Also In This Issue
Also In This Issue A Word from the Superintendent Soaring Into the Future Special Events Education Programs Zoo Do Recap Magical Reindeer Gems Membership A Word From the Superintendent Animals to Arrive This Fall at Miller Park Zoo! I want to thank everyone that attended Zoo Do on September 6th, especially the Zoo Do committee. They work extremely hard to make the night special. They absolutely accomplished that objective. Fall is definitely here. Staff are working hard to make sure the animals are set-up for the dropping temperatures. In September, the Zoo sent our last Red Wolf “Kai” to the Niabi Zoo per Species Survival Plan recommendations, to pair with a male there. This plan also gave Miller Park Zoo a recommendation to receive a young male from Albany, GA and a young female from Tacoma, WA. Neither of these animals has reproduced before so staff will focus their attention to seeing pups on the ground of this critically endangered species. The Texas Longhorn returned to his ranch a few weeks ago. He was a big hit this summer and staff are considering bringing him back next summer. In the next few weeks, the Zoo will add a rare breed of cattle called a Randall Lineback. The Zoo will receive a young female from a private breeder (she is pictured below). It is estimated that there are about 150 Randall Linebacks remaining in the world. The Zookeepers plan to artificially inseminate this female and produce calves to help conserve the breed, while educating our guests about this critical rare breed. This fall, Curator Jonathan Reding made a long drive to Texas to exchange San Clemente Island Goat males with a private breeder. The Zoo traded our breeding male, “Poseidon”, for “Ferb”. Ferb has bloodlines not represented on any other farm, ranch or zoo. This change allows the Zoo to produce very genetically valuable goat kids to continue this critical rare breed and for our guests to enjoy. Everybody loves the goat kids in the summer. WildLights is one of the festive events planned at the Zoo for December, when guests can enjoy the Zoo lit up in the evening. Be sure to take a look at the events coming in December, highlighted in this edition of the Tiger’s Tongue. See you at the Zoo! Jay Tetzloff Zoo Superintendent Soaring Into the Future I hope everyone has had a great summer and been able to enjoy the tremendous weather we’ve had here at the Zoo! There is a lot going on at the Zoo right now, as we move towards the opening of our first major exhibit in over 10 years, and we are eager to keep the momentum going. With funding secured for two projects, the Flamingo exhibit and the De Brazza’s Plaza entry project, the Miller Park Zoological Society is beginning to focus on acquiring funding for a set of South American exhibits featuring new species Giant Anteater, Bush Dog and Pudu, and a new home for current Zoo favorite, Galapagos Tortoise. The Zoological Society is covering the cost of designing these exhibits, which is currently being completed in conjunction with the design for the Flamingo exhibit. Plans are expected to be completed by the end of the year. The three South American exhibits will be located in the center of the Zoo, across the path from River Otters. The Galapagos Tortoise exhibit will come into view as you exit the Wallaby Walkabout, and will feature these giants exclusively. This will allow for a wooden post fence with 24 inch openings to provide great views from any height. As you continue up the hill, a walkway will allow you to approach the holding building for indoor viewing in cold weather. When approaching this viewing area, to the right will be a Giant Anteater exhibit. Anteater will be an exciting addition to the Zoo and will be joined in the exhibit by Pudu, the world’s smallest deer. The Anteater exhibit will feature a dry moat (like the one pictured below), creating no need for a containment fence and offering more naturalistic views. Continuing on the current path towards the Katthoefer Animal Building, an entrance into a gazebo viewing area will sit between the Anteater exhibit and the Bush Dog exhibit, which will feature the same dry moat perimeter. The Bush Dog exhibit will be located next to the Zoo’s perimeter fence running along the current Miller Park road. Upon completion, these exhibits will update the center of the Zoo, showcase new exhibit design techniques, and introduce three new species to enhance your experience when you visit Miller Park Zoo! Pending the successful completion of fundraising, and the approval of the City of Bloomington, our goal is to begin the construction process on these exhibits in 2016, with their opening in 2017. It’s never too early to help! Donations of any size are welcome to support the Zoological Society in making this vision a reality. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to give me a call at 309-434-2816 or email me at jeff.mpzs@yahoo.com. Donations can also be made online at www.mpzs.org Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at the Zoo soon! Jeff Scheirer Miller Park Zoological Society Development Director Photograph of The Detroit Zoo Giant Anteater Exhibit. This exhibit design is similar to the Giant Anteater Exhibit plan for Miller Park Zoo. Special Events Holiday Pictures with the Reindeer Nov. 15, from 1-3:00 pm Nov. 22, from 10:00 am - noon Nov. 30, from 1-3:00 pm Holiday Pictures with the Reindeer Have your family holiday picture taken with a Miller Park Zoo Reindeer! A photographer will take pictures and transfer the images to a CD. If weather is inclement, a sheltered area will be used. Reservation and pre-payment are required. Space is limited. Reservations should be made online at www.mpzs.org. Cost - $20 per family (Zoo admission not included in this fee). For additional information call (309) 434-2243. Breakfast with Santa, December 13, two sessions: 8:30-9:30 am (Session numbers: #17950 member / #17951 non-member / #17952 child under 3yrs) 10-11:00 am (Session numbers: #17953member / #17954 non-member / #17955 child under 3yrs) Miller Park Zoo’s annual holiday breakfast will feature not only Santa Claus, but also Santa’s special Reindeer friends! Your family can learn about Reindeer, visit with Santa & pose for pictures, and enjoy a breakfast of bagels, cereal, & fruit. Registration fees: 3 years through adults $8 per person, for MPZS members, $12 per person for non-members. Those under 3 are free, but must be included on your reservation. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult. Registration is required. To register, visit http://recweb.cityblm.org or call the Parks & Recreation office at (309) 434-2260. Zoo Wild Lights December 5 & 6, from 5:30 - 8 pm How does Miller Park Zoo look at night lit up with candles around the Zoo? Come and witness over a thousand luminaries around the entire Zoo. $3 per person for MPZS members, $6 per person for non- members. Children under 3 are free. Zoo Wild Lights Can Reindeer Fly? December 14, 2 pm Come see if Zoo’s Reindeer, Ealu and Rikka, can pass Santa’s exercises to become part of his team Christmas Eve. Free with Zoo admission. Save the Date Miller Park Zoo Stampede March 7, 2015 5K run, 3K walk, Fun Run (1/4 mile for runners age 10 & under) ...more info coming soon! All proceeds benefit MPZS. Education Programs Miller Park Zoo offers a variety of fun & educational classes. For more information contact Shannon Reedy at (309) 434-2256 or sreedy@cityblm.org ANIMAL CRACKERS for 3-5 year-olds & a grown-up Animal Crackers is a Miller Park Zoo classic. Join us once each month for a story, animal encounter, craft, & snack. Our topic is always a surprise and we have a great time guessing which animal will visit! One adult accompanies each child to class but does not pay an additional registration fee. The registration fee includes admission to the Zoo for the participating child & one adult on the day of class. [Older & younger siblings may not attend. Children must be at least three years old to participate.] Classes are identical in each session, so register for only one class each month. Class dates/times: Member Non-Member Fri, Nov. 21 9 -10:00am #17934 #17935 Sat, Nov. 22 9 -10:00am #17940 #17941 Member Non-Member 1:00 -2:00pm #17936 #17937 10:30-11:30am #17942 #17943 Member Non-Member 4:30 -5:30pm #17938 #17939 Registration fee: $7 per child per class for Family MPZS members; $12 per child for nonmembers ADULT EDUCATION for those 18 years & over Are you someone who never outgrew your fascination with animals? Then this class is for you. Topic Date/Time Member Non-Member Conservation Breeding Programs Saturday, November 22,1:00-3:00pm #17922 #17923 Registration fee: $9 per adult per class for Family MPZS members; $12 per person nonmembers Registration: Zoo program registration is handled through the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department. Register online at http://recweb.cityblm.org or visit www.bpard.org for a printable registration form. Please contact the Parks & Rec office at (309)434-2260 with registration questions. Did You Know... Rainforest Bird Trapping What are those little cages doing there? It’s a trap! During the winter months, Zookeepers place all the food for the birds in the Tropical Rainforest in small cages. The cages are on top of the regular feeding locations and equipped with a door that is triggered to close when a bird lands on the perch inside the cage. Everyday a census is done in the building to count every single bird. By trapping in winter, it allows staff to do a count and physical on a majority of the birds. Staff can check basic things like weight, overall health, and the band on the bird’s leg. If something needs a further evaluation, the bird may be checked out by our veterinarian. Some birds are smart enough to avoid the traps or are bigger than our traps so we do not capture every bird every year. Staff are always thinking of new ways to do a complete census. Zoo Do - Zootoberfest was a roaring success, raising over $50,000! Thanks to a fabulous committee and generous sponsors, volunteers, and attendees. The Copy Shop Mr. Willie Brown Snyder Family Foundation, NFP SPONSORS State Farm Bank Snow Leopard Bremer Jewelry Commerce Bank