drones must be fed and cared for by the workers but are allowed to stay in the hive for their one job, to mate with the queen. Mating takes place in the spring outside the hive in a swarm. Swarms contain the queen and hundreds of drones bunched together on a branch or bush. Once a drone mates, it dies. Drones that do not mate get to live out the summer in the hive but are kicked out by the workers once the weather gets cold and they are no longer needed for mating.

OUR NEW FRIENDS

The honeybees on exhibit in the Children’s Farms were from a wild hive that had to be moved. The Zoo worked with beekeepers to collect the hive and transfer the honeybees to their new home. It was no easy task moving thousands of bees. We wore more protective gear during this animal move than in any other animal move in the history of the Children’s Farms. However, in the end, the honeybees were very gentle and much of the work was done without the protective suits. The honeybees quickly settled in and started making new honeycomb.

BAD RAP

Honeybees are blamed for a lot of pain that they do not create. Anytime someone is stung by a flying insect, they assume it is a honeybee.

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A honeybee will carry nectar back to the hive in a special stomach (it has two) that adds enzymes to the nectar, the first stage in turning the nectar into honey. Pollen is also carried back to the hive in specialized pollen sacks on the worker honeybees’ back legs. Both pollen and nectar

are important food sources for honeybees.

Each honeybee has a specific job in the hive: queen, worker or drone. All female baby honeybees, called larvae, start out the same. Worker honeybees make and feed the larvae “royal jelly.” If a larva is fed royal jelly after its third day, it is destined to become a queen. Hives are organized around one queen who is the heart and soul of the hive. The survival of the hive depends on the queen because she is the only honeybee that lays eggs. She also produces a variety of scents that help keep the colony happy.

Although she leads the colony, she is relatively helpless, depending on workers to take care of all her needs.

In its short life, a worker’s job changes several times. First, it is a housekeeper in charge of cleaning out used egg cells. Next, it takes care of its baby sisters by caring for eggs and feeding the larvae. Before workers are able to scout for food, they must take care of the nectar brought back by scout

honeybees in the field. Enzymes are added to nectar from the honeybee’s stomach and the mixture is placed into honeycomb cells. To turn the nectar mixture into honey, the nectar must be continually fanned to remove moisture. This requires lots of honeybees moving their wings at the same time. The next chore is either to develop more honeycombs or guard the entrance of the hive. At last, workers are scout honeybees flying up to four miles away to find nectar and pollen to bring back to the hive.

You are actually more likely to be stung by a yellow jacket wasp.

They look similar but yellow jackets are much more aggressive and can sting you more than once. If a honeybee stings you, it dies. Your skin is too thick for it to pull its barbed stinger out and the honeybee ends up pulling most of its guts out trying to get away.

HONEYBEES IN CRISIS

It is clear that we need the honeybee to help us produce the food we need. However, honeybees are in trouble. Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), when honeybees suddenly disappear or die, decreases honeybee populations by as much as 30 percent each year. Scientists do not know why CCD happens but there is growing belief that a variety of issues are causing CCD including: parasites, diseases, nutrition, modern beekeeping practices, weather patterns, and genetics.

You can help honeybees! Learn more about honeybees so that you are not afraid when you do encounter a honeybee. Plant things that bees like in your yard. Provide bees a place to live. Eliminate garden pesticides. Put a small basin of fresh water out for the bees. If a honeybee lands on you, stay calm and simply blow it off. Thrashing your arms around and yelling only makes the honeybee fearful. If you have a hive take up residence in your backyard, rejoice. If that is not possible, please contact a beekeeper to come and remove the hive instead of terminating the bees. Remember, one out of every three bites of food you eat may come from that hive.

FEATURE STORY

JUNGLE UPDATE

4-1-2014 Before demolition of the existing roof could begin, all of the animals need to be safely moved out of the building. One of the last animals to be moved was the broad-snouted caiman.

4-3-2014 The Zoo’s Maintenance Department began working on the demolition of the roof! Amazingly, it didn’t take long before all of the old roofing materials were removed.

5-3-2014 The weather has not been kind to the plant life in the Jungle. Between the sunburns, hail, snow, freezing temperatures and early warm temperatures the plants have taken a hit. Horticulture believes that some of the plants will come back from these extremes, but most will be lost.

Though progress is moving along quite nicely and the Jungle renovations remain on schedule, the recent “wild” Kansas weather has set the plant life back a little further than we had anticipated. The damage to the plant life will cause the reopening of the Jungle to be pushed back until early 2015. This will give the Horticulture staff adequate time to rehabilitate those plants that can be saved and add new plants to fill in for those that were lost over the year. Though this is not ideal, we feel that the change in the timeline will benefit both animal and the guest experience.

