redesigned newsletter - Indianapolis Zoo

Fall 

IndIanapolIs Zoo Magazine 

is iN the 

air 

fall+ wInter 2012/13

IndIanapolIs Zoo 

MIssIon 

The Indianapolis Zoo empowers 

people and communities, both 

locally and globally, to advance 

animal conservation. 

specIal thanks to our sponsors 

Flights of Fancy: 

A Brilliance of Birds 

presented by 

Bats presented by 

Zoo Babies 

presented by 

Arena presented by 

Christmas at the Zoo 

presented by 

Zoo Overnight 

Programs presented by 

ZooBoo presented by 

Zoo Map presented by 

Nursing Moms Nest 

presented by 

Splash Park 

presented by 

Distance Learning 

Program presented by 

Conservation Station 

presented by 

Drop Dead Gorgeous 

Snakes presented by 

Giraffe Exhibit and 

Feedings presented by 

Official Recycling 

partner 

Zoopolis 500 

presented by 

Art and Nature programming 

supported by the Arts Council 

of Indianapolis and the 

City of Indianapolis. 

The UPS Foundation 

IndIanapolIs prIZe and Gala 

Lilly Medal sponsor 

Gala presenting partner 

Video sponsor 

VIP Reception sponsor 

publisher taps Zookeeper’s expertise 

Recently the Indianapolis Zoo was contacted by Johns Hopkins University 

Press to participate in writing a review of its newly published book Venomous 

Reptiles of the United States, Canada, and Northern Mexico: Crotalus (Volume 

2), written by Carl and Evelyn Ernst. 

Individuals from zoological institutions and aquariums are highly sought 

after to review materials such as this. It isn’t easy to come by an intensive 

husbandry-based background working with animals that are the focus of 

scientific research! 

Dan Madigan, one of our Deserts keepers, has extensive expertise in this area. 

Having personally cared for a vast variety of snake species over the last 12 

years — including several individual species from within the genus Crotalus 

(think rattlesnake) — he was pleased to participate and offer his review of this 

reference book. We are honored to have experts like Dan on our staff. 

GIve wIth 

Your heart 

does the Zoo deserve 

your support? 

That’s what annual giving is all about 

— every dollar you commit is like a 

hearty cheer or round of applause. It tells 

us how you really feel about how we have 

done this year. Think about it. 

• Have you enjoyed our new 

exhibits and programs? 

• Have you been inspired to do 

more for conservation? 

• Have we helped you to amaze and 

entertain your family and friends? 

• Have we made your heart race with 

excitement at hand-feeding an exotic 

bird for the first time or coming 

face-to-face with a tiger? 

If you answered YES! to any of these 

questions, don’t you want to show it? 

Making a donation of any size is fast, easy, 

and instantly gratifying. Whether you prefer 

to make a gift by piggy bank or check, credit 

card or stock, our Institutional Advancement 

team is ready to assist you. Click on Donate Now 

at indianapoliszoo.com, call Taylor Schuh at (317) 630-2025, or 

email tschuh@indyzoo.com for more information. 

Cover: Lioness Zuri climbing a tree covered in fall foliage. Photo: Kerrie Best 

Photos: Jackie Curts, Gabi Moore, Rob Schumaker

AZY, 34-YEAR-OLD 

MALE ORANGUTAN 

Photo: Michael Crowther 

no easY answers 

Life is complicated. I suppose that’s not news to anyone, but 

it was reinforced during a trip several friends of the Zoo and I 

took to Malaysian Borneo this past May. As you might expect, 

the main purpose of our trip was to see orangutans and to better 

understand their precarious status in the wild. We certainly saw 

orangutans, both close-up and high in the forest canopy, and I think 

we understand things better, too. That’s going to be very important as 

we work to protect them through the development of the International 

Orangutan Center at the Indianapolis Zoo. 

One of the reasons life is complicated is that we are always trying to 

maintain the right balance between competition and cooperation. Both we and 

orangutans need to compete if we are to flourish, but the concept of biodiversity 

requires that we leave room for others, too. The ecosystems that sustain our individual 

lives and our civilizations need a complex web of interrelationships between species to 

sustain them, and one of the biggest challenges our planet faces is the accelerating loss of the 

biodiversity that supports those interrelationships. 

Much of the challenge facing orangutans results from a wonderful product called palm oil. You’ll find palm 

oil in cosmetics, candy and cleaning products. It comes from oil palm trees, and oil palm plantations are 

blanketing Borneo at an almost unbelievable rate. It’s a great product for the people of Malaysia and Indonesia, 

strengthening their economy and opening global markets to them. 

But orangutans can’t live in oil palm plantations, and the oil palms displace the rainforests where the red apes have 

lived since time immemorial. That challenge is compounded by the orangutans’ need for contiguous forest – large 

connected swaths of woodlands that not only support orangutans’ dietary needs but also their social structure. 

Orangutans, you see, are not like the African great apes (the gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos), living in family 

groups and clans. Orangutans have a much looser social structure, with a few adult females frequently living 

more or less alone in a forest, accompanied only by their young offspring. Male orangutans don’t live with the 

females; they move through the forest, avoiding other males, looking for receptive females. 

That “receptive” part is important. Not only are female orangutans the decision-makers when it comes to 

reproduction, they are also completely unreceptive to males while their young are still living with them … and 

that’s usually seven to nine years! This results in orangutans having the longest inter-birth interval of any land 

mammal, and also helps explain one of the biggest challenges facing orangutan sustainability in the wild: the 

inability of male and female orangutans to make contact with each other due to forest fragmentation. In many 

places, logging, oil palm plantations, roads and other development have fragmented the forest into small plots 

that may contain orangutans, but which leave them isolated from potential partners. Orangutans are arboreal, 

and need trees not only for diet and shelter but also for transportation. 

