director's den - Henry Vilas Zoo
director's den - Henry Vilas Zoo
director's den - Henry Vilas Zoo
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Vol. 2, 2010<br />
in this issue<br />
Paddle for the Polar Bears<br />
Art ZOObilee Auction –<br />
Save the Date!<br />
Volunteer at the <strong>Zoo</strong>!<br />
Message from the Executive Director<br />
Supporter Spotlight: Jim Hill<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> to Celebrate 100 Years<br />
Meet a Keeper<br />
Enrichment Program at<br />
Mounds Stores<br />
Keeping Up With the Keepers<br />
director’s <strong>den</strong><br />
Hello <strong>Zoo</strong> Friends!<br />
Photo by: Kira Dott<br />
Endangered Species Feature:<br />
Palm Oil Crisis<br />
Ask Jim<br />
Registration Open:<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> Run Run 2010<br />
A Few Very Special Thank Yous<br />
Join the Cycling Team!<br />
Call for Family Photo Submissions<br />
Camera Day 2010<br />
Week of the Young Child<br />
Check Out Our NEW Lion’s<br />
Den Grill<br />
Thanks to your terrific support, your <strong>Zoo</strong> is well into another great season. We have had<br />
over 240,000 visitors since January, which is 30,000 more than last year at this time!<br />
Earth Day was a wonderful success. Lots of oxygen will be produced and carbon<br />
dioxide collected by the 4,000 spruce trees given out. A special thanks to our<br />
Conservation Partners: Polar Bears International, Wisconsin Department of Natural<br />
Resources, Madison Gas & Electric, Pepsi, Aldo Leopold Center, Dane County Human<br />
Society, Boy Scout Troop 15 and the many Kohls’ volunteers. It was inspiring to see so<br />
many of our visitors interested in learning about conservation of our natural resources.<br />
Four new young and very active female meerkats, transferred from our fellow AZA<br />
Accredited, Cheyenne Mountain <strong>Zoo</strong>, are now on exhibit. We are certain you will enjoy<br />
watching them.<br />
Our capital projects are right on schedule. Construction of a NEW Children’s <strong>Zoo</strong> Barn<br />
has begun and is located in the general area of the existing barn. During construction,<br />
goat feeding will be temporarily moved to the old bison yard. Final Construction<br />
documents needed to build the Arctic Passage are complete and we are currently<br />
receiving updated construction estimates. Your continued support helps fund these<br />
new exhibits that make your <strong>Zoo</strong> a truly<br />
great zoo and community treasure.<br />
Best,<br />
Jim Hubing | Director, <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org
kick-off event<br />
Art ZOObilee kicked off this summer on Saturday, June 19 th . There<br />
are a total of 33 painted fiberglass animals on display throughout the<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> all summer long. Pick up your Art ZOObilee activity guide and<br />
map at one of our information booths to locate them all!<br />
save the date!<br />
Art ZOObilee Auction Event<br />
Friday, October 22, 2010, 6 p.m.<br />
Madison Marriot West, Middleton, WI<br />
Join Friends of UW Hospital and Clinics and Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong> for this<br />
Live and Silent Auction of Art ZOObilee animals to benefit American<br />
Family Children’s Hospital and the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>.<br />
For more information, visit artzoobilee.org or contact<br />
(608) 890-9957 or friends@uwhealth.org.<br />
Hosted By:<br />
Presenting Sponsors:<br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org
leave a legacy<br />
As the <strong>Zoo</strong> approaches its 100th anniversary, the<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> Century renovations will put us in a position<br />
to ensure another 100 years of this wonderful<br />
community resource.<br />
volunteer at the <strong>Zoo</strong>!<br />
message from the executive director<br />
By including the Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong> in estate<br />
planning, donors realize a host of tax advantages<br />
while helping ensure that the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
continues to thrive for generations to come.<br />
Bequests can be as simple as the following:<br />
“I hereby give, devise, and bequeath to the<br />
<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> Park <strong>Zoo</strong>logical Society the amount<br />
of $___ for its exempt purposes.”<br />
Boris Frank<br />
Executive Director, Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
There are several ways to<br />
volunteer at the <strong>Zoo</strong> this<br />
summer. For details and<br />
to sign up, call 258-9490<br />
or visit our website at<br />
vilaszoo.org.<br />
For all donations, bequests and charitable gifts to the<br />
Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong>, the proper legal designation is<br />
as follows:<br />
Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
606 S. Randall Ave,<br />
