FOCUS
DAL L AS ZOO MEMBER MA G A Z I N E
S U MME R 2016
NIGHT OWLS ROCK!
ADVENTURE SAFARI
Rolls Out
SAFARI NIGHTS
Concert Series
NEW REPTILES
From Madagascar
Summer 2016
1
Directly Speaking
Dear Members:
Thanks to you, our winter was HOT! We had our largest-ever
attendance for January through April, with 450,000 guests. The
Nature Connects® attraction, featuring sculptures made by artist
Sean Kenney out of LEGO® bricks, combined with our popular
Penguin Days discount admission promotion got people out of
the house and connecting with nature. And we’ve planned a
summer schedule to keep you coming back.
Be sure to visit our revamped Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari.
We appreciate your patience as we refurbished the station
and monorail cars in this $3 million project. You’ll meet a lot of
animals along your journey – including the critically endangered
scimitar-horned oryx, which is extinct in the wild (p. 3 and
9). This is a great time to upgrade your membership to the
Passport level or higher so you can ride as often as you want
for free.
Remember to stay late on Saturday evenings in June and July
for our Safari Nights concert series (p. 6-7). We have a lineup
of amazing performers and the shows – like admission – are
always free for our members.
Thank you for your support for the Swaziland elephant rescue project this spring (p.10). It’s an excellent example of how
zoos work together to provide leadership for animal welfare and conservation initiatives. Not only did we save these
African elephants from certain death, but we also supplied financial resources to protect black rhinos in their natural
habitat. We are delighted to provide five elephants with a wonderful home and the full attention of our elephant keepers,
veterinarians, animal behavior experts, and nutrition staff.
The elephants and all the animals at your Zoo are important ambassadors for animals in the wild. They inspire a passion
for conservation and wildlife preservation. Children learn how to translate their love for animals into meaningful action by
participating in our Wild Adventure summer camps and our new Family Adventure Safari programs (p. 8).
I’m happy to report that Zoo membership and corporate sponsorships are reaching record levels. We’ll take that as a sign
that you and your friends like what you see and hear about your Zoo. Your support enables us to continue creating new
programs and caring for animals near and far.
See you at the Zoo,
Gregg Hudson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Dallas Zoo and Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
2
Focus
Dallas Zoo Membership Program
generously sponsored by
All aboard the Adventure Safari
Get your tickets to ride the revamped Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari, which
re-opened March 25 after a $3 million renovation. Board the monorail at the
Ajabu Station and prepare to crisscross the African continent in 17 minutes.
The excitement builds as you enter the rustic station, featuring posters for
African travel destinations and clocks to time your departure. While waiting for
your trip, you’ll see African cranes and storks milling about their habitat.
Check the field guide in each refurbished car to become acquainted with the
animals you’ll soon see. As you depart the station, get a glimpse of crews
working on the Simmons Hippo Outpost, scheduled to open in 2017. Ascend
to the North African mountains to view Nubian ibex and Kardofan aoudad. Visit
the Samburu Game Preserve to see eland, dik-dik, and caracal, then on to the
Great Rift Valley, where waterfalls await you, along with great white pelicans
and bongo antelope. The Sahara Desert is home to critically endangered addax
and Somali wild asses (see p. 9), as well as ostrich and gemsbok.
Visit the Serengeti bush to meet our new lesser kudu as well as Thompson’s
gazelles, gerenuks, secretary birds, and lappet-faced vultures.
As you descend around the corner, you enter Western Tanzania and Central
Africa. Here you’ll see chimpanzees at the Kimberly-Clark Chimpanzee Forest,
followed by Nile crocodiles and wattled cranes. Hear about western lowland
gorillas at the Jake L. Hamon Gorilla Conservation Research Station, then head
south to the tip of Africa to view African penguins from high above, before the
Adventure Safari monorail returns to Ajabu Station.
“This experience starts with creating a fun adventure for our guests,” said
Sean Greene, vice president of guest experiences. “During their 17-minute
journey, they learn how the Dallas Zoo cares for wildlife and supports
conservation efforts around the world.”
