ZOONOOZ August 2015

inside august 2015
Mammal of Mystery:
Devi the Hippo Calf
Boy or girl? Funani knew,
but everyone else would
have to wait to find out!
wildlife
A Pollinator
Problem: How Do
You Value a Bee?
Honeybees, native bees,
and other pollinators are
under threat. Find out
what you can do to help!

conservation
more
From the Archives
New Digs for Dholes
A pack of Asiatic wild dogs has taken up residence in the Safari Park’s
former tiger exhibit, and to their pleasure, they have the run of the place!
explore
Support
Through the Lens
Keeping Flamingos
in the Pink at the Zoo
The once-a-year flamingo roundup
is carefully choreographed to make
sure the flock stays healthy.
Furniture Makes the Home
—Even for Animals!
From logs to tree trunks to root
balls, the Horticulture Department
provides animals with the best
seat in the house.
Chairman’s Note
You Said It
on the cover: East African river hippopotamus calf Hippopotamus amphibius kiboko
©Ken Bohn, SDZG Photographer

chairman’s note
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
OFFICERS
Robert B. Horsman, Chairman
Sandra A. Brue, Vice Chairman
Judith A. Wheatley, Secretary
Steven G. Tappan, Treasurer
CALIFORNIA IS FACING UNPRECEDENTED DROUGHT CONDITIONS. As a conservation organization,
we at San Diego Zoo Global continue to do our part and place an emphasis on recycling and
reusing water. Overall, our organization recycles more than 16 million gallons of water annually, and we
have an active employee task force that continues to seek ways to increase that amount.
At the Safari Park, we have an onsite water treatment plant that processes and recycles 100 percent of
the Park’s wastewater, which is then reused for irrigation in the large field exhibits. We are currently applying
for funding to upgrade this system from secondary treatment of wastewater to tertiary treatment,
which will make the water available for even more uses. We use direct site drip-line irrigation in watering
our plant collections, landscaping, and browse sources, which brings water directly to the base of the plants
where it is needed.
At the Zoo, we collect rainwater in reclamation gutters and in 6 rain barrels located strategically
throughout the grounds, which can capture 3,500 gallons for various uses. You can see one of the rain
barrels at the Queenslander House in Australian Outback and read information about the importance
of water conservation. The Zoo’s ponds and pools are equipped with extensive filtration and recycling
units, so they rarely need to be drained and refilled. For instance, the hippo pool has only been drained
twice in the last 20 years. During the month of June this year, the Zoo reduced its water use by 17.1 percent,
exceeding the 16-percent reduction goal from the City of San Diego.
All of our facilities implement a wide variety of ways to conserve water, including cleaning with tools
rather than hoses, installing low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, and motion-detecting sink faucets in
restrooms, and tracking and quickly fixing any leaks. We use drought-tolerant plants, mulching, and
xeriscape methods in our general landscaping, and our employees practice conscientious water use in all
our office areas. Signs and graphic panels also inform visitors about what San Diego Zoo Global is doing
to reduce and reuse water.
On grounds and in education programs at the Zoo and Safari Park, we share water conservation
information and techniques with our guests that they can use at home, such as sweeping and using
blowers to clean patios and sidewalks instead of hosing them with water. The Safari Park’s Biofiltration
Wetland serves as an outdoor classroom, where thousands of schoolchildren participate each year in
hands-on water programs that teach the importance of preserving this precious resource. San Diego
Zoo Global partners with the San Diego County Water Authority to promote the “When in Drought”
communications campaign, which gives San Diegans tips on how to save water. We have also hosted
water conservation workshops for local water agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public.
Everyone needs water, and it will take all of us working together to conserve it. Every drop counts,
now more than ever.
Robert B. Horsman
Chairman
Every drop
counts
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
M. Javade Chaudhri
Berit N. Durler
Richard B. Gulley
Clifford W. Hague
Linda Lowenstine, D.V.M., Ph.D.
George A. Ramirez
Patricia L. Roscoe
TRUSTEES EMERITI
Frank C. Alexander
Kurt Benirschke, M.D.
Thompson Fetter
Bill L. Fox
Frederick A. Frye, M.D.
George L. Gildred
Yvonne W. Larsen
John M. Thornton
Albert Eugene Trepte
Betty Jo F. Williams
James Lauth,
General Counsel
Douglas G. Myers,
President/CEO
Charles L. Bieler,
Executive Director Emeritus
THE FOUNDATION OF
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
OFFICERS
Murray H. Hutchison, Chair
Maryanne C. Pfister, Vice Chair
Susan N. McClellan, Secretary
Richard M. Hills, Treasurer
Mark A. Stuart, President
Robert B. Horsman, Ex officio
Douglas G. Myers, Ex officio
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Christine L. Andrews
Joye D. Blount
Rick Bregman
Lisa S. Casey
Douglas Dawson
Berit N. Durler, Ex officio
U. Bertram Ellis, Jr.
Arthur E. Engel
Craig L. Grosvenor
Michael Hammes
Judith C. Harris
Michael E. Kassan
Susan B. Major
Michael D. McKinnon
Thomas Tull
Margie Warner
Ed Wilson
4 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

Members get up close
FREE all year long!
Start your membership today. Call 619-718-3000
or visit sandiegozoo.org
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
5

through the lens
Photo by Ken Bohn
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
Caribbean
flamingo
Phoenicopterus
ruber ruber

sandiegozoo.org/zoonooz

you said it
Join our friends @sdzglobal & write “Stop
Killing Rhinos” on your hand & tweet it
using #rally4rhinos. Please RT. @Chargers
Where’s the tiger Dada
@sdzsafaripark fun!
pablo_law
Another wonderful visit to the park yesterday.
Your staff was helpful and so knowledgeable
about the animals, as usual. So glad to be a member and
able to visit often. Best investment!!! Beverly Hilton
Another beautiful day @sdzsafaripark! Big thanks
to Aaron for a great behind-the-scenes tour.
#stopkillingrhinos @CAO916
6
ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

