January/February - The Memphis Zoo

®
January /
February 2011
Special offer:
Guests will enjoy half-off
Zoo general admission
January 1-31!

Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2010
Financials
Memphis Zoological Society • Statement of Activities
For the year ending June 27, 2010 (with summarized financial information for the year ending June 28, 2009)
Revenue, Gains & Other Support
Operating Revenue
Unrestricted
Temporarily
Restricted
Permanently
Restricted
2010
Total
2009 Total
(Memorandum
Only)
City management fee $1,200,000 $ - $ - $1,200,000 $1,200,000
Concessions income 432,515 - - 432,515 399,447
Donations and bequests 117,575 - - 117,575 92,254
Education income 291,296 - - 291,296 310,383
Gate admissions 4,233,078 - - 4,233,078 3,781,535
Grant income 218,562 - - 218,562 123,492
Investment income 11,519 - - 11,519 60,228
Membership income 2,156,963 - - 2,156,963 1,870,082
Other income 33,553 - - 33,553 50,342
Parking income 516,730 - - 516,730 379,531
Private events 1,086,838 - - 1,086,838 1,034,060
Public relations & advertising 90,924 - - 90,924 77,144
Retail income 2,072,300 - - 2,072,300 1,980,355
Rides income 302,432 - - 302,432 359,286
Special events 1,066,067 - - 1,066,067 1,022,800
Total operating revenue 13,830,352 - - 13,830,352 12,740,939
Conservation Revenue
Donations & bequests - 54,648 - 54,648 37,521
Investment income - 1,652 - 1,652 1,702
Total conservation revenue - 56,300 - 56,300 39,223
Capital Revenue
Butterfly exhibit - - - - 15,106
Donations & bequests - 2,570,760 63,457 2,634,217 817,125
Investment income - 995 483,976 484,971 (927,889)
License fee income 50,419 - - 50,419 69,636
Total capital revenue 50,419 2,571,755 547,433 3,169,607 (26,022)
Net assets released from restrictions
Satisfaction of program restrictions 4,289,004 (4,289,004) - - -
Total revenue, gains & other support 18,169,775 (1,660,949) 547,433 17,056,259 12,754,140
Expenses
Operating Expenses
Educational activities 296,027 - - 296,027 351,155
Fundraising activities 270,251 - - 270,251 254,685
Grant activities 272,151 - - 272,151 200,566
Legal & professional fees 16,222 - - 16,222 20,313
Membership activities 252,098 - - 252,098 227,786
Private events 605,005 - - 605,005 503,698
Public relations & advertising activities 618,110 - - 618,110 577,952
Retail activities 1,299,801 - - 1,299,801 1,252,843
Rides operations 147,312 - - 147,312 216,470
Special events 575,084 - - 575,084 330,234
Visitor services 241,504 - - 241,504 242,136
Zoo and animal operations 8,864,564 - - 8,864,564 8,710,798
Total operating expenses 13,458,129 - - 13,458,129 12,888,636
Conservation Expenses
Grant activities 23,838 - - 23,838 31,589
Research and conservation 21,650 - - 21,650 13,198
Total conservation expenses 45,488 - - 45,488 44,787
Capital Expenses
Capital improvements 4,260,460 - - 4,260,460 9,257,142
Provision for doubtful pledges - - - - 201,260
Other - - - - -
Total capital expenses 4,260,460 - - 4,260,460 9,458,402
Total expenses 17,764,077 - - 17,764,077 22,391,825
Change in net assets (405,698) (1,660,949) 547,433 (707,818) (9,637,685)
Net assets at beginning of year 2,485,262 6,072,426 4,257,372 12,815,060 22,452,745
Net assets at end of year 2,890,960 4,411,477 4,804,805 12,107,242 12,815,060

