zootracks fall 2013
DESCRIPTION
ZooTracks is a member magazine for the Sedgwick County Zoo.TRANSCRIPT
AUGUST · SEPTEMBER · OCTOBER FALL 2013
INSIDE
What's Their Problem
Quarters 4 Conservation
The Scoop on Poop
MEMBER’S MAGAZINE
ZooTracksA Sedgwick County Zoological Societymagazine for members
PublisherSedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc.© 2013All rights reserved.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORMark C. Reed
Sedgwick County Zoological Society, Inc.
PRESIDENTScott Ochs
TRUSTEESStanley G. AndeelKevin J. ArnelJeff BloomerRon BruntonWilliam P. BuchananMartha C. BufordCindy BurgessKelly E. CallenMark C. DeVriesAllan DunneGenevieve FarhaRhonda FullertonMichael HerbertRonald HoltDale HoyerDirk JonesSarah KauffmanDon J. KnappenbergerGary KohnMarvin LongJim LudwigBuz LukensGayle MaloneSam MarnickMartin W. ParkSue PearceMary Lynn PriestScott RedlerAlbert R. SanchezBarry SchwanJay SmithDavid M. UnruhMarty WellsSheryl Wohlford
MAGAZINE COMMITTEESchanee AndersonMelissa GrahamRyan GulkerScott NewlandSteven OnkenJonathan Rold
ON THE COVER— Orangutan
FEATURE STORY
What's Their Problem?
What's Their Problem?
For several nights, my three year old has been hearing some very unusual bedtime stories about animals. The story typically starts with him asking me, “What’s their problem?” in regard to a particular animal. I try to explain, as best I can, what the “problem” is and what the Zoo is doing to help. I even try to work in some things that he can do to help! I’m not suggesting that these are great stories to tell a child right before bed, but mine seems to sleep just fine and even wakes up asking more questions or pretending to save the animals! Here are some stories that you can share with your kids to get them involved with conservation:
Orangutans
—What’s Their Problem?
Problem: Deforestation due to Agriculture:
Palm Oil Crisis
People like to eat. Sometimes our love of food can be bad for not only our health but also for the world in which we live. One way our eating habits cause harm is the case of palm oil.
Palm oil is the most widely used edible vegetable oil. It comes from the fruit of the African oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis). Palm oil is found in many of the foods we eat: cookies, candies, crackers, etc. It’s also found in many household products as well: shampoos, cosmetics, etc.
The African oil palm tree is not originally found in the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo in Southeast Asia, but was brought to the islands as a crop. Because the demand for this crop is so high, the rainforests of these islands have been cleared and turned into agriculture lands.
These rainforests happen to be the only home of wild orangutans. Borneo and Sumatra are the only places in the world that wild orangutans can be found. The clearing of the natural habitats are pushing this already endangered species to the brink of disappearing from the planet.
2
There are ways that palm oil can be produced responsibly and without destroying the vital rainforests for orangutans. There are many companies making the commitment to support sustainable palm oil production.
Things Sedgwick County Zoo is doing to help:
Taxon Advisory Group (TAG) conservation initiatives to help conserve the wild populations of ape, including orangutans.
at events that are on the Palm Oil Shopping Guide: Current Best Choices List.
How you can help:
companies who are orangutan friendly. Here is a link to the 2013 Palm Oil Shopping Guide produced by the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: http://www.cmzoo.org/docs/palmOilShoppingGuide.pdf
“Orangutan Friendly” and to join the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO). A sample letter can be found at: http://www.cmzoo.org/conservation/palmOilCrisis/
tips on how they can help!
Amphibians Around the World—
What’s Their Problem?
Problem: Chytrid Fungus
Getting a fungus is never fun, especially when there aren’t any doctors handy! Amphibians around the world are contracting a fungus and scientists aren’t sure from where it is coming.