Most amazing experience
at San Diego Zoo, saw this a
mazing animal #soSweet #orangutan
@sandiegozoo @actornicole
Backstage Pass was awesome, during our son’s Make-A-Wish trip last year. His
favorite animal was a tiger and we got to meet Connor, and his mom is Mek from the
Fresno Chaffee Zoo. We loved the zoo it’s so beautiful can’t wait until we go again someday.
Nancy Navarro
Feeding a giraffe called
Wanda was a highlight of our
visit to @sdzsafaripark #sandiego
@motherofalltrip
Since I was a wee lad, watching
Sat. morning nature shows, I’ve
wanted to come here. Dream come true.
@sandiegozoo @brandoncozart
Feeding the giraffes! #socool
#giraffe #sandiegozoo
brittanyking31
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
7

10 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015
MAMMAL
OF MYSTERY:
DEVI THE
HIPPO CALF

Funani is
always ready
with an
encouraging
“nudge.”
By Peggy Scott
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Photos by Ken Bohn
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
A
s mysteries go, it wasn’t so much a case of
“whodunnit” as “what is it?” It was pretty
clear to keepers on March 23, 2015, that
Funani the African river hippo had given
birth to a calf. They also knew Otis,
the father, had definitely played a role
in the arrival. But it would be more
than two months before anyone
could answer, with any certainty, whether the pair
had produced a son or a daughter. Funani, of course,
had the information, but she wasn’t telling. Nor was
the notoriously protective mother letting anyone
close enough to get a good enough look. Inquiring
minds—and camera phones—would have to wait.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
11

Funani is a famously
protective hippo mom,
and keepers respect
her wishes.

Funani keeps
Devi, her “mini-me,”
right by her side.
Game Changer
With the baby’s birth, hippo keepers knew
that things had just become cuter—and a
bit more complicated. “The arrival of a calf
changes everything,” explains John Michel,
senior keeper. “With a male and female pair,
the routine is for them to go on and off exhibit
together. But add a calf, which must be
kept separate from the father, and the situation
completely changes.”
The youngster’s arrival turned life at the
Zoo’s hippo barn into a game of musical
chairs of sorts. “Otis is out on exhibit in the
pool Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,”
John says. “Funani and her calf go out Tuesdays,
Thursdays, and weekends.” One aspect,
John notes, did not change. “Funani
runs things. If she doesn’t want to shift off,
she doesn’t,” he explains. “She and the calf
were out in the main exhibit for about two
weeks after she gave birth. Otis moved from
the barn to another outdoor area and back
again during that time. You don’t want to
stress a mother hippo.” John adds that Otis’
personality is a big help during a change of
routine. “He is a laid-back, go-with-the-flow
guy,” John says. “You couldn’t ask for a more
mellow fellow.”
Mom Said No
With Funani, however, “mellow” isn’t usually
the first word that comes to mind. “She
has always been a doting mom,” John says.
“But with this calf, she’s been super protective.”
One reason for her hyper-vigilance, he
muses, might rest with the calf’s size. “Funani
has had 7 calves here at the Zoo in 20
years,” John says. “This calf was the smallest
and a little bit wobbly at first, so maybe
she’s just being extra careful.” During the
early days, Funani kept the calf tucked protectively
under the elephant ear plant at the
edge of their pool, always positioning herself
between her baby and the viewing glass.
She would frequently nurse the baby up on
the beach toward the back of the exhibit,
keeping one wary eye on her adoring public.
The only individuals deemed acceptable,
besides her keepers? A mother mallard who
was also raising a family in the hippo exhibit.
“One afternoon, the ducklings were napping
on Funani’s back, which was the only
part of her showing above the surface of the
pool,” John recalls. “It was quite a sight.”
Funani’s sensitivity, combined with her
species’ natural behaviors, made the gender
guessing game even more challenging. A
14 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

Funani kept
her baby safely
tucked under
the elephant
ear plant at the
pool’s edge.
Play fighting is one
way calves learn
about hippo life.
water-loving creature, the hippo’s habit of
spending up to 16 hours a day submerged
earned it its name, a Greek word that means
“river horse.” Well, you may be able to lead
a horse to water, but you can’t make a river
horse show you its calf! By the time keepers
started looking for “clues,” the calf was
already able to push up to the surface of the
pool. This meant the chance for a good look
as Funani nudged the baby upward against
the exhibit glass had already passed them
by. “It was pretty funny to see us trying to
get a peek,” John recalls. “There we were,
crouched along the glass with our cellphone
cameras, trying to get a definitive photo.”
And as senior keeper Jen Chapman noted
in a blog about Funani’s baby, sometimes
nature works against you. Those wrinkles in
a baby hippo’s skin? Yes, they’re adorable—
but they can also “often hide certain characteristics
we are looking for in determining
gender!” she wrote.
It’s a Girl—and an Honor
Once “Bellywatch 2015” finally paid off, the
calf was at last determined to be female.
Picking a suitable name was the next step.
The hippo crew had wanted to pay tribute
to David Smith, a much-beloved fellow
keeper, but when the calf turned out
to be a girl, his coworkers researched the
feminized version of his name: Devi. The
name fits in more ways than one. “Devi
also means ‘goddess’ in Hindi, which is
very fitting— since many of us were kneeling
in front of the viewing glass, as if
genuflecting, while we’d try to get a glimpse
of her belly!” Jen wrote.
These days, Devi has grown into her own
and filled out nicely. She follows her mother
around and willingly approaches her keepers.
Funani has relaxed a bit, but she still
tries to stay in front of Devi and guide her.
Mother and daughter are interacting with
their neighbors, the okapis and duikers, and
Devi’s confidence grows each day—along
with her personality. Jen calls the connection
Devi has with her mom “amazing,”
and the little one is developing into a wellrounded
hippo—in every sense of the word!
There’s a new routine at the hippo barn
these days, one that brings smiles to the
keepers’ faces. “We open the gate for Funani
and Devi to come in and here they are, trotting
toward us, looking like the Clydesdale
and the Chihuahua,” John says. “How could
it be cuter?” n 15
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG

16 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

By Paige Howorth
ANIMAL CARE MANAGER, ENTOMOLOGY
Photos by Tammy Spratt
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
istory holds many lessons; bits of knowledge that can be applied to situations seemingly unlike
the original event. Take Black Tuesday, the day of the catastrophic crash of the stock
market in 1929 and the Great Depression that followed. I remember learning about that
in history class, and it was also presented as a warning and a caution to be vigilant—not
just regarding stocks and bonds but as a metaphor for paying attention to signs of trouble
in any situation before there’s a crash. Well, entomologists are seeing that it’s almost Black
Tuesday for bees. I can’t help but wonder: are we writing the script now for a future without them, and how
will humans deal with the consequences?
Pollinators are not as big a concern for
most people as their stock portfolios, but
they should be. Since we have not “hit bottom”
yet—and there’s no index to tell us
how close we are—it is easy to leave the
worry for another day. But rest assured, the
warning bells are ringing. Pollinators like
bees, butterflies, beetles, and flies are in
crisis worldwide, suffering from pesticide
exposure, habitat loss, and disease. Pollinators
make fertilization possible for many
plants; without them, food as we know it
would simply not exist. No fruits, veggies,
peanut butter, or chocolate—and that’s just
a start. If this sounds like the same old story
you hear about humans and nature all
the time, stay with me a little longer. This
is more than another wildlife-in-crisis story,
and I guarantee that it will affect you
personally—and definitely financially—if
people stay on the current course.
What is the cause of this alarming decline?
Most of the reasons have to do with
urbanization and agriculture. While those
may seem only marginally related to you
and me, the reality is that our culture results
from our choices—and the market
always follows demand.
Pesticides
ll insects are affected by contact
with insecticides. A newer class
of systemic insecticides called
neonicotinoids has been shown
to severely affect bee health. In agriculture,
this type of insecticide is most often
applied as a seed coating, and the insect
nerve poison subsequently shows up in
The last pair of hind legs on a honeybee is adapted to shape and carry a pollen pellet as
the bee goes about its daily foraging.

The pollen caught among
the tiny hairs on these
honeybees’ bodies will
be brushed off when
they visit another flower,
effectively crosspollinating
the plant.

every tissue as the plant grows: leaf, stem,
pollen, and nectar.
As a result, though the insecticide is
targeted at “pest” insects, there can be
serious consequences for any insect that
visits the plant for nectar or pollen. Some
need only be present when the planting
occurs, since some of the chemical seed
coating is released as crop “dust” in agricultural
plantings. The effects of these
pesticide exposures include immediate
death by contact, but some are sublethal,
meaning that the animal does not die
right away but experiences disorientation,
loss of navigational ability, paralysis, and
even memory loss as the result of contact.
This is not just an agricultural issue;
many products containing this type of
insecticide can be found in local home
improvement stores for landscaping use.
Federal regulations govern the concentrations
of these poisons used in agriculture,
yet there are no restrictions for home use,
and that sets up a dangerous scenario.
Consumers often do not follow the instructions
for application and the concentrations
can be many times higher than
federal regulations allow. This means
more of the poison finds its way to bees
and other animals through gardens and
runoff from irrigation.
It is important to note here that the
majority of research on pesticide effects
in pollinators has been conducted in honeybees
because they are managed commercially,
making them more accessible
and measurable. Since their biology is
very similar to that of native bees, we can
assume that the damaging effects from
pesticides are also suffered by native bees.
Why are native bees important? Because
no pollinator serves our plants better.
Native bees have evolved alongside
the flowering plants that they pollinate,
and they are usually much better at it
than non-native honeybees. It’s easy for
honeybees to get all the attention, because
they are used in commercial agriculture
and are relatively easy to study.
But native bees such as mason bees, mining
bees, and leafcutter bees have been
quietly carrying their weight in our ecosystems
for millennia.
Some bees have a different way of transporting pollen. This female masked bee, Hylaeus
sp. is about to concentrate a drop of nectar to make it easier to carry back to her nest.
By drawing the droplet in and out of her mouth repeatedly, moisture evaporates and the
nectar becomes more of a pellet than a drop. She will then swallow it and regurgitate it
back at the nest. Masked bees are a solitary species that often uses old burrows of other
insect species for a nest.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
19

Measuring a mere 13/64 inches (5 millimeters) long, sweat bees Lasioglossum sp.—a native bee—are the largest group of bees; small
but mighty indeed!
Habitat Matters
s human populations grow, less
space remains for native pollinators
to thrive. Overgrown spaces
with wildflowers, weeds, and nesting
sites are disappearing, banished in favor
of manicured lawns that eliminate key nectar
and pollen sources—like dandelions—
and encourage pesticide use. Agricultural
practices also alter land that was once suitable
pollinator habitat. Instead of a diversity
of nectar and pollen sources, acreage is
filled with insecticide- and herbicide-laden
monocultures as far as the eye can see.
Two types of genetically modified (GM)
crops are routinely used in agriculture.
One is an insect-resistant type, in which a
bacterium that is lethal to certain chewing
insects is incorporated into the genome of
the plant, and the target insect species are
killed when they feed on the plant. The second
is an herbicide-resistant variety, which
is definitely a problem for pollinators, especially
butterflies and bees. In herbicide-resistant
GM crops, the plants are engineered
to be resistant to applications of certain
herbicides. They can withstand repeated
applications of herbicide, which kills all the
flowering weeds surrounding the planted
area—the ones the pollinators depend on.
This is of particular concern for monarch
butterflies, whose larval host plant is
milkweed. Milkweed thrives in disturbed
habitats and has historically been found
adjacent to crops. Most people are familiar
with the epic migration of the eastern monarch
butterfly population to the oyamel fir
tree forests of Central Mexico. Over the past
few years, the count of overwintering monarchs
in the protected reserves has revealed
a catastrophic drop—down an incredible 90
percent from the 20-year average and standing
at an all-time historical low since the
migration was discovered in the 1970s. Lack
of available host plants due to GM-related
herbicide application has been identified as
a key factor in this staggering decline.
Disease
here are a great many parasites
and pathogens that burden pollinators,
and the ones causing
the most damage are introduced
species. Native bumblebees suffer from a
20 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