Madison WI, 53715<br />
Tax I<strong>den</strong>tification Number 39-6077008<br />
Train Engineer/<br />
Conductor or<br />
Carousel Operator<br />
Must be 18 years or older.<br />
Love of trains, carousels and kids a must!<br />
If you are considering leaving a legacy at the <strong>Zoo</strong>,<br />
you can contact the Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong> office at 608-<br />
258-9490 for any additional information.<br />
Thank you for your interest in the <strong>Zoo</strong>!<br />
Face of the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
If you’ve been to the <strong>Zoo</strong> in the last few<br />
weeks you may have seen the new Friends<br />
information booths at the entrances.<br />
It’s our goal to staff the booths every day<br />
to greet visitors, hand out maps, give each<br />
young person a “welcome to the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong><br />
<strong>Zoo</strong>” trading card and provide information<br />
about what’s happening at the <strong>Zoo</strong>, future<br />
plans, news about upcoming special events<br />
and membership and donation opportunities.<br />
Shifts are 10–12; 12–2; and 2–4 every day<br />
of the week.<br />
We strongly encourage “family” volunteering for Face of the <strong>Zoo</strong>...children joining<br />
parents and grandparents. Each volunteer receives a $1 <strong>Zoo</strong> Thank You Buck,<br />
redeemable at the food concession stands for each shift you fill.<br />
thank you!<br />
A big thank you to Sam Martorana<br />
from the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>. Sam<br />
made clay “Wish Dragons” and<br />
sold them to friends and family.<br />
Sam graciously donated the money<br />
she raised to the <strong>Zoo</strong>.
supporter spotlight: Jim Hill<br />
A life-long resi<strong>den</strong>t of Madison, I have grown up enjoying the <strong>Henry</strong><br />
Villas <strong>Zoo</strong> and all that it has to offer. And as the father of two, I<br />
remember continuing those experiences with my children. Many<br />
sunny days were spent exploring the various exhibits, learning centers<br />
and, of course, the petting zoo. Those days with my children, their<br />
smiles and laughter, will forever remain in my heart.<br />
It is my distinct pleasure to be a member of the <strong>Henry</strong> Villas<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong>logical Society Board of Directors. Having the opportunity to visit<br />
many of the zoo programs throughout the Midwest, it is clear the<br />
<strong>Henry</strong> Villas <strong>Zoo</strong> is truly exceptional. It not only offers the excitement<br />
and educational opportunities to children and families, but does so at<br />
no cost to its visitors. No child will have to forego the experiences the<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> has to offer because of money.<br />
the first animal for the Art<br />
ZOObilee fundraising project.<br />
A four foot fiberglass tiger was<br />
brought to life thru the artistry<br />
of S.V. Medaris and is now on<br />
display at the Overture Center.<br />
The Art ZOObilee and Auction<br />
event will be held at the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
in October.<br />
I enjoy working with such a<br />
passionate and dedicated board<br />
of directors. I know that together we can help keep an amazing<br />
community asset thriving and inspiring for years to come.<br />
As a member of the board, I hope to do my part to raise funds for<br />
capital projects such as the new Arctic Passage. The kid in me also<br />
jumped at the opportunity to have my very own tiger! I sponsored<br />
<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> to celebrate 100 years<br />
Madison’s favorite zoo will be celebrating its 100 th<br />
birthday in the summer of 2011! You can start to<br />
look forward to some fabulous celebrations and<br />
zoo renovations over the next year.<br />
100 Years of History<br />
On June 30, 1904, Col. William F. and Anna M. <strong>Vilas</strong><br />
gave a large tract of land to the Madison Park and<br />
Pleasure Drive Association “for the uses and purposes<br />
of a public park and pleasure ground.” The park was<br />
named in memory of the <strong>Vilas</strong>’ son, <strong>Henry</strong>, who died<br />
at a young age due to complications from diabetes.<br />
In 1911, the first animal exhibits were created,<br />
representing the start of the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>.<br />
we prepare to be a world class destination for another<br />
100 years.<br />
Our <strong>Zoo</strong> remains free because of the steadfast<br />
support of our members and donors like you.<br />
Together, we can make <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> the<br />
greatest small zoo in the U.S.<br />
Thank you,<br />
Mary Romolino<br />
In what has proved to be a defining and truly<br />
visionary move, the <strong>Vilas</strong> Family stipulated that<br />
the park always be admission free. As the zoo<br />
