Summer 2022 | Member Magazine - Reid Park Zoological Society
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Summer 2022 | Member Magazine Reid Park Zoological Society
ZooFriendZ is an exceptional
circle of people who are invested
in the future of Tucson’s Reid
Park Zoo by donating $500 or
more annually.
Join ZooFriendZ Today!
ONLY $42 MONTHLY!
For more information, contact Gail
Brown at gail@reidparkzoo.org or
(520) 881-4753.
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way
Tucson, Arizona 85716
P: (520) 881-4753
President & CEO
Nancy J. Kluge
Chief Development Officer
Gail Brown
Director of Marketing & Events
Sunning in the Summertime
Deborah Carr
Director of Business Operations & CFO
Tong Cheng
Director of Human Resources
Helen Smart One of the first animals participating in a health
Director of Zoo Operations you can see when visiting check with his care team,
Sue Tygielski, PhD
Reid Park Zoo is American enjoying a sun bath, or
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Diana Whitman alligator, Bayou Bob! chowing down on some fish!
2021/22 Board of Directors
Now is definitely the time to
Society Board Foundation Board
stop by and visit with him.
Chair Chair
Dr. Shane Burgess Nate Clark Reptiles, such as Bayou Bob,
Vice Chair Vice Chair slow down during the cool
Cathy Hutchens Mica Bane
winter months by entering
Treasurer Treasurer
Matt Bingham Steve Larsen a state of brumaion.
Secretary Secretary During the winter, his
Robert Charles Susan Beesemyer
activity level drops,
Past Chair Past Chair
Lisa Lovallo Dr. George Ball he eats significantly
Kathy Alexander Robert Charles less, and often
Dr. George Ball Chad Driedger
Mica Bane Mike Halle spends several
Susan Beesemyer Mike Hannley
Nate Clark Sheldon King hours resting at
Chad Driedger Jason Lazarow
Dallas Dukes the bottom of
Neal Eckel
Mike Halle his heated pool,
Mike Hannley
Sheldon King only occasionally
Steve Larsen
Jason Lazarow needing to come
Edmund Marquez
Patricia O’Callaghan up for air.
Lesah Sesma-Gay
Richard White
Emeritus Members As the weather
Denice Shepherd
Donna Warfield warms up so does
Jim Zarling
Terri Zarling Bayou Bob! You might
1030 S Randolph Way spot him swimming,
Tucson, AZ 85716
ZOO HOURS:
October-May 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
June-September 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Here's a look at the Zoo through
your eyes! Tag us on social media
to enter your own photos for the
next issue of Zoo & You!
Photo by @marycatherine84 on Instagram
Photo by @skylarjmace on Instagram
Photo by Tammy Orr Zoo & You 3
Photo by @ lindzz__ on Instagram
CELEBRATE
Penzi's
Milestones
It's hard to believe,
but Tucson's most
beloved elephant calf
is now two years old!
Penzi, whose full name
"Mapenzi" translates
to "beloved" in Swahili,
spends most of her
time with her big
sister, Nandi. She loves
watermelons and fruit
punch as special treats.
She ventured into the
98,000-gallon elephant
pool for the very first
time the afternoon of
her second birthday
party, and has
been seen regularly
swimming with her
sister ever since!
What kind of birthday cake do you make
for an elephant? Well, we made an ice
pop! Penzi's frozen birthday treat took
a week to make! The layers are made of
Gatorade, lettuce, oranges, carrots, and
watermelon, and the pop is created a layer
at a time. Semba, Penzi's mom, enjoyed
the first bites of the celebratory snack!
Zoo & You 4
CONSERVATION
A Day to Celebrate the Ocean
World Ocean Day is celebrated annually on June 8. Though Reid Park Zoo is far from the
ocean, this is an important cause for our community as the ocean plays a vital role in the
lives of every species on Earth. Just like a heart pumps blood throughout our bodies,
the ocean currents pump nutrients, heat, and moisture around the world. By circulating
nutrients, the ocean provides food for many species, humans included! By pumping heat
and moisture, the ocean plays a critical role in the Earth’s climate. Just like we need a
healthy heart to survive, we also need a healthy ocean!
