What’s Newat the Zoo? www.calgaryzoo.com

The Calgary Zoological Society Newsletter

Garth Irvine

Perry Chua

Inside this issue Q & A with the President 2Conservatory Plans 4Veterinary News 5Conservation Outreach 6 Meet a Zookeeper 8Conservation Research 10Mother’s Day & Father’s Day 12Animal Programs 13Adult Programs 14Summer Camps 17Child and Family Programs 18Botanical Education Programs 20Membership News 23Kids’ Corner 24

March 2008

Getting to know “Ray”

Cow nosed rays and southern rays have arrived in the exhibit hall of Elephant Crossing. Rays are different from most other fish because of their shape and how they move. Even though many fish have a pancake-like shape (flounders, for example), rays are unique because their pectoral (front) fins account for most of their shape. These fins connect along the length of their bodies (with the exception of their tails) so they can’t swim by moving from side-to-side like most fish. Instead, they flap their front fins, making it look like they are ‘flying’ through the water!

Rays have mouths that are a bit like vacuum cleaners – they use suction power to grab their food. Once they have the food in their mouths, their plate-like teeth (very different from sharp, pointy shark teeth) crush their food.

New species tell a fishy storyWhen you look at the latest additions to the Zoo’s collection, it’s a bit of a fishy story – two

species of rays, pirhanas, Lake Malawi cichlids and even a shark!

Up-close-and-personal with rays

Make sure to join us for daily opportunities to feed these fascinating fish. Watch for an exhibit host at the ray tank with small “boats” of fish available for you to purchase. First, you’ll need to wash your hands and arms up to the elbow to make sure the

rays’ watery home remains free of contaminants such as sunscreen, bug spray and perfume. Rays seek out food when they’re hungry, so if you place a piece of fish between two of your fingers and put your hand in the water with your palm facing down, a ray might swim above your hand and suck up the fish with its mouth, located on the underside of its body.

Did somebody say shark?

While you’re checking out the rays, keep an eye out for a brown-banded bamboo shark in the centre of the pool. Found off the coasts of places like India and Thailand and all the way down to Australia, these sharks live on coral reefs, often in

Watch for southern rays and cow nosed rays in the exhibit hall of Elephant Crossing.

A cichlid in the River’s Edge Aquarium, located just inside the TransAlta Rainforest entrance.

tide pools. They have a unique adaptation allowing them to hunt in tide pools with low oxygen. They can actually switch off their non-essential brain functions to save oxygen – they have even been known to survive for up to 12 hours out of water.

Cichlids for the River’s Edge

Cichlids (pronounced sick-lids) are a large and diverse family of mainly freshwater fish – there are between 1,900 and 2,200 different species. Cichlids also have the largest number of

Continued on page 3.

Brown-banded bamboo shark

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What does the future hold? – Q&a

What’s New at the Zoo?A Calgary Zoological Society

newsletter for members.

Published five times per year by The Calgary Zoological Society

1300 Zoo Road NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6

(403) 232-9300 www.calgaryzoo.com

© 2008, The Calgary Zoological Society. All rights reserved.

Editor: Michelle Woodard

Contributors: Dr. Sandie Black, Estelle Blair, Pauline Davies, Tian Everest, Laura Glick, Pierre Hamel,

Corinne Hannah, Anna Hargreaves, Brian Keating, Natasha Lloyd, Pam Pritchard, Jane Reksten,

Donna Sheppard, Dr. Doug Whiteside.

Dr. Clément Lanthier, Calgary Zoo President & CEO

Annual General Meeting

Discovery Passport members are invited to

attend the Calgary Zoological Society’s

Annual General Meeting.

Monday, April 28

4:00 pm Conservatory

Tropical Oasis Room

Please enter the Zoo through the former

south entrance (at the Security Building).

For more information, please contact

Marlene Taverner at 232-9319.

Plans for the future Q & A with the President & CEO

What take-home message would you like Zoo visitors to leave with over the next five years?

I would like them to understand that they are part of the solution. We can talk about habitat loss and endangered species, but that doesn’t do anything. We need to influence visitors and make them aware that they are part of the solution.

How will visitors become active in creating solutions?

Each individual will have to make up their minds about their own actions. Whether that’s the way they consume, the way they commute, the foods they choose, whether they choose to recycle, or even how they vote. But we will need to influence them and engage them to realize that action is the key.

Will the Zoo have to change to motivate these visitors?

We are in a planning stage right now, and one good example of this is the ENMAX Conservatory. We need to improve this building, but we are inviting other groups to help us. The partnership with ENMAX allows us to create a visionary building and show visitors the environmental alternatives. It’s about education, it’s about conservation, it’s about

showing people that they can do things differently, now and in the future.

What impact will this have?

Our role now is really to connect with Calgarians, or to be the conduit that connects Calgarians to nature. The only way to do this is to educate them, allow them to feel that connection to nature – to love nature – and then they will conserve. To do this, we will need to focus more on the experiential side; we need to create those magical moments where people can really interact on a higher level with living things.

What about Calgarians who don’t visit as often?

Well again, we can focus on the experience, but we need to shift how we deliver this. That is why we are moving resources to put more emphasis on conservation outreach – having people out in the community talking about the world around

us. This, hopefully, will engage people in a different way, and maybe people who are not Zoo visitors will feel that same connection.

What makes you perfect for this job?

Well, firstly, as a veterinarian, I have a strong connection to animals, and of course that’s important for a zoo. But the Zoo still has to operate, so I have an MBA that allows me to see the business side as well to make sure that we remain viable so that all the great work we are doing can continue. It’s a fine balance, and it needs to be constantly adjusted. I think the Calgary Zoo has a great future and I’m happy to be a part of it.

Evolution of zoosFor hundreds of years, zoos took animals

from the wild. Now they are giving back.

In the 1970s, zoos began to realize they had to change to continue to exist. They started evolving into proactive conservation centres, working together to preserve species and habitats, contribute to environmental education and establish strong conservation networks.

Today’s best zoos incorporate the conservation of wildlife, natural habitats and ecosystems into their missions. They use their living collections to connect with conservation through scientific research, public education, ecotourism, captive breeding for reintroduction and direct support of field conservation.

In this issue, we are taking a look forward. We hope you enjoy reading about some of our plans for the future – from the next few months to the coming years.

New North eNtraNce

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Red-bellied piranhaiStockphoto.com

If you’ve visited the Zoo and used the North Entrance over the last several months, you will have noticed a lot of construction activity.

“We’ve spent the winter renovating our main entrance into what will essentially be a new ‘front door’ to the Zoo,” says Don Peterkin, Director of Facilities and Horticulture. “Instead of entering through a cold, dark tunnel, Zoo visitors and members will travel through a more comfortable space that also brings guest services, including membership sales and wagon and stroller rental, closer to the parking area.”

Transition starts Easter weekend

While the old ticket booths outside the south end of the tunnel will remain open until the summer, starting on the Easter weekend they will be equipped with new equipment and software. A new guest services area, located in the middle of the tunnel where the old mastodon (prehistoric elephant) model was, will also open Easter weekend. Here, visitors will access services including membership sales and renewals, wagon and stroller rental, and education program registrations.

Fully functional by summer

By the summer, the full North Entrance renovation will be complete with a set of new ticket booths right at the north entrance of the tunnel, additional automated ticket kiosks and a new-and-improved plaza area with landscaping and animal sculptures.

Making a grand entranceNew North Entrance means faster and more convenient access to the Zoo and its services

Further along the tunnel, just past the ramp to the LRT station, visitors will encounter two new automated ticket kiosks (like the ones at the movie theatres) and a new set of turnstiles. Here, visitors will scan the tickets they have purchased and members will simply scan their membership cards to gain access to the Zoo. Once your ticket or membership card is scanned, you will have officially entered the Zoo.

What about Zoo members?

Between Easter weekend and the summer, members will enter the gates as before and then a Zoo staff member will scan their cards with a hand scanner. Once the full north entrance is complete, members will be able to scan their own membership cards to directly access the Zoo through the new turnstile system.

“Access to the Zoo will be faster and easier both for visitors purchasing tickets and our members,” explains Wade Harper, Director of Marketing and Sales. “With 12 ticket booths instead of the five we currently have, automated ticket kiosks and the ability to purchase tickets on-line people suddenly have a whole variety of opportunities to purchase their tickets to the Zoo. It also means that we will be able to accommodate twice as many people as we could before.”

Did you know?

– The Zoo hosted more than 1.17 million visitors in 2007.

– On the busiest day in 2007 over 10,000 people passed

through the Zoo’s gates.

– There are more than 80,000 Calgary Zoo members.

