Members’ News
The Official WCS Members’ Newsletter
May/Jun 2015
Tortoise Power!
I
(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 Wild
Giant Aldabra tortoises are classified as “Vulnerable”,
with wild populations in decline. The Wildlife Conservation Society works to save turtles and tortoises
around the world. In 2012, WCS launched an organization-wide program to revive some of the most endangered turtle and tortoise species. Efforts include breeding 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.
Attention bird
lovers of all
ages –
don’t miss
the Bronx Zoo
Birdathon on
May 9th! See
page 5 for
details!
Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
f 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 chelonians, they’ll be returning this spring and can be found,
weather permitting, grazing outside Zoo Center.
Both tortoises are males; Abdul weighs approximately 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
Penguin Royalty
at the Central
Park Zoo
T
he 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 mature,” 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 Hatching
The 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 family recently rejoined the rest of the penguin colony
where zoo visitors are able to watch the chick transform from a gawky brownish fluff-ball to an elegant
adult penguin.
The Central Park Zoo has a long, successful history with the care and husbandry of penguins. The
Polar Circle exhibit is home to more than 60 penguins 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.
Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Breeding in the Polar
Circle
The Polar Circle exhibit is built to replicate conditions penguins experience in the wild. Both air and
water temperatures are maintained below 40 degrees
Fahrenheit. Special lighting simulates natural seasonal adjustments in day/night cycles. The change
in sunrise and sunset throughout the year lets the
penguins know when it is breeding season and triggers instinctual mating behaviors. Careful management 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 flap of skin called a
brood pouch to keep it warm. It is passed between the
parents for the entire incubation period. The egg is incubated for 53 to 62 days, and the chick will stay with
its parents for 10 to 13 months.
Penguins in the Wild
King 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 including climate change, overfishing, and the degradation 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 species of penguin in coastal Argentina and Chile, and has
helped establish marine protected areas in both countries. For more information on WCS’s efforts to protect
penguins, please visit wcs.org.
2
Mornings at the Zoo 2015
Special Events for Conservation-Level Members
T
he 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 Zoo
Join 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 morning access to Congo Gorilla Forest. Meet outside
Congo Gorilla Forest. 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. 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 Zoo
The 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. Conservationlevel Membership starts at the $295 Conservation Supporter Level.
Pre-registration required!
Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Please visit bronxzoo.com/morningsatthezoo
to reserve your spot. Reservations open
approximately 60 days prior to each
event.
What’s New at Prospect Park Zoo
Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Chinese Big-Headed Turtle Babies
Three Chinese big-headed turtles
have hatched at WCS’s Prospect
Park Zoo, the only facility accredited 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 critically endangered turtles
from extinction. The
strategy draws on all of
the resources and expertise 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 bigheaded turtle on exhibit in the Hall of Animals.
WCS breeds Chinese big-headed turtles and other endangered turtle species to build “assurance colonies”. These managed colonies maintain a genetically viable population until
conservationists are able to stabilize wild populations. The development of assurance colonies, along with work in the field,
is part of WCS’s widespread conservation effort to save turtles.
Marmoset Twins
The wide-eyed Geoffroy’s marmosets are
among the most popular residents of the Prospect 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 rainforest in eastern
Brazil.
While
the species is
not
endangered,
they
live in
areas
that are
susceptible
to deforestation. WCS works
within this species’
range and in many South American
countries to reconcile human development
needs with conservation.
Forever Wildlife Legacy Match
Participate in the Forever Wildlife Legacy Match by designating
WCS as a beneficiary 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.
Saturday, May 9th
7:30am – 12:30pm
T
Presenting Sponsor
SAVE
THE
DATES
2015 WCS MEMBERS’ EVENINGS AT
THE BRONX ZOO
Thursday, July 16 & Tuesday, July 21 – 4pm-7:30pm
Member
Discounts
WCS Members can
purchase tickets
to the Bronx Zoo
Birdathon for just
$15 for adults, $5
for children (nonMember tickets are
$30 for adults, $15
for children). Tickets
are available now at
bronxzoo.com.
Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
he 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 important 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 woodpecker 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 movement and other behaviors at the World of Birds
• A fun and educational day!
Who will be crowned champion at the second annual Bronx Zoo Birdathon? Birders of all ages and
skill levels are invited to spot the diverse array of species 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 avian 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.
Featured Sponsors:
Canon
Empire BlueCross BlueShield
IKEA
JetBlue
FAMILY, YOUTH, AND
Please 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/schools
Birthday Parties: wcs.org/birthday
Volunteer Opportunities: wcs.org/volunteer
Educators: wcs.org/teacherpd
Mem be
Camps: wcs.org/camps
rs
r
Now all at ONE number!
FAMILY PROGRAMS
e
disccoeuive
on mosnts
progra t
ms !
800-433-4149
Bronx Zoo (BZ): [email protected]
Central Park Zoo (CPZ): [email protected]
Prospect Park Zoo (PPZ): [email protected]
Queens Zoo (QZ): [email protected]
New York Aquarium (AQ): 718-265-3457
[email protected]
Professional Development: 718-220-5136
[email protected]
Visit 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 Zoo
Central 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 filled 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 Aquarium
Honor 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 OttersSun., May 10. Amazing Dads: Penguins- Sun., June 21.
Caregiver and Me Class Series Programs
Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
Sign up now for the four zoos’ spring caregiver-and-me programs,
designed to engage our budding animal lovers in a variety of activities. All programs include live animal encounters, movement activities, 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 Kritters for 4-5 year olds at BZ, CPZ, PPZ & QZ.
Family Overnights at Bronx and Queens Zoos
Join us for a unique overnight experience at the zoo under the spring sky! You & your family will be
treated to fun-filled 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.
6
ADULT PROGRAMS
It’s time to
YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS
Summer Zoo Camp 2015
Our 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 2015
Bronx Zoo, Prospect Zoo, Central Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo
WCS is partnering with
Nickelodeon to celebrate 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!
High School Students
looking for an insider
perspective on potential
STEM careers should look
no further. Internships are 3
weeks long, focusing on field
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.
Onsite Professional Development
Programs
Photo: ©Nickelodeon
7
Photos: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
The Education Division of
WCS offers teacher courses
throughout the year, on
weekends as well as during
vacations, at all five 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!
Help Save
Wildlife and
Wild Places
Members’ News
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Bronx, NY 10460
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Members’ News
May/Jun 2015
what’s inside
With warmer weather finally 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.
MEMBERS’ NEWS STAFF:
Editor/Writer: Tal Aviezer
Photographer: Julie Larsen Maher unless otherwise noted
Designer: Dot Payne
Thanks to Max Pulsinelli, Barbara Russo, Christina Sirabian
8
Photo: Julie Larsen Maher ©WCS
1 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