The Adventure Safari operates every day weather permitting. Tickets are $5
per person and free for Passport level and higher members. Hop aboard and
begin your African adventure.
Summer 2016
3
WHOOO’S UP
FOR SAFARI NIGHTS?
When the sun sets at the Zoo, the Verreaux’s eagle-owls become alert.
The brother-and-sister pair are nocturnal hunters with excellent night vision,
but they rely more on their highly developed sense of hearing to catch prey.
That hearing will come in handy when the music starts during Safari Nights
on Saturdays in June and July.
4
Focus
Really big birds
Often overlooked during the day when they roost on their perches or high in trees at Wings of Wonder in ZooNorth,
Verreaux’s eagle-owls have grayish feathers, so they are sometimes called milky eagle owls. Feather tufts near their ears
help to funnel sound.
Verreaux’s eagle-owls are the largest owls in Africa, with 5-foot wingspans. They stand about 2 feet tall but weigh only 3.5
to 4.5 pounds. The massive birds are surprisingly agile and can swoop down between tree branches to get prey. They’ve
even been spotted performing vertical somersaults to catch insects in midair.
The apex predators use their powerful talons to capture a variety of prey. They hunt everything from rodents and fish to
small monkeys and herons. Eagle owls also have a peculiar ability to “peel” a hedgehog and discard the outer fur and
spine. It’s easy to discern their diets by studying owl pellets, the bones and fur that are regurgitated because they cannot
be digested.
Cloaked in mystery
Owls have intrigued people for centuries. Their large eyes suggest wisdom, but they are simply adapted for night
vision. Owls can’t shift their big eyes left to right, so they must move their entire heads to look around. That’s where
another myth developed. No animal can turn its head in a 360-degree circle. It’s impossible! However, owls have twice as
many vertebrae in their necks as mammals. This ability allows them to turn their heads about 270 degrees left to right and
about 180 degrees upward.
Wise up on owls and other birds
Learn more about the interesting Verreaux’s eagle-owls as well as the other fascinating feathered creatures that reside at
the Wings of Wonder and throughout ZooNorth. Don’t miss the daily zookeeper talks at 1:30 or just observe the eagleowls and other birds during Safari Nights.
Wonders of the Wild
Spirits will soar as penguins, parrots, owls, and even mammals give
guests a unique glimpse of natural behaviors in the new Wonders of
the Wild show, presented by Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
Held in the ZooNorth amphitheatre, the experience features incredible
bird species and dynamic mammals like capybara, beaver, and the
unique tamandua. Two new penguins will join the program this year,
and later this year guests can expect some new bird flight patterns
across Cedar Creek – not flown by the penguins, of course.
PRESENTS
“It’s definitely a fun presentation with amazing animals,” said Sean
Greene, vice president of guest experiences. “We hope the program
resonates with guests and connects them to the important role they
play in supporting the Dallas Zoo’s wildlife conservation efforts.”
The amphitheater seating area has undergone a makeover, and guests
will see new shade structures as well as new environmentally friendly
seating made from 76,000 plastic recycled milk jugs.
Make plans to attend Wonders of the Wild. All programs are free.
Showtimes are:
• Wednesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
• Safari Nights Saturdays feature an additional presentation at 6 p.m.
Summer 2016
5
Listen to the beat
of Safari Nights this summer
Cricket chirps aren’t the only sounds you’ll hear on Saturday nights at the Zoo this summer. Original artists and tribute
bands fill the park with music during our Safari Nights concert series on Saturdays, starting Memorial Day weekend.
Bring lawn chairs or blankets or reserve a six-person cabana. Food is available for purchase, along with soft drinks, wine,
and ice-cold craft beer.
