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DALLAS ZOO MEMBER MAGAZI N E
FA LL 2016
CHIMP FAMILY
DYNAMICS
HIPPO BRICK
Campaign Launches
NEW PIGS
Win Hearts
JUNIOR BIRDERS
Take The Prize
Fall 2016
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Directly Speaking
Dear Members:
We’re having a BIG time at the biggest zoological park in Texas!
Attendance is on track to break last year’s record of a million
guests. We’ve rescued five elephants – the world’s largest land
mammals – that are settling in well to their new home. And
crews are building the Simmons Hippo Outpost, our biggest
exhibit since Giants of the Savana, set to open next spring.
All of this progress is due to your support. Just seven years ago,
your elected representatives on the Dallas City Council voted to
approve a public/private partnership with the Dallas Zoological
Society for management of your Zoo. It was a forward-thinking
initiative that has been paying dividends for local residents,
students, educators, conservationists, and tourists from around
the world. It has become a model that many other public
organizations want to emulate.
We are always looking at ways to continue the momentum and
give you reasons to visit. We kicked off the year with the Nature
Connects® attraction featuring LEGO® bricks. We brought back
our popular Dallas Roars! presented by Metro PCS weekend
event series in the spring. The Safari Nights concert series
continued, thanks to our new sponsor, Breeze Energy. You had
new elephants to meet, and you really must make plans to see our baby elephant on the savanna. Join us this fall for an
expanded schedule of Family Overnights and Family Zoo Adventures as well as for Halloween Nights presented by Texas
Instruments. Plus, come out each Saturday this October for Member Mornings, featuring exclusive keeper chats just for
you.
Like resource conservation actions, seemingly small decisions can make a big impact. Your decision to support your Zoo
with a membership, bring guests, attend events, and tell others about your adventures plays an important role in our
success and allows us to build ever-bigger connections between people and wildlife.
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
Hippo brick campaign under way
It takes a ton of support and a heap of help to bring hippos to Dallas. The construction
crews have been excavating the grounds, digging the pools, and ordering specialty
supplies such as giant viewing windows so you will have a clear view of these massive
mammals. Now we’re inviting you to play a part and help us complete the hippos’
new home before they arrive in late spring.
This is your chance to show your love of hippos or to pay tribute to a friend who is crazy
about these hefty herbivores. For a limited time, we are selling engraved bricks and pavers
that will be placed by the entrance to the viewing area. Donors will receive invitations to
a special opening event to see their bricks before the exhibit opens to the public.
In order to allow time for production and installation, the deadline for brick orders is Feb. 28, 2017.
Your options include the following:
$500: 8”x4” brick
$1,250: 8”x8” brick
$2,500: 12”x12” fieldstone paver
Help us put the finishing touches on the Simmons Hippo Outpost. Memorialize your support or take advantage of this very
rare opportunity to honor a friend or family member with a unique holiday gift or birthday present. You’ll get a hippo-sized hug
for this special recognition.
Simmons Hippo Outpost Brick Campaign – Order Form
_____Yes! I want to help bring hippos back to the Dallas Zoo by purchasing a commemorative brick for the Simmons Hippo Outpost.
_____ $2,500 (12”x12” fieldstone paver)
_____ $1,500 (8”x8” brick)
Name: _________________________________________________________
_____ $500 (8”x4” brick)
Address: _______________________________________________________
City/State/Zip: ___________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________ Member ID: _____________________
[] Enclosed is my check for $_____, made payable to Dallas Zoo.
Account Number: _______________________________________________
[] Charge $_____ to my VISA MasterCard AMEX Discover (please circle).
Expiration Date: ____________________ Security Code: _______________
Signature: _____________________________________________________
Is this a gift? Yes No
If yes, please provide the recipient’s name, mailing address, and email if different from your own.
Please complete the following to indicate the text you would like to have engraved on your brick:
8”x4” Brick – up to 3 lines, 18 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation)
Line 1: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Line 2: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
Line 3: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ]
8”x8” Brick and 12”x12” Paver – up to 6 lines, 18 characters per line (including spaces and punctuation)
Line 1: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [
Line 2: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [
Line 3: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [
Line 4: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [
Line 5: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [
Line 6: [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [
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Fall 2016
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CHEERS FOR
OUR CHIMP!
“Amber was known as being confident of her social
standing and very intellectual at her prior home,”
said Sarah Villarreal, Lower Wilds of Africa primate
supervisor. “She has picked up training routines
quickly and is a keen observer of others.”