– The Zoo rented its wagons 10,837 times in 2007.

– The existing North Entrance was built in 1990 to accommodate

1,500 visitors per hour. It is estimated that the new North

Entrance will increase this number to 3,000 visitors per hour.

A fishy storyContinued from page 1.

endangered species of any family of vertebrates (animals with backbones).

With the addition of several new Lake Malawi cichlids – including bumblebee cichlids, electric blue cichlids and eureka

red peacock cichlids – the Zoo now has a total of 22 different cichlid species, both in the hippo pool of the African Savannah and the River’s Edge Aquarium just inside the entrance of the TransAlta Rainforest.

Although cichlids have a wide range of body sizes, as small as 2.5 centimetres (1 in.) long to approaching one metre (3 ft.), they generally tend to be medium in size, an oval shape and fairly thin if you look at them from the front.

Not-so-scary piranhas

You don’t need to be afraid of these little fish – their reputation as man-eaters is simply not true. Red-bellied piranhas are common throughout South America’s Amazon basin and are a food fish for humans.

With glowing red chins, bellies and caudal fins, red-bellied piranhas live up to their names. Mainly carnivorous (meat-eating), adult red-bellies hunt by charging or ambushing their prey including other fish, insects, crustaceans and worms.

Make sure to visit these small carnivores in the Zoo’s South America Building.

New eNmax CoNservatory

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Whether we realize it or not, plants play a role in almost every part of our lives. From food and clothing to medicine and shelter, people have an undeniable relationship to plants.

Beginning in the fall of 2008, an extensive renovation will breathe new life into our Conservatory building and help people learn about the important role plants play in our lives. For over forty years the current glass houses have showcased an impressive array of tropical plants, cactus and succulents, rainforest plants, and even a few friends from the animal kingdom. The glass houses have allowed horticulture to be a year-round attraction at the Zoo, educating and enchanting millions of visitors.

Now that this building is showing its age, ENMAX Corporation has generously partnered with the Zoo to create a rejuvenated facility that is beautiful, functional and environmentally conscious. The new ENMAX Conservatory will use construction methods and materials known to increase energy efficiencies and we are geared toward attaining LEED Gold certification for energy conservation. If we are successful, this will make the ENMAX Conservatory the most sustainable building of its kind in North America.

Building a better conservatory

Horticulturists, architects, engineers and other experts have been meeting for months to develop a design that will meet the needs of both our plants and our visitors. Plant lovers can rest assured that efforts are being made to preserve elements of the existing collections and appropriately relocate plants that will not be absorbed into the new displays. Our outdoor plant collection has also been under scrutiny, as we plan to protect some of the mature trees planted close to the construction perimeter.

What will the future hold for us in the ENMAX Conservatory? One of the two greenhouses will feature an ethnobotanical display demonstrating the importance of plants to human life and

Making plants a priorityConstruction begins on new ENMAX Conservatory in Fall 2008

An artist’s rendering of the new ENMAX Conservatory, scheduled to open in late 2009.

Things are really hopping this spring

In celebration of Year of the Frog, the Zoo is adding several frog species to its collection this spring. Keep an eye out for:

African grey tree frogs

These large frogs are found in many African countries. They range in length from 43 - 90 millimetres (1.7 - 3.5 in.) and females are larger than males. African grey tree frogs can vary in colour from brownish to grey and sometimes even white. They can also have darker mottling. They have a subdued croak.

Solomon Island eyelash frogs

These frogs are found in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. They skip the tadpole stage and hatch out as tiny froglets.

Western toads

A North American species, Western toads live in a wide variety of habitats from deserts to mountain meadows. Adults tend to walk rather than hop and have a mellow chick-like peep.

Left: Western toad Right: Solomon Island eyelash frog

wellbeing. The second greenhouse will be home to a larger butterfly garden complete with a formal pond. Butterflies will be visible from Easter through Thanksgiving and seasonal displays will grace this space throughout the rest of the year. The building will also feature plant propagation areas, a classroom, and a unique and beautiful setting for special events.

A showcase for alternative energy

The ENMAX Conservatory will also house cutting-edge technology that supports energy conservation and environmental responsibility. The goal is to demystify the alternate sources of energy used in the ENMAX Conservatory, such as geothermal heating and cooling, photo-voltaic electricity, solar hot water heating systems, wind turbines and other new technologies. ENMAX and the Zoo aim to help people understand how these technologies can also be used in their homes or communities to conserve energy and reduce their environmental footprint.

Visitors to the Zoo will be able to enjoy the ENMAX Conservatory as it stands throughout the summer. The doors will close in fall 2008 and, if all goes as planned, the renewed ENMAX Conservatory will open in late 2009. It is an exciting time in the Dorothy Harvie Gardens. Stay tuned as we continue to grow!

– Corinne Hannah, Horticulturist

Join us as we celebrate Year of the Frog! Look for our frog-friendly education programs marked with this symbol.

Frog Friendly!

James Bettaso

Veterinary news

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Calgary Zoo veterinarians to work with new U of C veterinary schoolSharing expertise in wildlife conservation and zoo medicine

An exciting part of the Calgary Zoo’s future is its involvement in the University of Calgary’s new Veterinary Medicine Program (UCVM). This fully accredited veterinary faculty, Canada’s fifth veterinary college, will educate undergraduate Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students, conduct research, provide graduate education and deliver continuing professional development to meet the needs of Alberta and Canada.

Calgary Zoo veterinarians Dr. Sandie Black and Dr. Doug Whiteside, along with the Zoo’s President & CEO Dr. Clément Lanthier, have been involved in the planning of UCVM since the beginning. Both Dr. Black and Dr. Whiteside are adjunct professors with UCVM and will be involved in teaching courses in wildlife/conservation and zoo medicine.

“As the second largest zoo in Canada, we take seriously our role in exposing young veterinarians and veterinary students to the importance and complexity of zoological and wildlife/conservation medicine,” says Dr. Sandie Black. “Our varied collection of over 1,000 animals and our partnerships with government organizations such as Parks Canada allow us to provide a solid grounding in captive and free ranging wildlife medicine, and the conservation value in this field of work to developing veterinarians.”

The first students at UCVM will begin their programs in September 2008.

Teaching veterinary students from near and far

For more than two decades, the Calgary Zoo has offered a successful externship program. An externship involves hosting senior students from a wide variety of different veterinary schools for four- to eight-week periods allowing them to gain practical experience in zoo and wildlife medicine.

Approximately half of the Zoo’s externship students have been Canadian, the other half have come from the United States and Central America, with occasional participants from Australia and Europe.

With extensive experience working with veterinary students, it’s a natural evolution for the Zoo’s veterinary department to expand its teaching role in partnership with the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Zoo veterinarians will offer introductory experiences for first to third year students at UCVM as well as an expanded externship program blending UCVM students with other Canadian and international externs.

The Calgary Zoo’s full-service Animal Health Centre will be used as part of the program. The Centre houses two surgical theatres, an imaging suite including radiology, ultrasound and endoscopy, treatment and animal holding areas, pharmacy, surgical prep area, laboratory and a pathology room. The building also has veterinary and technologist office areas and a conference room with a large presentation screen. The teaching and office space was recently expanded and renovated with funds from UCVM.

For more information on UCVM, visit www.vet.ucalgary.ca.

The Calgary Zoo’s first intern, Dr. Chantal Proulx, with a two- toed sloth in 2004. After completing her internship, she became the veterinarian at the Quebec Aquarium.

Dr. Owen Slater, the Zoo’s fourth intern, conducts a neonatal exam on a baby prehensile-tailed porcupine.

Internship provides unique experience

In partnership with the University of Calgary’s new Veterinary Medicine Program, the Zoo is currently training its fourth intern, Dr. Owen Slater, in a fairly new program to provide post-graduate training in zoo and wildlife medicine to veterinary graduates. “The Calgary Zoo veterinary internship program is the only zoo and wildlife medicine internship program in Canada. I feel very honoured to have been selected to take part in it,” says Owen.

The one-year program exposes interns to all facets of zoological medicine including preventive health care, diagnostics, husbandry, nutrition, surgery and pathology. Each intern completes a research project or in-depth case investigation for scientific publication during their tenure.

“To learn from some of the best people in the field of zoological medicine, to work with such a diverse range of species, and to be given the time to conduct a wildlife research project has been an incredible experience that has laid the foundation for my career in the field of zoo and wildlife medicine,” comments Owen. “Shortly, I will be heading off to start a new job as a staff veterinarian at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, where I will take everything I have learned here at the Calgary Zoo to help provide the best possible care to a new group of animals.”

