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UTICAZOO.ORG
ZOO NEWS
Winter 2014 - 2015
The Utica Zoo is supported, in part, through funding provided by Oneida County.
from the director
The winter season at the Utica Zoo is magical and fresh. What a blessing to walk
through the grounds after a new blanket of snow, listening to the call of the wild
right here in the center of our city. Please join us for all that this time of the year has
to offer at the zoo; snowshoeing, a bit of exercise with a nice walk around the zoo,
participating in one of the many educational programs including each Saturday
morning, and impromptu zoo keeper talks. There is so much more in store for 2015, so
visit our website often or join one of our social media networks to keep “in the know”
and view all of our great photos!
Andria Heath, Executive Director
How can you support the Utica Zoo?
Future giving, through planned or "deferred" gifts,
is vital to the growth and sustainability of the Utica
Zoo. Through estate planning, donors (and their heirs)
can realize substantial savings and make significant
donations by structuring gifts to take advantage of
existing tax laws.
Utica Zoo
One Utica Zoo Way
Utica, NY 13501
Phone: 315-738-0472 Fax: 315-738-0475
Email: info@uticazoo.org
Website: www.uticazoo.org
A publication of the Utica Zoological Society
Please call Andria Heath, Executive Director, at 315-738-0472 Ext. 41 to learn more about this
impactful means of supporting the Utica Zoo.
2014 Board of Trustees
Robert B. Jubenville, PhD
President
Andrew F. Biernat
Alaine Canestrari
Joseph A. DeTraglia Esq.
Patty Fox
Lisa Lovett
Joan M. Sinnott, PhD
Philomena Sosso
John Sullivan, M.D.
Jim Viggiano
Kevin Wiegand
William T. Winsman Sr.
Staff
Andria Heath
Executive Director
Nikki Sheehan
Operations Manager
Melissa Ellis
Events & Visitor Experience
Coordinator
Mike Beck
Communications Coordinator
Gift Shop:
Amy Hoffman
Alyssa Tamburrino
Carol Heburn
Education Dept.
Mary Hall,
Education Curator
Kathleen Mallory
Erin Mechan
Nicolette Joaquin
Animal Management
Amy Augustine
Mike Bates
Melanie Entelisano
Jackie Gregory
Alexandra Gemelli
Dr. Ellen Hilton,
Veterinarian
Tim Johnston
Mandie Koenig
Erin Lord-Astles
Jen Penas
Beth Ricci
Buildings & Grounds
Gary Mundschenk,
Superintendent
Chris Donohue
Mikhail Naryvonchyk
Cory McKinstry
From the president
As the newly elected President of the Utica Zoo Board of Trustees
I would like to thank all our volunteers, members and guests who have
visited the Zoo and helped us celebrate our centennial year. We are
very fortunate to have a dedicated and compassionate Board of
Directors and Zoo staff. They take pride in caring for over 80 species
and 200 animals found at the Zoo as well as the development of new
educational programs and research at the Zoo.
Beginning its second century in 2015, I would invite all to keep
us in mind as we work toward improving your zoo experience and
develop new and more exciting exhibits for all who visit. This last year
we have been grateful recipients from a number of corporations and
individuals who understand that investments are necessary to improve
our community for the benefit of all.
As we move the Zoo forward the Board has reaffirmed our
mission for education, conservation, and recreation with the continued
efforts to make the UZ an AZA accredited zoo. Keep in mind that
we are open year round and the winter brings out some unique
opportunities to see many animals in a very different environment. If
you would like additional information about happenings at the Zoo, the
UZ website (uticazoo.org) and the UZ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
pages will help you appreciate the variety of opportunities for family
fun at the “Zoo for all Seasons” - Robert B. Jubenville, PhD, President
Utica National $25,000 GRANT
The Utica National Group
Foundation has approved a
$25,000 grant to the Utica Zoo in
celebration of the 100th anniversary
of both the Zoo and Utica
National Insurance Group. The
grant is designated for extensive
renovations of the American Bald
Eagle exhibit with the addition of an
educational “nest,” which allows
children and families to be at eye
level with the eagles in the nest. The
Utica National Group Foundation
will also be the presenting sponsor of a new cultural celebration to be
held at the zoo on August 29, 2015. Utica National Insurance and the
Utica Zoo were both founded in Utica, New York in 1914.
The American Bald Eagle exhibit was constructed in 1989 in part by
a grant from the Utica National Group Foundation. In the coming months,
the exhibit will be completely renovated and this will include repairs to the
netting, a new holding area, rebuilding of perches and the addition of
a new watering hole. Also, a unique educational setting will be created
and placed next to the exhibit that explains the diet, flight, nesting and
parenting of the American Bald Eagle. Children and families will be at eye
level with eagles, Fred and Ginger, when they are in the nest.
Mary Hall Education curator
We all know that zoos offer hours of entertainment and recreation to families of all ages. In
fact, more people visit zoos yearly than attend sporting events, but did you know that many zoos
are also a valuable educational resource and an effective tool to teach conservation education?