Chytrid is a type of fungus that lives almost totally in water or moist environments. Other chytrid fungi are parasites that live on plants or invertebrates. In 1999, a new chytrid fungus was discovered. This one, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis or “Bd” for short, only infects the skin of amphibians.
If an amphibian is infected with large numbers of the Bd fungus, its skin becomes very thick. Once this occurs, the skin will not allow the animal to absorb water and other nutrients like it normally would, causing its death.
Bd is thought to be capable of infecting the world’s 6,000 amphibian species and could continue to cause huge declines in amphibian species.
What Sedgwick County Zoo is doing to help:
Conservation Building. This building is part of a stopgap measure through captive management to prevent certain species from potential exposure to Bd. This off-exhibit facility features four isolation rooms for the housing and breeding of rare and endangered amphibians.
Amphibian Ark, an organization dedicated to ensuring the global survival of amphibians, focusing on those that cannot be safeguarded in nature.
How you can help:
here at Sedgwick County Zoo.
captive-bred animals.
politicians, from local to federal, to raise their awareness and ask them to encourage and finance conservation activities for amphibians.
amphibianark.org
Turtles Around the World—What’s
Their Problem?
Problem: Black Market Trade
Turtles may not be on your shopping list, but in many parts of the world, especially in Asia, they are. The demand for turtles as food, medicine, or pets has resulted in a staggering decline in turtle numbers around the world. Many species of turtle are listed as endangered due primarily to unregulated collecting or poaching. Given how long a turtle can live and the low hatching rate of turtles, there have been potential crashes in the wild populations.
Even national parks are feeling the effects from poaching. Once the population of turtles outside the national park diminishes, the poachers make their way to the park’s gates, some of which do not have the security to handle the poachers.
There is hope of initiating programs that will help keep the forests intact and giving turtles more protection out in the wild.
What Sedgwick County Zoo is doing to help:
Survival Alliance (TSA) to be directed to the to the TSA India program and the TSA center in South Carolina.
How you can help:
where you found it.
road), help them to a place that is safe.
o Make sure the turtle is not a wild caught turtle.o Turtles can live a really long time, so make sure you’re
prepared to care for the turtle a really long time!o Make sure that you know how to properly care for a turtle. Diet,
lighting and habitat are all very important to the care of turtles.
generated by membership dues help to offset the operating costs of the TSA.
FEATURE
Bird Species of the Mariana Islands – What’s Their Problem?
Problem: Introduced Species—The Brown Tree Snake
Accidents can happen. A perfect example of this is the introduction of brown tree snake to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNIM) during World War II. No one meant for the Australian snake to find its way to these islands and threaten the many native birds, but it happened. The end result was nine of the 13 native species of birds were gone.
The threat of the brown tree snake is still prevalent on the islands, but luckily researchers have found that the snake has only inhabited the island of Guam.
Saipan, Rota and Tinian are our reservoirs, but due to the fact they are inhabited, and likely will keep developing the birds will be under greater pressure and the snake risk will increase thru continued commerce…so the northern islands are the new safe havens, because they are uninhabited. This leaves several other islands, like Sarigan, Pagan and Agrihan, to establish insurance populations of the remaining native species.
What Sedgwick County Zoo is doing to help:
to the Mariana Avifauna Conservation Program (The MAC Program).
Curator of Birds, to participate in the fieldwork and translocation of several bird species to the snake free islands.
here at the Zoo since 2006.
How you can help:
the MAC program through our Quarters for Conservation
Sedgwick County Zoo conservation efforts in the wild.
4
Rhinos—What’s Their Problem?
Problem: Poaching for Medicinal Purposes
A horn is not really a useful medicine. If it were, then your fingernails and hair could be used to make you feel better. Rhino horns and our fingernails and hair are made of the same thing, keratin. However, there are parts of the world that still think that a rhino’s horn is a good cure for all kinds of things, from toothaches to epilepsy. This belief is leading poachers to kill wild rhinos for their horns. Though it is illegal to buy and sell rhino horns in parts of the world, enforcing that is hard to accomplish and prosecution for smuggling horns is rare.