developed within the park, it too remained<br />
free. Today it’s an extraordinary asset that few<br />
communities our size can claim. Indeed, our<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> is one of only a few, no-admission, free<br />
parking AZA accredited zoos nationwide.<br />
As the <strong>Zoo</strong> approaches its 100th anniversary,<br />
many improvements are well underway as<br />
Presi<strong>den</strong>t, Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org
keeping up with the keepers<br />
meet a keeper<br />
Name: Jennifer Zuehlke<br />
Education: Bachelor degree from<br />
University of WI at Stevens Point majored<br />
in wildlife education and minor in captive<br />
wildlife management.<br />
What area of the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
do you oversee? I am a relief<br />
keeper, so I float around to all the areas<br />
filling in for other keepers and helping out<br />
where I am needed. I am trained to do all<br />
the areas of the <strong>Zoo</strong>; however I frequent<br />
the Children’s <strong>Zoo</strong>, aviary, and the giraffe<br />
barn (my favorite).<br />
Best part of job? There<br />
are so many good things, it is often hard<br />
to pinpoint just one. I think the best thing<br />
for me is being able to work with an<br />
animal and learn that animal’s personality.<br />
Even animals of the same species have<br />
individual traits that make them special. It<br />
is a constant reminder that though humans<br />
are intelligent, we are not the only beings<br />
on earth that think, feel and communicate.<br />
Any hid<strong>den</strong> talents?<br />
I was very athletic in high school, and<br />
though I can’t play now while I’m pregnant,<br />
I still love volleyball. I played the flute for<br />
14 years, from 4 th grade through college.<br />
It’s hard to fit in time now, but I’d love to get<br />
back to playing music with a local group,<br />
like a municipal orchestra.<br />
enrichment program<br />
at Mounds Stores<br />
One of <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>’s goals is to make the captive environments of our<br />
animals as complex, engaging and enriched as they can be. By adding<br />
complexity to the animals’ habitats through enrichment, the animals are<br />
encouraged to engage in species-typical behaviors, which in turn, gives them<br />
more choice and control over their environment.<br />
Mounds Pet Food Warehouse has partnered with the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>’s<br />
enrichment program. The <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> has displays at the 3 Madison area<br />
Mounds (Middleton, East, and Fitchburg). Each display has animal enrichment<br />
items from Mounds that are hand-picked by <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>keepers. Please<br />
help support your animals at <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> by purchasing these enrichment<br />
items at your local Mounds stores.
ask<br />
Jim<br />
endangered species<br />
feature: Palm Oil Crisis<br />
Recent health concerns have caused consumers to avoid the trans-fatty acids found<br />
in partially hydrogenated oil—and many common snack foods. The industrial<br />
alternative for partially hydrogenated oil is palm oil. While substituting palm oil for<br />
other oils may be healthier for people, it’s become deadly for orangutans. That’s<br />
because palm oil plantations are spreading into the orangutans’ natural habitat,<br />
destroying their food sources—and their potential for survival.<br />
Palm Oil comes from the fruit of the oil palm tree that grows in a tropical<br />
environment, which is also the same habitat as the endangered Sumatran and<br />
Bornean orangutans. Research shows us if something doesn’t stop the spread<br />
of the palm oil plantations, the forests will be gone in ten years.<br />
You Can Help! If you are concerned about the effects of increased palm oil<br />
production on orangutan habitat, we suggest you: 1. Read product labels. Know<br />
which companies use palm oil in their products. 2. Educate yourself and everyone<br />
you know about the palm tree crisis. 3. Write to your favorite companies and<br />
supermarkets to educate them on the importance of using certified sustainable palm<br />
oil when it becomes available, and/or ask them to avoid using palm oil. 4. Try to<br />
avoid wood products, such as furniture and picture frames, made from teak, ebony,<br />
sandalwood, ironwood or mahogany.<br />
Does the zoo announce<br />
Weather Watches and/or<br />
Warnings?<br />
Both weather watches and warnings are<br />
announced. Staff also assists in providing<br />
information to help our visitors to safety.<br />
Has another beehive been<br />
added to the exhibit outside<br />
the Discovery Center?<br />
Another beehive has been added in partnership<br />
with the UW Department of Microbial Science as<br />
part of a program to learn about naturally healthy<br />
