Value Added Community Outreach Makes a Difference - JANUARY 2021 - Assets Service
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JANUARY 2021
A publication of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Value Added
Community Outreach
Makes a Difference
HELPING STUDENTS IN NEED DISABILITY IS DIVERSITY BY THE NUMBERS
Saving Orangutans
January 2021
Features
22 30 36
Value Added: Helping Students Disability is Diversity
Community Outreach in Need Zoos and aquariums that have
Makes a Difference Henry Vilas Zoo partners volunteers have the opportunity
Whether a zoo or aquarium with the Bayview Foundation to provide equitable access to
offers free tickets, educational to help low-income residents, service opportunities where
programs, or volunteer primarily immigrants individuals with disabilities can
opportunities, it adds to its and refugees. gain skills and build community.
identity as a community asset. The benefits to both the
BY KRISTIN MOALA
facility and to the surrounding
BY MARY-ELLEN COLLINS
community are manifold.
BY ANY HOLZWORTH
January 2021 | www.aza.org 1
9 10 56
Member View Departments
7 Green Tales 12 Emergency Response 16 Conservation Grants 44 Faces & Places
A comprehensive Zoo Atlanta selected to Award Update 45 Advertiser Index
sustainability program at the lead emergency response Effects of socialization on
Houston Zoo effort for regional managed behavioral, physiological, 46 Exhibits
wildlife community and reproductive parameters 47 Announcements
8 Animal Welfare of bull Asian elephants
Cheetah undergoes wellness 13 Reintroduction 56 Births & Hatchings
exam at Zoo Miami More than 1,000 hellbenders 17 Research Updates
from Saint Louis Zoo released This month’s selection of
9 Grant into Native Ozark Rivers what has been published
About the cover
Prestigious grant funds Indian Rhino
Cincinnati Zoo scientists’ 14 Grants 18 By the Numbers
work to save imperiled cats U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Saving orangutans
Awards $2,040,000 in grants
© Sabrina Heise, Oklahoma City Zoo
10 Citizen Science to help rescue and rehabilitate
Beluga Bits at Assiniboine stranded marine mammals
Park Zoo
15 Rescue
11 Citizen Science Critically endangered sea
Connecticut’s Beardsley turtle flown from Florida to
Zoo tags monarch new home at Brookfield Zoo
butterflies as part of
Monarch Watch program
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January 2021 | www.aza.org 3
Community EDITOR
Tim Lewthwaite
Dear Colleagues, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lisa Cadigan, Cadigan Creative
community ADVERTISING
Gina Velosky
noun, often attributive
(301) 562-0777, ext. 254, gvelosky@aza.org
com·mu·ni·ty
This month’s Connect features several examples of how Association of Zoos and Aquariums-
accredited institutions provide value for their communities. According to Merriam-Webster,
community has several definitions. This is one of them: President and Chief Executive Officer
Dan Ashe
an interacting population of various kinds of individuals in a common location
Executive Vice President
It’s obvious to us how our zoos and aquariums provide value to our local communities Craig Hoover
fitting this definition. We not only provide fantastic family friendly recreational General Counsel
opportunities, but we also provide non-traditional science education for all ages, committed Jack Keeney
staff working to conserve both local and global wildlife … The list goes on and on. But Chief Financial Officer
Phil Wagner
this year one of the ways that many of us served our communities that makes me the most
Senior Vice President of Conservation, Management
proud was how we adapted to life in a pandemic, keeping our doors open when possible to
and Welfare Sciences
provide a much-needed outlet for people Dr. Candice Dorsey
desperate to get outside of their own Senior Vice President of Member Services
homes without putting their health and Melissa Howerton
safety at risk. We’ve all, no doubt, put new Senior Vice President of Accreditation
Denny Lewis
safety measures in place while welcoming
Senior Vice President of Government Affairs
people in this stressful time. Steve Olson
The Phoenix Zoo’s social media has Senior Vice President of Communications and Strategy
been flooded with messages from grateful Rob Vernon
guests, thankful for being able to get their Vice President of Conservation and Science
Shelly Grow
toddlers out of the house or to have a
Vice President of Congressional Affairs
way to take their medically fragile parent Jennifer Keaton
or grandparent through the Zoo in our For a full listing of AZA’s staff, visit www.aza.org/staff
Cruise the Zoo events. I’m sure your
accounts have seen those messages, too. AZA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
It’s possible to have a day that seems a Chair
little normal, even while wearing a mask, Bert Castro | President and CEO, Arizona Center for Nature
when visiting a zoo or aquarium in this Conservation/Phoenix Zoo
very trying time, and that seems like a very important gift to give our communities. Chair Elect
But it’s important to also recognize another definition of community: Dr. Brian Davis | President and CEO, Georgia Aquarium
a body of persons of common and especially professional interests scattered through a Vice Chair
larger society Adrienne Rowland | Director, Shark Reef Aquarium
at Mandalay Bay
The AZA membership represents more than 7,000 individuals and together we form a
strong community of professionals committed to the zoo and aquarium industry, wildlife Past Chair
Dr. Christopher Kuhar | Executive Director, Cleveland
conservation, and, perhaps most importantly, to each other. During this difficult year AZA
Metroparks Zoo
has been there for us, answering questions, providing support and flexibility, conducting and
Directors
sharing surveys that provide a way to learn what has worked or not worked as we’ve tried to
Rich Block | Chief Executive Officer, Santa Barbara Zoo
adapt to life in a pandemic.