Despite the increase in poaching incidents, the wild populations of black and white rhinos are fairly stable. This could all change quickly if the poaching cannot be stopped, and currently concern is rising again.
What Sedgwick County Zoo is doing to help:
from the Sedgwick County Zoo as our commitment to the conservation efforts for the black rhino.
How you can help:
learn all you can about rhino conservation. This site has lots of great information and resources.
By telling these stories today, perhaps one day there won’t be a need to ask “What’s their problem?” Together we can share stories like these and encourage everyone to take action.
Thanks to Zoo members and guests, the Sedgwick County Zoo is able to contribute to many conservation organizations around the world. Each time someone renews their
membership or pays admission they are helping contribute to the Quarters for Conservation (Q4C) program that allows the Zoo to support these worthwhile causes.
For the complete Q4C story,
please turn to page 7 & 8.
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
will be charged for any mobile child.
Tues 9/3
Tues 9/3
Wed 9/4
Wed 9/4
Wed 10/2
Wed 10/2
Thurs 10/3
Thurs 10/3
Wed 11/6
Wed 11/6
Hedgehog
Hedgehog+
Hedgehog
Hedgehog
Lizard
Lizard
Lizard
Lizard+
Bug
Bug+
Bug
Bug
Bird
Bird
Bird
Bird+
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: Additional person: 3
+Siblings up to five years of age may also attend these classes on Wednesdays at 11:00 only. An
will be charged for any mobile child. Wed 10/16
Wed 10/16
Tues 11/19
Tues 11/19
Tues 11/19
Wed 11/20
Wed 11/20
Hedgehog
Hedgehog+
Hedgehog
Hedgehog
Hedgehog
Lizard
Lizard
Lizard
Lizard
Lizard+
Bug
Bug+
Bug
Bug
Bug
Bird
Bird
Bird
Bird
Bird+
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.
2:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
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Tot Tuesdayssiblings
welcome
NO COST
No advanced registration required.
Tues 9/24
Tues 10/22
Tues 11/26
Parrots
Elegant Eagles
Things that Go Bump in the Night
Animal Sounds
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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Pajama Party
members, children ages 0–1st grade
Members: Nonmembers: 19Additional person:
Fri 9/13
Sat 9/21
Fri 10/11
Sat 11/2
Heritage Farms
Heritage Farms
Crazy Cats
Crazy Cats
Eeew at the Zoo
Eeew at the Zoo
Bath Time
Bath Time
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.
DISCOVERY
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"ZOO"per Stars
Members: 6Nonmembers:
Sun 9/22
Sun 11/24
Cow
Tiger
Grizzly Bear
Elk
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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ZOOper Kids
Members: Nonmembers: 10
Sat 9/14
Sat 10/19
Sat 11/16
Vanishing Domestics
Asian Animal Trek
Spooktacular
Bearly Getting By
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: Additional person: 3
Tues 9/10
Tues 11/12
Hedgehog
Lizard
Bug
Bird
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
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Ewe & Meage 4 – kindergartenMembers: Non-members: 10Additional person: 4
Wed 9/11
Wed 9/11
Thur 9/12
Gentle Giant Giraffe+
Gentle Giant Giraffe
Gentle Giant Giraffe
10:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m.
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Ewe & Me
+ Younger siblings may also attend class on Wednesdays at 10:00 only. An additional fee of 4 will be charged for any mobile child.
Thur 9/12
Wed 10/9
Wed 11/13
Thur 11/14
Gentle Giant Giraffe
Going Batty
Going Batty+
Beautiful Birds+
Beautiful Birds
1:30 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
3:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
11:30 a.m.
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Class Date Topic Start–End Time Class Date Topic Start–End Time
Registration Information:
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
reserve the right to refuse service to anyone with a fever or who is noticeably sick.
