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For Brookfield Zoo Members Summer 2017 Volume 9 • Issue 2 The King of Lizards: The Komodo Dragon Visiting Now Through September 17 They’re Baaack, with Friends! Dinos & Dragons May 6 to September 17ey’re Baaack, with Friends! Dinos & Dragons May 6 to September 17 Th

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Contents The mission of the Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is to inspire conservation leadership by connecting people with wildlife and nature. FEATURES 12 Summer of Fun The summer always sizzles at Brookfield Zoo! Check out what’s happening this year. 18 A Perfect Match Among the reasons zoos breed animals is to maintain the genetic diversity of species in need. 25 Annual Impact Review Learn about what we accomplished in 2016 in animal welfare, education and outreach, and inclusion and diversity. DEPARTMENTS Stuart’s approval to 5 PERSPECTIVE PULLOUT come on column. Calendar of Events 6 NEWS BITES Child’s Play The latest noteworthy news from around Brookfield Zoo and beyond ON THE COVER the gates is right at your fingertips. Visit Dinos & Dragons to see live modern dragons—including the 38 ADVENTURES might Komodo—and animatronic Learn about animals and explore creatures of history and legendary. nature during our many programs. 38 Summer Zoo Camp Volume 9, Issue 2 39 Sleepover Safari Gateways Summer 2017 40 Family Play Programs Gateways (ISSN 1947-4385) is published 41 Backstage Adventures quarterly for the enjoyment, entertainment, and education of members of the Chicago Travel Zoological Society. Subscriptions are offered free with membership. POSTMASTER: Send address 42 Visit Essentials and Attractions changes to Gateways, Chicago Zoological Society, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield, IL 60513. ©2017 Chicago Zoological Society. All rights reserved. The information contained in this issue of Gateways is correct as of press time. Gateways is printed on recycled paper. 4 GATEWAYS | CONTENTS

Perspective GIANT ANTEATERS rookfield Zoo’s Tropic World, featuring Bprimates and other rain-forest animals, Then and now, it is the perfect showcase for our education, conservation, has long been a standout among the and animal care programs. At almost any time of the day, you can walk many unforgettable exhibits at the zoo. among dozens of guests connecting with gorillas, red-tailed guenons, When it opened in 1982, Tropic World was and other species while learning facts through interpretive signs and the world’s largest zoo building—75 feet discovering our commonalities with these species. Behind the scenes, future high, 110 feet wide, and, at 475 feet long, conservation leaders are getting a first look at scientific principles, specialists are devising higher-tech ways to keep the animals physically and mentally much longer than a football field. stimulated and alert, and veterinary care staff are elevating the standards by which the animals receive the best welfare. Among the very special animals that have made a home in Tropic World is our youngest orangutan, born just this past December. You Stuart’s approval to can read about her on page 9. Orangutans are critically endangered in the come on column. wild, and through our conservation efforts, we are striving to ensure that Tropic World and similar exhibits are not the only places to see these charismatic animals. Discover more about Tropic World in the 2016 Annual Impact Review, included in this issue of Gateways. As a member of the zoo, your support helps us provide the highest quality of care for the orangutan baby and all of our other animals, offer innovative conservation programs and outreach initiatives, and undertake cutting-edge research. By Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D. President & CEO We hope you will visit us this summer to see Tropic World and our new zoo babies. And while you’re here, check out Dinos & Dragons, a spectacle featuring animatronic dinosaurs and dragons, as well as real-life reptiles, including a 6-foot-long Komodo dragon, seen for the first time ever at Brookfield Zoo. BROOKFIELD ZOO | SUMMER 2017 5

News Bites The latest noteworthy news from around Brookfield Zoo and beyond the gates is right at your fingertips. AFRICAN WHITE-BELLIED PANGOLIN JUST New Addition ARRIVED First. Time. Ever. Those are exciting words to say when Solitary animals, pangolins come together only to mate. they refer to an amazing new species at Brookfield Zoo. Like other mammals, females give birth to live offspring. Insect-eating animals are all different shapes, sizes, and Babies cling to their mother’s back for the first three to degrees of fuzziness—anteaters and echidnas have called four months of life, relying on her for food and protection. the zoo home for decades—but a male white-bellied After about five months, young leave their mother’s care pangolin is now living in Habitat africa! tHe forest. to begin life on their own. Like all pangolins—four species are native to Africa and Pangolins can walk on all four legs, or they can climb four to Asia—he is one of the strangest-looking animals trees with the assistance of their prehensile (gripping) on the planet. These animals are often called “scaly tail. Thanks to their tail, they can even climb trees without anteaters,” but they aren’t anteaters. They do have scales, branches, making it easier for them to find insects hidden though. Their scales are made of keratin, just like human in treetops. Their long claws help them dig up termite nails and hair are. When threatened, pangolins roll into a mounds for mouthwatering insect meals. ball, with their scales acting as a protective shell. Our thanks go to Barbara Levy Kipper for her support of our new pangolin care program. 6 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES

Deadly Blooms SCIENCE Harmful algal blooms (HABs) along California’s coast—resulting from an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus flowing into the ocean—have caused health problems for the area’s sea lions and other marine mammals. Fish and plankton eat polluted algae, then marine mammals consume the fish and plankton. Several studies have revealed reproductive failure and chronic neurological disease in mammals, as well as large-scale deaths attributed to exposure to the algae. The Chicago Zoological Society leads a marine animal study and conservation effort in the protected Punta San Juan reserve, located on Peru’s western coast. The ecosystem closely mirrors that of California’s coast, so our conservation scientists were concerned that harmful algae may threaten fur seals and sea lions living at Punta San Susana Cárdenas-Alayza holds a fur seal pup that is to be Juan. A group of scientists—including the Society’s vice president of clinical medicine, examined. Dr. Mike Adkesson, and Punta San Juan program director Susana Cárdenas-Alayza— conducted a benchmark study to find out more. Their report recently was published in Disney Hero the Society for Marine Mammalogy’s journal, Marine Mammal Science. AWARD The research team tested the toxicity levels of urine, feces, and stomach contents Susana Cárdenas-Alayza, a of 64 Peruvian fur seals and South American sea lions. Findings indicated that while co-author of the study on the many of the pinnipeds had been exposed to toxicity, the levels were relatively low. effects of harmful algal blooms at These findings are just the beginning, though. Our field programs allow us to continue Punta San Juan (left), was recently named one of monitoring these populations to evaluate alterations that may occur over time or with the prestigious 2016 Disney Conservation Heroes. changing environmental conditions. The award recognizes Cárdenas-Alayza’s tireless Many of the animals in the study are tagged with satellite-linked transmitters, dedication to the marine animal conservation giving the researchers valuable data on where the animals go. By monitoring their project at Punta San Juan and attracts recogni- foraging behavior, the team can determine where the animals have most likely come tion to the Chicago Zoological Society’s import- in contact with any harmful algae, allowing for the development of more robust ant conservation and education programs. conservation strategies. Cárdenas-Alayza began studying fur seals in the Punta San Juan area as a university student. Satellite imagery of the Pacific Ocean coastline of North America and Baja Mexico reveals large areas of algal blooms, indicated here as green Today, she leads the Society’s program to research swirls. Image courtesy of NASA. and monitor Peru’s coastal wildlife and recruit community support for conservation. Her team has also raised local and federal government SEATTLE awareness of the threats facing Punta San Juan’s marine animals and created a platform for scientific field programs, maximizing their impact SAN FRANCISCO in guiding conservation policies for imperiled LOS ANGELES penguins, fur seals, and sea lions. The Disney Conservation Fund supports organizations working to reverse the decline of threatened species while increasing the time kids and families spend in nature. The Disney Conservation Hero award honors Pacific Ocean conservationists who have gone above and beyond, demonstrating passion, courage, and tenacity in tackling some of the planet’s most difficult challenges. BROOKFIELD ZOO | SUMMER 2017 7

News Bites continued POLAR BEAR JUST New Bear Pair ARRIVED Polar bears are perhaps the most iconic ambassadors for the issue of climate change. Rapid melting of Arctic sea ice is resulting in dramatic habitat loss and is diminishing polar bears’ access to prey. Pollution, disease, and other issues also threaten their ability to thrive in the wild. Scientists predict that without a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, two-thirds of the world’s polar bears will be gone within this century. So you can imagine how happy we were to welcome an addition to our polar bear family at Great bear Wilderness. On February 1, Nanuyaak—whose Inupiaq name means “young of a bear” and who is also known as Nan—joined Brookfield Zoo on loan from Toledo Zoo, where she lived for 16 years. As an orphaned cub, she was found under a house in Barrow, Alaska, and transferred to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, where she was handreared. Subsequently, she moved to Toledo Zoo and then here. The 22-year-old female is part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) for polar bears. Our goal has been to introduce Nan to our Hudson for breeding. Following her arrival, the two were separated only by mesh so that they could become acquainted. They were introduced at the end of February. AZA has recommended pairing Nan and Hudson to increase the zoo polar bear population and to enrich genetic diversity. Successful breeding would be cause for polarbration, so keep your fingers crossed. 8 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES