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are a wild time at the Zoo

• Call 266-8252 to plan a Jungle Birthday Party in the Plaza Beastro (all ages)

• Call 26 6 - 8213 to plan a Birthday Party in the Cargill Learning Center (ages 4–12)

Visit scz.org for more information

on all birthday party packages!

BIRTHDAYS

You’re invited to celebrate with some real party animals! Let Sedgwick County Zoo staff help you choose a fun birthday party package for your child. We’ll provide all the party supplies. All you have to do is have fun!

2522222552225522 toto p plalan n a a JuJungnglele B Birirththdaday y yyy yyyyyyy y yyyyy yyyyyyyyyyyyyyzaza B Beaeaststroro ( (alall l agageses))

821388213221133 toto p plalan n a a BiBirtrthdhdayyyyyyyyyyayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy rgrgilill l LeLeararniningng C Cenenteterr

Creature CampoutJune 28 : National Backyard

Campout Night

Join us for an overnight outdoor adventure. Each year’s theme is different for these exciting camping adventures. This year we will be camping with a Zoo in the Sky theme. We will be talking about constellations inspired by animals. We would like to thank our friends at Papa John’s for helping to sponsor these great overnights!All campouts begin at 5:30 p.m.

The adventure includes dinner, a guided tour,

activities, an animal encounter, a flashlight tour and

a bedtime snack. In the morning, the excitement

continues with continental breakfast and a 9:30 a.m.

tram ride.

All campers need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and flashlights. The campouts are designed for families with children ages 5 and older. Any youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost is $30 per person for members and $35 per person for nonmembers. Space is limited, so call soon to register. We must have your payment at registration to reserve your place. We can accept credit card payment at the time of your call, or you can come in person to register and pay by cash. No mail-in registrations will be accepted. For more information or to register, call the Education Department at 266-8213. Creature Campout Shirts will be for sale for $10 , plus tax, per shirt for those that camp out with us.

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Nocturnal AdventuresAre you looking for an exciting activity for your scout, church, or school group but do not want to mess with camping equipment? How about spending the night at the Zoo! Groups will meet education staff at 6:00 p.m. in the Cargill Learning Center and participate in an exciting evening of games, tours, and special animal visitors. Groups will sleep inside, so no tents are needed. You bring a sack dinner. An evening snack and morning juice are provided by the Zoo.

These exciting overnights are only $25.00 per person.

Participants sleep in the Cargill Learning Center, The Downing Gorilla Forest, the Slawson Family Tiger Trek or at the North American Prairie Overlook. There is a minimum of 15 participants. However, for reservations for fewer than 30 people, the education department reserves the right to combine groups similar in age and gender. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is due at the time of booking. To schedule your Nocturnal Adventure, contact the Education Department at 266-8213 a minimum of two weeks in advance.

Education Program ScheduleAll classes are held in the Cargill Learning Center unless otherwise noted. Please visit www.scz.org for program information and brief class descriptions of individual classes. Space is limited and pre-registration is required for classes. Please call 316-266-8213 to register. Classes take place rain or shine. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, no older or younger siblings, including infants, are allowed in age specific classes unless otherwise noted.

Class Date Topic Start–End Time Class Date Topic Start–End Time

Wee WigglersAge: 12–23 mo.Members: $4Nonmembers: $6Additional person: $2

+Siblings up to five years of age may also attend these classes on Wednesdays at 11:00 only. An additional fee of $2 will be charged for any mobile child.

*Class will meet inside the KOCH exhibit

**Class will meet in the Veldt field

Wed 6/4

Wed 6/4

Thurs 6/5

Thurs 6/5

Tues 7/1

Tues 7/1

Wed 7/2

Wed 7/2

Wed 8/6

Wed 8/6

Thurs 8/7

Thurs 8/7

Wed 9/3

Wed 9/3

Thurs 9/4

Thurs 9/4

Chimpanzee*

Chimpanzee*+

Chimpanzee*

Chimpanzee*

Giraffe**

Giraffe**

Giraffe**

Giraffe**+

Chicken

Chicken+

Chicken

Chicken

Cat

Cat+

Cat

Cat

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

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OwletAge: 2–3Members: $6Nonmembers: $8Additional person: $3

+Siblings up to five years of age may also attend these classes on Wednesdays at 11:00 only. An additional fee of $3 will be charged for any mobile child.

*Class will meet inside the KOCH exhibit

**Class will meet in the Veldt field

Wed 6/18

Wed 6/18

Thurs 6/19

Thurs 6/19

Thurs 6/19

Tues 7/15

Tues 7/15

Tues 7/15

Wed 7/16

Wed 7/16

Wed 8/20

Wed 8/20

Thurs 8/21

Thurs 8/21

Thurs 8/21

Wed 9/17

Wed 9/17

Thurs 9/18

Thurs 9/18

Thurs 9/18

Chimpanzee*

Chimpanzee*+

Chimpanzee*

Chimpanzee*

Chimpanzee*

Giraffe**

Giraffe**

Giraffe**

Giraffe**

Giraffe**+

Chicken

Chicken+

Chicken

Chicken

Chicken

Cat

Cat+

Cat

Cat

Cat

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

2:00 p.m.