6
So You Think You Want to Be a Zookeeper?TeensMembers: 10Nonmembers: 12
* close-toed shoes required
Birds
Snakes
3:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.
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Sat 9/14
Sat 11/9
Commissary
Horticulture10:00 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,
Members: Nonmembers: 19Additional people/Individual fee:
Wheeling Wild ClubFamily—must be on
bicycle or attached wagon.
1 ride per month
1 ride per month
thruWed 10/16
3rd Wed each
month
6:30 p.m.–Sponsored by Bicycle X-change
Senior Wednesdays
Pre-registration not required
Sponsored by Larksfield Place
Wed 9/11
Wed 10/9
Wed 11/13
Wonders Down Under
Domestic vs Exotic
Bats in the Belfry
What's New at the Zoo
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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Coffee ConnectionsGeared towards adults but all ages welcomeNO COST
No advance registration required.
Mon 9/2
Mon 11/4
Katie Kimble Australia/South America Mammals
No program due to the holiday
Ryan GulkerDeputy Director
Daniel WrightOperations Coordinator
Sponsored by Starbucks
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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Education Registration Form Please enclose form with payment and mail after you have preregistered.Student Name Class Title Date Time Fee
Membership No:
Parent's Name:
Address:
Total Fees:
Phone:
City: Zip:
Homeschool Expeditions
Members: Nonmembers:
Includes up to five family members
Wed 10/16
Wed 11/6
How Does the Zoo Work?
You're Wearing That!?!?
Migration Madness
Turkey Talk
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
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NEW!
Farm FamiliesFamilies of all agesMembers: participant
Nonmembers: 20 per participant
**Go to scz.org for more information**
Session Three Varies
Rides will not be rescheduled for inclement weather
Animal EncounterAll ages
NO COST
No advanced registration required.
Classes may be canceled without notice
Mon 9/2
Tues 9/10
Thur 9/26
Thur 10/16
Wed 10/24
Mon 11/4
Tues 11/12
Wed 11/20
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.
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Jungle Animal
Frog
Salamander
Mystery Animal
No program
Animal Colors
Turtles
Migration Madness
Animal Defenses
Nocturnal Animals
Creepy Crawlies
Underground Creatures
Cold Weather Creatures
Mystery Animal
Birds
No program
Quarters 4 ConservationVisiting Sedgwick County Zoo gives guests an opportunity
to see wild animals up close and thus gain understanding,
appreciation, and respect for some magnificent creatures
that many people may never get to see in the wild. But
another way we strive to help animals is by donating to
conservation programs, which allows us to play a part in
safeguarding the world’s wildlife. Conservation initiatives
such as those listed protect wild animals both in captivity
and in their natural habitats.
Sedgwick County Zoo has been recognized with
national and international awards for its support of field
conservation programs and successful breeding of rare and
endangered species.
Where Do the Conservation Dollars Come From?
for various conservation programs through the Quarters
Sedgwick County Zoo conservation efforts in the wild.
in the Zoo and through our Gift Shop program that allows
guests to round up purchases to help fund conservation
programs. Just by coming to the Zoo, you are helping
support our contributions to worldwide animal conservation.
Learn more about the conservation projects the Sedgwick
County Zoo supports at our Conservation initiatives page on
our website. Visit www.scz.org!
FRIENDS & FAMILY
are a wild time at the Zoo
� Call 26 6 - 8252 to plan a Jungle Birthday Party in the Plaza Beastro (all ages)
� Call 26 6 - 8213 to plan a Safari Birthday Party in the Cargill Learning Center (ages 4–12)
Visit www.scz.org for more information
on all birthday party packages!
BIRTHDAYS
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Wild
WINESWild
WINES:Nov 22 Fri:
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Reserve your spot!266-82���� scz.org
For Wine Novices and Connoisseurs: an entertaining and casual atmosphere where we will explore tastes from all over the world. Labels and names are large-parts of why we buy wine. Take a sip on the wild side as we learn more about wines and the animals in their names!