BORNEAN ORANGUTANS Spring Clean Your Estate Plans As the weather warms and the flowers begin to bloom, it’s the perfect time to review and refresh your assets and beneficiary designations. Family situations, asset values, tax laws, and personal goals evolve with time, and spring is a great opportunity to assess your estate plans, ensuring they continue to reflect your wishes. As you begin your “spring cleaning,” consider the following tips: Family Planning • If you haven’t already, establish a living BABY Expectant mothers typically have a birth plan as they near their will and/or power of attorney to make BORN delivery date. So, too, do orangutans—or at least their animal care known your wishes regarding medical specialists in zoos do. A comprehensive plan was in place when treatments and share your intentions with Sophia gave birth to a female in tropic World last December 20. Her specialists were the necessary parties. prepared for every eventuality, including the potential for handrearing if necessary. • Review beneficiary designations on life Five offspring of Sophia’s preceded this birth, and all thrived under her care. (The insurance policies and retirement accounts, most recent baby, who has yet to be named, was sire Ben’s fourth.) However, the ensuring they coordinate with your will or situation might have turned out different. As a youngster, Sophia was handreared trust as part of a cohesive estate plan. and didn’t learn appropriate maternal care, but she underwent training here on how to be a good mom, and the training has paid off. • Compile a list of user names and passwords Training also went into Sophia’s preparation for this pregnancy. Under the for electronic accounts, allowing a family guidance of animal care staff, she learned to urinate into a cup at the end of a stick member or trusted friend to access them. so endocrinologists could check hormones in the sample and also to hold still for a Please consider including the Chicago portable ultrasound. Zoological Society in your estate plans. There Efforts like these are a necessity. Any birth among orangutans living in the zoo are several ways to provide for both the Society population contributes to the genetic diversity within the population. Numbers of and your family with the same asset. For more these animals in their native habitat of Sumatra and Borneo are plunging due to information, visit CZS.org/PlannedGiving or clear-cutting of their rain-forest trees for production of palm oil. The zoo population call (708) 688-8392. of these animals acts as a reservoir for the species and for its genetic diversity. Zoo staff are doing their part to help save orangutans. We participate in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for them, The Chicago Zoological Society/ Brookfield Zoo cannot render tax or with care specialist Nava Greenblatt serving on the SSP’s steering committee and legal advice, and the information associate mammal curator Carol Sodaro acting as the program’s advisor on the daily provided above is not intended as care of orangutans. such. Please seek the advice of estate and tax professionals in developing The young of this species have a long childhood, giving the newcomer plenty of your estate plans. time to hang out with Sophia’s previous baby, 8-year-old Kekasih, and with 3-year- old Kecil, who now lives with the family group. This summer, you can see the baby beginning to climb off her mom and reaching out to Kekasih and Kecil. BROOKFIELD ZOO | SUMMER 2017 9

Dr. Tom Meehan (left) and Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai consult on a case at the Chicago Zoological Society’s high-tech CT scanner. News Bites continued JUST Hello, Kitty ARRIVED Join us in welcoming Foli, a 12-year-old male Amur tiger from Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, Kansas. Amur tigers are the world’s largest cat, and at 323 pounds and about 10 feet long, Foli is no exception—although he is a gentle giant. When we found out Rolling Hills Zoo no longer had space to house him, we were happy to invite him to live with us in biG cats, where he is residing near female tiger Whirl. (There are no plans for the two to breed.) Amur tigers are among the world’s most threatened species, with only an estimated 540 individuals remaining in the wild. We are part of the Tiger Species Survival Plan (SSP), a multizoo conservation and management program for the species. Most SSPs in which we participate are facilitated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). However, Amur tigers are one of the few species for which a global management plan has been established, and we are proud to help this AMUR effort toward recovery of these beautiful cats. TIGER Sleep Study During recent routine medical procedures Balko is presenting information about here at Brookfield Zoo and in the Punta San this project at a meeting this month of the SCIENCE Anesthesia is necessary for Juan reserve (see page 7), Chinnadurai and International Association for Aquatic Animal the welfare of the animals Balko used near-infrared tissue spectrometers, Medicine—an opportunity to share findings at Brookfield Zoo. We are small monitors applied directly on the skin to fortunate to have on staff two experts in this gauge brain and other organ oxygen levels. with the marine veterinary community. █ area. Dr. Sathya Chinnadurai is the only board- But these sensors are designed and calibrated Assisted by technician Ashlee Webb (middle), Dr. Sathya certified anesthesiologist working in a zoo, and for people. Using CT scans from our female Chinnadurai (left) monitors a pinniped using a traditional pulse Dr. Julie Balko, a veterinary fellow in anesthesia sea lions, the team has been able to determine oximeter while Dr. Julie Balko measures its head for placement of a near-infrared tissue spectrometer. and analgesia, joined our team last year. They precisely where to place a spectrometer to recently pioneered a new way to monitor correctly monitor the oxygen content in a anesthesia safely during medical procedures on pinniped’s brain instead of its muscles or pinnipeds like sea lions and fur seals. bones. They used algorithms to correct for For people who undergo a procedure the difference between us and pinnipeds requiring anesthesia, a small device called and validated their results by comparing a pulse oximeter is often placed on their spectrometer readings with actual oxygen finger to measure the level of oxygen in their levels in blood samples. blood, which can drop during the procedure. The potential for future applications is very Pulse oximeters do not work on the fins of promising. Our veterinarians can use these pinnipeds, but more important, these animals’ small, safe monitoring devices on several parts cardiopulmonary system is different than ours, of the body at once, for many different types of requiring new methods to evaluate the oxygen animals, in a zoo setting or in the field. levels in their brain and other essential organs. 10 GATEWAYS | NEWS BITES

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