The Indianapolis Zoo is creating relationships and partnerships with individuals and groups in Malaysia and 

Indonesia who are committed to protecting existing orangutan habitat, restoring lost forest and connecting 

forest fragments via tree “corridors.” And we’ll be working hard to maintain balance, trying to support human 

economic drivers without sacrificing the survival of the only Asian great ape. 

The International Orangutan Center at the Indianapolis Zoo will not only be the best zoo exhibit anywhere, it 

will also be the global center for orangutan conservation, through awareness, resource distribution, research and 

public involvement. Life is complicated, but your Indianapolis Zoo is up to it! 

Michael I. Crowther, President and CEO, Indianapolis Zoo 

presIdent’s 

Message 

www.IndIanapolIsZoo.coM 3

new at 

the Zoo 

The Indianapolis Zoo is no stranger to setting records when it comes to our African 

elephant breeding program. In 2000, Kubwa became the world’s first African elephant to 

become pregnant and give birth via artificial insemination, and has gone on to become 

the first to do so three times! Kubwa’s herd mate Ivory has followed suit, also giving birth 

to three calves via AI. With her third calf, however, Ivory set some records of her own. 

During an elephant pregnancy, trainers begin staying around the clock to monitor 

our mother elephants when time of birth appears to be approaching. This is estimated 

by changes in hormones analyzed through blood samples, by physical and behavioral 

changes, and by averaging other known pregnancy lengths from our own and other zoos’ 

past pregnancies. This time around, Ivory kept us guessing. With trainers on watch 24/7, 

the weeks dragged on during one of the hottest stretches of weather in Indiana’s history. 

Temperatures soared into the 100s. Finally, on June 28, after a very short labor, Ivory gave 

birth to a 244-pound female calf at 11:48pm. Ivory’s trainers and veterinary staff were 

both excited and relieved to welcome this new baby girl, who arrived after the longest 

gestational period (time of pregnancy) of all six calves born here at the Indianapolis Zoo! 

Nyah has spent her first few weeks bonding with her 30-year-old mother, exploring her 

surroundings, including both exhibit yards, and meeting the other elephants. With each 

new calf, our herd becomes more experienced and is now starting to resemble the family 

groupings seen in wild elephants. Kubwa and Ivory have honed their mothering skills and 

“aunties” Tombi and Sophi have become confident and caring babysitters. Ivory’s new 

calf provides an especially important learning opportunity for big sister Zahara. Young 

female elephants learn to care for calves by 

watching and playing with them. This gives 

NYAH 

them valuable skills when caring for their 

own future offspring, and at 5 years old, 

Zahara is the perfect age to begin learning! 

While we celebrate the birth of Ivory’s 

newest baby and the first birthday of 

Kubwa’s baby Kalina, we also recognize 

the important role they play in advancing 

our efforts toward the conservation of 

the African elephant. Thank you for 

your support and be sure to stop by and 

watch our herd in action. 

By Jill Sampson, Senior Elephant Trainer 

4 IndIanapolIs Zoo Fall+wInter 2012/13 

Photo: Jackie Curts 

Zoo Babies 

Presented by Community Health Network 

Welcome 

Nyah 


southern 

Ground hornbills 

With the “brilliance of birds” in the 

Encounters exhibit, it may surprise 

you to know that the Southern ground 

hornbill is one of the most unique 

species of bird here at the Zoo. 

What makes it so special? In the bird 

world, Southern ground hornbills are 

long-lived, with recorded life spans 

in human care of 50 years or more. 

Although they are the tallest and 

heaviest of all hornbills — one of only 

two terrestrial species — they can fly 

if needed. They range as far north as 

Kenya and as far south as Southern 

Africa, preferring savanna grasslands, 

scrub and light woodlands. 

Their long sharp bills are specially 

adapted to catch dinner, which consists 

of lizards, birds, small mammals, large 

insects, snakes and carrion. They have 

a bright red throat patch that can 

be inflated and a casque — a hollow 

spongy structure made out of keratin 

— to make their vocalizations louder. 

The two hornbills we have are sisters 

hatched in 2007 and 2008. You can 

find them on exhibit in Encounters. 

A Big Bird 

A Southern ground 

hornbill can reach 

40 inches tall. 

The height of 

an average man 

is 70 inches. 

Photo: Jackie Curts

Red Pandas ♥ WinteR 

Red pandas love the winter — in no small 

part because of the amazing adaptations 

they’ve developed to fend off the cold. 

• Their thick coat of reddish fur is even 

more remarkable than meets the eye. 

It’s so thick that rain and snow can’t saturate it. 

• Red pandas can curl into a tight ball and use their large thick tail 

to keep them warm while sleeping. This is especially helpful in the 

brutal cold found in their home range in southwestern China and the 

eastern Himalayas. 

• The bottoms of their feet are also covered with thick fur to keep their 

paws warm. It is almost like they are wearing mittens! 

See this remarkable mammal all winter long in the Forests Biome. 

We love that our members are so invested in the Zoo 

and clamor for updates on their favorite animals. 

new Mesh for eagle 

We can’t always give advance warning 

when an animal is off exhibit, but you 

can trust we have a good reason for it. 

An example of this was in the Forests 

Biome in June when the eagle exhibit 

received new mesh. This will make the 

area safer for both the birds and the 

keepers and allow us to manage bird care 

and introductions in the exhibit better. 

Between maintenance, routine health 

checks and preventative care, we always 

have the welfare of the animals at 

heart! 


the king courts 

With our 19-year-old female lion 

Shamfa past reproductive age, 

4-year-old male lion Nyack has been 

showing some interest in 6-year-old 

lioness Zuri. Unfortunately Nyack and 

Zuri’s mating behavior has only been 

intermittent so far. Zuri was implanted 

with a contraceptive device four years 

ago (per the Lion Species Survival Plan). 

Two years later she was approved for 

breeding, but it has taken longer than 

expected for the implant to wear off. 

Could there be lion cubs in our future? 