Members $25 each / Nonmembers $30 each
Must be 21 or over.
MeNon
M
Reserve your spot!266-82���� scz.org
Cocktails with Creatures
Friday, September 276:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Why not try a new spirit out at the Zoo? We will be trying cocktails inspired by animals while strolling the pathways of the Zoo. Light snacks will be provided.
Members $25 each / Nonmembers $30 eachMust be 21 or over.
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MeMeMMembmmbm erers s $2$25 5 55 eaeae chchc // NNononnmmemembmbererMuMuMuM sttst b bee 212112 ooor r r ovovoooverere ..
Children’s Farms Festival:
Fabulous FallSaturday, October 19: 1:00–4:00
Celebrate Fall at the Farms by participating in some old fashion county fair activities. Learn how animals are judged at the fair and much more. You might even win a blue ribbon yourself!
Regular Zoo admission applies. Members are Free with membership card and photo ID.
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!
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.
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
fewer than 30 people, the education department reserves the right to combine groups similar in age and gender.
To schedule your Nocturnal Adventure, contact the Education Department at 266-8213 a minimum of two weeks in advance.
10
NIGHT OF THE LIVING ZOOOctober 25, 26 & 27
Bring your ghouls and goblins for a night of not-too-scary Halloween fun at the Sedgwick County Zoo! Several ghoulish activities, like pumpkin bowling and beanbag tosses, can be found throughout the Zoo. Wear your costumes if you dare and take a stroll down jack-o-lantern lane, creep up to candy stations and let your spirit come alive!
You can wander the Zoo at your leisure, visiting Dracula and the fortune tellers, playing fun Halloween games, seeing creepy displays, and visiting Candy Land on your way out!
Please note: You might see animals in their outdoor exhibits (such as elephants, giraffes, and grizzly bears) but most animals will not be in attendance at this event.
Advance tickets:
ticket outlets.Tickets purchased at gate:
under do not need a tickets.
Sponsored by:
Interested in the Pumpkin Carving Party? Email [email protected] to find out more information!
Creature CampoutJoin us for an overnight outdoor adventure “Down Under," mate!
Fridays, September 20 and October 11
All campers need to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and flashlights. The campouts are designed for families
for nonmembers.
Space is limited at each of the campouts, so call soon to register. For more information or to register, call the
Creature Campout Shirts will be
for those that camp out with us.
We would like to thank our friends at Papa John’s for helping to sponsor these great overnights!
well. Some still use it for these purposes today! When it is
completely dry, it only has an earthy scent so homes and fires
will not distract from a pleasant evening! Some cultures even
used it to rid themselves of freckles by rubbing dung on their
faces! There is a special coffee that is made from the seeds
excreted by the civet cat. This is called kopi luwak and is very
expensive due to the enzymes in the digestive tract of the cat.
It is considered a delicacy by some. Humboldt penguins are
diminishing in number to the harvesting of guano for fertilizer.
They then have no where to dig their nests.
Animals use feces in many
ways. For defense, some
animals will have explosive
episodes to deter prey from
eating them. The skipper
caterpillar will launch its
poo about 6 feet away so
birds aren’t attracted to them. This is equivalent to humans
shooting theirs over ¾ of a football field! For marking their
territory, animals will defecate as a sign that this is their land.
Hippos will even use their tails as little helicopters and will
fling their feces as if it had hit a fan! Rhinos will stomp in it
and walk around to increase their perimeter. Some animals
have a poor digestive system and many will re-ingest their
feces to extract more nutrients. The dry hard rabbit pellets
that are visible are actually what remain after consuming the
first round of slimy, non-formed feces. This is also common
with the young of some animals. Koalas predominately
eat eucalyptus. This is a plant that makes most ill who eat
it. Koala babies are not born with the enzymes to digest
the eucalyptus, so it consumes a little dung from its mother
to start producing its own enzymes. Incidentally, because
of their diet, koalas have poo that has a minty fresh scent!