The Zoo’s Dr. Sandie Black and Dr. Alastair Cribb, dean of the U of C’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, tour the UCVM Clinical Skills Building construction site.

Conservation outreaCh

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The Zoo’s Conservation Outreach Fund supports projects in Canada and around the world each year. Currently one third of its annual revenue is dedicated to an endowment fund created to secure the program’s future.

“The Endowment Fund ensures the Zoo will have a steady stream of funding to support worthwhile conservation outreach projects well into the future,” says Brian Keating, the Zoo’s Head of Conservation Outreach.

Since 1997, $800,000 has accumulated in the Calgary Zoo Conservation Outreach Endowment Fund.

Helping local populations one individual at a time

Saving species into the future

How many hippos are there, anyway?

Between 2000 and 2004, Earthwatch research teams conducted two-week biological surveys of the Sanctuary four times a year, including a standardized hippo census. Now, R.Y. Abudulai Issahaku from the Wechiau Visitor Centre has taken on the role of logistics coordinator and, with the help of Sanctuary staff, is conducting hippo population counting activities every three months. The entire stretch of river within the Sanctuary is divided into four transects. Census takers survey these transects simultaneously using traditional local canoes to establish the distribution and abundance of hippos in the Sanctuary and assess their feeding habits and breeding grounds. In recent censuses, a total of 17 hippos were counted.

“Sanctuary staff are highly motivated to complete the hippopotamus counts and are aware of the importance of monitoring the size of the hippo pod at regular intervals,” says Donna Sheppard. Funding for hippo monitoring activities is provided by the Zoo.

Clay hippos send family’s children to school

Hand-created and fired clay hippo figurines made in Wechiau by Youripuour Barima have been for sale in the Zoo’s gift shops since 2004. These popular little hippos raise awareness about the Zoo’s partnership with Wechiau and provide financial support for this mother of four. To date, the family has received almost $700 from this cottage industry

venture with the Zoo. Although this may seem meagre, three years ago the family was surviving on about a dollar a day, was entirely dependent on subsistence farming and none of their four children were attending school. With this new income, the family has been able to improve their home and start a guinea fowl rearing business. And to top it off, three of the four children are now enrolled in the Wechiau Primary School.

The Calgary Zoo Conservation Fund has sponsored the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) initiative since its inception in 1998. Over that time, huge strides have been made in this truly community-based initiative.

The goal is to find a way for humans and wildlife to live together harmoniously. “The success we have seen to date simply would not be possible without the partnerships we created with people,” says Donna Sheppard, Sanctuaries Advisor with the Calgary Zoo’s Conservation Outreach Department. “Our approach is all about sharing resources in a planned way with wildlife. People make sacrifices, like not being able to fish or cut down trees in certain areas, but they realize benefits from their actions to save species as well.”

The approach in the Sanctuary is holistic, so people see positive development in many areas including education, sanitation, research, health, agriculture and ecotourism. “When you ask people in Wechiau, they believe that the Sanctuary has been a good thing for them because of the educational opportunities they now have, including a new school and a high school scholarship program in particular; the jobs and international friends that come to see them from around the world; and the fact that their leaders have travelled to Canada as representatives of the Sanctuary,” explains Donna.

Following are just a few stories of individuals in Wechiau that illustrate how people are benefiting from and helping to preserve the presence of wildlife, including hippos, in their community.

Donna Sheppard, Sanctuaries Advisor with the Zoo’s Conservation Outreach Department, says that when the people in Wechiau are asked, they believe one of the many benefits of the Sanctuary has been the educational opportunities they now have, including their new school pictured above.

Conservation outreaCh

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Cycling toward independence

In early 2004, the Zoo started a mountain bicycle rental business for the more resilient, adventurous ecotourists to the Sanctuary. Along with providing a service to visitors, the ultimate goal of the project was to create a means of employment for a local entrepreneur with an interest in bicycles. During the first year, the fleet was managed by Zoo personnel. In October 2005, Abudulai Issahaku took over management of the bicycle rental business and used the income generated from the hiring of the fleet to pay back the predetermined ‘cost’ of the business. Over the past two years, he has proven to be aware of the importance of

communication with customers, detailed paperwork and constant fleet maintenance. He has a strict policy not to release bicycles to anyone other than Sanctuary visitors, ensuring the bicycles are always available and in good repair.

Now that the Wechiau model of community-based conservation has proven to be successful, the Zoo’s Conservation Outreach department is embarking on two projects to replicate the model in other areas of Ghana.

The first community-protected area is the Avu Lagoon Sitatunga Sanctuary Initiative that aims to protect the western sitatunga. With 14 stakeholder communities established as the core of the sitatunga community-based conservation area, next steps will include developing a constitutional document, collecting additional biological baseline data and establishing park boundaries and bylaws.

A second project, the Afram Plains Manatee Sanctuary Initiative, will protect the endangered West African manatee. The first step in establishing the Sanctuary will involve an Earthwatch Institute project that aims to determine manatee population status and distribution in the Afram Arm of Volta Lake.

Watch for more information on these exciting new projects in future issues of this newsletter.

Future sanctuary projects build on Wechiau success

New projects will protect species like manatees (top) and sitatunga (left) in West Africa.

iStockphoto.com

iStockphoto.com

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Meet a Zookeeper

She may be the Calgary Zoo’s newest zookeeper, but Cathy Robinson-Ladiges is actually a seasoned employee having worked at the Zoo for almost 20 years. “I think I have the distinction of being in the position of animal care worker longer than anyone else,” says Cathy. “Because there were so many new animal care staff when I started at the Zoo, it was ten years before I received permanent employee status. But it didn’t matter because as an animal care worker and then as an apprentice, I rotated through the various sections of the Zoo and it was great. Everything was a new and exciting experience.”

Cathy began working at the Zoo while she was studying zoology and microbiology at the University of Calgary. “I had never considered a career at the Zoo, but a fellow student got a summer job here,” says Cathy. “I decided to apply too, got the job and haven’t looked back since.” An animal lover for as long as she can remember, Cathy says working at the Zoo felt like coming home. “The people working here were all just like me – they had the same feelings and attitudes toward animals as I did and I admired them so much. For an animal person, this is truly a dream job.”

Now a zookeeper in Canadian Wilds and at the Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC), Cathy says one of her favourite parts of being a zookeeper is getting know the individual animals and making a difference in their lives. “When you’re feeding an animal, to most people it looks like you’re just giving them food,” says Cathy. “But it’s actually so much more. We’re interacting with them and it can be very rewarding.”

While focusing on individual animals is rewarding, the bigger picture also has a big part to play in the satisfaction Cathy takes from her role as a zookeeper. “There are so many endangered Canadian species and a lot of opportunity to do valuable conservation work here. It’s a great feeling to be able to contribute to conservation work that is of real value to native Canadian species.”

An example of this is Cathy’s involvement with the Zoo’s whooping crane artificial insemination (AI) team. “Since we started crane AI we have had

Meet our newest zookeeper

The Calgary Zoo’s newest zookeeper, Cathy Robinson-Ladiges, with a whooping crane in the Zoo’s Canadian Wilds section.

chicks from six birds that had never reproduced before. Now many of those chicks have been reintroduced to the wild and others are part of the breeding program.” This spring, the Zoo will pair two birds from the U.S. with some of the first whooping cranes it produced as a result of AI. “It’s very exciting and rewarding to now be seeing the second generation of AI chicks.”

In addition to her roles in the Canadian Wilds and at the DWCC, Cathy is also a relief zookeeper with the Zoo’s Animal Health Centre. According to Cathy, it’s this variety that makes each day interesting. “Here it is 20 years later and I still love what I do. Each day is different – we work with animals that range from very young to very old, breeding season is always coming and going and whether we’re dealing with the animals’ physical, psychological or social needs, every day brings something new.”

Becoming a zookeeper takes more than a love for animals – it’s a very competitive career. Even though she’s been with the Zoo for 20 years, Cathy Robinson-Ladiges has only been an official zookeeper for a few months.

Zookeepers start off as seasonal or on-call animal care workers, filling in and covering vacations. Then they gradually move into full-time roles. When openings occur, which is rare

due to the low turnover of the Zoo’s dedicated staff, they become apprentice zookeepers. Then they need to complete a series of distance learning courses through NAIT’s Zoo & Aquarium Technology Program, the only zookeeper program in Canada. They also write exams and papers required by the Calgary Zoo.

It’s a lot of work, but Cathy says it’s well worth it. “It’s a rigorous program in terms of the amount of work and detail,” says Cathy. “It covers a broad spectrum of information – everything from biology, animal enrichment, and veterinary/medical information to horticulture, fundraising, and habitat design.”