and pest-free hives. The bees are doing well.<br />
They spent the winter months inside the Discover<br />
Center exhibit.<br />
Why is the play area<br />
sometimes closed?<br />
The play area is inspected for safety on a regular<br />
basis. Several of the main features get worn out<br />
(over 1.5 million children have used the play<br />
area since it opened). Sometimes the delivery<br />
for the replacement parts takes a long time. We<br />
appreciate your understanding.<br />
upcoming events<br />
Art ZOObilee Display: June 19 - Sept. 27<br />
Paddle for Polar Bears: Aug. 7 & 15<br />
Member Appreciation Event ($150+ members): Sept. 16<br />
<strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> Run Run: Sept. 26<br />
Art ZOObilee Auction Event: Oct. 22<br />
Halloween at the <strong>Zoo</strong>: Oct. 24<br />
for more information, please visit<br />
vilaszoo.org/events<br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org
egistration open: <strong>Zoo</strong> Run Run 2010<br />
FREE <strong>Zoo</strong>! Stick around after the race to enjoy food, free Capital<br />
Brewery beer, music and more!<br />
Sunday, September 26, 2010<br />
Ready...set...GO! Join the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> and Suzy Favor Hamilton<br />
for an even bigger and better <strong>Zoo</strong> Run Run! Participating in this run<br />
raises money for our <strong>Zoo</strong> Century renovation campaign and that<br />
means you are making an investment in our community and helping<br />
sustain the legacy of our wonderful, free <strong>Zoo</strong>!<br />
You can look forward to: Running with SUZY! That’s right, Suzy<br />
Favor Hamilton will be returning as our Featured Runner. She will be<br />
joined by her running club to help raise money for Madison’s beloved<br />
There are three ways to register. 1. Online at active.com. The<br />
deadline for online registration is Thursday, September 23, 2010 at<br />
11:59 p.m. PST. 2. By mail. Go to vilaszoo.org, click on the <strong>Zoo</strong> Run<br />
Run logo and download the printable brochure. Mail check and the<br />
completed registration form to: <strong>Zoo</strong> Run Run, Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong>, 606<br />
S. Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715. Entries must be postmarked<br />
no later than Friday, September 17, 2010. 3. On-site race weekend<br />
registration and packet pick-up September 25, 2010 from 11 a.m. to<br />
4 p.m. in the <strong>Zoo</strong>’s Visitor Center. 4. Race day registration will be<br />
in the main tent in the center of the <strong>Zoo</strong> on September 26, 2010 from<br />
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. We look forward to seeing you there!<br />
a few very special thank yous...<br />
A very special thanks to Liliana’s Restaurant for<br />
raising nearly $2,000 for the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>! Liliana’s<br />
Restaurant, owned by Executive Chef David Heide,<br />
hosted the second Annual Mardi Gras <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong><br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> Benefit on Sunday, February 21, 2010. It was<br />
great fun for everyone, young and old alike, with live<br />
professional musical groups, stilt walkers, magicians,<br />
balloon makers, face painters, and more.<br />
“Seeing the joy on kids’ faces as they watched the stiltwalkers<br />
or had their faces painted meant even more<br />
to all of us at Liliana’s when we thought about how the<br />
proceeds would be used,” said Dave as he reflected<br />
on the event. “We were so proud to be a part of<br />
something great, and we can’t wait for another chance<br />
to help out.”<br />
Thanks to the Monroe Street Merchants<br />
Association for sponsoring the Monroe Street<br />
Chocolate Walk as a fundraiser for the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong><br />
<strong>Zoo</strong>. This incredibly successful event took place on<br />
April 24th and raised more than $3,000 for Madison’s<br />
favorite zoo! Big thanks to all of the participants who<br />
contributed to this event, perusing over 20 restaurants<br />
and shops on Monroe Street, sampling gourmet<br />
chocolate treats and gifts such as the mini Death<br />
by Chocolate sundae at Michael’s Frozen Custard<br />
and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Egg Roll’s from<br />
Bluphies.<br />
Thanks to Kohl’s Cares-Associates in Action for a<br />
wonderfully successful Earth Day Event.<br />
“Kohl’s Cares is a unique and wonderful program<br />
that puts our associates out in the community. We<br />
volunteer our time to help others. In return, Kohl’s<br />
corporate recognizes our efforts by supporting the<br />
charities that we volunteer for with a $500 grant.<br />
Our Earth day event with the <strong>Zoo</strong> was unbelievable.<br />
It’s the first time that Kohl’s offered an extra $1000 for<br />
events with a “go green” theme. When we realized just<br />
how much money we were looking at, we decided to<br />