Turkey vultures have a special use for their feces. To keep
themselves cool, they defecate on their legs. The following
evaporation helps reduce the possibility of overheating.
Even dinosaur doo
is found fossilized. It
is called a coprolite.
Scatologists can study
this and, while many find
it a most uncomfortable
topic, it is one of utmost
importance at the Zoo.
ANIMALS & NATURE
The Scoop on PoopChaille Blount, Education Specialist
Although poo is taboo, it is important at the Zoo! And let’s
just be honest, we have a lot of it! One may call it dung, scat,
pies or buttons….but here is the word on turds.
To tell the truth, scat has been an amazing resource for
humans and animals throughout history.
We can tell much by
observing what is left
behind. In the wild,
feces can be used to
inform us on the health
and habits of animals.
It can also be used for
tracking and population
sizes. Because it is
usually solid, it can be dated so we can even track timelines
for animals and the abundance of food in their natural habitat.
Hormone components can also be tested to determine
fertility, pregnancy or estrus. This becomes important when
conservation scientists are looking at threatened species or
animals whose populations are declining.
At the Zoo, we use feces in much the same way. We collect
feces from the animals that reside here twice a year for routine
examinations. We also collect samples if we notice an animal
is not behaving normally. This is one of the easiest methods of
checking the health of the individuals in our collection.
In its most primitive forms, scat was dried and used as building
material and for fuel. Many forms of dung are plant-based, so
when it is dry, it becomes very strong. Because the remaining
plant material is so compact and concentrated, it burns very
Elephant bolus
Penguin fertilizer pellets
Dinosaur Coprolite
12
Know Your Poo?Match the Feces with its “Owner”
1. Vermidung
2. Spraint
3. Splay
4. Fumet
5. Lesses
6. Billitting
7. Dirt
8. Guano
9. Coprolite
10. Buttons
11. Road Apples
12. Slice
13. Bolus
14. Chips
15. Frass
16. Speck
A. Rodent
B. Flea
C. Bat
D. Bison
E. Rabbit
F. Horse
G. Fly
H. Bird
I. Worm
J. Bird of Prey
K. Otter
L. Dinosaur
M. Deer
N. Beetle
O. Bear
P. Fox
Rhino bolus
Tiger FecesCall 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
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 or stop by the Membership office!
See Below for Answers
ANIMALS & NATURE
Pete’s Plant TipsPete Logsdon: Horticulture
As we plan to leave the hot summer behind and look to moving our plants indoors for the winter, lets again take a close look at our plants’ health. We want to have as few pests carried indoors with the plants as possible. The first and easiest way to do this is by giving our plants a thorough bath. Spray the tops and bottoms of leafs with a fine mist. This should knock off any pests that are still hanging on after the growing season.
Next, mix up a batch of horticultural soap in your watering bucket and saturate the soil in the container. Any soil-borne pests should meet their timely end. Using a horticultural soap is also a safe and easy way to get any survivors that hang on after the leaves have been misted. Finally, let’s look at your plant container. A clay pot will begin to accumulate salts around the base and top rim of the pot. This is a by-product of fertilizer. Use a stiff wire brush to remove as much as possible. Ceramic pots or faux terra cotta pots may be wiped clean.
As you look for places in your home to keep your plants, be aware of heating vents and drafts from open doors. Both will cause damage to most plants. Sadly, more plants lose their vigor to cold drafts or hot dry air from a floor vent than to any pest or disease during winter. To keep humidity up around your plants, consider using a saucer with a layer of pebbles. Just having a saucer under your plant container will keep you from having to clean up your floors after watering.
Light conditions will be much lower indoors. Even the brightest window in your home will not be as bright as the outdoors and plants will naturally drop some leaves to acclimate to this reduced light.
