Director's Den - Henry Vilas Zoo

In this IssueVol. 4, 2012Director’s DenYou are the ZooLetter from Joe ParisiExecutive Director Focus:Animal Health Center & ArcticPassage Updates2013 Events CalendarInternational Partnership:Conservation Trip to BorneoPat Giesfeldt Celebrates 25 Yearsof Volunteering at the ZooNew Gibbon Climbing GymMG&E Donates Money-savingMarathon EngineWelcome New Capybaras& Rescued AnimalsRecord-setting 2012 Zoo RunHalloween at the Zoo Hosts12,000+ Guests2013 Sponsorship OpportunitiesDirector’s DenHello Zoo Friends,I hope you enjoyed the beautiful fall weather we had. I missed much of it during mytrip to Borneo to help with the orangutan rehabilitation centers of Matang WildlifeCentre and Ketapang Centre. It was an amazing experience that allowed us toreach across the world in our conservation efforts and continue our meaningfulpartnership in Borneo. While I was away, many more exciting things were happeningclose to home. We've made good progress with the construction of our AnimalHealth Center. Footings are in, walls are going up and we hope to celebrate thebuilding's completion in time for next year’s busy season.Thank you to all who attended, sponsored, and volunteered to make Halloween atthe Zoo and Zoo Run Run a wonderful success and helped raise funds to supportyour Zoo! We also hosted a tiger fund raiser. This special conservation lecturefeatured presenter Dr. Tara Harris from Minnesota Zoo. Harris is chair of the TigerSpecies Survival Plan. She spoke passionately at the event about conservationefforts for tigers, how zoos like yours are helping tigers in the wild, and what youcan do to get involved. All proceeds raised from the evening went to help tigerconservation through the Tiger SSP.Finally, many of you have heard the news that we are welcoming our new DeputyDirector Jeff Halter in December. Jeff comes to us from Disney’s Animal Kingdomand it has been my good fortune to have worked with him in the past so I amdelighted to bring our partnership here to Wisconsin and our zoo. Jeff brings awealth of knowledge in the zoo field especially in animal and human safety and willbe helping us with our next accreditation process through the Association of Zoosand Aquariums (AZA) in 2013.So many great things are happening at your zoo, and you can take pride in theimmeasurable difference that your support makes in helping your zoo and itsanimals thrive each and every day. We continue to move forward, improve visitorexperiences and excel in the care of our animals. Thank you for your support andwe hope you will enjoy all of the wonderful things happening at your zoo!Ronda SchwetzZoo Director, Henry Vilas ZooSign up for our Henry Vilas Zoo E-News by visiting our website at vilaszoo.org

You are the ZooThanks to all of the partners that have contributed to anincredibly successful 2012!Throughout the year, a variety of friends of the zoo come together to support the work of your Henry Vilas Zoo:members, corporate event sponsors, annual campaign donors, individual and group volunteers, in-kind donors,business and community partners, foundation partners, and all of those who attended one of our many premierevents. You make each year better than the last and help your zoo to thrive.We have accomplished so much together! Our members and donors make it possible for Henry Vilas Zoo towelcome over 750,000 guests each year, provide exemplary care for over 750 animals, and present educationalprograms to over 30,000 kids of all ages. Friends of the Zoo members and donors are at the heart of this success,creating a foundation of funding that supports ongoing work to promote the Zoo, enhance the guest experience,and plan for ongoing improvements to benefit both Zoo animals and Zoo visitors.If you aren’t already supporting Henry Vilas Zoo through a Friends membership, consider joining today. Zoomembers receive the Zoo newsletter four times a year. In addition to special monthly membership specials at theZoo concessions or gift shop, members also receive a discount and priority registration for Zoo School summerclasses and discounted admission to conservation lectures. Your Friends of the Zoo membership card will openthe door to reciprocity at other AZA accredited Zoos and Aquariums across the country, where you will receiveeither 50% or 100% off admission costs. Membership costs as little as $25 for students