+ All Categories
Home > Documents > The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger...

The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger...

Date post: 09-Mar-2018
Category:
Upload: vankhanh
View: 222 times
Download: 8 times
Share this document with a friend
8
A Home for Bears WCS has partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Ser- vice in find- ing homes for orphaned bear cubs that would not survive on their own in the wild. Some of the Bronx Zoo’s current bears came to the zoo as a result of such rescue efforts. In 2009, the zoo’s young grizzly bear and three young brown bears were rescued from which two states? Tiny Toads The next stop on our tour is the World of Reptiles, where you’ll find the Kihansi spray toads. These tiny toads are the first amphibian species ever de- clared extinct in the wild that were successfully saved in cap- tivity, bred, and then returned to their restored wild habitat, thanks to the efforts of WCS’s Bronx Zoo and the Toledo Zoo. To what country did the Kihansi spray toads return? Bonus Answer Include one other example of how WCS is help- ing animals in the wild that you discovered during your visit. And remember that, as a Member of WCS, you are supporting all of these wildlife con- servation efforts and many more. To learn more, please visit wcs.org. W CS’s parks and aquarium play an important part in wildlife conservation. During your next visit to the Bronx Zoo, take this scavenger hunt to discover a few of the ways the zoo has played a vital role in pro- tecting animals and their habitat across the globe – be sure to check the exhibit signs for help. Submit your correct answers via email to [email protected]. One correct entry selected at random from those sub- mitted will win a hand-made wool tiger hat, perfect for winter adventures at the Bronx Zoo. Historic Bison The Bronx Zoo is home to some pretty historic bison. The zoo’s bison range can be found on the north side of the park, near the World of Birds. Some ancestors of our current herd were moved from the Bronx Zoo to help repopulate the western plains, where bison were close to disap- pearing. Thousands of their relatives roam there today. In what year did Bronx Zoo bison leave the zoo for Oklahoma? Very Dear Deer Pere David’s deer can be found near Tiger Mountain. This species was once extinct in the wild and existed only in zoologi- cal parks. But thanks to WCS management and planning, they have been reintroduced into the wild. To what country were Pere David’s deer reintroduced by WCS? Members’ News The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Hunt 1
Transcript
Page 1: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

A Home for BearsWCS has partnered with the US Fish and Wildlife Ser-vice in fi nd-ing homes for orphaned bear cubs that would not survive on their own in the wild. Some of the Bronx Zoo’s current bears came to the zoo as a result of such rescue efforts. In 2009, the zoo’s young grizzly bear and three young brown bears were rescued from which two states?

Tiny ToadsThe next stop on our tour is the World of Reptiles, where you’ll fi nd the Kihansi spray toads. These tiny toads are the fi rst amphibian species ever de-clared extinct in the wild that were successfully saved in cap-tivity, bred, and then returned to their restored wild habitat, thanks to the efforts of WCS’s Bronx Zoo and the Toledo Zoo. To what country did the Kihansi spray toads return?

Bonus AnswerInclude one other example of how WCS is help-ing animals in the wild that you discovered during your visit. And remember that, as a Member of WCS, you are supporting all of these wildlife con-servation efforts and many more. To learn more, please visit wcs.org.

WCS’s parks and aquarium play an important part in wildlife conservation. During your next visit

to the Bronx Zoo, take this scavenger hunt to discover a few of the ways the zoo has played a vital role in pro-tecting animals and their habitat across the globe – be sure to check the exhibit signs for help. Submit your correct answers via email to [email protected]. One correct entry selected at random from those sub-mitted will win a hand-made wool tiger hat, perfect for winter adventures at the Bronx Zoo.

Historic BisonThe Bronx Zoo is home to some pretty historic bison. The zoo’s bison range can be found on the north side of the park, near the World of Birds. Some ancestors of our current herd were moved from the Bronx Zoo to help repopulate the western plains, where bison were close to disap-pearing. Thousands of their relatives roam there today. In what year did Bronx Zoo bison leave the zoo for Oklahoma?

Very Dear DeerPere David’s deer can be found near Tiger Mountain. This species was once extinct in the wild and existed only in zoologi-cal parks. But thanks to WCS management and planning, they have been reintroduced into the wild. To what country were Pere David’s deer reintroduced by WCS?

Members’ NewsThe Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015

Photos: Julie L

arsen Maher ©

WC

S

Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Hunt

1

Page 2: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

2

By the year 2020, earth’s wildlife will share the planet with 7.6 billion people. In the face of growing pressures on our envi-

ronment, including climate change, we all share a responsibility to Stand for Wildlife.