The Killdares
Get your Irish on at Cat “Green” -- the
obvious location to listen to this popular
Celtic rock band. May 28
Rebirth Brass Band
Our antelope have horns - but this New
Orleans institution has a lot more. July 2
6
Focus
Rich Girls
Yacht rock rhythms make a splash with
this Hall & Oates cover band. June 4
The Landsharks
Parrot heads can feed our feathered
friends at Lorikeet Landing and Travis &
Zach’s Birds Landing before listening to
Jimmy Buffet hits. July 9
A Hard Night’s Day
See Texas beetles at Bug U! before
listening to the Beatles’ best music
from this Texas band. June 11
Limelight
The cool cats in this 11-piece party band
would blow the roof off Cat Green – if
it had a roof – with their high-energy
performance. July 16
Come early and enjoy the entire day at the Zoo or arrive in time for the concert. Safari Nights is free for Zoo members
and children under 2, or with the cost of admission for non-members – $15 for ages 12- 64; $12 for ages 3-11 and seniors.
Gates open on Saturdays at 9 a.m. and parking is $8 per vehicle (free for members). Avoid traffic and parking by taking
the DART Red Line straight to our entrance. Visit DallasZoo.com for more information.
Keep in rhythm all evening with
the following schedule:
6 p.m. Wonders of the Wild
Satisfaction
Rolling stones may gather no moss,
but there’s plenty of nature all around
when this Rolling Stones cover band
performs. June 18
Escape
Take a trip down memory lane with this
Journey tribute band. June 25
show presented by Kimberly-Clark
Corporation
6:30 p.m. Animal Adventures
presentation on Cat Green
7 p.m. Concert begins
on Cat Green
7:30 p.m. Lacerte Family Children’s
Zoo and Travis & Zach’s Birds Landing
close
8 p.m. Giraffe feeding, Koala
Walkabout, and Lorikeet Landing
close
Petty Theft & The Bird Dogs
Popular with their P1s, The Ticket
SportsRadio presents “Animals
Night Out” with Mike Rhyner in the
Tom Petty tribute band and George
Dunham playing country rock with
The Bird Dogs. July 23
The O’s
The natural setting is perfect for acoustic
instrumentals blended into catchy pop
songs. July 30
8:30 p.m. Herpetarium and the
T-Rex Express mini train close
9 p.m. Concert ends and
Endangered Species Carousel closes
Please note that schedule may
change without notice; check the daily
program sign next to the carousel for
that day’s schedule.
Summer 2016
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Summer camp kids explore the
world of animals without leaving Dallas
Send your children on a WILD Adventure at the Dallas Zoo or the Children’s Aquarium
at Fair Park. Our education department has programs that are carefully crafted to
engage, entertain, and intrigue youth from PreK to Grade 12. These immersive camp
experiences feature tours, outdoor activities, animal encounters, and themed arts,
crafts, and projects. The young ones won’t know they’re learning math and science
concepts. Adolescents and teens will pick up ideas for careers. Everyone will have
so much fun, they will forget they are learning!
Most Dallas Zoo camps are held weekly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and run from June
through August. BeforeCamp and AfterCamp care is usually available. Visit
DallasZoo.com/Education for information on dates, rates, themes, and registration.
Escape for the morning
on Family Zoo Adventures
It’s not as rugged as a Swiss Family Robinson adventure, but families
build knowledge together about nature and wildlife. Each month, Family Zoo
Adventures participants tackle a different theme. You and your children ages
4-12 will visit activity stations, take tours, and meet interesting animals.
JUNE 4: Zoo-lympics. Can you run as fast as a cheetah or reach as high as a
giraffe? Compare yourself to these amazing animals.
JULY 9: America the Beautiful. Take the time to study the animals at home
and while you’re on vacation. You’ll be amazed at the beauty of creatures close
to home.
All you need to bring is a refillable water bottle. Wear comfortable closed-toe
shoes and weather-appropriate clothing because we go out into the park, rain
or shine.
Make your required reservations by Monday of the week of the event. The
cost is $15 per person for members and $20 for non-members. All Family
Zoo Adventures events begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. To register,
visit DallasZoo.com/Education.
Cute chicks
Tazo and Tulip, a pair of African penguins, added to their brood again this winter. Two cute fluffballs hatched on Jan. 28 and Feb. 1, and learned to swim this
spring. The male penguin chicks are siblings of Marina, the first-ever penguin
to hatch at the Dallas Zoo. Marina came into the world in April 2015 as part of
a breeding recommendation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species
Survival Plan. Come meet the family at the Don M. Glendenning Penguin
Cove.
