Summer 2021 | Member Magazine - Reid Park Zoological Society
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Summer 2021 | Member Magazine Reid Park Zoological Society
ZooFriendZ is a very special
circle of people who are invested
in the future of Tucson’s Reid
Park Zoo by donating $500 or
more annually.
Join ZooFriendZ Today!
ONLY $42 MONTHLY!
For more information, contact Gail
Brown at gail@reidparkzoo.org or
(520) 881-4753.
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way
Tucson, Arizona 85716
P: (520) 881-4753
President & CEO
Nancy J. Kluge
Chief Development Officer
Gail Brown
Director of Marketing & Events
Deborah Carr
Director of Business Operations & CFO
Tong Cheng
Director of Human Resources
Helen Smart
Director of Zoo Operations
Sue Tygielski, PhD
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Diana Whitman
2021 Board of Directors
Society Board
Chair Foundation Board
Chair
SUNDZU IN SUNNY SAN DIEGO
Dr. Shane Burgess
Nate Clark
Vice Chair
Cathy Hutchens Vice Chair
Mica Bane
Secretary
Robert Charles Treasurer
Steve Larsen Adolescent elephant (known fondly as “Nipho”).
Treasurer
Patricia O'Callaghan Secretary Sundzu has matured and Sundzu and Nipho have
Past Chair
Bridget Stephenson
outgrown his mother's herd. quickly formed a close
Lisa Lovallo Dr. George Ball
Susan Beesemyer This Spring, Sundzu moved relationship as they start
Kathy Alexander
Susan Beesemyer
Chad Driedger
Mike Halle to the San Diego Zoo their lives as a bachelor
Matt Bingham
Chad Driedger
Sheldon King
Jason Lazarow Elephant Odyssey habitat to group. They can often be
Neal Eckel
Mike Halle
establish a herd of his own. seen sharing food from
E. Courtney Johnson a feeder, spending time
Sheldon King
Steve Larsen Sundzu’s new care team getting dirty in a mud
Jason Lazarow
Edmund Marquez reports that he is settling wallow, and even laying
Richard White
into his new home! While he side by side overnight.
Emeritus Director
Denice Shepherd is still gaining confidence Both elephant care teams,
Donna Warfield
Jim & Terri Zarling in learning to navigate at Reid Park Zoo and San
the elephant care center, Diego Zoo, are excited to
he is already an expert in have Sundzu assimilating
1030 S Randolph Way navigating his new habitat successfully and thriving
Tucson, AZ 85716 with his half-brother and with his new family.
ZOO HOURS: new companion Inhlonipho
June-September 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
October-May 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Here's a look at the Zoo through
your eyes! Tag us on social media
to enter your own photos for the
next issue of Zoo & You!
Photo by Ann Marie Donoghue on Facebook
Photo by Debb Hart Oebker on Facebook Photo by A@cindyinthedesert on Instagram
Zoo & You 3
IN SITU PARTNERS
A herd of elephants in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
COMMITTED TO CONSERVATION
Despite the hardships of Tanzania Science and many other species killed
COVID-19 quarantines, Conservation Program on roadways each year.
restrictions, and closures, Formerly known as the Educational materials they
Reid Park Zoo and its Tarangire Elephant Project, developed this year received
conservation partners this program works approval to be included in
remain committed to to preserve elephants the state-wide education
protecting wild animals by creating safe travel curriculum for all school
and wild places. We have corridors. just this past year, children.
been amazed at what our an additional 365,000 acres
conservation partners have SAFE Andean Highland
of elephant habitat have
accomplished this year and Flamingo – As the leader
been protected. In total,
admire their dedication, of this Saving Animals
almost 1.5 million acres
even during these tough from Extinction program,
are now protected in the
times. We’d like to highlight Reid Park Zoo worked with
Tarangire ecosystem.
some of their achievements partners around the world
and introduce you to Giant Anteaters to develop educational
some new conservation and Highways materials to
opportunities. Funding – This project celebrate
to support these projects worked with International
comes from a portion of mayors Flamingo Day
all Zoo general revenue, in several and flamingo
private donations marked different conservation.
for conservation, and states Continued
funds raised during special within Brazil research
conservation events. to create on the Puna
educational (James’s),
Thank you to everyone campaigns Andean, and
who has helped fund highlighting the Chilean flamingos will
conservation projects by need to watch out for be used to guide future
visiting Reid Park Zoo. wildlife and to slow down to conservation action and
protect anteaters and the educational programs.