Amber came to Dallas as part of a breeding
recommendation from the Association of Zoos &
Aquariums’ Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan.
She is 23 and has no offspring. Her keepers spent
several weeks gradually introducing her to other
residents. Depending on their reaction to each other,
1:1 introductions to each member of the troop can
take from two days to two weeks. Generally, it takes
two weeks for a full social relationship to develop,
according to Villarreal.
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FINDING THE MATRIARCH
Bon Bon, the former matriarch of the troop, was
57 years old when she passed away in February,
evoking much sadness from her zookeepers and
fans. That loss left a void among the females, and
the girls have been vying to establish their new
social standing. Koko always had the backing of her
mother, Bon Bon. Ramona has been interested in
protecting her 2-year-old Mshindi. At age 51, Missy
is the oldest chimp in the troop.
Before Amber competes for a position among the
females, her keepers will introduce her to the males.
Possible mates for the breeding program include
alpha male KC as well as Doyle and possibly Kona.
The newest resident of the Kimberly-Clark Chimpanzee Forest is a long,
lean brunette whose dark hair is highlighted with traces of white and gray.
Though she appears thinner than some of the other females, Amber
weighs in at a healthy 130 pounds. She arrived at the Dallas Zoo in
May from the Kansas City Zoo and spent her summer getting to know
her new home, the other members of her troop, and her keepers.
OFFERING OPTIONS WITH
FISSION-FUSION
The Dallas Zoo adopted a fission-fusion method
of training earlier this year. Replicating natural
behaviors in the wild, this method allows chimps the
freedom to decide with whom they want to spend
time and when.
last to go out. She had a reputation for
being stubborn at her former home and waiting
until the others in her troop went outside
before she would leave.
The next time you’re at the Kimberly-Clark
Chimpanzee Forest, see if you can spot the
new girl in town.
Zookeepers ring a bell twice when they arrive in the
morning, and the chimps can decide whether they
want to go into their outdoor habitat via one of two
chutes. In the evening, keepers ring the bell once.
Those that are ready to go inside do so. Others get
the option to wait for the later door. This approach
allows the chimps time to make their own decisions.
Her keepers anticipate that Amber will be one of the
Fall 2016
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Fall 2016
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We’re planning a flurry of fun
for Snowfari Winter Camps
Take advantage of our Snowfari Winter Camps in December and give
yourself the gift of time to shop, work, or simply relax during the hectic
holiday season while your children have a blast. They’ll beat boredom
without electronics and learn about wildlife, make unique crafts, and
explore the natural world.
Each day is an adventure – with activities such as studying animal diets
and painting with vegetables, or identifying animal sounds and designing
devices to make similar calls. The curriculum is created for children in PreK
through 5th grade. We’ll feature instructor-led tours, close-up visits with
animals, zookeeper talks, and nature games tied to a different theme each
day. And camp wouldn’t be complete without a cup of cocoa.
Snowfari Camps also make great gifts from grandparents or for friends.
Camps begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. on Dec. 20-22 and Dec. 27-30. Sign up for one day or the entire series.
Please visit DallasZoo.com/Education to learn more and reserve your space today.
Creating special elephant social groups
It’s been a busy time for our elephant team, with a herd of 10 now! We have lots of updates to share:
• CALF’S NAME REVEALED IN LIGHTS: We announced the name of our new elephant calf in a big
way – in a light show on Dallas’s iconic Reunion Tower! The growing boy (he’s now more than 225 pounds) was
named Ajabu (uh-JAH-boo), an African word meaning “wonder,” “amazing,” and “extraordinary.” He certainly is
all of those! There’s still no date set for when he’ll join the main herd; he and mom Mlilo are behind the scenes
with other elephants until we finish “babyproofing” the savanna habitat. With its wide open spaces, waterfalls,
and ponds, we’re taking extra care.
• IT’S MIX-AND-MATCH TIME: On any given day, you’ll see some of the Swaziland rescue elephants socializing
in the Giants of the Savanna habitat alongside our four “Golden Girls.” They’re forming their own new social groups, and
we’re letting them have all of the time they need to do so. Congo and Kamba most often can be seen with Tendaji, Zola,
Nolwazi, and/or Amahle. Jenny and Gypsy usually spend time with Nolwazi. Be sure to catch an Elephant Keeper Talk
to find out more information about our 10 elephants, or ask a docent or volunteer in the Simmons Safari Base Camp to
help you identify the individual elephants.
• IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Our YouTube video of Ajabu playing in a kiddie pool has gone viral,
with 240,000 views! bit.ly/EllieBoyPool
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New stars hog attention at
Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo
The two newest residents of the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo are
miniature pigs whose species almost became extinct about 40 years
ago, with just 50 remaining. Kunekune are friendly, docile animals
that enjoy human interaction. Native to New Zealand, the kunekune
(pronounced koo nikoo ne) population was restored by breeding
societies in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, and they are now
common. Our swine siblings were born in May and went on
exhibit in August.
Although they may resemble pot-bellied pigs in stature, kunekune have short, upturned snouts, longish hair, and
round faces. Unique to the breed, many of the pigs have two fleshy tassels or wattles hanging off their faces, which
the Maori tribes of New Zealand call peri peri. And unlike most pigs, kunekune prefer to graze on grass rather than
root in the ground to forage for food. Grazing animals like kunekune pigs help maintain the balance of the ecosystem
and can even help reduce wildfires! They always will be half the size of standard breeds, growing to about two feet
tall and weighing between 130 and 250 pounds.
Stop by and say hi to our cute piglets. You will find them sharing space with the Nubian goats, sunbathing in the feeding
yard, or hanging out next to Jordan, our pot-bellied pig in the red barn.
Looking at conservation
through the lens of Joel Sartore
Joel Sartore documents endangered species and landscapes in order to
show a world worth saving. The founder of Photo Ark, a multi-year
documentary project to save species and habitats, is coming to Dallas
to share his experiences with wildlife photographers, zookeepers,
Dallas Zoo members, and friends on Oct. 26 and 27.
Sartore travels the world searching for opportunities to photograph wild animals
and wild spaces. He will lead a photo workshop at the Zoo from 4-6:30 p.m.
on Wednesday, Oct. 26, before spending the next morning taking pictures of
animals at the Dallas Zoo. Previously, he’s photographed the spectacled langurs,
gemsbok, and several species of birds and reptiles.
You can learn about Sartore’s adventures as a conservationist, author, National Geographic fellow, and regular
contributor to National Geographic magazine, as well as his contributions to numerous books, broadcasts, and
other magazines. Join us for a special presentation and book signing at the Angelika Theater at Mockingbird Station
at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27.
Space is limited for both public events. Photo workshop tickets are $225 for Dallas Zoo members and $250 for
nonmembers. VIP tickets for the presentation are $65 and include a cocktail reception with Sartore before the event.
General admission tickets are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. Visit DallasZoo.com for reservations
and to purchase tickets.
Fall 2016
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Take a Zoo Kwest!
Now you can embark on a unique Zoo journey with Kwest, an interactive adventure game
using your smartphone. It’s a scavenger hunt reimagined for the digital age! Explore
ZooNorth using location-based riddles and puzzles, GPS compass navigation, and even
augmented reality. It’s free, and when you finish, you’ll earn 40% off at any of our
restaurants. Download the Kwest app and start your journey at the Information Booth
by the carousel. (Did we mention it’s FREE?)
Dallas Zoo’s birding club flies high
Youth volunteers participating in Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Great Texas Birding Classic have eagle eyes. Calling themselves
“Dallas Zoom”, both teams – ages 13 and younger and 14 to 17 – won regional first places for the second year in a row.
The older team also took home the state title. The junior birders documented 86 species and 1,000 birds in the one-day
competition.
“The kids practiced identifying birds for six weeks,” said Ben Jones, dean of the Dallas Zoo’s Wild Earth Academy.
“They spent the day traveling across the region to see as many birds as possible. Our Dallas Zoo campus, White Rock
Lake, John Bunker Sands Wetlands Center, and Trinity River Audubon Center had incredible species and were
especially productive.”
Thanks to the Texas Ornithological Society and the Dallas Zoo Docents, Inc. for their generous support.
Saving baby turtles
Sea turtle hatchlings received a warm welcome to the
world from our Wild Earth Action Team participants as
the baby turtles made their way to the Gulf of Mexico
on June 26. But they don’t always have it so easy.
In addition to threats from predators, several species
are endangered because of human impact on the
coastal environment. With the help of our friends at
Sea Turtle Inc., who identify and protect their nests and
work to ensure safe hatchings, sea turtles in Texas
have a fighting chance.
A 50-member Wild Earth Action Team from Dallas traveled to South Padre Island to learn more about the sea turtles
while they cleaned up beaches and dunes, restored nesting habitat for the critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle,
and watched hatchlings wiggle their way across the sand and disappear into the surf. Participants also enjoyed education
programs and meals on the beach, a fireworks display, and a tour of Sea Turtle, Inc. during their South Padre adventure.