Published f o r Fr i e n d s o f Th e Me m p h i s Zo o
EXZOO-
BERANCE!
Exzooberance is a bimonthly Memphis
Zoological Society publication providing
information for friends of the Memphis Zoo.
Send comments to MZS, 2000 Prentiss Place,
Memphis, TN 38112, call (901) 276-WILD
or log onto www.memphiszoo.org.
Vol. XX, No. 1
Memphis Zoological Society
Board of Directors
as of August 2010
In this issue:
2 Spot You at Memphis Zoo on Ice
We spotted some of you taking to the ice during
the holidays. Check out these photos of Memphis
Zoo on Ice!
3 Families, Amateurs and
Pros … on Ice!
Thousands of visitors have already
discovered the thrill and excitement of Memphis
Zoo on Ice. Read about these Zoo fans who have
really found something to skate about.
5 Creature Feature:
White-Cheeked Gibbons
These white-cheeked primates entertain guests
with their acrobatic skills throughout the day. Learn
more about these tree dwellers from the keepers who
know them best.
6 The Zoo Goes Green
MidSouth Chevy
full page ad
© Creation Studios
5
3
2
Officers:
Kelly H. Truitt, Chair
Diane Smith and John W. Stokes, Jr., Vice Chairs
Dorothy O. Kirsch, Secretary
Russell T. Wigginton, Jr., Treasurer
Carol W. Prentiss, Past Chair
Directors:
F. Norfleet Abston
Alison Barton
Robert A. Cox
Joseph C. DeWane, M.D.
Stephen Donly
Thomas C.
Farnsworth III
Gene Holcomb
Diana Hull
Henry A. Hutton
Robert C. Lanier
Scott McCormick
Honorary Lifetime Directors:
Donna K. Fisher
Roger T. Knox, President Emeritus
Scott P. Ledbetter
Frank M. Norfleet
Senator James R. Sasser
Rebecca Webb Wilson
Joyce A. Mollerup
Brandon Morrison
Jason E. Rothschild
Richard C. Shaw
Brooke H. Sparks
Robin P. Watson
Ex Officio:
Dr. Chuck Brady, Zoo President & CEO
Bill Morrison, City Council Representative
Larry Abramson, Docent/Volunteer Representative
From cell phone recycling to styrofoam removal,
the Memphis Zoo’s Green Team is making strides to
help the environment, and you can help!
Departments:
Credits:
Abbey Dane, Editor / Writer
Geri Meltzer, Art Director
Jennifer Coleman, Copy Editor
Toof Printing, Printer
Exzooberance paper generously donated by
International Paper employees
7 Education
8 2011 Events Calendar
9 January/February Calendar
11 Zoo News
12 Kids’ Activity Page
6
Zoo Admission Hours:
March - October 28 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
October 29 - February 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Grounds close one hour after last
admission
• Zoo Closed: Thanksgiving Day,
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Our Mission:
Connecting people with wildlife
The Memphis Zoo is accredited
by the Association of Zoos and
Aquariums and a member of the
World Association of Zoos and
Aquariums. ©2011 Memphis Zoo
Memphis Zoo, Ya Ya and Le Le
are trademarks of the Memphis Zoo.
®
Have a question? E-mail us at zooinfo@memphiszoo.org, or call (901) 333-6500
Cover photo by Creation Studios
1

Spot You
Throughout the month of January, guests
will enjoy half-off general Zoo admission.
at Memphis Zoo
on Ice
photos by PWR Photography
Justin, Melissa and Malachi — Horn Lake, Miss.
Craig Hardman
— East Memphis
Ashika and Ahushka Bhakta —
Holly Springs, Miss.
Kaitie Yeoman and Jim Igoe
— Midtown
Alexis Grace with daughter, Ryan — Midtown
2

