“The World's Largest Halloween Party!” - Louisville Zoo

TrunklineFALL 2013

Creepies & Crawlies!

Animal Enrichment

Meijer presents

“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”

©2011 The Coca-Cola Company. “Coca-Cola,” “open happiness” and the Contour Bottle are registered trademarks of The Coca-Cola Company.

2 • The Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Fall 2013

The Louisville Zoo is an agency ofLouisville Metro, Greg Fischer, Mayor

The Louisville Zoo, a nonprofit organization and the state zoo of Kentucky, is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

Mailing Address:P.O. Box 37250, Louisville, KY 40233-7250

Delivery Address:1100 Trevilian Way Louisville, KY 40213

Telephone:Administrative Offices: 502-459-2181FAX: 502-459-2196Education: 502-238-5358Membership Office: 502-459-2287

Website with Online Store:louisvillezoo.org

Zoo Hours:Mid-March to Labor Day:10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.)September to mid-March:10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.)June and July, Thurs.–Sat., 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. (stay until 8 p.m.)

AdmissionVisit the website for seasonal admission pricing.Children (under 3): Free

Groups (15 or more): Call 502-238-5348 at least 72 hours in advance.

Kevin AndersonKathryn ArterberryLeea BridgemanMark BrownThomas CrockettChristopher EckenWayne EstopinalDr. Larry FlormanShelisa GautreauxRachel GreenbergThomas Halbleib, Jr.Steven HigdonPatti HobbsDr. Heidi Hulon

Eric IsonDebbie KingMaria LaddMike LorchEdgardo MansillaDarryl MetzgerPaula PottingerAnnette SchnatterSheryl SnyderKerry StemlerGary StewartPatricia SwopeManning Warren IIIJan West

Mark WheelerRon WidmanLisa Yennes

Ex-Officio MembersBrent AckersonMike AshleyMaury BuchartAnna PraySadiqa ReynoldsDoug ShawJohn Walczak

Printed by Publishers Printing Company, Shepherdsville, KY.

Official soft drink of the Louisville Zoo

Zoo Foundation Board Of Directors

For the most up-to-the-minute news, become a Louisville Zoo Fan on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message From Leadership .............................. 4

Member News & Zoo Bucks ............................ 5

Zoo News ......................................................... 6

“Rich in Enrichment” ...................................... 8

Holiday Events ............................................... 11

Volunteer News ............................................. 12

A.D.O.P.T.S. ..................................................... 13

“It Came From the HerpAquarium” ............. 14

Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” ........................... 16

Fall & Holiday Education Programs .............. 20

September Events .......................................... 23

Education Field Trips ..................................... 23

Kids For Conservation ................................... 24

Horticulture ................................................... 26

Donor Thanks ................................................ 28

Sponsorship Thanks ....................................... 29

Support Your Zoo .......................................... 30

Zoo Wish List ................................................. 31

EditorialDarlene O’Bryan, Maureen Horrigan, Joanne Luyster, Steve Wing

DesignRobert Kemnitz

PhotographersWill Bird, Robert Kemnitz, Kyle Shepherd and other staff members

The Trunkline is published four times a year by the Louisville Zoological Garden, John T. Walczak, Director.

Metro CouncilAttica Scott, District 1Barbara Shanklin, District 2Mary C. Woolridge, District 3David Tandy, District 4Cheri Bryant Hamilton, District 5David James, District 6Ken Fleming, District 7Tom Owen, District 8Tina Ward-Pugh, District 9Jim King, District 10Kevin Kramer, District 11Rick Blackwell, District 12Vicki Aubrey Welch, District 13

Cindi Fowler, District 14Marianne Butler, District 15Kelly Downard, District 16Glen Stuckel, District 17Marilyn Parker, District 18Jerry Miller, District 19Stuart Benson, District 20Dan Johnson, District 21Robin Engel, District 22James Peden, District 23Madonna Flood, District 24David Yates, District 25Brent Ackerson, District 26

The Louisville Zoo Trunkline • Fall 2013 • 3

A s we leave summer fun and vacations behind, there’s good news:

Louisville has an outstanding line-up of fall family events this year.

It will be a great season to invite your family and friends to our city. From the growing IdeaFestival to the Louisville Zoo’s “World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer to a new Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular to the iconic St. James Court Art Show, Louisville is the place to be this Fall.

For a generation of Louisville families, “The World’s Largest Halloween

Party!” at the Zoo has been an eagerly-awaited event. Through the generous support of Meijer, it returns for 15 nights in October. Families can enjoy an evening of not-so-scary magical Halloween fun as storybook scenes come to life with costumed characters and trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo. This popular event draws crowds from all over the region. See the article in this issue for more details.

And an exciting new event coming to Louisville will also draw people from across the region – to see thousands of uniquely hand-carved pumpkins aglow! The new

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will be held at Iroquois Park October 10 – November 2. The “Journey Around the World“ themed display will feature more than 5,000 artistically carved, illuminated pumpkins on a quarter mile trail that will loop through the park.

Along with great family fun, these events also support very worthwhile causes. Proceeds from the Zoo’s Halloween Party fundraiser support the care and well-being of its many animals, and the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular benefits the Louisville Parks Foundation and Kosair Charities.

I want to thank those who took the time to participate in Vision Louisville and Mayor

Fischer’s quest to inspire our community to come up with 45,000 great visionary ideas in 45 days. We sent an email to you in July encouraging you to share your ideas of what an ideal Louisville would be 25 years from now.

What would your community look like and how could we grow to help every individual reach their greatest potential? How will we shape our environment? Will your trip to the Zoo 25 years from now be along the Beargrass Creek bike path and greenway? Will your children be attending classes at an environmental magnet school at the Zoo? And to what exotic regions of the world will your Zoo take you to in the future? Will it be an overnight safari in the savanna tent camp next to the lions? We can

shape a phenomenal vision, and together we can work to make this vision a reality. One essential component in this process is Local Investments for Transformation (LIFT). LIFT creates the opportunity for us as citizens to decide how WE want to spend our tax dollars locally. Did you know the citizens of Oklahoma City decided to fund their Zoo with 1/8 percent of sales tax which equals $12,000,000 per year? The Columbus Zoo receives more than $18,000,000 per year that their citizens chose to pay in support of their Zoo to supplement what the Zoo earns through admission and other sources. (That amount represents more than one-and-half times our entire annual budget, eighty percent of which we generate through earned revenue.)

The Louisville Zoo has won three prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums Exhibit Awards for Excellence. Can you imagine what your Zoo

would look like with these types of resources?

At your Zoo, we realize our job is to help create wonderful memories for you and your families... to help educate your children and grow their understanding of their natural world…to help create a healthier planet.. “to better the bond between people and our planet.” What is your vision for your community, for your Zoo, for your family? Let’s make that our reality.

To make LIFT a reality, we must amend Kentucky’s constitution, and that starts with the state legislature. The Kentucky General Assembly is a big fan of the Zoo and its members; our State Representatives and State Senators, want to hear from us. Call them and tell them we need local options to support our Zoo and other community investments. You can learn more at LiftKentucky.com.

MESSAGE FROM LEADERSHIP

Greg FischerMetro Mayor

John WalczakLouisville Zoo Director

FROM THE MAYOR

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Message From Leadership


The Louisville Zoo is pleased to offer members a variety of quarterly coupons for various Zoo admissions and activities. We invite you to take advantage of these special limited-time promotional offers. Please be sure to carefully check the expiration dates and restrictions on the coupons before redeeming them.

BUY ONE ADULT ADMISSION, GET ONE

ADULT ADMISSION FREEduring regular zoo hours

Redeem at cashier windows. Valid Louisville Zoo membership card and photo ID required.

Not valid with any other offers. Not valid during “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”

Not valid for school groups.

BUY ONE CHILD ADMISSION, GET ONE

CHILD ADMISSION FREEduring regular zoo hours




BUY ONE CAROUSEL RIDE, GET ONE

CAROUSEL RIDE FREEduring regular zoo hours




Expires 12/31/2013 Expires 12/31/2013 Expires 12/31/2013

ZOOBUCKS

Jennifer AdamsMembership [email protected] MEMBER NEWS

The Member Advantage!

