Archive for September 2010

Sep
20

Bear Awareness Day at the Houston Zoo

Posted by in Bears,Carnivores,Events

Did you know that Black Bears are coming back into East Texas? That’s right– *back* into East Texas. 

Up until the 1940’s several populations of North American Black Bears called East Texas home.  And now they are returning.  In 2005 a task force was developed to assist in the recovery of the Black Bear.  Called the East Texas Black Bear Task Force, this is a subcommittee of the Black Bear Conservation Coalition consisting of landowners, state and federal agencies, conservation groups and private organizations. 

One of the main focuses of the task force is to promote the restoration of black bears to their historic range of East Texas.  They do this through education, research and habitat management. 

One way the Houston Zoo is assisting with this plan is to host a Bear Awareness Day, which will take place on September 25, 2010.  On that day, the Carnivore Department will perform some fun, educational skits at our Grizzly and Spectacled Bear exhibits. 

These skits are meant to educate our guests on how to reduce conflict with bears.  During the first skit, at the Grizzly Bear exhibit at 11:00 a.m., staff and volunteers will show how to differentiate between grizzly and black bears and then what to do if you see one while you are hiking. 

During the second skit, at the Spectacled Bear exhibit at 2:00 p.m., staff and volunteers will discuss camping and will show the right (and wrong!) ways to camp when there are bears around.

A Spectacled Bear kindly demonstrating one of the "Don'ts" of human picnicing!

We hope you come out to learn more about bears themselves and how to safely co-habitate with them while enjoying a great day at the Houston Zoo on Saturday, September 25!

Written by Susan Shepard

For more information about the return of the Louisiana Black Bear, please click on the link embedding in the East Texas Black Bear Task Force above to visit their website, or go to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website at:  http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/nuisance/bears

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Sep
19

AZA 2010 Wrapped up with a Day at the Houston Zoo

Posted by in African Forest,Events

Last week, the Houston Zoo had the privilege of hosting the AZA 2010 Conference. The final day of the conference ended with Zoo Day,  featuring special backstage tours of exhibits from Red Panda to Orangutans to Lions and Tigers and Bears!

A Carnivore Keeper gives AZA guests a peek behind the scenes in lions

 (If you’d like to go on one of these tours yourself, you can! Just visit our website under Aminal Experiences or click this link: http://www.houstonzoo.org/events/tours/behind/)

Zoo Day is a special opportunity for us to share our zoo with the almost 2,000 AZA attendees – our colleagues and friends from around the country and the world. We exchange ideas and thoughts and our passion for conservation and education as we enjoy a relaxed day and have fun.

It started with a scrumptious Tex-Mex lunch under the tent at Karamou. Then everyone set out with a map to wander or pick from a plethora of special keeper chats, animal presentations and Behind-The-Scenes tours. 

Late afternoon, AZA attendees also got an extra special sneak-peak tour of the new African Forest exhibit opening December 2010 – including the new giraffe barn and the expansive chimpanzee exhibit.  Below is an illustration of the latter.

African Forest Chimpanzee exhibit

The day ended with a sunset party around the reflection pond. Attendees were treated to a bona-fide Houston cloud burst — but it didn’t dampen the merriment.  As the sun went down and shimmered on the water everyone ate and sipped and smiled.

Thanks to all who came out for a fantastic conference. To check out more from AZA 2010:

Written by Caitlin Kaluza and Rochelle Joseph

Photo by Caitlin Kaluza

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Sep
15

AZA 2010 Conference, Second Day Keynote Speaker: Joel Sartore

Posted by in Conservation,Events

Because we love animals and we love pictures of animals, it is safe to say that we adored today’s AZA convention keynote, Joel Sartore. Known for his award-winning photography of wildlife and endangered species, Joel continues to move his audience through his National Geographic cover stories and more recently, through his book Rare: Portraits of America’s Endangered Species.

Joel Sartore

Joel Sartore

Joel’s photography was simply breathtaking. He explained that he attempts to capture the story of each animal, as if they are talking to you personally.

“If I can make it seem like a clam has eyes, then I am going to do it so you will listen.”