and seniors. The mostpopular is the Family Membership for $50 each year.Thanks for all that you do, and for contributing to an amazing year at your zoo!Friends,This year has been an amazing one for Dane County’s Henry VilasZoo – full of many changes that will continue to keep our zoo oneof the best in the country.who visited our zoo this year. This tremendous community supportis a major reason our zoo continues to grow and be successful –and how we can continue to offer the very best, free of charge,365 days a year.Thank you for all of your efforts.While we were saddened to say goodbye to Vilas and Gracie thisyear, we expanded our animal family as well. A baby-boom at thezoo brought us Geoffroy’s marmosets, prairie dog pups, and mostnotably, the record breaking birth of Lucille, the daughter of thetwo oldest harbor seal parents in the country.We expanded our top-flight personnel, welcoming a new DeputyZoo Director, Jeff Halter, to work with our current Director, RondaSchwetz and staff. Like Ronda, Jeff has considerable experience inanimal care, as well as zoo development.And our zoo’s facilities continue to grow as well. This year, I washonored to take part in the groundbreaking for our new AnimalHealth Center. Once complete, this state of the art facility willprovide high quality, on-site care for our animal family – includingessential access to immediate urgent and emergency care.All of this good news couldn’t be possible without our fantasticstaff, strong supporters like you, and the nearly one million peopleBest wishes for a happy holiday season and aHappy New Year,Joe ParisiDane County Executive2

Executive Director FocusAnimal Health Center & Arctic Passage UpdatesThings are moving forward with our fundraising efforts and we have had somegreat progress in the past two months! We recently received $50,000 from theMead Witter Foundation and an anonymous donor has generously offered todonate $50,000 if we are able to raise $100,000 for the Animal Health Center byDecember 27th, 2012. This is an exciting challenge, and I am very thankful for thecommunity’s response!Even with the outpouring of support, we still have a lot of work to do. The projectgoal is $2.7 million of which $1 million has been raised - we still need to raise anadditional $1.7 million. When making a donation to the Animal Health Center, yourdollars will directly go to helping the lives of the animals here at the Zoo. Yourdollars will also serve as an educational resource for thousands of children anda training facility for UW Vet School students. By donating to the Animal HealthCenter, you will also be helping support 2013 AZA Accreditation, which is extremelyimportant for your Zoo.The Madison area is renowned for its excellence in human medicine. Likewise wehave the opportunity for Henry Vilas Zoo to become known as a world-class Zoo,providing leading edge technology and complete on-site care for all of our animals.The need is great and we ask for your help to make this vital addition to your HenryVilas Zoo a reality. If you haven’t already made a donation to the Animal HealthCenter, I strongly encourage you to consider supporting this project at whateverlevel you are able. Your Zoo needs this facility.Plans are moving forward with the Arctic Passage! As I mentioned in the previousnewsletter, the County and the Friends must make sure this project has a soundsource of funding to cover the increase in operational expenses, which is estimatedto be up to $150,000 per year. We believe we can account for this additionaloperational expense by increasing annual revenue with a new concessions facility.The Friends of the Zoo is working with Baker Tilly and Sunseed Research to puttogether a business plan for a new concessions facility. This business plan will befinished in mid-January. Once this operational funding plan is finalized, our goal is tobe able to give everyone a detailed timeline for moving forward on construction ofthe Arctic Passage. Thank you for your patience, while we incorporate a contingencyplan and focus on building a sustainable exhibit.Anna ReynoldsExecutive Director, Friends of the Zoo2013 Events CalendarMark your calendars, and join us for anotherexciting year filled with events at yourHenry Vilas Zoo filled! There are severalways to get involved whether it’s as a visitor,participant, sponsor or volunteer.Our 2013 calendar of