houston zoo wildlife spring 2009

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Resistant to pests and disease in Houston’s climate, this rose has a lovely bloom, with the look of an antique specimen.

IT 'S A POSTER!

Pull out the poster and enjoy this Wildlife feature.

Hundreds of thousands of different plant species across

the world make an important impact on human and

animal life each day. Appealing to all senses, plants

provide a wide range of functions and benefits across

the world. From medical remedies passed on for gen-

erations to tried and true expressions of human affec-

tion, nothing evokes such strong feelings quite like a

plant or flower.

The Houston Zoo's dedication to a rich, biologically di-

verse ecosystem is brought to life through our horticulture

department's use of beautiful, interdependent plant life.

Star FlowerPentas lanceolata

French Lace RoseRosa 'French Lace'

Star flowers behave as perennials in Houston gardens. Planting pentas guarantees butterflies and hummingbirds in your yard.

A florist favorite, this compact form of the classic flower lasts up to two weeks in a vase when cut.

In Texas, scarlet milkweeds provide habitat to butterflies that may have otherwise been lost to development.

Princess FlowerTibouchina urvilleana

Pink PowderpuffCalliandra emarginata

Jungle flames prefer acidic soil and full sun, which gives them a brilliant color for most of the year. Dwarf Peruvian Lily

Alstromeria 'Dandy Candy'

Scarlet MilkweedAsclepias curassavica

Jungle FlameIxora coccinea

LeadwortPlumbago auriculata

F E A T U R E S

4

Become Bear Aware

The official airline of the Houston Zoo

Printed on 10% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-based inks

Houston Zoo, Inc. Board of DirectorsE. William BarnettFreda Wilkerson BassNandita BerryJack S. Blanton, Sr. – EmeritusWinfield M. Campbell, Sr.Cathy Campbell BrockJan Cody Jonathan Day Linnet DeilyAnne DuncanJames A. Elkins, IIIMartyn GoossenRobert Graham – ChairDon R. Kendall, Jr.Glenn L. Lowenstein

Cal McNairStacy MethvinStephen D. NewtonSuzanne Paquin NimocksCharles OnsteadCourtney Lanier Sarofim Cathryn SelmanLouis SklarHerman L. Stude Shawn TaylorLori Vetters Bonnie WeekleyGeorge R. WillyE. W. Bill Wright III Austin Young

Wildlife Production TeamEditor: Michael ReinaCreative Director: Melanie Campbell-TelloDesign: Melanie Campbell-TelloPhotography by: Stephanie Adams, Joe Kalla, Bill Konstant, Dale Martin, Rick Barongi, Bobbi Samuels, Peter Riger, Daryl Hoffman, and Tim JunkerPostmaster: Send address changes to: Wildlife Magazine Houston Zoo, Inc. 1513 North MacGregor Houston, Texas 77030

How To Reach Us:

Houston Zoo, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6500

Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6739

Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6835

Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6726

Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6819

Public Relations/Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 713-533-6531

www.houstonzoo.org

Zoo Hours:

March 8 through November 19:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 6:00 p.m.) November 2 through March 79:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 5:00 p.m.)

The Zoo is closed Christmas Day.

Wildlife is published by Houston Zoo, Inc., 1513 North MacGregor, Houston, Texas 77030. ©Houston Zoo, Inc., 2009. All rights reserved. Subscription by membership only.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

On the cover: Toby, the red pandaPhoto by: Stephanie Adams

PRESIDENT'S PRIDE 2

ANIMAL UPDATES 3

EDUCATION NEWS 10

DEVELOPMENT NEWS 13

MEMBERSHIP NEWS 16

EARTH DAY 18

D E P A R T M E N T S

Celebrating Their Memory

14

Horticulture 6

8

The Houston Zoo is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.

Red Panda-monium

“

PRES IDENT 'S PR IDE

DEBORAH CANNONP r e s i d en t & CEO

2008 was a challenging year for all Americans. On top of the past year's financial

difficulties, Houstonians will always think of Hurricane Ike and its exceptional

challenges. At the Zoo, when we think of 2008, elephants will be foremost in our minds.

In late summer, we had the exciting arrival of Tess and her 3-year-old calf, Tucker. They

have been wonderful additions and have charmed all of us with their great attitudes

and intelligent behavior.

However, November brought us the very sudden death of our beloved baby elephant,

Mac, just one month after he turned two. Mac, as you all know, warmed everyone’s

hearts with his incredible antics. He was often seen with a mischievous twinkle in his

eye as he looked to cause trouble. Who can forget him tossing the huge tire around as if

it was weightless, or him barreling across the exhibit to jump on his sand hill? He was

always good for endless hours of entertainment. His passing has left a huge hole in all of

our hearts. However, his death enabled us to form a new partnership with researchers

at the Baylor College of Medicine, in the hopes of finding a breakthrough in the fight

against elephant herpes, the disease which has killed Mac and Asian elephants in both

zoos and the wild. It is only through this critical research that we may be able to find a

way to control elephant herpes.