National Geographic - Joel Sartore

National Geographic - Joel Sartore

Recently, Joel traveled to the Gulf Coast to capture the animals that were affected by the BP oil spill. He shared some of the powerful images he shot and while devastating, they brought to life the experience that the Gulf Coast wildlife unwillingly endured. This is such a great example of his passion and dedication to educate people about what is happening to the world’s natural homes and the life that inhabits them.

The Houston Zoo and the AZA is truly honored to call him a friend. Thank you for all of your wonderful work Joel!

Written by Courtney Pemberton

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Sep
15

AZA 2010 Keynote: Jim Collins on “Good to Great”

Posted by in Events

The Houston Zoo is honored to host the annual conference for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (better known as AZA) this year. We wre thrilled that the keynote speaker for the conference was Jim Collins, author, whose books include “Built to Last” and “Good to Great.”

Jim Collins addressing the AZA 2010 crowd

The keynote focused around the challenge every organization faces: ”Don’t just do good work, do great work.”

“Greatness is not a function of circumstance – it is a function of conscious choices and discipline” – Jim Collins

So… how does an organization make the leap from Good to Great?

Jim outlined a few specific factors in making an organization GREAT:

1. Create a culture of discipline

True greatness is a cumulative effect – it happens every single day

2. Have great leadership

  • Great leaders know “it’s not about them”
  • Great leaders are willing to face brutal truths and will to do whatever it takes for the good of the organization
  • Leadership only exists when people follow when they have the freedom to not follow
  • Common pitfall: because intentions are good, all decisions are good

3. Study those who have succeeded and failed

“You learn just as much studying failure as you do studying success”

4. Get the right people on the bus

Great people make a great organization, and only when the right people are in the right seats does greatness happen!

  • FIRST and foremost – get the right people on the bus and the right people in the key seats
  • Then figure out where to drive the bus

5. Adhere to the core ideology, AND be willing to stimulate healthy change and progress

  • Figure out what you do – and what you don’t do
  • Have the discipline to adhere to those values under intense pressure
  • Don’t be afraid to constantly make yourself better in the context of your ideology

How can you tell if a zoo is GREAT?

Jim Collins moderating AZA 2010 panel

In the follow up session after the keynote, Jim played moderator to Zoo directors, including Houston Zoo Director Rick Barongi. The key question was “How can you tell if a zoo is great?”

While in business success is measured in dollars and cents, this panel discussed factors like great facilities, great experiences, great word of mouth in the community, and great staff that show success.

==

Thanks to all the attendees and sponsors of this year’s conference! We can’t wait to see more of you this week! For more action from the conference, check out our AZA 2010 photos on flickr!

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Sep
14

AZA 2010 Houston Panel: Science and Storytelling

Posted by in Events

In the second panel of today’s afternoon AZA Conference, hosted by the Houston Zoo, attendees were treated to an inside look at the conflict between science and communication.

Storytelling and Scientists

One creative, interesting way to tell conservation stories

Zoo’s are constantly communicating messages about conservation that fall on deaf ears. In some cases the message may be killed by the messenger.  According to Christopher Kuhar of the Cleveland Zoo, scientists are:

  1. Critical
  2. Driven by details and data
  3. Conservative in their conclusion
  4. Driven to the theoretical

Typically, great storytelling skills are not on the list. Christopher indicates that sometimes “we can make fun things boring.”

Animals need both scientists and storytellers to help convert non-believers to conservationists. According to Jackie Ogden (Disney’s Animal Kingdom) and Kyle Burks (Denver Zoo), “Story can help create the bridge between entertainment, conservation and action.”

Rich Block of Santa Barbara Zoo surmised that many times the people that have the wrong data are the loudest. He places extra emphasis on the need for scientists to improve their presentation of data. More exciting presentations encourage people to become more excited about the message. Both Kyle and Rich recognize that the normal zoo patron has a much lower tolerance to data presentations than your average scientist. Photos, video, media and the story behind conservation efforts can make the difference between success or failure.

