Zoo Staff
Scott Shoemaker, Zoo Director
[email protected]
Mark Ryan, General Curator
[email protected]
Rachel Soash, Curator of Education
[email protected]
Allie Lousch, Marketing/
Development Officer
[email protected]
Robert D. Klemm, Ph.D.
Director of Conservation & Research
[email protected]
Tammy L. Jones, Administrative Asst./
FOSZ Membership Coordinator
[email protected]
Becky Clark, Education Assistant
[email protected]
Ella Todd, Marketing Assistant
[email protected]
James Carpenter, MS, DVM, Dipl ACZM,
Senior Zoo Veterinarian
Animal Keepers
Animal Keeper II
Lisa Greening
Animal Keeper I
Denise LeRoux, Christina Madden, Karen
Randolph, Anna Quaintance, Regan
Slonecker, Jason Guengerich
Maintenance
Rick Hill, Zoo Maintenance Technician
David Ingram, Maintenance II
Adam Knepper, Horticulturist
Education
Program Assistants, Seasonal
Educators, ZOO Crew Supervisors
Megan Bindel, Erinn Bock, Carrie Boltz,
Wyatt Cooper, Neeley Kleen, Teraney
Marshall, Jamie Morales, Elise Neuer, Diana
Quinones, Becky Rankin, Amanda Sanders,
Jasmine Sharp, Jeremy Thronbrugh,
Krista Wertz
Guest Services
Gate Attendants
Patty Huddleston, Christine Jimerson,
Hollie Wells
Concession Stand/Gift Shop
Christina Council, Guest Services Manager
Lisa Allen, Lora Hayden, Allison Jones, Erin
Kinney, Katie Link, Sarah Schlageck
On the cover: Asian Small Clawed Otter
Photo courtesy of Joel Sartore.
Friends of Sunset Zoo (FOSZ) Board
Officers
Members
David Carter
President
[email protected]
Amy Gross, Ph.D.
Vice President
[email protected]
Verlyn Richards, Ph.D.
Treasurer
[email protected]
Barbie Anderson
Secretary
[email protected]
Mary Bowen &
Jennifer Butler
ZooParent Coordinators
[email protected]
[email protected]
Kathy Chapman-Caywood
James Coffman, Ph.D.
Midge Jones
Nancy Knopp
Kyle Mankin, Ph.D.
Dan Scott
Membership Information
[email protected]
(785) 587-APES
The Zoo Insider is published
quarterly with funding provided by the
Friends of Sunset Zoo.
Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation TrustSunset
Officers
Mimi Balderson,
President
Sheryl Ballard, Vice President
Bob Haines, Treasurer
Pat Tippin, Secretary
Connie Sink, Member-at-Large
Mark McMillin, Past President
Committee Chairmen
Richard Wartell,
Communications
Bob Haines, Finance
Jerry Weis, Education/
Conservation/Horticulture
Connie Sink, Membership
Members
Kyle Arnold
Sheryl Ballard & Roy Clayton
Gary & Mary Boomer
John & Pat Conderman
Mike & Janet Daniels
Peggy Flouer
Larry & Marilyn Fox
Pat Frey
Tom & Mary Kevin Giller
Charles Gillum, Au.D. & Anne Gillum
Mike & Kathy Holen, Ph.D.s
Bob & Marilyn Johnson
Sharon Kellstrom, J.D.
Bob & Diana McCaustland
Jon & Kathy Murdock
Russell Reitz, M.D.
Bill & Linda Richter, Ph.D.s
Debbie Saroff
Emil & Sandy Scherlacker
Joan Shull
Roger Sink
John & Cheryl Walters
John & Marlyn Walters
Jerry Weis, Ph.D. & Linda Weis
Douglass R. Wiley
Don & Jan Wissman, Ph.D.s
Director’s Message
Scott Shoemaker
Zoo Director
Dear Friends,
Spring has been a wild and busy time to be at Sunset Zoo! The
inaugural Friends of Sunset Zoo’s Wine in the Wild proved to be a
success and concluded a year long planning process. On behalf of the
Zoo staff, Thank you, FOSZ! for your hard work in support of the
planned education building and the Zoo mission, “to inspire
conservation of the natural world.” To read more about Wine in the
Wild, check out page 6 of this issue.
We will soon be introducing Julian, a new male chimp, to our
chimpanzee community. He is nearing the end of his month long
quarantine process and will soon be familiarized to the other chimps.
This marks Julian’s second visit to Sunset Zoo and we hope for a
smooth introduction. Keep a lookout for a new face in the chimp
exhibit!