We’ll have to wait and see! 

kalina 

Submitted by Kristin Bingham, Plains Keeper 

Elephant calf Kalina – born on July 

20, 2011 – is growing by leaps and 

bounds! By one year she was already 

856 pounds. Kalina has started 

learning new training behaviors 

such as leading, lifting her feet and 

lying down. While on exhibit she is 

enjoying the elephant pool and has 

been swimming with Kubwa (her 

mom), Tombi and Sophi. 


Submitted by Niki Kowalski, Senior Trainer, Plains 

Photo: Tim Ardillo 

new at 


oceans reef fun facts 

Winter is coming, but don’t let that 

put your Zoo fun on ice. There are 

plenty of warm indoor attractions 

that are perfect for you and your 

family to enjoy. For example, here 

are just a few of the amazing things 

you can discover for yourself on your 

next trip to the Oceans building. 

• Green moray eels are really 

blue. They have a yellow mucus 

covering their bodies that makes 

them appear green. 

• One purple mouth moray can lay 

more than 10,000 tiny eggs at a 

time. 

• The moray eel exhibit replicates a 

natural coral reef, with the water 

temperature between 77-78° F. 

• A longhorned cowfish is 

poisonous to predators. 

• Orange-shouldered tangs have a 

“scalpel” spine located on each 

side of the narrow area located 

just before the tail that it uses for 

defense and protection. It also 

explains their other name — 

surgeonfish! 

• Emperor angelfish eat parasites 

from larger fish in addition to 

eating algae. 

• All of the species of wrasse 

housed in the moray eel exhibit 

are known to bury themselves in 

the sand when frightened … or 

when sleeping! 


Campaign for Conservation 

and Community 


We are proud to present to you the 

Indianapolis Zoo’s Campaign for 

Conservation and Community: Saving 

the Orangutans. It will change the face 

of the Zoo forever and serve as a beacon 

of hope to zoos and conservation 

organizations worldwide. 

what is it all about? 

This project is about winning hearts, inspiring minds and 

advancing conservation. The $30 million goal of the campaign 

will fund significant new exhibits, highlighted by a global 

center for orangutan awareness opening in 2014: the all-new 

International Orangutan Center. 

While further solidifying the Indianapolis Zoo’s position as one 

the world’s leaders in animal conservation, the educational and 

research components of the International Orangutan Center will 

spur interest in saving this species from extinction. It will also 

impact the economic life of our community as millions of people 

visit what is already anticipated to be one of the world’s best zoo 

exhibits. 

This project 

is about 

winning 

hearts, 

inspiring 

minds and 

advancing 

conservation. 

Tim Solso, campaign chairman 

and former chairman and CEO 

of Cummins Inc., described the 

urgency of our efforts this way: 

“We have a challenge and an 

opportunity. The challenge is that 

many of the world’s wild things and 

wild places will not be around for 

our grandchildren to experience. 

At their present rate of decline, 

orangutans will become extinct 

during my grandchildren’s lifetime. 

We do not intend to let that happen. 

Our opportunity is the creation of a 

global center for orangutan conservation at the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Building on the model of the Indianapolis Prize, the International 

Orangutan Center will engage people, enlighten them and 

empower them to save this wondrous species from disappearing 

from our world forever.” 

In addition to the spectacular International Orangutan Center 

(2014), the Campaign is funding projects and programming that 

[Please turn to page 9] 

LUCY, 28-YEAR-OLD FEMALE ORANGUTAN 

Photo: Jackie Curts

the InternatIonal oranGutan center 

1 

the hutan trail 

The Hutan Trail is an ingenious 

interpretation of an orangutan highway 

through the forest. One of the most 

exciting features of the International 

Orangutan Center, the cables and bridges 

of the Hutan Trail allow orangutans to 

leave the Atrium and travel across the Zoo 

— directly over the heads of Zoo guests! 

Perhaps most importantly, the Hutan Trail 

allows orangutans to make choices such 

as where they go and with whom they 

associate. 

2 

5 

the atrium and the 

Beacon of hope 

The iconic Beacon of Hope stretches 

150 feet into the sky. At night, it will be 

illuminated by lights the orangutans turn 

on themselves, reminding Indianapolis that 

there is still hope for orangutans, but that 

hope is centered on us. We believe the 

legend of The Beacon of Hope will spread 

far and wide and that Hoosiers will tell its 

story to visitors for generations to come. 

For more information, visit 

www.indianapoliszoofuture.com 

4 

1 

The Atrium below is a four-season 

ecosystem where orangutans and humans 

can come together regardless of weather 

conditions. With an internal height of 90 

feet, it allows orangutans to climb and 

move as orangutans, not as humans have 

constrained them in the past. The Atrium 

has both indoor and outdoor viewing for 

guests, and houses interpretive spaces and a 

theater-style demonstration laboratory. 

3 

the oases 

The Oases are three special places where 

the orangutans can go if they wish to be 

apart from others or for encounters with 

staff and visitors. The oases will provide 

up-close orangutan viewing as they learn, 

play and rest. 

4 

community plaza 

Community Plaza is the open-air viewing 

and gathering place in front of the 

Atrium’s Window on the Forest. The story 

of the orangutans’ Indonesian home 

begins to unfold in Community Plaza with 

sights, sounds and interpretive graphics. 

2 

6 

5 

the skyline 

The Skyline is a dramatic aerial ride above 

the Zoo, taking visitors close to the Hutan 

Trail for a unique perspective on the 

orangutans. The small Skyline passenger 

fee will generate an estimated half million 

dollars in annual revenue to help fund the 

orangutans’ care in Indianapolis. 

6 

exploration hub 

The Exploration Hub will be perhaps 

the most exciting exhibit element 

for Zoo visitors, scientists and others 

who will have a remarkable window 

into the orangutans’ world, facilitating 

engagement, discovery and learning. 