In 2009, we are looking forward to introducing new animals to you. We have become

the third zoo in the U.S. to display shoebill storks, with two young birds from central

Africa. They are a relative of the stork, stand five feet tall, and have what appears to be

a large wooden shoe (hence the name shoebill) for a beak. Our other new and exciting

bird is a cassowary, which is slightly larger than an emu and is indigenous to Australia

and New Guinea. They can be up to six feet tall and are incredibly fast runners with

sharp, dangerous claws on their feet. Their most distinct features are their beautiful

blue and red wattles.

By the time you read this letter, we will be preparing to open our new red panda exhibit.

As you will have heard, this is one of the “cutest animals in the world.” They come from

Nepal and western China, and thus have dense, long red hair to insulate themselves

in their native cold climates. Here, he will live in air-conditioned comfort where the

koalas were formerly housed. Though a relative of the giant panda, they have a face

that resembles a fox and a tail that looks like a raccoon, mirroring the “cutest” features

of several animals.

In addition to our new animals, 2009 will bring continued improvements to the grounds

in our goal of making the Houston Zoo one of the very best zoos in the country; we

believe Houston deserves that.

Come see us soon and help us welcome our new arrivals. They are each unique and well

worth a visit!

2 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org

”

Mac, as you all know, warmed everyone’s hearts with his incredible antics. He was often seen with a mischievous twinkle in his eye as he looked to cause trouble.

Cassowaries are very large flightless birds with stunning appear-

ances and aggressive demeanors to match. With royal blue necks,

fleshy red wattles, and black bills with yellow marks, these mas-

sive birds leave an impression on anyone or anything that gets

near them. Each cassowary has an easy-to-distinguish, fin-like

skeletal protuberance called a casque rising out of the top of its

head. Adorned with black feathers, powerful legs, and a dagger-

like claw on each foot, they remain only in limited numbers in

the tropical forests of New Guinea and Australia. Their bright faces

and dark plumage make these dangerous birds an unusual member of

the animal kingdom and a exciting addition to the Zoo's bird collection.

Only a few zoos in the world have shoebills, so the Houston

Zoo's addition of this young pair of big African birds is a

significant achievement for our bird department. Named

after their prominent shoe-shaped bills, shoebills are a

vulnerable bird species whose feathers turn completely

gray as they mature. Their large heads, eyes, and bills

help them find food in muddy swamps. Shoebills can

grow as tall as five feet, boast a nearly eight-foot

wingspan, and weigh up to fifteen pounds. Despite

their large size, relatively little is known about

their habits in the wild. While some taxonomists

consider them to be in the stork family, many

others believe the birds are more closely

related to pelicans.

WILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 3

C A S S O W A R Y

S H O E B I L L

NEW ANIMAL UPDATES

If we were to mourn a personal loss forever, we would never be able to move forward with our own lives. Instead, we learn to cherish the memories and celebrate their lives and the impact these great animals had on others. 4 | HOUSTON ZOO | www.houstonzoo.org

5WILDLIFE

Unlike Mickey Mouse and his imaginary cohorts, zoo animals

are real and have finite life spans. One of the most difficult

aspects of working in a zoo is dealing

with the loss of a favorite animal. The

loss of a loved one is never easy, but

in time that emptiness is replaced

with special memories that continue

to enrich our lives and much more.

Since dealing with the death of a

loved one is such a personal experi-

ence, I can only explain it from my

perspective. I have a picture in my of-

fice of a dog I once had. His name was

Barkley. Barkley was a big lug of a

yellow lab who never met a person he

did not like. He was taken from us far

too early, due to an aggressive form

of cancer. The first few days after he

was gone, I cried when I looked at his

picture. Then, as time passed, I began

to smile every time I looked at that

photo and remembered all the good

times we shared. It also helps that we have his son, Apollo, to

carry on the legacy. This "circle of life" mentality is pretty much

how most zoo people deal with animal deaths.

If we were to mourn a personal loss forever, we would never be

able to move forward with our own lives. Instead, we learn to

cherish the memories and celebrate their lives and the impact

these great animals had on others. In the case of Zoo celebri-

ties like Mac (or Bu the rhino and Roscoe the sea lion, to name

a few), we learn to grieve with both our hearts and our heads.