Christopher Dold, DVM | Chief Zoological Officer,
As individual and institutional AZA members, we form a community of people committed SeaWorld Orlando
to upholding the highest standards of animal health and welfare. AZA accreditation provides Margo McKnight | President and CEO, Palm Beach Zoo and
evidence that our institutions have worked to maintain the high standards in every aspect of Conservation Society
our operations required for the gold standard of accreditation. Being able to hold our heads Lisa New | President and CEO, Zoo Knoxville
high within our professional community while demonstrating our credibility within our local Mark Penning, BVSC | VP Animals, Science and Environment,
communities is a value we receive from the AZA that is priceless. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Dr. Tara Riemer | President and CEO, Alaska SeaLife Center
Sincerely, Dwight Scott | Director, San Diego Zoo
Norberto J. (Bert) Castro Denise M. Verret | Chief Executive Officer and Zoo Director,
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
President/CEO, Arizona Center for Nature Conservation / Phoenix Zoo
Cynthia Vernon | Chief Operating Officer, Monterey
Bay Aquarium
4 www.aza.org | January 2021
Green Tales
A Comprehensive
Sustainability Program
at the Houston Zoo
© Houston Zoo
Katherine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands Exhibit, an example of sustainable design at the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas, The need for a comprehensive The successes of the sustainability
received the 2020 AZA Green Award— sustainability program first emerged through program can be seen within all departments
Significant Achievement—in recognition of the leadership of The Zoo’s conservation at the Houston Zoo including the animal
how sustainability contributes to our mission team, who cultivated a group of dedicated care teams, grounds and housekeeping,
to connect communities with animals and employees who demonstrated a commitment purchasing, horticulture, facilities, human
inspire action to save wildlife. Since 2017, a to the environment and how we can help save resources, design and engineering, event
comprehensive strategic plan has guided the animals in the wild. These staff members operations, marketing, and the education team.
Zoo’s sustainable business operations and figured out how to minimize their impact Among the successes have been
facility development, conservation education on the environment at work and integrated substantial gains in recycling and reduced
efforts, and its Take Action initiatives for sustainable solutions into their jobs. Thanks water consumption: the campus-wide
guests. The Zoo’s sustainability efforts have to these grassroots efforts, the Houston recycling rate has increased by 77 percent
become cross-departmental and integral to Zoo now has a staff member dedicated to and water use decreased by 25 percent
outreach and a fundamental part of daily life working with all departments to integrate since 2016. In order to accomplish this,
at the Houston Zoo. sustainability into zoo-wide operations. the Houston Zoo implemented recycling
January 2021 | www.aza.org 7
programs for multiple waste streams outside
of traditional commingled recycling such as
scrap metal, paints, light bulbs, glass, corks,
electronics, and batteries. Additionally,
the Houston Zoo composts 100 percent of
its large mammal and hoofstock manure,
with large contributions coming from the
elephants, giraffes, and rhinos.
Accomplishing the 25 percent water
consumption decrease required investment
in the installation of over 400 rain sensors
into the irrigation system and dedicating
time and resources to leak detection and
repair. Water conservation efforts can also
be seen in the newest exhibits, for example,
the Katherine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands.
This functioning wetland ecosystem acts
as storm water retention and detention
and holds up to 60,000 gallons of rainfall,
helping to alleviate storm water runoff,
© Zoo Miami
reduce the exhibit’s overall water demand,
and increase the resiliency of the Zoo’s
campus. In a move that contributes to both
waste reduction and healthier waterways,
the Houston Zoo has eliminated single- Animal Welfare
use plastic bottles, bags, and straws and
Cheetah Undergoes Wellness
invites local businesses to join in the effort.
For more about the Zoo’s sustainability
achievements, you can view the Green
Award application on the AZA website.
As the Zoo move towards its centennial
celebration in 2022, staff are dedicated to
Exam at Zoo Miami
minimizing environmental impact and Koda, an eight year old male cheetah, of any treatment which is why these types of
leading and inspiring sustainability practices received a thorough wellness exam as part of exams are a fundamental part of the Zoo’s
by guests, community, organizations, and the Zoo Miami Animal Health Department’s overall preventative medicine program.
businesses. The Zoo supports long-term preventative medicine program. Cheetahs are considered to be Africa’s
solutions that promote harmony between After being immobilized in his holding most endangered big cat with only about
animals and people, in experiences here at area at the Zoo’s amphitheater, the 110 pound 7,000 remaining in the wild. Their biggest
the Houston Zoo and in outreach around cat was transported to the Animal Hospital threat is human conflict as they are often
the world. where he underwent a series of procedures shot by farmers who consider them a threat
that included x-rays, an ultrasound, scoping to their livestock. Unlike other big cats,
and biopsy of the stomach, and a dental cheetahs do not roar but do purr. They are
cleaning. In addition, blood and urine the world’s fastest land animal reaching
samples were collected. All of the initial speeds of close to 70 mph in less than
results indicate that Koda is in excellent five seconds. Found in isolated pockets of
health and he has since been reunited with his eastern and southern Africa as well as a very
brother, Diesel, at the amphitheater. small population in Asia, cheetahs are not
Because wild animals instinctively hide considered a danger to people and are often
symptoms of being ill or injured so as not to attacked and killed by other predators such
expose themselves to predation or aggression, as lions, leopards, and hyenas.
For more member news, visit regular wellness exams play an important Zoo Miami has worked closely with
www.aza.org/ role in being able to diagnose any potential
problems before they become too serious.
cheetah conservation organizations in
Africa and has provided tens of thousands of
press-room Being able to detect any problems at an early
stage plays an important role in the success
dollars in support of their efforts to protect
this beautiful animal.
8 www.aza.org | January 2021© Cincinnati Zoo
Grant
Prestigious Grant Funds Cincinnati Zoo
Scientists’ Work to Save Imperiled Cats
Scientists at The Lindner Center for at OHDZA and many other AZA- fundamental research in each felid species
Conservation and Research of Endangered accredited zoos across the nation that have before the potential of ART can be realized.”
Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo agreed to participate in this effort.” The IMLS grant will fund the
& Botanical Garden in Cincinnati, Ohio, As wild populations dwindle, cats advancement of AI procedures and semen
working in partnership with scientists at in zoos become an ever more critical banking for the management of imperiled
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium component of conservation efforts, serving big cats in U.S. zoos. Grant funds will also be
in Omaha, Neb., are poised to address as ambassadors for their wild cousins, used to develop more efficient methods for
the reproductive challenges of managing helping to educate and engage the public AI and to increase the scientific capacity of
sustainable zoo populations of tigers, snow in conservation actions, providing an the zoological community through advanced
leopards, Amur leopards, and jaguars with invaluable research resource to more readily training in ART.
a goal to ensure their presence in zoos study their behavior and physiology, and Despite the reproductive challenges
for years to come. Thanks to a National serving as an assurance population to faced by zoo populations and the need
Leadership Grant from the Institute of protect against species extinction. for ART, the Cincinnati Zoo is only one
Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), they However, the populations of cats in of 10 accredited zoos in the U.S. that have
will get that chance. North American zoos are facing significant reproductive biologists on staff. Over
“We’re thrilled to receive this funding challenges that could compromise their the past 20 years, scientists at CREW
and hope that it will result in the continued contribution to conservation efforts. have conducted multiple studies which
existence of sustainable populations of “Long-term sustainability goals cannot have improved natural breeding success,
these imperiled large cats in zoos,” said be achieved with natural breeding alone,” advanced the use of ART for genetic
CREW theriogenologist and project said Vansandt. “The development of management, and facilitated linkage of
director for this grant, Dr. Lindsey effective, efficient assisted reproductive wild and zoo populations. The combined
Vansandt. “The maximum amount for technologies (ART) will be critical to expertise of these accredited institutions
an IMLS National Leadership Grant is ensure the viability of these populations. is intended to significantly advance the
$1,000,000 and we were awarded $770,601 Semen banking and artificial insemination understanding of reproductive biology
for a three-year funding period. We are (AI) are the most readily applicable ARTs in four species of cats and accelerate the
grateful for this support and look forward for management of felid populations, development of effective ART protocols for
to collaborating with our research partners but differences in physiology necessitate their conservation.
January 2021 | www.aza.org 9Citizen Science
Beluga Bits at Assiniboine Park Zoo
By C-Jae Breiter and Ashleigh Westphal
© Assiniboine Zoo
Researchers at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine species. It is also difficult to tell how many from all over the world. Zooniverse users
Park Zoo are using the power of the beluga are present, and markings are hard to help us classify photos by indicating which
internet and citizen science to study one discern on their white skin. images don’t have beluga in them and which
of the Arctic’s most charismatic creatures, This prompted us to start looking photos need to be looked at more closely for
beluga whales. Belugas are found across underwater, opening up a new world of features connected to sex, age, group size,
much of the circumpolar Arctic, and opportunities to study beluga. By taking and unique markings. Interested volunteers
in the Greater Hudson Bay ecosystem underwater videos, we could start asking do not need any specialized backgrounds,
aggregations number in the thousands questions about social structure (Are training, or expertise to participate, instead
each summer. Estuaries are thought to be the same groups seen together?); health we provide tutorials, field guides, and
used by beluga for moulting and calving (What threats are these beluga facing?); assistance through an online forum.
as they are biologically rich and may and habitat use (Where do we tend to see Project successes to date include over
provide thermal benefits and refuge from females with calves?). 8,000 volunteers contributing over 1.2
predators like killer whales. They may also These videos provide a wealth of data million photo classifications to this project,
provide a concentrated area to maintain to help answer these questions, as well as an our first beluga photo recapture from
social bonds. High densities of beluga In opportunity to connect people from around the 2016 in 2019, contributions to university
the Churchill River Estuary each summer world with northern species and Arctic research and graduate research projects, and
make Churchill, Manitoba an ideal area to through online citizen science platforms. incorporation into several school, university,
conduct research. During July and August, www.Explore. and tourism programs in Manitoba. This
Monitoring beluga will allow us to track org runs a live stream of underwater video project is a collaboration with Explore.org
beluga and ocean health and to identify from a boat in the Churchill River Estuary. and Polar Bears International and is funded
emerging threats to this population. Northern Viewers from around the world can take in part by the RBC Foundation, CalmAir,
ecosystems are facing a variety of threats, snapshots from the video to add photos to and the Churchill Northern Studies Centre
including a changing climate and its subsequent our project. Northern Research Fund.
impacts on sea ice, increased shipping, To gather as much information from the
ocean acidification, and prey resources. whales as possible, we also extract frames C-Jae Breiter is the research conservation
Unfortunately, monitoring beluga from the videos. These photos are uploaded specialist at Assiniboine Park Zoo.
above the water is challenging; they lack a to the online platform Zooniverse, which Ashleigh Westphal is a conservation
dorsal fin, a helpful identifier in other whale hosts people-powered research projects intern at Assiniboine Park Zoo.
10 www.aza.org | January 2021© Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Citizen Science
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Tags
Monarch Butterflies as Part of the
Nation’s Monarch Watch Program
In its first collaboration with the citizen science provides critical information to the monarch butterflies under the Endangered Species
program Monarch Watch, Connecticut’s database and is used for further research. Act, based on its dwindling numbers. A
Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport, Conn., trained This program demonstrates how we can all listing decision was due in December 2020.
volunteers to tag monarch butterflies to play a part in protecting wildlife.”
learn more about the migration of the At least ten monarchs have been Why Monarchs?
threatened butterfly. The Monarch Watch tagged so far. Farrell explained that weather Monarch butterflies contribute to the
Tagging Program, based at the University fluctuations have shortened the migration health of their ecosystems by providing an
of Kansas since 1992, is a large-scale citizen window this year. Monarchs prefer to migrate important pollination role for wildflowers
science project focusing on the dynamics of when temperatures are in the 60s and 70s. in the area. They are also an important food
the monarch’s spectacular fall migration. Each fall Monarch Watch distributes source for birds, small animals, and other
Zoo educator, Jen Farrell, taught three more than a quarter of a million tags to insects. Their survival is threatened by the
online Zoom classes in monarch tagging, volunteers across North America who loss of milkweed plants, where they lay
then invited volunteers who wanted tag monarchs as they migrate through their eggs. In addition, their winter habitat
hands-on assistance to join her in the Zoo’s their area. Lightweight circular tags were in Mexico and California is shrinking
Pollinator Gardens. Twenty-five people designed specifically for tagging monarchs, due to deforestation, harsh weather,
attended the online classes, and tagged and when applied as directed, do not climate change, and development. Because
butterflies in their own backyards, or local interfere with flight or otherwise harm the monarchs gather in only a few locations,
parks and open spaces. butterflies. A geographic mark on the tag the entire population is at risk.