We are looking ahead to a wild summer of fun at the Zoo. Sunset
Zoo will be open Wednesday, July 4, Independence Day, and we invite
you to celebrate with us in our newly expanded Pavilion or chill out
with the snow leopards along the Asian Forest Trail. Just remember
to leave the fireworks, noisemakers, and sparklers outside of the Zoo.
Sunset Zoo will host the second annual Water Safari & Pepsi Kids
Free Day, Saturday, August 4. If your community group is interested
in joining the popular water event, call Allie Lousch, our Marketing/
Development Officer, or Ella Todd, Marketing Assistant. Check out
page 9 for more information on all of our summer events!
In the meantime, visit Sunset Zoo every day, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., or
anytime online at www.SunsetZoo.com.
We look forwarded to seeing you at the Zoo,
INSIDE
this issue ...
page 4
Cheetah Run...Are You
Fast Enough?
page 5
Why Sunset Zoo Matters
page 6-7
Wine in the Wild Wrap-Up
page 8
Welcome Allie!
page 9
Upcoming Special Events
page 10
FOSZ Membership
Recognition
page 11
Spotlight on Education
page 12
Zoo Staff Member
Wins Scholarship
page 14-15
Summer Education Classes
Registration Forms
Back Cover
Meet your Board Member
3
Cheetah Run... Are you Fast Enough?
Mark Ryan, General Curator
Thanks to the generosity of one of our well traveled docents, Joan
Shull, we have a new and exciting enrichment activity at the Zoo, a
cheetah lure system or “cheetah run.” Sounds neat! But, what is it?
Simply put, it is a motorized pulley system that runs through the cheetah
habitat and entices the animals into showing off what cheetahs are
best known for – running!
The process is quite simple and resembles a Greyhound racetrack.
Here’s how the lure works: a string is threaded around the perimeter of the habitat through a series of pulleys. It is then connected to
a motor that will control the movement of the string (and anything
attached to it) through the habitat. The lure can be pulled through
the habitat in a variety of ways, including a complete loop around the
habitat or in either direction. It can be stopped and started at any
point, and the lure can “run” through the habitat at a variable rate of
speed. So far, the Keepers have used has been a simple paper bag as a
lure, however a number of items can be used from shiny colorful
objects to even food treats.
Why do the cheetahs chase the lure? Initially, cheetahs are attracted
to the novelty of having something unusual in their exhibit. Add that
the lure moves and the cheetah’s curiosity and hunting instincts are
triggered. They are cats after all... The challenge becomes keeping
the animals’ interest over time as the novelty will assuredly wear off.
A quick discussion about enrichment might be helpful. Enrichment
helps improve the overall quality of life for an animal. Successful
enrichment has to stir the animal’s internal desire to become involved
in the activity. In order for an enrichment to be successful it has to
be obtainable by the animal. That is why you often hear “zoo people”
say that enrichment needs to include a reward or that the
enrichment should be inherently rewarding. With the cheetah run,
the reward can come in a variety of forms: simply catching the lure,
scenting the lure with a smell the cheetahs get excited over, surprise
treats, or even the reward of running around. The key here is to keep
things randomized and interesting so that we make the activity as
unpredictable for the cheetahs as possible.
Another note worth mentioning, while the animals certainly will
develop some conditioned responses, we aren’t trying to train the
animals to chase the lure. Right now we are simply adding some
extra variety to the cheetah’s habitat and letting the cheetahs decide
what to do! This brings up an exciting question of whether or not we
could use the lure as a way to train the cheetahs? But the answer to
that must wait for another day. For now, can you run fast enough?
4
Above: Cheetah chases the lure.
Below:The Zoo’s pair of male cheetahs.
Why Sunset Zoo Matters
Allie Lousch, Marketing/Development Officer
In the short weeks that I’ve been working alongside
Keepers, Zoopers, Junior ZooKeepers, docents, office
volunteers, K-State Vet Med students, and Zoo staff, I’ve
become more convinced than ever that Sunset Zoo
Matters! A walk through the Asian Forest Trail
becomes more than just a chance meeting with a few
exotic animals, it’s an interactive education about the
need to conserve and protect our global neighborhood.
An expedition along the African Forest Trail reveals
the beauty of the primate community, “up close and
personal”. Even a moment’s quiet on a Sunset Zoo
bench is front-row-center to the safari symphony.