We have this dual personality, or right and left brain rationale,

that allows us to care deeply about a personal tragedy, but

appreciate the bigger picture. These Zoo superstars inspired

millions of people to care more about their species as well as

the conservation of their nameless counterparts in the wild. If

these animals were never born, as some fringe groups would

advocate, we would lose a powerful motivating tool that no

wildlife film or animated caricature could replace.

Like joy and sorrow, life and death are emotional partners

that are intertwined so as to reinforce each other. There

would be no real joy without ever hav-

ing experienced sorrow and vice versa.

There has to be a point of reference in

order to appreciate something or some-

one. While that may sound a bit prosaic,

the reality is that we humans have a

unique, almost miraculous capacity to

transform our feelings for a special in-

dividual towards helping others that we

do not know. We can better sympathize

with the plights of others due to a loss

that is more personal.

A case in point – the tragic loss of Mac

was extremely difficult for all of us, but

during his two years he was a great am-

bassador for his species. He touched so

many of us with his endearing antics,

which in turn inspired his admirers to

learn more about elephants and support

conservation efforts. We will never for-

get Mac, but nature (biology) provides new beginnings. We

can look forward to more elephant calves in the future, as

well as giraffes (like Miles, our new male giraffe) and many

other species.

So, when we lose an animal at the Zoo it is OK to be sad and

grieve, but it is also OK to use the memory of that animal to

move forward in helping those that are still with us. Every

animal should have a legacy that transcends their life at the

Zoo. We are not doing our job as wildlife conservationists if

our visitors do not care about our animals almost as much

as we do. At the same time, the memory of a particular ani-

mal should commit us to greater efforts on behalf of their

living brethren, in both zoos and the wild. Of course, we will

always have new arrivals to carry on the “goodwill ambassa-

dor” role of our departed friends. This cycle of life is the very

essence of zoos and illustrates the critical role they play in

reaffirming our compassion for all living things.


CELEBRATING THEIR MEMORYA p e r s o n a l a c c o u n t b y R i c k B a r o n g i , Z o o D i r e c t o r

Long-time volunteer Toni Noble gives a tribute to Mac.

Attendees at Mac's memorial


The earth's ecosystem is infinitely complex and needs committed people to maintain its health.

Our forests are shrinking, reducing carbon sequestering and lowering oxygen production. Each

day, places as close as Louisiana are losing areas of land the size of a football field due to soil

erosion and plant loss. Horticulture, a science dating back to the earliest hunter-gatherers, is

essential to the preservation of our planet. Without measures to ensure continued plant

coverage across the globe, our environment as a whole would eventually dissipate

and life as we know it would never be the same. This is why horticulture is

a main component to sustaining the planet. Our Zoo horticultur-

ists work tirelessly to keep the landscape healthy, vibrant,

and colorful. We have a fully functioning ecosys-

tem designed to make each day a more

natural and aesthetically-pleas-

ing experience for our an-

imals and guests.

THE IMPORTANCE OF HORT I CULTURE

Your life should be inspired by the love of plants and their essential function in the preservation of our planet. – Ed Santos, Houston Zoo Horticulturist


From sun up to sun down,

our horticulture staff works

to make the Houston Zoo the

most natural, lush, and colorful

place in the city to spend time

with your family. Now, finding out

how they keep our 55-acre ecosystem

beautiful and functional is just a click away.

The Zoo's horticulture team is a collective

wealth of gardening knowledge. Get inside

information about our team's planting tech-

niques and how you can apply them to your

own backyard garden at home. Learn about

the Zoo from those who know it best. Check

www.houstonzooblog.com soon for our

horticulture blog, as well as others address-

ing education and conservation.

The horticulture team's contribution over the

past decade cannot be understated. Making

our Zoo a livable place for thousands of an-

imals while keeping it bright and colorful

for our guests' enjoyment requires dedica-

tion and ingenuity.

A focused effort to reduce the presence of

the highly invasive Chinese tallow tree has

allowed horticulturists to diversify the Hous-

ton Zoo's plant collection. The Chinese tallow is

the same pest that devastated the native region of the

Attwater's Prairie Chicken, an animal our conservationists

have helped repopulate in the wild.

Other innovations in our horticulture department include

an all-green fertilization process, limited to no use of insec-

ticide, and a sharp increase in the efficiency of our irriga-

tion system. Hundreds of trees and wholesale landscaping

across the entire Zoo ensure that the landscape and biodi-

versity are constantly evolving and new every day.

Our horticulture team, led by plant expert Ed San-

tos, has grown from just a pair to a dozen people

over the past five years. Coming from various

backgrounds and degrees of experience,

the crew all shares the same passion

and goal to keep the Houston Zoo

weed-free, lively, and diverse. Next

time you visit, be sure to take a

few moments to appreciate the

Zoo's distinctive scenery.