events is listedbelow, and be stay tuned to our website atVILASZOO..ORG for additional details!SUNDAY, APRIL 21Earth DaySATURDAY, MAY 11IMBD & Intl. Crane FoundationJULY3rd WEEK IN JULYNational Zoo Keeper WeekSATURDAY, JULY 27thRock 'n’ Roar Zoo Benefit DanceSATURDAY, JULY (Exact Date TBD)Green & Gold Training CampSUNDAY, SEPT. 29Zoo Run RunSUNDAY, OCT. 27Halloween at the ZooPLUS, for the first time ever:You Can Ride the ConservationCarousel This WinterPlease join us at the Zoo on two Saturdaysthis winter for special winter Carousel rideson January 19 th and February 16 th .The ride will be open each day 10am-4pm,except in the case of severe weather. Inaddition to Carousel rides, there will bespecial activities for kids along with homemadetreats and hot cocoa. All proceeds willbenefit our Animal Health Center! Watch fordetails at vilaszoo.org and our Facebook page.Sign up for our Henry Vilas Zoo E-News by visiting our website at vilaszoo.org

International PartnershipZoo Director Ronda Schwetz' meaningfulconservation trip to BorneoZoo Director Ronda Schwetz recently returned from a three week trip to Borneo to helpthe orangutan rehabilitation centers of Matang Wildlife Centre and Ketapang Centre. Thetrip had several goals; to donate medical supplies desperately needed by the community(four suitcases full!), to teach a workshop and provide training to staff from Matang andthe Sarawak Forestry Department, and finally, to help build a much needed sun bearenrichment platform. This new structure provides shade, resting spots and enrichment toMatang’s sun bears.It was an amazing experience as Ronda lead 13 AZA professional staff overseas on thistrip for the fifth year of this program. The group included two veterinarians (includingDr. Christine Nelson of Wisconsin who is staying a year at Ketapang), several orangutankeepers and curators from zoos across the country and facilities professional JoeMyszkowski from Henry Vilas Zoo. It was incredibly well received by our partners inBorneo and we have been asked to return to continue the partnership next year. We alsohope to host a keeper from these sites at our institution in the coming year.These overseas efforts are vitally important. They allow us to continue Henry Vilas Zoo'smission to conserve and protect animal species both here and abroad, and to developrelationships with conservation partners from all over the world.Pictured Left: Henry Vilas Zoo Director Ronda Schwetz with facilities professional Joe Myszkowski and the greatlyneeded medical supplies they donated to the local community.Pat Giesfeldt Celebrates 25Years of Volunteering at the ZooPat Giesfeldt loves interacting with people and helping themdiscover animals, and feels strongly about conservation.Volunteering as a Education Docent was a natural fit for herwith her background as a teacher. Pat particularly likes workingwith animals that people widely deem as scary or ‘gross’, such astarantulas and millipedes. This gives her an opportunity to dispelsome misconceptions about these animals and often, after peoplehave watched her interact with the animals, they want to learnabout them and interact with them themselves.Pat began by volunteering on summer weekends, sharinginformation about Education Animals such as a boa constrictor oran alpaca with Zoo guests in the Children’s Zoo. By her 3 rd year, shewas both volunteering and teaching summer Zoo School. Thirteenyears ago, Pat even changed her work schedule around to spendmore time at the Zoo as the Friday Day Captain—a role she stillfills today. As a Day Captain, she commits to being at the Zoofor bleacher programs, mentors new volunteers, and is the leadvolunteer responsible for ensuring that animal care and handlingpolicies and procedures are followed on her day of the week.Now retired from teaching,Pat’s dedication to helpingpeople understand andappreciate the naturalworld is reflected in hervolunteer and professionalwork at the Zoo inaddition to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, the UW Arboretum, MMSDSchool Forest, and Cherokee Marsh. Pat particularly enjoys workingwith new docents because she “likes getting people excited abouttalking with people about animals.” Her favorite advice to newdocents is to approach Zoo guests with a fun fact to get theminterested rather than waiting for them to ask questions. Forinstance, Madagascar hissing cockroaches are “nature’s recyclers.”Doesn’t that make you want to know more?If you want to know more about how to becomean Education Docent, contact Friends of the Zoo atvolunteer@vilaszoo.org.4