Memphis Zoo on Ice
Memphis Zoo on Ice is the Zoo’s newest attraction, an outdoor ice skating rink right
Memphis in the heart Zoo of on midtown. Ice is the As Zoo’s Memphis’ newest first attraction, ice skating an rink outdoor since ice the skating close of rink the right Mall in of the
heart Memphis, of Midtown. thousands As Memphis’ of zoo goers first have ice skating rediscovered rink since their the love close for their of the ice. Mall We of caught Memphis, up
thousands with a few of skaters Zoogoers to learn have their rediscovered story as they’ve their love taken for to the the ice. ice We this caught winter. up with a few
skaters Don’t to miss learn your their opportunity stories as they’ve to skate! taken This to attraction the ice this will winter. only be around until the end
of January. Visit during the day or on one of our Memphis Zoo on Ice nights. Details at
Don’t memphiszoo.org. miss your opportunity to skate! This attraction will only be around until the end of
January and will reopen in November. And with half-off Zoo admission, all your friends can
enjoy the ice! Offer ends January 31. Details at memphiszoo.org.
Don’t miss
your
opportunity
to skate!
Rink closes
Jan. 30
When Amber Campbell, an East
Memphis native, stepped on the ice
donning her own pair of figure skates,
everyone knew right away that she
was in familiar territory. “I learned
how to skate at the Mall of Memphis,”
Amber said. “I’ve been skating off and
on for 15 years ever since!” Amber also
jumped right in to help her fellow
skaters as she gave unofficial “lessons”
to a few young novices.
The Florianis of Germantown enjoyed
some quality family time as they took to the
ice. Parents Heather and Clayton enjoyed
teaching their young daughters, Mia and
Edie, this activity they had enjoyed when
they were growing up. “I grew up skating
at the mall,” Heather said. “When the girls
came along, we knew this was something
they would love, but it was such a long
drive to take them to an ice rink. We’re so
excited that we have something like this
that we can enjoy as a family. This has
just been perfect!”
Logan Guleff of Midtown and Savvy
Smahay of Collierville are best friends
helping each other figure out this new
ice skating experience. “This is Logan’s
third time here in two weeks,” mom
Kim Guleff said. “He loves it!” Quickly
becoming a pro, Logan willingly helped
Savvy as she learned how to skate for
the very first time. By the end of the day,
Savvy gained some confidence and was
able to go solo.
3

New Web Design
by Tiffany Langston, Communications Specialist
If you’ve visited memphiszoo.org recently, you may
have noticed that our website looks a little different. On
October 15, the Memphis Zoo launched a brand new site.
We worked with local design company SPEAK! Creative for
more than three months to redesign, revamp and reorganize
memphiszoo.org from the ground up.
Our new website showcases our animals in a whole
new way. We now have a web page for every exhibit,
and we are featuring animal photography submitted by
Memphis Zoo Facebook fans during our 2010 photo
contest.
for the Zoo’s gift shops can be found in the “Guest Services”
section under the “Visit” tab.
The work our researchers are doing for conservation, as
well as all of our conservation publications, can be found
under the “Conservation” tab, and anyone looking to
volunteer at the Zoo can find information under the
“Get Involved” tab.
Buttons at the top of the page make it easier for you to
buy tickets to become a member and donate to a variety of
Zoo capital campaign and conservation projects.
We have integrated social media and mobile technology
into our website navigation. You can find links to
our Facebook page, Flickr account and YouTube channel,
along with links to download our mobile app on iPhone
and Android devices at the bottom of every page. Also,
our tweets roll onto our home page directly from the
Memphis Zoo Twitter feed (@memphiszoo).
We have improved organization and made our site
easier to navigate. With fewer subpages, visitors to the
site can find all the information they need with fewer
clicks. Information about wheelchair and stroller rentals,
along with concession stand menus and operating hours
“We wanted to create a site that is enjoyable for
viewers and allows visitors to access information
efficiently. As an innovator in socially integrated
attractions, we are confident the Zoo’s improved
website and its many distinct offerings will
improve our overall visitor experience.”
— Dr. Chuck Brady
President and CEO of the Memphis Zoo
4