Dr. Pamela Ritch Eye Surgical Associates Great Plains Media The Pantagraph State Farm Insurance Co Tiger Busey Bank Lemur Beyond Normal, LLC Heartland Bank & Trust Co Prairie Oak Veterinary Center Tiers Designer Cakes Eagle Afni, Inc. Biaggi’s Italian Restaurant Brad Barker Honda Hawk FLAMINGO CLUB Photograph by Joel Sartore Dan & Kathy Steadman McDonald’s of Bl-Nrml Miller Janitorial Supply Committee Chairs Sam Bartels Shelleigh Birlingmair Joyce Hightower Susan Pickering Committee Secord-Jones Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Weaver’s Rent-All Owl Bortell Animal Hospital Hermes Service & Sales David & Lisa Osnowitz Cheryl Dorsey Denise Geske Sarah Patten Tanya Rose Chris Stabe SPECIAL THANKS Auctioneer/MC: Kevin Birlingmair Band Sponsors: Joyce Hightower & Susan Pickering Stein Sponsor: David & Joyce Hightower BLITZ: Mackinaw Valley Vineyards, DESTIHL Brewery and other businesses and individuals who contributed Dancers: German American Central Society, Peoria Volkstaenzer Logistics: City of Bloomington/Zoo Staff Volunteers: Everyone who made the evening a success. Wildlife Advocate Rick & Sue Denzer James & Becky Hatfield Friend of the Zoo David and Joyce Hightower Aaron & Meghan Hilebrandt Peggy Hundley Sharon Keutzer & Scott McCullagh Richard & Lisa Wentzel Holiday Gift you are looking for a unique holiday gift that will be enjoyed long after the celebration is over, Zoo membership is a wonderful option! Gift memberships can be purchased online at mpzs.org, in the gift shop, or by using the form located this newsletter. Miller Park Zoo’s Junior Zookeeper Program 2014 Education Award For Significant Achievement By, The Association of Zoos & Aquariums The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) announced that the Miller Park Zoo received Significant Achievement in its 2014 Education Award for the Junior Zookeepers education program. The AZA Education Award recognizes outstanding achievement in educational program design, judging programs on their ability to promote conservation knowledge, attitudes and behavior, show innovation, and measure success. The Miller Park Zoo received its Education Award in the category of institutions with budgets under $5 million. “The Miller Park Zoo is taking the lead in science education,” said AZA President & CEO Jim Maddy. “Education is a high priority for the Miller Park Zoo, as well as for all AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, and this award provides well-deserved national recognition for the Junior Zookeepers education program, which is helping to build the next generation of conservationists.” “Award winning education programs like the Junior Zookeepers education program not only heighten awareness but also change lives,” said Rick Barongi, Executive Vice President of Conservation at the Houston Zoo and Chair of AZA’s Honors and Awards Committee. “This innovative program is a great example of the critical role that zoos and aquariums can play in enriching the quality of live in all segments of our communities.” The Junior Zookeeper (JZK) program has been in place - in varying forms & fashions - since 1972. The program is multi-level and is run year-round. The Mission Statement for the Junior Zookeeper is to support the mission of Miller Park Zoo by providing services to the Zoo, knowledge to the public, and leadership opportunities to young people. “The Junior Zookeeper Program at the Miller Park Zoo has been doing more than teaching our community’s youth about wildlife for over forty years, it also has been teaching real life skills,” said Miller Park Zoo Superintendent Jay Tetzloff. “It is a great honor to receive this award for all the great youth that have gone through the program and the staff’s dedication, especially Shannon Reedy, Zoo Instructor.” Registration for the JZK program takes place in March. Details will be available in the next issue of the Tiger’s Tongue. Miller Park Zoo is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To stay up to date with Miller Park Zoological Society & the Zoo LIKE us on Facebook Magical Reindeer Gems They're back! “Gems” are actual Reindeer dung droppings from Miller Park Zoo’s Reindeer. Gems are dehydrated and sterilized prior to being painted. Each piece is handmade and includes one Gem. If you place a Gem in your home on Christmas Eve, it will help Santa and his Reindeer find their way. Also available – Oh Poop, The Story of Magical Reindeer Gems booklet. Gem products are available for purchase in the Zootique gift shop or online at mpzs.org, beginning November 4th. All proceeds benefit Miller Park Zoological Society. $8.50 (NEW) $8.50 $8.50 $8.50 Flamingo Gem Ornament Traditional Gem Ornament Reindeer Gem Ornament Snowman Gem Pendant $6.00 Oh Poop Book Holiday Giving Tree The Miller Park Zookeepers have a holiday wish list **. If you would like to donate any of these items, please drop off at the Zoo from 9:30am-4:30pm. For large items please call the Zoo to arrange a time for drop off (309) 434-2250. parrot cage rice cakes ice cream cones toddler toys bird toy thick long rope curry perfume honey Fig