The estimated
percentage of the
animal and plant
products in our
diets that can be
traced, both directly
and indirectly, to
insect pollination.
Direct pollination includes everything from
cucumbers to squash, coffee to basil, strawberries
to cantaloupes, cashews, and everything in
between. Indirect pollination includes the insectpollinated
foods like alfalfa and clover that we
feed to our livestock (from which we get milk,
eggs, and meat).
The percentage of
decline in overwintering
monarch butterflies in
the Central Mexican
butterfly preserves
from the 20-year average,
as measured in the winter
of 2013-2014.
The percentage
of the Earth’s
flowering plants
that depend
on insect
pollination
to set seed or
produce fruit.
The dollar
value of insectpollinated
crops in the
United States.
The percentage of
managed honeybee
colony losses
experienced
by beekeepers in
the US in
the April 2014-
April 2015 year.
Beekeeping is a tough business, and the rewards
grow smaller each year. At this time, there are only
about 2.5 million commercial honeybee colonies
in the United States. For perspective, it takes 1.6
million colonies to pollinate the annual California
almond crop alone.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 21

The native bee house
at the Zoo shows a
number of ways humans
can provide nesting
habitat for bees.
A bundle of cut
bamboo culms
makes a good
nesting option for
some bees.
22
ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015
Different types of bees seek
out holes of various diameter
and depth. Use the Internet
to determine which species
you may have in your area and
what their preferences are.
A log with holes
drilled into the end
is another way to
invite native bees to
nest in your yard.
PHOTO BY KEN BOHN,SDZG

non-native fungal disease, while honeybees
struggle with introduced ectoparasites such
as varroa mites and fungal infestations from
nosema spores.
A combination of all these—and probably
other—factors has created the phenomenon
known as Colony Collapse Disorder,
which is decimating honeybee colonies in
the United States. The precise cause is still
unknown because the bees simply disappear,
taking the evidence with them. But
one thing is clear: life is hard for honeybees
these days.
Choose and Tell
he magnitude of the problem
makes it seem like there is no
stopping it, but the reality is that
a steady stream of small choices
can help turn the tide. Once the threats to
pollinators are understood, everyone can
contribute to the solution by making different
choices.
At the San Diego Zoo, we are committed
to helping pollinators recover. We’re spreading
the word about the pollinator crisis in our
education programs and through advocacy
of the Pollinator Garden, which is located
at the entrance to Elephant Odyssey. This
beautiful space is dedicated to helping sustain
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, flies,
and beetles by providing a steady supply of
pesticide-free nectar and host plants, as well
as suitable living spaces for native bees.
The Pollinator Garden also hosts a monarch
waystation. This area includes a dedicated
section of native milkweed available for
monarch butterflies to lay eggs from spring
through fall, helping to boost the West Coast
population. Monarchs have deservedly been
in the spotlight recently; they have been advocated
for endangered species protections due
to their alarming decline and the potential
threat to the eastern population. In one response
to the 2014 Presidential Memorandum
“Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the
Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators,”
the federal government has recently set aside
almost $2.5 million for monarch butterfly
habitat restoration and educational outreach.
The monarch is a highly recognizable,
iconic species—and many more species
need our help. As a result, we have just fin-
Pollinators need more than
just one organization’s
efforts: they need
your help, too. Just
as numerous bees
contributing a bit
of nectar to a
hive creates an
abundance
of honey,
each seemingly
small choice and
effort an individual
person makes builds
momentum in pollinator
conservation.
BUY ORGANIC: If you don’t currently buy any organic foods or clothing,
think about picking even one item the next time you visit the store. You could
potentially lower the demand for crops produced using pesticides and reduce
the overall application (over one BILLION pounds yearly in the US) of these chemicals.
STEM THE GM: Even if you don’t care whether or not you eat genetically
modified crops, buying GM food supports the practice of widespread
herbicide application in agriculture and the resulting decimation of pollinator
habitat. Organic items cannot intentionally include GM crops; those labeled “Non
GMO” have been positively determined not to contain them. One non-GM item in
your basket is a small step in the right direction for pollinators.
BUILD YOUR WAYSTATION: Create a habitat in your yard, garden, or
flowerbox that invites pollinators. Plant some milkweed for monarchs and
include other plants that attract and sustain pollinators. Some great planting
information can be found online; just search for “pollinator garden.”
AVOID PESTICIDE USE AT HOME: See aphids on your outdoor plants?
Wait a few weeks, and you are likely to see them disappear into the mouths
of hungry ladybugs! Hold off on the pesticides, and give the natural system
a chance to find its balance. If you must use pesticides, read the manufacturer’s
instructions for the recommended concentration and only use it at or below that level.
LET PART OF YOUR YARD GO WILD FOR POLLINATORS: Long,
overgrown grasses create a perfect habitat for nesting and overwintering
native bees, and flowering weeds are a staple nectar and pollen source for
bees and butterflies. Keep in mind that most native bees are solitary and do not sting
readily. They are good, safe neighbors—especially if you have a garden.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD: Most people have no idea that the
sustainability of food as we know it is so tightly linked with the health of
pollinators. Share what you know!
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 23

When a beehive was
discovered in an irrigation
box on the Zoo’ gorilla
habitat roof, the bees
were carefully relocated.
The sweet reward of
honey straight from the
comb went to the gorillas
and other primates!
24 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015
PHOTO BY PAIGE HOWORTH,SDZG

