FOCUS DAL L AS ZOO MEMBER MA G A Z I N E

S U MME R 2016

NIGHT OWLS ROCK!

ADVENTURE SAFARI Rolls Out

SAFARI NIGHTS Concert Series

NEW REPTILES From Madagascar Summer 2016

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Directly Speaking Dear Members: Thanks to you, our winter was HOT! We had our largest-ever attendance for January through April, with 450,000 guests. The Nature Connects® attraction, featuring sculptures made by artist Sean Kenney out of LEGO® bricks, combined with our popular Penguin Days discount admission promotion got people out of the house and connecting with nature. And we’ve planned a summer schedule to keep you coming back. Be sure to visit our revamped Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari. We appreciate your patience as we refurbished the station and monorail cars in this $3 million project. You’ll meet a lot of animals along your journey – including the critically endangered scimitar-horned oryx, which is extinct in the wild (p. 3 and 9). This is a great time to upgrade your membership to the Passport level or higher so you can ride as often as you want for free. Remember to stay late on Saturday evenings in June and July for our Safari Nights concert series (p. 6-7). We have a lineup of amazing performers and the shows – like admission – are always free for our members. Thank you for your support for the Swaziland elephant rescue project this spring (p.10). It’s an excellent example of how zoos work together to provide leadership for animal welfare and conservation initiatives. Not only did we save these African elephants from certain death, but we also supplied financial resources to protect black rhinos in their natural habitat. We are delighted to provide five elephants with a wonderful home and the full attention of our elephant keepers, veterinarians, animal behavior experts, and nutrition staff. The elephants and all the animals at your Zoo are important ambassadors for animals in the wild. They inspire a passion for conservation and wildlife preservation. Children learn how to translate their love for animals into meaningful action by participating in our Wild Adventure summer camps and our new Family Adventure Safari programs (p. 8). I’m happy to report that Zoo membership and corporate sponsorships are reaching record levels. We’ll take that as a sign that you and your friends like what you see and hear about your Zoo. Your support enables us to continue creating new programs and caring for animals near and far. See you at the Zoo,

Gregg Hudson President and Chief Executive Officer Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

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Dallas Zoo Membership Program generously sponsored by

All aboard the Adventure Safari Get your tickets to ride the revamped Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari, which re-opened March 25 after a $3 million renovation. Board the monorail at the Ajabu Station and prepare to crisscross the African continent in 17 minutes. The excitement builds as you enter the rustic station, featuring posters for African travel destinations and clocks to time your departure. While waiting for your trip, you’ll see African cranes and storks milling about their habitat. Check the field guide in each refurbished car to become acquainted with the animals you’ll soon see. As you depart the station, get a glimpse of crews working on the Simmons Hippo Outpost, scheduled to open in 2017. Ascend to the North African mountains to view Nubian ibex and Kardofan aoudad. Visit the Samburu Game Preserve to see eland, dik-dik, and caracal, then on to the Great Rift Valley, where waterfalls await you, along with great white pelicans and bongo antelope. The Sahara Desert is home to critically endangered addax and Somali wild asses (see p. 9), as well as ostrich and gemsbok. Visit the Serengeti bush to meet our new lesser kudu as well as Thompson’s gazelles, gerenuks, secretary birds, and lappet-faced vultures. As you descend around the corner, you enter Western Tanzania and Central Africa. Here you’ll see chimpanzees at the Kimberly-Clark Chimpanzee Forest, followed by Nile crocodiles and wattled cranes. Hear about western lowland gorillas at the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, then head south to the tip of Africa to view African penguins from high above, before the Adventure Safari monorail returns to Ajabu Station.

“This experience starts with creating a fun adventure for our guests,” said Sean Greene, vice president of guest experiences. “During their 17-minute journey, they learn how the Dallas Zoo cares for wildlife and supports conservation efforts around the world.” The Adventure Safari operates every day weather permitting. Tickets are $5 per person and free for Passport level and higher members. Hop aboard and begin your African adventure.

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WHOOO’S UP FOR SAFARI NIGHTS? When the sun sets at the Zoo, the Verreaux’s eagle-owls become alert. The brother-and-sister pair are nocturnal hunters with excellent night vision, but they rely more on their highly developed sense of hearing to catch prey. That hearing will come in handy when the music starts during Safari Nights on Saturdays in June and July. 4

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Really big birds Often overlooked during the day when they roost on their perches or high in trees at Wings of Wonder in ZooNorth, Verreaux’s eagle-owls have grayish feathers, so they are sometimes called milky eagle owls. Feather tufts near their ears help to funnel sound. Verreaux’s eagle-owls are the largest owls in Africa, with 5-foot wingspans. They stand about 2 feet tall but weigh only 3.5 to 4.5 pounds. The massive birds are surprisingly agile and can swoop down between tree branches to get prey. They’ve even been spotted performing vertical somersaults to catch insects in midair. The apex predators use their powerful talons to capture a variety of prey. They hunt everything from rodents and fish to small monkeys and herons. Eagle owls also have a peculiar ability to “peel” a hedgehog and discard the outer fur and spine. It’s easy to discern their diets by studying owl pellets, the bones and fur that are regurgitated because they cannot be digested.