Although it’s not required, most new zookeepers have an educational background

in biology or another science. They also have experience working with animals and good observation skills. If you really want to be a zookeeper, you might want to start volunteering with an animal-focused organization like the Zoo, a wildlife rehabilitation centre or an animal shelter.

If you want to learn more about being a zookeeper, check out our Zookeeper for a Day program on page 13 or our Youth Wildlife Workshop for Teens on page 17.

So you want to be a zookeeper …

Zookeeper Mona Keith with a river hippo in the African Savannah.

Self-Guided Tour

9A Dall’s lamb born last spring.

Spring is in the air!It’s also a great time to keep an eye out for new animal

arrivals. The Canadian Wilds is usually a good place to spot a few new animal babies. Several of the Zoo’s Canadian species

including moose, Dall’s sheep, bighorn sheep, Rocky Mountain goats, swift foxes and river otters are known to have offspring in the early spring months. Make sure you include a walk through the Canadian Wilds on your next visit.

Go green! Read your newsletter on-line

Did you know that receiving your newsletter by email can help our conservation efforts? You’ll be saving trees and the Zoo will redirect the money it saves in mailing and printing costs toward its conservation programs.

Simply email your request to memberships@calgaryzoo.ab.ca and let us know that you would like to participate. We will discontinue your hard copy newsletter and send you an email message each time a new issue is published. Thank you for going green!

The arid heat of the real African Savannah is difficult to imagine during the last weeks of a Canadian winter, but the Zoo’s Destination Africa comes very close to capturing the warmth and ambience of the region. The first ambassadors that greet you when you enter the African Savannah building are rock hyraxes – small, furry mammals often mistaken for plump guinea pigs or rabbits. These herbivores (plant-

eaters) have rubbery pads on their feet to help them keep a strong grip while climbing up rocky surfaces. Hyraxes are found on groups of rocks called kopjes (ko-pees). When you leave the African Savannah and carry on down the path toward the lions, you’ll see some of our model kopje rocks.

If you look closely at the hyraxes’ feet, you will see that they even have toenails!

Hyraxes are found only in Africa and parts of the Middle East and some scientists believe they are closely related to elephants because they too have tusks (small ones) and excellent hearing.

Small and noisy

Just around the bend from the hyraxes, you will see and more-than-likely hear some of the noisier inhabitants of the African Savannah – long-toed lapwings and blacksmith plovers. These slender

wading birds are found near ponds, lakes, marshes and even swamps. They eat insects, invertebrates and small crustaceans. If you have ever attended a Zoo sleepover program, you might remember these birds as feathered alarm clocks!

Big and quiet

Right next door to the African Savannah is the TransAlta Rainforest. One of the most tranquil spots in this building is an aviary that you’ll travel through right at the end of your tour. Housing a few unique mammal species and a wide variety of birds, the small oasis is a birder’s paradise. One of the spectacular residents of this space is the southern bald ibis. With a dramatic, curved red bill and shiny black plumage, ibises make their nests on rocky cliffs or steep slopes in the Southern African grasslands or semi-desert areas. You won’t be able to locate these birds by their call however, as ibises are generally silent except for a few hisses and quiet grunts. Instead, use your eyes and look high up along the glass panes and support beams to catch a glimpse of these fascinating birds.

Keep an eye out for the generally silent southern bald ibises in the aviary of the TransAlta Rainforest.

The road less travelledTake our self-guided walking tour of Destination Africa

Rock hyraxes live in the Zoo’s African Savannah building. Even though they are tiny, some scientists believe they are the closest living relatives to elephants.

Long-toed lapwings (pictured here) and blacksmith plovers are tiny but loud. You’ll find these wading birds in the African Savannah building.

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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.

The Centre for Conservation Research is embarking in an exciting new direction: north!

Way north … up to the shores of the Arctic tundra to study some of Canada’s toughest and most amazing birds.

Shorebirds, including sandpipers, plovers and phalaropes, have long fascinated people with their epic migrations that can take them from the tip of South America to the islands of the High Arctic. While tough enough to migrate thousands of kilometres and nest in one of the harshest environments in the world, shorebirds are still vulnerable to habitat loss and disturbance by humans. Two-thirds of Canada’s shorebird species are in decline, and though no one knows exactly why, migratory species seem especially vulnerable. One hypothesis is that migratory birds are exposed to pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides in their wintering grounds and during migratory

stopovers. These contaminants bioaccumulate up aquatic food chains and can reach potentially harmful concentrations in wading birds, reducing their survival and/or reproductive success.

This summer, Centre for Conservation Research scientist Anna Hargreaves will be pacing the tundra, studying the contaminant loads and nesting success of several shorebird species in the East Bay Bird Sanctuary on South Hampton Island, just south of the Arctic Circle. This will be Anna’s fourth summer of Arctic field work and she can’t wait to be up north again.

“East Bay is an amazing place, so flat you can see your teammates working seven kilometres away, and full of birds decked out in their finest breeding plumage that you just don’t get to see down south,” says Anna. “It’s a real privilege to be working there and with such remarkable birds. Hopefully this project will provide another piece of the puzzle in helping us conserve them.”

Anna Hargreaves banding a red phalarope during one of her previous summers working in the Arctic.

Arctic Ho!Researcher heads north to study shorebirds

Meet a researcherA Kiwi comes to study Canadian species in Calgary

“Wow, this country is so huge!” On his arrival, Dr. Des Smith was immediately struck with Canada’s sheer size. It wasn’t long before he was also marvelling at Calgary’s sunny days and wondering “doesn’t it ever rain here?”

The newest researcher to join the Centre for Conservation Research is a New Zealander with 12 years of experience in conservation management. Des comes to us from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation where he was developing national monitoring protocols for a variety of animal species. He has also worked in the translocation and field monitoring of a bird called the takahe, the world’s rarest species of rail, as well as on conservation programs for several other endangered New Zealand birds including kiwis and kakas.

Des did both his Masters of Science (MSc) and PhD on stoats, the Kiwi name for a short-tailed weasel. Stoats are an introduced, invasive species in New Zealand and are implicated in the decline of the country’s native bird species. Des’s doctoral work was the first investigation ever into ermine population dynamics in New Zealand’s alpine grasslands.

During his term at the Centre, Des’s work will involve conservation research initiatives including black-footed ferrets, whooping cranes, burrowing owls and northern leopard frogs. “I’m really looking forward to doing some good research over the next three

New Zealander Dr. Des Smith on his first visit to Lake Louise. Des is the latest addition to the Centre for Conservation Research team.

years to help secure a future for some of Canada’s endangered species,” says Des. “I also can’t wait to get out and explore the famous Rocky Mountains.”

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Meet the black-tailed prairie dogA keystone prairie species

Weighing up to 1.5 kilograms (4 lb.) and reaching 35 to 40 centimetres (1.4 - 1.6 in.) long, black-tailed prairie dogs are

larger cousins to the commonly seen Richardson’s ground squirrels. In Canada, prairie dogs are listed as Special Concern by the Committee on the Status of Edangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) and can only be found in and around Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park.

Prairie dogs live in family groups within large colonies. They build extensive burrow systems in which they sleep, breed, raise their young, escape from predators and weather, and hibernate during the winter. They are a keystone species because they create habitat or are a food source for over 170 other animals.

Make sure to visit the Zoo’s prairie dogs. You can find them in the Canadian Wilds section across from the grizzly bears.

The future of many of the world’s species lies in the hands of today’s up-and-coming biologists. “While it’s important that we do conservation work today, we also need to focus on future scientists to create a legacy of people to continue working on conservation issues into the future,” says Axel Moehrenschlager, Head of the Zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research.

Since its inception, students have been an essential part of the Centre. For the past five years, the Centre has awarded an annual Canadian Conservation Fellowship to a deserving post-secondary graduate student, allowing aspiring conservation biologists to gain valuable hands-on experience and apply the knowledge they learned at university to save species. A sixth recipient will have the same opportunity this spring.

The Centre’s scientists also teach at universities and mentor graduate students. In 2005, Diane Casimir completed her MSc degree focusing on Vancouver Island marmots, followed by Lynne Fraser, who completed her MSc on northern leopard frogs in January. In 2008, Natasha Lloyd is launching her MSc on black-tailed prairie dogs and Keith Gibson will begin his PhD work.

“Working with students is truly a win-win situation,” says Axel. “The Zoo gets help to advance its many research projects focusing on Canadian species and students get hands-on experience in endangered

species management – often difficult to achieve in the conservation biology field.”