Sunset Zoo, long-accredited by the Association of Zoos
and Aquariums (AZA), is ranked among the top 10%
of zoos nationwide. Its mission, “to inspire conservation
of the natural world”, is revealed among the record
breaking 42,000 people attending education programs
in 2006, partnerships with USD 383 to provide
after-school programming that enhance existing district
curricula and meet national science education standards;
a collaboration with KSU to provide hands-on
teaching opportunities to Vet-Med students, and the new
Go Green! conservation initiative. Thanks to a recent
grant from AT&T, Sunset Zoo is now able to expand
education offerings to include age-appropriate online
research and technical programming.
their understanding and to explore their environment.
The AZA website, www.aza.org/ForEveryone/enrichment,
describes enrichment as “providing stimulating and
challenging environments for animals in zoos and
aquariums — is as critical to an animal’s well-being as
having the right food and medical care... Animals need
opportunities to run, jump, pounce, climb, burrow, dive, hunt
for food, and explore...Enrichment keeps animals mentally
and physically fit.” Sunset Zoo is enrichment for our
regional human community; an important resource for
humans to run, jump, pounce…explore.
Sunset Zoo offers interactive real-time adventure in an
age of digital gaming, text-messaging, and schedules
burdened to the breaking point. With ample green
space, over 330 animals representing 105 species, a
dynamic education program, and a team of creative,
committed, and caring professionals, Sunset Zoo
is enrichment for the human mind, heart, and
experience. No appointment is required for a walk
in the wild. Sunset Zoo is open seven days a week,
9:30 am – 5:00 pm. Bring a lunch for an hour of respite
during a busy day.
Visit Sunset Zoo online at www.SunsetZoo.com.
We’ll leave the wild on for you.
Along with Sunset Zoo’s intentional learning
opportunities, are the unique encounters visitors’
enjoy among Zoo residents. As guests observe a colony
of raccoons sleeping heaped upon a branch or a chimp
digging in a “termite mound” with a stick tool, a new
connection is forged between the human environment
and the natural world. The Zoo is a vital living learning
lab in the middle of Manhattan; enriching human
experience in a way that a television documentary or
powerpoint cannot. Sunset Zoo brings education
to life.
We talk a lot about enrichment at Sunset Zoo; those
things which encourage animal residents to stretch
5
Wine in the Wild 2007:
Highlights and photos from Friends of Sunset Zoo’s Fundraiser
Despite dampening weather conditions, the Friends of Sunset Zoo’s first Wine in the Wild fundraiser was a marked
success! Guests spent an evening in the wild at Sunset Zoological Park, Saturday, May 26th, 2007. Over 150
community and staff members enjoyed gourmet appetizers and unique wines from around the world.
The event, presented by Kansas State University’s College of Education, raised approximately $10,000 for the
construction of Sunset Zoo’s proposed Education Building and Entry Complex. The “Deadly Jewel” champagne
toast contributed over $2,000 to this amount.
Sunset Zoo’s poison dart frogs, “the Deadly Jewels of the Amazon,” provided the evening’s theme. The colorful
frogs were the highlight of a champagne toast that provided guests an opportunity to take home their own
“deadly jewel.” Reed and Elliot Jewelers, Manhattan, donated a .52 ct. diamond valued at $2,200, .78 ct. emerald
valued at $1,375, .53 ct. ruby valued at $475 and .67 ct. sapphire valued at $375 for the toast. Friends of Sunset
Zoo congratulates Rick Chubb, Cindy and Ashlyn Kite, Ann Farrar, and Kathy Holen, winners of the “Deadly
Jewels”who took home the diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire, respectively.
The Friends of Sunset Zoo look forward to making this event a Zoo tradition and are excited at the potential
growth possibilities. For more information about the Friends of Sunset Zoo contact 785-587-2737.
The Friends of Sunset Zoo thanks the following sponsors for their
generous support of Wine in the Wild:
Presenting Sponsor
KSU College of Education
Executive Sponsors
Reed & Elliott Jewelers
WDM Designs
Sustaining Sponsors
Copy Co.
Clarion Hotel
McCullough Development
Associate Sponsors
Arthur-Green L.L.P.
Complete Music
DPRA Incorporated
Glazer’s Distributors of Kansas
GTM Sportswear
Pepsi Cola
6
Manhattan ATA Black Belt
Academy
KSU College of Veterinary
Medicine
KSU College of Veterinary
Medicine Teaching Hospital
Nespor’s Wine & Spirits
Stonecreek Family Physicians
Sunset Zoological Park & Wildlife
Conservation Trust
Individual Sponsors
Mimi Balderson
Dr. Thomas Barth
Rahim & Martha Borhani
David & Mary Carter
Jim & Sharon Coffman
Peggy Flouer
Phil & Margaret Howe
Nancy & Joe Knopp
Amy Gross & John Pagen
Karolyn Tacha
Verlyn Richards
John & Marlyn Walters
Marquee Sponsors
Atwood Rentals
Community First
National Bank
Dara’s Fast Lane
The Eye Doctors
GTM Sportswear
Lakin’s/Master Landscape
Lemmy’s Pizzaria
Manhattan Motors
Mead Lumber
Sunflower Bank
Varney’s
Top Left: Ashlyn Kite, Emerald
Deadly Jewel Winner.