Keep in the know by following us on Facebook and Twitter

We’re Open Year-RoundThe Louisville Zoo is open all year long so plan some

trips to enjoy crisp and sunny days in the fall and early winter (closed only on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Days.) Many animals prefer the cooler temperatures too, and the Zoo’s a great place to see the changing exotic and native plant life. Plan now for some great holiday memories as well! Don’t forget to take advantage of your member discount for Santa Safari, educational classes and holiday camps.

Online Ticket StoreVisit louisvillezoo.org to purchase memberships,

admission and special event tickets, plus make reservations for Zoo education classes and camps. For ease, we can scan your general admission and event ticket barcodes on your mobile devices, so be sure to have your barcodes ready to present when you enter.

Give the Gift of MembershipA Louisville Zoo membership makes a terrific holiday gift!

Avoid the holiday rush and order online at louisvillezoo.org or by calling 502-459-2287 to charge by phone.

Zoo members also enjoy discounts on the following:• Food and beverage discounts at permanent

concession locations• Zoo gift shop purchases• Admission discounts for guests• Education programs such as camps, classes and

Night Safaris

Are You Receiving the Latest Zoo News?Keep up-to-date with our e-newsletter. This communi-

cation will keep you informed about special Zoo events, promotions and breaking stories like animal births. Reg-ister at louisvillezoo.org/members/news. We do not share your e-mail address and you can unsubscribe any time.

NEW THIS YEAR Members MUST reserve Halloween tickets online! (See Page 17 for more Halloween updates)

Member News & Zoo Bucks


Kyle ShepherdMedia Relations Manager

[email protected] NEWS

“Our Own Royal Birth”For the first time in the Louisville Zoo’s 44-year history, we have successfully bred rare Red-crowned cranes. The hatching is not only significant to our Zoo, but it is significant to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Our chick holds the esteemed status of being the first chick hatched this year in an AZA accredited zoo. This is a moment to celebrate on behalf of this beautiful and endangered species.

The Louisville Zoo participates in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) to help species that are threatened. According to the AZA, an SSP committee “is responsible for developing a comprehensive population Studbook and a Breeding and Transfer Plan that identifies population management goals and recommendations to ensure the sustainability of a healthy, genetically diverse, and demographically varied AZA population.”

The Louisville Zoo was one of only 11 AZA zoos this year to receive a breeding recommendation for the Red-crowned crane.

Red-crowned cranes are an endangered species with only 3,000 in the wild and only 80 in the managed AZA population in North America. With that small representation, a new hatching is a significant occurrence for this species.

The Red-crowned cranes’ range includes Asia and Japan in East Asia. In some parts of its range, it is known as a symbol of luck, longevity and fidelity. These cranes are a stunning snow white color with black accents on the wings. Found inhabiting marshes with deep water and in croplands, this species is among the largest cranes growing up to 20 lbs. and reaching just over 5 ft. tall. Their large wingspan can measure up to 8 ft. The red area on the top of their heads, which is actually exposed red skin, inspired the name Red-crowned crane. Both the male and female take part in building the nest and caring for the young, but the male is the one that typically defends the nest while the female nurtures the chicks. These cranes are generally monogamous and stay together throughout the year. The Red-crowned crane is the second rarest crane in the world, with the whooping crane coming in first.

You can view both the chick and its parents daily in their exhibit area located near the roadside entrance to Glacier Run and Tiger Tundra.

Zoo News


Meet ZivaThe Zoo’s rare Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal has gotten her official name – “Ziva” – named for the character on the hit CBS show NCIS. The name ties into the foal’s father’s name, Gibbs, also a character on the show.

A zebra naming contest sponsored by Floyd Memorial Birthing Center was held this spring and summer, and of the 5,000 entries submitted, zookeepers narrowed the selection to three names: ABBY, KATNISS and ZIVA. Zoo visitors then cast their votes by making a monetary donation for the name of their choice in a voting kiosk at the Zoo. The winning submission was made by Zack Vannarsdall from Carrollton, KY who received the grand prize. Cathryn Bailey from New Albany, Ind. and Ally French from Shelbyville, Ky. received a prize package for submitting the semi-finalists names – Abby and Katniss.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped to name our zebra and raise $589.13 to support our animal care programs.

Ziva is the first Hartmann’s mountain zebra foal to be born at the Zoo in 13 years. Born to Morena and Gibbs, the 72 lb. foal arrived January 18, 2013 at 2:45 a.m. You can see Ziva daily weather-permitting.

Dare to Care This Holiday SeasonThe Louisville Zoo is proud to team up with Dare to Care again to support families in our community with a winter food drive. Just bring in at least one non-perishable canned food item per person and enter the Zoo for a reduced general admission cost. Zoo guests receive $5 off adult or child general admission from November 1 through February 28. Offer not valid with other admission discounts.

Sponsored by


S and, mud, logs and leaves may not seem very exciting to you or me, but for many of our Zoo animals, these items make

perfect playgrounds and help create more enriching and stimulating living environments. At zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), animal enrichment is an important tool used to enhance an animal’s physical and psychological needs. Enrichment is as critical to an animal’s well-being as is the right diet and proper medical care.

The Louisville Zoo happens to have some of the best enrichment experts and programs in the Zoo world – contributing significantly to the Zoo receiving multiple awards for Top Honors in new Zoo exhibit design in North America. Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest and the Islands were all groundbreaking efforts that focused on the creation of more enriching environments and programs for the animals as well as exciting experiences for visitors.

So what exactly is enrichment? According to the AZA, enrichment is defined as “a process for improving or enhancing animal environments and care within the context of their inhabitants’ behavioral biology and natural history. It is a dynamic process in which changes to structures and husbandry practices are made with the goal of increasing behavioral choices available to animals and drawing out their species-appropriate behaviors and abilities, thus enhancing animal welfare.”

So what does enrichment look like? Sasha, the Amur tiger, and polar bears Qannik and Siku are often seen playing with boomer balls and large plastic containers. These types of engaging activities are easy to spot, although you may not realize

they are provided to help challenge and stimulate, not just entertain the animals. Enrichment comes in all shapes and sizes and is not always readily recognized. Our zookeepers and staff have to get very creative to keep so many animals engaged in species-appropriate behaviors.

New exhibits at our Zoos are created with enrichment in mind–

Enrichment is defined as “a process for improving

or enhancing animal environments and care

within the context of their inhabitants’

behavioral biology and natural history.”

AssociAtion of Zoos And AquAriums

by Kyle Shepherd, Media Relations Manager

“Rich in Enrichment”

Rich in Enrichment


from the addition of stairs and water elements to the location and texture of various paths to the selection and location of trees and plantings. For example, Glacier Run offers a variety of options for the bears to choose from including steps to climb to the overhead bridge leading to the outdoor pool and dig pits, indoor pools for swimming, ice buckets for play and cooling off, and bedrooms for resting where they can also watch their zookeepers prepare meals.

One of the most innovative enrichment tools is animal rotation, a signature strategy used by our Zoo. The Islands, Gorilla Forest and Glacier Run exhibits were designed to allow for animals to be easily moved from area to area providing a change in their environment and routine on an irregular basis. Some predator animals like Sumatran tigers may be placed in an area inhabited earlier in the day by a prey species like the Babirusa pig. You can just imagine how a tiger might find the smells of prey intensely engaging. This exhibit design model was developed by Zoo staff making the Islands the first multi-species rotational exhibit in the world.

Even a small change to an existing animal exhibit can help increase engagement and

Food is often hidden inside bags,

boxes or other objects to stimulate an animal’s senses

and encourage exploration.


The next time you visit the Zoo, see how many animal enrichment activities you can identify. You might be surprised at what you find. Want to help? You can play a part in the Zoo’s enrichment program. The Zoo’s chapter of the American Association of Zookeepers is always accepting donations to help keep its animals engaged. Visit louisvillezoo.org for a current wish list of enrichment items.

stimulation. Adding or changing the height of a perch in a bird exhibit creates a different environment than the previous day. The addition of greenery allows the birds to find new hiding places in their habitat. Sometimes the removal of items like a rock or log is just as engaging to an animal as the addition of new elements.

