A Special Advertising Supplement
How Well Do You Know
Your Zoo? by Michelle Carl
Mary Healy is director/CEO of the Sacramento Zoo. Courtesy photo
H do they know that last year the zoo contributed $100,000 to
alf a million visitors come to the Sacramento Zoo each year. But
conservation efforts around the world? Or that the zoo has a worldrenowned veterinary care facility? Read on to learn some other things you may not know about your Sacramento Zoo.
History. The Sacramento Zoo first opened in
To learn mo re about accreditatio n and the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, please visit www.aza.org .
1927 when the city of Sacramento brought together a collection of 40 animals to create the “little zoo in the park.” In 1997, the nonprofit Sacramento Zoological Society took over financial and daily management of the zoo. Today, more than 140 species call the 14acre zoo home. Although it sits on city land, many people are surprised to learn the zoo receives less than 10 percent of its funding from the city of Sacramento.
A quality experience. The Sacramento Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), which means it conforms to high standards of animal care and well-being, visitor services, educational programs, collection planning and more. Less than 10 percent of zoos licensed in the United States are AZA accredited. Connection to animals.
The lush and intimate setting at the Sacramento Zoo means guests can have unforgettable experiences. “What we’re really focusing on is getting people up close to the animals,” says Mary Healy, director and CEO of the Sacramento Zoo. “Everything we’ve done has been with the visitor in mind.” Examples would be the veterinary hospital with windows that let guests observe procedures and the
Did you know?
cover photo by anne stokes
2 | Sacramento Zoo | A special advertising supplement | www.saczoo.org
glass enclosure that allows kids to get nose-to-nose with river otters.
Connection to the world.
The zoo is committed to conservation efforts locally and around the world, from creating more wetlands for the giant garter snake in the Sacramento Valley to supporting the snow leopard population in Mongolia. The zoo also teaches preservation of our planet through a connection forged between visitors and the zoo animals that represent their counterparts in the wild. “We know that you have to reach people’s hearts — they have to want to care,” Healy says. “It’s such an easy leap once you’ve got people caring about the animals, to make sure that they’re taking care of their environment around them.”
The future of the zoo. Exciting things lie ahead for the zoo. The Small Wonders of Africa habitat is slated to open in summer 2014. Healy also has aspirations of renovating the front of the zoo to include more ticket windows, bathrooms and a signature “wow” attraction. But these projects require additional sources of funding. “Memberships and admissions pay the bills, but to do any kind of construction ... takes additional funds,” Healy says. “We don’t know what that would look like, but we know long-term that’s what we need. We’ve been around 87 years now and want to be around for another 87.”
The Sacramento Zoo’s concession stands use food containers made from biodegradable corn plastic. The Zoo’s Green Team has been helping to reduce waste and conserve energy at the zoo since 2003. With help from mascot Gus the green tree frog, the zoo also recycles batteries, holds biketo-work days and encourages zoo members to go paperless with email newsletters and renewals.
Ray Wack and a team of more than 30 veterinaria tiger who was diagnosed with cancer. Photo courtes
Local to
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by Mike
T oversees the care of he Sacramento Zoo
more than 500 animals who call the zoo home. But the zoo also cares about animals outside the zoo. Part of the mission of the Sacramento Zoo is to help protect animals in their natural habitats through conservation efforts, both locally and around the globe. Without conservation programs, zoo curator Harrison Edell says endangered species would be at a much higher risk for extinction.
“There are incredible species all over the world, and we love to give our guests a glimpse of what makes nature so wonderful,” Edell says. “But
we also want to protect environm animals still hav in the wild in th educating the p important to pro According t International Un Conservation o are 11,212 thre of animals on e education, the Zoo is helping t species in their through special programs. Staff currently mana breeding progra by 12 Species coordinators. “Sustainab issue,” Edell sa make sure we d too many anim
Wild Medicine Vet hospital offers top-notch care by Mike Blount
W be administering
hile one day he might
anesthesia to an anteater and the next he might be taking the vital signs of a sloth, Dr. Ray Wack is always looking out for the health of every animal at the Sacramento Zoo.
ans and physicians perform surgery on Castro, an adult male Sumatran
Wack is the senior veterinarian at the Dr. Murray E. Fowler Veterinary Hospital, named for the pioneering zoo medicine veterinarian who first started caring for Sacramento Zoo animals in the ’60s. Preventive care is a large part of what the veterinary hospital does to keep animals at the zoo healthy and happy. And while most of those checkups take place within the hospital, Wack has to do a “house call” for the giraffes — they’re too tall to fit in the building. Through a partnership with the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, students training to become veterinarians work alongside Sacramento Zoo staff to learn how to provide medical care for individual animals at the zoo. In addition, graduate veterinarians train at the Sacramento Zoo as part of
a three-year residency program in collaboration with UC Davis, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. Wack says the program is mutually beneficial for all of the organizations. “We take excellent care of all the animals at Sacramento Zoo, and we’re also providing great training opportunities for the next generation of veterinarians,” Wack says. “We’re educating the public as well. They can see us caring for the animals through our hospital windows and we have an audio system where we can explain the care we are giving to these animals.” In October 2013, Wack and a team of more than 30 veterinarians and physicians performed surgery on Castro, an adult male Sumatran tiger who was diagnosed with cancer. While they were treating Castro, tests revealed he was developing small stones in the tubes between his kidneys and bladder. Wack and his team placed a stent in the ureter — the first time that this type of surgery has ever been performed on a tiger in the United States.