Visitors to the Indianapolis Zoo will 

play a significant role in providing these 

intelligent animals with engaging ways 

to stimulate their minds. Students and 

other visitors may observe scientists 

researching orangutans’ amazing mental 

abilities. Observe and interact closely with 

the orangutans and learn how you can 

help secure the future of orangutans by 

safeguarding the forests that sustain all 

aspects of their lives. 

www.IndIanapolIsZoo.coM 7 

3

InternatIonal oranGutan center tIMelIne 

2012 2013 

auG sept oct nov dec Jan feB Mar apr MaY June 

Sept 4: Groundbreaking 

What I Saw in 

Borneo 


oranGutans 

at rIsk 

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TREES 

Photos: Mike Crowther 

A group of us just returned from a trip to 

Borneo this May (see page 3 for more details), 

and what we saw further reinforced the 

crucial role the International Orangutan 

Center will play as a catalyst for action — 

both in zoos and in the wild. 

Throughout their range in the wild, orangutans are being displaced 

by habitat conversion, primarily for agricultural development. Currently, the biggest 

threat involves the clear-cutting of primary forest to create palm oil plantations. As a 

result, the number of wild orangutans continues to shrink, and some populations have 

become so small that they are no longer sustainable. This simply means that, over time, 

the number of deaths will be greater than the number of births. The common-sense 

answer in these situations is that the population needs to be increased, but that requires 

more space. 

Among the great apes, orangutans have a number of important distinctions. They are 

the only great apes found exclusively in Southeast Asia — namely Borneo and Sumatra. 

With bodies perfectly suited for climbing and hanging, they spend most of their lives high 

in the forest. They have an extended social system, and adults may spend long stretches 

of time living alone. Females may have only one offspring every seven to nine years, the 

slowest rate of reproduction for any land mammal. Unfortunately, they also have the 

distinction of being the first great ape to be threatened with extinction in recorded history. 

Happily, there is good news to share. New initiatives aim to reforest land adjacent to 

good orangutan habitat. Poor habitat is being revitalized with plantings that produce 

healthy orangutan foods. Also, corridors between orangutan home ranges are being 

created. These small steps are critical, and they require sustained effort and support to 

be successful. 

The Indianapolis Zoo is proud to be sponsoring these activities, and we look forward 

to increasing our support over time. This critical effort will be a primary focus of 

the International Orangutan Center when it opens in 2014. Until then, our dedicated 

conservation staff continues to collaborate with our colleagues working on the ground 

in Malaysia and Indonesia to secure a future for wild orangutans. 

Dr. Rob Shumaker 

Vice President of Life Sciences

JulY auG sept oct nov dec 

2014 

Jan feB Mar apr MaY 

November 2013: Substantial completion 

[Continued from page 6] 

reinforce the Indianapolis Zoo’s position 

as a world-class institution, including: 

• Tiger Forest (opened 2011); 

• New Entry Plaza (opened 2012); 

• The all-new Encounters area featuring 

Flights of Fancy: A Brilliance of Birds 

presented by Citizens Energy Group 

(opened 2012). 

Profound challenges — and rare 

opportunities — require extraordinary 

responses. When the two coincide, it’s 

important to act and act quickly! With 

your help, the community and your 

Indianapolis Zoo can do just that. 

what are our goals? 

The Indianapolis Zoo and generous 

members and supporters like you have 

an opportunity to help save one of the 

most endangered species in the animal 

kingdom, the orangutans, and to 

strengthen existing Zoo habitats: 

• By adding a new skyline-enhancing 

signature home for these great apes; 

• By rethinking and refreshing some of 

our Zoo’s most-loved attractions; 

• By establishing our community’s 

position as a world conservation leader 

as never before. 

Join the Fun 

how can I help? 

All of us face the profound 

challenge of sustaining 

the wonders of our planet 

and its species for future 

generations. The question is: 

HOW DO WE SUCCEED? 

November 2013-May 2014: Orangutan orientation 

We believe we have the answer, but it is 

going to take all of our strength, initiative 

and hard-won experience to make it 

happen. Join us in saving the orangutans; 

elevate enlightenment, education and 

economic development here at home; and 

CONSTRUCTION CHATS 

May 2014: VIP previews 

May 24, 2014: Public opening 

Watch the Member eNews for information on Orangutan 

Construction Chats for Spring 2013. Subjects will include: 

• The Big Picture: Conservation challenges 

facing orangutans (and how you can help). 

• Dumpers & Diggers: Heavy construction 

equipment at work building the 

International Orangutan Center. 

• Orangutans Among Us: How are we 

similar to orangutans? What makes them 

different? 

Can’t get enough of the Zoo? Do more! Volunteer opportunities 

abound year round, especially during ZooBoo presented by 

Indianapolis Honda Dealers and Christmas at the Zoo presented by 

Donatos and Teachers Credit Union. We’re looking for volunteers at 

least 17 years old who enjoy interacting with all ages and are available 

for event training. Learn more online at indianapoliszoo.com or by 

calling the Volunteer Services Office at (317) 630-2041. 

The orangutans 

don’t have a voice, 

but we do. 

Use your smartphone to scan this QR code. 

strengthen Indianapolis’ conservation 

leadership around the world. 

The orangutans don’t have a voice, but 

we do. Won’t you help them? Find out 

more at indianapoliszoofuture.com. 

thank You! 

not signed up for 

the enews? It’s easy! Just 

Special thanks to Indiana 

Farm Bureau Insurance 

for sponsoring the 2012 

Indianapolis Zoo Map. 

Get a copy on your next 

visit or find a copy at 

indianapoliszoo.com — just 

click on About the Zoo and 

scroll down to Zoo Maps. 

email, “Sign me up” to 

membership@indyzoo.com 

and we’ll take care of 

the rest! 


around 


tIGer caM: Get a quick tiger fix 

Check out the Zoo’s Amur tigers from home during regular Zoo 

hours using the Tiger Cam! This maneuverable camera is placed 

right above their exhibit, so you can see them watching, stalking, 

swimming or sleeping (they are cats after all). Zoom in or out, and 

pan up and down or side to side. It’s the next best thing to being at 

the exhibit. 