have all 3 Madison stores work together. Then came<br />
the challenge of picking the lucky recipient. Hands<br />
down, it had to be the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>. Everyone in<br />
the community uses the <strong>Zoo</strong>. People come from miles<br />
around just to go to the <strong>Zoo</strong>. Our donation would<br />
effect thousands of children. Working with the DNR<br />
handing out trees was the added bonus. It was fun to<br />
see the faces of the little kids when they found out that<br />
they got to plant a tree when they got home. All three<br />
Madison stores were able to work together. This is the<br />
first time that this is ever happened. It was a great day<br />
and one that we will all talk about for a long time. We<br />
look forward to next year’s Earth Day and hope that we<br />
again can be part of it.” – Mary Deppe
<strong>Zoo</strong>’s 100 th Anniversary<br />
Madison’s favorite <strong>Zoo</strong> will be celebrating<br />
its 100 th birthday in the summer of 2011! In<br />
preparation for our upcoming celebrations, we need<br />
YOU to think back to the past.<br />
join the cycling team!<br />
help support the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> Cycling Team<br />
Climbs to 40 Members<br />
After LoadTrek.net signed on in April as the<br />
team’s lead sponsor, and Two Men and a<br />
Truck, two Culver’s franchises, Burman Coffee<br />
Traders and Zillman Idea Design (which<br />
designed the new team’s apparel) signed on<br />
as supporting sponsors, the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
Cycling Team was up-and-running.<br />
Shane Elsinger<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong>keeper and Cycling Team Member<br />
Do you have a favorite<br />
<strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> memory? What<br />
about pictures from your<br />
first time at the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
We are collecting stories, photos, and quotes<br />
remembering <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>’s history for our 100 th<br />
anniversary display! The best photo submissions and<br />
stories will be featured in an upcoming <strong>Zoo</strong> News<br />
issue and on our website, www.vilaszoo.org.<br />
Please send your photos and testimonials to 606<br />
S. Randall Ave., Madison, WI 53715. Or you can email<br />
digital files and scanned photos with the subject line<br />
“100 th Anniversary” to jenna@vilaszoo.org.<br />
Over six rides have taken place since May and<br />
we are planning on far exceeding our goal of<br />
50 members in the first year.<br />
The team consists of all cycling abilities and<br />
members can choose from various distances<br />
each ride. Every group has a ride captain, and<br />
we make sure no one gets left behind.<br />
We encourage you to join this summer.<br />
Membership levels start at $75 (Red Panda),<br />
which includes the opportunity to join in<br />
Thursday-evening group rides, invitations to<br />
team events and a subscription to the quarterly<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> News. Otter memberships run $100 and<br />
include a club jersey. Membership levels climb<br />
from there to include shorts and bike bibs.<br />
Perks at the top $250 Polar Bear membership<br />
level include pro bibs and jersey.<br />
Jim Hill leads some team members up<br />
a challenging hill.<br />
Please contact Anna Reynolds for more<br />
information: anna@vilaszoo.org<br />
or call (608) 258-9490.<br />
Tom Dott competed in the Colorado<br />
Centurion in Boulder on July 18, 2010.<br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org
We need your help!<br />
Every activity and event that the Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong> organizes is part of our effort to<br />
support the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>. We are constantly trying to be more efficient and effective<br />
in how we work to ensure that the <strong>Zoo</strong> receives the maximum impact of our efforts. To<br />
that, we would like to ask you some questions about you and your <strong>Zoo</strong> membership.<br />
Please mail your completed form to:<br />
ATTN: Caitlin, Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong>, 606 S. Randall Avenue, Madison, WI 53715<br />
What age range do you fall under?<br />
How did you first hear about memberships for the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ 18 to 25 ❏ 46 to 55<br />
❏ 26 to 35 ❏ 56 to 65<br />
❏ 36 to 45 ❏ Over 65<br />
❏ Friend or Family<br />
❏ While visiting the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
❏ Online<br />
❏ Newspaper/ Ad/ Billboard<br />
❏ Direct Mail<br />
❏ Event<br />
How many adults are in your home? ________<br />
How many children are in your home? _______<br />
How far do you travel to get to the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ Less than 5 miles ❏ 5 to 10 miles<br />
❏ 10 to 15 miles ❏ More than 15 miles<br />
