If you weren’t able to visit the Bronx Zoo in late summer/early fall 2014, you may have missed the
debut of two of the zoo’s most popular new residents – Rocket and Abdul, the giant Aldabra tortoises. If you haven’t had a chance to meet these charismatic cheloni-ans, they’ll be returning this spring and can be found, weather permitting, grazing outside Zoo Center.
Both tortoises are males; Abdul weighs approxi-mately 400 pounds and Rocket tips the scales at around 600 pounds. Their exhibit features a sandy substrate, lush vegetation, and a freshwater pool, mimicking their native habitat in the Aldabra Islands of the Seychelles. Much like Galapagos tortoises, Aldabra tortoises reach impressive size, and are thought to live 200 years or more. They have a large domed shell
(or carapace), thick limbs that are covered in bony scales, and a long muscular neck. They are terrestrial but can swim - they will enter shallow water to aid in regulating their body temperatures.
Aldabras in the WildGiant Aldabra tortoises are classifi ed as “Vulnerable”, with wild populations in decline. The Wildlife Con-servation Society works to save turtles and tortoises around the world. In 2012, WCS launched an organi-zation-wide program to revive some of the most endan-gered turtle and tortoise species. Efforts include breed-ing programs at WCS’s zoos in New York, head start programs abroad, and working with governments and communities to save species on the brink of extinction. To learn more, please visit wcs.org.
Members’ NewsThe Official WCS Members’ Newsletter May/Jun 2015
The Central Park Zoo is celebrating the arrival of NYC’s fi rst royal baby – a king penguin chick.
The chick is the fi rst king penguin ever hatched in New York City.
“This hatching is a wonderful accomplishment for our staff. It will be a treat to watch this penguin ma-ture,” said Craig Piper, WCS Director of City Zoos. “This was the fi rst year that our king penguins were old enough to potentially produce a fertile egg and we’re thrilled that conditions proved right for them to incubate, hatch, and care for the chick.”
Historic HatchingThe penguin parents hatched the chick on exhibit in August 2014. Afterward, parents and chick were moved behind the scenes to carefully monitor the young penguin’s health and development. The fam-ily recently rejoined the rest of the penguin colony where zoo visitors are able to watch the chick trans-form from a gawky brownish fl uff-ball to an elegant adult penguin.
The Central Park Zoo has a long, successful his-tory with the care and husbandry of penguins. The Polar Circle exhibit is home to more than 60 pen-guins representing four species: gentoo, chinstrap, rockhopper, and king. The new addition brings the total number of king penguins at the zoo to seven. The sex of the new chick has yet to be determined.
Breeding in the Polar CircleThe Polar Circle exhibit is built to replicate condi-tions penguins experience in the wild. Both air and water temperatures are maintained below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Special lighting simulates natural sea-sonal adjustments in day/night cycles. The change in sunrise and sunset throughout the year lets the penguins know when it is breeding season and trig-gers instinctual mating behaviors. Careful manage-ment of environmental conditions and meticulous monitoring of behaviors are key elements vital to the success of the husbandry work. Rather than building a nest, the king penguin parents incubate the egg on their feet, safely tucked under a fl ap of skin called a
brood pouch to keep it warm. It is passed between the parents for the entire incubation period. The egg is in-cubated for 53 to 62 days, and the chick will stay with its parents for 10 to 13 months.
Penguins in the WildKing penguins are native to islands north of Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, and Tierra del Fuego. They are the second-largest penguin species, surpassed only by their close relative, the emperor penguin. The four penguin species at the Central Park Zoo are not endangered, but they face serious environmental threats in the wild in-cluding climate change, overfi shing, and the degrada-tion of coastal ecosystems. WCS scientists are looking at how climate change is affecting penguin populations, and working around the globe to address these marine conservation problems that continue to plague wildlife. In Latin America, WCS works to safeguard several spe-cies of penguin in coastal Argentina and Chile, and has helped establish marine protected areas in both coun-tries. For more information on WCS’s efforts to protect penguins, please visit wcs.org.
Penguin Royalty at the Central Park Zoo
The 2015 Mornings at the Zoo series continues in May and June! This series of special events is
open to WCS Members at the Conservation Supporter level and above. Join us before the zoo opens for a look at some spectacular animals and exhibits, and the opportunity to gain an insider’s understanding of wildlife conservation and animal care.
Breakfast with the Animals Saturday, May 16th at 9am at the Bronx ZooJoin us for breakfast treats and a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with some very special animals and educators. You’ll also have early morn-ing access to Congo Gorilla Forest. Meet outside Congo Gorilla Forest. Please note that Southern Bou-levard Parking Lot (Lot C) and Asia Pedestrian Gate ONLY will be open at 8:30am for this event; Bronx River Parking Lot will NOT be open. Attendance is strictly limited; pre-registration required. Sign up for 9:00am, 9:20am, 9:40am, or 10am animal sessions. Light refreshments served.