Conservation Research Fellowship recipients, including Nicole Rose pictured here weighing a northern leopard frog, contribute to the Centre’s studies involving many Canadian endangered species such as northern leopard frogs, burrowing owls, Vancouver Island marmots and whooping cranes.

Tomorrow’s conservation heroes

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The Centre for Conservation Research is launching a new study on black-tailed prairie dogs as part of its ongoing efforts to reintroduce black-footed ferrets into Canada. This summer, I will start the first field season of my MSc degree in Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park. My work will focus on understanding how factors such as food availability affect Canadian prairie dog population levels, density and distribution. This information will provide a better understanding of prairie dog populations in Canada and aid in prioritizing areas for black-footed ferret reintroduction efforts.

Prairie dogs captured my fascination the first time I travelled out onto the expanse of Canada’s prairie. The Centre for Conservation Research was assisting Parks Canada in assessing the only remaining prairie dog population in Canada and I had the privilege of counting prairie dogs as they popped out of their burrows. Early in the morning we set up ladders in a prairie dog colony then climbed up the ladders and waited for the prairie dogs to emerge from their burrows and begin feeding for the day. Soon the sun rose over the prairie hills and little beige prairie dog heads began poking out of the burrows around us. They came out in family groups, a few adults and their young, and sat on the domes of the burrow entrances before “waddling” off to feed on nearby grasses. Even while feeding, they were constantly

Understanding the prairie underdogs

Natasha Lloyd with a black-tailed prairie dog. She is dedicating the next three years to studying these mysterious prairie dwellers.

alert, working as a team to warn each other of predators. I was struck by how little we know about this very social species upon which so many other prairie species depend for their existence. So, for the next three years, I’m dedicating myself to shedding some light on the mysterious lives of Canadian prairie dogs.

– Natasha Lloyd, Researcher Centre for Conservation Research

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Events and EdventuresTo register for Education programs call (403) 232-9300

Mother’s Day Brunch Fill your bellies and your minds with a brunch buffet and edu-taining performance of “Grasslands Cabaret” – our own show about the diversity of animal life on the Prairies. Then head out for a self-guided tour of the Canadian Wilds to discover the unique jobs of North American animal mothers. Please note that seating will be preassigned in tables of eight based on date of registration.

Date: Sunday, May 11 Times: 9:00 am or 11:30 am or 2:00 pm Cost: Adult $34.95 Senior $32.95 Child $21.95 Children under three are free, but must have a ticket to attend (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Father’s Day BrunchStrong, protective, devoted and just under 450 pounds? Sounds like a gorilla dad! Join us for an interactive performance and sneak a peek into a gorilla troop’s family dynamics at our Father’s Day Brunch. A buffet feast fit for kings will fuel you up for a Zoo scavenger hunt, complete with dad-friendly prizes. Please note that seating will be preassigned in tables of eight based on date of registration.

Date: Sunday, June 15 Times: 9:00 am or 11:30 am Cost: Adult $32.95 Senior $30.95 Child $21.95 Children under three are free, but must have a ticket to attend (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Father’s Day SleepoverThink that your dad is the greatest? Then treat him to an overnight stay in the TransAlta Rainforest building and celebrate some of our favourite fathers from the natural world. Discover dads that cradle eggs, wrestle with their youngsters and much more. Program includes a themed tour, activities, stories, songs, snack, craft, and pancake breakfast. Children must be age five or older and accompanied by an adult.

Date: Overnight on Friday, June 13 Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am Cost: $55 per person

A moose mom with her calves.

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King of the Zoo dads – Kakinga, the Zoo’s male silverback gorilla.

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Father’s Day – The Carnival of the AnimalsMinsoo Sohn pianoJoin us in the Conservatory on Father’s Day as Honen’s laureate pianist Hong Xu, accompanied by a narrator, portrays a musical parade of animals worthy of any zoo! With comic verses by Ogden Nash and the music of French composer Saint-Saëns, The Carnival of the Animals brings to life lions, kangaroos, donkeys, swans, elephants and creatures of the sea.

Date: Sunday, June 15 Time: 10:30 am and 1:00 pm Cost: Free with Zoo admission

Mother’s Day SleepoverHere’s your chance to sleep with one of the biggest moms on the Savannah – a hippo! Bring your Mom down to the Zoo and celebrate one of the most important roles in nature – motherhood. Or bring the rest of the family and let her unwind at home – alone! Program includes a themed tour, activities, stories, songs, snack, craft to pamper Mom and buffet breakfast. Children must be age five or older and accompanied by an adult.

Date: Overnight on Friday, May 9 Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am Cost: $55 per person

Join us as we celebrate Year of the Frog! Look for our frog-friendly education programs marked with this symbol.

Frog Friendly!

AnimAl And Behind-the-SceneS ProgrAmS

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Notes on Behind-the-Scenes ProgramsPlease note that children attending behind-the-scenes programs must be accompanied by a paying adult. Also please note that behind-the scenes gift certificates purchased in November and December 2007 are being honoured although the pricing for these programs has increased. After June 15, gift certificate holders will be responsible for the difference between the value of the gift certificate and the program cost.

Zookeeper for a Day Ever dreamed of being a zookeeper? Spend the day with staff in the Animal Care Department of the Calgary Zoo and help them prepare meals, feed

animals, clean habitats, change exhibits, learn about our animal enrichment program and Species Survival Plans and much more. This is a very popular program and it is available a limited number of times each month. Choose from four options:

Option 1 – Destination Africa (mostly indoors) Option 2 – Eurasia Carnivores (outdoors) Option 3 – Canadian Wilds (outdoors) Date: Based on availability Time: 7:00 am - 2:30 pm Cost: $375

Adults only. Please contact Estelle at 232-9362 for more information.

Behind the Scenes with Bears 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: Saturday, April 12, Saturday, April 26, Sunday May 11 or Saturday, June 21 Time: 10:15 - 11:30 am Cost: Adult $60 Child $55 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

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: Saturday, May 10 Time: 9:45 am - 3:30 pm Cost: $180 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Behind the Scenes with LionsDiscover our pride … of lions, that is! This popular program includes an interactive and informative talk about lions followed by an unforgettable opportunity to follow zookeepers behind the scenes with these incredible cats. Maximum group size is 20 people. Ages eight and older only.

Dates: Saturday, March 29, Sunday, April 13, Saturday, April 26, Sunday, May 18, Saturday, May 31 (Adults Only) or Sunday, June 15 Time: 2:15 - 3:30 pm Cost: Adult $60 Child $55 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Behind the Scenes with TigersDiscover interesting facts about Siberian (Amur) tigers, their adaptations, behaviours and more. Then enjoy a fascinating feline encounter with these large cats. Maximum group size is 20 people. Ages five and older only. Register early for this popular program!

Dates: Sunday, March 23, Sunday, April 27, Saturday, May 17, Sunday, May 25 (Adults Only), Sunday, June 8 or Saturday, June 28 Time: 1:45 - 3:00 pm Cost: Adult $60 Child $55 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Behind the Scenes with GiraffesFind out what it’s like to stand right beside a giraffe. See how long their eyelashes are and learn for yourself what colour their tongues are! You’ll enjoy an interactive interpretive talk, then journey behind the scenes and meet the giraffes up close. If you’re lucky, you may get the opportunity to feed them a treat. Maximum group size is 40 people. Ages five and older only.

Dates: Sunday, March 30, Saturday, April 19, Saturday, May 17 or Saturday, June 14 Time: 1:45 - 3:00 pm Cost: Adult $60 Child $55 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Space is limited. To register call 232-9300!

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Countries You Should Not and Would Not Want to Visit (Yet)Inspired by their 2005/2006 Trans-African Cape to Cairo crossing in their trusty Landcruiser (Chinook), Tom Feuchtwanger and Janet Wilson attempted to drive from Cape Town to London via the West Coast in 2007. They made it as far as Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo before deciding to return to South Africa and reassess their options. Come and hear their account of visiting Zimbabwe, NW Namibia and wartorn Angola. Very few visitors have passed through these territories recently. What they experienced was both shocking and inspiring.

Date: Wednesday, April 16 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm Cost: $18 (20% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Golden Toads and Glass Frogs

Exploring the fragility of the world’s amphibians

Join ecologists Anna Hargreaves and Lynne Fraser from the Zoo’s Centre for Conservation Research to explore one of the world’s least studied and most intriguing classes of vertebrates. This visually captivating talk will take you from the depths of South America’s rainforests to high above the Arctic Circle and finally back home to Alberta, exploring the amazing diversity and adaptations of amphibians around the world, their importance to human societies and the sometimes devastating impacts humans are having on them.