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10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

2:45 p.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

2:45 p.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

2:45 p.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m.

11:45 a.m.

2:45 p.m.

Pajama PartyFamily of up to 5 members, children Age: 0–1st grade

Members: $17Nonmembers: $19Additional person: $5

Sat 6/7

Fri 6/13

Sat 7/5

Fri 7/11

Sat 8/2

Fri 8/8

Fri 9/12

Sat 9/20

Wonderful Wings

Wonderful Wings

Terrific Tails

Terrific Tails

Tasting Tongues

Tasting Tongues

Back to School

Back to School

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

DISCOVERY

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"ZOO"per StarsGrades: 1–5Members: $6Nonmembers: $8

Sun 6/29

Sun 7/27

Sun 8/24

Sun 9/28

Chinese Alligator

Chacoan Peccary

River Otter

Elephant

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

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Homeschool ExpeditionsGrades: 1–5Members: $15Nonmembers: $17

Includes up to five family membersAdditional person: $5

Wed 8/20

Wed 9/17

The Bird is the Word

Amazing Amphibians

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

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ZOOper KidsGrades: 1–5Members: $8Nonmembers: $10

Sat 6/14

Sat 7/19

Sat 8/9

Sat 9/13

Flocks of Fun

Water Worlds

Dog Days of Summer

Back to School

2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

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Sunset SafariAge: 12 mo.–6 yearsMembers: $6Nonmembers: $8Additional person: $3

Tues 6/10

Tues 7/8

Tues 8/12

Tues 9/9

Chimpanzee

Giraffe

Chicken

Cat

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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Ewe & MeAge: 4 – kindergartenMembers: $8Non-members: $10Additional person: $4

+ Younger siblings may also attend class on Wed. at 10:00 only. An additional fee of $4 will be charged for any mobile child.

Tues 9/9

Tues 9/9

Wed 9/10

Wed 9/10

What's for Lunch

What’s for Lunch

What’s for Lunch+

What’s for Lunch

10:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

3:00 p.m.

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Tot TuesdaysAge: 3–5 siblings welcome

NO COST

No advance registration required.

Tues 6/24

Tues 7/22

Tues 8/26

Tues 9/23

Ape or Monkey

Cooling Off

Smell the Roses

Falling into Fall

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

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Check the Fall Newsletter for the next WOW

Class Date Topic Start–End Time Class Date Topic Start–End Time

Registration Information:1. Preregister by calling the Learning Center at 266-8213. 2. Pay over the phone by credit card OR fill out the form completely and mail with payment to 5555 Zoo Blvd., Wichita, KS 67212-1698. Registration is not complete until payment is received. 3. Payment must be postmarked no later than seven days after preregistration. We reserve the right to cancel any preregistration or to charge a $2 late fee to individuals whose payment is not received on time. NOTE: If a refund is needed, contact the education department by 4 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled class. After contact, we will be happy to refund a maximum of 75% of the original program fee. If we need to cancel class, we will notify registrants 48 hours in advance. For the safety and comfort of other participants, we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone with a fever or who is noticeably sick.

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So You Think You Want to Be a Zookeeper?TeensMembers: $10Nonmembers: $12

Thurs 6/19

Thurs 8/21

Hedgehogs

Lizards

3:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.

4:45 p.m.4:45 p.m.

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Sat 7/12

Sat 9/13

Horticulture

Vet Hospital10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.

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Backstage PassIncludes up to five family members, ages 5+Members: $17Nonmembers: $19Additional people/Individual fee: $8

Wheeling Wild ClubFamily—must be on

bicycle or attached wagon.

Members: $30 1 ride per month

Nonmembers: $34 1 ride per month

3rd Wed each

month

March thru

October

5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.–Sponsored by Bicycle X-change

Senior WednesdaysActive guests over 55$4 per adultPre-registration not required

Sponsored by Larksfield Place

Wed 6/11

Wed 7/9

Wed 8/13

Wed 9/10

Great Plains Mall

Animal Oddities

Aging Animals

African Safari

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

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Education Registration Form Please enclose form with payment and mail after you have preregistered.Student Name & Age Class Title Date Time Fee

Membership No:

Parent's Name:

Address:

Total Fees:

Phone:

City: Zip:

**Rides will not be rescheduled for inclement weather

* closed-toe shoes required

Coffee ConnectionsGeared towards adults but all ages welcomeNO COST

No advance registration required.