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o do our part to ments so these ve a place to exist he future, while public on why it’s otect them.” to the nion for of Nature, there eatened species earth. Aside from Sacramento to preserve r natural habitat lized breeding f at the zoo ages 19 different ams headed up Survival Plan
bility is a huge ays. “We want to don’t produce mals, and that
we understand each animal’s biology well enough to help other zoos breed a species that might be in danger or struggling.” Guests at the Sacramento Zoo can get involved with the zoo’s conservation efforts through Quarters for Conservation. Upon entry, visitors will receive tokens representing their contribution to conservation programs the zoo supports, such as the Galapagos Penguin Lava Nest Project and the Pacific Fisher Health Project. The token enables them to vote for one of three projects at the wishing well in the zoo’s entry plaza. Each project is guaranteed at least $5,000 in funding, while votes determine additional funding.
Critters, Campouts,
Concerts and More
From Little Peeps preschool classes to Senior Tea and Tours, the Sacramento Zoo has a variety of educational and recreational fun for all ages. Talk with zoo keepers who care daily for the animals during scheduled Keeper Chats. Or get up close and meet ambassador animals after each Wildlife Stage show.
Did you know?
You can turn your tree trimmings into a feast for animals at the Sacramento Zoo. Every day, zoo animals eat browse — non-toxic branches and leaves from specific species of trees and shrubs that might be growing in your backyard. Browse allows animals
Experience
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to wake up to the roar of a lion or squawking flamingos? After enjoying a Family Overnight Safari at the zoo, you’ll know exactly what that feels like. such as giraffes, lemurs and birds to supplement their diet as well as stimulate their minds. And if you live within 5 miles of the zoo, they’ll pick it up for free! Visit saczoo.org/browse for the edible tree list and more information.
And we all know nature makes music, but so do Sacramento’s local bands and musicians. During the Twilight Thursdays summer series, you can groove to music, peruse a car show, dine on tasty food, drink beer and see animals at sunset during these uniquely themed evenings.
The Sacramento Zoo’s
Mission
The Sacramento Zoo inspires appreciation, respect and a connection with wildlife and nature through education, recreation and conservation.
Sacramento Zoo | A special advertising supplement | www.saczoo.org | 3
Connect to the
Sacramento
Zoo Visit
Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily (Winter Hours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November-January). General Admission $11.25, seniors $10.50, children 2-11 $7.25, children under 2 free.
Donate Support the nonprofit Sacramento Zoological Society through a charitable donation. You can make a meaningful investment in the zoo with your one-time, ongoing or planned gift. Sponsor a favorite animal through the Zoo Parents program. Leave a lasting legacy by sponsoring a bench or brass paver. Visit saczoo.org/donate for more information on charitable giving.
Become a Member Want free admission to the zoo for one year? Become a member and receive benefits including subscription to the zoo’s newsletter, discounts on concessions and more. Memberships start at $40. Call (916) 808-5888.
Volunteer There are many special ways to help the Sacramento Zoo, from scooping ice cream to scooping animal droppings. Volunteers help by serving as docents or keeper aides, working at special events, gardening or taking part in the Zoo Teen program. For opportunities, contact the Volunteer Coordinator today! Call (916) 808-7264.
Bring the Zoo to You! The Zoomobile will bring a variety of classroom appropriate animals and discuss wildlife with your group of 40 or fewer people. Perfect for classrooms, churches, senior facilities, service groups and other organizations interested in an educational experience. For more information on the Zoomobile, call (916) 808-5889. (Available up to 70 miles of the zoo.)
Party at the zoo Host your corporate or private event at the zoo. From weddings to birthday parties, employee appreciation to teambuilding, you can rent an area or the entire zoo. Call (916) 808-8561.
2014 zoo calendar of events The Sacramento Zoo offers a virtually endless list of activities for all ages. Here are a few of the highlights:
Recycle Rummage Sale April 5, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Score bargains on books, jewelry, housewares and collectibles as you benefit conservation. Part of Earth Fest, a daylong event celebrating ways to protect the planet.
ZooZoom* April 13, 7 a.m.-noon This year marks the 34th annual ZooZoom run/walk event. Races range from 5K to 10K, plus fun runs for the kids.
Senior Tea & Tours* May 5, 12 & 19, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A morning designed with seniors (55 and older) in mind. Take a docent-led tour followed by tea, lemonade and finger foods. $15 per person. Reserve online or call (916) 808-5889.
Swingin’ Safari Golf Tournament* May 12, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Come out swingin’ for the 13th annual golf tournament held at El Macero Country Club. $250 per individual player. Sponsorships available. Go online to sign up.
Twilight Thursdays Thursdays, June 19-July 31, 5:30-8 p.m. Hot cars, live music, good food and cool drinks. Included with general zoo admission and free to zoo members.
King of Feasts* June 21, 6-9 p.m. Enjoy Polynesian dancers, gourmet food, good wine and local breweries — all with the zoo as your backdrop.
Ice Cream Safari* Aug. 16, 4-8 p.m. The 30th annual Ice Cream Safari will feature all the Baskin Robbins and Coca-Cola your heart desires while exploring the zoo and fun activities.
3930 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822
Wild Affair* Oct. 4, 5-10 p.m. Spend an enchanted evening behind the scenes of the zoo at this gala dinner and auction. $175 individual dinner, sponsorships available. Tickets available online starting May 1.
Boo at the Zoo* Oct. 30-31, 5-8 p.m. Safely trickor-treat with Halloween-themed activities, a magic show, dancing and more.
Food Drive Nov. 1-Dec. 24 Bring in one nonperishable food item and receive $1 off zoo admission.
Holiday Magic Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Watch as the animals enjoy their enrichment gifts for the season. Zoo closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. *Requires special event ticket, refer to website for details