As a WCS Member, you are part of an effort to save wildlife that began 120 years ago with the birth of the New York Zoologi-cal Society, an organization founded on science and hope which has since grown to become the Wildlife Conservation Society. With your support, our conservationists work in forests, deserts, mountains, plains, and oceans across the globe, and at our four New York City zoos and the New York Aquarium. Together, we have a chance to save wildlife; to preserve the intricate balance of species and systems that all lives depend on.

We have unveiled a new strategy, a new look, and a new logo. Our goal is to save 50 percent of the world’s biodiversity while ensuring a positive impact on millions of people. To achieve this goal, we will partner with as many people, organizations, and governments as we can. Our field scientists will be working in some of the world’s most threatened land and marine regions, fo-cused on species facing the greatest dangers, including great apes, big cats, elephants, sharks and rays, marine mammals, turtles, and others. We hope to inspire visitors to WCS parks and people around the globe to protect our earth for future generations of humans and wildlife.

We look forward to sharing these exciting developments with you, our Members. In the next few months, you will see our new logo in our New York City parks, in our field sites around the globe, on our new wcs.org website, and in the pages of Members’ News.

What remains the same is our relentless commitment to sound science, measurable results, and pragmatic conservation in the field and in our zoological parks, where you will continue to en-joy exciting and educational wildlife experiences. That will never change.

We stand for wildlife.

Thank you for standing with us.

We Stand for WildlifeOur World Is Changing Rapidly… And So Are We

Page 3: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

Most of us know the well-worn myth about the stork who delivers human babies to their par-

ents. Recently at WCS’s Bronx Zoo, this fairy tale was turned on its head, as human keepers delivered an egg to a pair of lesser adjutant storks! The adult storks in question have successfully hatched two chicks – but one chick was from an egg produced by another adult pair. The surrogate parents are caring for both chicks as if they were their own.

In late May, Ornithology Department staff ob-served an abandoned egg left by a pair of adult storks. A keeper moved the egg to an incubator where it was carefully monitored and determined to be fertile. When hatching was imminent, the egg was marked for identifi cation purposes and moved to a nest belonging to an experienced pair of storks already nesting. The female accepted the egg and incubated it alongside her own. The fos-tered egg hatched on June 27th, and the pair’s own egg hatched on July 5th. Both chicks have been ac-cepted by the adults, and both are now thriving. Weather permitting, you can visit the storks and their hatchlings in the Bronx Zoo’s stork propaga-tion area, located between the Aquatic Bird Houseand the Aitken Sea Bird Aviary.

3

Photos: Julie L

arsen Maher ©

WC

S

Bronx Zoo Storks Adopt Chick

Helping Storks in the WildA Southeast Asian species, lesser adjutants are classifi ed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conser-vation of Nature. They can be found in mangroves, mud-fl ats, coastal swamps, marshes, fl ooded grassland, lakes, and paddy fi elds. Their numbers have declined greatly throughout their range, mainly due to habitat destruction. WCS has worked to protect lesser adjutant storks in Nepal and has an active conservation program in Cambodia.

WCS has a long history breeding lesser adjutant storks, and the Bronx Zoo is one of only three zoos in North America to work with the species. Informa-tion learned about the growth and development of these birds has been shared with WCS re-searchers in Cambodia and helps inform their work with birds in the wild. Data on physical char-acteristics, growth rate, and other important developmental traits help conservationists deter-mine the ages of wild birds dur-ing census and monitoring.

Page 4: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

4

Pho

tos:

Jul

ie L

arse

n M

aher

©W

CS

Two individual animals from an as-of-yet unnamed species of humpback dolphin in the waters off northern Australia.

There Are Many Ways to Save WildlifeIn addition to making a one-time donation, there are many ways that you can be a part of WCS’s mission to save wildlife and wild places worldwide.

Give Monthly Become a Wildlife Protector and provide ongoing monthly support to save the world’s most magnificent wildlife and wild places. You can make a difference for as little as $5 per month. Please visit wcs.org/wildlifeprotectors for more info.

Leave a Legacy Designate the Wildlife Conservation Society as a beneficiary in your will or of your individual retirement account or life insurance policy. Your legacy gift will enable WCS to protect wildlife and the spaces they inhabit for many years to come. To learn more, please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at [email protected] or 718-741-1628.

Become a Conservation Patron Support 500 conservation projects in 60 countries, and enjoy exclusive access to panel discussions, special events, and tours. For more information, visit wcs.org/patrons or call 718-220-5085.

Give a Matching Gift Employees can double or triple the value of their donations to WCS through their company’s matching gift program. Please see your company’s personnel office for details.

What’s New at Prospect Park Zoo

Miniature Zebu Calf BornOn July 21st, a miniature zebu calf was born at WCS’s

Prospect Park Zoo. As a grazing animal, the calf initially nursed from its mother but has now transitioned to a diet of mostly hay. The zebu is one of the oldest breeds of cattle, be-lieved to have originated in southern India around 6,000 years ago. Although a diminutive breed, adult mini zebus can weigh up to 500 pounds and measure three to four feet in length. Unlike larger breeds of cattle, mini zebus are slow to mature, reaching adulthood in two to three years.