Top Right: Chimpcasso, a chimp
painting part of the silent auction.
Left: Guests enjoy the remarks by
Bill Snyder, Honorary Wine in the
Wild Chair.
Bottom Left: Bill Snyder,
Honorary Chair.
Bottom Right: Attendees examine the 3-D model of the proposed
Education Building
created by
WDM Design.
Photos courtesy of
Christina Council.
7
New Face at the Zoo
Allie Lousch, Marketing/Development Officer
I am excited to be working alongside Sunset Zoo staff
as the Marketing/Development Officer. Sometimes, I
feel that I have to pinch myself. Am I really working at
the Zoo? Then the kookaburra calls or the wallabies
amble by and I realize that this really is another good
day at Sunset Zoo. In my short weeks here, I’ve come
to truly appreciate how you, as Friends of Sunset Zoo,
promote and partner in the Zoo’s success.
Sunset Zoo has long been a favorite place to “get away”
for an hour or afternoon-a place to take mini vacations
in the ordinary week. Green space. As my children
arrived and toddled on, we spent many hours (and a
few birthday parties) at Sunset Zoo “airing out” and
getting to know the Zoo residents. Sunset Zoo became
an important resource for our family; a place where we
incorporate learning, volunteering, conservation, and
logging as much time out-of-doors as possible!
Though not native to Kansas, my childhood family often
moved between Fort Riley and Germany. We lived
most often between the mysteries of Midwest weather
and German culture. After graduating from high school
in Ulm, Germany, I moved to the U.S.,thinking that no
other place would feel like “home.” But life in Manhattan has fostered a love for the Flint Hills and the people
of the plains; it has become very much home.
Since graduating from K-State, I’ve worked in social
research and development; education grant work, and
of late, in communications for the City of Manhattan.
And now, I am glad to promote and help to build upon
the Sunset Zoo mission; “to inspire conservation of the
natural world.”
It has been a busy few weeks with Wine in the Wild,
ZOObilation, and PrimatePalooza! I hope to soon find
a good pace of inviting people and resources into the
adventure of Sunset Zoo. There is no other place I’d
rather be during the work week.
If you are at the Zoo soon, stop by the office. I’d love to
meet you, listen to your ideas, and swap Sunset Zoo
stories!
8
Looking for
something
Fun&
Educational?
SUNSET
ZOO
EDUCATION
CLASSES
See page 14 for more details.
A Wet N’ Wild Summer
Sunset Zoo’s Upcoming Special Events
Sunset Zoo hosts fifteen special events annually
that showcase various aspects of our animal
community. Summer is a great time to check
them out!
July
FOSZ Kids Free Day
July 7, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Children under 12 receive free admission
courtesy of Friends of Sunset Zoo.
Manhattan’s Fire Department’s Spray & Splash,Water Safari 2006
August
Water Safari &
Pepsi Kids Free Day
August 4, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Make a splash at Sunset Zoo’s annual water
event. Children under 12 will receive free
admission courtesy of Pepsi-Cola.
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
Wildcat Week
August 19-26, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
K-State students, faculty and staff receive half
price admssion to the zoo with valid K-State
identification.
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
The Squirt Gun Zone,Water Safari 2006
Enrichment Day
August 26, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Watch the animal keepers in action as they
provide enrichment activities to the Zoo’s
exotic animal collection.
September
○
Retire to the Sunset Zoo
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
September 9, 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Grandparents receive free admission with a
paying child.
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
Brownie the Bear enjoys a watermelon, Enrichment Day 2006
9
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
○
Membership Recognition
The Friends of Sunset Zoo would like to recognize the following members for their membership of five or more
years. Thank you for your continued support of the Zoo. We look forward to five more wonderful years!
