Blank Park Zoo Foundation - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo

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Zoo StaffRyan P. BickelAnimal Behavioral TrainingZookeeper BrettAshburn has Sushi’sattention during oneof three daily trainingsessions.The Blank Park Zoo has two primary operational goals: to provide the best possiblecare for its animals, and to provide the best possible experience for its visitors. Thesegoals are intertwined, the quality of any Zoo’s visitor experience is directly relatedto the condition of the Zoo’s animals. Animals in captivity must be kept physicallyand mentally stimulated in order to keep them healthy and active. They must alsobe desensitized to contact with humans in order for Zookeepers and veterinarians toprovide them with health care and maintenance.In recent years, new practices in animal husbandry have been developed that notonly improve the quality of life for animals in captivity, but also make it possible forcaregivers to interact with them safely. Through a series of activities called “targettraining”,animals work with keepers on a series of basic exercises, designed to givethe animals a physical and mental “workout” as well as teaching them to presentthemselves for routine veterinary procedures.Lioness Falalaperforms the“up” commandfor ZookeeperBonnieVanEllen. Thisbehavior givesBonnie theopportunityto examinethe front feetand claws forwounds orabnormalities.In 2006, the Zoo began an animal behavioral training and care program, bringingin animal behavior expert Beth Ament. The results of this program have beenoutstanding. The pinniped (seals and sea lions) training progressed so rapidlythat the Zoo is now able to do demonstrations for visitors. While the Zoo has longallowed members of the public to observe feedings, the attendance at these newdemonstrations has increased enormously.Another illustration of the program’s success has been added health benefits,including weight loss and improvements in overall health and temperament. Prior tothe training program, it was impossible for caregivers to touch the sea lions withouttranquilizing them. This July, when Dylan, the 400 lb. male sea lion, was observed tobe bleeding from the mouth, he stood calmly and allowed the Zoo’s veterinarian tolook in his mouth to diagnose the problem.Visitors not only see a more healthy and active animal population, they also havean opportunity to enjoy an entertaining and educational presentation. Animalsactively engage in activities, which make visits to the Zoo unique and memorable.Because of its enormous success, the Blank Park Zoo is committed to continue thisprogram and extend the training to even more members of the Zoo’s animal family.The Animal Behavioral Training and Care Program is partially funded throughdonations to the Zoo’s Animal Care & Acquisition Fund.
Zoo StaffZoo StaffFacilitiesThanks to the generous support of community individuals and businesses, the Zoo wasable to make some important improvements in its facilities in 2006. These included:Remodel of the Service Building/Veterinary ClinicThe service building is the main animal care center for the Zoo. It houses the Zoo’seducation animals, serves as winter quarters for the outdoor bird collection andprovides extra holding space for sick or quarantined animals. It is the main commissaryfor animal food preparation and storage, and also houses the Zoo’s veterinary clinic.Building improvements, including roof and door replacement and remodeling ofstorage spaces, were funded by the City of Des Moines. Renovation of the veterinaryclinic, including the addition of a necropsy space and the purchase of new equipmentwas funded in part by a generous grant from Prairie Meadows.New Exhibit SignageThanks to Beeline and Blue, larger, easy-to-read signs were installed throughout theZoo. The full color signs include information about each species of animal and theirhabitat, the status of the species in the wild, and a conservation message.Maintenance Building ImprovementsThanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, heating and electricalimprovements were made to the Zoo’s maintenance building that will allow the facilityto be used year round.Dr. JuneOlds, ZooVeterinarian,performsa dentalexaminationon the maleSiberian Tiger,Kavacha.GroundsEven the smallest donations can make a difference at the Zoo. This spring,individuals and local nurseries donated perennials and other plants to thehorticulture department for improving the Zoo grounds. Our summer visitorswere impressed by the beauty and variety of the Zoo’s horticultural displays,which reinforce the Zoo’s mission for conservation through the cultivation ofheirloom plants and flowers.Facility RentalsThe Blank Park Zoo has become an increasingly popular location for privatecommunity and business events. Over 90 groups decided to take a walk on thewild side and hosted an event at the Zoo in 2006. With its unique setting,outstanding service and excellent catering from Baratta’s, the Zoo is fastbecoming the place to go for a truly special event.The Zoo’s pavilionsare a great place for anoutdoor event. Thisyear’s rentals included:• 52 Parties• 35 Meetings• 6 Weddings
Page 1 and 2: Blank Park Zoo FoundationFiscal Yea
Page 3 and 4: This year, the Blank Park Zoo marke
Page 5 and 6: Board Photos by Ryan P. BickelBoard
Page 7 and 8: Ryan P. BickelRyan P. BickelRyan P.
Page 9: Ryan P. BickelRyan P. BickelAnimal
Page 13 and 14: Kim RockholdLiz RegenoldIn 2001 the
Page 15 and 16: Liz RegenoldMembershipMembers of th
Page 17 and 18: How To Help The Zoo . . .Come See U
Page 19 and 20: Zoo StaffVolunteersMany of the Zoo
Page 21 and 22: Blank Park Zoo DonorsThe generosity
Page 23 and 24: Zoo StaffLiz RegenoldIn Memory of D

Blank Park Zoo Foundation - Happy Holidays from Blank Park Zoo

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