How many times a year do you visit the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ 1 to 3 times<br />
❏ 4 to 6 times<br />
❏ Other _______________________________________<br />
What type of membership did you select most recently?<br />
❏ Stu<strong>den</strong>t/Senior ($20) ❏ Single ($25)<br />
❏ Family ($35) ❏ Sustaining ($75)<br />
❏ Patron ($150)<br />
What aspect of your membership do you enjoy the most?<br />
________________________________________________<br />
________________________________________________<br />
Overall, are you satisfied with your membership at the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ More than 6 times<br />
❏ Yes<br />
❏ No<br />
When do you usually visit the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ Mostly weekends<br />
❏ Mostly during the week<br />
❏ Both<br />
How long is your typical visit to the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ Less than 1 hour ❏ 1 to 2 hours<br />
If no, why not?______________________________________<br />
________________________________________________<br />
Will you renew your membership when it expires?<br />
❏ Yes<br />
❏ No<br />
If no, why not?______________________________________<br />
________________________________________________<br />
❏ 2 to 3 hours<br />
❏ More than 3 hours<br />
Have you or your family participated in any of our events?<br />
How long have you been a member of the <strong>Zoo</strong>?<br />
❏ 1 year or less<br />
2 to 3 years<br />
❏ 4 to 5 years<br />
❏ More than 5 years<br />
❏ Yes<br />
❏ No<br />
If yes, which ones? _ _________________________________<br />
________________________________________________<br />
We truly value your opinion, and thank you<br />
for taking the time to answer these questions.
Week of the<br />
Young Child<br />
Madison Children’s<br />
Museum on location at<br />
the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
Madison Children’s Museum traveling Road<br />
Show was set up at the <strong>Zoo</strong> April 12 th – 17 th .<br />
They saw over 1,100 people in that time and got<br />
to reconnect with members and visitors of the<br />
museum and the <strong>Zoo</strong> who have been yearning<br />
for hands on fun since their State Street location<br />
closed January 4. Their new building is set<br />
to open August 14.<br />
Camera Day 2010<br />
After a four year hiatus, Big Brothers Big Sisters’ annual Camera Day event<br />
was back at the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> in 2010.<br />
“On May 16 th , 70 Big and Little Matches and 20 families from the Family Support<br />
and Resource Center attended Camera Day, an event where children are<br />
provided with a fun activity in which to practice their photography skills.<br />
All children in attendance received t-shirts and disposable cameras. <strong>Henry</strong><br />
<strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> provided animal educators to give Littles learning and photography<br />
opportunities. We encouraged the Bigs to make Camera Day a learning<br />
opportunity by providing tips about having “fun with a purpose” as well as asking<br />
Littles to do a scavenger hunt to learn about the animals. Camera Day is an annual<br />
event that is funded by Big Brothers Big Sisters supporter Stuart Stair.”<br />
– Kristin Burki, Program Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County<br />
Visitors were able to immerse themselves in the<br />
fascinating world of fresh water Lakes with their<br />
Leap into Lakes exhibit. Visitors of all ages became<br />
fish and birds and wildlife that are a part of our<br />
local fresh water ecosystems along with planting<br />
and harvesting vegetables in the Let’s Grow<br />
exhibit.<br />
Outreach Coordinator, Sandra Bonnici<br />
Hoecherl had this to say. “Being out in the<br />
community during our closed period has<br />
deepened our ties to the children and families<br />
in our area. It is our hope that this is just the start<br />
of a great collaborative partnership between<br />
Madison Children’s Museum and <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>.<br />
We are so grateful to the <strong>Zoo</strong> for partnering with<br />
us to bring hands-on interactive play to<br />
our community.”<br />
Check out our NEW Lion’s Den Grill<br />
Come check out the Lion’s Den, the new grill at the <strong>Zoo</strong>! Located<br />
in the center of the <strong>Zoo</strong>, the grill will be open daily from 11–4 all<br />
summer long. The Lion’s Den Grill will offer a variety of food to please<br />
the whole family: hamburgers, cheeseburgers, safari shaped chicken<br />
nuggets, fries, soda and water.<br />
Make sure to clip out the coupon to receive<br />
a FREE ice cream sandwich with your next<br />
purchase at the Lion’s Den Grill!<br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org
<strong>Zoo</strong>News<br />
Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
606 South Randall Avenue | Madison, Wisconsin 53715<br />
(608) 258-9490 | friendsofthezoo@vilaszoo.org<br />