Some of the most effective enrichment techniques involve encouraging a behavior that would normally occur in an animal’s natural habitat. An animal’s survival in the wild is dependent on its ability to find food. Something as simple

as smearing peanut butter in a cardboard box or hiding food in a toy presents the animal with a challenge to seek and find its reward.

Amber the orangutan loves to put a blanket over her head and play with scarves. For Zoo guests, this might seem an unnatural behavior but in reality, it mimics a behavior displayed in the wild. Orangutans are native to rain forests, and often use large leaves to provide cover and protection from the rain.

The change of seasons brings a variety of natural enrichment opportunities for Zoo animals. For orangutans’ Bella and Teak, the first major snowfall of the year offered them a chance to feel, taste and explore a snowball – an experience they would not have in their native habitat. In the fall, leftover pumpkins from the Zoo’s Halloween event are shared with animals for exploration.

Through Apps for Apes, the Zoo’s Orangutans have access to iPads for enrichment and stimulation.

TAKE ACTION!


Santa’s SafariDecember 7–8 & 14–15, 201310 a.m., Noon & 2 p.m.

special holiday showingNovember 16, 2013 – January 5, 2014You are invited on an extraordinary adventure to the North Pole this holiday season on THE POLAR EXPRESS! When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. This 13 minute show includes 3-D and 4-D effects that will make a believer out of just about anyone. THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D Experience is based on the inspiring and beloved Caldecott Medal children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.Visit louisvillezoo.org to catch a sneak peek of THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D

Experience.The perfect holiday treat for family, friends and colleagues.Based on the POLAR EXPRESS book and characters TM & © 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin company. All rights reserved. TM & © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s13)

THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D EXPERIENCE

Santa is making a special stop by the Louisville Zoo and he’s bringing some of his North Pole friends along too. Enjoy a visit and photo with Santa plus meet Mrs. Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Includes yummy refreshments, a fun holiday craft, special animal encounter stations, story-telling, festive sing-alongs and more. Bring your cameras!

Adding to the holiday magic is the inclusion of a ticket to the special holiday showing of THE POLAR EXPRESS 4-D Experience.

Tickets On sale October 14

Non-Members

Ages 3+ $20.95

Under 3 $11.00

Louisville Zoo Members

Ages 3+ $15.95

Under 3 $8.50

presented by

THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s09)

Holiday Events


VOLUNTEER NEWSDiane Taylor

Coordinator of [email protected]

Volunteers mean a great deal to the success of the Zoo. Thanks to the following groups for lending a helping hand to keep our Zoo beautiful:

Teen Volunteer ProgramThe Louisville Zoo is lucky to have a strong Teen

Volunteer program. This year we had over 200 teens who assisted our camp counselors and worked in various animal areas.

Teen recruitment: January 1 – March 1, 2014. Contact [email protected] during this time to learn more about how you can become a teen volunteer.

WalgreensEmployees from the

Walgreens on Poplar Level grabbed their brushes and painted the fence at the Zoo’s Train Station and train boarding area on Wednesday, June 19.

Mercy AcademyMercy Academy freshmen assisted our

Horticulture Department on April 25 and 26 by sprucing up the Butterfly Garden. They removed limbs, added mulch and had no

problem digging in and getting their hands dirty for a great cause.

Interested in volunteering at the Louisville Zoo?Visit louisvillezoo.com/volunteers or email [email protected].

Volunteer News


A.D.O.P.T.S.

FOR YOUR SPECIAL TRICK-OR-TREATER...

A.D.O.P.T.S. ORDER FORM

Animal _______________________________________________ Adoption Level ______________________________

Name of Adoptive Parent (to appear on Zoo’s website) ___________________________________________________

Purchaser’s Name __________________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________________ State __________ Zip ________________________

Daytime Phone __________________________________ Email ____________________________________________

Recipient Name (if gift) _____________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________

City ___________________________________________________ State __________ Zip ________________________

Daytime Phone ____________________________________________________________________________________

Send materials to Purchaser Recipient If sent to recipient, message on gift enclosure

PAYMENT

Check (Make payable to Louisville Zoo ADOPTS) Visa Mastercard Discover American Express

Card Number ______________________________________________________________ Exp. Date ______________

Signature _________________________________________________________________________________________

Mail to: Louisville Zoo A.D.O.P.T.S., P.O. Box 37250, Louisville, KY 40233-7250 Or fax to: 502-238-5324

Halloween A.D.O.P.T.S.Get in the spirit of Halloween with a special adoption to “trick” or “treat” your friends and family.

Now through October 31, take $5 off the $35 or $50 package.

ADOPT TodayVisit us online at louisvillezoo.org/support/adopts to select your animal and level of support. You can also fill out the form below and return it by mail. If you don’t see the animal you would like to adopt or if you have any questions, please call us at 502-238-5389.

Special Halloween A.D.O.P.T.S. animals:

• Great Horned Owl

• Egyptian Cobra

• Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

• Chilean Rose Tarantula

• Komodo Dragon

• Vampire Bat

• Turkey Vulture

• Warthog

Animals Depend On People To Survive.

Levels CertificateName on Website

Picture / Info Card

Photo Button

$35 • • •$50 • • • •

Funds generated through this program go directly toward caring for and feeding the animals at our Zoo.

A.D.O.P.T.S.


Even though lions and tigers and bears are fero-cious, few animals can strike fear at the mere mention of their name like those represented in the Zoo’s HerpAquarium. As home to some 100 species of creepies and crawlies from around the world, the HerpAquari-um is a great place to get your scare on.

I Want to

Lap Your BloodThe fangs, the glowing

red eyes, the bony wings, and more than a century of myths and legends—what’s not spine-tin-gling about coming face to face with a Vampire bat?

Well, first of all, they’re tiny. The average male weighs about 25 grams while females are slightly bigger at around 30 grams. Their bite may sting, but the bite from a single bat is usually not deadly, unless that bat is a carrier of rabies.

Although they may not turn into handsome, sparkly heartthrobs when the sun goes down, Vampire bats are nocturnal and do, in fact, drink blood. The Zoo’s colony of Vampire bats will consume six gallons of cow’s blood each month. Contrary to popular belief, Vampire bats don’t actually suck blood—they lap it up similar to the way a cat or dog laps up water. A bat can feed off a single wound for about 30 minutes because of an anti-coagulant found in their saliva, which keeps the blood from clotting. At the Zoo, the bats are fed twice a day and

the blood, collected from a butcher’s shop in Bardstown, is treated with special chemicals to keep it from coagulating.

The Vampire bat exhibit opened at the HerpAquarium in 2006 with seven males. Today, the Zoo has a total of 37 Vampire bats and has had 14 births. Unlike their movie counter-parts, Vampire bats are quite social, and you’ll often see them “hanging out” with a buddy.

The Eyes Have ItWhat has a fat hairy body, eight

legs, and up to eight eyes? If you answered tarantula and then threw your copy of Trunkline down on the ground with a scream, you’re not alone. Arachnophobia, or fear of spi-ders, may affect as much as 6 percent of the world’s population.

Surprisingly, the venom from a tarantula’s bite is less potent than a bee’s sting. With a diet of insects and small lizards, these nocturnal hunters use appendages called pedipalps to

grab their prey and quickly use their fangs to inject the venom. Once the victim is rendered helpless, the ta-rantula secretes an enzyme into the prey’s body so that the tarantula can suck it through its mouth. After a large meal, a tarantula can go a month without eating.

While their quest for a midnight meal might sound vicious, these arachnids are actually quite docile. In fact, the Meta-Zoo Education Center uses them for public outreach

programs! The HerpAquarium also has a few species on exhibit, includ-ing the red-legged, purple bloom, and Mexican red knee tarantula.

In the wild, some species of ta-rantulas are located in southern U.S. states, including Texas and Oklahoma, but most live south of the border in Mexico and Central and South Amer-ica. Females generally outlive males, with the male life span averaging between 10 and 12 years compared to nearly double that for females. But then, the female tarantula is known to eat her mate, which could explain the difference in life expectancy.

“It Came From the HerpAquarium”

So Scary,

So Fierce,

So Misunderstood!

By Darlene O’Bryan& Jennifer McMaster

iT CAME FROM THE

HERPAQUARIUM...