Date: Tuesday, April 22 Time: 7:00 pm Cost: $20 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

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Echidnas, Goannas and More!

Sustainable research and living on Kangaroo Island, South Australia

For 20 years, Dr. Peggy Rismillers has been studying the unique environments on Kangaroo Island South Australia from the self-sufficient Pelican Lagoon Research & Wildlife Centre (Earthwatch destination). Join us to discover more about echidnas, the other egg-laying mammal, and a threatened species, Rosenberg’s goanna. Both of these species are great at keeping biological secrets and can provide living models in nature that we can all learn from. This program is made possible with the generous support of Shell Canada.

Date: Monday, June 16 Time: 7:00 pm Cost: $18 (20% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

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Frog Friendly!

Visit us in APE-ril Go APE at the Calgary Zoo as you learn about our closest relatives – the Great Apes!

Gorilla Keeper Talks 2:00 pm Enjoy a half-hour presentation complete with slides and insider stories about our gorilla troop in the Esso Auditorium by the North Gate.

Gorilla Grub! Feeding and Enrichment 3:00 pm Watch the gorillas forage for their favourite treats!

Gorilla Lore Nature Notes at the Gorilla Exhibit 11:30 am and 3:00 pm

We will meet your “Great Ape-spectations”!

Dates: Every Saturday in April Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Cost: Value-added event – free with Zoo Admission

www.calgaryzoo.com

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Speaker’s Bureau Are you looking for

a unique speaker or presentation for your corporate event, banquet, community program or conference? The Calgary Zoo offers a wide variety of nature, travel and horticulture presentations that we can bring to you! Funds raised from these speaker programs support the Zoo’s conservation and education programs.

For more information, visit www.calgaryzoo.com or email gillianc@calgaryzoo.ab.ca.

Singles Safari Toga PartyHail Caesar, or Bill, or Lisa or whoever you want to meet! If you are between 25 and 40 years old, this sexy Spartans’ party will be sure to bring out the gladiator in you. Don your toga and conquer the dating world!

Call 232-9300 to prepurchase your ticket today.

Date: Friday, March 28 Time: 7:00 pm - Midnight Cost: $60 plus GST

Seniors SafarisSpring Club Car Tours of the Canadian Wilds

With the generous support of Investicare Seniors Housing Corporation, the Calgary Zoo Seniors’ Program is pleased to offer spring club car tours of the Canadian Wilds to local seniors’ groups at the same price as our regular Seniors’ Safari tours. While these tours are great for all seniors’ groups, they are especially suitable for seniors with mobility problems. Walking will be minimal as seniors will be transferred to the club cars directly at the bus drop-off point. These tours will run from Monday, April 7 through Friday, May 2. Minimum group size is 10 and maximum group size is 15.

Tours are led by the Calgary Zoo’s knowledgeable and entertaining education docent tour guides and provide a great opportunity to visit bears, moose, wolves, caribou and many other Canadian animals – all from the comfort of a six-passenger club car. It’s a great way to get outside in the fresh spring air!

For more information about these tours or other seniors’ programs at the Calgary Zoo, please contact Pauline at 294-7677 or email paulined@calgaryzoo.ab.ca

Nature at NoonEscape downtown and come to the Zoo for an armchair travel experience like no other. Please note: admission to the Zoo is not included with the cost of your ticket.

Svalbard – the Norwegian High ArcticThe Svalbard archipelago, north of Norway, is a remote cluster of islands set completely above the Arctic Circle. These islands are a cradle of wildlife – polar bears, birds, walruses and many other Arctic species are readily seen amid magnificent scenery. Join Trish Lund as she reminisces on an expedition cruise that explored this beautiful destination.

Date: Thursday, March 27 Time: 12:00 - 12:45 pm Cost: $6

Perspectives on NatureIn this unique and thought-provoking presentation you’ll discover how to take a new perspective – on nature! Why not think of a giraffe as a marvellous example of bioengineering? Or admire seals for “inventing” heat

exchange long before clever human inventors ever got the notion? Join Gillian Cardwell as she shares some interesting nature nuggets that might challenge how you relate to animals.

Date: Thursday, April 24 Time: 12:00 - 12:45 pm Cost: $6

Adult Courses

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Drawing and Mixed MediaAre you interested in expanding your drawing skills, or giving it a try for the first time? With great subject matter year-round, the Zoo is the perfect place to learn. Using a variety of black and white and colour media (soft pastels/conté crayon, ink and watercolour), you will explore drawing technique and composition with instructor Averie Moppett in this engaging class. Each session is unique so you are welcome to continue throughout the year. All levels welcome!

Dates: Tuesdays, April 8 - May 13 Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cost: $225 plus supplies

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Artwork by Drawing and Mixed Media students Loretta Biasutti (above) and Janet Campbell (right).

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Zoo Photography 201 Take your zoo pictures to the next level with in-depth knowledge of composition, exposure, lighting and equipment. Join instructor Barry Giles in this intermediate-level course combining two classroom sessions and two half-day guided photo safaris on Zoo grounds. An evening of critique and discussion will round out the course. Prerequisite: Zoo Photography 101 or equivalent experience.

Classroom sessions Dates: Tuesdays, April 8 and 15

Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Photo shootsDates: Saturdays, April 12 and 19 Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

CritiqueDate: Tuesday, April 22 Time: 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Cost: $240

Wild Places in Our Backyard!What’s on your list for summer vacation ideas? How about exploring places so remote you can only get there by helicopter? A mountain landscape close to home with peaks, ridges and glaciers still unnamed. An escape to reconnect with self and with nature. Join Calgary Zoo Head of Conservation Outreach Brian Keating as he explores BC’s Columbia Mountains with Canadian Mountain Holidays. At day’s end, Brian will share stories about his favourite mountain experiences.

Visit www.CanadianMountainHolidays.com/BKeating for more information.

Dates: August 29 - September 1 Location: Bobbie Burns Lodge (south of Golden) in the Purcell Mountains Cost: All inclusive $2318 per adult (double share) Save 25% for children 14 and under.

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Natural Summer Products Formulate lip gloss, lotion and bronzing lotion with natural SPF properties in this hands-on workshop. Your skin type plays a huge part in how sun rays affects your skin. Create skin care products that contain SPF properties to play it safe! Presented by Soap & More.

Date: Thursday, April 3 Time: 7:00 - 8:30 pm Cost: $35

Garden Photography Workshop

See page 22 for details on this exciting workshop with Allan Mandell, award-winning professional garden photographer.

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Zoo Camps

Space is limited. To register call 232-9300!

Zoo Tots (Ages 4-6)

Children ages four to six take a fun and educational look at animals through games, songs, activities, animal visits, stories and crafts.

Dates: Weekly, June 30 - August 22 Time: Monday - Friday, 8:45 am - 12:15 pm or 1:00 - 4:30 pm Cost: $134 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.

Discover the Zoo (finishing grades 1-2) Zoo Explorers (finishing grades 3-4) Junior Zoologists (finishing grades 5-6)

Dates: Weekly, June 30 - August 22 Time: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Cost: $239 per child (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Get Ready for Zoo Camps Children and teens can 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 are also available. Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for more information.

Art Camp (Grades 3- 6)

Art Camp includes all the same fun-filled activities as other summer Zoo camps with an emphasis on art projects. Available for grades three through six.

Dates: Weekly, July 28 - August 22 Time: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Cost: $259 per child (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Youth Wildlife Workshop for TeensDesign 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. Dates: Weekly, July 9 - August 17 Time: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Cost: $244 per youth (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Registration Register today! Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for more information and registration forms. If you do not have internet access, call 232-9300 and we can mail or fax registration forms to you. Zoo camps fill up quickly – register early to avoid disappointment!

Education programs by email

Stay on top of all the Zoo’s education programs! If you’re interested in receiving our monthly calendar of education programs by email, send an email to: estelleb@calgaryzoo.ab.ca.

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Child and Family Programs

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Story Time at the Zoo

Listen to some of your favourite zoo and animal stories in the Conservatory. Zoo education volunteers will read wonderful animal stories from a selection of children’s books and have neat things for the kids to look at and touch. Stories are suitable for children three to five years old.

Dates: Thursdays, March 20 - April 24 Time: 11:00 - 11:30 am Cost: Free with Zoo admission. A donation of $2 per child goes toward the Zoo’s education programs.

Northern Night SleepoverExperience the mystery and magic of sleeping in Cequel Energy Lodge. Enjoy a starlit tour of the Northern Forest, games and activities, a late-night snack and a special edu-tainment program. Awake to the playful antics of river otters, enjoy a hot pancake breakfast and leave with a day pass for admission to the Zoo. All children must be ages five and older and accompanied by an adult.