THE GROWTH OF HORT I CULTURE

NEW HOUSTON ZOO B LOGS COM ING SOON


seeing red

Short winters lead to an early

spring here in Houston, and

with it, the Zoo’s landscaping

comes alive with vibrant

colors. This spring, the Houston Zoo is

ushering in our very own brand of

brightly-colored wildlife with the

red panda, one of the world’s

cutest animals. >>


OOver the years, the red panda has undergone an identity crisis of sorts, living in the shadow of

the better known giant panda. The red panda's name comes from the Nepalese word “poonya”,

which means bamboo eater. Its Latin name (Ailurus fulgens) refers to the striking, cat-like

markings which camoflauge them in the lichen and moss-covered trees. The first written record

of this species comes from an ancient Chinese Chou Dynasty scroll, but it was not officially dis-

covered by the Europeans until the early 1800s. Nearly 50 years later, the 1869 discovery of the

giant panda led to a significant disinterest in red panda research.

Best known for their exquisite red coats and white to reddish-brown facial mask, the red panda is most active at

dawn and dusk in their native habitats. They are superb climbers and spend most of their time curled up in trees

with their long, bushy tails wrapped around their heads. Other than when adult females are caring for their young,

red pandas live solitary lives, only coming together to reproduce during a brief breeding season. When encountering

another panda, they often communicate with body language or vocalizations such as a whistle, twitter, or threatening

huff-quack.

Across their entire range, red pandas are mainly plant eaters, surviving on the leaves of the many different species of

bamboo. Only the red panda, giant panda, two types of bamboo rats, and one species of lemur from Madagascar can

survive on a strict bamboo diet. The red panda’s adaptation to bamboo has shaped their behavior; they spend up to

half the day in search of tender new bamboo leaves.

Red pandas live in temperate Himalayan forests stretching from Nepal to Myan-

mar and in the southwestern Chinese mountains at altitudes between 5,000

and 13,000 feet. Their region's temperature remains fairly cool and con-

stant, supporting the mix of forest trees, undergrowth, and bamboo on

which red pandas depend. Human disturbance has taken a considerable

toll on the animal across its range, so bringing the red panda to the Hous-

ton Zoo gives us an opportunity to educate our visitors about red

pandas in their native habitat.

Zoos across the globe are collaborating to study the

red panda, and we are striving to maintain

genetically viable populations while de-

veloping conservation strategies to

protect them and their habitat.

We are privileged to bring

such a fascinating and

attractive animal to

Houston.

The Houston Zoo welcomes our new red panda, Toby, from Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo.

SUMMER CAMPS 2009Adven t u r e s i n t h e Ra i n f o r e s tEnter the depths of the rainforest and discover some of the

world's most intriguing creatures. Learn about the many

jewels of the rainforest ecosystem, from poison dart frogs

to Asian elephants.

NEW! A l l S o r t s o f A n ima l sAre reptiles slimy? Do birds have hair? We’ll uncover

how animals are the same – and how they are different –

as we investigate where they live, how they look, and what

they do.

I t ’s R a i n i n g W i l d C a t s a nd Dog sMeet the fantastic felines and clever canines at the

Houston Zoo! Join in the flood of fun as we discover the

similarities and differences between these "wild" relatives

and your pets at home.

NEW! Oppo s i t e s A t t r a c tFast and slow, big and small, the Houston Zoo has got

them all! From cheetahs to tortoises, elephants to naked

mole rats, we'll look at examples of opposites from around

the world.

Ages6 - 7

NEW! B r i n g i n g Up BabyAll animal parents have a special way to raise their babies,

and sometimes even the neighbors get involved! Join us as we

look at the different kinds of families in the animal world.

H i d e a nd SeekUncover the animals' secrets to survival as we disappear into

the hidden world of camouflage. Discover how spots, stripes,

patterns, and colors protect both predators and prey.

NEW! I s l a n d Hoppe r sTake an exotic getaway this summer – without ever leaving

the Zoo! We'll travel the islands of Madagascar, Indonesia,

Galapagos, and more, discovering the animals that call each

island home.

Sca t A t t a c kWho has the smelliest poop? Who never poops at all? Learn

the ins and outs of poop as you become a junior scatologist and

discover the answers to all these questions and more!

Toada l l y Amph i b i a n sFrom tadpole to frog to polliwog, we'll uncover what makes

an amphibian unique. You'll have a hopping good time as

you metamorph from an amphibian amateur to an all-out

amphibian expert!

Ages4 - 5


CAMP ZOOFAR ISumme r 2009

Camp Zoofari is an action-packed,

hands-on, week-long day camp for kids

ages 4 - 12. Kids learn about the natural

world, wildlife conservation, and the

animals that call the Houston Zoo home.

