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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

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