Here are some actions you can take to take care of the ocean to keep it healthy:
Be Plastic Free Reduce your Carbon Buy Sustainable Seafood
Footprint
Many of the plastics we use Sustainable seafood
end up in the ocean, and As we burn is caught or farmed in
plastic does not ever truly fossil fuels, a responsible way. By
disappear. In the ocean it such as coal, choosing sustainable sea
forms large floating plastic oil, and gas, we release food, we can help maintain
islands or breaks down into excess carbon dioxide into healthy populations of
tiny microscopic pieces, the atmosphere, which marine animals while
which are ingested by creates a thick blanket of protecting their habitat.
marine animals. Throughout heat-trapping gas around To help you identify
July, we invite you to join the Earth. As the Earth sustainable options,
us for the Plastic Free warms, so does the ocean. visit seafoodwatch.org.
Ecochallenge. Can you go a As the ocean warms, the
month without using single- circulation of warm and cold
use plastic? It is easier water is altered. This in turn
than you alters the ocean’s currents
may think! and how it pumps heat and
Please watch moisture around the Earth,
the Zoo’s resulting in changes to the
Facebook Earth’s climate. By reducing
page at the our individual carbon
end of June footprint and working in
for more our communities to burn
information fewer fossil fuels and by
on how you supporting alternative
can take the challenge! energy sources, we can
reduce our impact on the
ocean.
Zoo & You 5
Meet the Newest Members of the Meerkat Mob
Meerkat pups at the farther away from mom.
Zoo mimic their wild However, meerkat families
counterparts in their infant work cooperatively and
and toddler behavior. When other members of the mob Our meerkat pups are constantly
the pups were born, they will bring the pups back to growing and learning natural behaviors
wriggled around to climb mom. that integrate them into valuable
onto mom and nurse.
After the first weeks, the members of their meerkat group, or
With just two pups to look
young pups’ eyes open mob. When meerkats keep an eye
after, our meerkat mom
had no trouble keeping and they begin to explore out for any threats, and then alert the
track of them. These two more, but their bodies are mob, they are performing their natural
youngsters did often move still not very coordinated behavior of being a sentry.
in different directions, but or strong. Each day there is
mom could easily grasp more movement around the is also a helpful guardian
them with her mouth or burrow or, in our case, the and pillow for the pups at
paws to bring them close tunnels that are throughout any given time.
to her. Wild meerkat moms the meerkat house. The staff
can sometimes have carefully monitor the family Once the pups started
large litters. When in an and provide lots of extra following the adults and
underground burrow, the food for mom as her calorie were able to navigate over
pups can wriggle down needs are higher while small things like sticks and
the wrong corridor moving feeding the youngsters. Dad rocks, it was time to venture
Zoo & You 6
out of the indoor tunnel did was dig that ramp away. dad around the habitat, but
to the great outdoors. The The dirt was fresh and new never too far from a tunnel
parents bounded out of the and perfect for pawing to duck into if needed. With
meerkat house after being through. every plane overhead or
cooped up for a few weeks noisy bird, they quickly went
with the babies. The pups Without the ramp, the pups in a tunnel.
were a little more reserved, had about a two inch drop
spending lots of time in the — not much, but a bit of Now the two pups are
doorway peering out. Mom a hop down when you are more confident in their
and dad patrolled and dug just learning. Once the pups exploration. They will stay
and ran enthusiastically made it out into the habitat, out in the open more,
around the habitat. Mom they sniffed and pawed, becoming accustomed
would occasionally check and then darted back to the to some noises. They are
on the pups at the doorway, doorway. They are just like working hard on their
but then she was back to their wild cousins, fearful digging skills and starting
digging. The animal care of new noises and sounds, to sit up like a sentry. Most
staff created a nice dirt always retreating to safety. times they still tumble over,
ramp from the meerkat The first several days they but it takes a lot of practice
house into the habitat so the spent most of their time in and dedication to become a
pups would not have a big the doorway. As the days lookout for the mob!
climb in or out of the house. went on, the pups grew
One of the first things mom braver following mom and
Zoo & You 7
BIGGER SPACES. SMILING FACES.
FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO
World of Play & Pathway to Asia Updates
In the last member magazine, song! This project had only
we announced that redesign minor modifications and has
for these two exciting been submitted to the City Vehicle
projects began in December. of Tucson for their permit Circulation
We are glad to tell you that process. Pedestrian
Circulation
the projects are moving Service
quickly and great This process takes one to Road
progress has been three months, so we
made in the first part expect construction
of 2022! to start very shortly.
The opening of
Angel Charity for the play area is
Children World planned for late
of Play spring of next
year!
This sensory
adventure Pathway New animals planned for
zone will to Asia Pathway to Asia:
engage
This new • Red panda
kids to
exciting • Komodo dragon
learn
area • Asian small-clawed otter
about
will be • Malayan tiger
nature while
located • Fishing cat
they play.
in the • Fruit bat
Nature Play is
current • Siamang
unstructured,
Zoo and • Indian star
informal play
Adaptive tortoise,
in outdoor
Recreation python and
settings,
Center parking other reptile
and aids in
lots. A good portion species
the cognitive, physical,
of the design that was • Pheasants
social, and emotional
previously done was and other
development of
able to be used with bird species
children. To encourage
nature play, this area some modifications.
We are excited about Thank you for being with us
will have materials
the new animals that on this journey!
such as branches,
sticks, rope, wood, will be coming to
or leaves where kids the Zoo! Above is a
can dream up their drawing of the layout
own creations. They featuring mostly Nancy Kluge
might spend time just the new parking lot. Reid Park Zoo President & CEO
looking up to watch Construction will start
the birds in the trees next year and will take
and listen to hear about two years to
each individual complete.
Zoo & You 8
APPRECIATION
Volunteer Spotlight: Joey Finkle
Interested in
volunteering
at the Zoo?
Visit ReidParkZoo.org and
click on the "Get Involved"
tab to learn about the
volunteer opportunities at
the Zoo! From photography
to community engagement,
there are many ways your
skills can help the Zoo!
Please note that volunteer
positions open on an "as
needed" and seasonal
basis. If a position you are
interested in isn't currently
accepting applications,
check back later or email
volunteer@reidparkzoo.org
for more information!
Reid Park Zoo has an Spring Break to explore the given me that is so important
incredible team of volunteers. possibility of coming to the for me is a sense of purpose.”
Some help events run University of Arizona for
smoothly, some help educate college. She moved around a Joey volunteers at events, on
guests about the animals in lot over the following years, the ZOOcson committee, in
our care, and some help out but kept up with the Zoo on the office, and with the Zoo’s
in the office. There are 15 and off before becoming a goats. “I’ve always loved
types of volunteer positions volunteer in the 2010’s. animals and always had a
that help with operations dream of being in a zoo and
around the Zoo, and the staff “I have loved this Zoo from now I get to do it and do it
are incredibly grateful to the get-go. I just love being on my own time,” Joey said.
those who choose to donate around here, I love the people “I would highly recommend
their time and talents. around here, I love who I’m volunteering. It’s something I
working with, I feel like I’m a don’t think people realize can
Joey Finkle is one of those part of a team that is a good, be so fulfilling.”
individuals, and she dedicates close, strong team,” Joey
her time across multiple said. “That means a lot to me. We are so thankful for the
avenues of volunteering. One of the things you start time and love Joey has given
to miss in your life when you to the Zoo — and to our
Joey first came to the Zoo retire or when your kids move other volunteers as well. We
in 1976. It was the year on is a sense of purpose and couldn't Zoo it without them!
she graduated high school one of the things that this has
and she took a trip over Zoo & You 9
A Multitude of Meerkats! Look for
A group of meerkats is called a mob. The mob at Reid meerkats!