THANK YOU:
Louise & Virgil Adams
John & Sandra Allard
William R. Anderson
Trent & Laura Armbrust
Mimi Balderson
Donna & Dean Bark
Ken & Ann Bartel
Scott & Tanya Baruth
Nancy & Richard Becker
Nikki Hunter & Mary Bell
Norma & Kyle Blakely
Steve & Dorothy Ann Bollman
Dale & Connie Book
Jeff & Terri Bourisaw
Annie & Aaron Bowyer
Liz & Dan Boyle
Steve & Wesa Brantl
Chad & Diana Brightbill
Glen & Marizol Brown
Doris Burnett
Rob & Krista Caffey
Hiedi Hathaway & April
Carmickle
James & Terry Carpenter
Wally & Trisha Cash
Preston & Diana Chapel
Tom & Sue Chavey
Raymond & Rebecca Clotfelter
Todd & Chun-Yen Cochrane
Jim & Sue Colley
Stan & Veronica Conkwright
Anne Cowan
Catherine & Lois Crane
Clay & Erin Crouch
Dixie & Shaun Curtis
Kelly Ball & Nick Curto
Dirk & Sherri Daveline
Lincoln & Dorothy Deihl
Mark & Carolyn Devane
Irene Ward & Ron Downey
Dean & Edna Dragsdorf
Kameron & Carol Dugan
David & Kathy Dzewaltowski
10
Todd & Kelly Easton
Kenneth & Gayle Edminston
Larry & Laurel Erickson
T Michael & Debbie Fegan
Britt & Cam Feltner
Mike & Andrea Fields
Bill & Julia Flach
Mary Ann Fleming
Kevin & Rebecca Frakes
Pat Frey
Vern & Ann Friesen
Jack & Nathalie Fry
Rick & Beverly Fulton
Wayne & Patricia Geyer
Tom & Mary Giller
Susanne Koppitz & Bruce
Glymour
Rob & Chandra Gordon
Kirk & Christy Gray
Dick & Barbara Green
Rhonda Mac & Gordon
Gunderson
David & Karen Gustafso
Kevin & Sherri Gwinner
Susan Haas
Gerald & Atina Hanna
Steve & Margaret Haug
Jerry & Diane Haug
Martha & Ed Havenstein
Dale & Connie Hayden
Dan & Susie Higgins
Joleen Hill
Thomas L & Betty Holder
Mike & Lynn Holtman
Joyce Delehanty Hoyt
Pat & Sterling Hudgins
Sue Carolyn Hunt
Ann Hyde
Cecile & Judy Ingalsbe
Greg Knittel & Susan James
Allen & Harriette Janke
Gary & Jolene Johnson
Clyde & Margaret Jones
Kail & Rebecca Katzenmeier
Jayson & Wendy Kaus
Ed Faiola & Janice Keelan
Steve & Terri Keeley
Jerry & Sandi Kinser
Julie Russell & Charles Kipp
Berl & Martina Koch
Slawomir Winecki &
Olga Koper
Eric & Cheri Koppes
Mike & Linda Herman
Sam & Yvonne Lacy
Kelly & Pat Landes
Jack & Marian Larson
Kyle Mankin
Karin & John Matta
Barbara & Roger Maughmer
Paige & Garry McCarthy
Clarissa Clemons &
Claudia McAlister
John & Karen McCulloh
Terry & Denise McDaniel
Ann McDonald
Dan & Sherri Minick
William E & Phyllis M Moore
Mark & Melanie Moser
Frank & Joan Mosier
Diane & Dan Murphy
Pat Murray
Kent & Elizabeth Nelson
Jim & Evadne Olson
Michael & Sharon O’Shea
Dorthea & Arthur Palmer
Doris Pankratz
Daryl & Michelle Parker
Amy & Chris Paune
Gary & Judy Peter
Mary Rezac & Peter
Pfromm
Jerry & Betty Phares
Barbara Poresky
Fritz & Ann Pyle
Beverly Randall
Rebecca Rohr-Randolph &
Clint Randolph
Bob & Mary Reader
Larry & Barb Reno
Verlyn Richards
Dan & Mitzi Richards
Bill & Linda Richter
Alan & Vickie Riniker
Mike & Sheila Ritchie
Paul & Patricia Rosell
Marvin & Deb Roth
Lee & Lea Ruggles
Donald & Carolyn Seger
Jim & Gail Shroyer
Joan Shull
GE & Sue Simmons
Renee Spurlock
Jan & Don Stalbaurn
Paul & Lydia Steinlage
David & Jill Steward
Jeff & Jodi Stugeon
Brian & Mindi Sturn
Allen & Deborah Sylvester
Emily Shirley & Clay Taylor
Amy & Jim Teaney
Vicki & Scott Terril
Kristine & Samantha Tiroch
Gwen & Jay Turner
Dean Denner & Cia Vershelden
DeAnn & Steve Waldron
Charles & Shannon Walker
John & Marlyn Walters
Ashli Lewis & Gregg Webster
Melanie & Dennis Weisman
Jane Westfall
Greg & Tiffany Whisler
Bob & Vicki Whitaker
Stefan Yates & Debra Wilcox
Susan & Calvin Wilson
Carroll Winegardner
Ottie K & Earnest Worley
Liz Sampson & Kevin Zellers
Spotlight On Education: Indian Star Tortoises
Jeremy Thornbrugh, Program Assistant
Illegal trade worldwide is based on three things: guns,
drugs, and animals. Illegal wildlife trade is a six billion
dollar a year industry that threatens wildlife in every
corner of the globe. Species around the world are hunted
to the brink of extinction for their meat, fur, feathers,
scales, skin, to be used in traditional medicine, or for the
pet trade. Some of the species you see around Sunset
Zoo suffer from illegal trade in the wild; two of the
individuals you may never have seen before actually lived
through it.