Both male and female zebus have small horns on top of their heads. While zebus can be various colors such as black, red-dish, gray, or white, the three at the Prospect Park Zoo all sport a light gray coat with white underbellies. The Prospect Park Zoo’s zebu family lives in the barn area alongside other domestic animals including sheep, goats, and miniature horses, all of whom you can meet, feed, and pet on your next visit.

Welcome, Tiny Pigs!Three Juliana pigs are making their public

debut at the Prospect Park Zoo. The young trio, two males and one female, are siblings. They are the first pigs ever exhibited at Pros-pect Park Zoo. Juliana pigs are the smallest breed of miniature pig, weighing less than 65 pounds as adults (a fraction of what a stan-dard-sized breed would weigh). Due to their black spots, Juliana pigs are also known as miniature painted pigs. They are renowned for their wonderful temperaments, curiosity, and intelligence. At Prospect Park Zoo, the new pigs are on exhibit alongside other domestic animals in the barn area.

Page 5: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

CALL-OUT BOX: Get to Know a Species: Roosevelt ElkRanging from Northern California to southern British Columbia, Roosevelt elk are one of the largest terrestrial animals in North America. They have distinct coats with a dark brown head and pale brown torso.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of WCS MembershipCelebrate the holidays and welcome 2016

with a gift that will last throughout the year.• FREE admission to all fi ve amazing WCS parks: Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium, Central Park, Queens, and Prospect Park Zoos• FREE access to Bronx Zoo attractions including Congo Gorilla Forest, Wild Asia Monorail, Children’s Zoo,

JungleWorld, Butterfl y Garden, Zoo Shuttle, Bug Carousel, and the 4-D Theater*• FREE parking at the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium*• FREE updates on zoo activities in Members’ News and Members’ E-News• Plus much more

To purchase gift Membership(s) for the wildlife lovers in your life or to renew your own Membership, visit bronxzoo.com or call 718-220-5112 by December 31st!*with Membership at the Premium level and above. Parking is free for the duration of your visit, subject to availability, and limited to one car per Membership per day.

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of WCS Membership

• FREE

This Holiday Season, Give the Gift of WCS MembershipThis Holiday Season, Give the Gift of WCS Membership

A Roosevelt elk calf born at WCS’s Queens Zoo has joined the rest of the herd in the zoo’s woodland habitat. Born on June 25, the calf brings

the total number of elk in the zoo’s herd to six. Roosevelt elk weigh approximately 25 pounds at birth. Adult bulls can

weigh up to 1,100 pounds and females up to 700 pounds, making them the largest of all elk subspecies. In stark contrast, the Queens Zoo is also home to the world’s smallest deer species, the pudu. A pudu fawn was born at the zoo earlier this year. Adult pudu weigh only about 25 pounds and are native to Chile and Argentina.

Safe Passage for Elk and MooseWCS’s North America Program protects the landscapes where elk roam. Researchers are working to locate the routes used by elk and moose dur-ing their seasonal migration in Idaho. Animals have been fi tted with GPS collars and are being tracked by WCS fi eld staff so that preferred highway crossing points can be identifi ed and dangerous animal/vehicle collisions can be minimized, protecting both humans and wildlife. To learn more about WCS’s work to maintain the seasonal migrations of elk and other North American species, please visit wcs.org.

Roosevelt Elk Calf Born at Queens Zoo

Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©

WCS

Get to Know a Species: Roosevelt ElkRanging from Northern California to southern British Columbia, Roosevelt elk are one of the largest terrestrial animals in North America. They have distinct coats with a dark brown head and pale brown torso.

Page 6: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

6

FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMSPlease note that ALL WCS Education Programs require pre-registration and payment. Contact us to reserve your spot as soon as possible.Family and Youth Programs: wcs.org/programs Tours and School Programs: wcs.org/schoolsBirthday Parties: wcs.org/birthdayVolunteer Opportunities: wcs.org/volunteerEducators: wcs.org/teacherpd

Members receive discounts on most programs!FAMILY PROGRAMSPlease keep an eye out for new dates and information by visiting www.wcs.org/programs, where you can easily register for all WCS Family programs.

Caregiver and Me Class Series ProgramsDesigned to en-gage our budding animal lovers in a variety of activi-ties, all programs include live ani-mal encounters, movement activi-ties, crafts, exhibit visits, and storytelling. Space is extremely limited, so inquire today! Little Hatchlings for 12 month-23 month olds at CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Toddlers/Toddler Time for 2-3 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ, & QZ. Zoo Play Kinders/Kinder Kritters for 4-5 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ & QZ.