These educational, fun-filled camps fill

quickly, so be sure to register soon.

See all camp dates and times at

www.houstonzoo.org/

summercamps.

A f r i c a n A d ven t u r eJoin us for a summer safari to this incredibly diverse

continent. Pack your gear, grab your passport, and

explore Africa in search of rainforest, desert, and

savannah animals on your week-long expedition.

NEW! Ga r d en Sa f a r iDid you know that there are plants that live at the

Zoo too? Dig into the botanical side of the Houston

Zoo and learn how keepers use plants for animal diets,

enrichment activities, and more!

NEW! G l o be Tr o t t e r sNo passport is required for this trip around the world

as we investigate animals in their native lands. Learn

how people and animals coexist, and bring home your

own eco-friendly "souvenirs."

W i l d l i f e De t e c t i v e sMystery surrounds this week as you use clues such as

animals sounds, smells, and scat to identify "zoo" done

it. Perfect your scientific detective skills and even put

them to use in your own backyard!

Ages8 - 9

De s t i n a t i o n Con s e r v a t i o nPartner with the planet and the Houston Zoo as you find out

what it takes to be a wildlife conservationist. Enjoy hands-

on conservation activities and conduct genuine field work

using some of the same tools field biologists use, and meet

Zoo staff members who participate in conservation projects

around the globe. A Thursday night overnight is included.

NEW! Keepe r C ampEnroll for zookeeper boot camp and learn what it's like to

feed, clean, train, and take care of our animals. This is one

time it will be okay to get dirty and messy!

NEW! Se l e c t e d f o r S u r v i v a lWe’ll research how animal variations are passed on to the

next generation, how species adapt to their environment,

and the importance of these differences in keeping

populations healthy.

NEW! Zoobo t sBuild your own zoo complete with animals! Create a large-

scale zoo animal, design its exhibit, and present your project

to Zoo staff. A Thursday night overnight is included.

Ages10 -12



In late 2008, the

Houston Zoo's Kipp

Aquarium was proud to

announce the birth of seven

baby stingray pups. Their

mother, who was rescued by the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in

2004, has now given live birth to four

litters here at the Zoo.

Native to South American rivers, checkerboard

freshwater stingrays (Potamotrygon schroederi)

are basically miniature adults at birth. Their pectoral fins

act as modified wings, which allow them to gracefully glide through

water. Even at just a few weeks old, a checkerboard stingray is able to fend off

its predators by inflicting a very painful sting with the barbs at the end of its tail.

Before you come by the Kipp Aquarium or Natural Encounters building to see our

stingrays and other water-dwelling plants and animals, watch video of our new pups at

www.houstonzoo.org/baby-stingrays.

ST INGRAY SEP TUP LE TS

Gill slits are used to expel water and waste.

The stingray's mouth is used for feeding and respiration. Stingrays have a secondary method of breathing through a spiracle located near their eyes.

Stingrays have very rough, sandpaper-like skin, a common trait among cartilagenous fishes.

Stingrays are sexually dimorphic, and males develop claspers as they mature.

Though numbers vary based on species, stingrays usually give live birth to 4-8 pups.

Barbs at the end of stingray tails pose the biggest threat to their predators.

On January 10, members of the Zoo’s Asante So-

ciety and their families gathered in the Kipp

Aquarium for an up-close experience with some of

our favorite underwater friends. Refreshments in

hand, members toured the aquarium and watched

our new octopus devour a live crab. Afterwards,

our 500-pound sea lion Deano joined in on the fun

and welcomed our guests to a breakfast reception

(pictured left). Asante members then engaged in an

informative question and answer session with Rick

Barongi and Deborah Cannon while they enjoyed a

hearty breakfast.

For information on upcoming Asante Society events

please contact Nick Espinosa at (713) 533-6712 or

[email protected].


Co-chairs Sherri Hughey and Kelley Lubanko invite you and your family to flashback to the

psychedelic 60s. Join Zoo Friends of Houston on Friday, May 1, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. - 10:30

p.m. for the 2009 Family Party: The Beasts Go On. This fun, family-friendly event

raises money for a great cause – our Houston Zoo. Guests will enjoy far

out food, funky entertainment, and go-go groovin’ in the natural Zoo setting.

This year, the Zoo Friends of Houston is happy to recognize Katherine

McGovern as honorary chair and will honor the memory of Dr. John

P. McGovern, an internationally-known humanitarian who was

passionate about our city and the education of its children. Together

the McGoverns have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in

support of the Zoo’s education and animal conservation programs

over the years – most notably through their support of the John

P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.