Reduce the frequency of watering. Water thoroughly (when water just begins to drip from drain holes) and know that the next watering, depending on the plant type, may not be necessary for 1-3 weeks or more. Cactus and succulents may not need watering for a month or more. Fertilization is not needed during the winter months.
If you decide all this is too much work but you don’t want to see your plant die on your patio, consider donating
it to your Sedgwick County Zoo. We accept most tropical plants, some succulents and cacti. Our plant donation weekend this year will be October 19 and 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. We use these plants throughout the Zoo, including the Jungle; Amphibian and Reptile building; Koch Orangutan and Chimpanzee Habitat; and the Downing Gorilla Forest exhibits. Many plants are also used in our off-exhibit housing for our bird collection. These plants give the birds a natural environment to live in during our cold winter months. Some plants will be put in containers and gardens throughout the Zoo for all of our guests to enjoy. We thank you for thinking of us and our birds, reptiles, and primates thank you too!
Plant DonationHelp Us Fill the Greenhouse!
Saturday & Sunday, October 19 and 20:
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Drop off plant donations in the Zoo Administration parking lot.
We will accept tropical plants, and perennials in containers of 12 inches or larger. Ferns,
selloums, ficus always seem to be very popular among the donations. We will take as many of these as we can, but may not be able to take all of them. We will pick up plants until our
greenhouses are full.
Sedgwick County Zoo does not need annuals (petunias, impatiens, marigolds, pansies, coleus etc.). Cacti and succulents will be accepted on a case-by-case basis only.
If your plants are too big for you to drop off at the Zoo, please call
Pete Logsdon, Tropical Horticulturist, at
14
their membership card.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
6PM TO MIDNIGHT
CALL 316.266.8273 CLICK scz.org or COME BY the Zoo 5555 Zoo Boulevard 67212
scz.org
Saturday, October 19, 2013:
Hit the open road for one WILD ride for the Sedgwick County Zoo! The day will include: a great breakfast at the Zoo to get your motor running, a tour of parts of beautiful South Central Kansas in the fall, great prizes, and a ton of fun; all while supporting one of Kansas’ favorite community attractions! Passengers ride free. Registration includes one poker card, t-shirt, and breakfast for one.
8:00 a.m. Registration/check in at Sedgwick County Zoo. Before you ride, fill your tank with an all-you-can-eat pancake and sausage breakfast served by Chris Cakes. Breakfast
10:00 a.m.—LAST BIKE OUT Hit the open road for one WILD ride while you work to build the best poker hand. This ride is about 110 miles roundtrip and will take you through South Central Kansas with stops in Douglass, Leon, Andover, and Park City - beginning and ending at the Zoo.
2:00 p.m.—ALL BIKES BACK Arrive back at the Zoo for more fun, wild animals and great prizes! Finish off your poker hand at the Zoo to see if you're a winner.
Questions? E-mail: [email protected]
Sponsored by: Alefs Harley Davidson, Piping & Equipment Co, Inc, Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay,
ADVENTURE
Bash
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 Admission
Children 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:
additional hour Stroller Rental:
Giraffe Feeding Station:Open 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (staff & weather permitting)
Summer Hours:
March–October.
Winter Hours:
November–February
To inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature
Let Your Imagination Run
WildWe'll Take Care of the Details!
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 for spring and summer dates!
zoo gift shop coupon
One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.
valid from 8/1/13 to 8/31/13
Back Packs, Totes, & Purses
AUGUST
off15%
zoo gift shop coupon
One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.
valid from 9/1/13 to 9/30/13
T-shirts and Sweatshirts
SEPTEMBER
off15%
zoo gift shop couponvalid from 10/1/13 to 10/31/13
Masks, pinchers, bats, insects
OCTOBER
off15%
One Coupon per person/per purchase. Must have membership ID and coupon to redeem.