Creature Feature
White-
Cheeked
Gibbon
by Suzie Quinlan, zookeeper
(hylobates concolor)
The Memphis Zoo is fortunate to have
five white-cheeked gibbons in our animal
collection. These primates are some of
the most energetic and entertaining
animals in the Zoo.
Although they are apes, they are
known as lesser apes. One reason for
this is their smaller size in comparison
to great apes. White-cheeked gibbons
are approximately 18 - 25 inches tall and
weigh 12 - 18 pounds.
They exhibit sex-linked and age-linked
traits called color dimorphism. All infants
are born a beige or buff color and remain
so until about 18 to 24 months of age.
At this time their coat color turns to black
with white cheek patches. When they
reach sexual maturity (around age five to
seven years), the female’s coat returns
to a beige or buff color where the male’s
coat remains black.
White-cheeked gibbons are very well
adapted for their tree-living arboreal lifestyle.
They use a form of locomotion called
brachiation (swinging with arms, hand-overhand,
from one tree branch to the next).
Gibbons live in small monogamous
groups made up of the mated pair along
with a few of their offspring. Gibbons
are among the few apes where the adult
female is the dominant animal within the
family or group.
We have two different groups of whitecheeked
gibbons at the Memphis Zoo.
While dining in the Cat House Café, you
can see “Ringo” (male, age eight) and
“Tallulah” (female, age seven) peering in
the picture windows from their outdoor
exhibit next to the restaurant. These two
are brother and sister and were handraised
here at the Memphis Zoo.
Their playful curiosity with our
Zoo guests and their acrobatics
make this a favorite spot to visit.
In the CHINA exhibit, you will
find our other group, mated pair,
“Timmi” (female, age 21) and
“Donta” (male, age 16), along with
their male offspring “Jing Chi” (age
9). These three share their exhibit
with nine Asian small-clawed
otters. Timmi is especially playful
with the otters and can be seen
interacting with them quite often.
The play structure in their exhibit
was specifically designed to accommodate
their amazing and unique locomotion.
The gibbons astound Zoo guests by
swinging arm-over-arm from one end of
the structure to the other. Zoo guests can
also look on as the keepers feed the
gibbons a daily lunchtime snack.
The next time you visit the Memphis
Zoo, be sure to take time to admire our
white-cheeked gibbons. These amazing
animals are sure to delight everyone.
Gibbons spend most of their
time in the forest canopy.
Calls that begin upon waking
maintain pair bonds and
serve as a warning to other
family groups to stay away
from a claimed territory.
5

Conservation
Going Green
at the Zoo
Recycle your old cell phone at the Zoo.
Look for this box in the Zoo’s lobby
in the administration building on
your next visit.
Across the country, zoos are renewing
commitments to make their operations
more ‘green’ or environmentally friendly.
This national commitment has become
a priority because as conservation organizations,
zoos have a responsibility to
reduce their carbon footprint on the
planet and protect our world’s last
remaining wildlife habitats.
The Memphis Zoo has included
“greening its operations” as a priority in
the institution’s new five-year strategic
plan. While it is always easy to highlight
how others should change, actually
accomplishing change can be challenging,
especially when habits are hard to break.
However, our goal for the next several
years is to be a leading example in the
Memphis community on how to make
environmentally friendly choices, use
sustainable, safe and toxin-free products,
reduce our waste, reuse products, build
green, conserve natural resources and
recycle more. Below are just a few
examples of how we are reducing our
institution’s impact on the environment
and how you can help.
Recycling
The Zoo is currently recycling paper,
plastics, aluminum, cardboard, batteries,
printer cartridges, old computers, Zoo
maps and cell phones. While the City of
Memphis provides plastic bins for you to
recycle some of the items on this list, they
do not accept a few of the more specialty
items. We encourage our visitors to bring
in old batteries, printer cartridges and
cell phones to the Zoo. In particular, cell
phone recycling provides the Zoo with
funds that protect gorilla habitats in the
Congo of Africa where the minerals are
being mined for electronics. So the next
time you are tempted to throw away your
old cell phone, bring it to the Zoo and
help make a difference for endangered
wildlife.
Reduce or Replace
We have nearly eliminated all
styrofoam and some plastic products at
the Zoo, including certain types of cups,
plates and straws. In collaboration with
our new food vendor, products that were
hazardous to the environment have been
replaced with recyclable and safer products
that are more biodegradable. We have
replaced cleaning chemicals and bleaches
with other nonhazardous compounds
where possible, and we are replacing
lights with more efficient bulbs when they
expire. Timers are being installed in areas
where water and electricity are being used
but are not necessary in the evening.
On the horizon will be changes in
our water and energy use, incorporating
green building in future construction,
geothermal heating and cooling, solar
panels and biogas stoves for reducing our
consumption of natural resources.
If you are interested in being a financial
partner in these exciting changes at
the Zoo or have products or services you
could donate, please contact the Development
Department at (901) 333-6554.
Together, we can build a brighter future
for our planet without harming the environment.
After all, it’s easy being green!
Cell phone recycling provides
the Zoo with funds that protect
gorilla habitats in the Congo of
Africa, where the minerals are
being mined for electronics.
6