Park Zoo has 11 meerkats! Can you spot all 11 below?
Thank you to our Business Members!
Elephant Herd: Lion’s Pride: Rhino’s Crash:
Universal Avionics 723 Main LLC
The Office of Dr. Adam Dalesandro
Sunshine DTA
Dauntless Racing
Olathe Claws LLC
Sunrise Developments LLC
Aviation Building & Supply Elder Health
Greene Enterprises Drywall
Greene Enterprises Material
Zoo & You 10UPCOMING EVENTS
SUMMER SAFARI NIGHTS
Presented by TMC HealthCare
Select Saturdays through August 13
5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Free for Zoo members!
• Visit the animals in the cooler
evening temperatures
• Explore with special theme nights
and activities
• Listen to live music from a variety
of local bands
• Enjoy animal encounters and
games
• Information on
each theme night
and tickets at
ReidParkZoo.org
BREW AT THE ZOO
Presented by Lloyd Construction
RED, WHITE, AND ZOO NANDI’S EIGHTH BIRTHDAY
Monday, July 4 Saturday, August 20
Saturday, June 18
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 8 - 10:30 a.m.
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
As a special thank you for your Free with Zoo Admission
$45 Zoo Member Ticket
service, we are offering free admission Show your love for Nandi and celebrate
$50 General Admission Ticket for active duty (reserve and guard) the lives of elephants everywhere. Join
$25 Designated Driver Ticket veterans and retirees of the military us in Expedition Tanzania as Nandi and
Ages 21 and over only (with military, VA, the herd receive some pachyderm-
Taste a wide selection of craft beer, or retiree ID) and sized treats. Join in singing Happy
hard ciders, lagers, and ales from discounted admission Birthday and a bubble toast, and learn
Arizona’s finest brewing companies of $5 each for up to six how you can help save wild elephants
as you travel around the Zoo in military dependents through special zookeeper chats and
this one-of-a-kind sampling event. on Monday, July 4. elephant-themed activities. We’ll have
Proceeds support the Zoo’s animal Military member cookies for the first 300 guests.
care, conservation, and education does not need to be
programs. Listen to live music in the present for dependent
Event Garden and in Tanzania, enjoy discount. ZOOCSON 2022
games and fun photo booths and take Friday, October 7
home a commemorative tasting glass. WATERMELON WEDNESDAYS 6 - 9 p.m.
Pub style food will be available for Every Wednesday in July $125 Zoo member
purchase throughout the Zoo. $150 General Admission
FREE with Zoo Admission
Watch as the Zoo’s animals enjoy $250 Premium Experience
ALES FOR ANIMALS a sweet treat as part of a special Slow down and party for a purpose
EXPERIENCE: summer enrichment. Every at the 2022 ZOOcson, Tucson’s wildly
Enhance your Brew at the Zoo Wednesday, guests can observe elegant and all-inclusive fundraiser
experience with a special VIP animals enjoying watermelon flavored featuring sumptuous food samplings
Package: ice, investigate puzzle feeders filled from local restaurants, live music,
with slices of watermelon, and have animal encounters and one-of-a-
$130 Ales for Animals Premium kind auctions. This year’s event will
fun while the animals smash whole
Experience spotlight a future addition to the Zoo’s
watermelons.
Members receive $5 off South America Loop: a two-toed sloth.
• Early entry at 6 p.m. Hang out with fellow Zoo lovers and
• Special behind-the-scenes and join us for an enchanting and inspiring
feeding experience with the evening under the stars at the Zoo.
Zoo’s giraffes
• Souvenir T-shirt and Swag Bag
For more information on these and other upcoming events Interested in becoming a sponsor
and education programs, please visit our website at of Reid Park Zoo events?
www.ReidParkZoo.org
Check back often to see what's new at your Zoo! Call 881-4753 or email gail@reidparkzoo.org
Zoo & You 11Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way PAID
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85716 Permit No. 1257
Presented by
Select Saturday Nights
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Starting May 28
Tickets & information at ReidParkZoo.orgYou can also read