New GibbonClimbing StructureThanks for pardoning our progress late this summeras our new gibbon play structure was built. Itprovides our gibbons with more places to explore,nap, and find treats and enrichment in their outsideexhibit. If you are lucky you may see them brachiate(‘swing’ hand over hand) around their exhibit!This project is a product of great partnerships.Mounds Pet Food Warehouse funded allof the materials that went into the construction.The structure was designed and built as an EagleScout project in collaboration between the EagleScout and Zoo Staff. The Eagle Scout, with helpfrom fellow Boy Scouts, family, and friends, was ableto build the structure in about two weeks. Thanksto all who were involved! We all hope that you enjoywatching the gibbons play on their new structure!Welcome New Capybaras& Rescued AnimalsIn September, Henry Vilas Zoo worked with the AZA Capybara SpeciesSurvival Plan (SSP) to bring two young capybaras from the Greater VancouverZoo in British Columbia, Canada to your Zoo. Capybaras are native to SouthAmerica and prefer to live around water. They are the largest rodent in theworld and can weigh up to 150 pounds. Wild capybaras live in groups whereeveryone pitches in to help – the adults assist other capybaras in raising theirbabies, with any mother nursing any baby.MG&E donatesMoney-saving MarathonEngineHenry Vilas Zoo is very lucky and honored tohave such a strong working relationship withMadison Gas & Electric. We are very excited toannounce our new Marathon Engine in the Aviary!The Marathon Engine converts natural gas intoelectricity, giving off heat as a by-product of the gascombustion in a process called co-generation. Theelectricity goes into the MG&E grid. The heat thatis given off is captured in water that is shuntedto the Aviary’s boiler system, so that our boilersheat “pre-heated” water instead of cold water. Thissaves us both energy and money! We take energyconservation very seriously and are very proudto be part of this project. This project was andcontinues to be funded entirely by our partnersat Madison Gas & Electric. Thanks for yoursupport MG&E!In addition, all of the capybaras stay on watch for danger. This cooperationhelps them survive in the wild where they are hunted by anacondas, caimans,jaguars, and humans. Capybaras bark an alarm call when frightened and hidein water. They can often be seen with only their eyes and nose peeking out.Capybaras can stay fully-submerged under water for up to five minutes.Two new residents from the wild have also joined the zoo’s growing family— an eastern screech owl owlet and an injured opossum joey. These animalswill soon be available to visit with area families exclusively through the Zoo’seducation programs.The orphaned eastern screech owl owlet arrived from the Great Bend BritSpaugh Zoo in Kansas where it was hand raised. Because of this, the baby isimprinted and now associates with people and would not survive in the wild.The Zoo received its Virginia opossum joey from Dane County HumaneSociety’s Four Lakes Wildlife Center. The baby is a local orphan that wasinjured by wildlife (most likely a raccoon) while being rehabilitated with itsbrothers and sisters.“Helping find a home for injured animals that would otherwise have noplace to go is something we are pleased to partner with other zoos andrehabilitation centers on,” said Ronda Schwetz, Zoo Director. “By telling theseanimals' stories we are fulfilling our mission to help educate our visitors to theissues facing wildlife and what our visitors can do to help."Sign up for our Henry Vilas Zoo E-News by visiting our website at vilaszoo.org