8
Focus
Harsh reality facing
herds today
When riding on the Adventure Safari monorail, you’ll see several
critically endangered species. Easy viewing of animals
in zoos is sometimes taken for granted, but you’d never see
them – even in the wild – without careful management.
In the Sahara Desert stretch, travelers meet herds of addax
and Somali wild asses. Scimitar-horned oryx will join them this summer. A recent population census indicates that
there may be fewer than 300 addaxes in the wild. Scimitar-horned oryx have been extinct in the wild since the late
1980s! Even though they have made adaptations to the harsh environment, overhunting, habitat loss, and recent
droughts are taking a toll.
The 600 Somali wild asses in Africa face additional threats. Their fat
is valued for traditional medicine, they must compete with domestic
livestock for land, and they crossbreed with domestic asses.
But there’s hope. Zoos care for 2,000 addaxes, 1,400 scimitar-horned
oryx, and 200 wild asses, and are working to reintroduce them into the
wild. Your support is critical to the survival of these species.
We’re mad for new reptiles from Madagascar
Everyone loves lemurs, but few are familiar with the remarkable reptiles from Madagascar. Often, it’s because they are
endangered due to deforestation and the exotic pet trade. The Dallas Zoo recently acquired several new species, three of
which are part of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan. Watch for the following to go on exhibit in
the Herpetarium:
1. SPIDER TORTOISE: These critically endangered tortoises feature interesting spiderweb designs on their shells.
2. FLAT-TAILED TORTOISE::Nicknamed ghost turtles, these tortoises are often found near tombs in forested areas
and are critically endangered due to deforestation. Due to their small size, females only lay one egg per year.
3. LEAF GECKOS: Masters of camouflage, leaf geckos feature the same coloring and physical characteristics as the
leaves in their habitats.
4. PANTHER CHAMELEONS: With an extensive range across northern Madagascar, male panther chameleons from
different localities display different coloration, so depending on the color, one might be able to determine its origin.
Recent genetic work from many areas suggests the panther chameleon group may be seven different species.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Summer 2016
9
Visit insomniacs at the
Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo
While the kids wait for Safari Nights concerts to begin, take them to
the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo. They can cool their heels in the
stream, crawl through the Underzone, and trade natural artifacts at the
Hillcrest Foundation Nature Exchange. We also have a pair of nocturnal
animals that can teach musicians a few things about late nights! Visit
the JCPenney Discovery House to see if the South American six-banded
armadillo or the great horned owl are already awake. Both insomniacs
love to greet visitors throughout the evening.
Swaziland elephants
meeting the ‘Golden Girls’
The elephants we rescued from Swaziland are settling in
well, learning their names and forming relationships with their
keepers.These relationships are very important for husbandry,
because we utilize protected contact and allow the elephants
free choice. As a relationship develops with the keepers, the
elephants receive positive reinforcement when they follow
husbandry requests, such as being weighed or allowing the
veterinary team to check them.
All nine elephants now at the Zoo – our four “Golden Girls”
and the five new arrivals – are well aware of each other,
having smelled each other and communicated via rumbles and
trumpets. When this edition of Focus was published, two of the Swaziland elephants already had explored the Giants of
the Savanna alongside Congo and Kamba, our two smallest Golden Girls. Tendaji, the bull, was introduced first. All three
went out into the South Habitat in mid-April. Tendaji immediately showed submissive behavior, which was expected since
he’s younger and smaller, a bit over 3,600 pounds. After the “meetup,” all three browsed and explored the habitat.
One of the female Swaziland elephants, Zola, also has been introduced to Congo and Kamba. At just over 4,000 pounds,
she’s closer in size to the two older elephants. Those three went into the large South habitat in late April. The five
Swaziland elephants – Tendaji, Zola, Mlilo, Nolwazi, and Amahle – continue to gain weight on their new diet, overseen
by the elephant team and our full-time nutrition curator. Next time you’re at the Zoo, look for the new arrivals!