Mon 6/2

Mon 7/7

Mon 8/4

Mon 9/1

Keith GutierrezZoo Security

Kelly MooreBird Keeper

Peninnah ZieglerEducation

No Class due to holiday

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

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Sponsored by Spice Merchant

Animal EncounterAll agesNO COSTNo advanced registration required.classes may be canceled without notice

Mon 6/2

Tues 6/10

Wed 6/18

Thurs 6/26

Mon 7/7

Tues 7/8

Wed 7/16

Thurs 7/24

Mon 8/4

Tues 8/12

Wed 8/20

Thurs 8/28

Mon 9/1

Tues 9/9

Wed 9/17

Thurs 9/25

Reptile

Mammal

Amphibian

Bird

Red

White

Blue

All American

Splotches

Solids

Spots

Stripes

No program due to holiday

Rainforest

Desert

Prairie

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

11:15 a.m.

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Social Hourages 21+Members: $25Non-members: $30

Fri 6/13

Fri 7/18

Fri 9/26

Beastly Beers

The Drunken Botanist

Cocktails with the Creatures

6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

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Sponsored by House of Schwann and Glazer's

CONSERVATION

Conservation Partner Spotlight: International Elephant FoundationDeborah Olson, Executive Director, International Elephant

Foundation

Elephants are greatly loved by many for their numerous behaviors that seem so human, as well as their uniquely beautiful appearance. Unfortunately, one of their most distinctive features, the tusks, have been the cause of the decimation of entire populations in some areas of Africa. The tusk is a multi-purpose too—growing almost 7 inches a year and used to dig for water, salt, and roots, debark a tree, and defense or competing for mates.

Elephants have been killed for their tusks for many generations but the current explosive, illegal, worldwide demand for ivory has caused an uncontrolled slaughter, the like of which never before has been seen. Poachers have become better equipped with high-powered rifles, immediate communication and improved transport. In addition, these illegal operations are often funded by organized crime or rogue military forces. After many years of fighting this war with ivory poachers, many of the giant bulls of Africa, and now entire family groups of elephants, lie dead or are dying daily because their incisor teeth are coveted by humans for decorative pieces and jewelry.

The world is finally beginning to pay attention to this tragedy and individuals, conservation groups, politicians and governments are working together to stop the demand, eliminate the killing, and prosecute the offenders. The fight to protect elephants continues to be an uphill battle because the story about conserving elephants for future generations is not just about poaching; not all elephants are impacted by that threat. The Asian elephant, which has more than ten times fewer individuals (30,000 – 40,000 Asian elephants worldwide compared to 400,000 – 500,000 African elephants), are seldom poached. The majority of Asian elephants are tuskless as only male Asian elephants have tusks and many males are actually born tuskless. For the Asian elephant, poaching for ivory is not the major concern.

The major threat to Asian elephants and many populations of African elephants as well, is actually habitat loss. Every day, Asian elephants are shot, poisoned, snared, electrocuted, hit by trains, and blown-up because their habitat is being taken by large-scale plantations, development concessions for logging/mining/road construction; and altered by dams, small-scale farmers and rural villages. We all must take responsibility in this loss of habitat as we buy food and beauty aids produced from oil palm as well as cell phones that require rare metals. The list goes on. Human-elephant conflict (HEC) is threatening both economic development and environmental sustainability in many areas in Africa and Asia. Collaborating with those living and working closest to elephants is a key factor in the success of the International Elephant Foundation's (IEF) in country, or in situ, conservation programs. IEF is funding conservation efforts in Africa and Asia and our partnership approach results in a higher degree of local “ownership” which makes

the projects more effective and sustainable. In addition to mitigating conflicts between elephants and the people that share the land, projects in Laos, Indonesia, Kenya, Uganda, Burkina Faso and Zambia have improved natural resource management, supported actions to eliminate the illegal killing and trafficking of elephants, protected elephant habitat through forest patrol and monitoring, and built up the capacity of elephant conservationists.

IEF PROJECTS IN AFRICAIn the remote, underdeveloped area of the Lower Zambezi region, entire villages rely on subsistence crops (maize, tomatoes, and onions) which are very attractive to elephants and an entire harvest can be lost in one night, along with food storage buildings and housing. HEC leads to huge economic losses through property damage and even human fatalities in the local communities, which in turn result in elephant mortalities through “problem animal control” and

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in the general negative view of wildlife in the communities living on the border of the National Park. The Village Scout offers support for local communities suffering from human/elephant conflict, Lower Zambezi, Zambia project encourages people to share their land with elephants and to protect this national treasure. Rigorously selected and intensively trained, the Village Scout (VS) unit conducts patrols in HEC affected areas. Trained not just in wildlife law enforcement but also in elephant behavior, these teams help farmers avoid property and physical damage. This project is already seeing success as the communities have let us know that, so far, 2014 has been the best harvest in years due to the presence of Village Scout patrols made possible due to IEF funding.