Tortoises and Dragons Sunday, June 14th at 9am at the Bronx ZooThe Bronx Zoo’s beautiful Zoo Center building opens early just for you, and our Herpetology keepers will be on-hand to share the secrets of caring for Komodo dragons and giant Aldabra tortoises in some of the zoo’s newest exhibits! Our white rhinos and California sea lions will also be out early enjoying the spring sunshine. Meet at Zoo Center. Please note that Southern Boulevard Parking Lot (Lot C) and Asia Pedestrian Gate ONLY will be open at 8:30am for this event; Bronx River Parking Lot will NOT be open. Light refreshments served.
Not a Conservation-Level Member?Mornings at the Zoo events are open only to Members at the
Conservation Supporter level and above. If you are not at Conservation-level Member and would like to attend,
you can join, renew, or upgrade your Membership today by calling (718) 220-5112. Conservation-
level Membership starts at the $295 Conserva-tion Supporter Level.
Participate in the Forever Wildlife Legacy Match by designating WCS as a benefi ciary in your will, or of your individual retirement account, life insurance policy, or bank account.When you inform us of your bequest commitment, one of our Life Trustees will match 10% of the future value of your gift, up to $100,000 as an immediate cash donation to WCS. Please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at nbenoliel @wcs.org or 718.741.1628. Act now: The Legacy Match ends December 31st, 2015. Thank you!Your bequest to WCS will play a decisive impact in saving wildlife today and tomorrow.
Chinese Big-Headed Turtle BabiesThree Chinese big-headed turtles
have hatched at WCS’s Prospect Park Zoo, the only facility ac-
credited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
to successfully breed this species. The zoo is breeding the turtles as part of WCS’s global effort to save criti-cally endangered turtles from extinction. The
strategy draws on all of the resources and exper-
tise across the organization – including WCS’s four zoos
and aquarium, Wildlife and Zoological Health Programs, and
Global Conservation Programs – to take direct responsibility for the continued survival of some of the world’s most endangered tortoises and freshwater turtles. While the hatchlings live in a non-public area of the park, visitors to Prospect Park Zoo can encounter an adult female Chinese big-headed turtle on exhibit in the Hall of Animals.
WCS breeds Chinese big-headed turtles and other endan-gered turtle species to build “assurance colonies”. These man-aged colonies maintain a genetically viable population until conservationists are able to stabilize wild populations. The de-velopment of assurance colonies, along with work in the fi eld, is part of WCS’s widespread conservation effort to save turtles. P
Participate in the Forever Wildlife Legacy Match by designating WCS as a benefi ciary in your will, or of your individual retirement account, life insurance policy, or bank account.When you inform us of your bequest commitment, one of our Life Trustees will match 10% of the future value of your gift, up to $100,000 as an immediate cash donation to WCS. Please visit wcs.giftplans.org or contact Nora Benoliel at
The Legacy Match ends December 31st, 2015. Thank you!Your bequest to WCS will play a decisive impact in
Marmoset TwinsThe wide-eyed Geoffroy’s marmosets are among the most popular residents of the Pros-pect Park Zoo’s Hall of Animals. Recently, the marmoset family got a little bigger with the birth of twin babies. Females of this species typically produce two offspring at a time.
Geoffroy’s marmosets, also known as “white-fronted marmosets,” are native to small fragments of Atlantic rainfor-est in eastern Brazil. While the spe-cies is not en-dan-gered, they live in areas that are susceptible to deforesta-tion. WCS works within this species’ range and in many South American countries to reconcile human development needs with conservation.
The Bronx Zoo is a place to encounter amazing animals from around the world, but did you
know it’s also one of New York City’s most impor-tant stopover points for migrating wild birds? Join us to celebrate the spring migration at the Bronx Zoo. Whether you’re a birding wiz or you can’t tell a wood-pecker from a warbler, we’ve got fun activities you won’t want to miss. Your registration fee includes: • All day admission to the Bronx Zoo• Early access to the zoo and exhibits• Exclusive activities and talks with our bird experts• JetBlue presents Birds in Flight by ABCC – an
amazing live bird demonstration on Astor Court• Meet Professor Flight and learn about bird move-
ment and other behaviors at the World of Birds• A fun and educational day!Who will be crowned champion at the second an-
nual Bronx Zoo Birdathon? Birders of all ages and skill levels are invited to spot the diverse array of spe-cies found here. Come have fun and compete for great prizes provided by Vanguard.