“Tagging answers questions about the tells researchers where the monarch was
monarchs that reach Mexico,” said Farrell. captured and tagged, along with the tag
Learn more at
monarchwatch.org
“Similar to the classes we offer in FrogWatch date and butterfly gender.
each year, Monarch Watch encourages In 2014, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
individuals to engage with nature, while it Service was petitioned to protect Monarch
January 2021 | www.aza.org 11as well as to have earned the confidence of
AZA that we are an organization committed
to emergency preparedness,” Murphy said.
“With the pandemic, 2020 has surely shown
us that emergencies do not choose to strike
at pre-planned intervals. Planning and
communication, with all the right entities at
the table, can make the difference between a
difficult situation and a devastating one.”
Natural disasters and other urgent
public threats place a strain on emergency
management sectors, but the care of living
populations presents organizations such
as zoos and aquariums with a unique and
additional set of challenges that can only
be met with particular expertise. Zoos and
aquariums of Georgia and the Southeastern
U.S. regularly rely on one another during
natural disasters, particularly as it relates
to identifying safe housing options and
critical life support systems for wild animals
in zoological care in impacted zones. Zoo
Atlanta is frequently called upon to assist
other facilities in Georgia during such events.
© Hayley Murphy, Zoo Atlanta
“Zoo Atlanta has shown incredible
leadership in working to advance
preparedness in the zoological community,”
said Yvonne Nadler, DVM, MPH, senior
veterinary advisor for ZAHP. “Their history
of assisting fellow facilities in crisis and
continued commitment to supporting
broad community efforts make them an
Emergency Response
ideal partner for this initiative, and we
are incredibly excited to work with such a
Zoo Atlanta Selected to talented team.”
The Zoo will use the awarded funds
Lead Emergency Response to develop a state and regional network to
comprehensively identify facilities where
Effort for Regional Managed
exotic animals are housed; share data
with neighboring facilities and emergency
response agencies; and create a roadmap for
Wildlife Community improved regional contingency planning
that can reduce the impact on managed
wildlife communities, which can experience
Zoo Atlanta in Atlanta, Ga., has been selected connects the emergency management public setbacks of months and even years in the
to develop, advance, and expand a vital sector with the managed wildlife community. event of a major disaster.
program for emergency response in the state Zoo Atlanta representatives in the In January 2020, Forde was accepted and
of Georgia. The Zoo has been awarded with initiative are Hayley Murphy, DVM, received a stipend to participate in Georgia’s
a grant of $5,000 to begin work as a partner deputy director; Cary Burgess, senior vice Natural Heritage Responder (NHR) Training.
in the Zoo and Aquarium All Hazards president of operations, guest services NHR currently has 34 regional response
Preparedness, Response and Recovery and community affairs; and Debbie Forde, networks set up across the United States for
(ZAHP) Fusion Center, a cooperative director of animal resources. cultural heritage institutions. Zoo Atlanta and
agreement between the United States “Zoo Atlanta is honored to be chosen to NHR look to share data and efforts.
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the partner with the ZAHP Fusion Center and For more on the ZAHP Fusion Center,
Association of Zoos and Aquariums that to lead these efforts for our state and region, visit aza.org/zahp.
12 www.aza.org | January 2021Reintroduction
More Than 1,000 Hellbenders from Saint
Louis Zoo Released into Native Ozark Rivers
© Ray Meibaum, Saint Louis Zoo
More than 1,000 Ozark and eastern priority was to reduce contact and maintain Saint Louis Zoo in 2011. In 2018, another
hellbenders raised from eggs at the Saint social distancing among individuals. To historical achievement took place at the Zoo
Louis Zoo in Saint Louis, Mo., were released achieve this, animal transfers from the Zoo with the hatching of second-generation zoo-
into their native Missouri Ozark rivers staff to the state herpetologist occurred bred Ozark hellbenders. Propagation of this
this summer by Missouri Department of in open air parking lots. Crews releasing species has continued at the Zoo, resulting in
Conservation (MDC) State Herpetologist, hellbenders also were reduced and limited 5,531 successful hatchlings.
Dr. Jeff Briggler in cooperation with the to two individuals per boat. “Even with “This fall, despite the extra challenge,
Zoo and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service these safety precautions, release quotas of we will continue to work toward keeping
(USFWS). Since 2008, more than 8,600 Saint hellbenders were achieved and successfully sustainable populations through breeding
Louis Zoo-raised endangered hellbenders conducted,” said Briggler. selected individual hellbenders at the Zoo
(664 eastern and 7,977 Ozark) have been “The extraordinary teamwork by the and head-starting wild-collected eggs from
reintroduced to the wild in Missouri. Zoo’s herpetology, registrar, life support MDC for future releases,” said Augustine.
The successful 2020 reintroductions systems, and animal health departments to In addition to the breeding efforts, the
almost didn’t happen, though, due to prepare the hellbenders for reintroduction Zoo also has been head-starting juvenile
COVID-19. The team of scientists from is a testament to the dedication of Zoo staff Ozark and eastern hellbenders, hatched from
MDC and the Zoo collaborated on a to this conservation program,” said Lauren eggs collected in the wild, for future release.
detailed plan that focused on personal Augustine, curator of herpetology at the Currently, the Zoo has 1,397 hellbenders at
safety of team members, while also Zoo and director of the Saint Louis Zoo the Charles H. Hoessle Herpetarium.
providing the best care for the hellbenders WildCare Institute Ron Goellner Center Once the larvae bred in managed care
and conservation of this species. for Hellbender Conservation. “Despite a are two to eight years old, they can then be
“The process was quite a bit different pandemic, we strived for a conservation released into their natural habitat—the Ozark
this year, with a lot of careful coordination ‘win’ for these animals.” aquatic ecosystem. Missouri Department of
on everyone’s part,” said Briggler. Due to The world’s first successful zoo breeding Conservation biologists are monitoring the
COVID-19 concerns, the restoration team’s of Ozark hellbenders occurred at the success of these released animals in the wild.