Monarch butterflies have been in the spotlight lately due to an alarming decline in their numbers.
ished construction on a facility for rearing
lesser-known imperiled San Diego butterfly
species. We are working collaboratively
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in
giving some of these endangered pollinators
a population boost in the near future. If you
have never heard of the quino checkerspot
butterfly, the Hermes copper, or the Laguna
Mountains skipper, it is our hope that you
will learn about them through the efforts of
the San Diego Zoo’s Butterfly Conservation
Lab—stay tuned!
Beyond butterflies, honeybees also get a
hand here at the Zoo. They gather in swarms
while looking for a new home, and when
they swarm in undesirable spots at the Zoo,
we find them a more suitable place to go.
For the past two years, we have been maintaining
honeybee colonies on grounds and
do live removals of swarms and established
hives in problem places wherever possible.
Raising Voices, Rising Action
ollinators are at a crossroads, and
it seems that their advocates are
being heard at long last. In 2013,
This female leafcutter bee Lithurgopsis
apicalis has already gathered
a good load of pollen but still seeks more.
A honeybee Apis mellifera and a green
sweat bee Agapostemon texanus share the
bounty of a cactus blossom.
the European Union banned the use of
certain neonicotinoid pesticides for two
years, pending further evaluation of their
effects on pollinators. In our own country,
tireless invertebrate conservation advocates
have facilitated state legislation in
Oregon requiring pollinator education
and testing as part of the pesticide applicator
licensing process, to avoid indiscriminate
use. And there is now a tremendous
focus on the monarch butterfly and
government-wide attention to the pollinator
crisis in general.
Most importantly, pollinators have
YOU. From The Great Sunflower Project to
Bumblebee Watch to Journey North, citizen
science projects for these vital creatures
abound. There has never been a better time
to get involved and help underscore the value
of pollinators. Your choices matter, and
the vibrant, flowering world that we live in
depends on it.
Black Tuesday for bees? Not on our
watch. So find your pollinators, make
your contribution, and help bring back the
buzz! n
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 25

The pack of eight
dholes is settling
in nicely to their
spacious exhibit at
the Safari Park.
NEW
DIGS
FOR
DHOLES
26 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
27

Asiatic wild dogs, also called dholes, are energetic and highly social animals.
By Karyl Carmignani
STAFF WRITER
Photos by Ken Bohn
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
With a mixture of grace and curiosity, the pack lopes effortlessly throughout its
new three-acre exhibit. Last spring, a family pack of eight Asiatic wild dogs
Cuon alpinus, also called dholes (pronounced “doles”), moved into the former
tiger habitat in the Asian Savanna area at the Safari Park. This is the first time
that Park visitors have been able to see these beautiful wild dogs on exhibit at
the Park. The auburn-colored dholes have erect ears, a dark tail, and a creamy
white underbelly and leg accents, making them both camouflaged and striking
in the grassy, light-dappled exhibit.
Dholes are super-sensitive animals, skittish to the point of potentially overheating under stress. But “this pack surprised
us with their hardy way of adjusting to their new environment and different keepers,” said Tina Hunter, senior
keeper at the Safari Park. Made up of one female and eight males, including Lucius, who is the father of the rest of
the group, the highly social pack has been added to the Park’s Behind-the-Scenes Safaris. “Dholes are unique animals
that most people have never seen before,” said Tina. “They will be an exciting addition to our safaris.”
28 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

Dhole House
Once the tigers moved into the new Tull
Family Tiger Trail, their former exhibit was
found to be a great habitat for the dholes. The
six separate indoor bedrooms are arranged
in a horseshoe shape. “The tigers, as a solitary
species, weren’t so keen on this arrangement,
but the highly social dholes like to
keep an eye on each other,” explained Tina.
There is a feed chute on each door that was
used to dispense bones and other treats for
the tigers, which also works for dhole treats.
The vast outdoor area of the dhole habitat
needed a few adjustments. “Dholes are great
diggers, so the underground, three-foot barrier
along the fenceline was closely inspected
and reinforced before they moved in,” said
Tina. Dholes are also devoted water lovers,
so the existing pool is a favorite hang-out
spot. “We built a shelter over part of the pool
so the dholes can spend more time in the water,
even when the sun is strongest.”
Dhole Drama
While the keepers are still getting acquainted
with each dog, there is a clear hierarchy
in the group that must be adhered to. “We
always feed them in order of dominance,”
said Tina, which avoids conflicts later. For
instance, Lucius recently lost his top-dog
status to one of his sons, Sanuk, so he is
now fed second. Each animal gets a special
ground-meat canine diet daily and a rabbit
and femur bone weekly. “We hand-feed
them so each animal gets its fair share.” It
can be difficult to tell the dogs apart, aside
from Lucius missing a piece of his ear and
the youngsters lacking white fur on their
chest and feet. But the individuals reveal
themselves in other ways. “We go by behavioral
differences more than physical differences,”
explained Tina. Even that can be
challenging, as “they rarely want to be separated
from one another.”
Dholes are pack-driven animals, and
their keepers are learning the etiquette of
the pack dynamics while also working with
individuals for husbandry purposes. To
maximize animal welfare and healthcare
and minimize stress to the animals, each
dhole—Sanuk, Lucius, Beni, Jetsan, Katsu,
Torma, Kono, and Yoshi—will be schooled
in practical behaviors like station (staying in
Dholes use water
to stay cool and
hydrated. They
enjoy their pool at
the Safari Park!
a particular spot), down, sit, target, rise up,
present paw, and open mouth. This training
is accomplished through positive reinforcement
with rewards, which deepens the
animals’ relationship with their keepers and
keeps the sessions upbeat and constructive.
Dhole Talk
Despite the dholes’ resemblance to domestic
dogs, they are still wild carnivores that deserve
a wide berth. “They can be aggressive,
so we only go in with the young ones,” said
Dholes are unusual animals that few
people have ever seen. They are a part of
the Behind-the-Scenes Safaris at the Park.
Tina, “and always with two keepers.” She
explained that the dhole’s greeting includes
snapping at each other—an expression of
endearment for them, but not so endearing
for humans. Dholes can be quite vocal, too,
calling to keep in touch over short or long
distances, which is handy when they are
cooperatively hunting. Living in close-knit
packs of 5 to 12 dogs—there is one breeding
alpha pair and the rest help tend to the
pups—communication in the form of whistles,
barks, growls, alarm calls, and other
chatter is key.
The International Union for Conservation
of Nature estimates that there are fewer
than 2,500 dholes remaining throughout
their range in Asia, with a downward trend
continuing. Threats include loss of habitat
and prey base (mostly deer and other
hoofed animals), and dholes are listed as
endangered. Besides the Safari Park, only
two other facilities in the US have dholes:
The Wilds in Ohio and the Minnesota Zoo.
San Diego Zoo Global has been breeding
dholes since 2001 in an off-exhibit breeding
site; 20 pups have been born there to 4 different
mothers. Our newest litter of dholes
was born in January 2015, bringing our
current off-exhibit pack population to 12.
Because of the breeding success, the animal
care staff was able to form the non-breeding
group that has taken up residence in the
Asian Savanna exhibit. So take a Behindthe-Scenes
Safari and check them out. I
double dog dare you! n
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
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Keeping
Flamingos
in the Pink
at the Zoo
By Karyl Carmignani
STAFF WRITER
Photos by Ken Bohn
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
30 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
31