AZA Conference Panel on Storytelling and Science

The AZA Conference Panel on Science and Storytelling

Ana Bowie of Denver Zoo adds that people are also interested in the human quality of the science, meaning that they would like to experience the human behind the science.  Ana says, “The story is about the scientist too.  It is about human beings doing what they love –that is also very important.”

So there is an opportunity for people to be more involved in conservation and improving the quality of animal life. And that opportunity can be maximized through communication. In this case the communication starts with scientists.

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Sep
14

Zoos in Their Shoes: The AZA 2010 Houston Panel on Social Media Marketing

Posted by in Events

AZA Conference Houston

AZA Conference Houston

This week the Houston Zoo has had a real treat in being the host for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums annual conference. There are General Sessions, Speakers, Career Tracks and seminars. The latter is comprised of speaker panels on a variety of topics covering to all facets of the field. This afternoon, we attended one on a favorite component of marketing: social media.

The social media panel focused on relating to audience needs and included speakers from zoos around the nation. The first speaker was Eric Bailey of the Phoenix Zoo. Eric led with the idea that zoos want to have the proper perspective in their marketing of social media. They should:

  1. Speak from the organization’s perspective: Don’t use your personal “voice” or say “I” in social media communications. Come from “we.” You are the business speaking.
  2. Understand the perspective of the audience: What does your audience want? Contests, behind the scenes, animal experiences?  Utilize their ideas. It’s a relationship that’s about them first.
  3. Understand how content from your audience can be used to carry your message: Take what they may ask for and respond in a way that reflects what you want to market.
AZA Panel on Social Media

AZA Conference Panel on Social Media

Eric is really talking about empathizing with the audience and developing perspective from their point of view, which is key to building those two-way relationships. That’s why it’s called social media.

Understanding your audience means “zoos should walk a mile in their shoes.” Empathizing will give visitors the experience they want and treatment they deserve. Zoos should strive to setup “real relationships” with those on the other end of Facebook, Twitter, your newsletters, etc…  Ashley Payne of the Georgia Aquarium says, “Don’t just slip into using offers to attract audience, or that is all your audience will expect from you.” Find the right balance between stories and pictures and special offers.

According to the panel, focusing on your audience needs is also an opportunity. If someone talks about giraffes, you can reply with giraffe content. A zoo can fulfill the guests need and market their message at the same time –a true win-win.

In addition, visitors want to be a part of the organization. Give them the chance to market and be part of the team. People love to share the message. Susan Altrui of the Little Rock Zoo hints at the power of “People-to-people communication” when giving an incredible example of when the Little Rock Zoo marketed their free day to 16,000 people exclusively via an e-newsletter. Word spread from person to person, resulting in attendance totaling a whopping 27,000 people — many more than expected!

Even addressing disgruntled customers in these public forums can show that your organization cares. Answering openly when the community comments can add validity.  And allowing the audience to interact with other commenters help too, especially in difficult situations.

Responding to the audience directly helps to grow the community.  The more you can reply to comments, the more encouraged they are.

Being a great communicator includes “putting yourself in others shoes.”

So, Zoos should walk in YOUR shoes.


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Sep
11

Meet the Staff: Angie Pyle

Posted by in Behind the Scenes,Carnivores,Featured,Meet the Staff

 

Angie and Jonathan

Hometown:  Huntsville, TX

Department:  Carnivore Keeper

Quote:   “Go big or go home”

How long have you worked at the Houston Zoo?:  8 years total. I spent 4 years in the Children’s Zoo and 4 years with Carnivores.

Favorite animal:  Lion

Animals I train:  Jonathan (Lion), Nimue (Lion), Kan Balam (Jaguar), Kiburi (cheetah), and I’m a second on the Maned wolves.

Training Fun Facts: Jonathan is very challenging because he is not food motivated at all! Kan Balam is very fun and smart. You can teach a new behavior very easily.