Zoo & You 4
ever done on giraffe.
In addition to continuing
to support the programs
listed above, this year Reid
Park Zoo will also support
conservation and research
projects focusing on tigers,
Andean bears, lions, and
jaguars. Additionally, we
will be supporting local
wildlife conservation and
rehabilitation by supporting
A Baird's tapir the Humane Society of
Southern Arizona, Tucson
Wildlife Center, and
Baird’s Tapir Survival SAFE Giraffe– Funds supporting internships
Alliance – This year, the from the Zoo supported with the Tucson Bee
Alliance developed virtual Operation Twiga V (twiga Collaboration.
educational materials is Swahili for giraffe).
to share with schools This conservation effort We are excited at the many
throughout the Baird’s relocated 15 giraffe to Pian opportunities we have to
tapir range, from Mexico Upe, the largest wildlife continue to expand our
to Colombia. They have reserve in Uganda to re- support for the conservation
continued to protect tapirs establish giraffe into this of wild animals and wild
and their habitat through wildlife preserve. This places both globally and
local community patrol project also runs the locally.
groups and by establishing Twiga Tracker Initiative, Explore more about what
responsible tapir-based which monitors more than your Zoo is doing for
tourism opportunities for 200 giraffe in 10 African conservation and how you
when it is safe for all to countries. This is the largest can get involved by visiting
travel again. GPS satellite tracking study our website.
Zoo & You 5
BIGGER SPACES. SMILING FACES.
IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY IN THE
SOUTH AMERICA LOOP
In the mid-90’s, the South needs time away from Tupi the conservation work the
America Loop at Reid Park to care for the baby. To Zoo supports in countries
Zoo was the newest section make that happen there are where tapir are naturally
of the Zoo. Currently home two neighboring habitats found.
to 59 animals, it has always that they can use. However,
been a favorite passageway this spring the habitat has The rheas, Galapagos
in the Zoo known for received a big improvement: tortoises, capybaras, crested
its cooling effect in the the rock walls were modified screamers, and anteaters
summer. Surrounded by to allow the tapirs to use all had new rockwork walls
bamboo and tall trees (like the full habitat space when added to their habitats. In
the incredible silk floss tree),separation is not necessary. the case of the anteaters, a
it gives the feeling of being Additionally when we can special enrichment device
more secluded than other return to having keeper was added to the wall itself
areas in the Zoo. chats, the modifications to provide tasty snacks.
will help improve guest Anteaters use their long,
The South America Loop experience as the tapirs sticky tongues to slurp
is home to our two Baird’s will be closer to guests for up insects. The new wall
tapirs, Tessa and Tupi. In past viewing. Keeper chats here features long tubes specially
years they have had multiple will allow staff to educate designed to hold treats like
youngsters together. Once guests about the tapirs and insects, honey and avocado
Tessa has given birth, she for the anteaters. The
Zoo & You 6
Nearly all the changing the rockwork so
mammals in South there will be more usable
America are fans space. In this new space
of warm weather animal care staff will have
and have an the ability to hide treats
indoor bedroom more creatively to challenge
to retreat to in the Oja. Additionally there will
winter. These climate be more bedrooms added
controlled spaces to the behind-the-scenes
were aging and needed area. This will provide ideal
some updating. Just space for possible cubs in
like we change doors in the future.
our homes — the mammals
in the South America loop Don’t forget
had their bedrooms doors to visit Bella
replaced. The new doors the jaguar,
help with maintaining heat whose
anteaters, Nico and Zola, habitat was
need to stand up on their and cooling, as well as
keeping our animals safe recently
hind legs to reach some renovated,
of the treat tubes — which and secure.
peek in on
is great for strength and The final big change in the the South
balance. For our guests, it Loop is an expansion of America
will be an opportunity to see the Andean bear habitat Aviary with
the anteaters’ tongues and and behind the scenes many new
their agility. Next time you’re bedrooms. Oja, our female species, and
in the South America loop, bear, is temporarily in our visit the
be sure to check out the Animal Health Center while squirrel
new signage at the anteater her habitat is modified. monkeys in
overlook to learn about the While she is away, her the Temple
research and conservation habitat is growing! We of Tiny
work of the Anteaters and are filling in the moat and Monkeys!