Athena Wilson
carefully holds a
flamingo on its
way to its exam.
PHOTO BY JOOP KUHN,SDZG
Keepers Mike Touch and
Rhonda Bennett confirm
the bird’s tag number.
PHOTO BY JOOP KUHN,SDZG
F
or decades, Zoo visitors have been greeted on the front plaza by a flurry
of pink-feathered, high-stepping, long-necked, boisterous birds whose
avian drama unfolds each day like a soap opera. To ensure these beautiful
Caribbean flamingos are “in the pink,” the Zoo’s flamingo roundup is
organized and orchestrated each spring. Instead of cowboy boots and
lassos, this roundup requires catchers, handlers, flock monitors, and a
brigade of devoted staff, all working to make sure each bird gets topnotch
care during its annual exam at Flamingo Lagoon. The Bird Department and veterinary
staff coordinate with other departments to make sure this three-hour event goes
off without a hitch.
There are about 40 staff members in with the birds, while numerous other employees
assist on the outside. They deliver bubble-wrap-covered barriers to protect the birds,
whisk away sandbags when the roundup is completed, and transport young birds to
the lower duck pond. “This is the one time of year when each and every flamingo gets a
hands-on physical exam by our veterinarians,” explained Amy Flanagan, animal care
supervisor. “We couldn’t do it without the help of many other departments!”
32 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

A vaccination is
administered by
Brian Opitz (right)
while Jessica Theule
keeps the bird still.
PHOTO BY SDZG
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
33

PHOTO BY SDZG
After the bird’s checkup, it happily
spreads its wings and returns to its
flamboyant flock.
PHOTO BY SDZG
6 and 11 pounds) and gets a West Nile virus
vaccination. A blood sample is collected and
a physical exam is conducted, which includes
inspecting the bird’s beak, legs, toes, wings,
feathers, eyes, and ears. The process is thorough,
since the birds are only handled once
a year. Zoo veterinarian Meg Sutherland-
Smith, D.V.M., explained, “The information
and experience gained by getting our hands
on the flock once a year helps us manage any
medical conditions that the birds may develop
throughout the year.”
Amelia Suarez holds the flamingo on the scale while Jessica Theule notes the weight.
Team Roundup
Flamingo Lagoon was designed with this
health-care process in mind. Five keepers
form a line, gently herding the birds toward
the holding area. As the barricades approach,
other bird species (ducks, geese, and
crested screamers) that may have been included
in the group dart out of the way past
the keepers. The flamingos are corralled
past cushioned barriers in the deep end of
the lagoon, while one spotter is stationed on
the bridge to observe the birds for signs of
fatigue. If any are noted, that bird goes to
the front of the line.
A few birds at a time are funneled into
a smaller area to be calmly caught by three
catchers and then handed off to a handler,
who holds the bird throughout the process
of visiting each health station. Amy explained
that the birds are held “like a football
under the arm,” with the head and neck
supported by the keeper’s other hand. The
legs are folded underneath the bird. “They
are pretty docile while we’re holding them,”
she said, “but they can grab your hair or
nose on occasion.”
Once a bird is secured, it is taken to various
stations on the lagoon shore. The bird’s
leg band number is matched with its information
card and its microchip is checked.
Each bird is weighed (most weigh between
Foot Map Journey
Each bird’s information card includes a
“foot map,” similar to a fingerprint for
humans, so animal care staff can monitor
each flamingo’s feet for any cracks or lesions
that may develop. Flamingos are long-lived
birds, with a possible lifespan of more than
50 years in zoos! Since they spend a great
deal of time with their feet submerged in
water, it’s important to monitor their webbing
and toes and those famous long legs.
Monitoring foot condition allows animal
care staff to decide if any changes need to be
made in the birds’ environment.
Since there are usually between 6 and 12
young birds that hatched the previous year,
they will need a follow-up booster vaccine
34 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

PHOTO BY JOOP KUHN,SDZG
It takes a village for the annual flamingo roundup! A few key players (left to right): Amy Flanagan, Athena Wilson, Mike Grue, and Anne Clayton.
in a few weeks. They are gathered up and
taken to the African Marsh Pond located
at the bottom of Hippo Trail, which avoids
causing stress for the rest of the flock when
booster shot day comes. Amy explained that
cart drivers with carriers are ready to safely
move these birds.
Each bird is carefully and efficiently
handled. After the health checks, the flamingos
are released back into their lagoon,
where they shake it off and get back to the
leggy business of being a flamboyant flamingo.
“This year we were able to process
78 flamingos in just over 3 hours,” said Amy
with pride. “Each year we refine the process
and get better and more efficient. The annual
flamingo roundup is truly the biggest collaborative
avian health care project at the Zoo!”
That’s a bright feather in the Zoo’s cap. n
Special care is paid to flamingo feet, and each bird has a “foot map,” similar to a
fingerprint, that is used to monitor changes over time.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 35

FURNITURE
MAKES THE
HOME—EVEN
FOR ANIMALS!