Just go to indianapoliszoo.com and click on About the Zoo and 

Webcams. 

dId You know? The Amur tiger is the largest of the five surviving 

tiger species and is critically endangered. Only about 350-400 Amur 

tigers survive in the wild, with about the same number in human 

care around the world. 

Special Experiences 

Meeting zoo animals is only part of what you can 

experience at the Indianapolis Zoo. Immerse yourself 

in the wild with your choice of behind-the-scenes 

opportunities: paint with a penguin, get in the water 

with a dolphin and more! 

One of our newest programs, Dolphin Trainer 101, 

lets you learn how to become a dolphin trainer. In 

this two-day camp, kids 10-14 years of age* are 

immersed in the world of bottlenose dolphins and 

their marine mammal trainers through games, crafts and behindthe-scenes 

tours. The experience culminates in a Dolphin In-Water Adventure. The 

graduates of this program walk (or swim?) away with an experience of a lifetime! 

Want to find out more about this and other amazing opportunities? Visit us at 

indianapoliszoo.com and click on Special Zoo Experiences. 

* Program participants must be at least 4 feet 6 inches tall. 

lights! camera! action! 

hix Institute for research and conservation 

The Zoo’s Hix Institute has gone Hollywood — or as close as it’s ever going to get! Staff 

members have been busily producing videos for the Zoo’s YouTube channel to help 

demonstrate the care and professionalism exhibited by Zoo staff. These fun videos also give 

you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes here at the Zoo. 

The 11 videos are all approximately 2-3 minutes in length and have been posted regularly 

since February. Topics include animal care, nutrition, veterinary care, horticulture, and 

research and conservation. Some of the episodes you might especially enjoy are Lunch with 

Penguins, Weigh-In at the Zoo, Dolphin Training 101, and our newest production, What’s 

Old is New at the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Can’t wait to check them out? Visit us at youtube.com/user/IndianapolisZoo 


travel night 

november 14 • 6pm 

Indianapolis Zoo (white river Gardens) 

Want to go on the adventure of a 

lifetime, but not sure where to start? 

Join us at the Zoo for our free Travel 

Night reception. 

We’ll share details about two actionpacked 

Zoo trips: 

· Costa Rica (July 20-27, 2013) 

· Churchill, Manitoba (Fall 2013) 

You’ll make memories to treasure 

forever on these amazing adventures. 

Your host for the night, Charlie Hyde, 

is Director of Membership and a 

seasoned world traveler. The tour 

operators will join us to share photos, 

personal experiences, and walk you 

through the journeys. 

The event is free; RSVP to Jennifer 

Barker at (317) 630-2014. 

Photo: Jackie Curts

for the BIrds… 

fall and winter 

fruiting plants 

Do you lose interest in your garden 

and flowerbeds during the winter 

months? Maybe you shouldn’t — your 

neighborhood birds certainly don’t! 

Food sources in the winter are often 

scarce for birds. Fall fruiting plants are 

important for migratory birds that build 

up fat reserves before migration and as 

a food source for non-migratory species 

that need to enter the winter season in 

good physical condition. Fall-fruiting 

plants include dogwoods, mountain ash, 

winterberries and cotoneasters. 

If you feature plants in your garden that 

bear winter fruit, not only will you enjoy 

more wildlife in your backyard, you 

will provide them with a food source as 

well. Winter-fruiting plants are those 

whose fruits remain attached to the 

plants long after they first become ripe 

in the fall. Many are not palatable for 

birds until they have frozen and thawed 

many times. Examples of these plants 

are black chokeberry, Virginia creeper, 

snowberry and sumacs. 

It is worth thinking about how your 

garden can look — and taste — 

wonderful all four seasons long. 

tiger trackers 

on facebook: 

a family activity 

Submitted by Andy Norman, Gardener 

The Indianapolis Zoo’s 

Facebook game is a 

fun and interactive way to understand 

the plight of Amur tigers and what can 

be done to save them. Build your camp, 

gather supplies, face difficult challenges 

and help researcher Penny as she works 

to study and save the wild tigers. Try 

playing it for free at 

http://apps.facebook.com/tigertrackers/ 

around 


Fall is in the Air Photos: Missouri Botanical Garden PlantFinder 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 

The ginkgo is an underutilized tree with a peculiar, 

distinctive leaf that turns a bright golden yellow in the 

fall. It’s is also known for its tolerance and adaptability 

to a variety of soil types. 

Black chokeberry 

(Aronia melanocarpa) 

Black chokeberry is one of the 

few shrubs that bears attractive 

flowers in the spring, reddish purple 

foliage in the fall and fruits in 

the winter. 

serviceberry 

(Amelanchier spp.) 

Serviceberry is a medium-sized 

native tree reaching a height of 

six to 30 feet tall, depending on 

the species. This shrub produces 

delicious edible berries in early summer, followed by 

brilliant red foliage in the fall. 

sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) 

s 

The sugar maple is arguably the most iconic and 

majestic tree for fall color. Sugar maples possess a broad 

round canopy with leaves that change from green to red, yellow 

or orange in late autumn. It is one of the most impressive trees in 

the Indiana landscape during late autumn. 

honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos) 

The honey locust is known for its bright yellow foliage 

during the fall season. Besides being a very drought-tolerant 

specimen, the leaves of the honey locust are finely textured, 

which allows for easy fall clean-up. 

put a tiger on Your trunk 

s 

For the first time ever, there’s an Indianapolis Zoo license 

plate in Indiana. Featuring the Zoo’s tiger logo, this 

distinctive plate is a stylish way to help support the Zoo. For 

only $40, you can purchase yours online at myBMV.com/specialty or 

just ask for it at any Indiana license branch. As a specialty plate, $25 of the fee 

will go directly toward food and medical care for the animals at the Indianapolis Zoo. 

Personalize your plate to show off your wild side … the possibilities for fun are endless. 