Cloaked in mystery Owls have intrigued people for centuries. Their large eyes suggest wisdom, but they are simply adapted for night vision. Owls can’t shift their big eyes left to right, so they must move their entire heads to look around. That’s where another myth developed. No animal can turn its head in a 360-degree circle. It’s impossible! However, owls have twice as many vertebrae in their necks as mammals. This ability allows them to turn their heads about 270 degrees left to right and about 180 degrees upward.

Wise up on owls and other birds Learn more about the interesting Verreaux’s eagle-owls as well as the other fascinating feathered creatures that reside at the Wings of Wonder and throughout ZooNorth. Don’t miss the daily zookeeper talks at 1:30 or just observe the eagleowls and other birds during Safari Nights.

Wonders of the Wild Spirits will soar as penguins, parrots, owls, and even mammals give guests a unique glimpse of natural behaviors in the new Wonders of the Wild show, presented by Kimberly-Clark Corporation. Held in the ZooNorth amphitheatre, the experience features incredible bird species and dynamic mammals like capybara, beaver, and the unique tamandua. Two new penguins will join the program this year, and later this year guests can expect some new bird flight patterns across Cedar Creek – not flown by the penguins, of course.

PRESENTS

“It’s definitely a fun presentation with amazing animals,” said Sean Greene, vice president of guest experiences. “We hope the program resonates with guests and connects them to the important role they play in supporting the Dallas Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts.” The amphitheater seating area has undergone a makeover, and guests will see new shade structures as well as new environmentally friendly seating made from 76,000 plastic recycled milk jugs. Make plans to attend Wonders of the Wild. All programs are free. Showtimes are: • Wednesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. • Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. • Safari Nights Saturdays feature an additional presentation at 6 p.m. Summer 2016

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Listen to the beat

of Safari Nights this summer Cricket chirps aren’t the only sounds you’ll hear on Saturday nights at the Zoo this summer. Original artists and tribute bands fill the park with music during our Safari Nights concert series on Saturdays, starting Memorial Day weekend. Bring lawn chairs or blankets or reserve a six-person cabana. Food is available for purchase, along with soft drinks, wine, and ice-cold craft beer.

The Killdares Get your Irish on at Cat “Green” -- the obvious location to listen to this popular Celtic rock band. May 28

Rebirth Brass Band Our antelope have horns - but this New Orleans institution has a lot more. July 2

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Rich Girls Yacht rock rhythms make a splash with this Hall & Oates cover band. June 4

The Landsharks Parrot heads can feed our feathered friends at Lorikeet Landing and Travis & Zach’s Birds Landing before listening to Jimmy Buffet hits. July 9

A Hard Night’s Day See Texas beetles at Bug U! before listening to the Beatles’ best music from this Texas band. June 11

Limelight The cool cats in this 11-piece party band would blow the roof off Cat Green – if it had a roof – with their high-energy performance. July 16

Come early and enjoy the entire day at the Zoo or arrive in time for the concert. Safari Nights is free for Zoo members and children under 2, or with the cost of admission for non-members – $15 for ages 12- 64; $12 for ages 3-11 and seniors. Gates open on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and parking is $8 per vehicle (free for members). Avoid traffic and parking by taking the DART Red Line straight to our entrance. Visit DallasZoo.com for more information. Keep in rhythm all evening with the following schedule:

6 p.m. Wonders of the Wild

Satisfaction Rolling stones may gather no moss, but there’s plenty of nature all around when this Rolling Stones cover band performs. June 18

Escape Take a trip down memory lane with this Journey tribute band. June 25

show presented by Kimberly-Clark Corporation

6:30 p.m. Animal Adventures presentation on Cat Green

7 p.m. Concert begins on Cat Green

7:30 p.m. Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo and Travis & Zach’s Birds Landing close

8 p.m. Giraffe feeding, Koala Walkabout, and Lorikeet Landing close

Petty Theft & The Bird Dogs Popular with their P1s, The Ticket SportsRadio presents “Animals Night Out” with Mike Rhyner in the Tom Petty tribute band and George Dunham playing country rock with The Bird Dogs. July 23

The O’s The natural setting is perfect for acoustic instrumentals blended into catchy pop songs. July 30

8:30 p.m. Herpetarium and the T-Rex Express mini train close

9 p.m. Concert ends and Endangered Species Carousel closes Please note that schedule may change without notice; check the daily program sign next to the carousel for that day’s schedule. Summer 2016

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Summer camp kids explore the world of animals without leaving Dallas Send your children on a WILD Adventure at the Dallas Zoo or the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park. Our education department has programs that are carefully crafted to engage, entertain, and intrigue youth from PreK to Grade 12. These immersive camp experiences feature tours, outdoor activities, animal encounters, and themed arts, crafts, and projects. The young ones won’t know they’re learning math and science concepts. Adolescents and teens will pick up ideas for careers. Everyone will have so much fun, they will forget they are learning! Most Dallas Zoo camps are held weekly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and run from June through August. BeforeCamp and AfterCamp care is usually available. Visit DallasZoo.com/Education for information on dates, rates, themes, and registration.