The beauty of a branch is that the animal has a choice of ways to use it.
By Judy Bell
SENIOR HORTICULTURIST
Photos by Ken Bohn
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
W
hen people find out I work for the San Diego Zoo, they almost always say,
“How cool! You get to work with all the animals!” Well, yes… and no. As a
horticulturist, I use my knowledge of plants to try to make the animals’ habitats
enriching, fun, safe, and, more than anything else, a comfortable home.
Creating a new exhibit from scratch or even remodeling an existing space
takes teamwork. Through multiple meetings, horticulturists, arborists, keepers, behaviorists, architects,
construction and maintenance staff, curators, and operations personnel work together toward
a common goal: an excellent home for the animals. The questions in the design phase are many.
What should the habitat look like? What does the animal need to thrive, physically and mentally?
How can we foster the animal’s expression of natural behaviors? These questions help us define
what “furniture” will be needed. Huge tree stumps, logs, large trees, shrubs, tall grasses, specialty
plants, and more are supplied by the Horticulture Department.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG
37

A tangle of thick branches adds important elements to a gharial’s zoo home and gives Zoo visitors a glimpse into what its natural
underwater surroundings are like.
FURNITURE FOR FAUNA
any of the Zoo’s exhibits have massive
logs for the animals to climb on, over,
and under. One way to get furniture
like this is to have a big storm. Then we gather
up any downed trees that fit the bill as candidates
for placement inside an exhibit. The
best trees to use are eucalyptus, because they
have hard wood and many natural oils that
make them water repellant and resistant to
rot. Other tree species can be used, but they
may have to be replaced in a matter of years,
a costly aspect to “re-furnishing.” I used to
feel a bit sad when a tree was felled, until I
realized that no tree in the Zoo could have
a better “afterlife” than to be a jungle gym
for a young orangutan or gorilla. No tree,
branch, or rootball is ever wasted here at the
Zoo. Many of the original pieces of eucalyptus
wood placed in the gorilla exhibit when
it was built in 1991 are still there. They are
M
considered “antique furniture” at this point!
Moving these pieces takes teamwork and
the right kind of equipment. A crane lifts
logs into a big truck for transport to a holding
area and unloads them. Cranes come into
play again when it’s time to place the furniture
in an open-topped exhibit. If the exhibit
has a roof or netted top, we also need a door,
at least as wide as a Bobcat® (the tractor-type
bobcat, not a feline). Sometimes we just use
good ol’ muscle—and a lot of it!
FIT AND FUNCTION
n occasion, an exhibit getting a “remodel”
already has some plant material
in it to work with. However,
if there are large trees positioned close to
the exhibit’s perimeter, we determine if they
need to be relocated. Trees in such a spot
may provide an avenue for escape as they
grow—especially for arboreal primates. Such
O
huge trees pose another problem in a closed
exhibit if they press against the wire barrier.
In either case, the Zoo’s tree crew uses
their abundant skills to artistically “reduce”
the canopy. And they continue to do so on a
regular basis for the lifetime of the exhibit.
In addition to taking steps to ensure the
trees don’t harm the exhibit structure, we
also consider and plan for ways to protect the
flora from the fauna. Barriers to guard trees
from inquisitive and diligent chewing critters
come in all shapes and sizes. Large rocks
placed around the base of a tree are one way
to prevent root damage from animals that
like to dig. Wire mesh covering branches
and tree trunks discourages chewing and
bark removal that, if continuous, could eventually
cause the death of the tree. These solutions
work well with most hoofed species and
small primates.
Creating naturalistic habitats for great
38 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

Unlike most pet
domestic cats, zoo
felines are encouraged
to use the furniture as a
scratching post!

apes provides a completely different challenge.
By nature, they are in a constant state
of “eating their environment,” and as a result,
they need regular reminding that the
landscape is not their lunch. This reminder is
usually reinforced by a protective “hot wire,”
which sends a mild electric pulse to discourage
contact. The large trees will continue to
provide shade as long as the protection is in
place and the animals don’t figure out how
to get around it. In the case of many primate
exhibits, we use fake trees or metal armatures
with rope hammocks for convenient
and comfy places to hang out and relax. We
have also created faux ficus trees by using
cuttings of ficus rooted in manmade structures.
These are placed within arm’s reach of
the primates, so they can browse on the material
at their convenience.
T
Carefully selected and installed furniture
provides a safe environment in which zoo
animals can exhibit natural behaviors.
PRIME PLACEMENT
he overall selection and placement of
plant material is critical to the ultimate
success of an exhibit. A plant’s
roots stand a much better chance of survival
if they can be sheltered by a deadwood log
or tucked away between rocks. If plants that
are not typically used as browse are used as
exhibit plantings, the inhabitants may not
see them as edible and pass them by.
Regular replanting and reseeding of exhibits
is a way of life for our horticulturists.
By using a variety of grasses —clumping
and running, warm season and cool
season—there will always be something
green to prevent erosion and compaction
from the pitter-patter and heavy footfalls
of the animals. Any plant material with the
ability to reseed and naturalize within the
exhibit holds a distinct advantage in these
tough conditions.
The best strategy is to plant early and
often, hoping to engage the animal inhabitants
with many types of plant options, including
enrichment in the form of browse
(cut material and leafy branches, sometimes
with fruit or flowers). We seek to keep animals
occupied by climbing on deadwood,
swinging on ropes, and munching on
browse that has been tossed into a hammock
by a keeper, rather than destroying
the landscape plants. All of these strategies
work wonders to keep animals away from
the live plants inside an exhibit.
From big statement pieces to the small
flourishes, plant material has a positive effect
on our animals’ homes, and it’s a part
of being a zoo horticulturist that brings a
great deal of satifaction. On your next visit
to the Zoo or Safari Park, watch for the
ways we use logs, branches, and plantings
to help the animals thrive. Who knows,
you might even get some ideas for your
own pets at home! n
40 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

Clockewise from top left: A dead tree stump
makes an excellent nest site for many cavitynesting
bird species; in their native range,
cheetahs often perch atop low tree branches
(and termite mounds) to get a better view of
their surroundings; a massive tree trunk in
the Safari Park’s cheetah habitat gives the
cats there the same ability; trees add a
veritcal element to an animal’s habitat; large
boulders placed around the base of a tree
protects the plant’s roots from the curious
snouts and hooves of these peccaries; a stout
tree trunk, also called deadfall, makes a
perfect perch for this Andean bear.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 41

support
A plush toy
might just be a
cheetah cub’s
best friend.