January 2021 | www.aza.org 13Grants
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Awards
$2,040,000 in Grants to Help Rescue and
Rehabilitate Stranded Marine Mammals
the ocean. The Aquarium will use Prescott
funds to help conserve southern sea otters by
expanding the species’ population through
surrogacy and providing critical support for
stranding response projects.
“This new grant program is especially
important for the Alaska SeaLife Center
because we are the only facility in Alaska
equipped to accept live stranded northern
sea otters and walruses,” said Dr. Tara
Riemer, president and chief executive
officer of the Alaska SeaLife Center.
“Maintaining the specialized veterinary
and animal care staff to adequately respond
to stranding events for over 6,000 miles of
Alaska coastline is extremely expensive.
This funding will enable us to continue to
maintain proficiency and be the front line
for otters and walruses, whether stranded for
natural or human-caused reasons.”
“For nearly 40 years, the Monterey
Bay Aquarium, with the support of many
generous donors, has worked closely with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to recover
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has Service to implement the program. This California’s threatened seaotters,” said Julie
awarded $2,040,000 in funding to 15 is the first year the agency has distributed Packard, executive director of the Monterey
conservation organizations and state Prescott grant awards. Bay Aquarium. “We are grateful for this
agencies through the John H. Prescott This year’s Prescott grant recipients first ever grant from the agency and excited
Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant include: for how it will enhance our partnership. In
Program. The program provides financial The Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, these challenging times, financial support
assistance to eligible participants for the Alaska—The Alaska SeaLife Center is a is vital as we continue to rescue and
rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of nonprofit facility primarily dedicated to rehabilitate stranded sea otters, releasing
marine mammals. Species covered under marine research and education. It combines them in places where they can help restore
this grant program include West Indian a public aquarium with these efforts and is coastal ecosystems.”
manatees, sea otters, Pacific walruses, and the only permanent marine mammal rescue The Prescott grant program was
polar bears. and rehabilitation facility in Alaska. established under the Marine Mammal
“Marine mammals play a vital role in The center will use Prescott funds to Rescue Assistance Act of 2000 to improve
maintaining the health and stability of our rehabilitate stranded sea otters and Pacific our nation’s ability to rescue, rehabilitate, and
nation’s aquatic ecosystems, coastal areas, walruses. They will also collect data about conserve marine mammals. Funds provided
and communities,” said Aurelia Skipwith, the health and disease parameters associated under the program are distributed, to the
director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. with these species. greatest extent practicable, equitably among
The National Marine Fisheries Service Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation— the designated stranding regions. For the
(NMFS) has distributed Prescott grants The Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, Service, this refers to the geographic regions
since 2001. Last year, Congress began to Calif., is a nonprofit organization that is where West Indian manatees, sea otters,
allocate funds to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife committed to inspiring others to conserve Pacific walruses and polar bears occur.
14 www.aza.org | January 2021© Brookfield Zoo
Rescue
Critically Endangered Sea Turtle Flown from
Florida to New Home at Brookfield Zoo
How does a sea turtle get from Florida to changes to her shell—it grows differently up enjoying and learning about wildlife.”
Illinois? It flies of course, thanks to Turtles now than it should. Pistachio also failed a After being rescued, Pistachio was taken
Fly Too, a national nonprofit organization live prey trial, leading the Florida Fish and to The Florida Aquarium, which is about 120
that engages general aviation pilots, who Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) miles south of Cedar Key. Now, after being
give of their time and talents to transport to deem her non-releasable back to the wild. cared for and rehabilitated at the Aquarium,
endangered species around the world. Turtle “The mission of The Florida Aquarium including for the past year, in its new state-
Flier team member pilot Brenda Tibbs is to save wildlife, especially the most of-the-art Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center,
navigated the special mission of flying vulnerable species who, without our aid, Pistachio is ready for her new home at
Pistachio, a female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, would no longer exist in the natural world,” Brookfield Zoo.
from Tampa International Airport to said Roger Germann, president and chief “The Chicago Zoological Society is
Midway Airport on 8 September 2020. executive officer of The Florida Aquarium very proud to partner with The Florida
In 2012, the approximately 13-year-old in Tampa, Fla. “Extinction is forever, which Aquarium, Turtles Fly Too, and the state
sea turtle was found in the Gulf of Mexico is why we remained fiercely committed to of Florida to provide a long-term home
near Cedar Key, Fla., where she was struck providing the best care for Pistachio in order for Pistachio,” said Andy Snider, curator of
by a recreational boat propeller. The severe to give her a second chance at life. Knowing herpetology and aquatics for the Society,
injuries she sustained, including wounds to Pistachio will spend the next chapter of which manages Brookfield Zoo. “She is a
her skull and the front of her carapace, left her life thriving at Brookfield Zoo is not permanent reminder of how important safe
Pistachio partially blind in her left eye. She only rewarding for all of us at The Florida boating practices and other water-related
also has some partial paralysis in her rear Aquarium, but it’s personally meaningful to activities are when in and around areas where
flipper, and has experienced conformational me because Brookfield Zoo is where I grew sea turtles and other wildlife are found.”
January 2021 | www.aza.org 15Conservation Grants Award Update
Effects of Socialization on Behavioral,
Physiological, and Reproductive Parameters
of Bull Asian Elephants
By Dr. Anneke Moresco, Sharon
Joseph, Taylor Readyhough, Maura
Davis, Dr. Amy Schreier;
Dr. Natalia Prado-Oviedo,
and Dr. Janine Brown
Once considered solitary, it is now known
that Asian bull elephants are social animals.1
Adult bulls often associate in small
bachelor groups, while young bulls seek
out the company of older bulls who impart
important social skills. Yet few Association
© Denver Zoo
of Zoo and Aquarium-accredited facilities
housing multiple elephant bulls routinely
keep them together.