Kachuva and Tara are the two Indian star tortoises living
in the education department at Sunset Zoo. They were
born in one of three distinct populations within India,
Pakistan or Sri Lanka. All three of these countries are
members of CITES, or the Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora,
an agreement between governments worldwide to
monitor the international trade of wild plants and
animals. Even though all three of these countries have
enacted harsh laws banning the export of all CITES
species, Indian star tortoises are still a major target
for smugglers.
Hatchlings are merely an inch-and-a-half in diameter and
have no protection against poachers. Kachuva and Tara,
along with hundreds of other Indian star tortoises, were
collected by poachers and made ready for a perilous
journey. Transportation typically includes a plastic bag
that the animals are taped or shoved into; often times
dehydrated or drugged to the point of near death, and
then smuggled in through luggage. A popular smuggling
destination is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
turtles, lizards, snakes, crocodilians, and butterflies are
protected. Land dwelling tortoises are not protected at
all. If Indian star tortoises are snuck through the airport,
they can be sold openly at any store without
punishment. In the case of Kachuva and Tara, they were
smuggled back out of Kuala Lumpur by the same means
as they made it in, and arrived in the Kansas City Airport
to become a birthday present for a businessman’s child.
Luckily, they were discovered by KCI, rescued, and sent
to live here at Sunset Zoo; while the businessman was
sent to live in jail.
Every year 20,000 Indian Star Tortoises are smuggled
out of India alone; of these, most will die. But there are
organizations that are helping. TRAFFIC, a joint effort
by WWF and the World Conservation Union, was
created with the sole purpose of halting illegal trade of
wildlife. TRAFFIC, along with its parent organizations,
worldwide governments, and the AZA are helping to
snub out illegal trade in animals across the globe. With
global cooperation and increased vigilance we,
Malaysia is a CITES country, but through an oversight of as humans, can make a positive impact on wildlife
two major governing laws only birds, mammals, water species worldwide.
DID YOU KNOW?
•
95% of all Indian star tortoises die within six months of arrival due to inadequate care
and stress from their journey.
•
Indian star tortoises are a considered a delicacy in the far-East, fetching $22,000 each.
•
Over 38,000 Mammals, 365,000 Birds, 2 Million Reptiles, 49 Million Amphibians, and
216 Million Fish imported to the United States in 2002
11
Zoo Staff Member Wins Scholarship
Sunset Zoo’s Marketing Assistant, Ella Todd, was recently named a 2007
Udall Scholar. Todd joins 80 students nationwide to receive the $5,000
scholarship award that honors former Arizona Congressman, Morris K.
Udall for his legacy of public service.
The scholars were selected from 434 candidates and nominated by 221
colleges and universities. Recipients of the award have a strong
commitment to public service and have interest in careers involving the
environment or Native American tribal policy.
After graduation in May of 2008, Todd plans to work for an
environmental non-profit as a marketing or communications director.
Todd credits her work at the Zoo for sparking her interest in the
environment and providing a majority of the application’s narrative.
“Before working at Sunset Zoo I was unsure of the direction I wanted to
take after graduation. Through my experiences here, I now realize the
strong need for environmental conservation education and how my interest in marketing can play a role. Whether
I work for a Zoo or an organization like World Wildlife Federation, I hope to create a medium that creatively gets
that message out there.”
In early August,Todd will travel to Tucson, Arizona to attend an Udall Scholarship Orientation week. She will join
this year’s award recipients, Udall alumni, foundation staff, and distinguished guests to discuss environmental
issues and learn more about the foundation’s award. To read more about the award and view Todd’s profile visit
www.udall.gov.
Click
for
Conservation
Sunset Zoo has teamed up with www.goodsearch.com, a
search engine powered by Yahoo!, supports non-profit
organizations. Each time you search the web using goodsearch,
money will be donated to the zoo.