Escape for the morning on Family Zoo Adventures It’s not as rugged as a Swiss Family Robinson adventure, but families build knowledge together about nature and wildlife. Each month, Family Zoo Adventures participants tackle a different theme. You and your children ages 4-12 will visit activity stations, take tours, and meet interesting animals.

JUNE 4: Zoo-lympics. Can you run as fast as a cheetah or reach as high as a giraffe? Compare yourself to these amazing animals.

JULY 9: America the Beautiful. Take the time to study the animals at home and while you’re on vacation. You’ll be amazed at the beauty of creatures close to home. All you need to bring is a refillable water bottle. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing because we go out into the park, rain or shine. Make your required reservations by Monday of the week of the event. The cost is $15 per person for members and $20 for non-members. All Family Zoo Adventures events begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. To register, visit DallasZoo.com/Education.

Cute chicks Tazo and Tulip, a pair of African penguins, added to their brood again this winter. Two cute fluffballs hatched on Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, and learned to swim this spring. The male penguin chicks are siblings of Marina, the first-ever penguin to hatch at the Dallas Zoo. Marina came into the world in April 2015 as part of a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Come meet the family at the Don M. Glendenning Penguin Cove. 8

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Harsh reality facing herds today When riding on the Adventure Safari monorail, you’ll see several critically endangered species. Easy viewing of animals in zoos is sometimes taken for granted, but you’d never see them – even in the wild – without careful management. In the Sahara Desert stretch, travelers meet herds of addax and Somali wild asses. Scimitar-horned oryx will join them this summer. A recent population census indicates that there may be fewer than 300 addaxes in the wild. Scimitar-horned oryx have been extinct in the wild since the late 1980s! Even though they have made adaptations to the harsh environment, overhunting, habitat loss, and recent droughts are taking a toll. The 600 Somali wild asses in Africa face additional threats. Their fat is valued for traditional medicine, they must compete with domestic livestock for land, and they crossbreed with domestic asses. But there’s hope. Zoos care for 2,000 addaxes, 1,400 scimitar-horned oryx, and 200 wild asses, and are working to reintroduce them into the wild. Your support is critical to the survival of these species.

We’re mad for new reptiles from Madagascar Everyone loves lemurs, but few are familiar with the remarkable reptiles from Madagascar. Often, it’s because they are endangered due to deforestation and the exotic pet trade. The Dallas Zoo recently acquired several new species, three of which are part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Watch for the following to go on exhibit in the Herpetarium:

1. SPIDER TORTOISE: These critically endangered tortoises feature interesting spiderweb designs on their shells. 2. FLAT-TAILED TORTOISE::Nicknamed ghost turtles, these tortoises are often found near tombs in forested areas and are critically endangered due to deforestation. Due to their small size, females only lay one egg per year.

3. LEAF GECKOS: Masters of camouflage, leaf geckos feature the same coloring and physical characteristics as the leaves in their habitats.

4. PANTHER CHAMELEONS: With an extensive range across northern Madagascar, male panther chameleons from different localities display different coloration, so depending on the color, one might be able to determine its origin. Recent genetic work from many areas suggests the panther chameleon group may be seven different species.

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Visit insomniacs at the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo While the kids wait for Safari Nights concerts to begin, take them to the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. They can cool their heels in the stream, crawl through the Underzone, and trade natural artifacts at the Hillcrest Foundation Nature Exchange. We also have a pair of nocturnal animals that can teach musicians a few things about late nights! Visit the JCPenney Discovery House to see if the South American six-banded armadillo or the great horned owl are already awake. Both insomniacs love to greet visitors throughout the evening.