WHEN WISHES COME TRUE
AT THE ZOO AND SAFARI PARK
Orangutan Indah explores her creative side with paper and nontoxic paints.
By Mary Sekulovich
SENIOR EDITOR, DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
Conversations with keepers at the San Diego
Zoo or Safari Park often begin with
“What if. . . ” or “Did you know. . . ?” Stay a
little longer and you might hear what they
use to help enrich the lives of animals in
their care. It could be a favorite scent for
giant pandas, a giant bone for jaguars,
large balls for elephants, tigers, and bears,
or a veggie ladder for parrots. Even new
mulch or plants in a habitat can interest
animals and encourage them to investigate
their home. They may also look for
new—and often yummy—surprises, like
raisins strewn among leaves for the bonobos
or meatballs hidden for big cats.
Our keepers may not have a fairy godmother
who grants wishes, but they do have
Photos by Ken Bohn
SDZG PHOTOGRAPHER
an amazing group of generous Zoo and Park
donors who check out our Wish List each
month. These supporters purchase items as
diverse as Panda Cam equipment, a clock
radio to entertain great apes, or hammocks
for marmosets and clouded leopards. You
can even feed a gorilla or lion for a day or a
week. And don’t forget “snow day” enrichment
for polar bears and giant pandas: one
snowball is just $5 and fits most budgets.
Looking back to November 19, 2006,
when our first Wish List debuted on the
Zoo’s website, we added up the numbers
and realized that we’ve raised over
$900,000 for our animals. More than 6,500
donors have purchased close to 26,000
items for the species they love! In the first
10 minutes after the Animal Enrichment
Holiday Wish List program went live that
first year, we received 2 donations. Our first
purchase was for an enrichment food puzzle
for gorillas: $42. Great apes and other
primates love manipulating the feeders until
the treat falls out or they scoop it out—
providing hours of stimulation and fun for
these intelligent animals. Our most expensive
item back then was for a necropsy table
for the Zoo hospital: $25,000.
So if you have ever wanted to buy a gift
for your favorite cheetah, macaw, orangutan,
or meerkat that will help them live a
healthy lifestyle, you can visit the Wish List
on the Zoo’s website at sandiegozoo.org/
wishlist. Each month you will see who is
celebrating a birthday and can choose from
items that will make them and their keepers
smile. And, yes, we do believe that animals
can smile! n
You can help secure the future for wildlife!
Heritage Guild
By creating a Charitable Gift Annuity or including the Zoological Society of San Diego
in your will or trust, you can help protect wildlife. To receive more information,
please call 619-557-3947 or visit our website at zoolegacy.org.
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL n SANDIEGOZOO.ORG 43

from the archives
Be Fruitful...
Arriving in San Diego as a pair from the Calcutta
Zoo in 1940, Rube and Rubie the African river hippos
quickly became popular with visitors and staff—not
to mention the stork! Their first calf, a “little” lady named
Lotus, was born in 1943, and over their 40-plus years at
the Zoo, they produced 10 more offspring together.
One of Rube and Rubie’s favorite things was watermelon,
and watching them enjoy the juicy fruit became
a “must-see” among Zoo visitors. The pair would scoop
up the whole melons and chomp down, popping the treat
like humans would a grape. Rube also impressed anyone
within earshot with his vocalizations. Cued by a keeper
mimicking the sound, Rube would open his mouth, lift
his chin, and let loose with what sounded like a cross
between a bellow and a snore. The sound reverberated
throughout the canyon where the hippo pool stood. It
caused more than a few people to cover their ears!
Hippos have an average life span of 25 to 30 years in
the wild, but Rube’s 51 years made him one of the oldest
hippos in zoos. The legacy of this beloved “power couple”
lives on—today, the pair have been immortalized as two
of the Zoo’s popular costumed characters! n
44 ZOONOOZ n AUGUST 2015

PUBLISHED SINCE 1926 AUGUST 2015 n LXXXVIII–NO. 8
MANAGING EDITOR
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
STAFF WRITERS
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL PHOTOGRAPHER
DIGITAL IMAGING TECHNICIAN
DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
KAREN E. WORLEY
PEGGY SCOTT
WENDY PERKINS
KARYL CARMIGNANI
KEN BOHN
TAMMY SPRATT
TAMMY SPRATT
DAMIEN LASATER
KERRI ABRAMS
HEIDI SCHMID-ROMERO
STEPHANIE BEVIL-PAGADUAN
DENNIS CORBRAN
KAMBIZ MEHRAFSHANI
KRISTIN NIELSEN
KIM TURNER
LISA BISSI
SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL VIDEOGRAPHERS
LEE RIEBER
MARIA BERNAL-SILVA
DUSTIN TRAYER
The Zoological Society of San Diego was founded in Octo ber 1916 by Harry M. Wegeforth, M.D., as a private, nonprofit corporation that
now does business as San Diego Zoo Global.
This digital edition of ZOONOOZ ® is currently published every month. Versions are available for download on iPads and a PDF version is
available for viewing on Kindle Fire, desktops, Android devices, and smartphones. Publisher is San Diego Zoo Global, at 2920 Zoo Drive, San
Diego, CA 92103, 619-231-1515.
Copyright ® 2015 San Diego Zoo Global. All rights reserved. “ZOONOOZ” Reg. U.S. Pat. Office. All column and program titles are
trademarks of San Diego Zoo Global. Annual Memberships: Dual $125, new; $110, renewal. Single $102, new; $90, renewal. Membership
includes unlimited entrance to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
SAN DIEGO ZOO HOURS:
August 1–31: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; September 1–7: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
September 8–25 and 27–30: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; September 26: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK HOURS:
August 1–16: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; August 17–31: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
September 1–6: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; September 7–30: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information about our animals and events, visit sandiegozoo.org or call 619-231-1515.