Dates: Overnight on Saturday, March 29 Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am Cost: $55

Home School Day Are you looking for a fun and educational field trip opportunity for your home schooled child? Join us for hands-on, interactive programs based on Alberta curriculum for children 18 months to grade six. Meet some of our resident bugs or reptiles, learn more about life as a frog, or get to know our gorilla troop! Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for details.

Preschool (18 months- 5 years) Wee Wigglers – Reptiles 10:15 -10:45 am Wee Wigglers – Birds 1:15 - 1:45 pm

Grades 1 - 3 Life Cycles of the Young and Slimy 10:00 - 11:15 am Am I Bugging You? 1:00 - 2:15 pm

Grades 4 - 6 Poo at the Zoo 10:00 - 11:15 am Wisdom of Gorillas 1:00 - 2:15 pm

All ages Special Story Time 12:00 - 12:30 pm

Date: Monday, April 7 Cost: $10 per child per program (does not include gate admission)

Wee Wigglers Bring your 18-month-old to five-year-old child for a special visit with some of the coolest animals at the Zoo. Children will get up-close-and-personal with small handleable animals and animal artifacts in a private classroom setting. Everyone can approach and explore at their own pace no matter their age or knowledge level. For these sessions, up to two children per adult is permitted and all children attending must be at least 18 months old. Ticket price does not include gate admission.

Date: Tuesday, April 1 (Insects) Tuesday, April 15 (Mammals) Saturday, March 15 (Reptiles) Saturday, March 29 (Birds) Saturday, April 12 (Insects) Saturday, April 26 (Mammals) Time: 9:30 - 10:00 am or 10:15 - 10:45 am or 11:00 - 11:30 am Cost: $12 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

May-BE? – Imagination Month Hey kids! Join us every weekend in May to expand your mind and use your imagination to explore what May-BE. May-BE you could be a clown, a lion or a musician!

In our “Entertraining” sessions, kids can enjoy a special performance and then learn a skill. Visit each weekend in May and get your program stamped by one of the session leaders. Complete a month’s worth of courses (four in total) and then enter to win a very popular Zoo Camp experience!

If you’re ready to really use your imagination, think up a new animal, complete with habitat and why we need to protect it so it does not become endangered or worse, extinct. Kids can drop off their entries at the Zoo or email them to tanyak@calgaryzoo.ab.ca quoting “May-BE Animal Contest.” The winner will receive an Imagination Station prize pack filled with games that challenge kids’ minds and creativity and four Zoo passes for the whole family to enjoy!

Check www.calgaryzoo.com for the full schedule of “entertraining” sessions.

Dates: Every weekend in May Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cost: Value-added event – free with Zoo Admission

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Youth Group Programs

Zoo Sleepovers

Imagine sleeping in the African Savannah, exploring a rainforest at night, discovering wonders from down under, or touring the Canadian Wilds by moonlight. Treat yourself to an unforgettable experience when you spend the night at the Calgary Zoo. All sleepover programs include unique tours, a bedtime snack and delicious breakfast. $55 per person.

Youth Badge Programs

Our highly interactive and fun Youth Badge Programs are designed to cover specific badge requirements for Girl Guides and Scouts groups or other interested youth groups.

To book a private sleepover or evening adventure for your group, call 232-9353 Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for more information on our sleepovers and youth badge programs.

Build a Bat HouseWant to choose your neighbours? How about small, furry ones that eat garden pests for dessert? Get an introduction to the fascinating world of bats, take a tour to visit some of our nocturnal

residents and then build your own small bat house to entice visitors over the summer. All supplies are provided. Children must be age seven or older and accompanied by an adult.

Date: Sunday, May 4 Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm Cost: Adult $30 Child $15 Maximum of two children per adult

Bow River SafariExperience Calgary from a vantage point like no other – on a raft floating down the Bow River. Join a Calgary Zoo naturalist and a rafting expert from RiverWatch for a chance to explore 10 kilometres of the unique river ecosystem that is vital to birds, insects, beavers and humans alike. Beachcombing, refreshments and return transportation are included. Specialty sessions also include a guest expert aboard the raft.

Photographer’s Focus Date: Saturday, July 19 (Adults Only) Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Family Float Date: Saturday, July 19 (Ages five and older only, must be accompanied by an adult) Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Birder’s View Date: Saturday, July 26 (Adults Only) Time: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

Artist Afternoon Date: Saturday, July 26 (Adults Only) Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Cost: Adult $45 per program Child $30 per program

Kids Yoga Ages 5-7This playful class encourages self-expression, develops body awareness, cooperation and the powers of observation, and helps build social skills. Children learn about nature, the environment, and themselves by playing, singing, moving, and imitating. This is an ideal time for children to begin a yoga practice.

Ages 8-10This class focuses on improving strength, flexibility, creativity and coordination. Through various breathing and other exercises, children learn how to focus. In the class, we also learn about respecting yourself, others and the environment.

Dates: Saturdays, May 31, June 7, 14 and 21 Time: 10:00 - 10:45 am Cost: $50

Eurasian Expedition Sleepover Join us on a trek around Eurasia as we observe snow leopards, elephants and Japanese macaques and learn about tiger hunting strategies. We will explore the cultural and natural diversity of this unique region of the world as we find out how

the plants and animals survive in challenging environments. We will bed down in Elephant Crossing.

Date: Overnight on Saturday, July 19 Time: 7:00 pm - 8:30 am Cost: $55

GardeninG from Scratch

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For aspiring gardeners and gardeners new to the Chinook zone – no experience necessary.

Jane Reksten

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Plant PortraitsAs your garden evolves and you start to experiment with plants beyond the ordinary, take advantage of our expertise and passion. Join Corinne Hannah, Calgary Zoo Horticulturist, for in-depth presentations on two popular groups of plants – tropicals and ornamental grasses. Learn about culture, best choices, creative ways to use these plants in mixed borders and containers, and how to over-winter tender varieties. Weather permitting, each talk will include a tour of the Dorothy Harvie Gardens to see some examples of these fascinating plants.

Tropical Plants Date: Monday, July 14 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $20

Ornamental Grasses Date: Monday, August 18 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $20

www.calgaryzoo.com

Hardscaping BasicsMost gardeners focus on the plants in their gardens, but it’s hard landscaping elements that create the structure and backdrop to set plants off to their best effect. Hardscaping is also the most expensive and permanent component of the landscape. Take a look at elements such as decks, fences, pathways and shade structures. We’ll discuss what’s possible and what’s popular as well as the advantages, disadvantages and costs of different materials. Date: Monday, April 7 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $20 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Putting Nature FirstGardening is, by definition, an unnatural act. We bend nature to fit our needs to create the atmosphere we want. However, with a few simple techniques, you can welcome local wildlife species, practise environmentally-friendly pest management and conserve water – all without compromising aesthetics, function or beauty! Learn how to take the first steps toward making your landscape a sustainable ecosystem.Date: Monday, April 21 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $20 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Colour Theory for Gardeners Colour can have a huge impact on the overall visual appeal of a garden. If you understand its complexities, you can use it to your best advantage in the landscape. Join landscape designer Sue Gaviller as she discusses colour attributes, colour schemes, and how colour influences and is influenced by factors such as light, the surrounding landscape and human perception.

Date: Monday, March 31 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $20 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

‘Branching Out’ Presentation SeriesAfter mastering basic gardening techniques, most gardeners move on to deepen their knowledge and refine their gardens. This series of presentations helps you look at your garden with a more discerning eye, and provides the tools you need to evaluate and improve your garden’s look and functionality.

Digging DeeperFor more experienced gardeners seeking to improve their skills – experience is an asset but not mandatory.

Learn how to use colour to your best advantage in our Colour Theory for Gardeners presentation.

Gardening from Scratch programming is taking a break over the summer. Please see our Digging Deeper and A Growing Obsession program offerings for information and inspiration! Watch for details on fall courses such as Plant ID and the Master Gardener Training Program in the June issue of this newsletter.

Frog Friendly!

A GrowinG obsessionFor anyone who loves gardens, gardening and plants – everyone is welcome.

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Digging DeeperFor more experienced gardeners seeking to improve their skills – experience is an asset but not mandatory.

Vegetative Propagation – Woody Plants Purchasing trees and shrubs can be expensive, so let us teach you how you can start plants from cuttings (soft-wood, semi-hard wood, hard-wood) and by layering. We will also touch on topics like grafting and budding.