The sociality of free-ranging Asian
elephant bulls has now been documented;4
however, to date there are few studies on
the management of bachelor groups of zoo
elephants.2 One study in Germany examined
behavior and social dynamics in a group
of four young bulls during the integration
of a new bull.1 In the U.S., there is only
one preliminary report of behavior and
endocrine function in a bachelor group of
four African elephants.3 Thus, large gaps
still exist in our knowledge about the social
lives of bulls, the effects of sociality on bull
© Denver Zoo
welfare, and how best to create compatible
bull social groups.
Denver Zoo in Denver, Colo., currently
houses five bulls, three unrelated (49, 15,
11 years of age at the time of introductions) and hormones in bulls housed together under Samples are still being analyzed, but
and two half-brothers (9 and 10 years). The different social situations to when they were we have already learned a lot about the
three unrelated bulls were already socialized housed alone. The study collected over 500 importance of socialization in managing an
at Denver, and over the course of this study, hours of behavioral observations, and 450 elephant bachelor herd. While most of the
the two half-brothers were integrated into blood and 340 saliva samples. The overarching social interactions are positive, not all are. For
various social units. Behavioral observations aim is to increase our understanding of how example, we saw two young bulls working
and serum and saliva samples were collected socialization affects welfare and reproductive together to corral a third bull, which was
concurrently to measure hormones endocrinology in all-male elephant groups. reflected in changes in his serum cortisol.
associated with reproduction and welfare. That is, we need to further knowledge of In time, we also saw the most senior
Bulls were placed in social units of bull social behavior and inform management bull stepping in to correct the younger bulls’
two-five animals, depending on their stage practices, improve individual elephant welfare, behavior. This study, then, underscores
of integration, musth, and space availability. and contribute to the sustainability of the the importance of socialization even
While in musth, bulls were mostly housed managed population by advancing knowledge in perceived “solitary” animals. It also
alone. So, one goal was to compare behavior of bull reproductive physiology. illustrates the benefits to individual welfare
16 www.aza.org | January 2021that stem from social experiences that laboratory head at the Smithsonian welfare research in zoos and aquariums:
allow for natural interactions and learning Conservation Biology Institute. Where are we, where to next?. Journal
opportunities. Achieving conservation of Zoo and Aquarium Research, 8(3),
goals at present necessitates some facilities References 166-174.
housing only bulls, which can still support 1. Hambrecht, S., and S. Reichler. Correspondence: Katherine Cronin,
reproduction in the species by maintaining 2013. Group dynamics of young Asian email: kcronin@lpzoo.org.
semen donors for artificial insemination. elephant bulls (Elephas maximus
Good welfare can be provided when bulls Linnaeus, 1758) in Heidelberg zoo– The Five Domains Model
share the same space and older bulls can Integration of a newcomer in an
teach younger bulls appropriate social skills established herd. Der zoologische garten
Updated to Include Impacts
so they can, hopefully, one day successfully 82: 267-292. of Human Behavior on
breed naturally. Animal Welfare
2. Harley, J.J., A. Power, and J.D. Stack.
Dr. Anneke Moresco, DVM, research 2019. Investigation of the efficacy of the This review outlines the latest in a succession
manager in the Department of Animal GnRH agonist deslorelin in mitigating of updates of the Five Domains Model.
Welfare and Research at the Denver Zoo. intraspecific aggression in captive Domain 4, Behavior, has been expanded
Sharon Joseph, BS, MBA, director of male Amur leopards (Panthera pardus to Behavioral Interactions and includes
the Department of Animal Welfare and orientalis). Zoo Biol. interactions with the environment, other
Research at the Denver Zoo. animals, and humans and their associated
Taylor Readyhough, MSc, behavioral 3. Metrione, L.C., P. Flora, W. Foster, negative or positive impacts on Domain 5,
research associate in the Department L.M. Penfold, and C.D. Hilton. 2013. Mental State.
of Animal Welfare and Research at the Relationships of dominance and Situations where human–animal
Denver Zoo. tractability with serum testosterone interactions may have negative welfare
Maura Davis, BS, is the elephant among a bachelor group of African impacts include: when animals have had
manager in the Department of Animal elephants (Loxodonta africana). Proc. little or no prior human contact, when
Care at the Denver Zoo. Am. Assoc. Zoo Vet. pp. 116. human presence adds to already threatening
Dr. Amy Schreier is an associate circumstances, when human actions are
professor of biology at Regis University. 4. Srinivasaiah, N., V. Kumar, S. directly unpleasant, threatening and/or
Dr. Natalia Prado-Oviedo is a research Vaidyanathan, R. Sukumar, and A. Sinha. noxious, when humans’ prior actions are
fellow at the Smithsonian Conservation 2019. All-male groups in Asian elephants: remembered as being aversive or noxious
Biology Institute. A novel, adaptive social strategy in and when the actions of bonded humans
Dr. Janine Brown is a research increasingly anthropogenic landscapes of cause unintended harms.
physiologist and endocrinology Southern India. Sci Rep 9: 1-11. In contrast, situations where
human–animal interactions may have
positive welfare impacts include: when
Research Updates the companionable presence of humans
used and the use of hormonal measures provides company and feelings of
Systematic Literature Review declined over this period. safety, when humans provide preferred
of Zoo-based and Welfare- Taxonomic representation in these foods, tactile contacts, and/or training
based Research publications was notably skewed. Mammals reinforcements, when humans participate in
were the focus of 75 percent of studies, and enjoyable routine activities or in engaging
A systematic literature review was conducted 82 percent of studies were vertebrate-focused variable activities, when the presence of
of the primary peer-reviewed journals (great apes being the dominant taxa). familiar humans is calming in threatening
publishing zoo-based and welfare-based The publication trends indicate an circumstances and when humans act to end
research. Spanning 2008-2017, the review increased awareness by the community periods of deprivation, inhibition, or harm.