Record-setting 2012 Zoo RunTHANK YOU for participating in our 2012 7th Annual Henry Vilas Zoo Run Run! Thiswas a record setting year to date with 1,477 runners and walkers and over 300 RooRunners. Because of your support and participation, we were able to raise a NETamount of $40,000! Your support allows us to provide the best possible care to all of ouranimals, improve current habitats, and envision new exhibits to help preserve the legacyand ensure the future of your Henry Vilas Zoo.Many thanks to all of the volunteers who donated their time and of course to all of YOU,the participants, who make this event possible each year. We hope you’ll join us for the2013 Zoo Run Run on Sunday, September 29th!Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for making this event possible:In-Kind Entertainment Provided By: Kangaroo Hop.Additional Support Provided By: Trader Joes, Silly Yak Bakery, Dane County Regional Airport, BagelsForever, Woodmans, Bluephies, Kraft Foods, R.E. Golden Produce, Flat Top Grill, City of Madison,Movin’ Shoes, Race Day Events, LLC, Ryan Brother’s, Sports Management Associates, Inc., Suzy FavorHamilton- Women’s Running Club, Town of Madison and the UW Arboretum.Halloween at the Zoo Hosts 12,000+ GuestsA popular community supported tradition returned for the25 th year with a record breaking crowd of over 12,000!Both young and old showed their true Halloween spirit and dressed up intheir favorite costumes to enjoy a day filled with fun, entertainment, and treats.Activities included a bounce house, face painters, Halloween-themed crafts andgames, spooky enrichment for the animals, and music from Ken and the KenlandBand. New treat stops including A.J. Bombers, Metcalfe’s and Veridian Homesjoined returning sponsors to help secure this year’s event to be one of the bestyet! Each treat stop location provided candy made with sustainable palm oilwhich helps orangutan conservation and prevents deforestation caused by nonsustainablepalm oil production in Malaysia and Indonesia. A special thanks to ouroutstanding volunteers that kept the lines moving and guests happy, and to ourtreat stop sponsors who make this event possible!6

2013 Sponsorship Opportunities:Meaningful Partnerships with Great BenefitsThe Henry Vilas Zoo invites you to considerbecoming a sponsor of one or more of our premierevents in 2013. The primary source of funding forthese events is from corporate sponsors such asyourself. Your sponsorship will help assure thesuccess of these events. Following is a list of our2013 Events available for sponsor partnerships.Rock ‘n’ Roar Benefit DanceThe 3rd Annual Rock ‘n’ Roar Benefit Dance will take place onSaturday, July 27th. Join us for a hot summer evening with theLions. Stroll around Zoo grounds at night as the sun sets andenjoy music, dancing specialty food offerings drinks, up close animalencounters, and much, much more!Zoo Run RunThe 7th Annual Zoo Run Run will be held on Sunday, September29th. We broke a record in 2012, so I challenge you to increasethat number again this year! This is an opportunity to run withworld renowned Olympic runner Suzy Favor Hamilton. The 10Krun takes you through the beautiful arboretum, while the 5K run/walk explores the Vilas neighborhood. There will be entertainment,refreshments and awards! Make sure to dress up because we willalso be holding a costume contest for the best dressed. Sign yourlittle one up for the Roo Run Run. Improvements will be made tothe course this year, so stay tuned for details.Halloween at the ZooLastly, please join us for Halloween at the Zoo. Dress up asyour favorite goblin, ghoul or witch and head to the Zoo for asafe alternative to trick or treating. Halloween at the Zoo is acelebration for the entire community that includes free trick ortreating, a Fun Activity Tent and live music. Walk to each treat stoplocation to fill up your bag with sustainable palm oil candy! Thishelps orangutan conservation and deforestation due to nonsustainablepalm oil production in Indonesia and Malaysia.There are many ways that you can get involved.We have all levels of sponsorship from Presenting down toIn-Kind. Sponsoring an event is an excellent way for you tobe a part of these wonderful community celebrations, to gainexposure and to help honor one of Madison’s oldest gems bysupporting your Henry Vilas Zoo.Recognition opportunities span from name recognition in allprint materials, media visibility, logo placement on event daysignage, to complimentary entrances into our events.To sponsor an event, please contact SuzyReynolds at suzy@vilaszoo.org.Sign up for our Henry Vilas Zoo E-News by visiting our website at vilaszoo.org