Some other projects include the Conservation of Elephants in Southern Murchison Falls Conservation Area, Uganda which is building the Bulya Ranger Post to create a permanent hub of anti-poaching rangers in the core area of Bulya, and to effectively block poachers operating in the region from the east. The Large Elephant Monitoring Project, Kenya protects Tsavo’s last surviving “hundred pounder” tuskers (elephant bulls bearing ivory weighing over 100 lbs. per side)

by keeping watch on these animals on a consistent basis via light aircraft. The Mounted Horse Patrol Anti-poaching Unit for Mount Kenya enhances the capacity of law enforcement to decrease the level of poaching and other illegal activities in the high altitude areas of the northern section of the Mount Kenya using the Horse Patrol Team.

IEF PROJECTS IN INDONESIAThe IEF project Sumatra Elephant Conservation Response Units (CRU), Indonesia supports the conservation of wild elephants and habitat and creates opportunities for local communities to protect their property and support wildlife conservation, achieving positive outcomes for both elephants and people. Employing elephants and mahouts (elephant keepers) for forest patrols and human-elephant conflict mitigation and management, has started to effectively address the issues of HEC and land encroachment around protected areas. Asian elephants are trained for forest patrol, carrying their mahout and forest rangers to address forest crime, monitor wildlife, herd wild elephants away from human settlements, and provide community outreach. Through this program, captive elephants are perceived as partners instead of burdens and their management standards have been raised. The mahouts have gained self-respect through training in conservation techniques, and have become highly motivated conservationists. Based on IEF’s successful Sumatran Elephant CRU project, IEF is developing a long-term relationship with Myanmar Timber Enterprise to assist in developing uses for out-of-work elephants such as eco-tourism and conservation patrols in Myanmar. This center will also be a base for mahout training and an elephant hospital.

Elephants in the care of institutions like Sedgwick County Zoo are unique ambassadors for those in range countries, attracting direct and substantial public and private support for elephant conservation. Conservation is demonstrably more effective when partnerships are formed, thereby enlarging the project’s financial base as well as increasing the number of research and conservation professionals engaged in seeking solutions to the most pressing issues.

With the assistance of more than half of the institutions

managing elephants in the United States, including the

Sedgwick County Zoo, IEF has contributed over 3 million

dollars to elephant conservation and research since 1999.

For more information about IEF's many elephant

conservation and research projects visit

www.elephantconservation.org.

ADVENTURE

Wet-n-Wild Days Due to the continued drought-like conditions our

community has been facing and the need to conserve water, the Zoo has made the difficult decision to once

again postpone Wet-n-Wild Days for the summer.

Dads, grab your crew, put the pedal to the metal and cruise on out to the Sedgwick

County Zoo for Father’s Day. See cool classic cars, antique autos and vintage hot rods while exploring your favorite animal

exhibits at the Zoo.

DADS ARE ADMITTED FREE when accompanied by a paying child.

2014 event sponsored by:

Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 218:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

If you are looking for a cool activity this summer, think about joining us for Ape Awareness! Come learn more about the three types of apes living at Sedgwick County Zoo: gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans.

Activities for all age groups will include participating in keeper chats, learning about ape enrichment, discovering recycling opportunities, and investigating the struggles that apes face. There will also be ape merchandise available to purchase, with proceeds going toward ape conservation projects.

Regular Zoo Admission applies. Members FREE with

membership card and photo ID.

Don't judge a book by its cover, but try judging a beer by its label! Take a sip on the wild side as we learn more about beer, cider, ale and the animals in their names! We will learn about the differences between beers, beer color, food pairing and more all while touring the Zoo in the twilight hours.

Please call 266-8213 for reservations! Meet in the Cargill Learning enter and dress comfortably. Must be 21 to participate.

Sunday, June 158:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Keeper Chat

Schedule:

11:30 a.m. Gorilla

1:00 p.m. Orangutan

1:15 a.m. Gorilla

1:45 p.m. Chimpanzee

2:15 p.m. Orangutan

2:30 p.m. Gorilla

2:45 p.m. Chimpanzee

Take a sip on the WILD side!Friday, June 13 | 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Members $25 or nonmembers $30

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Admission is just $1 per person, members get in free with their membership card.

FREE ADMISSION with a Cox Voucher or Sedgwick County Zoo membership. Vouchers can be picked up at any area

Cox Solutions Store after June 13.