Penguin Exploration - Central Park ZooLearn about polar life and the special adaptations penguins need to survive in their environment. Our actor-instructor team will lead the class in hands-on activities, games, drama, and puppetry to fi nd out all there is to know about penguins. Includes bagels and pastries, and a visit to the pen-guin exhibit to meet a penguin keeper. Ages 4-8 with adult. Sat, Dec 5, 2015 10am-11:30am.

Pho

tos:

(ca

reg

iver

an

d m

e)

Ver

oni

ca B

arne

s; o

ther

s: J

ulie

Lar

sen

Mah

er ©

WC

S

Now all at ONE number!1-800-433-4149Bronx Zoo (BZ): [email protected] Park Zoo (CPZ): [email protected] Park Zoo (PPZ): [email protected] Zoo (QZ): [email protected] York Aquarium (NYAQ): 718-265-3457 [email protected] Development: 718-220-5136 [email protected]

YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMSWinter Camp 2015Share the gift of Winter Zoo Camp with your little animal lover this holi-day break! Prices and times vary. Reg-istration is now open - reserve your child’s spot at www.wcs.org/camp today!

Winter Teen Internship 2015Bronx Zoo, Prospect Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo

High School Students looking for an insider perspective on potential STEM careers should look no further. Internships focus on fi eld investiga-tions, conservation practices, and even insight into some zoo professionals’ experiences. Prices, dates, and times vary by facility.

Page 7: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

7

Photos: (S

ip for the Sea): ©

Ow

en Hoffm

an/ P

atrickMcM

ullan.com

, others: Julie Larsen M

aher ©W

CS

FAMILY, YOUTH, AND ADULT PROGRAMS

Community Conservation Connections– New York AquariumPerfect for library, science or family fairs, and other community events, these programs bring the aquarium to you! See nyaquarium.com/fi eld-trips/outreach for more information.

Third Annual Sip for the Sea Supports New York AquariumOn September 16th at Central

Park Zoo, eighteen of New York City’s best chefs paired their food with wine from Jekel Vineyards at Sip for the Sea 2015 to benefi t WCS’s New York Aquarium. Hundreds attended the event, which raised awareness about the importance of sustainable seafood. All proceeds will support the New York Aquarium and WCS’s commitment to marine conservation locally and around the world. The event was sponsored by Paul Gauguin Cruises.

Sustainable seafood was served, making Sip for the Sea a win for con-servation. With many fi sh species fac-ing serious threats such as over-fi shing, sustainable seafood options help ensure the longevity of diverse and healthy ocean ecosystems around the world.

Education Department Volunteers Needed!Are you passionate about conservation, ani-mals, and education? Our volunteers teach visitors about conservation, interpret exhib-its, help with events, and much more. Visit wcs.org/volunteer for more information and to apply. Deadlines and age requirements vary per institution.

7

YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMSSummer Camp 2016 - All ParksBelieve it or not, registration for summer camp 2016 will open on January 2, 2016. Camp spots can sell out quickly, so mark this date on your calendar to assure that you can join us in your preferred week of camp!

Page 8: The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter Nov/Dec 2015 Bronx Zoo Conservation Scavenger Huntfscdn.wcs.org/2015/10/23/2mr2rjwxco_MN_Nov_Dec_20… ·  · 2015-10-23The Official WCS Members’

8

Members’ News Wildlife Conservation Society2300 Southern BoulevardBronx, NY 10460www.wcs.org

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLONG PRAIRIE, MN

PERMIT NO. 939

MEMBERS’ NEWS STAFF:Editor/Writer: Tal AviezerPhotographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise notedDesigner: Dot PayneThanks to Liz Benham, Mary Deyns-Brandão, Kevin Hils, Denise McClean, Max Pulsinelli, and Barbara Russo.

Help Save Wildlife and Wild Places

SIGN UP FOR MEMBERS’ E-NEWSIf you would prefer to receive online communications only, please visit wcs.org/enews.

Nov/Dec 2015

what’s inside1 Conservation Scavenger Hunt

2 WCS: We Stand for Wildlife

3 Bronx Zoo Stork Adopts Chick

4 What’s New at Prospect Park Zoo

5 Roosevelt Elk Calf Born at Queens Zoo

Give the Gift of WCS Membership

6 Family, Youth, and Adult Programs

7. Third Annual Sip for the Sea Supports New York Aquarium

Members’ News

Yes Sir, That’s My PorcupineA porcupine mother with her baby, born in late summer 2015 in the Children’s Zoo at WCS’s Bronx Zoo.

Photo

: Julie Larsen M

aher ©W

CS

WCS Memberships

make great gifts!

Call 718-220-5112 or visit

bronxzoo.com/membership.


Recommended