It's a Monster!Actually, the Gila monster is a liz-

ard—but as the name implies, a lizard with a monstrous reputation. Named for the Gila (pronounced Hee-la) River in Arizona, it is native to the south-west U.S. and northern Mexico and is one of only two venomous lizards on Earth.

Characterized by short, stumpy legs and a beaded orange and black body, an adult Gila monster can range in length from 18 to 21 inches and weighs 1.5 to 3 pounds. The Gila monster doesn’t have particularly good eyesight and is not very fast. Instead, it sneaks up on its prey and bites it before it can get away using its grooved teeth to hold on and to inject its venom into the prey. In the wild, Gilas eat birds’ eggs and nest-lings, rodents, frogs, lizards, insects, centipedes and worms. The large, thick tail of a Gila monster stores fat, allowing it to survive without food for long periods of time.

Rough, bumpy, smooth or slimy – amphibians can be very different and still share a common fate – the overall amphibian population is declining in the wild. Factors such as drought, human encroach-ment, pesticides, diseases such as chytridiomycosis, or chytrid fungus and an increase in predators are very likely to have long-lasting negative impacts on amphibious populations in some areas. In ad-dition, climate change is a major threat to amphibian survival, spe-cifically the thinning of the ozone layer resulting in higher levels of ultraviolet radiation.

Amphibians are one of the larg-est groups of cold-blooded verte-brates, or animals with backbones, with more than 4,000 species that fall into this category. The name “amphibian” means “dual life,” re-ferring to perhaps the most unique characteristic of many amphibians, namely that they begin life in wa-

ter and later adapt to live on land. In this region, the salamander, newt, toads and frogs are the most prevalent amphibians.

Toads and frogs have much in common, but they do have distinct features. Toads have rough, bumpy skin and usually favor a drier environment. While a toad can hop: its fat, round body and squat legs keep it close to the ground. The old wives’ tale that touching a toad can give you warts isn’t true, but a toad does have toxic glands on its back which secrete poison that can be harmful. Did you know that a venomous animal like a tarantula or a Gila monster in-jects venom into its prey. Poisons on the other hand are not injected but can cause irritation or more serious problems by coming in contact with mucous membranes (like your eyes). Some poisons can also create problems if they are injested. For instance, a toad

can be deadly to a dog that picks it up with its mouth.

Frogs are commonly found in cool, moist areas and have smooth, wet skin. Compared to toads, frogs are great hoppers with longer back legs; some can even climb trees. Most toads are brown, black or dark green, pro-viding them excellent camouflage in grass, weeds, and other ground covering. Some frogs blend into their environment while others most certainly don’t. You won’t miss the Poison Dart frogs in the wild or when you first enter the HerpAquarium. These frogs come in a variety of bright colors includ-ing green, blue, red and yellow. Instead of providing camouflage, their vivid colors serve as a warn-ing to potential predators that they are poisonous.

The Disappearing Amphibians


“THE WORLD’S

If scary is no fun for your little ones, then don’t miss the sweetest party in town. Join us for an evening of magical Halloween fun for the whole family as storybook scenes come to life with costumed characters and trick-or-treating throughout the Zoo.

We invite you to dress up for our merry, not-so-scary Halloween Party and meet your favorite pirates, princesses, superheroes and other storybook characters. Plus visit Mumpkin the Giant Talking Pumpkin and wander through Pumpkinville, USA with its hay maze and hundreds of glowing pumpkins.

Meijer Virtual Playground – October 24–27FREE fun games and giveaways for the whole family at the Zoo’s main entrance.

Presented by

October 4–6, 10–13, 17–20 & 24–27Enter 5–8:30 p.m. Special Ticket Required

New this Year! To reduce overcrowding on popular nights, and to improve the quality and safety of your experience, we are asking members and non-members to reserve tickets online for a specific night. A designated number of tickets will be available for each evening so reserve your preferred date early. See all the details and options on the next few pages.

Please be sure to review the new changes for the Halloween Party plus some anticipated questions regarding ticketing and parking. Visit our website for all the details and a full list of frequently asked questions.

MEMBERS ONLY ZOOBUCK

BUY ONE POPCORN, GET ONE POPCORN FREEvalid only during the nights of “the world’s largest halloween party!” presented by meijer october 4-6, 10-13, 17-20 & 24-27

Available at the Kentucky Canteen, Ostrich Snack Stand, Bomassa Soft Serve and Walkabout Café.

Expires 10/28/2013

Important Ticket Info for Members!

LARGEST HALLOWEEN PARTY!”

Black Cat Crossing Pumpkin DisplayOver 200 artistically carved and lit pumpkins.

Stop by to see nightly carving demonstrations.

Come before OR after dark!

Meijer presents “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”


Tickets are required for all guests ages 3 and older.

NEW: Limited tickets will be available for each night to help control crowds and improve your Party experience.

LOUISVILLE ZOO MEMBERSSpecial rates for members and those covered on your card. Please present your online ticket along with your membership card and photo I.D. at the Zoo.

NON-MEMBERS

Advance Tickets for Groups of 15+ Purchase online or call 502-459-2181 at least 72 hours in advance. Corporate consignment tickets, call 502-459-2181.

Purchase online tickets at louisvillezoo.org starting Sept. 9. Mobile ticketing is available and barcodes can be scanned on your mobile device. Event is rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.

Parking is $5 at the Zoo for this after-hours special event fundraiser and applies to all guests including Zoo members. Or you can take advantage of the FREE parking and shuttle bus (see website for details).

*ALL online tickets will have a $1 convenience fee per ticket (including free), added at check-out.

FREE*October 4–6 & 10–13Members MUST purchase in advance online for a specific evening using valid Member I.D.

$4*October 17–20 & 24–27Members must purchase in advance online for a specific evening using valid Member I.D.

$5Any night of the event at Zoo cashier window based on availability. Must present valid Member I.D.

$7.50Available only at Meijer stores. Tickets valid for any night on sale beginning September 27.

$ 8*Advance online ticket. Must select specific night. On sale starting September 9.

$10 Any night of the event at Zoo cashier window based on availability.

$15*VIP Ticket good for any night of the event. Must purchase online. Includes admission plus a 4-D Theater ticket.

Ticket Options

How many free or $4 priced tickets can members buy online? You can purchase tickets for the number of people covered on your membership card. We reserve the right to check membership cards and photo I.D.s at the Zoo.

Why is there a $1 convenience fee for member and non-member online tickets? This helps us cover the fees associated with online ticketing. For free member tickets, this also encourages members to only reserve one night rather than multiple nights which reduces the number of tickets available for other visitors. Each night will have a designated number of tickets available.

Bring Your Membership Card and Photo I.D.

Repeat Member Visits? With such a large member base, we invite each family to attend one night during the first seven nights and encourage members to come back during the second two weeks at half price ($4 online plus a $1 convenience fee) to support this important fundraiser.

$5 Parking. A $5 fee per car will be collected for Zoo Halloween Party parking as in past years. While parking is included with your membership for visits during regular Zoo hours, parking is not included for this after-hours special fundraiser. FREE off-site parking and shuttle service will be available (see our website for details).

No discounts on Train Rides and other attractions. The trains will operate weather permitting. All rides/attractions are full price for members and non-members including Safari Gold Members during this after-hours fundraiser (see website for list and pricing).

NEW! Member Info!

LARGEST HALLOWEEN PARTY!” NEW!

Member

tickets go on sale online

starting September 6.

BUYING TICKETS ONLINE1. Go to louisvillezoo.org/tickets

Note: Halloween tickets (not memberships) can also be purchased on mobile devices.

2. Bring your printed ticket or mobile device with your barcode for validation.

Members need to enter and submit valid member I.D. in the member box in the left column of the ticket store before “check out” (see box below).

EARLY BIRDTICKETS


More InfoReminder: On

Halloween Party nights, the Zoo closes early to guests. Gates close at 3 p.m. (stay

until 4 p.m.)

Rain or shine, there are no refunds or exchanges.

Other Ticket Options? Meijer is selling a limited number of “any night” tickets for $7.50. We are also selling a limited number of VIP tickets online. Valid for any night of the event and includes one 4-D Theater ticket for $15.