Edzoocation
‘11
programs
Homeschool Academy 2011
Mo n d ay - Fr i d ay, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pr eK - 8t h g r a d e: $110/m e m b e r s ; $120/n o n m e m b e r s
9t h -12t h g r a d e: $125/m e m b e r s ; $135/n o n m e m b e r s
($20 o f f o n e w eek’s t u i t i o n f o r o n e c h i l d if pa r e n t a s s i s t s.
NOTE: Pa r e n t m u s t assist t h e f u l l week to g e t t h e
d i s c o u n t.) *Lat e Re g i s t r at i o n Fee: Re s e r vat i o n s m a d e a f t er
4 p.m. o n t h e d e a d l i n e w i l l i n c u r a $20 l at e r e g i s t r at i o n fee
per c h i l d per p ro g r a m.
This weeklong educational program will provide
exciting and interactive ways for students to learn about
science. Classes include animal visits, tours of exhibits,
chats with keepers, and special projects! Students bring
a non-refrigerated, non-microwavable lunch.
January 10-14 (PreK - 8th Grade)
Registration deadline January 3
January 17-21 (1st - 12th Grade)
Registration deadline January 10
PreK/Kindergarten (must be 4 years old)
Sense-able Animals
Ever wonder how animals see after dark, hear
under the water and feel without fingers? In this
insightful class, students will see how animals
make sense of the world around them.
Grades 1 & 2
Web of Life
From food chains to energy pyramids, students
will unravel how all things are connected in the
great web of life.
Grades 3-5
Native Ecology
Grab your backpack and binoculars and come explore
Tennessee’s wild habitats. Imagine wading through wetlands,
rafting down rivers and strolling through the city.
See the wonderful diversity in our own backyard!
Discover more programs
and get more information at
memphiszoo.org/education.
International
Polar Bear
Day
Grades 6-8
The Science of Saving Species
Saving our planet seems like a pretty tall
order, but even the small things make a big
difference. This class is a hands-on investigation
of why species need saving and how we all can
do our part.
Grades 9-12
Wild Careers
Animal careers are as wild as this class.
Using hands-on demonstrations and guest
speakers, students will explore all the diverse
opportunities the animal world can offer.
Registration line: (901) 333-6765 • www.memphiszoo.org/education
Sat u r d ay , Fe b r u a ry 26
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In c l u d e d w it h Zo o a d m i s s i o n
Haley and Payton want to get
the word out that their wild relatives
are threatened! Join us as we
celebrate what makes polar bears
magnificent creatures through special
feedings, keeper chats, games
and interactive displays. There will
be opportunities to touch a real
polar bear pelt, see how they hunt
for seals on the ice, compare your
size to theirs and learn how you
can be a part of the race to save
them!
Spring Break Camp
Ma rc h 14-18 • 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
$35/m e m b e r s p e r d ay ; $45/n o n m e m b e r s p e r d ay
Af t e rc a r e 2 to 5:30 p.m.; $20 p e r d ay
*Lat e Re g i s t r at i o n Fee: Reservations m a d e a f t e r
Ma rc h 7 w i l l i n c u r a $10 l at e r e g i s t r at i o n fee
p e r c h i l d p e r p ro g r a m. (Pr eK/K s t u d e n t s m u s t b e
4 y e a r s o f ag e by t h e p ro g r a m d at e .)
PreK-K, Grades 1-2, Grades 3-5
Wonderful World of Biomes
From the depths of the oceans, to the tops of
the trees, the biomes of the world are as diverse as
the flora and fauna found there. This exciting day
camp adventure explores the places animals call
home and the adaptations they need to survive.
Pre-registration is required. Prices are subject to change. The Education Department reserves the right to cancel a program due to insufficient registration.
7