Highways program.
Oja the Andean bear.
The underwater viewing
Pacu cave recently got a
makeover with with the
addition of tiny diorama
habitats featuring the native
homes of animals you visit
in the South America Loop.
Take a peek at miniature
habitats and find the animal
that occupies each one.
The display teaches kids
to patiently locate the
animal and also has lots of
information about habitats
and conservation in the
Pantanal Region of South The Andean bear habitat under construction.
America.
Zoo & You 7
FUTURE OF YOUR ZOO
BRINGING PATHWAY TO ASIA
AND WORLD OF PLAY TO LIFE
Thanks to the support of
Tucson voters in the 2017
election, Reid Park Zoo has
been hard at work making
needed improvements. The
funds that voters approved
made it possible to make
important repairs and
upgrades throughout the
Zoo, such as replacing rusted
guardrails, fixing broken
walkways, and installing
automatic door openers to
increase accessibility for
guests using strollers or
wheelchairs. The funding has
allowed us to increase animal
care staff and pays the salary and west of the Edith Ball Play. World of Play will be
for our first-ever full time Adaptive Recreation Center. accessible for children of all
veterinarian. Our first consideration, abilities and will be located
which is shared by the City inside the Zoo replacing the
This funding is also bringing
of Tucson, is always what former flamingo habitat.
incredible new experiences to
will be in the best interest of
Reid Park Zoo. In addition to As always, thank you for
the animals in our care. We
the Temple of Tiny Monkeys your support and for being
have been diligently working
and recently-completed with us on this journey to
to ensure Pathway to Asia is
Flamingo Lagoon, the Phase bring Pathway to Asia and
designed to give the animals
1 of the Zoo’s 10 year Master the World of Play Adventure
the best environment to
Plan includes the addition of Zone to our Southern Arizona
thrive.
an exciting 3.5 acre addition community. These two new
called “Pathway to Asia” and With the World of Play areas will be transformative
a new playground, the World Adventure Zone, Reid for Reid Park Zoo and will
of Play Adventure Zone. Park Zoo is bringing an further our mission to be
appreciation of biological the best Zoo we can be — a
Pathway to Asia will bring
diversity to the playground! respected center for wildlife
incredible species such as red
Children will chill out in cool conservation and education
pandas, komodo dragons,
Antarctica, hear the rhythmic inspiring guests today and for
and fishing cats to your Zoo.
sounds of the South American many generations to come.
In May, we received direction
rainforest, and and marvel at
from the Mayor and Council We are excited to bring these
the magnitude of the North
to adjust plans for Pathway to projects to life and, once
American redwoods. Parents
Asia in a way that preserves they are complete, to turn
will have a shaded area to
beloved park amenities and our attention to making more
watch as their kids climb to
minimizes the use of green improvements within the
great heights, peek at animal
space. The project will be current footprint of the Zoo.
ambassadors, and connect
designed in the area north
with the Earth through Nature
Zoo & You 8
IN APPRECIATION
“This Zoo is
Tucson’s greatest
asset!”
- Ellen W. Lewis
A JOYFUL SIGHT
Ellen Lewis was a docent When asked what her the flamingo habitat.
at Tucson Museum of Art favorite animal in the Zoo
and the Mini Time Machine is, she’s quick to respond “It’s such a joyful sight
Museum (Tucson’s Museum with “Jed!” (Reid Park Zoo's to walk into the Zoo
of Miniatures) prior to Donor Relations Specialist/ now and be greeted
joining the Reid Park Zoo Zoo Personality), but one by those beautiful pink
Docent Program in 2009. of the best things for her birds.” She laughed as
She graduated from the is “to hear Billy the gibbon she remembers when Dr.