Favorite Story: One day while giving our Tiger keeper chat presentation, we lowered the door to find a night heron in the exhibit on the platform where the tigers usually participate.  I had just told the crowd how tigers are top predators and very dangerous.  At that time we had two males, Jammu and Pandu, on exhibit.  When they came around the corner for the keeper chat, they were startled to find the night heron.  The night heron spread its wings and squawked at the tigers.  Our two 275 lb. tiger males proceeded to tuck tail and run towards their back area.  Luckily we were able to shift both tigers inside and save the night heron.

Special interests/hobbies:  Wake boarding – use to do this for a living, camping, hiking, anything outdoors!

What made you want to work at a zoo?:  Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to work at a zoo. It involves two things I enjoy the most, working with animals and being outside.

Education/training:  Bachelors degree in Animal Science from Sam Houston State

Advice to anyone wanting to enter the your field:  Volunteer as soon as you are able! That is the best way to get your foot in the door and make sure that this is what you want to do. Volunteering in different departments also helps you to choose what area you are most interested in.

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Sep
09

More Chicks at the Houston Zoo: Red Crowned Cranes

Posted by in Birds

On the 23rd and 24th of April, 2010, the Houston Zoo was proud to greet two new Red Crowned Cranes that hatched to our pair in the Houston Bird Department-Birds of the World!

Red Crowned Cranes (Grus japonensis) is found in Eastern Asia in the countries of Russia, Mongolia, Japan, China as well as North and South Korea.  There are only about 1500 left in the wild making it the second rarest crane species.  These low numbers are due to the destruction of their marsh lands for rice paddies and the expansion of cities.

The cranes use these wetlands and swamps for finding food for their young.  Red Crowned Cranes will eat mostly small amphibians, mammals, invertebrates and insects as well as plants that grow in these marshes.  Red Crowned Cranes typically lay two eggs per clutch.  The incubation period is between 29-34 days and is done by both sexes.  The chicks will fledge after ninety-five days.

Our adult red crowned crane and it's chick

With Red Crowned Cranes it is very common to have early sibling rivalry where the siblings will try to exert their dominance over each other.  In captivity we try to make sure this does not escalate into injury by feeding the chick in two separate sides of their exhibit.  Red Crowned Crane parents are very good at separating their chicks during feedings where one chick will follow each parent.

Our chicks received soaked and chopped Mazuri Crane Diet (which consists of various grains and fish meal) as well as greens, pinkie mice and insects.  We fed them in a shallow pan while tossing crickets and meal worms to opposite sides of their exhibit. 

Lunch!

The parents will catch the insect and hold them out to their chicks, showing them what food to eat.  As they got older we fed them dry Mazuri Crane Diet just like their parents eat.

When the chicks hatched they were a light cinnamon color and very fluffy.  At about four months old they are almost as large as their parents. 

Fuzzy little Red Crownded Crane chick

The have lost most of the fluffiness to their new feather coat and are starting to turn lighter in color.   During the chicks second year they will get their adult plumage turning snow white with a jet-black tail.  At three to four years old they will be sexually mature to start the process over again.

Written by Josh Vandenberg

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Sep
04

Meerkat Mob’s Keepers

Posted by in Behind the Scenes,Keepers,Mammals,Meerkats,Natural Encounters,Zoo Births

The meerkats kits are continuing to display exceptional cuteness and are ranging farther and farther around their exhibit.  The whole group is together now which has all of the staff breathing a huge sigh of relief.  Alpha female, Chafu, was introduced to them early this morning and she accepted them without any apparent hesitation. 

That moment at first light when we opened the door and let the entire mob onto the exhibit was both nerve racking and exhilirating.  Fortunately, it went exactly as we had hoped it would!  All of the work leading up to that moment, however, took place behind the scenes from a dedicated group of keepers.  They kept pages of notes, took many pictures and rotated individuals in with mom and kits multiple times each day.  The following video lets Paul, Priscilla and Jose  tell you the story of all the work in their own words.  And it delivers plenty of the cuteness you expect from our meerkat kits!

If you stop by the meerkat yard in the next few weeks you are likely to see Paul, Priscilla and Jose keeping a watch on the social structure of the group just to make sure things proceed as we expect.  They love showing off the kits and talking with guests about the animals in their care.  Say hi and let them know what a great job they’re doing!