2011 Zoo Events
You don’t want to miss what’s in store for you this year at the Memphis Zoo!
Zoom Through the Zoo Zoo Brew Memorial Day Weekend Zoo Rendezvous
January
Half Price admission January 1-31
January 1-30 — Memphis Zoo on Ice
January 10-14 — Homeschool Academy
January 17-21 — Homeschool Academy
February
February 11 — Valentine’s Dinner
February 26 — International Polar Bear Day
March
March 14-18 — Spring Break Camp
March 28 — NanoDays at the Memphis Zoo
April
April 8 — Wild World of Wine & Beer
April 16 — Earth Day
May
May 15-21 — Bear Awareness Week
May 26 — Zoom Through the Zoo
May 27 — Zoo Brew
May 29 — Members Night
June
June 6 — Zoo Camp Begins
June 17 — Father’s Day Snooze
July
Summer Zoo Camp all month
July 16— Members Night
August
August 5 — Zoo Camp Ends
September
Labor Day Weekend:
September 2 — Zoo Brew
September 4 — Members Night
September 10 — Zoo Rendezvous
September 24 — Harvest Fest
October
October 5 — Senior Day
October 10, 14 — Zoomelièr
October 21, 22, 28, 29, 30 — Zoo Boo
November
November 12 — Winter Wildlife Snooze
November 18, 19 — Opening of Zoo Lights and
Memphis Zoo on Ice
November 25, 26 — Zoo Lights
December
All Month — Zoo Lights and
Memphis Zoo on Ice, Select Nights
December 31 — New Year’s Eve Zoo Snooze
Thursday,
Feb. 11
Valentine’s
Dinner
Thursday, February 11
6:30 p.m. • Teton Trek Lodge
Reserve your private table of 8 by calling (901) 333-6752
No individual ticket sales
Treat your sweetheart to this special Valentine’s Dinner prepared
by Chef Erling Jensen of Erling’s Restaurant, featuring wines from
Carrefour Vineyards. Make your reservations today before this
popular event sells out.
8

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Ice skating lessons
now available.
Ice Rink Days only
Visit memphiszoo.org
Ice Rink Days & Nights
for details. January only. Skating Rink closes January 30
1
New Year’s Day
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
JAN. ’11
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
Homeschool Academy
Jan. 10-14
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
Ice Rink Day Only
10 am - 4:30 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
Homeschool Academy
Jan. 17-21
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
130 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 10 pm
30 31 Feb.1 2 3 4 5
FEB. ’11
10 am - 4:30 pm
5:30 pm - 9 pm
Valentine’s
Day
President’s
Day
Groundhog
Day
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Valentine’s
Dinner
13 4 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
International
Polar Bear Day
27 28
9

a
a
For children and their grown-ups.
For children and their grown-ups.
Bring your whole family to to
the the Brooks to to experience the
world of of art art first-hand. Tour
museum exhibitions with
an an interactive family guide,
and and then channel your
own own creativity with a in in family art art activity in in our
education drop-
studio.
Clean Your Plate: Art
Inspired by
Your Favorite Food
Saturday, January 8
11am–1pm
Mask Yourself:
Create a New Identity
Saturday, February 12
11am-1pm
Art to Life
Family Day
Saturday,
February 26
11am – 1pm
Free
Connect to to the arts through art
making, theater performances, and
gallery activities. A fun and educational
experience for the whole family!
TM
TM
10