Watch the Member eNews for more information. 

s 

s 

s 

Advancing Animal Conservation 


great 

gIFts 

Polly wants a membership! 

Polly wants a membership! 

... And she’s not the only one! 

A gift membership to the 

Indianapolis Zoo is an easy way for 

you to give your loved ones what 

they really want this holiday season. 

Make the holidays merry and bright. 

Just imagine how excited your family and 

friends will be to have a membership — 

a full year of fun at one of the top zoos in 

the country. 

The gift that keeps on giving. 

Put a world of opportunity and adventure 

within easy grasp. Once a month, twice a 

week or three times a day, the Zoo is ready 

with fun adventures for the whole family. 

See their eyes sparkle with delight. 

The first time they get within inches of a 

tiger and live to tell the tale is a memory 

that will last a lifetime. Or feed a lorikeet. 

Or race a cheetah. Or get one-on-one with 

a dolphin … you get the point! 

It’s easy — just go online or call today and 

we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll even mail the 

membership packet and plush to you or your 

gift recipient at no additional charge. 

dolphin In-water adventure 

It’s more than a gift — the Indianapolis Zoo’s Dolphin In-Water 

Adventure is an experience that will last a lifetime. Your lucky 

friend or family member will be able to get in the water with 

dolphins and become familiar with the training techniques 

used by the Indianapolis Zoo’s Marine Mammal staff. The 

Adventure includes: 

• A backstage classroom session all about dolphins and their 

training; 

• More than 30 minutes poolside/in-the-water time with our 

trainers and dolphins; 

• A souvenir towel and a photograph with a dolphin. 

Gift certificates are available for family members, friends or employees to 

celebrate a special occasion or just say thank you. Go to indianapoliszoo.com 

and click on Special Zoo Experiences, or call the Zoo Adventure line at (317) 630-2076. 


SAVE $10 and 

GET A FREE PLUSH 

As a member, if you purchase 

a gift membership before 

December 31, you’ll receive 

$10.00 off the regular 

membership price and a free 

animal plush! Call 

(317) 630-2046 to order your 

gift membership today, or 

go to indianapoliszoo.com, 

click on Membership and use 

promotional code MB902012. 

Please note: This discount offer is not 

valid with any other offer and may not 

be used by a current or lapsed member 

to renew their own membership. Only 

orders received by December 12, 2012 

are guaranteed delivery before 

December 25. 

GIve a 

frIend 

a frIend 

Make a new friend today by 

giving an Animal Amigo! 

Our featured animal, the polar bear, 

is in honor of 2012 Indianapolis Prize 

winner Dr. Steven Amstrup. Donate 

$50.00 or more to receive an Animal 

Amigo package for you or a friend. 

Your donation helps provide food, 

medical treatment, equipment, habitat 

improvement and daily care for the 

animals at the Zoo. 

For more information about Animal 

Amigo benefits, contact us at 

(317) 630-2049, amigo@indyzoo.com 

or visit us at indianapoliszoo.com and 

click on Donate Now. 

holiday parties at the Zoo 

Show your wild side with a holiday party 

at the Indianapolis Zoo! Choose from a 

variety of great options to cover all your 

entertaining needs. Room options include: 

• Underwater dolphin viewing; 

• Private room overlooking White River 

and the downtown skyline; 

• Exclusive access to the Oceans 

building. 

Ready to party on? Give us a call at 

(317) 630-2051 for best availability. 

Give the Gift of the Zoo 

Surprise your family, friends and 

co-workers this holiday season 

with a trip to the Zoo — it’s a gift 

sure to make memories! 

Discount ticket packages include 

25 Zoo tickets for 20 percent off 

or 25 ride passes for just $45.00. 

To order your holiday gift, 

call (317) 630-2051.

Photo: Daniel Cox, PolarBearsInternational.org 

polar Bear champion receives world’s 

leading award for animal conservation 

Without question, Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, senior 

scientist at Polar Bears International, is the 

most influential person working on polar bear 

conservation today. 

His three decades of polar bear research and 

unwavering commitment to finding solutions 

to save Ursus maritimus from extinction have 

had a global impact. It is in recognition of 

this life-long work to transform the world’s 

understanding of this amazing animal that 

he has been named the recipient of the 

2012 Indianapolis Prize — the world’s 

leading award for animal conservation. 

prize webcast 

In partnership with 

Ball State University 

The 2012 Indianapolis Prize winner will 

be featured in two events in partnership 

with Ball State University. On 

October 2, schools and individuals 

can interact with the winner via the 

Internet on two different webcasts 

at 1pm or 7pm. Don’t miss this live 

interactive webcast experience. Visit 

indianapolisprize.org to find out more. 

Dr. Amstrup and his team pioneered 

groundbreaking studies that resulted in 

the listing of the polar bear as a threatened species due 

to global climate change. His search to understand this amazing animal 

has taken him to one of the harshest environments in the world — a frozen seascape 

where temperatures plummet below zero and the sun isn’t seen for months on end. 

“Steven’s fieldwork in the Arctic opened the door to understanding that the 

deterioration of the polar bear population is at our doorstep, while verifying that this is 

not an irreversible situation,” said Robert Buchanan, president and CEO of Polar Bears 

International. “His passionate outreach has helped the world understand how sea ice 

losses from a warming climate threaten polar bear survival. His message is one of hope 

and determination to have future generations see polar bears roam free in the Arctic.” 

The biennial Prize includes an unrestricted award of $100,000 and the Lilly Medal, 

which will be presented to Dr. Amstrup at the Indianapolis Prize Gala presented by 

Cummins Inc. on September 29 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Indianapolis. To reserve 

your ticket now, visit indianapolisprize.org and click on Gala. 

In the 

know 

prize lecture tour 

Dr. Steven Amstrup, the 2012 Indianapolis 

Prize recipient, will make several 

public appearances as part of the 2012 

Indianapolis Prize Lecture Tour: DePauw 

University in Greencastle on September 

30, Butler University in Indianapolis on 

October 1, and the California Academy of 

Sciences on October 4. 