Swaziland elephants meeting the ‘Golden Girls’ The elephants we rescued from Swaziland are settling in well, learning their names and forming relationships with their keepers.These relationships are very important for husbandry, because we utilize protected contact and allow the elephants free choice. As a relationship develops with the keepers, the elephants receive positive reinforcement when they follow husbandry requests, such as being weighed or allowing the veterinary team to check them. All nine elephants now at the Zoo – our four “Golden Girls” and the five new arrivals – are well aware of each other, having smelled each other and communicated via rumbles and trumpets. When this edition of Focus was published, two of the Swaziland elephants already had explored the Giants of the Savanna alongside Congo and Kamba, our two smallest Golden Girls. Tendaji, the bull, was introduced first. All three went out into the South Habitat in mid-April. Tendaji immediately showed submissive behavior, which was expected since he’s younger and smaller, a bit over 3,600 pounds. After the “meetup,” all three browsed and explored the habitat. One of the female Swaziland elephants, Zola, also has been introduced to Congo and Kamba. At just over 4,000 pounds, she’s closer in size to the two older elephants. Those three went into the large South habitat in late April. The five Swaziland elephants – Tendaji, Zola, Mlilo, Nolwazi, and Amahle – continue to gain weight on their new diet, overseen by the elephant team and our full-time nutrition curator. Next time you’re at the Zoo, look for the new arrivals! 10

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Summer deals for Adopt-An-Animal The animals are enjoying the sunshine, and it’s a great time to think about presenting the gift of an animal adoption to friends and family members with summer birthdays. Adoption packages from the Dallas Zoo feature a photo suitable for framing, an adoption certificate, and a zookeeper report describing the special creature.

HARPY EAGLE

GERENUK

The summer heat suits these large eagles that are native to tropical forests in Central and South America. Harpy eagles use their strong claws to snatch prey such as opossums, sloths, and monkeys from tall trees. Some Amazonian cultures believe these endangered birds guard against evil spirits. Adopt a harpy eagle to protect your loved one. SPECIAL PRICE: $100

These small antelopes are only three feet tall, but their name means “giraffe-necked” in Somali. Gerenuks stand on their hind legs to browse on tall bushes in the deserts and savannas of central Africa. You won’t find them in herds. They usually travel in a small group of up to five individuals. Surely you can find room in your heart for this dainty antelope. SPECIAL PRICE: $25

To take advantage of these special prices, please visit DallasZoo.com/AdoptSpecial or call 469.554.7449.

We’re super-social! As much as you’d like to, we know you can’t come see us every day. So our communications team keeps you updated on what’s happening via social media all the time! Here’s how to stay in touch: Facebook: /DallasZoo Likes: 115,000+

Instagram: @dallaszoo Followers: 40,000+

Twitter: @DallasZoo Followers: 20,500+ Pinterest: /DallasZoo Followers: 850+

TripAdvisor: We’re proud to have won another Certificate of Excellence from the world’s largest review website. We appreciate you taking the time to review us!

Thank you to our 2016 sponsors Signature Partner

Premier Partners

Animal Adventures Outreach Sponsor

Official Beverage Sponsor

Official Hotel

Wonders of the Wild Sponsor

WOW Patrol Sponsor

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NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S.POSTAGE PAID DALLAS, TEXAS PERMIT #4498

DallasZoo.com Dallas Zoo 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway Dallas, TX 75203-3013 469.554.7500

Mark Your Calendar

Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying your Zoo this summer. We have plenty of opportunities for you to come early, come late or stay all day. See what we have in store this season. Saturdays, May 28 – July 30 SAFARI NIGHTS

Saturday & Sunday, June 18–19 FAMILY CAMPOUT

6–9 p.m. Enjoy ZooNorth at night during these family-friendly concerts. See pages 6–7 for a list of performers and dates.

7 p.m.–10 a.m. Spend the night at the Zoo. Take a guided tour, help feed animals, roast s’mores, and enjoy a continental breakfast the next morning. Ages 5 and up. Reservations required. Visit DallasZoo.com/Education for information.

Thursday, June 9 WILDLIFE EDUCATION DAY AT GLOBE LIFE PARK Starting at 10 a.m. Hit a home run with the kids! Call 817.436.5979 for information and to purchase tickets.

Saturday, June 11 KIDS CLUB! AT THE ZOO 9–11 a.m. Exclusively for Passport-level and higher members.

Weekdays, June 13 to Aug. 12 WILD ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMP Reservations required. Visit DallasZoo. com/Education for information.

Fridays, July 15 & 29 & Aug. 12 FAMILY SAFARI NIGHT HIKE 7–10 p.m. Experience the dark side of the Zoo with a tour, fun activities, and animal encounters. Ages 5 and up. Reservations required. Visit DallasZoo.com/Education for information.

Saturday, July 16 KIDS CLUB! AT THE PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 9–11 a.m. Exclusively for Passport-level and higher members.

Thursday, July 21 DOLLAR DAY 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A big crowd is expected on this annual $1 admission day.

Saturdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20, & 27 MEMBER MORNINGS Starting at 8 a.m. Explore your Zoo before we open to the public.

Saturday, Sept. 10 PHOTO SAFARI 8 a.m.–noon Practice your wildlife photography skills during this morning safari. Reservations required. Visit DallasZoo.com for information.