Though few people associate the Bronx Zoo with birdwatching, our 265-acre campus is actually an avi-an paradise. Hugging the edge of the Bronx River, the serene expanse hosts a wide variety of migratory and resident birds, including warblers, vireos, thrushes, woodpeckers, ducks, wading birds, and more.
Member DiscountsWCS Members can purchase tickets to the Bronx Zoo Birdathon for just $15 for adults, $5 for children (non-Member tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children). Tickets are available now at bronxzoo.com.
Presenting Sponsor
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2015 WCS MEMBERS’ EVENINGS AT THE BRONX ZOO
Thursday, July 16 & Tuesday, July 21 – 4pm-7:30pm
SAVE THE
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7:30am – 12:30pm
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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/teacherpdCamps: wcs.org/campsNow all at ONE number!
Members receive discounts on most programs!FAMILY PROGRAMSVisit http://www.wcs.org/programs for more information, and to register for all WCS Family programs below!
Family Fun Day- Scouts Spring Fling at Central Park ZooCentral Park Zoo is hosting a special day at the zoo for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts! Come with a parent or the entire troop. The zoo will be fi lled with special activities just for you, focusing on migration and outdoor exploration. Sun., May 17, 10am-2pm.
Celebrate Amazing Moms and Dads at the New York AquariumHonor great animal parents alongside your own loved ones, learning how these animals care for their young and what they teach their little ones. A memorable day to spend together as a family! Amazing Moms: Sea Otters- Sun., May 10. Amazing Dads: Penguins- Sun., June 21.
Caregiver and Me Class Series ProgramsSign up now for the four zoos’ spring caregiver-and-me programs, designed to engage our budding animal lovers in a variety of activ-ities. All programs include live animal encounters, movement ac-tivities, crafts, exhibit visits, and storytelling. Space is extremely limited, so inquire today! Little Hatchlings for 10 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 Krit-ters for 4-5 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ & QZ.
Family Overnights at Bronx and Queens ZoosJoin us for a unique overnight experience at the zoo under the spring sky! You & your family will be treated to fun-fi lled activities throughout evening and morning, and meet some of our animals up close. Bring your own tent, sleeping bags, & picnic dinner. Beverages, dessert, late-night snack, & breakfast will be provided. No need for alarm clocks; our vocal sea lions will provide the wake-up call. May 2-3 and June 13-14 at BZ, May 16-17 and June 6-7 at QZ. Prices and ages vary.
Onsite Professional Development Programs The Education Division of WCS offers teacher courses throughout the year, on weekends as well as during vacations, at all fi ve WCS parks across the city. All courses can be taken for graduate credits or P credits from the NYC Department of Education. For more information, visit wcs.org/teachers/teacherpd or call 718-220-5136. Discounts available for members!
YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMSSummer Zoo Camp 2015Our zoos and aquarium offer unique summer camps for children ages 2 and up. Most youth camps are Monday through Friday, prices and times vary. Registration is open and some sessions have already sold out- reserve your child’s spot at wcs.org/camp today.
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 are 3 weeks long, focusing on fi eld investigations, conservation practices, and even insight into some zoo professionals’ experiences. Prices, dates, and times vary by facility. wcs.org/camp
Teen Volunteering Opportunities 2015 Bronx Zoo, Prospect Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and New York Aquarium
WCS Education is looking for teen volunteers who are passionate about conservation, animals, and education. Our volunteers teach visitors about conservation, interpret exhibits, help with events, and much more. Deadlines and age requirements vary per institution. Applications are now being accepted for Spring interviews. Visit wcs.org/volunteer for more information and to apply.
It’s time to
WCS is partnering with Nickelodeon to cele-brate Earth Day all year round, by encouraging kids to “Get Dirty”, go outside, and save the planet. Visit Nick.com/GetDirty for animal facts, Earth Day tips, and more!
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Members’ News Wildlife Conservation Society2300 Southern BoulevardBronx, NY 10460www.wcs.org
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MEMBERS’ NEWS STAFF:Editor/Writer: Tal AviezerPhotographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise notedDesigner: Dot PayneThanks to Max Pulsinelli, Barbara Russo, Christina Sirabian
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SIGN UP FOR MEMBERS’ E-NEWSIf you would prefer to receive online communications only, please visit wcs.org/enews.
May/Jun 2015
what’s inside1 Tortoise Power!
2 Penguin Royalty at Central Park Zoo
3 Mornings at the Zoo
4 What’s New at Prospect Park Zoo
5 Bronx Zoo Birdathon
6 Family, Youth, and Adult Programs
Members’ News
With warmer weather fi nally returning, the Bronx Zoo’s gelada baboon tribe is making its return to the Baboon Reserve, an outdoor exhibit they share with rock hyraxes and Nubian ibexes.