In 2007 the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) set out on a three year study to find
out if zoos and aquariums are successful in their conservation education efforts, and if zoos have
a positive impact in changing visitors’ feelings and attitudes about conservation. Among other
things, their finding showed that “Visits to accredited zoos and aquariums prompt individuals to
reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action and to see themselves as
part of the solution”. The Utica Zoo’s education department strongly believes that we are also part
of the solution and strive to offer affordable, quality educational programs to learners of all ages.
Thanks to support through a foundation grant from Dominion Energy, the zoo’s education
department has been able to offer free books and animal presentations to MVCAA Head Start
classrooms and Utica’s UPK classes. The program has been ongoing since 2010 and allows us to
introduce early learners to animals and their ecosystems through a fun hands-on manner, therefore
setting them on a path to becoming lifelong environmental stewards.
This year, through the support of local Walmart stores, the Zoo’s education department is
able to offer free zoomobile presentations to local 4th grade classrooms. The programs focus on
ecosystems and the community of plants and animals that live in them and will fit into the fourth
grade science curriculum. The zoo is also partnering with Clinton’s Central School and developed
a program with the middle school art teacher to help the students learn about birds and their
adaptations as part of their study of John James Audubon.
If you are planning on visiting the zoo this winter, we will be offering fun educational
programs on Saturday mornings at 10:30. The programs will vary and be free with your zoo
admission.
For more information on these programs or any of our educational offerings go to uticazoo.org or
call the department at 315-738-0472 ext. 26 or 36
As Gandhi said “The good man is the friend of all living things.”
To donate to the Utica Zoo, please fill out the form below and mail it to One Utica Zoo Way, Utica,
NY 13501. For more information, call (315) 738-0472 Ext. 49.
YES! I want to support the Utica Zoo with a gift of $_____________________
Name__________________________________________________________________________
Address________________________________________________________________________
City_____________________________________________State_____________Zip__________
Email___________________________________________________________________________
Phone_________-________-_______Keep me anonymous_______(Name will be listed unless checked)
Gift type: Cash______Check______Credit Card_______
Card number_____________________________________________________________________
Expiration Date_________________________ * All donations are tax deductible.
Education PROgrams
New Camel FEEDING WINDOw
The following education programs can also be found at uticazoo.org/calendar
The Utica Zoo has a brand new window for the Bactrian Camels. Every day at 11:30am we open
up the doors for a keeper talk and feeding. The window is at the bottom of the ramp going
up to our overlook, so you are actually at face level with the camels. Visitors that come to this
feeding get to see the camels eat their daily produce diet. Their snacks consist of bananas,
carrots, lettuce, yams, and apples. You will be just a few feet away from them and be able to
learn more about the Bactrian Camel species, and specifically about Nigel and Najla. We have
gotten a wonderful response from everyone with this new window. Most people are shocked to
see how big these animals are once you are up close to them. Did you know Nigel weighs close
to one ton? That’s 2,000 pounds! Others walk away with a new appreciation and knowledge
about this incredibly adaptable species.
Bactrian Camels have evolved
and adapted to live in an
extremely harsh environment, the
Gobi Desert. Unfortunately, they
are critically endangered in the
wild due to competition with the
domestic species, as well as human
expansion on their land. Luckily
there are many conservation
efforts in place attempting to save
Bactrian Camels. From a keeper
perspective, this new window is
great for our camels. Najla was
hand raised and loves people.
She seems to really enjoy getting
close to people, and will actually
examine each person as they
come up. Najla especially likes to watch children, since she has never seen people that small
up close before. It’s a lot of fun for keepers to watch her reaction to all the different people.
The daily keeper talk is beneficial to Nigel as well, who isn’t as used to humans as Najla. As
male camels typically are, Nigel is not as easy going as his mate. This exposure to new people is
desensitizing him to people, which prevents him from becoming stressed. Information from this
article provided by Zoo Keeper, Mandie Koenig.
Zoo Adventures
Join our monthly preschool program as we explore the world of animals through storybooks!
Each session includes a story, animal meet and greet, snack, and activity. The cost is $5.00 /
child for members and $10.00/child for non-members. The class meets in the auditorium at
10:30am.
Thursday, January 8th - Over and Under the Snow
Friday, January 23rd - Snowballs
Thursday, February 5th - Welcome Back Groundhog!
Friday, February 27th - Dinosaur Dancing
Homeschool Program
Our interactive classes help to further home school studies through group activities and animal
interactions. The cost is $5.00/child for members and $10.00/child for non-members. The class
meets in the auditorium at 10:30am.
January 15th - Neat Feet
February 12th - Incredible Invertebrates
Winter Zoo Tales
Does your toddler love the zoo? Bring your young zoologist to the zoo and enjoy a special
winter story, narrated with the help of some of our animal friends, and fun activities!
$5.00 per child for members / $10.00 per child for non-members.
February 19th - 10:30am - 11:30am
Winter Zoo Camp
Need a break from the cold? Join us at the Utica Zoo for a warm weather adventure to the
deserts and rainforests of the world!