A san t e Membe r s P a r t i c i p a t e i n a Mo r n i n g o f Unde r wa t e r F un

Zoo Fr iends Fami ly Party : THE BEASTS GO ON

DEVELOPMENT NEWS

For information on table sponsorships or ticket sales please contact

Ginger Moon at (713) 533-6584 or [email protected].

Individual Tickets:

Adults: $150 Children: $75

Table and Ticket information:

Far Out Flamingos $50,000

Psychedelic Sea Lions $25,000

Too Cool Toucans $10,000

Groovy Gators $5,000

Outta Site Okapis $3,000

Gnarly Gnus $1,500

There may be no better time to be outdoors

in East Texas than in the spring. Just a short

drive into East Texas could bring you to the

Big Thicket National Preserve, one of the

most biodiverse areas in the world, consist-

ing of nine land units and six water corri-

dors. Established less than 40 years ago, the

Big Thicket was the first preserve in the na-

tional park system and protects an area over

97,000 acres in size.

The preserve is recognized as a Globally Im-

portant Bird Area, hosting nearly 300 species

of migratory and nesting birds. Described as

the biological crossroads of North America,

the area contains over 100 species of trees

and shrubs, with more than 5,000 species of

flowering plants and ferns, including 20 or-

chids and four types of carnivorous plants.

The Big Thicket is home to a number of na-

tive mammals from shrews and squirrels to

deer and bobcats.

A past resident of the East Texas region and

a focus of the Houston Zoo's local conser-

vation efforts is the Louisiana Black Bear,

which is now a federally protected species.

The last native East Texas bear was believed

to have been killed in the Pineywoods of Polk

County in the late 1950s, but they are slowly

returning to their historic East Texas range.

Primarily composed of transient, solitary

males, there is no current evidence of a resi-

dent breeding population of black bears in

East Texas.

Come to the Houston Zoo to get bear aware

at our annual Bear Awareness Day this May

16, 2009. During Bear Awareness Day, our

zookeepers will offer camping tips with assis-

tance from our spectacled and grizzly bears

during humorous good camper/bad camper

skits. Find out how to make your campsite

bear proof, learn how bears live by exploring

the Bear Maze, and find out if our keepers

are smarter than your average bear. Go to

www.houstonzoo.org/blackbear for more

details and activities.

BECOME BEAR AWARE


Looking at our grizzly bears basking in bright sunlight, it is hard to imagine the dire, squalid conditions in which

they were forced to live until just two years ago. Along with nine other bears and two tigers, Boomer and Bailey

were confiscated by law enforcement in Gonzales and relocated by the Houston Zoo and Houston SPCA. This daring

rescue from an illegal animal holding facility was recognized on Animal Planet.

After being cruelly confined for most of their lives in cages so small they could barely even turn around, the pair

now resides in a nearly 2,000-square-foot exhibit. Thanks to a generous donation from Philip and Denise Bahr,

the grizzlies now have the luxury of a multi-tiered, cascading exhibit with rich greenery and a pool, set against a

mountainous rock background.

Boomer and Bailey have always been very receptive to their human friends and frequently participate in enrichment

activities with zookeepers. The bears have come a long way since arriving here and are enjoying their late twenties

in good health, especially considering their prior conditions.

Hollie Colahan, Curator of Primates and Carnivores, explains that the bears

were overweight, in need of dental work, and suffering from arthritis

upon their initial arrival. Since then, both have successfully lost

weight, undergone extensive dental work, and regularly take

arthritis medication, thanks to the patient work of our

hard-working animal keepers.

It is easy to indulge in the joy of fresh air, sunlight,

and blue skies – but often even easier to take

these wonderful forces of nature for granted.

Remember this next time you see Boomer

and Bailey relaxing on a beautiful day,

and know that the Houston Zoo helped

improve their lives. Sometimes light

can shine upon even the most bleak of

circumstances, and in this case, two

neglected, unfortunate grizzly bears saw

hope in the form of a group of dedicated,

world-class caregivers.

GR I Z Z L I ES CHASE THE B LUES AWAY, S E T T L E I N TO THE I R GOLDEN YEARS

Brown fur with golden highlights,

long claws, and sharp teeth

accentuate Boomer and Bailey's

impressive physical statures.


Bene f i t s a t O t h e r Z oo s

One of the benefits that many members tell us is important

to them is free or discounted admission at 150 other zoos.

In Texas, you can go to six zoos completely free of charge:

Abilene, Brownsville, Dallas (Aquarium and Zoo), El Paso,

and Waco. Outside Texas, you can visit zoos in Miami, North

Carolina, Cleveland, Portland, Tacoma, Nashville, Seattle,

and Milwaukee free of charge. Additionally, Houston Zoo

members get a 50% discount at the Los Angeles, San Fran-

cisco, Albuquerque, Atlanta, and Philadelphia Zoos. New

zoos are added all the time, so be sure to check www.hous-

tonzoo.org/reciprocity for the latest list. Remember to

take your membership card when travelling.