This FUN raising fundraiser provides critical support every year to the Zoo’s animal care programs, botanical gardens, visitor experiences and conservation education.

Visit louisvillezoo.org/halloween for details, road closings and Frequently Asked Questions.

A million treats

are given out

during the Party!

One and a half miles of lights, 1,330 pumpkins and 300 bales of hay!

All members of

the family get

into the spirit!

32 Actors and over 1,300 volunteers


Trick-or-treating for kids 11 and

under! Please bring your own treat bag to help us be “green.”

Purchase at Gift shop for $2.

ThanksAsk any guest or Zoo staffer about their

favorite Party moments, and they are likely to agree that it is watching families having fun together. Seeing kids skip up the yellow brick road with Dorothy, dance with their parents under the Astro Disco, smile sweetly when complimented on their new costume or chase funny voices on the Boo Walk while parents giggle… these moments make it the sweetest party in town for all of us.

It takes a village to create the magic that is “The World’s Largest Halloween Party!” Our thanks to the entire “cast” with special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Meijer, to all other partners and sponsors that help make it possible, and to you of course, our Party guests! There is no Party without you!

Thank you for caring so much and for coming to our Party!

Please note: Visit some of our late night Party animals (weather permitting). You are most likely to see maned wolves, flamingos, snow leopards, bongos, rhinos and giraffes. Many are sleeping; some are not out for their health and safety during this event. The HerpAquarium remains open during the event so visit our creepiest and crawliest inhabitants.

Enjoy the main festivities with your Party admission. Add these extra thrills (fees and some restrictions apply):

• The Wild West Express Train• The Spooktacular Carousel• Ice Age™: Dawn of the Dinosaurs–

The 4-D Experience• The Headless Horseman of

Sleepy Hollow• Fun glow necklaces, snakes,

Halloween-themed jewelry and more at the gift shops (Members get 10% off select items)

• Yummy snacks and beverages at concession stands (Members get a 10% discount excludes cart locations)

• Fun photos, wild Handimals hand art, fabulous face painting by Kaman’s Art Shoppe

Additional Support by

Contributing Sponsors

Caufield’s, Carnes Trucking Company, Philpot Hay Company

presents“The World’s Largest Halloween Party!”

ViewingAnimals

Added Fun

Sponsored by

Kentucky State Fair Board

Louisville Metro Council President Jim King & District

10 Residents


EDUCATIONMarcelle Gianelloni

Curator of [email protected]

Education programs presented by

Two by Two(two-year-old and an adult)These programs are designed with the two-year-old child in mind. The child MUST have reached the age of two by the date of the class. These playful, one-hour classes include circle time, free play time to encourage exploration, and a special animal guest before heading out on a guided walking tour of part of the Zoo.Cost per session: Regular: $25; Members: $20, one adult and one child; Additional Adult: $10

Colorful CreaturesThursday, September 19 or Saturday, September 219 – 10 a.m.

Feathered FriendsThursday, October 10 or Saturday, October 129 – 10 a.m.

Two by Three(three-year-old and an adult)These programs are designed specifically to meet the developmental needs of the three year old child. The child MUST have reached the age of three by the date of the class. This one-hour class includes circle time, free play time to encourage exploration, and a special animal guest before heading out on a guided walking tour of a part of the Zoo.Cost per session: Regular: $25; Members: $20, one adult and one child; Additional Adult: $10

Big Ears!Thursday, September 19 or Saturday, September 2111 a.m. – Noon

TailsThursday, October 10 or Saturday, October 1211 a.m. – Noon

ZOOper KidsThis child-only program for four and five year old children includes a guided Zoo walk, a hands-on activity, closely supervised contact with education program animals and lots of information about animals to satisfy the curiosity of young minds.Cost per session: Regular: $20; Members: $15

African SafariThursday, September 19 or Saturday, September 211 – 2:30 p.m.

Tons of TeethThursday, October 10 or Saturday, October 121 – 2:30 p.m.

Family ClassesCome and experience the Zoo as a family and learn together about the world around you! This program is designed for families with children 4 years old and up.Cost: Regular: $15 per person; Members: $10 per personFamily of 4: Regular: $50; Members $35

Spines, Spots and Slime!Saturday, September 289 – 10:30 a.m.

African SafariSaturday, October 199 – 10:30 a.m.

The Louisville Zoo Education Department offers a variety of educational experiences for children of all ages. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the Zoo. Young people are curious about what is around them and programs are designed with this in mind. Educators go that

“extra mile” in creating “hands-on” and “minds-on” instruction. Learning about science is an active process and students are encouraged to investigate, apply critical thinking skills and ask questions.

FALL PROGRAMS 2013

Fall & Holiday Education Programs


HOLIDAY CAMPS

Animal Puzzle Series2 – 4 p.m.Cost: Regular $20; Member $15, one child and one adult

Animal Puzzles: EyesTuesday, September 24

Animal Puzzles: TailsTuesday, October 29

Animal Puzzles: EarsTuesday, November 26

Animal Puzzles: FeetTuesday, January 28

Animal Puzzles: Antlers & HornsTuesday, February 25

Animals Puzzles: Claws & NailsTuesday, March 25

Animal Puzzles: Teeth & BeaksTuesday, April 29

Middle and High Home School: Animal Endangerment

Upper grade homeschool students, Grades 6 – 12, are invited to take part in this program focusing on the plight of animals facing extinction and the role zoos play in helping to save them.Tuesday, September 242 – 4 p.m.Cost : Regular $20; Member $15

ZOOper Kids Holiday CampThis ZOOper kids program is designed for children ages 4 – 5. Campers will enjoy a Zoo walk, craft, and a “hands-on” visit with education animals. A healthy snack will be provided.Monday, December 239 –11:45 a.m.Cost per person: Regular $35; Members $25

Holiday CampThis all day program for ages 6 – 12 will be packed with activities including animal study, crafts, a “hands-on” visit with Education animals and a snack. Children should bring a sack lunch with a drink. Children will be grouped according to age.Session 1

Monday, December 23, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Session 2Monday, December 30, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Session 3Tuesday, December 31, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: Regular $55; Members $40

Teen Holiday CampThis all day program for ages 13 – 15 will provide teens with a unique experience at the Louisville Zoo. Teens will explore how our Zoo cares for the many endangered animals that live here, as well as conservation projects in the wild. Teens need to bring a lunch and drink, and dress for the weather.Monday, December 239 a.m. – 4 p.m.Cost: Regular $55; Members $40

HOMESCHOOL PRIDE PROGRAMSThe Louisville Zoo is offering education programs designed specifically to meet the needs of local families that are educating their children at home by using resources in the home and community. A series of science based classes are being offered once a month from 2 – 4 p.m. for children in grades K – 5. The curriculum is based on the new Next Generation Science Standards. Students will be encouraged to look at patterns and formulate answers to questions about the world around them. The “Animal Puzzles” series will make connections to different body parts like ears and eyes and how these physical features help them survive.

REGISTER ONLINE AT LOUISVILLEZOO.ORG

NEW!


at prices like ours, you can afford to buy a little more


SEPTEMBER EVENTS

September 14TOYOTA BACKYARD ACTION HERO DAY10 a.m. – 5 p.m.Receive your copy of the new 2013 Toyota Backyard Action Hero Guidebook and visit with zookeepers around the Zoo to learn how you can be a conservation hero right in your own backyard.

September 13 FRIDAY NIGHT MOVIE: WRECK IT RALPHOasis Field opens at 6 p.m. Movie begins at sundownBring your friends and family out to the Zoo and enjoy a movie under the stars at the wildest theater in town. Grab blankets or lawn chairs and relax as you watch on our giant inflatable screen. Enjoy free entertainment before the show from the Zoo Crew as they play games fun for all ages. Delicious movie themed snacks and other refreshments will be available for purchase. FREE to Zoo members. Zoo admission is just $5 after 5 p.m. for non-members.

FIELD TRIP–WHAT’S NEW?

Teachers & ParentsWhat student doesn’t look forward to and remember his or her Zoo field trip?

The Zoo is the best natural classroom in the world – and it’s fun. Be sure to look for materials online and sign up for a special education class to enhance your field trip.