revealed that 7.6 percent (n=310) of on the need for objective assessment and The Five Domains Model as reconfigured
reviewed publications (n=4,096) in these improvement of animal welfare. In order to now provides an explicit means to effectively
journals were zoo- or aquarium-based and fill gaps in current knowledge, efforts should and systematically evaluate the animal
animal-welfare focused. be made to broaden the taxonomic focus, welfare implications of a wide range of
The main topics studied included welfare topics, and welfare parameters, human–animal interactions.
enrichment, social conditions, and enclosure including multi-parameter studies and
design, while understudied topics included validated tools, in future work. Mellor, D.J.; Beausoleil, N.J.; Littlewood,
the welfare of ambassador animals, and the K.E.; McLean, A.N.; McGreevy, P.D.;
welfare impacts of sound and light. Behavior Binding, S., Farmer, H., Krusin, L., & Jones, B.; Wilkins, C. The 2020 Five
was by far the dominant welfare parameter Cronin, K. (2020). Status of animal Domains Model: Including Human–
January 2021 | www.aza.org 17Animal Interactions in Assessments of rCDV vaccinations (n = 14) had greater The two phenomena are mediated by the
Animal Welfare. Animals 2020, 10, 1870. antibody responses. Red pandas vaccinated same underlying mechanisms, but occur due
The authors have also prepared a freely with PFD >12 mo since their last vaccination to different stressors and different responses
available online summary poster: https:// and a rCDV booster vaccination showed the from the pain pathway. SIA and SIH have
bit.ly/2Es8kXe highest titers observed. been demonstrated with a variety of stress
Correspondence: David Mellor, email: The authors recommend red pandas and pain stimuli in rodents, humans, and
d.j.mellor@massey.ac.nz. be administered a series of at least three other mammals. A review of past anatomical,
recombinant vaccine (PDF or rDCV) physiological and behavioral research on avian
Antibody Response vaccinations, followed by annual booster species indicates that SIA occurs in birds.
vaccinations. While evidence for the occurrence
in Red Pandas to Canine of SIH is not available, birds possess the
Distemper Vaccines Edward C. Ramsay, Timothy A. Georoff, anatomical and physiological components
Red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) are susceptible to Caitlin Burrell, Eman Anis, and Rebecca necessary for SIH, suggesting SIH could
canine distemper, with a number of reported P. Wilkes. Red Pandas’ (Ailurus fulgens) occur in birds. Tonic immobility (TI) is
vaccine-induced canine distemper cases. Serological Response to Canarypox- related to SIA in mammals, and there is
Canarypox-vectored recombinant canine vectored Canine Distemper Vaccines, evidence the avian brain is compatible with
distemper vaccines (PureVax Ferret Distemper Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine TI having an analgesic effect, but it could
[PFD] and Recombitek CDV [rCDV]) 50(2), 478-481, (13 June 2019) have a hyperalgesic effect. The possible
provide protection without inoculating a Correspondence: Ed Ramsay, email: occurrence of SIA, SIH, and TI in avian
live distemper virus, but there are currently eramsay@utk.edu. species could further complicate our ability
no published data regarding these vaccines’ to determine and monitor the severity of
safety and efficacy in red pandas. Stress and Pain Perception pain response in this taxa.
One hundred twenty-two serum samples
were collected from 50 captive red pandas
in Birds Baker, B. Machin, K., and Schwean-Lardner,
and analyzed for antibodies to canine Stress can change the perception of pain in K. (2019). When pain and stress interact:
distemper. All naïve red pandas (n = 20) animals, resulting in either the reduction Looking at stress-induced analgesia and
had negative titers. Naïve pandas receiving or amplification of the perceived severity of hyperalgesia in birds. World's Poultry
two PFD vaccinations had either negative or pain. These phenomena are widely described Science Journal, 75(3), 457-468.
intermediate titers (n = 4). In contrast, naïve as stress-induced analgesia (SIA) and stress- Correspondence: Karen Schwean,
pandas receiving a series of two or three induced hyperalgesia (SIH). email: Karen.schwean@usask.ca.
By the Numbers
SAFE Orangutan is working to conserve all
3 critically endangered species of
orangutan: Sumatran, Bornean, and Tapanuli.
25 AZA members reported spending nearly $2,278,000 on
orangutan conservation. Conservation efforts mainly focused on habitat restoration, rescue
and rehabilitation, and education and outreach.
20 AZA members reported
spending nearly $729,000 on research
projects mainly targeting orangutan cardiac and genetic health.
Nearly $171,000 of the funds were
dedicated for projects supporting the
conservation initiatives of SAFE Orangutan,
AZA Ape TAG, and AZA Orangutan SSP.
18 www.aza.org | January 2021January 2021 | www.aza.org 19
20 www.aza.org | January 2021
January 2021 | www.aza.org 21
Value Added
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
MAKES A DIFFERENCE
BY MARY ELLEN COLLINS
22 www.aza.org | January 2021© Potter Park Zoo
ssociation of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited “Forty-nine percent of people [who use the passes] say that
facilities are known as fun, family-friendly money is preventing them from coming to the Zoo, so we’re
places to visit; however, their value to their definitely filling a need,” said Mariah Martinez, community
communities extends far beyond that to engagement coordinator at the Zoo. In addition to six passes, each
include a wide range of outreach efforts. partner organization receives two free outreach programs a year.
Whether a zoo or aquarium offers free “I thought it was a fantastic idea to be able to offer access to
tickets, educational programs, or volunteer the Zoo and programming at the library, so we jumped at the
opportunities, it adds to its identity as a chance to partner with them,” said Anna Curtis, director, Eaton
community asset. Snapshots of some Rapids Area District Library. “Especially at the beginning of the
of these initiatives highlight the program, people would ask if they had to pay for the passes …
creativity and dedication that they are so grateful for this opportunity.”
define AZA members’ efforts to She adds that outreach programs like ambassador animal visits
be a good neighbor to people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and reading with animals are also a big hit. “When we have a lot
and interests. of people we’ll just do the presentation right in the middle of the
library, and regular customers will often pull up a seat to listen.”