Mak i ng F am i l y Memo r i e s

A special opportunity that members have is to receive dis-

counts on behind-the-scenes tours. Many members who have

taken advantage of these tours report that they experience

the Zoo very differently and become “heroes” to their families.

Bobbi and Vic Samuels wanted to find a way to make this past

holiday season different and special for their family. They

brought their three sons, two “almost” sons, and 11 grandchil-

dren to meet the sea lions and giraffes. The visit included a

special presentation on the beach at sea lions, along with a

number of sea lion kisses and the opportunity to feed the gi-

raffes. A huge success, Vic and Bobbi received thank you calls

from their grandchildren

along with special art proj-

ects the kids drew about the

visit. The Samuels wanted

to give their families some-

thing that would inspire a

lifetime of memories and

bring smiles to their faces.

They accomplished all of

this, and it was one of the

most memorable days they’d

had together.

Should you wish to find out more about these and other tours,

simply go to www.houstonzoo.org/tours.

MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Adopt a bunny for your hunny this Easter! This year, fill

your Easter baskets with a Houston Zoo animal adoption.

Trixie, our Flemish giant rabbit, is ready to become an

honorary member of your family. She is bigger than

most housecats and many dogs, weighing in at almost

18 pounds and measuring almost two feet from her

tail to the tip of her nose. Trixie loves children, going

out on visits, and being walked on her harness around

the Zoo. She is not your average rabbit, and adopting

her would make a great gift for Easter this year. Visit our

website at www.houstonzoo.org/adopt.


Adop t a n An ima l


Membe r Mo r n i n g s

Our Member Mornings are a great opportunity to hear from our Zoo’s

experts and gain professional insight about a select animal resident.

Programs begin promptly at 9:15 a.m. and last approximately 45 min-

utes. Please visit www.houstonzoo.org/membership for details. No

registration required. You will be greeted inside the Zoo’s

main entrance in Hermann Park and escorted to the

exhibit area.

The next few months are:

Z oob i l e e

Zoobilee, our member-only event, is

being moved to the spring to enable

us to take advantage of the cooler

evening temperatures. Mark your

calendars for Thursday, April 2, 2009

and Friday, April 3, 2009 from 5:00

p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

It’s a fun family celebration with nu-

merous Meet the Keeper talks, where

you can learn all about some very spe-

cial animals and enjoy jugglers, a magi-

cian, and a children’s DJ. Kids are invited

to embark on a Zoo-style global trek to

meet some of our remarkable residents

and get a special passport stamped from

exotic lands. Members will receive a 20%

discount on food purchased from Zoo conces-

sions as well as a 20% discount in the Hous-

ton Zoo Gift Shop.

RSVP by March 23, 2009 at

www.houstonzoo.org/zoobilee.

Monday, March 2 and Saturday, March 7

What’s new at sea lions?

Saturday, April 4 and Monday, April 6

What’s new in primates?

Monday, May 4 and Saturday, May 9

What’s new in the reptile house?

day


This April 18 and 19, join the Houston Zoo to celebrate

Waste Management Earth Day. Kids of all ages will

participate in fun and educational conservation activi-

ties across Zoo grounds, including relay races and a

special appearance from Cycler, Waste Management's

kid-friendly recycling robot.

Originally founded in 1969 to push environmental pro-

tection into the national limelight, Earth Day has now

grown into a worldwide annual celebration of mother

Earth, our greatest provider. This year, on its 40th an-

niversary, the Houston Zoo will continue the tradition

of inspiring awareness of and gratitude for the planet by

hosting our own Earth Day celebration.

Learning how to conserve and recycle are more important

than ever. It is essential for people with common goals to

have a forum in which they can learn, share, and unite to

make the Earth a greener place. That's what we strive to

provide with Waste Management Earth Day celebration

at the Houston Zoo.

Please visit www.houstonzoo.org/earthday for full de-

tails about this year's party for the planet.

WASTE MANAGEMENT EARTH DAYSa t u r d a y, A p r i l 18 & Sunday, A p r i l 19 , 2009

Saturday, Apr i l 18 Sunday, Apr i l 19 , 2009

&

earth

19WILDLIFEWILDLIFE| SPRING 2009 | 19

On a recent visit to the Houston Zoo you may have

noticed our lush landscaping has never looked better. But

the Houston Zoo is going green in more ways than one!

We are striving every day to become more eco-friendly and sustainable at the Zoo.

Some of the greatest threats to wildlife and wild places across the world are the overuse

of natural resources and the destructiveness of pollution.