And thanks to Jeremy Stewart, our videographer extrodinaire, for putting together this video for us to share with you.

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Sep
04

Meet the Staff: Tammy Buhrmester

Posted by in Behind the Scenes,Featured,Meet the Staff,Primates

Tammy in front of our Orangutan exhibit

Tammy in front of our Orangutan exhibit

Tammy Buhrmester
Hometown: Watseka, Illinois
Section: Zookeeper/Primates
Quote: “All social change comes from the passion of individuals.”

How long have you worked at the Houston Zoo? 

I have worked at the Houston Zoo since September 2002.  I will be celebrating my 8th anniversary this year.
Special Interests/ Hobbies: Cooking, baking, traveling, and reading.

Favorite Animal:  I can’t say that I have a favorite animal.  I am interested in all types of species.  If I had to pick the animal I enjoy to work with the most within my department, it would be the orangutans and babirusa.    

What is your education, training, and previous institution(s) you attended before coming to the Houston Zoo? 

I attended Southern Illinois University and received a B.S. in Zoology.  While attending college, I worked as a veterinary technician and volunteered at a wildlife sanctuary.  I also spent a semester working at the Vivarium research lab and I participated in a 12-week internship at Brookfield Zoo’s Tropic World primate habitat.

What made you want to become a zookeeper?

I was very fortunate to have parents that appreciated nature and animals.  I connected with animals at the age of 8, participating in 4-H Club activities and showing rabbits, goats, horses, and hogs.  I had the wonderful opportunity to visit many zoos in my childhood.

How would you describe your job duties? 

I would describe my job duties as physical but rewarding.  I spend my time in the morning cleaning exhibits and the night house where the primates stay when they are not on exhibit.  I spend the afternoon training them for husbandry procedures, painting for enrichment, writing information about their day for their records, feeding all the animals that I am responsible for, making fun snacks for them (popsicles), participating in meetings, walking around and talking to zoo guests about the primates in our collection and preparing their night houses for them to come into at the end of the day.

What is a typical day like working in the primates? 

 There is no typical day in primates.  I have the opportunity to work with different species of Primates everyday.  Each animal have different needs, diets, and personalities. 

What sort of advice would you give to anyone wanting to enter the zoo field?

I would advise anyone interested in the zoo field to get involved as soon as they can.  You can start by coming to zoo camp and seeing what the zoo is all about.  Volunteering is one of the best ways to get experience.  I would recommend any volunteer to be prepared to sweat, get dirty, and handle things that you normally would not be exposed to.  When entering the zoo field, be prepared to start in a department that may not be your first choice – getting your foot in the door is the best way to get to your dream job.

Something you want people to know about yourself or your position at the zoo: I served as co-coordinator for the Houston Zoo’s Pongos Helping Pongos orangutan conservation project.  The auction of paintings created by the Zoo’s orangutans, other primates and elephants has raised more than $150,000 for orangutan and elephant conservation in Indonesia. 

Interesting Facts: I have taken care of three generations of orangutans in two zoos.  I am one of the few people that have seen and taken a picture of a wild Cape Pangolin in Kenya.  They are not normally observed in the wild because they sleep during the day and move at night.

What is your favorite animal story? 

One of my favorite animal stories would entail the wonderful addition of our first baby Babirusa.  When Remley came to us she was less than a year old.  She was adorable and won the hearts of everyone on their first glance of her.  She joined our older male Babirusa at that time.  They became pals and she looked up to him for knowledge and how to act like a pig.  Unfortunately, he passed soon after she came and we had to wait over one year for a new companion for her.  Jambi came to us in December 2007 and it was love at first sight for these two cute pigs and five months later we had a bouncing baby girl named Hadiah.  Hadiah was born in May 2008 and she came into this world weighing less than a pound.  Just like her mother she was admired by all from the first glance of her tiny little body.  I had the honor of watching her grow, discover the world, play with her mom, taking her first swim while mom watched very cautiously and becoming a fine young lady.  I was lucky to accompany her to San Antonio this past April and I hear every so often that she is doing great.  We will hopefully get news one day that she will be a mother.

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