Visit indianapolisprize.org for other 

educational opportunities and more 

information on tour times and locations. 

calling all heroes! 

Dial-a-Hero is an Indianapolis 

Zoo program that lets you learn 

interesting and amazing information 

about the Indianapolis Prize finalists. 

Look for the signs at exhibits 

throughout Zoo grounds based 

(when possible) upon the animals 

with which the conservationist 

works. 

Polar bear: Steven Amstrup 6 # 

Rhino: Markus Borner 7 # 

Red Panda: Rodney Jackson 8 # 

Encounters: Carl Jones 9 # 

Baboon: Russ Mittermeier 10 # 

Ruffed Lemur: Patricia Wright 11 # 

Just dial (317) 245-4084 either at 

the Zoo or from home and enter the 

extension listed above. 


Special eventS 

Photo: Jason Wright 

hispanic heritage fiesta 

in partnership with la voz de Indiana 

september 16 • 12noon-4pm 

¡Hola amigos! Who’s ready for a party? 

We are proud to help kick off Hispanic 

Heritage Month in Indy with our annual 

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta. 

This fun event adds cultural flair to 

your Zoo visit. Hear great Latin music 

throughout the Zoo, see if you can find 

the Zoo animals native to Latin America, 

enjoy Mexican food options, take a swing 

at a piñata each hour, visit booths from 

local businesses and take home special 

craft projects. 

Meet a hero, Be a hero day 

presented by cummins Inc. 

september 29 • 10:30am-12:30pm 

Imagine meeting an international 

conservation hero. Think of the thrill of 

coming face-to-face with a person who 

has devoted his whole life and career to 

saving animals like polar bears, snow 

leopards or black rhinos. 

Usually you’d have to travel to the wildest 

places on Earth for a chance like this. But 

on September 29 all you have to do is 

come to the Indianapolis Zoo for Meet a 

Hero, Be a Hero Day featuring finalists for 

the 2012 Indianapolis Prize. 

Join us in the Dolphin Gallery to pick up 

your Conservation Hero collector cards 

(free to the first 1,000 Zoo members or 

guests) and meet the Indianapolis Prize 

Conservation Heroes working to save 

animals around the world. Ask them your 

questions, get their autographs and be 

inspired by their passion to save wildlife 

and wild places. 


2010 INDIANAPOLIS PRIZE WINNER 

IAIN DOUGLAS-HAMILTONPhoto: Matt Mays 

2012 Indianapolis prize Gala 

presented by cummins Inc. 

september 29 

Jw Marriott hotel Indianapolis 

Every two years, serious conservationists 

from across the globe turn their gaze 

upon Indianapolis — home to the world’s 

leading award for animal conservation. 

The finalists and winner are honored at a spectacular gala event that celebrates the 

stories of real-life conservation heroes. It’s an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come 

face-to-face with these internationally renowned individuals who have dedicated their 

lives to preserving some of the world’s most endangered animals. 

Be amazed and inspired at this unforgettable event, and let us show you why there is 

still hope for advancing animal conservation both locally and globally. Reservations are 

required. Go to indianapolisprize.org to purchase your tickets and find out more. 

Special thanks to our sponsors and partners: Lilly Medal sponsor, The Eli Lilly and Company 

Foundation; Gala presenting partner, Cummins Inc.; video sponsor, The Heritage Group; VIP 

Reception sponsor, Pepper Construction; and media sponsors IBJ, Indianapolis Monthly, The 

Indianapolis Star and WISH-TV. 

halloween ZooBoo 

presented by Indianapolis honda dealers 

October 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 • 2-7pm 

Join us for nine days of frighteningly good 

family fun at Halloween ZooBoo. Come in 

costume — or come as you are — and be ready 

to play. Animals are out late and we’ll also 

feature extra activities like the elephant 

pumpkin smash, Halloween-themed 

dolphin shows and special chats. 

Enjoy the crisp fall air and participate in free activities like monster music dancing, 

bowling with pumpkins, touching animal artifacts and more: 

• Treat the Kids: Bring a bag and visit five trick-or-treat stations in the Plains Biome. 

• Decoration Voting Contest: Every year Zoo departments (and we mean everyone) 

compete to design the best wild decorations for you and your family to enjoy. With 

bragging rights at stake, we ask you to vote for your favorite! 

• Photo Ops: Across Zoo grounds you’ll find spooky but fun photo ops perfect for the 

family photo album or Facebook. 

• Bonus Activities: The rides get in on the fun with the new 4-D Theater, Round-Go- 

Merry (backwards-running carousel) and Halloween train ride with real actors. Tasty 

fall treats can be found throughout grounds with apple cider, caramel apples and 

roasted nuts among the favorites. 

There’s so much to do, you’ll come back screaming for more!


It’s a Wonderland 

christmas at the Zoo 

presented by donatos and teachers credit union 

november 23-december 30 (Wednesday-sunday) • 5-9pm 

As the temperature drops, let holiday traditions at the Zoo warm your heart. Christmas at 

the Zoo is truly a magical time as hundreds of thousands of lights gleam serenely across 

a holiday landscape. Sip a hot beverage, visit the animals, and enjoy exhibits and special 

activities throughout the Zoo. 

Plan Your Visit: Christmas at the Zoo opens the day after Thanksgiving, and it’s the 

perfect way to get your whole family out of the house and having fun together. The Zoo 

opens at 12Noon, with festivities beginning at 5pm as the Christmas lights come on. 

Holiday Festivities: As with any Zoo trip, the animals play a special role and for 

the holidays, with special dolphin shows and keeper chats. During the event you can 

decorate cookies, write letters to Santa, warm up at the campfire, and watch animated 

light shows. Before December 25, be sure to visit with Santa to let him know your 

holiday wishes, visit with Mrs. Claus and listen to local school choirs and carolers 

perform your favorite holiday jingles. 