Please note recent field trip updates:• Visit louisvillezoo.org/education/school/fieldtrip.htm for details and to

download a registration form with scheduling instructions.• The teacher or group coordinator should exit the bus and go to the

Admission Window designated “School Field Trip Check In” to pay. The bus must continue with students to the bus lot to disembark. Students and chaperones should join the teacher on the front plaza to enter together.

• School buses will not be charged for parking at this time. • All teachers and chaperones must be included on the school’s Admission

Ticket and pay in a single transaction and enter as one group to get discounted admission and free parking. Those arriving separately will be charged full admission and a $5 parking fee per vehicle.

• You must include any rides and attractions on your Admission Ticket and pay in advance in a single transaction to get special discounted rates.

• Zoo memberships are not valid for group admission or parking. This applies to all group visits including Scout groups, daycares and YMCAs.

September EventsEducation Field Trips


DesertExploration

Hey Kids,For those of you keeping up

with our Backyard Action Hero publications, our next issue will be dealing with some of the driest regions on Earth. Since we are hearing about record breaking temperatures across the country, especially in the arid southwest, it only seems appropriate that we take some time to look at areas we know as deserts.

Deserts are extremely diverse and interesting ecosystems. You are probably familiar with many of the desert dwelling species at our Zoo. Of course, the first animals that come to mind are the camels, but we also have the Addax antelope, Gila monster, Bearded Lizard and a variety of desert living snakes.

I recently had the opportunity to visit a couple of the desert areas in the southwestern U.S. People have a misconception that all deserts are barren, inhospitable places with little or no life. I can say from personal experience that the desert is amazing to see and experience.

I spent time in the Mojave Desert of California and Death Valley, where the hottest temperature on Earth was recorded at a whopping 134 degrees

Fahrenheit. In fact, right now, that record is on the verge of being broken. Luckily when I was there it was only 115 degrees. Heat is only one factor that some desert creatures have to deal with. Did you know that not all deserts are hot? What makes a

desert a desert is the dryness. Deserts, by definition, are areas that get less than 10 inches of precipitation in a year.

Deserts are home to a fascinating group of animals and plants that live in some really extreme conditions. I saw a wide variety of desert wildflowers, yuccas and even cactus. Prickly Pear Cactus is quite

common, not only in the desert, but in neighboring mountainous areas. Did you know prickly pear actually can be found in Kentucky? Yuccas are often grown in our gardens, but wild yuccas, which include the Joshua tree, are also quite common in the Mojave region. The Joshua tree is so common in one area of California that there is a national park, the Joshua Tree National Park, created around them.

Many animals in the desert are nocturnal, and even though they may not be seen during the daylight hours, they often leave signs of their presence. In the dune areas of Death Valley, I saw lots of tracks left in the sand: bobcats, birds, rodents, lizards and desert sidewinders. The sidewinder is a snake you can see in the nocturnal area of the HerpAquarium. Sidewinders leave unusual tracks. The heat of the sand is so hot that no snake would want its whole body touching it at one time, so the sidewinder has developed a way of moving that only requires two points of its body to touch the ground at any given time. A variety of other reptiles such as tortoises and lizards

KIDS FOR CONSERVATION

Prickly Pear Cactus

“I spent time in the Mojave Desert of California and

Death Valley, where the hottest temperature on

Earth was recorded at a whopping 134

degrees Fahrenheit.”

Kids For Conservation


Doug McCoyAssistant Curator of [email protected]

were quite active during my visit. I spotted a number of Zebra Tailed lizards and Collared lizards along the trails and boardwalks in the area.

Probably the most interesting animal I was lucky enough to encounter was the Salt Creek Desert pupfish. Yes, there are fish in the desert. Salt Creek is a small spring-fed stream that flows in a region of Death Valley. The creek was flowing well when I visited, which allowed me the opportunity to witness the spawning and movement of hatchling Salt Creek pupfish. These fish are the remnants of a much wetter time in the valley going back to the last Ice Age. The fish have evolved to live in the extreme conditions left behind as the area became drier. The water itself is now saltier than the ocean. The pupfish has survived in seasonal streams and pools and can be seen when the springs are pumping water. That water originates in the more mountainous regions that border the desert. The pupfish feed on the few nutrients that the plant and animal life in the area create. The

few pupfish populations found at scattered sights throughout the desert are considered highly endangered. In drier years, the number of some populations has decreased to less than 100.

The Earth offers a wide variety of habitats, some more extreme than others. Even in those areas that humans find to be inhospitable, such as the desert, creatures have found ways to survive. Learning more about those animals and plants, whether in the desert or in your own backyard, can be a fascinating exercise in understanding more about the world around us.

©2010 The PNC Financial Services Group. All rights reserved. CON PDF 0710-022

ZOO: Use math words to play a game of “bigger or smaller.” Ask your child, “What animal do you see that is bigger than you? What do you see that's smaller?” Comparing words like “bigger or smaller” are math ideas, and you'll be giving your child math practice by using them.

HOME: Ask your child to look out the window to find three red objects. Then ask for three objects that are other colors. It’s a fun way to help children learn colors and numbers.

HOME: Let your child see that you write shopping lists, “to do” lists, phone messages and directions. It lets children know that writing is important in everyday life.

Through PNC Grow Up Great – a 10-year, $100 million initiative in early childhood education – PNC provides the leadership, advocacy, funding, tools, and volunteers to help educate parents, caregivers, and communities on how to prepare young children for success in school and life. For more information, please visit pncgrowupgreat.com.

PNC recognizes that learning in a child’s early years is essential for their long-term success. That is why we are pleased to support the Louisville Zoo and the opportunities it presents for the region’s children and their families to experience the wonders of nature and the animal world. Whether at the zoo or in a neighborhood park, here are a few tips on how everyday moments become learning experiences for young children.


HORTICULTURE

Saving the American Chestnut Tree

The Louisville Zoo continues to partner with The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) through

the Louisville Branch of the Kentucky Chapter. This partnership began in 2008 when five American chestnut seedlings were planted at the Zoo to test the suitability for growing chestnut trees in the area. As of 2013, two of the original five trees are still growing and showing signs of flowering.

The growth of the American chestnut trees at the Zoo is significant to keeping the tree from becoming extinct. Beginning in 1904, an imported fungus called “chestnut blight” killed chestnut trees throughout their native range (from Maine to Mississippi in the Eastern U.S). Due to the soils and many historically wet areas within the lower areas of Jefferson County, American

chestnut trees were most likely rare within the city even prior to the blight, but common in the Knobs.

The American Chestnut Foundation has a breeding program where blight resistant genes are bred into the American chestnut trees with the hope of eventually having resistant trees that will be able to be transplanted in locations where they will freely produce new trees with strong resistance. American chestnut trees can still be found throughout their natural range, but typically these trees exist as sprouts coming from the remaining root systems of trees that were killed by the blight. Chestnut blight will kill the above-ground tree, but does not kill the root system. Often, these stump sprouts will grow for 8 to 10 years before being killed back once again by the blight. Often, they will get large enough to flower and reproduce.

On March 30, 2013, the Louisville Branch of TACF, planted five potentially blight resistant American chestnut trees near the Zoo’s Butterfly Garden. The trees are protected with a wire cage to prevent deer damage during the first several years of growth. Once the trees become tall enough to survive browsing by deer and large enough to withstand rubbing, the wire cages will be removed.

The American chestnut trees at the Louisville Zoo are being maintained by TACF volunteers along with the Zoo’s Horticulture staff.

Learn more about TACF at www.acf.org.

Keith Chasteen, The American Chestnut Foundation (TACF) Louisville Branch

Horticulture


William NayManager of [email protected]

Stake Out the Zoo’s Botanical Garden

Thanks to new botanical garden stakes with QR codes, you can access easy information on a variety of foliage found throughout the Zoo. More than 40 featured plants will be identified by the garden stakes that will include the plant’s common name, scientific name, height, spread and unique features. Each sign will also include a QR code (located on top right corner) that will allow smartphone users to access detailed information about the plant. Don’t have a smartphone, no worries – just make a note of the plant names that catch your eye and access the information at Louisvillezoo.org/plants.