February 18th - 9am to 3pm - Tropical Getaway (K through 2nd grade)
Have you ever seen footprints in the snow and wondered who has been there? Join our zoo
educators as we investigate animals through the tracks they leave behind!
February 20th - 9am to 3pm - Whose track is that? (3rd through 5th grade)
Zoo Camp is $30.00 per child for members and $35.00 per child for non-members. Preregistration is required. Please contact the Education Department at 315-738-0472 ext. 36 or
email kathleen.mallory@uticazoo.org.
thank you walmart
The Utica Zoo would like to thank our local Walmart for donating
a brand new Nikon camera and lenses. We are now able to take
beautiful photos on a daily basis. Walmart is also the title sponsor
of our Amphitheater, a major event sponsor for Spooktacular, and
we also receive donations of products sold at Walmart on a regular
basis. The Utica Zoo is grateful for their generosity and support. To
become a corporate partner of the Utica Zoo, please contact Mike
Beck at (315) 738-0472 Ext 49 or email mike.beck@uticazoo.org
brindisi $65,000 grant
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi of Utica announced that he has awarded
the Utica Zoo $65,000 in funding to be used to help with repaving paths
and roadways utilized by its visitors and employees. This funding will assist
the Zoo to improve its accessibility as we apply for accreditation in 2016.
For the past 100 years, people from all over the region have traveled
to the Utica Zoo for an enjoyable experience at one our areas finest
attractions. These infrastructure improvements are a critical part of the
Zoo’s mission to educate the public. “The Utica Zoo is a cultural gem
we can all be proud of, and I look forward to continuing to work with
its leadership and many supporters to help it reach its goal of national
accreditation,” - Anthony Brindisi.
new female red panda
landmarks ornament
Q&A with Zoo Keeper Beth Ricci
The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica selected
the Utica Zoo as their 2014 commemorative
ornament, honoring the zoo’s 100th Anniversary in
2014. The Landmarks Society of Greater Utica was
chartered by the State of New York in 1974 to
promote the public education and preservation
of the architectural heritage of this area. They
celebrate historic landmarks throughout the
Greater Utica area, and the Utica Zoo is an
important piece of Utica’s history and future.
Limited quantities are left for $24 apiece.
Q: Why did we get a new Red Panda?
A: We were recommended to bring Ming Yue to Utica as part
of the Red Panda Species Survival Plan, which is a breeding
and transfer plan. She was recommended to breed with our
resident male, Muse.
Q: Where is Ming Yue from?
A: She came to us from the Prospect Park Zoo in Brooklyn, NY
Q: Where are Red Pandas from?
A: The subspecies that the Utica Zoo houses are from China’s
Sichuan and Northeastern Yunnan, Northern Burma and Tibet
Q: What is their diet?
A: Although they are carnivores, Red Pandas have adapted
to a diet consisting of 95% bamboo. At the Utica Zoo, we
feed the red pandas a high fiber biscuit, bamboo, and small
amounts of fruit and vegetable that we use for training or as
environmental enrichment.
Utica Comets fever
Q: What is the breeding season?
A: Breeding occurs in winter, generally January-February. Breeding season is affected by
photoperiod. Photoperiodism is the physiological reaction of organisms to the length of day or night.
Q: When can visitors expect babies?
A: Red Panda offspring are born in the summer but are very vulnerable for their first six months.
Depending on the female’s comfort level with people, we may allow her to bring the cubs out into
the exhibit but we will remain especially cautious as this would be Ming Yue’s first offspring. Red
Pandas have a high infant mortality due to such things as maternal neglect, lack of milk production
by the female, and/or aggression from the female.
Q: What are some fun or interesting Red Panda facts?
A: Red pandas are not closely related to Giant Pandas other than being mammals and eating
bamboo. Red Pandas were first discovered by researchers before Giant pandas. When the giant
pandas were found and appeared to look similar to red pandas, they were named panda, which
loosely translates to “bamboo eater”. Red panda also have a “false thumb” which is an extension of
the wrist bone that aids them in grasping bamboo or climbing down a tree. They spend most of their
time up high in trees.
Animal wish list
Utica Zoo received donations from our wish list during the holiday
season. Visitors brought gifts during our annual Holiday Hoot.
Students from Bradley Elementary and New Hartford Presbyterian
Nursery School packed Zoomobiles with gifts for our animals. The
Utica Zoo Wish List is posted at uticazoo.org/give/wishlist
Utica Comets held their Season Ticket Party at the Utica Zoo. Over 2,000 fans attended the
event along with the entire Comets team and staff. The Comets also had “Utica Zoo Night” at
the AUD, where Utica Zoo staff members and supporters got to watch the game from the suite.
snowshoeing
The Utica Zoo offers snowshoeing
for all ages. We have beginner,
intermediate, and advanced trails.
Bring your own snow shoes, or rent one
of our pair. Snow shoes come in sizes
for adults and children. Show shoe
rental details can be found on our
website at uticazoo.org.
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