New Areas: With Encounters now open, a full light show and decorations will be added 

to this area of the Zoo. Plus, you can warm up a frosty nose watching a family holiday 

movie together in the 4-D Theater. 

Due to the ground breaking for the all-new International Orangutan Center, we are 

moving Santa’s Village to White River Gardens. No worries though — you can still meet 

the big guy and take photos indoors inside the Gardener’s Pride Gift Shop. 

Christmas at the Zoo is free for members and included with Zoo admission. 

special Member tips 

• Come out early: Enjoy smaller crowd sizes by coming 

out on any Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday before 

Christmas or before 5pm to see the animals prior to the 

lights popping on at dusk. 

• Spirit of the Season: Bring a hat, scarf or glove donation 

to decorate our Mitten Tree. All items will be donated to 

St. Mary’s Child Center located near the Zoo. 

• Dress smart: Wear layers and you’ll forget all about the 

cooler weather. It also makes it easier to go from petting 

sharks inside to being wowed by the light displays outside! 


• Save room for dessert: With special treats from the famous Santa’s Sweet Shop, you’ll 

want to make sure you’re ready for some delicious snacking. 

Special eventS 

MeMbers only: 

Breakfast with santa 

december 1 & 8 • 10am-12noon 

reservations required 

Join us for a fun-filled morning of 

holiday cheer, complete with a full 

breakfast, live holiday music, holidaythemed 

activities and one-on-one 

time with Santa himself! Great photo 

opportunities abound as the kids chat 

with the jolly old elf in his red velvet 

chair in the Hilbert Conservatory. 

Be lively and quick to get your tickets 

for this popular members-only event. 

Reservations will open October 12. 

To order, call the Membership office 

at (317) 630-2046, Monday-Friday, 

from 8am-5pm. Tickets are $20.00 

for member adults and $14.00 for 

member children. 

save the date 

elegant Vintages 16th 

International wine auction 

presented by fifth third private Bank 

March 16, 2013 

conrad hotel, Indianapolis 

This elegant black-tie optional event 

features live and silent auctions and 

includes non-wine items such as original 

art, winery trips, designer jewelry, behindthe-scenes 

tours at the Zoo and more! 

Other festivities include The Turkle and 

Associates and Phases Skin Care and 

Laser Center VIP Patrons’ Reception, a 

multi-course gourmet dinner paired with 

exquisite wines, and live entertainment 

following the auction. Visit Special 

Events at indianapoliszoo.com for more 

information. 

Special thanks to our 2012 sponsors: Fifth 

Third Private Bank; Turkle & Associates 

and Phases Skin Care and Laser Center; Leo 

Brown Group; Olinger, Glazer’s, In Vie. 


indianapoliszoo.com 

1200 West Washington Street 

P.O. Box 22309 

Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309 

Free 

11" x 17" 

poster inside! 

Non-Profit 

Organization 

U.S. Postage 

PAID 

Indianapolis, IN 

Permit No. 2460 

page # paGe 4 page # paGe 6 page # paGe 10 page # 

paGe 15 

Zoo 

septeMBer 29 

Indianapolis Prize Gala* presented by Cummins Inc. 

JW Marriott Hotel 

OctObeR 12-14, 19-21, 26-28 

Calendar Halloween ZooBoo 

presented by Indianapolis Honda Dealers 

fall+wInter 2012/13 

noveMBer 3-4 

feather Your nest 

There are some “brilliant” 

new all-season amenities 

available to you throughout 

the Zoo: 

Power Recycling Weekend presented by BrightPoint • Nursing Moms Nest 

noveMBer 23-deceMBer 30 

presented by Riley 

Christmas at the Zoo presented by Donatos and TCU Hospital for Children 

(open Wednesday through Sunday; 

closed Christmas Eve & Day, New Year’s Eve & Day) 

at Indiana University 

Health (Encounters) 

deceMbeR 1 & 8 

Breakfast With Santa* 

JanuarY 21, 2013 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day 

• 

• 

Gift Shop (Entry Plaza) 

4-D Theater 

(Encounters) 

MaRch 16, 2013 

• Renovated Restrooms 

Elegant Vintages 16th International Wine Auction* (Entry Plaza) 

* Reservations required 

presented by Fifth Third Private Bank 

Conrad Hotel, Indianapolis 

• Tots Treehouse & Play 

Area (Encounters) 

not signed up 

for the enews? It’s easy! 

Just email, “Sign me Up” to 

membership@indyzoo.com 

and we’ll take care of 

the rest! 

operatIng hours 

septeMBer 1-3, 2012 

9am-7pm (Open Labor Day) 

septeMBer 4 – octoBer 31, 2012* 

9am-4pm, Monday-Thursday 

9am-5pm, Friday-Sunday 

noveMBer 1-21 

9am-4pm, Wednesday-Sunday 

Closed: Monday-Tuesday and 

Thanksgiving Day 


noveMBer 23-deceMBer 30 

12Noon-9pm, Wednesday-Sunday 

Closed: Monday-Tuesday, Christmas 

Eve & Day and New Year’s Eve & Day 

JanuaRy 2-FebRuaRy 28, 2013 

9am-4pm, Wednesday-Sunday, 

Closed Monday-Tuesday 

*Open until 7pm for Halloween ZooBoo. 


Zoo general InFo: (317) 630-2001 

animal amigo: (317) 630-2049 

school field trips/class 

contributions: (317) 630-2703 

reservations: (317) 630-2000 

corporate sponsorships: (317) 630-2009 

volunteer services: (317) 630-2041 

Group sales: (317) 630-2051 

adventure line: (317) 630-2076 

facility rentals: (317) 630-2051 

Zoobilation: (317) 630-2026 

Gift shop: (317) 423-2577 

Membership: (317) 630-2050 

Blog 

indyzoo.com/Blog 

Photo: Kim Harms

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