Log onto www.goodsearch.com, enter “friends of sunset zoo”
as your charity and click verify.
For easy accessibility to the internet, download the goodsearch
toolbar onto your browser absolutely free. Support Sunset Zoo
and use goodsearch every time you search the net!
12
WISH
LIST
EDUCATION
Craft supplies - (washable markers,
paint, construction paper, craft foam)
large, glass aquariums
MAINTENANCE
chain saws
cordless drill
hand tools, garden tools
push mowers
power pruner pole saw
ZOOKEEPERS
chairs for keeper center
blankets for animals
radio/tape/CD player
ANIMAL ENRICHMENT
spices
cardboard tubes (from toilet
paper, wrapping paper, etc.)
Become a ZooParent
Put a little WILD in your family tree!
$15 Animals
Peacock
Ball python
Canada goose
Chukar partridge
Fire bellied toad
Glass lizard
Hissing cockroach
Leopard gecko
Mallard duck
Red-eared slider turtle
Red-eyed tree frog
Red-footed tortoise
Ruddy duck
Scorpion
Silky chicken
Tarantula
Tokay gecko
White-faced
whistling duck
$25 Animals
Big brown bat
Blue-tongued skink
Boa constrictor
Chinchilla
Crested screamer
Golden pheasant
Hognose snake
Poison dart frog
Prairie dog
Pot-bellied pig
Pygmy goat
Pygmy marmoset
Rabbit
Screech Owl
$35 Animals
Black swan
Swift fox
Turkey vulture
Red-tailed hawk
Black-necked swan
$50 Animals
Colobus monkey
Emu
Tufted deer
American white
pelican
Chacoan peccary
Reed titi monkey
With your adoption you will receive:
Adoption Certificate
4x6 photo
One time pass to the Zoo
Your name on the ZooParent Kiosk
$100 or higher, you will receive
an 8x10 color photo of your wild child,
two passes to the Zoo, and you may
receive invitations to special Zoo events.
Adoptions are good for one year.
$100 Animals
Fresh water aquarium
Salt water aquarium
Wallaby
Cinereous vulture
Hornbill
Red-crowned crane
Caribbean flamingo
Dwarf caiman
Giant anteater
Llama
Maned wolf
Bald eagle
Bobcat (Wildcat)
Otter
$200 Animals
Cheetah
Chimpanzee
Red panda
Siberian tiger
Sloth bear
Snow Leopard
ZooParent Application
Return to: 2333 Oak St. Manhattan, KS 66502
New_____
Renewal_____
Gift Adoption_____
Selected Animal ____________________ Amount Enclosed ______ FOSZ Member Y N
Name____________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________
City/State______________________________________________ Zip______________
Phone_______________________________________
Name to appear on certificate__________________________________________________
For Gift Adoptions
____Please send materials to ME
_____Please send materials to RECIPIENT
Recipient Name____________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
City/State_______________________________________________ Zip_____________
Gift Card Message__________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Payment Information
____Check: payable to Friends of Sunset Zoo
___Mastercard ___Visa ___Discover
card #___________________ exp. date_______
Signature_________________________________________________________________
13
Sunset Zoo Registration Form
2007 Summer Education Programs
Mail to Sunset Zoo
2333 Oak Street
Please use a separate form for each child.
Manhattan, KS 66502
fax 785-587-2730
Child’s Name _______________________________________ DOB(mm/dd/yr) _________
Allergies/Specific Needs ________________________________________________________
Grade _______________
Sex (please circle) : Male/Female
FOSZ Member Y or N
Parent/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________________________
Phone (home) __________________ (work) _________________ (cell) ________________
Address _____________________________________ City ___________ Zip ___________
Email Address ______________________________________________________________
Registration forms
must be received
one week prior to
class. A $1.50
service charge will
be added to any
registration received
after the deadline.