It is not an easy process for anyone to become more green, but the newly formed Houston

Zoo Green Task Force is confident we can make the transformation together. This task force

is comprised of representatives from different Zoo departments charged with initiating and

championing eco-friendly change in their respective sections. From our animal departments and

grounds staff to development and special events, we are changing the way we think about our daily

activities and how they impact the planet.

Visit our website at www.houstonzoo.org/green to learn more about the task force and some easy

tips on what you can do to help keep our planet green.

Our mission is to develop and implement proactive, fiscally responsible, and eco-friendly initiatives that

will allow us to emerge as recognized leaders in the local and national conservation communities.

New to the Zoo's Earth Day Party this year is a chance for you to

win a Green Globe at our first annual film festival. Showcase your skills

and knowledge of conservation by submitting a 60-second short film to

www.houstonzoo.org/greenglobes. Send us a video of your garden, carpool

group, or special conservation technique. Show us just how green you are at

home or the office – be as creative as you can.

Winning videos will be played in a special Earth Day

film viewing in the Brown Education Center and

winning participants will be invited on stage

to receive a special award. Can you show us

how you conserve?

SHOW US HOW YOU CONSERVE

THE HOUSTON ZOO I S GO ING GREEN W I TH A NEW T EAM

earth

Resistant to pests and disease in Houston’s climate, this rose has a lovely bloom, with the look of an antique specimen.

I T ' S

A POSTER!

Pull out the poster and enjoy this Wildlife feature.

Star FlowerPentas lanceolata

French Lace RoseRosa 'French Lace'

Star flowers behave as perennials in Houston gardens. Planting pentas guarantees butterflies and hummingbirds in your yard.

A florist favorite, this compact form of the classic flower lasts up to two weeks in a vase when cut.

C o n s e r v a t i o n C r ew (G r a de s 8 - 12)

Help the habitats in and around Houston by working on projects such

as marsh grass restoration, beach clean-ups, or even assisting at

area animal rescue organizations.

March 7 – Buffalo Bayou Partnership

April 4 – Galveston Bay Foundation

May 9 – Beach clean-up

For younger kids, check out Wild Wheels and Natural Begin-

nings I and II. Stroll around the Zoo with your toddler or let

them participate in hands-on activities year-round. Please

visit www.houstonzoo.org/individuals for full details, in-

cluding dates, times, costs, and information on how to sign up.

To put it simply, 15-year-old Tony Provenzano is a Zoo educational program superstar. He is in his second year with

Conservation Crew and spent his last summer as an honorary horticulturist while a member of Zoo Crew.

Tony first got involved with the Zoo when he was 13 and had an interest in veterinary medicine, so he attended

the Club Zoo Med Camp. “I really enjoyed camp and met a lot of new friends who recommended that I sign up for

Conservation Crew,” Tony said.

In time, this led to Tony’s work last summer with the horticulture team, where he learned that sustaining plant life

and wildlife conservation are jobs that are never finished. Tony and his friends did everything from pulling weeds

around the Zoo to setting up the gardens at the McNair Asian Elephant Barn.

“Being so involved at the Zoo taught me how important nature is and how important it is to practice conservation

in every part of our lives. I encourage all my friends to get involved, as much as they can, with activities at the Zoo.”

So, be like Tony, and sign up today!

BE L I K E TONY


In Texas, scarlet milkweeds provide habitat to butterflies that may have otherwise been lost to development.

Princess FlowerTibouchina urvilleana

Pink PowderpuffCalliandra emarginata

Jungle flames prefer acidic soil and full sun, which gives them a brilliant color for most of the year. Dwarf Peruvian Lily

Alstromeria 'Dandy Candy'

Scarlet MilkweedAsclepias curassavica

Jungle FlameIxora coccinea

LeadwortPlumbago auriculata

Submit photos and video of your cutest animal in the world to www.cutestanimal.org and get featured on our website.

Get started in March by entering to win a special one-on-one tour and be the first to get to know our

red panda.

April is Red Panda-monium Month. Wear red to the Zoo all month, come to our tail-gates, and

don't miss the grand opening of the exhibit in late March.

For full details on Red Panda-monium Month and all of our red panda events, go to www.cutestanimal.org.

HELP THE HOUSTON ZOO CE L EBRATE

R ED PANDA -MON IUM

Houston Zoo 1513 North MacGregorHouston, Texas 77030

Visit online atwww.houstonzoo.org

Non-Prof i tOrgan izat ionU.S. Postage

PA I DHouston, Texas

Permit No. 8963

houston zoo wildlife spring 2009

Documents

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wildlife magazine houston

houston gardens

north macgregor houston

zoo hours

houston zoos dedication

soybased inkshouston

melanie campbelltellodesign