Every Tuesday in July! 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Children's Farms Festival:

COWabunga Day

Saturday, July 121:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Thank a cow for all it does for us! Try your hand at milking and learn how to rope a cow! Discover the cows of the Zoo and learn firsthand all the amazing things they do!

Regular Zoo Admission applies. Members FREE with membership card and photo ID.

New Social Hour: Drunken Botanist

Friday, July 18: 6:00 p.m.Join us for a new installment of Social Hour! We are

teaming up with our wonderful horticulture department in a class inspired by Amy Stewart’s, The Drunken Botanist.

We will explore the world of plants while sipping some samples of plant-created beverages! Our friends from House

of Schwan and Glazer’s will be offering their expertise on spirits as we walk the Zoo!

Please call 266-8213 for reservations! Must be 21 to participate.Members $25 or nonmembers $30

ent anist. me House e on

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Call 266.8211 Click scz.org Come by Membership office

With over 20 Zoo Pal animals to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect one!

The Zoo Pal program offers a unique way for people to support the Zoo’s efforts to enhance animal

habitats and maintain the finest animal care possible. Your donation goes directly toward the care of

Sedgwick County Zoo Animals.

ZOO PAL LEVELS

• $25—Beastly Buddy

• $50—Honorary Keeper

• $75—Defender of Wildlife

• $100—Protector of Nature

• $250—Conservation Supporter

All levels include recognition in the Zoo, Zoo Pal certificate and Zookeeper report. Additional benefits

are added for Honorary Keeper level and above.

Visit scz.org for a complete list of animals and benefits, call 316-266-8211 or stop by the Membership

office to learn more!

2013 Volunteer of the YearSedgwick County Zoo would like to recognize Lou Perrier with the 2013 Volunteer of the Year award.

Mr. Perrier has volunteered in the Veterinary Department since 2001 and has given a total of 2,092 hours of service. During his 13 years at the Zoo, Lou has worked on a multitude of different projects. He has shoveled snow, painted lines in the parking lot and emptied ashes from the incinerator. Most recently, Lou has worked on touching up and painting areas of quarantine, the tissues lab and the Vet Hospital. These painting projects have extended the use of the mesh and other areas in these buildings. Dr. William M. Bryant, Senior Veterinarian, said this about Mr. Perrier in his nomination, “If ever there was a person who put their expertise, talents, free time, great personality, and best foot forward to help, it is surely Lou Perrier.”

Mr. Perrier has also volunteered his time to help out with many of the Zoo’s special events. His willingness to help out where ever he is needed and do any task that is asked of him has earned him the award of Volunteer of the year. Thank you Lou for you selfless dedication to the Zoo.

In 2013 Sedgwick County Zoo had the privilege of working with a total of 990 volunteerswho donated 38,500 hours. Volunteers help the Zoo by giving their time which in turn saves the Zoo money. The cumulative hours donated by the Sedgwick County Zoo volunteers in 2013 were equal to 19 full-time employees. Thanks to all of you for what you do to help make the Zoo the No. 1 outdoor family tourist attraction in Kansas.

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In Honor of PetsWhen a family pet passes away, it can be devastating to a family. The Zoo has a Pet Sympathy program that can

help you let the family know you care by donating to the Sedgwick County Zoo in honor of their family pet.

For a minimum donation of $5, the Zoo will send an acknowledgement to the family in honor of their furry family member. Funds donated go directly to the care

of your Sedgwick County Zoo animals.

The Pet Sympathy program is a simple way of letting someone know you care, while supporting your

Sedgwick County Zoo animals.

For more information call 316-266-8211 or email us at ask@scz.org for more details.

JOIN 96 ELEPHANTSAn average of 96 elephants are killed each day in Africa. At this rate, African elephants face near extinction in just 10 short years. The reasons for their decline include poaching, inadequate protection, insufficient efforts to stop ivory trafficking and the huge demand for ivory around the world.

96 Elephants is a campaign created by the Wildlife Conservation Society. This campaign aims to bring together world citizens, partners, leaders and change makers to leverage their collective influence and resources to save African elephants from extinction.

96 Elephants offers you a variety of ways to get involved: letter-writing campaigns, online petitions and sharing the message through social media. It’s now easier than ever for you to help support elephants in the wild!

Learn more and join the effort!

Visit: www.96elephants.orgLike: 96 Elephants on FacebookFollow: @96Elephants

Like Us. Follow Us. Watch Us. Pin Us. Like us on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/SedgwickCountyZoo

Follow us at Twitter:

www.twitter.com/SedgwickCoZoo

Watch us at YouTube:

www.youtube.com/SedgwickCoZoo

Follow us on Instagram:

instagram.com/sedgwickcountyzoo#

Pin us on Pinterest:

www.pinterest.com/sedgwickcozoo/

Watch us on Vine:

vine.co/u/1061889894579920896

ANIMALS & NATURE

Pete's Plant TipsIn the spring issue, I wrote about keeping your tools working for you. In this issue, I want to talk how I keep from hurting myself while working. Although some aches and pains just seem to accompany gardening, there are some ways to avoid long term pain or injury.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY If it seems too heavy, get help lifting. Always keep your back straight and use your strong leg muscles rather than your back while lifting. Avoid twisting while lifting. We all know from experience how much a sore back will slow us down. There’s too much to get done around the gardens and pots to be slowed down with a back injury.