Access and Literacy Families may use the passes as many times as they want
Ensuring that everyone in a community can enjoy its zoo or during the seven-day checkout period; and the Zoo reports
aquarium is one common outreach strategy. The Potter Park Zoo having 7,248 admissions with passes between November 2017
in Lansing, Mich., won AZA’s 2019 Angela Peterson Excellence and September 2020.
in Diversity award for its program, Zoo in Your Neighborhood. Similarly, The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden
Lansing has a high poverty level and this program allows people to in Oklahoma City, Okla., collaborated with the Metropolitan
check out free Zoo passes from 41 community partners, including Library System to create the Read for Adventure program, which
libraries, community centers, and schools. focuses on literacy and engagement to the outdoors and offers
January 2021 | www.aza.org 23© Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden 24 www.aza.org | January 2021
“The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden ... collaborated with
the Metropolitan Library System to create the Read for Adventure
program, which focuses on literacy and engagement to the
outdoors and offers free Zoo access.”
free Zoo access. The program launched locally with 19 metro
library locations in 2017 with Our Day at the Zoo, a book written
by a library staffer. Anyone who checked the book out received
a voucher for free Zoo admission for up to four people. The
program went statewide in 2018, with 193 participating public
and tribal library locations.
“We wanted to keep the program exciting and decided we
needed a new book for 2020,” said Candice Rennels, the Zoo’s
director of public relations. “Monarch conservation is a big
part of our work and it’s big initiative for our state.” A Zoo staff
member wrote Juniper’s Butterfly Garden; and the Zoo partnered
with the Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company to help with
printing costs and promoting the program.
“We understand the importance of the monarch and we’ve
wanted to do our part,” said Brian Alford, director of corporate
affairs, OG&E. “We’ve been building way points for them at
some of our facilities and doing very intentional planting. The
Zoo is an incredible resource for our community by providing
ways for people to learn more, and this was a very good
opportunity for us to partner with them.”
Since the program’s inception more than 30,000 Oklahomans
have visited the Zoo at no cost.
Learning of All Kinds
Simply visiting a zoo or aquarium is a valuable learning
opportunity, and many AZA members broaden their
commitment to learning with a variety of initiatives. For
example, Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Conn., has Sea School, the
country’s only accredited preschool located in an Aquarium.
“We want the people in the community to see us as a resource
… and we’re able to turn the whole Aquarium into a learning lab
for three-to-five-year-olds,” said MaryEllen Mateleska, director of
education and conservation at the Aquarium.
Stephanie Sobotka’s oldest son has completed Sea School;
another son is there now; and her daughter will attend when
she’s old enough.
January 2021 | www.aza.org 25“It is so unique—the environment they have exposure to
is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before,” she said. “It’s exciting,
fun, different, and very nature-centric, which is something we
value in our family. I believe that the program is as magical as
it is because of the teachers’ passion. They are teaching the next
generation the importance of the connection we have to the
ocean and sea life. They have an extensive background in early
childhood education, and they are exceptional role models
for the children and the parents.” She also praised the School’s
inclusivity, noting that scholarships are available.
In Des Moines, Iowa, Blank Park Zoo’s educational outreach
includes a Work & Learn Inclusion Program for local high
school students with special needs. It began a pilot program in
2016 in response to one parent’s request.
“We had a family in the community whose son with autism
had a passion for animals,” said Chris Eckles, chief engagement
officer at the Zoo “She wanted to know what the Zoo could do to
help him learn job skills while learning about animals. We had
education staff who had done this kind of work before, so they
sat down with Trevor’s parents and came up with a hands-on
learning experience.”
The next year they launched the Work and Learn program
with three more students from Trevor’s school. In a one-on-one
working relationship with a staff member, each participant learns
job and social skills that may eventually lead to jobs or volunteer
positions at the Zoo.
Diane Drey’s 17-year-old son, Zack, entered the program last
year. “Most people choose to be with the animals, but he chose
the maintenance shed,” she said. “They never had anyone do that,
but he got a lot of education about tools and the train—greasing
the chains and working on the brakes. He even got the chance to
drive the train and make sure his brakes worked.”
“You can see the confidence and pride he has now. When
we go to the Zoo it seems like everyone knows who he is and
says ‘Hi.’ There are not extensive opportunities in the metro
area for anyone who’s a little different. The team at the Zoo is so
welcoming … I feel very comfortable with Zack there because
I know he’s going to be surrounded by people who see the value
in him.”
Hands-On Activism
Citizen science provides another popular way to engage the
community. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota,
Fla., recruits volunteer beach ambassadors to participate in their
Beach Conditions Reporting System (BCRS). These individuals
collect and report on a wide range of beach conditions ranging
from wind speed, wave height, and surf type to crowds, debris,
and respiratory irritation related to Florida’s red tide.
© Mystic Aquarium
26 www.aza.org | January 2021© Blank Park Zoo
“Most people choose to be with the animals, but [Zack] chose the
maintenance shed ... he got a lot of education about tools and the
train—greasing the chains and working on the brakes. He even got
the chance to drive the train and make sure his brakes worked.”
“Mote is a science and research institution, and outreach
and education is a huge component of what we do,” said Kevin Christiane Vinet began reporting on conditions at Pass-a-
Claridge, associate vice president, sponsored research and coastal Grille Beach about two years ago out of personal need.
policy programs at the Aquarium. “We only live about half a block away, and I needed to
Beach ambassadors receive training on how to gather the have information on things like jellyfish and rough surf before
information and transfer it to a mobile app that becomes a bringing my son, Aaron, who has autism, to the beach,” she said.
resource for scientists, residents, and visitors. Her other son, Graham, who has joined her in the reporting,
“The goal of the program is to enhance the beachgoers’ adds that he is getting valuable data collection experience
experience and protect public health by alerting people about that will help him in his environmental science studies at the
conditions and hazards,” said Aspen Cook, research technician University of South Florida St. Petersburg. The two are among
and outreach specialist, Environmental Health Program at Mote. 150 ambassadors who report on 40 locations.
January 2021 | www.aza.org 27You can also read