ZoonewsFriends of the Zoo606 South Randall Avenue | Madison, Wisconsin 53715(608) 258-9490 | friendsofthezoo@vilaszoo.orgBoard of DirectorsPresident .............................................................................................Thomas DottVice President................................................................................Dan OlszewskiSecretary ................................................................................................Phil O’LearyTreasurer ..................................................................................................Karrie JulianMembers: Nancy Acker-Skolaski, Freya Bowen, Chris Henderson,James Hill, Jeff Jacobson, Robin Koth, Shirley Kubly, Tom Linfield,Dave Martin, Keith Oleson, Fritz Ragatz, Mary Romolino,Annette L. Stebbins,Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No.1231Madison, WIEx OfficioZoo Director................................................................................Ronda SchwetzDane County Executive........................................................................Joe ParisiMayor of Madison.................................................................................Paul SoglinEmeritus DirectorsRobert Fey, David C. Hall, DVM, Edmund Hobbins, Jim Hubing,Alvie Nelsonfriends of the zoo StaffExecutive Director.....................................................................Anna ReynoldsSpecial Events Director.............................................................Suzy ReynoldsCommunity Outreach Director............................................Lynn PawelskiCreative Director............................................................................ Cathy SheetsVisitor Services Director.............................................................Brent WalterVisitor Services Manager......................................................... Brenda WalterFood Services Manager..............................................................Sarah MurphyOffice Manager....................................................................................Emily BrockZoo News EditorsAnna ReynoldsCathy SheetsSuzy ReynoldsLynn PawelskiRonda SchwetzJeff StaffordErin FlynnEmily BrockThe Friends of the Zoo is a nonprofit organization founded in 1914 to support the Henry Vilas Zoo,which is owned and operated by Dane County with additional funding from the City of Madison.Open Daily9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.vilaszoo.orgBuilding Hours10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Children’s Zoo10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Recycled paperMembership makes a wonderful Holiday Gift!Your membership: ❑ New ❑ Renewal ❑ GiftEnclosed is my membership gift of:❑ $1,000 Ambassador* (Carousel/Train Punch Cards for 60 rides)❑ $500 Protector* (Carousel/Train Punch Cards for 42 rides)❑ $250 Steward* (Carousel/Train Punch Cards for 30 rides)❑ $150 Patron* (Carousel/Train Punch Cards for 18 rides)❑ $100 Sustaining* (Carousel/Train Punch Cards for 12 rides)❑ $50 Family (Carousel/Train Punch Card for 6 rides)❑ $35 Single ❑ $25 Student & Senior Citizen❑ If you would like to donate your Carousel & Train tokens toThe Boys and Girls Clubs, please check here* Donation listed in the Friends of the Zoo Annual Reportmy additional gift: $_____________________Friends of the Zoo member benefits include:Free or discounted admission at many zoos and aquariums nationwide,Advance notice and discounts for Zoo education classes, Monthlyspecial member offers at Zoo concessions or gift shop, Zoo Newsquarterly newsletter, Membership window cling, Discounted admissionto Conservation Lectures, plus, joining at the Family level and up earnsadditional benefits as listed above.Name______________________________________________Address____________________________________________City_______________________________________________State ________ Zip ________________________________Signature___________________________________________Email______________________________________________Phone_____________________________________________❑ My check is enclosed $__________________________(Please make checks payable to Friends of the Zoo)❑ I would like to donate via credit card $____________(Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover)Credit Card #_______________________________________Expiration Date _____ /_____ 3-digit Security Code______Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Admission and parking are free for all members of the public.(608) 258.9490 • vilaszoo.orgSign up for our Henry Vilas Zoo E-News by visiting our website at vilaszoo.org