program in 2010. singing” as she pulls into the Sue Tygelski needed an
parking lot. enormous amount of sand
“As a docent, I see a for the elephants barn
tremendous value for such When visiting the Zoo, it’s prior to Nandi’s birth. “I
a diverse community — hard to miss the various never imagined I would
citizens of all ages with places her name appears on be providing thousands
many interests. This is recognition plaques because of pounds of sand for
the biggest bang for their she has helped make so elephants at the Zoo. That
buck but most importantly, many habitats come to was fun!”
it's here because of a fruition over the years.
love of animals and what Habitats for lemurs, grizzly When asked about the Zoo's
these animals bring to bears, rhinos, elephants and next project Ellen says “I’m
the community in terms the Animal Health Center passionate about donating
of educating children and are just a few. Most recently to things I love and will
adults‚ combined with fun.” Ellen provided a lead gift to never stop!”
Zoo & You 9
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUMMER SAFARI NIGHTS
PRESENTED BY TMC
HEALTHCARE
Saturday evenings, 5:30-8:30pm
Through August 14
FREE for Zoo members
$10.50 adults, $8.50 seniors, $6.50
children, free for ages under 2
Swing in for wild summer fun.
• Visit the animals in the cooler
evening temperatures
• Listen to live music from local
bands
• Enjoy games and activities with
Tucson Parks and Recreation’s
Ready, Sec, Rec!
• Explore with wildlife activities and
presentations
• Refresh with food and drink
specials including prickly pear
margaritas, craft beer and wine
Special thanks to Pyramid Credit
Union entertainment sponsor and Cox
Communication.
A different theme each evening:
June 26: Art in the Animal Kingdom
July 3: Red, White and Zoo
July 10: Weird Science
July 17: Rad Reptiles
July 24: Dog Days of Summer and
Astronomy Night
July 31: Animal Athletes
August 7: Fit for the Future
August 14: Happy Herd
Summer Safari Nights is presented by by
Thank you for additional support from:
Entertainment Sponsor
Renewal by Andersen, Mary Kay and Tucson International Academy
Interested in becoming a sponsor of Reid Park Zoo events?
Call 881-4753 or email gail@reidparkzoo.org
Zoo & You 10RED, WHITE AND ZOO WATERMELON WEDNESDAYS ZOOCSON 2021
Sunday, July 4 Every Wednesday in July Friday, October 8
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE with Zoo Admission 6– 9 p.m.
FREE with Zoo Admission $110 per Zoo Member Adult Ticket
Watch as the Zoo’s $130 per person Adult Ticket
Celebrate America at Reid Park Zoo animals enjoy a $200 per person VIP Ticket
with a day of fun-filled patriotic sweet treat as part Bring your appetite for adventure
animal activities, including a self- of special summer and enjoy Tucson’s wildly elegant,
guided scavenger hunt in search of enrichment. Every all-inclusive fundraiser featuring
red, white and blue animals. As a Wednesday guests can delectable food samplings from local
special thank you for your service, all watch animals enjoy restaurants, music, animal encounters
veterans and activity duty military watermelon flavored and one-of-a-kind auctions. This
will get free admission to the Zoo ice, investigate year’s event is inspired by the Zoo’s
with current military ID and their puzzle feeders filled with slices of new pack of African wild dogs. Join
dependents will get admission of $5 watermelon, and have fun while they us for an enchanting evening in the
each on July 4th. smash whole watermelons. jungle and under the stars at the Zoo.
NANDI’S SEVENTH BIRTHDAY
8 – 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 21
FREE with Zoo Admission
The Zoo’s beloved Nandi is turning
seven, and you’re invited to help
celebrate her life and the lives
of elephants everywhere. Join
us in Expedition Tanzania as our
pachyderm princess and elephant
herd get some jumbo-sized
enrichment treats, and learn how
you can help save wild elephants
through special zookeeper chats
and elephant-themed activities.
We’ll have cupcakes for the first 300
guests. While Nandi’s actual birthday
is August 20th, we’re celebrating
on Saturday to give more guests an
opportunity to take part in the fun.
Thank you to our Business Members! Universal Avionics
Dauntless Racing
Bisbee Breakfast Club
The Office of Dr. Adam Dalesandro
Sunshine DTA
Zoo & You 11Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
Reid Park Zoological Society
1030 South Randolph Way PAID
Tucson, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85716 Permit No. 1257You can also read