Zoo Boo
Zoo News
1st
Decorating Contest
As we prepare for Zoo Boo each October,
Memphis Zoo staff go head-to-head in a competition
for the best costume, but not for their own
costumes. This competition is for the best-dressed
statue on the Zoo’s Avenue of Animals entry plaza.
Each department selects an animal to decorate as a
team, and just before the first night of Zoo Boo, the
winners are chosen.
This year’s overall winner was our education
staff. This group decorated one of the alligators as
“Captain Planet,” reminding us all that it’s our job
to “take pollution down to zero!” Tying for second
place was the retail staff with an elephant dressed
in “Flower Power,” and the admissions staff with an
alligator posing as a clown. Congratulations to each
of these winners!
11

Kids’ Activity Page
Snow
Leopard
Save
the Date
for Spring Break Camp
at the Zoo!
See page 7 for
details.
When it comes to winter in the wild kingdom, one of the warmest
cold-weather animals is the fabulously furry snow leopard. Snow
leopards live in the heights of the Himalayas, and their thick, wooly
fur keeps them warm from nose to toes. In fact, snow leopards use
their extra long (and extra fluffy) tails for extra warmth by wrapping
them around their bodies and faces like a scarf!
But these cool cats are also some of the rarest — they are overhunted,
short on food and losing their habitats. The Memphis Zoo
is active in the conservation of this endangered species, and there
are lots of ways that you can help, too. Taking care of the environment
helps its inhabitants, and here’s a cool cat conservation craft
that helps you reuse resources and spread the word about snow
leopards.
What you need:
• Empty water or soda bottle (with lid)
• White and black or grey tissue paper (make the most of those
holiday wrapping leftovers)
• White pipecleaner
• White construction paper
• Black marker or crayon
• Googley eyes
• Glue
• Cotton balls (optional)
What you do:
• Peel the label off of the empty bottle.
• Tear off pieces of white tissue paper and wad them into balls that
are small enough to fit in the bottle.
• Do the same with black tissue paper — these will be your leopard’s spots.
• Drop a few white tissue paper balls into the bottle and then a black one.
Repeat until the bottle is full.
• Twist the lid on the bottle to close it.
• Twist the pipecleaner around your finger or a pencil so that it looks like
a spring. Poke one end of it into the lower part of the bottle for a
luxurious snow leopard tail. For an extra fluffy tail, glue cotton balls on
the pipecleaner.
• Cut a circle and two triangles out of the white paper — these will be
your leopard’s face and ears.
• Glue the triangle ears and the googley eyes onto one side of the circle
to make the face.
• Use a black marker or crayon to draw a nose, whiskers and extra spots
on your leopard face.
• Glue the face onto the front side of the bottle’s lid, and your snow
leopard is complete!
SATURDAY SCHOOL
Ages 5 – 18
Classes begin January 22
Memphis College of Art Community Education
A Memphis tradition for over 70 years
Overton Park | 1930 Poplar Avenue | (901) 272-5142 | www.mca.edu
12

FAMILY SERIES
Black Violin
February 8, 2011
February 23, 2011
February 15, 2011
ALL ShowS StARt
At 6 pM
all tIckets $12.50. Purchase at the OrPheum bOx OFFIce, davIs-kIdd bOOksellers, tIcketmaster,
901-525-3000, 800-982-arts, OrPheum-memPhIs.cOm and tIcketmaster.cOm.
In partnership with

Polar Bear Adopt
Adopt a polar bear this winter, and receive this polar bear plush. When you adopt
an animal at the Memphis Zoo, you provide the help needed to feed and care for
more than 3,500 animals. Thank you for your support of the Memphis Zoo. Learn
more at www.memphiszoo.org/adopt-an-animal or call (901) 333-6767.
Only adoptions starting at $35 level include polar bear plush.
Exzooberance is mailed with a bulk permit and cannot be forwarded.
© Copyright Memphis Zoo 2011
CHANGE Service Requested
Requested in-home dates January 3-6
2000 Prentiss Place
Memphis, TN 38112
(901) 276-WILD
®
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Memphis, TN
Permit No. 1124