Date: Sunday, March 30 Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cost: $85

Make More Plants There’s something deeply rewarding about seeing plants in your garden that you have grown yourself. Beyond the obvious benefits of cost-savings and increased plant choices, propagating your own plants, whether from seed or by vegetative techniques, adds a whole new dimension to the practise of gardening. Join one of the Zoo’s horticulture staff for each of these day-long sessions that include a lecture, demonstrations and hands-on activities that cover all the steps, materials and conditions in detail. Bring your lunch for these intensive, day-long workshops

Vegetative Propagation – Herbaceous PlantsLearn how to make more of your favourite perennials, annuals and even houseplants. Going beyond the familiar splitting and dividing, we look at separating bulbs and generating new plants from leaf, stem and root cuttings and layering.

Date: Sunday, April 13 Time: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Cost: $85

Seasonal Container SeriesContainers allow gardeners to express their creativity – and there is no reason to limit your imagination to just one season. This series of demonstrations shows you how to create containers that can transition from early spring right through to the depths of winter. Corinne Hannah, Calgary Zoo Horticulturist, is a self-confessed container fanatic who will share her design ideas and tips, assembling the container while you watch. Then join us throughout the year for a container demo for every season.

Spring ContainersDate: Tuesday, April 8 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $25 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Summer Containers Date: Tuesday, June 10 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $25 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Spring Garden Tour to San Francisco, California Get an early taste of spring and indulge your passion for plants on this five-day visit to the gardens of San Francisco. Explore a wide variety of public and private gardens with your guide Jane Reksten (and Olivia Johns, if the group size allows) of the Calgary Zoo’s horticulture staff. Gardens include Filoli, an early 20th century country estate, the Ruth Bancroft Garden where the focus is on water-conserving succulent plants, and the San Francisco Botanic Garden. Price includes hotel accommodation, six select meals, garden admissions and transportation in San Francisco. Visit www.calgaryzoo.com for details. Please call Estelle at 232-9362 to book your spot.

Dates: Monday, April 14 - Friday, April 18 Cost: $1350 US based on double occupancy. $250 CDN deposit required at time of booking.

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Garden Centre Bus TourJoin us for a bus tour to garden centres that you might not have seen before. The bus will head north to Red Deer and Parkland Garden Centre which is full of wonderful new hardy plants and gardens you can wander through. We will stop in at E&M Woodland Farm, famous for creating gorgeous hanging baskets, plus you’ll enjoy two additional stops. Bring a plastic container to hold your plant purchases and make sure to pack a lunch and beverages for the day. The luxury bus leaves the North parking lot of the Zoo at 7:30 am sharp.

Date: Tuesday, May 13 Time: Leaving 7:30 am sharp and returning around 5:30 pm Cost: $45

Space is limited. To register call 232-9300!

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A GrowinG obsessionFor anyone who loves gardens, gardening and plants – everyone is welcome.

Allan Mandell

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Hands-on Hypertufa PlanterCreate an impressive hypertufa planter, ideal for your succulents and alpine plants. Hypertufa is a light-weight artificial stone with a natural look that ages well in the garden. Our instructor will guide you through the process, leaving you comfortable enough to try it out on your own. All materials and moulds are included, but please bring your own dust mask and dish gloves.

Date: Saturday, May 3 Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Cost: $90

Mosaic Garden StonesYou will be amazed at what you can create from an ordinary garden stone! Learn the techniques you need to do a variety of mosaic projects then apply what you have learned to make numerous projects in your garden – bird baths, birdhouses and tables, just to name a few. All supplies are included.

Date: Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27 Time: Saturday – 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Sunday – 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost: $75

Summer Floral Design With gardens at their peak, it’s time to bring some of that colour and beauty indoors. Learn how to make the most of your cut flowers, whether they are purchased from a store or picked from your own garden. Aimed at beginners, this session is designed to provide you with the tips and techniques you need to feel comfortable creating arrangements for the enjoyment of family and friends.

Date: Monday, June 9 Time: 6:30 - 8:30 pm Cost: $25 (10% discount for Discovery Passport Members)

Living WreathAdd 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. This decorative element will change with each season. Get tips for over-wintering your wreath to ensure years of use. Join Corinne Hannah, Zoo Horticulturist as she demonstrates the process, then guides you through the creation of your own wreath to take home.

Date: Saturday, May 24 Time: 9:00 - 11:00 am Cost: $100 including supplies

Concrete Leaf OrnamentsUsing large leaves as a mould, these cast concrete creations function equally well as stepping stones, birdbaths or garden art. Bring your own rhubarb leaves or a different leaf of similar size to create these stunning garden elements

Date: Saturday, June 21 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Cost: $70

Garden Photography Workshop “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.”

Join Allan Mandell, award-winning professional garden photographer, and take a step-by-step look at how to see a garden. With an emphasis on composition and hands-on instruction in the field, put your new way of seeing into practise in the gardens of the Calgary Zoo. Allan Mandell’s images are published internationally in magazines and books. For a sample of his portfolio, visit www.gardenphotographer.com.

Dates: Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 Times: Friday – 7:00 - 9:00 pm Saturday – 9:00 am - 1:00 pm and 7:00 - 9:00 pm Cost: $260

Dress Up Your Garden SeriesAdd a personal touch to your landscape with garden art. Choose one of our garden ornament classes and make something unique for your gardening space.

www.calgaryzoo.com

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MeMbership News

Allan Mandell

Remember to keep your card!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.

To register for Zoo programsPhone 232-9300 or visit the ticket area in the Karsten Discovery Centre at the Zoo’s North Entrance between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Calgary Zoo Discovery Passport Members receive a discount on selected education programs. Unless otherwise listed, program fees do not include GST and are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Registrations are accepted in the order in which fees are received. Enter via the Calgary Zoo’s North Entrance. Please note that prices and dates are subject to change.

Attention Discovery Passport Members!New season of Evening Explorations starts in May

Wander the Zoo after hours Wednesdays and Sundays to visit our featured animal. We will have a dedicated

zookeeper there to answer all of your questions and docents with touch tables of animal biofacts that are sure to amaze every visitor – young or old. In addition, our “Kitamba Java” kiosk in Kitamba Café will remain open to proudly serve Starbucks coffee and other goodies. Gates are open 5:00 - 7:00 pm and grounds are cleared at 8:00 pm.

Stay tuned to www.calgaryzoo.com under Memberships for the schedule of featured animals!

On-line services for membersStay tuned for new member features on our website

We are currently undergoing an exciting website upgrade that will include many new features for our members. Unfortunately, as part of this upgrade, membership renewal is temporarily unavailable.

The good news is that our new website will once again include renewal for memberships as well as many other new member-focused options. Membership services are scheduled to be available on-line in early May 2008.

The first phase of our upgrade will include offering on-line general admission sales once again. Following that, you will be able to register and pay for Zoo education programs on-line. Shortly after that, our membership functionality will be restored and you will once again be able to renew your membership on our website. In addition, Annual Pass holders will be able to upgrade to a Discovery Passport membership, new members can purchase their memberships and gift memberships can be redeemed on-line.

A new feature will also allow you to update your contact information on-line. We are excited and eager to have the new website running to better serve you. In the interim, please continue to call 232-9300 for renewals and bookings. Stay tuned to www.calgaryzoo.com for updates on our progress!

Take advantage of these special renewal offers in 2008 by renewing your Calgary Zoo membership today!

DON’T MISS OUT ON YOUR GREAT

OFFER IN 2008!

Renew your adult Discovery Passport membership in 2008 and you will receive a $20 dinner coupon from one of Calgary’s most popular family establishments. Adult

Annual Pass holders that renew will receive a $10 dinner coupon.

Smitty’s Family Restaurants (five participating Calgary locations).

RENEWAL

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kids’ Corner

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Colour our frog picture and send this page to us along with your name, age and telephone number by May 1, 2008. You could win a prize! Congratulations to the winner from our January 2008 issue, nine-year-old Sarah Tymchak.

Celebrate Year of the Frog!

Fascinating frog facts!

Really big!The world’s largest frogs are called goliath frogs. They live in a country called Cameroon in West Africa. Their bodies can be 30.5 centimetres (13 in.) long and they can leap up to six metres (20 ft.) in one jump!

Cane toads are also really big frogs. They get to be 15 - 23 centimetres (6 - 9 in.) long. Visit them in the Calgary Zoo’s Australia building.

Really small!The world’s smallest frogs live in Brazil in South America. They are called gold frogs and are only 9.8 millimetres (0.38 in) long.

Frogs, frogs everywhere!A group of frogs is called an army and a group of toads is called a knot.

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

donations@calgaryzoo.ab.ca

Please send me information about: Conservation Education Programs Legacy Giving Annual Giving

I have enclosed a gift of: $100 $50 $25 Other $______

Charitable Registration # 118824192 RR0001