Newtons pine cones climbing rope glue or markers wood blocks strawberry jam crates/kennels natural fiber rope cans of pumpkin or cherry commercial size refrigerator kangaroo leather dates, figs, prunes peaches, Craisins store bought walnuts & pecans tiger aluminum crate egg incubator neonatal incubator camera system x-ray (digital preferred) portable ultrasound blood analyzing equipment (blood chemistry, hematology) laptop for presentations smart board van or SUV nursery or hardware store gift card digital animal scale ** For additional wish list items visit: http://amzn.com/w/W2HZA6STVRSQ 20%* off your purchase * Discounts may not be used on Gem products. This special offer is for members only. Expires 12/24/2014 Coupon is not required to receive discount. mpzs.org Purchase your membership on-line Register for MPZS events Order Magical Reindeer Gem products View the Tigers Tongue newsletter Learn what is new at Miller Park Zoo If things don’t get too wild around here, the Zoo will be opening a concession stand, during the summer of 2016 Since Zoo Staff is not use to feeding the human species, we could use some feedback. During your visit to the Zoo, would you prefer to graze on: Gondola - Wrap - Pizza (circle your favorite) How about something sweet: Snow Cone - Cotton Candy - Soft Serve Ice Cream (circle your favorite) GO WILD, and help us think of a name for the concession stand: (If your concession stand name is chosen, you will receive a concession gift certificate) Your fabulous idea is ____________________________________________ ! The next time you visit the Zoo, please drop this sheet off in the Zootique Gift Shop, or mail to: MPZS - 1020 S Morris Ave - Bloomington, IL 61701 Your Name_________________________________ Phone________________ (If more than one person submits the same name, only the first submission will receive the certificate) Thanks for helping us make the Zoo A Perfect Place For YOU!!! Membership Free admission to Miller Park Zoo Invitation to member’s only event Tiger’s Tongue newsletter 10% off Zoo birthday parties, Zootique gift shop purchases & Society events Reciprocal membership with 100+ AZA zoos and aquariums Family memberships and up receive a 20% discount on education classes Restrictions Only those listed on the member card will receive benefits. Memberships are not refundable Memberships are non-transferrable, prices subject to change. AZA reciprocal members listed may change, and may have benefits different from MPZS. Check with the zoo you are visiting to ensure your member card will be honored. Must present a valid Photo ID with membership card on each visit to receive member benefits. *Seniors (60+), Active Military, and Students with a valid college ID may receive a 10% discount on any standard membership package. Discounts are only available for those purchasing the membership. Standard Memberships Individual ($35.00*): Entitles the person named on the card to free Zoo admission. Joint ($50.00*): Entitles two individuals named on the card to free Zoo admission. Family ($60.00*): Entitles two adults from the same household and their children, under the age of 18, to free Zoo admission. Grandparent ($60.00*): Entitles two grandparents from the same household & their grandchildren, under 18yrs old, to free Zoo admission. Extended ($35.00*): May be added to any membership category. Entitles the member to bring up to five guests each time they visit the Zoo. Booster Club Memberships (includes any Standard Membership, acknowledgement in the Tiger’s Tongue newsletter, plus…) Friend of the Zoo ($250.00): A “Friend of the Zoo” certificate. Wildlife Advocate ($500.00): A “Wildlife Advocate” certificate and four Budgie Bird Feedings. Environmental Preservationist ($1000.00): An “Environmental Preservationist” certificate, four Budgie Bird Feedings, and another Conservation Steward ($2500.00): A “Conservation Steward” certificate, four Budgie Bird Feedings, another feeding from a pre-approved feeding from a pre-approved list. list, and a personal guided tour of the Zoo, including behind the scenes! Registration can be completed online at MPZS.ORG Information to be listed on card: New Membership or Renewed Membership Check membership level: Individual Joint Family Grandparent Extended (add on) Booster Club Last Name:____________________________ Adult First Name (s)______________________________ Name AND Birth Year of children under 18: _________________________________/________ ___________________________________/________ _________________________________/________ Address: __________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: __ Zip: _______ Phone: ___________________ Email: _________________________________________ I have attached an additional donation to MPZS to assist in supporting the Zoo $ _________ Visit mpzs.org to register and pay online or mail form and payment to Miller Park Zoological Society, 1020 S. Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701 For office use. N R I IX J JX F FX G GX $ C CH PP GC CC A# C# NOTES: Adm Mail OnL
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