Be sure to join Ben Jones, dean of the Dallas Zoo’s Wild Earth Academy, on our next Wild Earth Action Team event.
Volunteers recently helped restore bald eagle and monarch butterfly habitat while having fun and learning more about
these amazing species. Visit DallasZoo.com or bit.ly/SeaTurtles16 for more details.
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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: 124,000
Twitter: @DallasZoo
Followers: 21,000
Instagram: @dallaszoo
Followers: 44,000
Pinterest: /DallasZoo
Followers: 900
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!
Fall in love with our Adopt-An-Animal specials
The animals are friskier in the fall as the weather gets cooler. And what could be cooler than adopting an animal for someone
who has everything? Adoption packages from the Dallas Zoo feature a photo suitable for framing, an adoption certificate, and
a zookeeper report describing your special gift.
COLOBUS MONKEY
GALÁPAGOS TORTOISE
These beautiful primates always have good-hair days.
Their luxurious black-and-white coats contrast with the
green leaves in their forest and grassland habitats in
Africa. This primate’s name means “deformed” in Greek
because these monkeys have no thumbs. That is why
they leap instead of swinging between trees. Take a leap
of faith and adopt a colobus for someone special.
SPECIAL PRICE: $100
The largest tortoises in the world can weigh up to 600
pounds for males and 300 pounds for females. Unique
to the Galápagos Islands and highly endangered, the
herbivores eat prickly pear cactus, fruit, flowers, leaves,
and grasses. A good time for them involves grazing,
sunning, or wallowing in mud puddles. Adopt a Galápagos
tortoise for someone who likes a laid-back lifestyle.
SPECIAL PRICE: $50
To take advantage of these special prices, please visit DallasZoo.com/AdoptSpecial or call 469.554.7449.
Thank You to Our 2016 Sponsors
Premier Partners
Signature Partner
Animal Adventures
Outreach Sponsor
Official Beverage
Sponsor
Wonders of the Wild
Sponsor
WOW Patrol Sponsor
Fall 2016
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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
The kids are back in school. Now it’s time to check out all the cool activities at the Dallas Zoo we’ve planned
for you this fall.
Friday, Sept. 30
FEATHERS, FUR & SCALES PHOTO
CONTEST CLOSES
Saturday, Nov. 5
KIDS CLUB! AT THE DALLAS
MUSEUM OF ART
5 p.m.
Snap! Don’t forget to submit your entry for the
Zoo’s annual photo contest. Get details about
submissions at DallasZoo.com.
9–11 a.m.
Clang, zip, and roar with the art of noise.
Exclusively for Passport and higher-level
members.
Take part in the largest day of giving in North
Texas. Dedicate your charitable gift to the Dallas
Zoo.
Saturday, Oct. 1
ZOO WINTER HOURS BEGIN
Wednesday, Nov. 23
DOLLAR DAY
Saturday, Sept 24
KIDS CLUB! AT THE NASHER
SCULPTURE CENTER
Saturdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22, & 29
MEMBER MORNINGS
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 17-18
WILD EARTH WEEKEND: FORESTS
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Help us protect native trees and those in
faraway rain forests.
Thursday, Sept. 22
NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY
9–11 a.m.
Get in touch with your inner artist. Exclusively
for Passport and higher-level members.
Saturday, Sept. 24
EXXONMOBIL SCIENCE DAY
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Educators and homeschool parents will come
away with new ideas and science-related
curricula from our community partners. All Zoo
guests can test their skills at booths for free.
Visit DallasZoo.com for more information.
9 a.m.–4 p.m. daily
Starting at 8 a.m.
Explore your Zoo before we open to the public.
Thursday, Oct. 27
WILD EARTH SPEAKER SERIES
7 p.m.
Join us for our first lecture featuring Joel
Sartore, National Geographic photographer
and founder of Photo Ark.
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bring friends to enjoy the $1 admission. Take the
DART Red Line to avoid traffic.
Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 3-4
WILD EARTH WEEKEND: SAVANNA
9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Learn how to save habitats in grasslands nearby
and abroad.
Saturday, Dec. 3
MEMBER ANNUAL MEETING
10–11a.m.
Watch for your invitation. Reservations required.
Thursday–Sunday, Oct. 27-30
HALLOWEEN NIGHTS PRESENTED
BY TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
5–8 p.m.
Bring your boys and ghouls in costume to
trick-or-treat at our family-friendly event.
Members receive a $2 discount on the $10
admission. Free for children ages 2 and younger.
Parking is $5 per car. No free member parking.
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