DON’T OVER REACH Being a short guy, this is my worst area. But, if we realize our limitations and use commonsense, however uncommon it seems to be, we can stay healthy through another growing season.

WEAR CLOTHING APPROPRIATE TO THE TASKGloves are my most often used tool. I usually try to buy very good gloves. They last longer and protect better. Thorns, cuts, scrapes and blisters, be gone! Appropriate clothing goes much further than just gloves though. If working in the sun for any amount of time, wearing a hat and sunglasses and using sunscreen will go a long way towards keeping you

comfortable and safe. Wear long pants when mowing or string trimming to avoid injuries from flying debris.

Hearing protection should also be worn when using any power equipment. If you find yourself weeding on your knees often, buying a pair of kneepads might just make this chore a bit less of a chore.

TIMING IS EVERYTHINGI try to plan my schedule based on the time of day. In the mornings when it is still cool, I get the jobs done that later in the day may be unbearable. If you have to get other jobs done as the temperatures rise, listen to your body and know when to take a break and drink plenty of water. If possible, mow lawns late in the day. This allows the cut end of the grass blade to recover overnight when temps go down and will help in preventing scorching.

Above all, if the task is something that you are not able to do physically or is out of your limitations for whatever reason, a phone call to a professional will be a wise choice. Gardening is a hobby I learned to love in my Mom’s gardens (yes plural!) and I still find peace in what I call dirt therapy.

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EDUCATION

2014 Summer Learning Adventure Schedule UPDATED

• Classes meet Monday through Friday. • Students are to be dropped off at the Cargill Learning Center. For

your child’s safety, please enter the building for drop off and pick up. Sorry, parents are not allowed to join the fun!

• Limited Summer School T-shirts will be available for only $10 plus sales tax.

You must call 266-8213 to preregister before sending in your payment!

Fees:

1.5 hour classes $55 for members $70 for nonmembers3.5 hour classes $90 for members $105 for nonmembers8.5 hour classes $155 for members $170 for nonmembers

Scholarships:

A limited number of scholarships are available for 1.5 hour classes on a first-come, first-served basis for students who otherwise could not attend. Go to www.scz.org and click on Learning Adventures and Summer School for scholarship rules and application form. There is a limit of one scholarship per person. You may not preregister for a class until the scholarship application has been completed and returned to the education department.

* Sign up for three or more classes and receive $5 off your total.

PLAY CARE

Stay at the Zoo by registering for care between summer school classes. Children ages four and above can enjoy activities and Zoo walks during this time. A snack and animal experience will be provided in all care after 8:30. There is a maximum of 15 children per session.

Early drop-off/lunch time: 7:30–8:30 or 12:00–1:00 $35.00 each session per child for five days

Between classes: 10:00–10:30 $18.00 each session per child for five days

3 YEAR OLDS(must be toilet-trained and ready for preschool)

Shapes Alive June 9–13, 10:30–12:00 • July 14–18, 8:30–10:00Down on the Zoo Farm June 9–13, 8:30–10:00 • July 14–18, 10:30–12:00

4 & 5 YEAR OLDS

Animals A – Z

June 16–20, 8:30–10:00 • July 21–25 10:30–12:00Three Little Pigs

June 16–20, 10:30–12:00 • July 21–25, 8:30–10:00Growing Up

June 2–6, 8:30–10:00 • July 7–11, 10:30–12:00Wild Wardrobes

June 2–6, 10:30–12:00 • July 7–11, 8:30–10:00Cat Tails

May 26–30, 8:30–10:00 • June 23–June 27, 10:30–12:00Creature Count

May 26–30, 10:30–12:00 • June 23–27, 8:30–10:00Kindergarten Critters—Half Day Class For children entering kindergarten August 4–8, 8:30–12:00

6 & 7 YEAR OLDS

Bare Necessities

July 14–18, 10:30–12:00 • July 28–August 1, 8:30–10:00 The ABC’s of Conservation

July 14–18, 8:30–10:00 • July 28–August 1, 10:30–12:00Nature Nut

June 9–13 10:30–12:00 • July 7–11, 8:30–10:00Dig It

June 9–13, 8:30–10:00 • July 7–11, 10:30–12:00Animal Super Senses

May 26–30, 8:30–10:00 Claws, Paws and Jaws

May 26– 30, 10:30–12:00

8–10 YEAR OLDS

Asian Odyssey May 26–May 30, 8:30–10:00 • June 16–20, 10:30–12:00Who’s at the Zoo?