10
Focus
Summer deals for Adopt-An-Animal
The animals are enjoying the sunshine, and it’s a great time to think about presenting the gift of an animal adoption to
friends and family members with summer birthdays. Adoption packages from the Dallas Zoo feature a photo suitable for
framing, an adoption certificate, and a zookeeper report describing the special creature.
HARPY EAGLE
GERENUK
The summer heat suits these large eagles that are native
to tropical forests in Central and South America. Harpy
eagles use their strong claws to snatch prey such as
opossums, sloths, and monkeys from tall trees. Some
Amazonian cultures believe these endangered birds guard
against evil spirits. Adopt a harpy eagle to protect your
loved one.
SPECIAL PRICE: $100
These small antelopes are only three feet tall, but their
name means “giraffe-necked” in Somali. Gerenuks stand
on their hind legs to browse on tall bushes in the deserts
and savannas of central Africa. You won’t find them in
herds. They usually travel in a small group of up to five
individuals. Surely you can find room in your heart for this
dainty antelope.
SPECIAL PRICE: $25
To take advantage of these special prices, please visit DallasZoo.com/AdoptSpecial or call 469.554.7449.
We’re super-social!
As much as you’d like to, we know you can’t come see us every day. So our communications team keeps you updated on
what’s happening via social media all the time! Here’s how to stay in touch:
Facebook: /DallasZoo
Likes: 115,000+
Instagram: @dallaszoo
Followers: 40,000+
Twitter: @DallasZoo
Followers: 20,500+
Pinterest: /DallasZoo
Followers: 850+
TripAdvisor:
We’re proud to have
won another Certificate
of Excellence from the
world’s largest review
website. We appreciate
you taking the time to
review us!
Thank you to our 2016 sponsors
Signature Partner
Premier Partners
Animal Adventures
Outreach Sponsor
Official Beverage
Sponsor
Official Hotel
Wonders of the Wild
Sponsor
WOW Patrol Sponsor
Summer 2016
11
NON PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S.POSTAGE
PAID
DALLAS, TEXAS
PERMIT #4498
DallasZoo.com
Dallas Zoo
650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, TX 75203-3013
469.554.7500
Mark Your Calendar
Don’t let the heat keep you from enjoying your Zoo this summer. We have plenty of opportunities for you to come early,
come late or stay all day. See what we have in store this season.
Saturdays, May 28 – July 30
SAFARI NIGHTS
Saturday & Sunday, June 18–19
FAMILY CAMPOUT
6–9 p.m.
Enjoy ZooNorth at night during these
family-friendly concerts. See pages 6–7
for a list of performers and dates.
7 p.m.–10 a.m.
Spend the night at the Zoo. Take a
guided tour, help feed animals, roast
s’mores, and enjoy a continental
breakfast the next morning. Ages 5
and up. Reservations required. Visit
DallasZoo.com/Education for information.
Thursday, June 9
WILDLIFE EDUCATION DAY AT
GLOBE LIFE PARK
Starting at 10 a.m.
Hit a home run with the kids!
Call 817.436.5979 for information
and to purchase tickets.
Saturday, June 11
KIDS CLUB! AT THE ZOO
9–11 a.m.
Exclusively for Passport-level
and higher members.
Weekdays, June 13 to Aug. 12
WILD ADVENTURES
SUMMER CAMP
Reservations required. Visit DallasZoo.
com/Education for information.
Fridays, July 15 & 29 & Aug. 12
FAMILY SAFARI NIGHT HIKE
7–10 p.m.
Experience the dark side of the Zoo
with a tour, fun activities, and animal
encounters. Ages 5 and up. Reservations
required. Visit DallasZoo.com/Education
for information.
Saturday, July 16
KIDS CLUB! AT THE PEROT MUSEUM
OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
9–11 a.m.
Exclusively for Passport-level
and higher members.
Thursday, July 21
DOLLAR DAY
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
A big crowd is expected on
this annual $1 admission day.
Saturdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20, & 27
MEMBER MORNINGS
Starting at 8 a.m.
Explore your Zoo before
we open to the public.
Saturday, Sept. 10
PHOTO SAFARI
8 a.m.–noon
Practice your wildlife photography skills
during this morning safari. Reservations
required. Visit DallasZoo.com for information.