Board of Directors<br />
Presi<strong>den</strong>t ..................................................... Mary Romolino<br />
Vice Presi<strong>den</strong>t..................................................Thomas Dott<br />
Vice Presi<strong>den</strong>t................................................Dan Olszewski<br />
Secretary...........................................................Phil O’Leary<br />
Treasurer ........................................................... Karrie Julian<br />
Assistant Treasurer......................................... William Breuch<br />
Members: Laurie Benson, Chris Eigenberger, Chris Henderson,<br />
Joe <strong>Henry</strong>, James Hill, Mike Kollath, Robin Koth, Shirley Kubly, Keith<br />
Oleson, Fritz Ragatz, Annette L. Stebbins<br />
Ex Officio<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> Director.......................................................Jim Hubing<br />
Dane County Executive..................................... Kathleen Falk<br />
Mayor of Madison...................................... David Cieslewicz<br />
Emeritus Directors<br />
Robert Fey, Edmund Hobbins, Arlyle M. McDermid, D.V.M.,<br />
Alvie Nelson<br />
friends of the zoo Staff<br />
Executive Director............................................... Boris Frank<br />
Associate Director......................................... Anna Reynolds<br />
Special Events Director....................................Suzy Reynolds<br />
Special Events Associate................................. Ann DeTienne<br />
Operations Manager............................. Christina Ahlansberg<br />
Visitor Services Director......................................Brent Walter<br />
Visitor Services Manager..................................Brenda Walter<br />
Friends Intern............................................. Caitlin Fermanich<br />
Friends Intern............................................ Jenna Wollemann<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> News Editors<br />
Caitlin Fermanich<br />
Jim Hubing<br />
Anna Reynolds<br />
Boris Frank<br />
Jenna Wollemann<br />
Suzy Reynolds<br />
Non-Profit<br />
Organization<br />
U.S. Postage<br />
PA I D<br />
Permit No. 1231<br />
Madison, WI<br />
The Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong> is a nonprofit organization founded in 1914 to support the <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong>,<br />
which is owned and operated by Dane County with additional funding from the City of Madison.<br />
Open Daily<br />
9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.<br />
www.vilaszoo.org<br />
Building Hours<br />
10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.<br />
Children’s <strong>Zoo</strong><br />
May 1 – Labor Day<br />
Recycled paper<br />
Makes a great birthday Gift!<br />
Your membership:<br />
❑ New ❑ Renewal ❑ Gift<br />
Enclosed is my gift of:<br />
❑ $1,000 Ambassador* (Exclusive use of the Visitor Center for 1 day)<br />
❑ $500 Protector* (Free Birthday Party Package)<br />
❑ $250 Steward* ($25 Gift Certificate in the <strong>Zoo</strong> Gift Shop)<br />
❑ $150 Patron* (Invitation to annual Member Appreciation Event)<br />
❑ $75 Sustaining* (Carousel & Train Punch Card for 15 free rides)<br />
❑ $35 Family (Carousel & Train Punch Card for 5 free rides)<br />
❑ $25 Single<br />
❑ $20 Stu<strong>den</strong>t & Senior Citizen<br />
*Donation listed in the Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong> Annual Report.<br />
My additional gift: $_ ______________________________<br />
All members will also receive: Discounts at local merchants;<br />
invitation to members-only events; 10% discount in the gift shop;<br />
10% discount off concessions; Membership window cling; Receive<br />
<strong>Zoo</strong> News four times each year; Receive advance notice and<br />
opportunity to enroll in <strong>Zoo</strong> education classes; Free or discounted<br />
admission to many zoos and aquariums nationwide.<br />
Name__________________________________________<br />
Address_ _______________________________________<br />
City___________________________________________<br />
State ________ Zip ______________________________<br />
Signature_ ______________________________________<br />
Email__________________________________________<br />
Phone_________________________________________<br />
❑ My check is enclosed $_ __________________________<br />
(Please make checks payable to Friends of the <strong>Zoo</strong>)<br />
❑ I would like to donate via credit card $________________<br />
(Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover)<br />
Credit Card #_____________________________________<br />
Expiration Date _____ /_____ 3-digit Security Code_ _______<br />
Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Admission and parking are free for all members of the public<br />
608.258.9490 • www.vilaszoo.org<br />
Sign up for our <strong>Henry</strong> <strong>Vilas</strong> <strong>Zoo</strong> E-News by visiting our website at www.vilaszoo.org