May 26–30, 10:30–12:00 • June 16–20, 8:30–10:00Zoo Detectives

June 2–6, 8:30–10:00 • August 4–8, 10:30–12:00Don’t Bring that in the House!

June 2–6, 10:30–12:00 • August 4–8, 8:30–10:00Animal Myth Busters—HALF DAY CLASS

June 23–27, 8:30–12:00 • July 21–25, 8:30–12:00Winged Wonders

July 28–August 1, 8:30–10:00Art with the Animals

July 28–August 1, 10:30–12:00

10 YEARS OLDS & UP

Junior Zoo Keepers

Farms June 9–13, 8:30–10:00 • July 28-August 1, 8:30–10:00Jungle June 23–27, FULL • July 14–18 10:30–12:00North American Prairie June 9–13, 10:30–12:00 • July 28-August 1, 10:30–12:00Amphibians and Reptiles July 21–25, 10:30–12:00 • August 4–8, 8:30–10:00Australia/South America Mammals June 2–6, 10:30–12:00 • June 16–20, 10:30–12:00Veldt (elephant, giraffe, rhino, hippo) June 16–20, 8:30–10:00 • July 7–11, 8:30–10:00 Downing Gorilla Forest June 23–27, 8:30–10:00 • July 14–18, 8:30–10:00Australia/South America Birds July 7–11, 10:30–12:00 • August 4–8 10:30–12:00Veterinary CareJune 2–6, FULL • July 21–25, FULL

Zooniversity

For 13 year olds. Members: $165, nonmembers: $180

June 9 – 27, M–F 8:00 – 12:00 • June 30 – July 18, M–F, 8:00 – 12:00 July 21 – August 8, M-F, 8:00 – 12:00

Zookeeper Apprentice Program (ZAP)—Freshman Team

A four year program for teens at Sedgwick County Zoo. All stu-dents 14 years and older will start as freshman learning about basic animal husbandry as well as how zoos work. In ZAP freshman year students will learn what it takes to be a zookeeper by working alongside keepers in our Farms as well as assisting with weekly special projects throughout the Zoo.

June 9–27, M–F 8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00June 30–July 18, M–F, FULL or 1:00–5:00July 21–August 8, M–F, 8:00–12:00 or 1:00–5:00

15%

PLANNING YOUR VISIT:Visit scz.org to purchase tickets or renew your membership.TAKE YOUR PICK! WE’RE OPEN 364 DAYS A YEAR!Plan a trip to the Zoo with family and friends! Speed up your rate of entry by purchasing any additional tickets online at scz.org for family or friends who don’t have a membership. You can print tickets at home and everyone can enjoy the Zoo adventure that much quicker!

Regular AdmissionAdults (ages 12+) $13.95Senior Citizens (62+) $11.95Children (ages 3–11) $8.95Children ages 2 and under Free

FREE Tram TourEnjoy a FREE narrated tram tour of the Zoo! You can hop on or off at any of the five designated tram stops. Using the tram to get around the Zoo allows you to see more of the Zoo during your visit! And it’s FREE! All aboard! (Weather permitting.)

Wheelchair Rental:Push wheelchairs: $5 per visitElectric wheelchairs: $25/3 hours, $5 each additional hour

Stroller Rental:Single stroller: $6Double stroller: $9

Giraffe Feeding Station:Monday – Friday: 11:00 a.m. – NoonSaturday and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. (staff & weather permitting)Just $2 per person/per feeding

Summer Hours:

March–October8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Winter Hours:

November–February10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature

Let Your Imagination Run WildWe'll Take Care of the Details!

One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership

ID and coupon to redeem.

valid from 6/1/14 to 6/30/14

Hats

JUNEzoo gift shop coupon

OFF15%

One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership

ID and coupon to redeem.

valid from 7/1/14 to 7/31/14

Plush

JULYzoo gift shop coupon

OFF15%

One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership

ID and coupon to redeem.

valid from 8/1/14 to 8/31/14

Statues, Mugs, Glass

Animals

AUGUSTzoo gift shop coupon

OFF

Whether you are planning a group event for 20 or a spectacular party for 2,000—we have the capabilities and resources to offer a truly unique social experience. From the drama of The Downing Gorilla Forest to the serenity of the Cessna Penguin Cove, we have a variety of venues that are sure to create an atmosphere your guests will never forget. We're here to help you customize your experience and give your guests an event they will always remember.

For more information

visit the Group Events

page at scz.org.

Dates are filling up fast!

Call Today—316.266.8252