If you love to watch the changing of seasons, then you will want to put the Zoo on your places to visit this autumn. Along with cooler temperatures, active animals and fall activities, the Zoo is the perfect place to catch the leaves on trees changing from vibrant green to brilliant shades of red, yellow, orange and burgundy. Zoo Horticulture Supervisor Will Nay notes below some of the best areas to enjoy the color change:

Oakleaf Hydrangea (top) shrubs are located in front of the Zoo Administrative office, on the right side of the Oasis Tent pathway and near both Lemur Mountain and the Rhino exhibit.

Yellowood trees (middle) can be seen on the right side of the deck near Zoovision (Lemur Mountain) as well as the Gorilla Forest Discovery Trail. In addition, we will be planting some additional Yellowood at the Hillside Gazebo this fall.

Tulip Poplar (bottom) is Kentucky’s state tree and we have three prominently planted in front of the Zoo’s Administrative Office, three in Butterfly Garden, three near the Rhino exhibit and Carousel and a few across from the Oasis bandshell.

Autumn Colors


$100,000 and aboveMs. Sandra A. Frazier

$50,000-99,999James Graham Brown Foundation, Inc.

$25,000–$49,999Brown-Forman CorporationCommonwealth of KentuckyHeaven Hill Distilleries, Inc.The UPS Foundation

$10,000–$24,999William E. Barth FoundationDr. Virginia Frazier and

Ms. Rachael HicksMrs. Jean W. FrazierLG&E and KU Energy LLC FoundationLouisville/Jefferson County Metro

Government

$5,000–$9,999Toyota Motor Manufacturing,

Kentucky, Inc.Linda C. WardleMr. and Mrs. John L. Zehnder, Jr.

$1,000–$4,999Mr. Robert E. Bast and

Ms. Gwen V. AndersonDr. S. Pearson AuerbachBank of America Matching GiftsMs. Carol Ann BehringerMr. and Mrs. C. Barret BirnsteelMr. and Mrs. Mark L. BrownMs. Laura J. ClarkDr. and Mrs. Burton J. CohenThe Corradino Group, Inc.Mr. and Dr. Charles W. Dobbins, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Christopher EckenMr. and Mrs. Wayne EstopinalFifth Third BankMrs. Sharon FlowersFrost Brown Todd, LLCGarrett-Stotz CompanyMr. and Mrs. William R. GernertMs. Jessica GilesMr. and Mrs. Rick G. GodseyHumana Inc.Independent II LLCJ.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc.Kindred HealthcareKing Southern BankKM Stemler Co, Inc.Phyllis T. KurzThe Lipski FoundationMr. Daniel Martinez and

Ms. Catherine TangMs. Loraine NuetzelMrs. Evelyn F. OttMr. and Mrs. Allan ParnellMary K. PolingRepublic Bancorp Inc.Mr. and Mrs. David B. RussellSam Swope Auto Group, LLCShiloh Lane Farm LLCDr. and Mrs. Roger J. ShottArthur K. Smith Family FoundationMr. and Mrs. Gary L. StewartDr. Ann M. SwankU.S. BankWeber Group, Inc.Wells Fargo FinancialMs. Jan M. West and

Mr. Jonathan D. GoldbergMr. and Mrs. Tarreck Yennes

$500–$999Big Hearts Little HandsMr. and Mrs. James P. CampbellMr. and Mrs. Alfonso B. CerveraEco-CellMs. Margaret D. EllabyExxonMobil FoundationRob FaganMs. Kathy R. GahmMrs. Shelisa Gautreaux and

Mr. Joe FrenchMs. Barbara E. GreenbergMr. and Mrs. Kenneth H. Hagan, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Martin G. HanseMr. Thomas HenrionMs. Patricia A. HobbsMr. and Mrs. Steven HofmannMr. Edward L. HorneIndustrial Services of America, Inc.Chris KennedyMs. Kimberly R. KopatzMs. Maria A. LaddMs. Nancy Barrett LoucksMr. and Mrs. Neil D. MacDonaldThe MacLean FoundationMr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. McCraryMr. and Mrs. Edmund L. MeekinsMs. Christine H. MollMr. and Mrs. Bill MooreMr. and Mrs. R. Charles MoyerMs. Sandra L. MullinsVirginia PeckMaria E. PerezMr. and Mrs. Rick RemmersMr. James B. RobertsMr. and Mrs. Kerry StemlerMr. Samuel J. StewartMs. Mary A. ThorntonTilford Dobbins Alexander PLLCMr. and Mrs. Norman J. WalkerMr. Louis I. WatermanMr. George R. Bailey and

Ms. Porter WatkinsMr. and Mrs. Aaron P. WattMs. Debbie WeberMr. George F. Wethington

$200–$499Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. ArnoldMr. George R. Bailey and

Ms. Porter WatkinsMr. and Mrs. Joseph M. BallChris B. BermanMr. and Mrs. Bradley C. BlackMr. and Mrs. Matthew BuechlerMs. Andrea N. Burdick-MartinezMs. Gloria A. CarlMr. and Mrs. Ian A. CassidyMrs. Caryl V. ChamplinDr. and Mrs. Donn R. ChathamDr. and Mrs. Philip H. CochranMr. and Mrs. Stuart H. ColemanBrendan DaughertyMr. Anthony DeCesareJeff DicksonMr. and Mrs. Robert Eberle, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. EdwardsMs. Barbara C. FergusonFloyds Knobs Elementary

Student CouncilMiss Cindy K. FromanMr. and Mrs. H. Wayne GensimoreMr. and Mrs. Richard B. GraverMr. and Mrs. Edward A. GreenMr. and Mrs. Mike Hamlyn

Mr. and Mrs. Craig M. HeuserMartin K. HjalmDr. Heidi HulonMs. Judith L. KaleherMr. and Mrs. Daniel L. KanipeKentucky Alpha Delta KappaMr. Peter KremerMiddleton & ReutlingerMr. and Mrs. David W. MiracleMr. and Mrs. David F. NeumannMr. and Mrs. Patrick O. NixMollie NoeMr. Jeff Randles and

Dr. Sandra Patterson-RandlesMr. and Mrs. Steve C. PerkinsTodd PittMr. and Mrs. Kurt PorcengMr. and Mrs. John S. Reed, IIMr. and Mrs. Tom PersonSherry RiggsDiane RigneyMs. Suzanne A. RonnigerMr. and Mrs. James RoseJ. M. SalsmanSchaffner Traditional Elementary SchoolMr. and Mrs. Paul J. SchmidtMr. and Mrs. Cary ShieldsMr. and Mrs. Don E. SmithRobert W. SmithSouthside Elementary SchoolJeffrey SternMr. Richard D. Stewart

Mr. Matthew StovallMs. Patricia G. Swope and

Mr. James R. Van CampMr. and Mrs. Carl L. SwopeMr. and Ms. James R. Van CampMr. and Mrs. James C. WardMr. Lowry Watkins, Jr.Stephanie WelchAmy WickliffeMargaret M. WoodsPediatric Dentistry of Oldham County

In-Kind DonorsKentucky Chapter of the American

Chestnut FoundationEarth FareBandy, Carroll, HelligeBandy, Carroll, HelligeKlein Aluminum Building ProductsLouisville OrchidsSamtecKatherine BednarScott ChapmanDavid ClaytonMr. Kevin CoombsMr. and Mrs. Christopher ShawMr. and Mrs. Tim WardMs. Emily Wilcoxson and

Ms. Retha Wilcoxson

DONOR THANKS

April 1 through June 30, 2013

Buffalo ChickenAfricAn ElEphAnt. SibEriAn tigEr.

SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc. ©2013 Doctor’s Associates Inc. sublou_15723

sublou_15723_Zoo_Ad.indd 1 7/16/13 9:23 AM

Donor Thanks


Every day, the Louisville Zoo welcomes visitors, supports conservation projects, creates once in a lifetime memories and saves wildlife. Just like our animals, corporate partnerships with the Zoo come in many shapes and sizes. Your business or organization can partner with the Zoo through many different opportunities including event or program sponsorships, group

events and more! With a record attendance of nearly 947,000 this past year, your brand has the potential to reach a significant number of families in the region.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors for these programs:

4-D TheaterPresented by

Trunkline Magazine & Backyard Action Hero Guidebook

Printed by

Official Soft Drink of the

Louisville Zoo

Education Programs

Presented by

July at the ZooPresented by

Toyota Backyard Action Hero Day

Presented by

Water Wows Weekend

Presented by

Night SafarisSponsored by

Mhorr Gazelle and Habitat Presented by

Backyard Action Hero Guidebook

Presented by

SPONSORSHIPTerri Lenahan-DownsSponsorship [email protected]

Norton Healthcare

Get Healthy Club & Walking Expo

Friday Movie Nights

Sponsored by

Zoo Baby Zebra Naming Contest

Presented by

June at the Zoo!Presented by

WAKY Great American

Date NightAdditional support

Sponsorship Thanks


Including the Louisville Zoo in one’s estate planning is a very good way to assist in the continuation of the Zoo’s mission. I feel that it is the responsibility of the citizens of Louisville in particular to support the Zoo in any way possible. Support of the populace is very important and including them in one’s estate planning is easy and ensures your support in perpetuity. It is a course of action to ensure that you will be an active supporter long after your passing. I am very proud of the Louisville Zoo and feel that I have an obligation to support the Zoo both financially and by word of mouth.

Kevin BratcherZoo Donor, Member and Friend

SUPPORT YOUR ZOO!

The Louisville Zoo is grateful to all of our friends who choose to support our annual

fund, conservation efforts, capital projects, and educational programs through cash, stock and in-kind gifts. We are also deeply grateful to those who have included the Zoo as part of their charitable estate plans, and we welcome new donors who wish to make a difference with a bequest, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, or a gift of life insurance.

Please contact Bob Micou, Development Director, 502-238-5300 to learn more.

We want to make your Zoo the best it can be for generations to come and need your support. There are many ways you

can make a difference. To learn more, visit LouisvilleZoo.com/Support.

Or call the Development Office at 502-238-5300 or 502-238-5615.

... other ways to Support Your Zoo

• Annual Fund

• Zoo License Plate

• Zoo Kids, Inc.

• Sponsorship

• Cell Phone Recycling

• Behind-the-Scenes Tours

• Tributes and Memorials:

* Tree of Life* Brick Pavers* Tree planting* Flower

planting

Support Your Zoo

Now AND Later


The Louisville Zoo is seeking the following items for donation. Please contact Janet at (502) 238-5386 or [email protected] if you wish to

make a donation. Items must be delivered to the Zoo.*

WISH LIST

Administration BuildingDesk Chairs (swivel with wheels)Three (3) fans, any type (box, etc.)Vacuum

Animal Health CenterBox fansDigital scale (3000-6000 gram)Knife sharpener (heavy-duty,

such as Norton Multi-Oilstone Sharpener)

Lightweight, portable table [with stand]–plastic or metal, not wood

Pruners (heavy-duty, limb)Radios, portable FM

The ValleyCold chiselsDrill bits, masonryShelves (Rubbermaid shop type)Shop Vac, heavy-dutySledge hammer (5lb, small)Trash Pump (one for cleaning out

sump wells)

Glacier RunBurlap bagsHay barnLarge cardboard boxes35/55 gallon plastic drumsdorm size fridge

Bird DepartmentBrooders (intensive care)Food bowls & crocks (earth-tone

color)Garden cartGolf carts–4 or 6 passenger Ladders (2)Painter’s pole (fiberglass)Pool skimmersPressure washer (portable,

electric)Tree pruner (with extension pole)Video system (baby monitor type)

CommissaryFarm suppliesForkliftLarge Yard/Barn ToolsPoly-tarps (any size)Wheelbarrow

Conservation CenterCordless drillTools (screwdriver set, pliers,

retractable utility knife,...)

Business Office/FinanceFansGarden and lawn carts (2)Pencil Sharpener, wall-mountedStapler, electricStapler, heavy-dutyVacuum cleaner

Giraffe AreaElectronic gram scaleLeaf blower/vacuum (gas-

powered)Plastic bowls with lidsPruners/Branch cutters of all sizesRadios (small, portable)Small (wall mounted) clocksWeedeater (gas)

Gorilla ForestBurlap sacksPlastic coffee containers‘Kong’ toysUnbreakable mirrorsPlastic kiddie poolsFerret logsBoomer ballsJolly ballsLoppers (for cutting browse for

the animals)Pillow casesFlat (not fitted) bed sheetsTowelsBlankets or quilts (without

stuffing)liquid light projector for gorilla

enrichment

Guest ServicesDrill, electricHedge clippersLeaf blowersPatio umbrellasTables (folding, 6’ x 30”)Vacuums

HerpAquariumThermometers (aquarium)

Horticulture100’ Tree Rope and Rope Bag6’ Step LadderBackpack SprayersBlowers (Hand held or backpack,

gently used or new)Chain saws, Protective Chaps, Ear

MuffsDingo with AttachmentsFire hoses and fittings (1.5”)Greenhouse, poly-carbonate panel

(28 x 60 with heater package)Greenhouse, QuonsetHand Saws, fold up or straight

blade

Hand Tools (Round Point Shovels, Flat Shovels, Nursery Spades, Push Brooms, Hand Trowels, Grade Rakes, Leaf Rakes, Scoop Shovels, Pitch Forks, Tampers, etc)

Honda tillerJohn Deere Gator (gently used or

new)John Deere Tractor 4wdLog ChainsLopping shearsPole saw, gas-powered (gently

used or new)Powerade 2 or 5 Gallon MixesPruners (hand pruners or manual

pole pruners)Push SpreadersPVC Fittings 1” and 1 ½”Safety glasses, ear plugs, and

disposable respiratorsStihl Weedeaters with .105” lineStorage BinsString Trimmers (gently used or

new)Tarps (8x10, 10x12, 12x14, etc)T-Post drivers and pullersWater Hoses, sprinklers, nozzles,

watering cans, fittings (Y’s, Shutoff Valves), hose menders 5/8” or 3/4”

Wheelbarrows

IslandsA felco folding pruning sawDigital Radios, AM/FMDigital Radios, WeatherHand saw (crosscut)Plastic containersWire ties assorted lengths

(especially longer ones–10 to 12 inches)

Leaf blowerWeedeaterBoomer BallsPaint fixativeArt canvassesSmall trash canBedding sheetsPaper lawn bags5 or 10 gallon buckets

MaintenanceBelt SanderDollyForkliftLadders- fiberglass (all sizes)Man LiftOrbital sanderShop ragsShovelsSubmersible pumpTool boxes (side mount for pick-

up truck)

Membership DepartmentPlastic storage bins with lidsTask chair

MetaZoo/Education DepartmentA Mettler Toledo gram/lb scaleBird perchesLarge flat-screen TVMetal storage cabinetsOffice chairs (6-8) with armsShop VacRefrigerator

Special Events/Sponsorship3M double-coated paper tapeGolf cart/gator JHP 110 Color Ink CartridgesHP Photo Paper, 5”x7”

or 4”x5”LaminatorMannequinsMP3 playersPoly-TarpsPop-up Backyard CanopySD Memory Card

BooksGeoff Barrett; The New Atlas of

Australian BirdsStephen Jackson; Australian

Mammals: Biology and Captive Management

OtherEgg incubatorDigital thermometersUsed or new bicycles

*The Zoo reserves the right to evaluate the condition of an item before accepting a donation.

Zoo Wish List


Louisville Zoological Garden1100 Trevilian WayP.O. Box 37250Louisville, Kentucky 40233-7250

Change Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDLebanon Jct., KYPermit No.739

now open!Life is full of stories, from small moments to big feats. In this brand-new 4-D experience, Great Escapes: Life in 4-D takes a never-before-seen look at the ingenious tactics animals have developed to survive and thrive in a danger-filled world. From the award-winning makers of Planet Earth, Great Escapes: Life in 4-D captures unprecedented, jaw-dropping sequences in digital 3-D with added special effects that brings you right into the middle of the action. Run along with the Sengi, free fall with a Pebble toad and outrun African wild dogs. This 12-minute 4-D experience is packed with excitement, revelation and entertainment. – Don’t miss it!

Photography © David Ponton

presented by

“The World's Largest Halloween Party!” - Louisville Zoo

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