Secondary (Emergency) Contact _________________________________________________
Phone (home) __________________ (work) _________________ (cell) ________________
AMOUNT ENCLOSED
CREDIT CARD - MC
$ _________
CHECK ( payable to Sunset Zoo)
VISA DISCOVER ______________________ EXP DATE _______
Prairie Dog Preschool (Ages 2 & 3 with Adult)
$40.00 per session ($36.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Fur, Feather and Bumps
Saturdays, July 14 - Aug 4
8:30am - 9:45am
280440 02
Kinder Cubs (Ages 4 & 5 without Adult)
$40.00 per session ($36.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Mystery Body Coverings Saturdays, July 14 - Aug 4
10:00am - 11:45am
280540 02
Kids Only Slumber Safari
$20.00 per child over age 7 ($18.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Saturday, July 14, 7:00pm - Sunday, July 15, 8:30am
___ Friday, Aug. 3, 7:00pm - Saturday, Aug. 4, 8:30am
280640 02
280640 03
Family Slumber Safari
$20.00 per person over age 6, children under 6 are FREE ($18.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Friday, July 13, 7:00pm - Saturday, July 14, 8:30am
280640 05
Cub Club (Ages 4-6)
8:00am - 12:00pm $70.00 per week ($65.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Familiar Faces
Mon, July 9 - Fri, July 13
___ Bringin’ the Bats
Mon, July 16 - Fri, July 20
___ Bug Bonanza
Mon, July 23 - Fri, July 27
___ Mega Mammals
Mon, July 30 - Fri, Aug 3
___ Animal Fun
Mon, Aug 6 - Fri, Aug 10
14
280140
280140
280140
280140
280140
06
07
08
09
10
Sunset Zoo Registration Form
2007 Summer Education Programs
Mail to Sunset Zoo
2333 Oak Street
Please use a separate form for each child.
Manhattan, KS 66502
fax 785-587-2730
Child’s Name _______________________________________ DOB(mm/dd/yr) _________
Allergies/Specific Needs ________________________________________________________
Grade _______________
Sex (please circle) : Male/Female
FOSZ Member Y or N
Parent/Guardian’s Name _______________________________________________________
Phone (home) __________________ (work) _________________ (cell) ________________
Address _____________________________________ City ___________ Zip ___________
Email Address ______________________________________________________________
Registration forms
must be received
one week prior to
class. A $1.50
service charge will
be added to any
registration received
after the deadline.
Secondary (Emergency) Contact _________________________________________________
Phone (home) __________________ (work) _________________ (cell) ________________
AMOUNT ENCLOSED
CREDIT CARD - MC
$ _________
CHECK ( payable to Sunset Zoo)
VISA DISCOVER ______________________ EXP DATE _______
ZOOpers Kids Club (Ages 7-9)
8:00am - 12:00pm $70.00 per week ($65.00 for FOSZ members)
8:00am - 5:00pm $100.00 per week ($90.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Paw Parade
Mon, July 9 - Fri, July 13
___ How Did They Do That? Mon, July 16 - Fri, July 20
___ Flock like a Flamingo Mon, July 23 - Fri, July 27
___ Fossil Finds
Mon, July 30 - Fri, Aug 3
___ Green Power!
Mon, Aug 6 - Fri, Aug 10
CODE 280240
___1/2 day 11
___1/2 day 13
___1/2 day 15
___1/2 day 17
___1/2 day 19
___ full day 12
___ full day 14
___ full day 16
___ full day 18
___ full day 20
CODE 280340
___1/2 day 11
___1/2 day 13
___1/2 day 15
___1/2 day 17
___1/2 day 19
___ full day 12
___ full day 14
___ full day 16
___ full day 18
___ full day 20
Eco Explorers (Ages 10-13)
8:00am - 12:00pm $70.00 per week ($65.00 for FOSZ members)
8:00am - 5:00pm $100.00 per week ($90.00 for FOSZ members)
___ Things Your Mom’s Afraid Of Mon, July 9 - Fri, July 13
___ Incredible Insects!
Mon, July 16 - Fri, July 20
___ Anteaters Don’t Need Snorkels Mon, July 23 - Fri, July 27
___ Summer Greening!
Mon, July 30 - Fri, Aug 3
___ Conservation Connection Mon, Aug 6 - Fri, Aug 10
15
Meet your Board Members
FRIENDS OF SUNSET ZOO
Jennifer Butler, FOSZ ZooParent Coordinator
Jennifer Butler serves as Co-Coordinator of the
ZooParent program and has been a member of
the FOSZ board since September 2003.
Sherecently served on the planning committee
for FOSZ’s Wine in the Wild Fundraiser.
After graduating K-State in May of 2002, Butler
was hired at the Manhattan Mercury as
an advertising and online sales representative.
This July will mark her fifth year with the
newspaper.
Butler and her husband, Scott, have recently
purchased a home in which they care for their
own zoo - two dogs, a corn snake and a
leopard gecko.
In her free time, Butler can be found outdoors
in the garden or reading a book.
Friends of Sunset Zoo
2333 Oak Street
Manhattan, KS 66502
Non-Profit
Organization
US POSTAGE
PAID
C o r p o r a t e
S p o n s o r s
Manhattan
Broadcasting Inc.
Manhattan, KS
PERMIT #200